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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I was interested in reading this as soon as I finished book one as I loved the lesser character of Joanna and wanted to read her story. Now I loved the lesser character of Laura and want to read her story. Love’s Mountain Quest is a journey for Joanna to find her kidnapped son but also a journey of the heart for her and the hero Isaac. Isaac comes face to face with his past and finds that his faith in Christ is sufficient. When we are weak He is strong and carries us as several of the characters discover in this arduous quest. Samuel is a spunky little boy and adds the element of how far a mother will go for her child. This author has a way of drawing you in and you feel like you are immersed in Montana Territory in 1867. Although this can be read as a stand-alone you will not want to miss book one as this series speaks to your heart. Misty Beller is an author to put on your favorites list as I feel her books contain so much hope. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Absolutely loved the second instalment in this series! It was a wonderful story of learning to trust, let go and love again, a definite page turner.
Wow. Historical romances are usually slow reads for me. Until a boy gets kidnapped with his babysitter and his mom rides out to save him! Really liked this latest offering from Misty M Beller.
Joanna is beside herself when she realizes her five year old son and the woman watching him have gone missing. Isaac has been trying to keep on eye on Joanna so when he finds out that Samuel is missing he drops what he’s doing and helps. As they are tracking the kidnappers, he realizes they are looking for someone from his past. A past that he wants to keep secret and left in the past. But in order to save Samuel, he has to confront his past. Which means he must tell Joanna and hope that she will forgive him. All Joanna wants to do is find her son safe and sound. They face several hardships along the way to the outlaw hideout. The most severe is that Isaac breaks his leg.
This is a clean story with some mystery and romance. I recommend this book to everyone.
I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
This is the second book in the “Heart of Montana” Series, and I loved it as much as I loved the first one, which had totally captivated me last year. My heart ached for Joanna since the first book, as she is recently widowed, left alone to care for her five year old son Samuel, who is a very enthusiastic and spirited little boy. Isaac Bowen has an important part in their rescue, finding Samuel when he’s lost during the journey, and then getting them safely to Settler’s Fort.
He was since in awe of Joanna, but he knew he couldn’t pursue her because he wasn’t worthy, because of his past sins. But then, Joanna’s son is kidnapped with Laura, Joanna’s friend who was taking care of him, and Joanna comes to him for help. He’d do anything for her and her son, even if he knows there would never be a future for them, so he sets with her after the trail of the outlaws, only a few hours after the kidnapping.
Isaac is almost sure of who the kidnapper is, but he’s afraid of voicing his suspicion to Joanna, because the gang that could’ve kidnapped her son is the gang that he started and worked with, before he realized of his erred ways and changed. But maybe this is his opportunity for his redemption. If only the truth wouldn’t be exposed so that Joanna wouldn’t fairly reject him and hate him for it… But as they trail along, and he gets to know Joanna more, he knows the truth cannot be avoided. Can he hope for redemption, not only from the woman he’s beginning to love, but from God Himself?
This was a beautiful story. Isaac and Joanna have an epic journey chasing the kidnappers, full of perils from the elements, fighting against injuries that slow them down, and fighting their own demons: Joanna’s fear of losing her son, Isaac’s fear of of his past catching up with him. Even if it seems there are just many obstacles to endure, it’s in fact this struggle against the impossible what will lead them to seek and trust God, the Only one who can really save them. The story has a beautiful and inspiring message about leaning on God, and bask in His Love and Providence. Isaac’s story of redemption was beautifully told too. It made me cry. There’s so much to learn from this book and you will do it without knowing it. It’s just natural and not preachy. And the romance is achingly sweet.
I loved the despcription of the nature and landscape during the journey. Misty Beller is great at making you imagine the scenery with detail. There was a lot of action, so the story didn’t drag. And there was a surprising third point of view, from Laura, the kidnapped woman along with Samuel, which made it very interesting, because we usually don’t get to see the other side out of the main characters. It was a good addition and helped understand better what was happening. Samuel just tore my heart, he’s so adorable!
I’m hoping Laura will be next in turn for a story in this series. I’m just sorry I’ll have to wait till next year but it’s so much worth it!
This story takes place in the Rocky Mountains and the trip is wonderful! The scenes, the suspense, the interesting characters and getting to know Joanna and Isaac as they traveled through the mountains in search of her kidnapped son was so engaging. Loved it!
“He’d thought he’d buried that past and become someone respectable. But it turned out the past could creep up and catch a man. Make him regret those mistakes a hundred times over.”
