Young widow Joanna Watson is struggling to make a new home for her five-year-old son, Samuel, in the little mountain town of Settler’s Fort. When she returns home from work to find Samuel and the woman watching him missing, with no lawman in town, she enlists a man she prays has enough experience in this rugged country to help. Isaac Bowen wants nothing more than a quiet, invisible life in these … life in these mountains, far away from the bad decisions of his past. But he has a strong suspicion of who’s behind the kidnapping, and if he’s right, he knows all too well the evil they’re chasing.
As they press on against the elements, Joanna fights to hold on to hope, while Isaac knows a reckoning is coming. They find encouragement in the tentative trust that grows between them, but whether it can withstand the danger and coming confrontation is far from certain in this wild, unpredictable land.
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Joanna Watson, a widow with a young son try to carry on with their life in Sutters Fort Montana Territory. Her friend, Laura takes her son on a Sunday outing along the creek and they come up missing. With the help of Mr. Bowen, a friend, and trapper/trail guide they go together to try to find them. Along the way, they are faced with hardship and a relationship starts to develop.
The story is one of learning to trust, redemption, healing, second chances, and a lot of faith in the Lord. It is an inspirational and heartwarming story set in the 1800s. The love story unfolding is an inspiring one. The author has a wonderful way with descriptions that make the story come alive. The ending wrapped everything up nicely. Another great read from Misty.
I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
A true page turner. Whenever there is a child involved, the interest factor increases. Add an innocent woman trapped with a bunch of thieves and a furious, fretful mother. The plot explodes with the hazards of a chase through the mountains and a race against time.
Beller’s books never fail to place the reader in the thick of the wilderness and the mountain hardships. Yet, the beauty and majesty, as well as the settlers of the past, are evident and a draw for the reader. She takes me on journeys I would never have attempted (I don’t think so) through the rugged, uncivilized terrain. I challenge the reader to explore and decide if the challenge is worth the sacrifice.
Author Misty M. Beller transports her readers to a world of adventure and love amidst the beautiful and dangerous backdrop of the Rocky Mountains of 1860’s Montana territory. Filled with enough adventure filled moments to keep you entertained and a beautiful love story that is sure to touch your heart, I was absolutely engrossed from the beginning straight until the final page!
I’ve enjoyed every book that I’ve read by this author and Love’s Mountain Quest is no exception! The story of Isaac and Joanna (along with Laura and little Samuel) just pulled me in and refused to let go. I loved it! I’m definitely looking forward to book number three in this series! Ms. Beller never disappoints!
Boy, this one jumped right into the action! I felt like I quickly got to know Joanna and Isaac quickly through their actions and thoughts as they desperately search for her kidnapped son and friend. We experience the author’s trademark perilous journey through the wilderness with various dangers and trying conditions. I was surprised that tracking the outlaws took up so much of the book, but it turned out that this was a long game situation since Isaac had a secret past that gave them an advantage in the pursuit. It’s a mixed blessing since it brings more issues for Joanna to deal with after she’s fallen for the rugged mountain man- overcoming mistrust and relying on the good man he is now. The scenes with the outlaws and Laura, the young woman they are holding captive, are a bit disturbing, which heightens the tension and suspense. I appreciated the spiritual message of turning to God in faith during our darkest hours, and also the theme of redemption and forgiveness. I’m glad that the next book in the series is about Laura so we can see her healing process from all she went through.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Love’s Mountain Quest is the second book in the Hearts of Montana series by Misty M. Beller. I loved the first book in the series, Hope’s Highest Mountain, and I was excited to read Joanna’s story in this book. I loved her diligent work ethic, her need to care for others, and her love for her son. She deserved her own story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Love’s Mountain Quest begins with action when Joanna’s son and a friend are kidnapped by a gang with an ominous reputation. The desperation in this poor mama’s heart pulled my heartstrings and might have made me misty-eyed a time or two. But I loved and respected the attitude she maintained through it all, even when one disaster after another befell Joanna and Isaac on the trail to find her son. She is a remarkable woman and one who deserved to have someone shoulder her burdens.
Issac is quite the hero. He has all the typical characteristics–confidence, muscular build, and strong jawline. But–he is so much more! I loved his redemptive story, and I believe it is inspirational to all who have made mistakes in their life. He has such a strong faith, and I couldn’t help but chuckle a little during the conversations he had with God about his pride. Above all, he is an honest and faithful man. Loved him!
As with all of Misty Beller’s other books, the scenery of Joanna and Isaac’s trek through the mountains in Montana was absolutely stunning. She has a way of painting a landscape so you can see the breathtaking views. I love traveling through her western-mountain adventures!
