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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Hope’s Highest Mountain written by author Misty Beller is a Christian Historical Romance and Book one in her new Hearts of Montana series. Set in the Montana Territory in 1866 this book caught my attention within the first few pages and kept it until the end.
Author Beller is a spellbinding storyteller. This book was well planned, researched, and very well written. Parts of the story were predictable but others had twists to keep readers on their toes.
This is the story of Ingrid, daughter of a doctor on his way out west to bring most needed smallpox vaccines. It is also the story of Micah, a formerly practicing doctor. Tragedy brings them together and keeps them needing each other.
The characters in this book were so likable. It seemed as if I had made some new friends. I particularly loved that it had a little boy and a small pet dog. They both brought something to the story. Through her writing the author brought them to life on the pages.
There is a strong Christian message throughout the book. For me that is a high priority in a Christian fiction book. I learned a few things, too, which is another priority on my list for what makes a book great. There are discussion questions to help with digging deeper into the faith message.
I highly recommend this page-turning novel. It is a very good book. I was entertained, inspired, and captivated. It gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
Last month, I was so excited to meet Misty Beller at the ACFW conference. I participated in three of her marketing classes. I have been a reader of Misty’s books for a few years. I’m so glad she has a new series that will keep me turning the pages for a good while. When I read her books, I know adventure and romance are weaved in all the pages. And oh, the beauty and majesty of the mountains. I always ask the question about how settlers ever thought they could live in the often-treacherous American frontier. In this novel, Misty does not disappoint. She has a vivid imagination and a keen awareness of what settlers faced. I imagine the farther away they lived from civilization the closer they came to a sincere dependence on God. Thank you for another great read!
I had not yet had the pleasure of reading anything by Misty M. Beller, but I was entranced by this novel and am eager to read more by her. The rugged and formidable Western setting was a great backdrop for the achingly tender romance in this story. The author does a breathtaking job of describing the harsh elements and the beauty of the mountains in the winter. I really liked Ingrid and her strong faith that allows her to survive tough trials. At times, I did think that her behavior was a little unbelievable, such as overcoming a tragedy with a family member early in the book remarkably quickly, but I do not think this detracted from her as a character. Micah is also a wonderful character, with strong qualities that make him a true hero. I think at times the plot feels repetitive with multiple tragedies that set Ingrid and Micah back again and again, but the ending wrapped up wonderfully. Overall, I did enjoy this book and look forward to more by this author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Misty Beller is a master at telling stories set in the great outdoors. There may not be any wild animals yet in this series, but there’s an avalanche, broken ice, broken bones, and illnesses to wreak havoc in the lives of these characters. There is never a dull moment in this exciting journey, and I couldn’t help but feel as if I was back in Montana with Ingrid and Micah. Beller writes in such a way that you not only see your surroundings, but you can feel them too. When Ingrid was injured and riding along the bumpy trail, I could feel those bumps. When they were trying to get across the icy stream, I could feel the coldness of the ice underneath me. And when there were some kissing scenes, well my heart went pitter patter!
While I loved reading about Micah and Ingrid, I also enjoyed seeing the secondary characters in Joanna, Samuel and Handsome (the dog!). They didn’t really feel like secondary characters to me – they just felt like they had been there all along. I could see one trait through all the characters – strength. Micah was physically strong, Ingrid was strong in her faith, and Joanna was strong for her son. Having three different characters portray a similar trait in different ways is not something I see a lot of, but Beller did a beautiful job of displaying it.
Perhaps the character with the most growth, and the one I think a lot of people can identify with is Micah. His past haunted him pretty deeply. The problem was instead of clinging to God during his time of trouble, he almost seemed to blame God. And haven’t we all done that at one time or another in our lives if we’re honest? Maybe we don’t blame God per-say, but we question what God is doing in a particular situation. Beller’s ability to address this naturally, and poetically though Ingrid’s faith and testimony spoke straight to my heart. And that’s what I want from a lot of my Christian Fiction reads – a story that will inspire and encourage.
