Ingrid Chastain readily agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory. She never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. When rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, she’s hesitant to put her trust in this quiet man who seems to have his own wounds.… wounds.
Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor after unintentionally bringing home the smallpox disease that killed his wife and daughter. But his self-imposed solitude in the wilds of Montana is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he’s forced to face his regret and call on his doctoring skills once again.
Micah can’t help but admire Ingrid’s tenacious determination despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on trekking through the mountains to deliver the medicine–with or without his help–he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.
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I would give it a 4.5. It was a good story, one I believe you will enjoy.
The era is 1866 in Montana Territory and the events are endless. Smallpox has taken the lives of many in a place called Settler’s Fort. From the first page of this book to the very last, it is a struggle against the elements of winter; the pace of travel; and, the hardship when lives are lost. Ingrid Chastain pledged to carry on the work of her father and deliver vaccine to a doctor friend out west. The story-line is the travel, the people they met and faith in God they would make it. This is a Christian read that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a good historical western novel.
The writer captured my attention from the beginning and the chance encounter with someone who came at the right time. It heartbreaking and filled with adventure also. It’s worth the read. Thank You.
Hope’s Highest Mountain is another inspiring beauty from Misty Beller! This story kept my interest from the dramatic start to the sweet end. Through Ms. Beller’s detailed and vivid descriptions, I could see the beautiful, treacherous landscape of the Montana mountains and feel the emotions of the well-crafted, unforgettable characters. Hope’s Highest Mountain is a story of courage and bravery in the midst of tragedies (past and present). Ingrid and Micah are “besot by one trial after another”—the harsh elements of nature, accidents, and illness—but with fierce tenacity and a whole lot of prayer, they sacrificially persevere on their journey to save lives. This is also a story woven with threads of faith. I love the way Ingrid stays strong in her faith as she trusts God in every circumstance; thereby, helping Micah renew his relationship with God, learn to trust again, and make peace with past tragedy that haunts him and fills him with self-doubt. This conversation was especially moving and inspiring: Micah says, “I learned long ago trusting God to help never makes things better. It only makes me weaker. When I let my guard down, people I care about get hurt.” Ingrid replies, “I’m sorry you feel that way, Micah. I actually feel the opposite. Relying on God fills me with an inner strength greater than I could possess on my own.” Powerful words! Historical Christian fiction at its finest! I highly recommend this book, and I am looking forward to Book #2 in the Hearts of Montana series!
Heart wrenching:
What a lovely book! It is a gripping tale with the characters facing many trials and tribulations as they journey through the Montana wilderness in the middle of winter. Just reading it made me cold and so grateful for my cozy home and all of our modern day conveniences!
At the heart of it is a story about overcoming loss and grief in order to find peace and joy in life again. Micah has misplaced guilt and thinks that he is to blame for everything and that it is up to him to take care of everyone. He has to learn to yield and trust in God; to give up control and see that the Lord is with them and providing for them at all times. Meanwhile Ingrid is dealing with her own loss and it is her faith that allows her to heal and find love. There are lessons here for all of us to learn and despite all the tragedies, it really is a book full of hope and encouragement.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
The author has penned another story full of great characters, overcoming heartaches and tragedy and God’s ever constant care and provision. This is Ingrid and Micah’s story. I enjoyed this story very much and highly recommend it. It is a real page turner.
As I started reading Hope’s Highest Mountain, I found myself becoming immersed into the storyline, the characters, their difficulties and their victories. Author Misty M. Beller wrote an amazing book that kept my interest and showed God’s faithfulness. Hope’s Highest Mountain is a delightful read and Author Misty M. Beller’s writing is marvelous. This book is Book One of the Hearts of Montana series. I’m definitely looking forward to reading Book Two in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
Hope’s Highest Mountain
Hearts of Montana #1
By Misty M. Beller
Settler’s Fort, a remote mining town in the Montana Territory, is in desperate need of the smallpox vaccine. Along with her father, a maid, and a guide Ingrid Chastain is en route to help administer the vaccine and to help any in need of medical nursing. But when their late-season venture meets with a catastrophic fate Ingrid’s life hangs precariously on the skills of a doctor who left the profession behind after losing his family to an outbreak he couldn’t stop.
Micah Bradley wants nothing to do with people having left all that he knew behind – but he couldn’t escape his pain, his loss, or his guilt. When he comes upon the tragic scene that was Ingrid Chastain’s life he knows that he’ll have to do all he can to save her life. But with little in the way of medical supplies and equipment at his disposal, he isn’t hopeful. But Ingrid is a fighter and has a hidden strength that will help her through the pain she is about to face.
Ingrid isn’t about to let her father’s last act to be in vain and she is determined to get the smallpox vaccine to Settler’s Fort. Now she just has to convince Micah Bradley that the risk is worth it if they can save lives. But reaching their destination will take more than their own strength – a strength found only in faith in God will be their greatest hope as they take on the Rocky Mountains.