Fans of Christian historical fiction will enjoy this book, especially if you like stories set in the frontier.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
What an awesome story! Misty M. Beller is a new-to-me-author whose books I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about, but I hadn’t had a chance to try one myself yet so when I was offered the opportunity to request a review copy I jumped at the chance! And I am so glad I did! This story drew me in from the very beginning, I love a faster paced story and this one totally fit the bill without sacrificing description, character development, or any of the swoon-worthy romance! I love Ms. Beller’s writing style, it sweeps you right into the story and keeps you reading as fast as you can turn the pages, and it’s also beautiful and heart-touchingly profound, with just the right amount of description (I felt like I was journeying through the mountains along with the characters!)
I loved the strong, hardworking heroine, Joanna, and she and Isaac, her super swoony mountain man companion became new favorite characters of mine!
I loved this story and highly recommend it!
Love’s Mountain Quest was my first Misty M. Beller read but it most definitely will not be my last!
(5 Stars!)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
Love’s Highest Mountain, the second book in Misty Beller’s Hearts of Montana series, is another wonderful historical romance story. 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 and the author has beautifully crafted her characters–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 to rescue the prisoners and take down gang members. It is a trip that is beset by one trial after another. Realistic situations and wonderfully descriptive scenes of the week-long journey through the mountains all work together for a delightful story. Threaded throughout the book is a faith in God–the God who can be trusted, who gives us strength when we need it the most and the One who alone forgives, mends broken lives and loves to give second chances. 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 if a young mother came home from work and found that her young son and his babysitter were missing and a murdered man had been found near the place they were supposed to be? Imagine the frantic phone calls, the police swarming to the scene, and the news reports that would be seen and heard everywhere. A mother’s worst nightmare, for sure, but what if this mother was actually a young widow living in Montana in 1867? Now you can call that a nightmare!
Love’s Mountain Quest is the story of Joanna Watson and her frantic search for her five-year-old son and the young woman who was caring for him. Author Misty M. Beller vividly portrays Joanna’s emotions that alter between hope, desperation, and the realization that the longer the search continues, the greater the chance is that they won’t be found. All she can do is pray, believe that will God protect them, and trust that she and Isaac Bowen will be able to find Samuel and Laura. As their journey continues in the Rocky Mountains wilderness, their mutual respect blossoms into something more but Isaac has a secret from his past. Can their relationship survive if Joanna learns about his past life? Is is possible to endure the perils of this untamed territory? Will Joanna be reunited with her son and Laura?
Beller has created an exciting story with memorable characters and a wonderful faith message and she has filled it with adventure, danger, faith, and forgiveness. She also adds a sweet romance that will leave you wishing for a happy ending. If you enjoy historical Christian romance, you will definitely want to read Love’s Mountain Quest.
I received a complimentary copy from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was absolutely no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Joanna Watson and her young son, Samuel. face a challenging life in a small town in the wilderness. She struggles to earn enough to support them since her husband died. When her friend who was watching Samuel disappears with the boy, foul play is suspected. Joanna recruits Isaac Bowen, a man of the mountains who keeps mainly to himself, because she believes she can trust him. Together they begin a treacherous journey to find the outlaws who kidnapped her friend and son. Not only do they face physical challenges, but Isaac dreads the connection they may find if his suspicions prove correct. The suspenseful adventure the characters face offers an exciting read. Will they all survive? Will they ever be the same? The characters, setting, and plot seem quite realistic. Readers who loved Janette Oke’s novels should enjoy this. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
Although I learned after reading it that Love’s Mountain Quest is the second book in a series, I had no problems reading it as a stand-alone novel. A minimal amount of background was provided within the story which was quite enough for me to understand the context. I read historical fiction because I love it and am not a stickler for details. I trust the authors have done their research so I just sit back and enjoy a good book.
Love’s Mountain Quest was quite the wilderness adventure that took place in the Rocky Mountains of Montana territory. When Joanna’s young son and his companion were kidnapped by a group of outlaws, she insists on going with Isaac Bowen to rescue them. As the pair travels together through the rough mountain country, they encounter one delay after another due to several unexpected calamities. Frequent readers will assume that romantic feelings will develop during such close proximity in a tense situation and they would be correct.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with its vivid descriptions of the wilderness, strong characters, and plenty of danger and action. Although I love reading books of this type, they do tend to make me realize what a sheltered life I have led and how unprepared I would be to attempt such a journey myself. I am definitely an armchair adventurer.