Once again Beller has brought readers a story that is dangerous, exciting, and full of emotion. Setting the tone for this new fantastic series, I can’t even imagine what is going to come next. I hope it’s a Joanna story!! I highly encourage you to read Hope’s Highest Mountain now so you’ll be ready for the next release!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the perfect book to curl up with on a chilly autumn night. The cover alone drew me in, and it being the first installation in the new Hearts of Montana series sealed the deal. Misty Beller’s work has been on my to-read list for a while now, and with “Hope’s Highest Mountain”, she just catapulted to the top of my list of must-read authors. With a plethora of Christian historical fiction set during the nineteenth century, it can be difficult to find a unique niche, but this book accomplishes it beautifully. Setting the story in the Montana mountains in late 1866 opens a fascinating world that I have not encountered before. Add to this the fact that a major part of the plot revolves around medicine and a treacherous journey through the mountains, and this is a novel that you won’t be able to put down!
There are so many ways in which Christian fiction can enhance our understanding of Biblical truths and how to apply them to our own lives, and “Hope’s Highest Mountain” is a splendid example of this. The best stories are those that can transcend their own settings to reach and connect with readers. Although this novel may take place 150 years ago, the struggles of the human heart haven’t changed. Ingrid Chastain, traveling with her father to deliver life-saving vaccines to a small town in the desolate Montana Territory, and Micah Bradley, a former doctor who now lives on his own in the wilderness, both have their share of heartache. However, their approaches are different and boil down to seeing things through the eyes of faith versus through the eyes of fear. As the narrative progresses, it is enlightening to witness their interactions and their methodologies, and it makes the reader reflect on their own attitude toward life.
Action-packed without being melodramatic, “Hope’s Highest Mountain” is a quick read, but one full of encouragement. Each character brings their own gifts and talents to the table, discovering truths about God and about themselves in the process. I particularly loved how the author shows that even those who are bedbound or very young have a divinely-given purpose to fulfill. Romans 8:28 remained at the forefront of my mind throughout the story, as even tragic and seemingly senseless situations serve as stepping stones to something good. I found the inclusion of a travois interesting and enjoyed the ingenuity of the characters in coming up with solutions to problems. I also appreciated that Beller did not fall back on a deus-ex-machina but instead created realistic resolutions and outcomes, and often unexpected ones, at that. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in survival tales, Christian historical fiction, historical romance, mountain tales, and stories full of faith and hope.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts on Hope’s Highest Mountain:
Hope’s Highest Mountain is a great new novel by an author I love to read. She’s got a great way of drawing you into the story and holding you captive. I know when I sit down with one of her books that I’m there for the long haul. It’s not a book I’m going to read a few chapters and then get up and go on with my day. And it’s definitely not a book I’ll sit and read a few chapters before going to bed. I wouldn’t put it down till it was over!
This is no exception. Great book. I loved the characters. Since I’m a nurse I love pretty much any book that brings medicine or the lack of it or the discovery of it or the need for it into the storyline. I love books that have nurses or doctors in them.
So, of course, I loved this book with its mentions of smallpox and that Micah is a doctor. All too often it really does seem that one bad happening can cause someone to lose love for something they lived for before. This can be true for pastors as well as doctors.
I highly recommend this book and any book you can find by Misty Beller. They’re great and you’ll love them.
I love the tenacity of Ingrid and the reluctance but chivalry of Micah. He knows what he has to do and even though he really doesn’t want to do it because of the personal loss it could potentially mean he perseveres to get it done. Could he possibly find healing while helping Ingrid to heal? Can they together accomplish the tasks set out for them?
I’d love to find another book on these two characters or see them make guest appearances in other books to come.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Hope’s Highest Mountain
Ingrid and her father are taking vaccines but they have an accident on the way. Her and the dog are the only survivors. Ingrid suffers a broken leg that will set her back. She is found by Micah who is a doctor but no longer practicing. He takes care of her.
Ingrid and Micah set out to deliver the vaccines but will they make it to where they need to be? I love the name of the dog. Of course being winter time it is not the best traveling weather.
This is book one of a new series. I am looking forward to reading more of the books. The author books are so good it takes a short amount of time to read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
A TENDER, SWEET HISTORICAL NOVEL FROM USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR MISTY M. BELLER.