I really enjoyed the strength of Ingrid’s faith and how she helped not only Micah but several others along the way. One feels the loss that has affected these lives, the push to deliver a needed medicine, and the healing that comes with relying on God.
This book is told through both Ingrid and Micah’s viewpoints and it is interesting to see how they both react to the situations they find themselves facing. The strength of Ingrid’s faith makes an impact on Micah as he sees her faith in action and in the face of what she is experiencing. Hope’s Highest Mountain is the first book in the Hearts of Montana series and this book, in my opinion, is excellent and I’m more than a little curious as to what will come next. Those who enjoy historical fiction will want to add this to their TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion all thoughts expressed are my own.
Author Misty M. Beller has done it again; at once delivered a captivating story that is adventurous, romantic, and compelling!
Micah and Ingrid must struggle to overcome obstacles, both physical and spiritual, that stand in the way of their being and accomplishing all that God has called them to.
I was swept up in the freedom and challenges that were awaiting these unforgettable characters along their journey! I’m already hooked on this series and can’t wait to get my hands on book #2! Ms. Beller never ceases to create an enticing and engrossing world of adventure and romance that you’ll find yourself loathe to leave once you’ve turned the final page!
The adventure almost never stops! In fact, I think I wished for a few more breathing points between all the terrible things that kept happening. I did love the romance and the tortured hero. I didn’t particularly care about the secondary characters much besides Samuel, because they were all one-dimensional. Though I normally like shorter books and novellas, this is one that I think might have been more effective strung out just a little bit more. But a great read altogether!
Favorite quotes:
“Relying on God fills me with an inner strength much greater than I could possess on my own.” (p.175)
“Over these past days, he’d come to grips with the fact that her inner strength came from her faith. But could it actually come from God himself, not just the strength of her beliefs? In response to her prayers? If only he could see that play out with his own eyes. Maybe the idea would be easier to believe in.”
This was a lovely introduction to Misty’s books. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. Micah and Ingrid were likable characters and the others we met along the way were great additions to the book. The storyline was an interesting and it moved well. It’s a quick easy read. Honestly based on the characters, there would be an easy next book,and it’s one I would enjoy as well. I will definitely be reading more of Misty’s books in the future!
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Can they survive winter in the Montana mountains?
I have to confess to having a few mixed emotions about Hope’s Highest Mountain. Misty M. Beller is a new to me author but when I saw that the story was set in my home state I was intrigued, especially after seeing that gorgeous cover on the paperback version.
So, I’m just going to get the “mixed emotions” part out of the way. Simply, there were some factual issues that bothered me. Will the average reader notice them? I highly doubt it. And I really did enjoy the story itself. Those things just bugged me a bit. And, yes, as I said I did enjoy this story. I read most of it in a single afternoon and couldn’t seem to stop turning the next page. I HAD to know if Ingrid and Micah would make it through the Montana winter storms to deliver the smallpox vaccine in time….
I think one of the things I liked the best about Hope’s Highest Mountain was that author Misty M. Beller kept the action going. The characters were never left alone in endless dialogue, which can get pretty boring, for long. Danger was always a snowflake or a misstep away.
If historical romance in a dangerously beautiful setting is your thing, if you enjoy stories of strong women of faith, if you like tales of adventure, if you just want to escape from the hum-drum of modern life you should check out Hope’s Highest Mountain, the start to Misty M. Beller’s exciting new Hearts Of Montana series…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
What I think you should know:
Hope’s Highest Mountain is a book set in 1866 Montana Territory. Ingrid Chastain as sheltered lady ventures west with her father, a doctor to deliver much needed smallpox vaccine, when tragedy strikes she finds her true strength in her determination to save lives. Micah Bradley lost his family to smallpox and stopped practicing medicine, will he choose overcome his past to help deliver the vaccine.
What I enjoyed about his book:
Ingrid goes from Boston Lady to sole survivor of her traveling party in the blink of an eye, however Misty M. Beller, the author wrote her as a character with strength and determination that it must have taken for people to survive to settle our country. Micah’s letters to Rachel were heartbreaking but add layer to Micah that made him such a deeper character.I loved the author’s description of the surroundings I felt like I was in the wilderness with the characters. I enjoyed this book and hope that we will be able to follow up on some of the other characters that we met in this book.
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own
This is a new book by this author that starts a new series. This has been one of my favorite stories by this author. This one made me laugh and cry. I love the characters that they meet and join up with. There are many twists and turns before they get to where they are going. I am really looking forward to more books in this series about Montana. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I have enjoyed reading many other books written by this author, so I was very excited to read this latest novel, which begins a new series. Hope’s Highest Mountain did not disappoint!