So all you other armchair adventurers, Love’s Mountain Quest should satisfy your longing for adventure right in the comfort of your own home. Be sure to pick up a copy and join Joanna and Isaac as they venture through the Montana wilderness to rescue her son and his companion.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own
I adore Misty M Beller’s books and was excited to have the opportunity to read the second installment from her Hearts of Montana series, Love’s Mountain Quest. I just loved this faith filled story. Isaac and Joanna are wonderful characters that learn some valuable life lessons that we all could learn from. I enjoyed taking a journey with them and seeing the beautiful setting. There is, also, some unpredictable action that I never knew what was going to happen next. It was great taking the great adventure.
I would give Love’s Mountain Quest one hundred stars if I could. It was that good! I try to be patient waiting for the third book from the Hearts of Montana series. I highly recommend this book for readers who love clean historical romance with a powerful message.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Misty Beller wins me every time with her descriptions. Honestly until I started reading her books, I would skip long descriptions. Her word pictures allow you to feel like you have been there. With her amazing story lines and characters, I quickly become addicted. This has been an excellent series and I look forward to her next book.
Love’s Mountain Quest is the second book in Misty M. Beller’s Hearts of Montana series. We met both Isaac Bowen and Joanna Watson, and her little boy Samuel, in the previous book Hope’s Highest Mountain. This is their story.
With the word ‘quest’ in the title, I should have been more prepared for it to take up the entire book, but when Samuel is kidnapped in the first chapter, I wanted Joanna and Isaac to find him much sooner than they did! Joanna and Isaac run into multiple problems that make tracking down the kidnappers harder and harder. In fact, it would have been impossible if not for Isaac’s past.
The first half of the book sped by as I kept hoping Joanna and Isaac would catch up to Samuel, but when it became more obvious it would take longer, I settled in to enjoy the story, particularly the romance that was developing between the traveling pair. The spark had been there since they met in the previous book, but with the days spent together tracking down the kidnappers, Joanna and Isaac grow close. However, even if Isaac’s past can help Joanna get her boy back, it may cost them a chance at a happiness together.
Love’s Mountain Quest is an enjoyable story. There are a few times when the danger or bad guys’ cruelty to the animals got more graphic than I care to read. 1867 Montana Territory is a rugged, challenging place to live, let alone traverse at daunting speed with constant worry. But Isaac and Joanna are worth rooting for as is the hope they’ll get their happily ever after.
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I received this book free from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Book 2 in Misty Beller’s Hearts of Montana series, “Love’s Mountain Quest” can be read as a standalone, but for background into the lives of the main characters, I recommend reading “Hope’s Highest Mountain” first. Both contain the author’s trademark combination of adventure, faith, and romance, and this sequel is my favorite, not only of the two, but of the handful of Beller’s other books that I have read as well. “Love’s Mountain Quest” offers a bit of a twist on the theme of a mountain man rescuing a woman; in this case, widow Joanna Watson receives help from Isaac Bowen to find out what happened to her five-year-old son Samuel and her friend Laura, not realizing how Isaac’s past and future both figure into the situation.
As always, Beller delivers an exciting and emotional tale set in the beautiful but treacherous Montana territory. The scenic detail places readers right in the middle of the action, although the characters take precedence, with their complicated pasts shadowing their current circumstances. All of them feel genuine, from the seemingly heartless villains to the hapless victims, and the rawness of emotion tugs at your heartstrings. Isaac comes face to face with a past that he thought he left behind, one that still causes feelings of guilt and holds a lesson about pride. Joanna is so relatable, described as a woman who “did not shirk her responsibilities, no matter how exhausted and worried she was.” Yet part of her drive comes from fear: “She’d been praying, yes, but had she really been trusting that God would answer her prayers? Or were they merely an outlet for her anxiety?” This really causes me to pause, especially amidst the uncertainties of 2020. How often do I pray merely out of worry or fear, rather than with a grateful heart of trust and belief?
From the thorough description of nature and scenery to the interplay between characters, “Love’s Mountain Quest” is a novel that brings together romance, trauma, forgiveness, and sincere faith to demonstrate the power of a 1 Corinthians 13 love. After all, love truly is the greatest gift.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
The story is a look at 1867 as Joanna and her son are trying to overcome their grief. Losing her husband has been hard but she is doing the best she can. I can’t imagine the shock she faced when she came home to find both her son and friend gone. The mountain life isn’t easy for a woman on her own and this tragedy will have a lasting impact on her life. I loved her faithfulness and her determination to find her son and friend.
Isaac is a man who has redeemed himself from a life of crime. It was interesting to follow him and Joanna as they search for the men who kidnapped Samuel and Laura. I did like the interaction between Joanna and Isaac and how they slowly began to trust each other. The journey through the mountains were dangerous and several times they faced unforeseen danger. Joanna is not one to shy away from using a rifle if necessary. The encounter she has with coyotes made me cringe as she stood her ground against the pack.