This brand new story captures reader’s hearts with lovable characters who embark on a mission to save lives, finding adventure and romance along the way while learning to lean on God’s promises and rest in the hope only He can provide.
In my reading career, I’ve encountered and enjoyed several of author Misty M. Beller’s historical fiction novels and series. Recently she transitioned to publishing with Bethany House and I was excited to see her newest publication available to read. I eagerly dove into this new story and was delighted by yet another fantastic journey of adventure, romance and faith.
Beller created loveable characters in Ingrid Chastain, with her sweet spirit and strong faith, and heroic mountain man, Micah Bradley. Each of them overcoming tragedy, loss and grief in their lives, they find the unique journey they’re on brings them closer to each other and to the Lord. Truly, Hope’s Highest Mountain is an inspiring tale of courage, determination and trust that our Lord is ever working in our day to day moments to use us and bring about goodness in our lives.
This novel reads easily and I enjoyed the characters, each one of them relatable in their own way. Beller brings the pioneer spirit of the late 1860’s to life as this small band of travelers work together, persevere, sacrifice and lean on one another in their journey. For this reason, historical fiction lovers will enjoy Hope’s Highest Mountain. The romance to this novel is sweet, tender and clean, comparable to the beloved stories written by Janette Oke and Lauraine Snelling. I would recommend this story to those who enjoy historical romances and to girls in their teens. While the story may be predictable, Beller uses it to weave in elements of faith, the assurance of God’s promises and His love in a beautiful, tangible way that is subtle and encouraging to one’s heart.
Hope’s Highest Mountain begins the new series, Hearts of Montana. I have loved the every one of Misty M Beller’s books and I believe this one is by far my favorite. I loved how she vividly detailed the time period and setting. I felt like I was right there with Ingrid and Micah.
I would give Hope’s Highest Mountain one hundred if I could. I highly, highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy well written and clean historical fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Hope’s Highest Mountain was a pleasure to read. It was the perfect beginning to my fall reading TBR (It pairs well with cozy blankets, flannel, and hot tea!). I absolutely loved the setting of the book. The landscape was breathtaking and the constant frigid temperatures and snow definitely played a part in the mood of the story.
And the story is fantastic. It begins with heart-stopping action and palpable heartache, but it is an epic journey not only through the snow-covered mountains but through the natural valleys of faith.
Ingrid and Joanna are beautiful examples of strong, faithful women. It was heartwarming to see them keep their faith and work together as they struggled through unimaginable situations. I admired Ingrid’s unshakeable faith and the inner strength she leaned on daily to endure the pain of her injuries. It wasn’t difficult to see how a man like Micah, damaged and a little lost in life, would be drawn to her so easily.
Micah is quite the man. A doctor. Mountain man. Grieving widower. I loved his protective instinct of those within his care, and how he liked all the ornery parts of Samuel, the boy who traveled with them. His journey (personally and spiritually), in many ways, was the hardest, but you can’t help but root for him the entire time.
I hope you take a chance on this story. Not only is the setting amazingly beautiful, but the spiritual message is inspiring (without being preachy) and touched my heart. I fell in love with Ingrid and Micah in the first few pages and was honored to watch their love bloom slowly and sweetly.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I went on a hallowing adventure in the 1800s through Hope’s Highest Mountain. Ingrid along with her father and two others experienced a wagon crash while traveling to Settlers Fort. Ingrid was the only survivor and was found near death by a mountain man, Micah. With a broken leg and ribs, Micah struggles to rescue her and help get her on the road to healing. Her only thought is to get the vials of life saving medicine to the doctor in Settlers Fort.
Traveling on foot, dragging Ingrid in a “sling” he tries to fulfill her request. Through mountains, snow and winter weather they struggle with little food and near frostbite conditions. They pick up a small boy and his mother after her husband passes away. So on they go, day after day, week after week. If obstacles could hinder their travels it happens to this group in spite of all their prayers.
I admired the strength and fortitude in everyone of these characters. I even found myself praying for them as I read. Now that’s realism in the best of books! Grab a blanket, a hot cup of coffee and settle in for a great read that will leave you admiring the strength of the travelers during this time period of American history.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.