The novel was packed full of adventure and danger as the main characters made their way through the perilous Montana Territory. They battled injuries and sickness, as well as nature.
I really liked the characters in Hope’s Highest Mountain. I was able to connect to all of them right from the start. They felt so real, and the struggles they faced were enormous, yet they bravely pushed through pain and trials in order to deliver much needed vaccines to a community in need.
The author did a wonderful job of weaving in messages of God’s love and provision through the story, even as one of the characters questioned why God allowed certain events to occur. And I definitely adored the romance that blossomed between Ingrid and Micah. It was so natural and a very healing connection for both of them, as well.
I loved this story from start to finish and eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Hope’s Highest Mountain is a page-turner about a young woman badly injured in a devastating accident in the mountains of Montana and her reluctant yet dedicated rescuer as well as others met on their journey. With vivid descriptions of the snow-covered scenery and details about the necessary measures taken just to survive, the story held my interest to the very end. I was personally thankful that I did not have to endure the privations and danger Hope and Micah experienced.
I liked both Hope and Micah’s characters a lot. Despite her injuries Hope was one determined young lady whose one goal was to see the smallpox vaccines delivered in time to save lives. Micah’s reluctance to help was understandable due to his own tragic loss but Hope’s faith inspired him to do what was needed. While Hope’s Highest Mountain is an enjoyable story, I also liked how it illustrated the importance of following God’s call on one’s life.
I would definitely recommend Hope’s Highest Mountain to readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially that which features a wilderness adventure. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Whenever I pick up a book by this author I know I’m in for a harrowing wilderness adventure! I grew up camping and backpacking with my family so I savor the epic feeling of being in the mountains, the sense of majesty but also isolation. It helps that I’m not the one going through the trials the characters are though! In this story it seems like a matter of what else could go wrong, but having read several of her other books, there are many other dangers that they didn’t face, so it didn’t feel like overkill. A fine balance is struck between character development, historical details, inner conflict, external obstacles, sweet romance, and spiritual growth- all throughout the course of the book. The characters feel like real people that come to life and I imagine that they authentically represent the pioneers, explorers, and mountain men and women of the era. Grit, determination, and faith see Micah and Joanna through the heartbreak and grief they endure as they traverse the rugged land, sacrificing to bring relief to the settlers who are suffering.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
This book is a strong reminder of the horrible hardships that our forefathers suffered. Smallpox epidemics that claimed both young and old. Traveling by horse and wagon across dangerous terrain. Snow covered mountains and freezing temperatures. Uncertain futures and living alone in the wilderness. Hope’s Highest Mountain has all of this but it also offers characters that have tremendous integrity and perseverance. I was touched by Ingrid Chastain as she dealt with loss and injury and the realization that she was now alone. I admired her determination to deliver smallpox vaccine even though it meant suffering intense physical pain and I felt her frustration when Micah Bradley at first refused to help her. I also understood his reluctance because Micah’s heartache and tragic past had been caused by this horrible epidemic.
Author Misty M. Beller’s descriptive words have painted a vivid picture of the snow covered mountains in the Montana Territory and the possibility of freezing to death before help can arrive. I could almost feel the pain of broken bones with no pain relief available and the despair knowing that smallpox might claim yet more lives! She does, however, show the comfort that can be found in prayer. Prayer is a big part of Hope’s Highest Mountain and faith runs deep in the storyline. There is also a reminder that it is only through acceptance and surrender to God’s Plan that we can truly find hope and comfort.
And did I mention romance? Micah and Ingrid experience a strong attraction but he carries so much personal baggage—is there a chance for ‘happily ever after’ for them? I am so glad that I could read this first book in the Hearts of Montana series and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure and romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and a positive review was not required. These opinions are my own.
In her trademark style of bringing the challenges and danger of surviving the Montana wilderness, Misty M. Beller delivers the first book in a brand new series. Hope’s Highest Mountain is a story that thrives in the themes of man vs nature, surviving after the loss of loved ones, falling in love, and trusting God through both the valleys and the mountaintops life brings.
The stakes are high, the pace is fast, and you’re left wanting just a little more time with the characters when the story is over. It’s a good thing this is a series debut!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
A powerful and poignant read that has a lot of action to keep the story moving. What a great beginning for the new Hearts of Montana series. It will have you on the edge of your seat one moment and swept away in the budding romance the next. Add a dog, a spunky little boy, and mischief making and you have a well rounded story. My favorite part was the growth in Micah as he learned to rely on God after having tragedy and heartache that he couldn’t get past. Ingrid is a strong willed woman who also possesses inner strength from the Lord that draws you into her world of coping after loss. The characters are very real and endure much. I could feel every bump and cold that penetrates to the bone, as the writing was so descriptive and well thought out. I hated for it to end as it was that engrossing. Can’t wait to read book two.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.