The part of the story I found most intriguing was when Laura and Samuel were with the kidnappers. The men were brutal at times and was pretty rough on Laura especially. Poor Samuel was so scared and hungry that I wanted to give him a big hug. The author writes a great story of survival and faith as we are taken far into the mountains. The characters were very realistic and at times I felt like I was watching a western on television. Laura was very brave and her survival instincts and faith kept her and Samuel alive.
For those who like historical books with danger, a bit of romance and an emphasis on faith will be pleased with this story. It was one I didn’t want to end and loved how Joanna and Isaac were able to have an emotional talk. Isaac confesses something that he fears will push Joanna away. Oh how I loved this moment when Isaac faces his past and prays that Joanna will be able to see how he has changed. For me that was a pivotal moment in the story. It was a great example of trust and looking past imperfections. The ending is good and I hope there will be another book with perhaps Laura as the main character.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I love this author. Everything I have read by her is just wonderful and snags your attention and your imagination. This book is no different. Love’s Mountain Quest is the second book in the Hearts of Montana series. In it you get to continue the story began in book one but with characters you just barely met in the first book. And yes that is my not so subtle way of saying read this series in order so that it will make sense.
This book focuses on Joanna in her quest to find her son and friend who were snatched up. She is helped by Isaac. He’s a mountain man who has a past he’s hiding from. Can he help her find her son and friend? And what will they lose to do so? Will they gain enough to make the loss worth it?
The book has drama and danger. There is survival or death in almost every page. The suspense just might have you biting your nails! This book is much more than a romance novel. It’s a suspense book with some romance thrown in.
I highly recommend you read this book. But please read book one in the series first. You won’t be disappointed.
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.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Wow just when I think author Misty M Beller has written her best book, she comes up with one even better. Joanna Watson lost her husband in the Rocky Mountain wilderness this book is set in. The wilderness is a very hard life, especially for a widow and her small son. And when her son and babysitter went missing, Joanna will do anything in her power to get them back.
As I read this book, I thought of how people in today’s world would go crazy because of the time it take to do anything in this wilderness. It doesn’t take minutes or hours, or takes days and weeks. You would really need to trust the Lord and put all of your faith in Him. This is the only way I would have made it through what Joanna went through. And I am so glad she had Issac to help her because he knows these mountains. Issac and Joanna together is so sweet. They just have to get together after all of this. I thoroughly enjoyed another journey through this wilderness country. Different characters and different settings, but the same country land, rocks and mountains. I’m not going to keep going on this because I won’t spoil it for anyone.
If you enjoy the Rocky Mountain territory back in the 1800’s you might want to try some books like this or more from Misty M Beller. They are well worth your time. I love them and I am so thankful to Celebrate Lit for introducing me to Misty several years ago.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Love’s mountain quest
Joanna’s son was with a friend when kidnapped. Joanna is determined to find her son. Any mother would be. She ask for help from Isaac. They have quite an adventure in traveling to find her son. Will they be able to find her son?
Love’s Mountain Quest is set in 1867 where the traveling was by horseback. Traveling by horseback is dangerous. There is always injuries to care for without a Doctor’s help. Will they all survive? I loved how brave Isaac was and how he was able to overcome his injury.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
After reading the first novel in this series, I was eager to read more about Joanna in this book. There is plenty of adventure and intrigue in this story as Joanna and Isaac desperately search for Samuel. I liked the author’s descriptions of the mountains, with both their beauty and their hidden deadly dangers. I do recommend that you read the books in order, as there is continuation of some of the characters from the first book. I felt like sometimes the characters made decisions or spoke sentences that did not entirely make sense with their personality or the time period, but I do not think this detracted from an enjoyable novel. I liked the growth of faith in the characters and the spiritual themes intertwined among the harsh survival of the story. Overall, I did enjoy this book and look forward to the next! I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction with romance.
I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the Bethany House Publishers and Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I am speechless. Misty M. Beller has woven an incredible story of love, faith, and redemption that entranced me from the first page. Beller’s beautiful way with words combined with her indelible characters create an inspiring story readers will fall in love with.
Love’s Mountain Quest is the perfect book. It has harrowing adventure, swoony romance, an incredible setting, and amazing characters, not to mention its wonderfully inspirational message. The fallibility of her characters is as humbling and inspiring as their strengths. I can’t say enough good things about this book.
I absolutely cannot wait for the story to continue with Faith’s Mountain Home (releasing January 5, 2021), with Laura and Nate’s story that is sure to be equally phenomenal.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.