(4.5 stars) – A beautiful story of life after death
Micah has been living in a self-imposed exile in the Colorado wilderness when he finds the wreck of a fallen wagon. Ingrid is the only survivor. Her determination to finish delivering vials of smallpox vaccine to the town that desperately needs it sends them on an incredibly difficult & dangerous journey together.
During that time, they start to get to know one another and become increasingly closer as their relationship develops under the extreme circumstances of their trip.
Micah has considerable bitterness toward God for the loss of his wife & daughter. Ingrid has a very strong faith & trust in God even thru her pain. He helps heal & protect her physically, and she helps do the same for him spiritually & emotionally.
It’s a very touching and inspirational romance. It gets a little bit mystical at the end which some will love and others not so much, but I certainly enjoyed it!
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Religion: overtly Christian
What makes this book so good is how detailed the author makes the historical setting so vivid. As the accident happened and people were thrown from a wagon it was easy to understand the terror they must have felt. I loved how Ingrid became a very strong and determined woman to finish the job her father set out to do. She thought little of her injuries and her grief as she lay waiting for someone to come along and rescue her that fateful day. The terrain she was trapped in was dangerous as the snow came down with an icy chill in the air.
Micah didn’t happen upon Ingrid by accident. He was guided there by God and and guided Micah and Ingrid to safety. Their journey was tiring and a struggle as Micah had to keep Ingrid as comfortable as he could. I liked the back story on Micah and his loss that he hasn’t gotten over yet. He kept his heart close to his chest but there were glimpses of feeling brewing for Ingrid. The setting is well executed by the description of that time period. the author gives us historical facts that help us imagine what it was like during the late 1860’s.
The story is so well written that I felt like I was watching a movie as the words became pictures in my head. I could feel the pain Ingrid went through as her injuries prevented her from helping Micah as they traveled. Along the way they run into a woman and her child. Their addition to the story showed how God provided when they needed shelter and food. The faith element is strong in the story and delivers truths about trusting God and never giving up.
I have to mention the wonderful dog in the story. He melted my heart at his devotion to Ingrid and how he took to the boy right away. His steady faithfulness warmed my heart. There is nothing more precious than an animal that stays by your side during the good times and the bad. The author gives readers a powerful story of overcoming obstacles, trusting and finding your way back to God.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Hope’s Highest Mountain is another wonderful historical romance novel by Misty Beller. Having read several of her other books, I was looking forward to reading this one and found it to be as enjoyable as I’d hoped. It is a beautiful and captivating story of unexpectedly finding love in a very stressful and difficult situation and of recognizing the importance of learning to trust–trusting God to work things out and trusting one’s heart. The writing style is graceful and flows smoothly as the author tells the story of characters who have to work together, trusting virtual strangers with their lives, to complete a daunting task. The author has infused the story with page-turning, nail-biting action during a treacherous mountain trip that is beset by one trial after another. Realistic situations and wonderfully descriptive scenes all work together for a delightful story. Threaded throughout the book is a faith in God–the God who gives us strength when we need it the most and the One who alone can mend broken hearts and bring hope. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Ms. Beller’s books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
What happens when your wagon goes over the side of the mountain? You rely on the mysterious mountain man who saves you and your faith. Cold, grieving over lost family and a broken leg made the start of Winter a terrible place to be stranded with a stranger. I do enjoy how descriptive the scenes are and the conversations between the characters and inside their heads. Action, hardships and faith in the Montana wilderness made this such an interesting story.
I was gifted a copy. No review was required. My review is voluntary.
Not long ago one of my favorite authors ended a series I dearly loved. I had come to love the characters of the Mountain Dreams and Heart of the Mountains series and while I was glad the final book brought the two series together I was sad to see them come to an end. When I heard Misty M. Beller was to have a new series and that this series would actually be available in print and not just ebook I was excited and a little apprehensive at once. While I enjoy reading ebooks I much prefer a print copy, I love the feel of the book in my hands, turning the pages, the smell of the book, they all contribute to the reading experience. And, of course I was happy for this step in Misty’s career. My joy however was not without reservations, would this new series be as good as the previous? Would I be able to fall in love with new characters so soon? I anxiously awaited the arrival of my copy…
I was so excited the day my book arrived but due to the commitments and responsibilities of adult life it was a couple of days before I was able to sit down and begin reading the book. Yet again, Misty does NOT disappoint! Within just a few paragraphs, sentences really, I was hooked! Filled with adventure, danger, trials, tragedy, and humor I could not put the book down. It was late evening when I started the book and I read into the wee hours of the morning, until I could no longer keep my eyes open. After a few hours of sleep I picked the book back up and didn’t put it down until I finished. In less than 24 hours I had read the entire book. Ingrid Chastain faces things that would knock most women and men to the ground yet her faith in the Lord and her hopeful spirit are never crushed. If I were tasked with picking a life verse for Ingrid it would be II Corinthians 4:8u202d-u202c9; “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…”. What a wonderful heroine and role model.
Micah Bradley has faced tragedy of his own. His world was rocked to the point he left civilization to roam the mountains of Montana Territory. He dowany think he is fit to be a doctor or even to be a part of society. Yet when he comes upon Ingrid in a time of great need he doesn’t hesitate to help, to bring her into his camp. What comes of the two of them crossing paths? I’m not going to elaborate, no spoilers here, get your copy today, you won’t regret it.
Ok Misty, I’m hooked on the Hearts of Montana series and look forward to book two so hurry up please.
I was immersed into the action and the adventure found in Hope’s Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller. The courage and hope that Ingrid had after a tragic accident in the rugged terrain of Montana in the middle of winter gave way to her inner strength and faith she held dear. When she realized she was being nursed back to health by a former doctor Micah, she was determined that the delivery of the precious cargo he had salvage from the accident be delivered. There were so many twists and turns in the story with snowstorms, misfortunate with new injuries and even unexpected provisions that kept the story moving at a rapid pace. The ups and downs of traveling in the hazardous winter conditions of Montana was so vivid I felt like I was in the mist of a winter storm The hope that Ingrid clung to brought soul searching to life for Micah, as he had been hiding away to cope with his heartbreak of grief. I enjoyed the letters he had written that brought more insight into his past that interspersed in the story. Ingrid and Micah’s journey to Settler’s Fort will have readers enthralled to see how their lives and others might be rescued. I appreciate the traits found in Ingrid with knowing her hope was truly in God. Beller’s story is not preaching but a gentle reminder that God is hope, love, peace and joy when a life is surrendered to Him despite being in the valley or highest mountain top.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author for the book tour. I was not required to write a positive review but have shared my own personal thoughts.
‘Your right hand will hold me fast’ Psalms 139:10b
The author has done it again – another fabulous book that draws you in and keeps you engaged until you are finished! The attention to detail found me shivering, holding my breath and almost crying out loud as I travelled with them through the mountains. Ingrid, her father and maid set out from Boston for Settler’s Fort with smallpox vaccines, never expecting the trials ahead. They only have eyes on the goal of helping stem the tide of this horrible disease. Rocky paths, caves, snow and more snow, avalanche, accidents and death were just some of the adventures experienced. Micah is a doctor that has given up doctoring and is existing in the mountains. Will he learn from Ingrid’s faith as she states ‘Relying on God fills me with an inner strength much greater that I could posses on my own’?
I must admit I started this book with the plan to accomplish some other things today as well. That did not happen as it was impossible to set this aside until I knew how it ended.
This ARC was received through Bethany House Publishers, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The 5 star rating, comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
What an exciting read Beller has created in this book. I love all of Beller’s writings and this one especially. It is October 1866, in the Montana Territory, and winter has descended on the mountainous land. Ingrid Chastain, her father with two others are bringing vaccines to Settler’s Fort, a small mining town that is experiencing an outbreak of smallpox. In this treacherous weather their wagon overturns, and Ingrid is injured and unconscious, her father and the others are dead…..Five years ago Micah Bradley lost his wife and child to smallpox. He became very bitter toward God and gave up his practice as a doctor and moved to the Rocky Mountains to get away from everyone to suffer in his grief alone. Hearing a noise and searching to see where that noise came from, he finds the wreckage of the wagon. Finding Ingrid barely alive, he was forced to go back to doctoring against his will after he pulls her from the wreckage…….Thus begins a harrowing experience for Micah and Ingrid. Fighting against the cruel elements of the mountains and the desires of their hearts, pulling against, while working together makes a most interesting read. This book is filled with adventure, romance, near death experiences, an avalanche and the unfailing truth of God’s promise to never leave nor forsake us…… Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a free copy of this book. This is my honest review.
This is an amazing story of two grieving souls finding strength in God and each other to survive and make sense of the purpose and mission God is evidently giving them.
I have to say I just LOVED this story! I was so immersed, that I really ached with Ingrid and Micah, and later with Joanna and Samuel. I shed a few tears, some scenes were just so touching, others were lighthearted, and even funny, especially where little Samuel was present with his endless energy and big heart. This story definitely stirred my soul. And it made me just imagine a peak of how hard lives people led in that era, the helplessness to bring physical healing in these circumstances, the isolation in which some families had to live in order to survive.
But anyway, this is a touching story you can’t miss. I’ll just give a small blurb to make sense of my review. Miss Ingrid Chastain is proud to accompany her father, Dr. Chastain, on a voyage to a mining town in the Montana Territory so they can deliver vaccines, because many people are succumbing to smallpox. It’s a risky journey and unfortunately they have a terrible accident, to which she is the only survivor, and severely injured. Micah Bradley, a recluse who lives by himself in the mountains, finds her, and immediately takes her to his home to tend to her injuries. But Micah was a doctor, and he left his doctoring profession some years ago, after unintentionally bringing the smallpox illness to his wife and daughter who succumbed to it some time earlier. He hasn’t forgiven himself and lives under the weight of his guilt, his anger at God, in a self imposed solitude in the middle of the mountains. But Ingrid appearance on his life changes everything. He’s suddenly focused on nurturing her back to health and taking care of her, much against his confort zone. But healing Ingrid will take time, she has a broken leg and ribs. And he can’t understand her determination to continue her journey, with or without him, to the settlement where the vaccines are, which is many days away, traveling through snow and who knows what other dangers.
But her strong determination to fulfill his father’s mission, her strong faith that God will provide, and her selflessness in ignoring her strong pain in order to save others lives astounds him and touches him, and in the end, convinces him of making this journey.
I won’t say more about the journey. Well yes, only that they find along the way another set of characters, Joanna and her five year old son Samuel, who will add fuel to the story and make it even more engaging.
I totally LOVED the characters!! I fell in love with them! Ingrid was a woman of one piece. She was strong and determined, yet vulnerable too. Her love for her father (her mother died when she was born) is so great, that the grief of this loss is almost unbearable, nothing to compare to her physical pain. But the drive to get the vaccines to the settlement is her way of honoring her father and not letting his death be in vain. She’s also very kind, compassionate, and has a way with Micah that is a true balm to his battered soul. Micah has stopped believing in God after his tragedy, but Ingrid insists that God never forgets about any of us and that He has a plan, even through the pain and bad things that happen, He can bring good and blessings from them. Can this be possible? Sounds like madness! Can he let Ingrid’s faith penetrate him too? He doesn’t feel ready but he’ll follow this woman anywhere. Is it bad to feel like this after his love for his deceased wife?
And the letters Micah writes to her deceased daughter brought so many tears to my eyes. So sweet and heartwrenching! Shows the love a parent for his child in a very touching way!
The plot has its twists, danger, adventure, sweet love, loyalty, friendship, and the cuteness of a small child along the journey. Little Samuel brought the lightness the book needed in the midst of the struggles and uncertainty of their destinies. He definitely made me laugh and relax! Even Handsome, the dog, was a cute part of the story.
But the best part of the book, was definitely the characters, and how they become better persons while fighting through adversity… And by letting God in their troubles too! I have to say I fell in love with Micah! He has a long road to go to heal, but his humbleness will allow him to see the Truth in the end. Thanks to Ingrid, who was a rock to him.
This is a book to be reread. I vividly recommend it. I just can’t wait to see what she has in store for us with her next story!