This second installment in Hearts of Montana series is a little different from the other Misty Beller’s books I’ve read. The story picks up with Joanna, a recently widowed young woman struggling to raise her little boy alone, and Isaac, a mountainman who makes his living off the land, combining their efforts to track down and rescue Joanna’s kidnapped son and friend. Joanna and Issac were introduced as secondary characters in the first book and this book feels like a continuation of the first story but with a shift in the main characters. I don’t remember feeling that way through her Heart of the Mountains series or Call of the Rockies series. So if you haven’t read the first book Hope’s Highest Mountain, it would be better to read that first to fully appreciate this story.
The plot is a bit different, too, in this story. The bulk of the plot deals with Joanna and Isaac chasing after the villains who took Joanna’s son Samuel and her friend Laura. The chase, though it is still a race for survival, feels somewhat different from the author’s usual trek of survival in the wintery wilderness. Despite these differences, the author’s trademark description of the inescapable beauty of the untamed land and accidents/tangles with nature and wildlife that will have your heart jumping in your throat is still vivid throughout the pages of this book. Isaac has a shameful past that he must acknowledge in order to help with the rescue and his full acceptance and embrace of God’s forgiveness for his past also has the author’s trademark touch.
If you enjoy historical romance, you will surely enjoy this series. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
“She strained to hear the little-boy laughter that was a trademark of her son’s exuberant personality.”
And yet, there was silence; something had gone terribly wrong. Panicked, Joanna Watson runs back into the small town of Settler’s Fort to find help. Providentially, assistance came in the form of the one man whom Joanna could trust with her life and the life of her most precious possession, her son. That man was Isaac Bowen.
Isaac Bowen’s past was not a particularly honorable one, but he had worked hard to grow in his faith and become the man that God wanted him to be. Determined to help the lovely widow find her son, Isaac quickly assembles a posse and begins the trek along a trail that he knows all too well. As helplessness threatens to overtake both of them, the words of the apostle Paul come to Isaac’s mind; “My strength is made perfect in weakness”. . . . . . “Was this why this was happening? Why he’d been brought on this journey, . . . . why he couldn’t walk on his own . . . . why he couldn’t protect the woman whose care he’d though he was being entrusted with?”
“Love’s Mountain Quest” is a tale filled with obstacles, obstacles that appear to be overwhelming, when in fact they become a gateway to faith. Readers will enjoy this author’s crystal clear style as she paints a picture of adventure, determination, and a love that not only withstands, but overcomes.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Captivating story that keeps you pulled in from beginning to end. The characters in this book are interesting and the author gives us a detailed enough description you can envision them as you are reading. The story begins with Joanna Watson and her young son, Samuel. Joanna is widowed and struggling. Isaac Bowen has been keeping an eye on Joanna for months now and he wishes he could do more but he knows a woman like her would never want the likes of him or so he thinks. When Samuel and their friend Laura are taken captive Isaac is the only one that can help bring them back.
I love that this book not only gives us great detail of the characters and the surroundings but we get not only Joanna and Isaac’s telling of the story but also Laura so it revolves around these three characters and what is happening to Laura and Samuel and what is happening with Joanna and Isaac as they hunt for them. Heart wrenching at times and surprises and scares along the way but a great story. I am hopeful Laura will get her own story from this too.
I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I truly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
If you enjoy stories set in the mountains along with perils and suspense. then you will love Beller’s latest in “Hearts of Montana” series. We visit once again a young widow Johanna, with her small boy as she takes up residence in the small town of Settler’s fort. She does laundry for others to eke out a living for her and her son. Then the unthinkable happens her son and the young lady who was watching him have been kidnapped by a band of outlaws. Joanna enlists the help of Isaac Bowen, a mountain man who’s aided her once before. Bowen would usually stop by when he was in town to see if they needed anything and this happened to be that day. Together, they set off to recover her son and the friend who was stolen with him. Bowen feels like he knows who they are and where they have taken them. The old beast of his past rises up to haunt him. Many hardships and dangers that the mountains holds fight against them and slow them down. Of course Johanna is beside herself with worry about her son and if they will ever catch up with them. Though this horrible time of their following the scant trail of the outlaws, they find themselves drawing closer to God and each other. You will find yourself turning the pages to see what awaits their search…….
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is a well written book that is full of adventure and faith. It hooks you on the first page and doesn’t let go. This is a book you hate to see end but you just have to know what happens next. The author makes the book come to life with her words, you can see all the scenery and feel all the emotions. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Bethany House and Misty M. Beller via Netgalley for the ARC copy of this wonderful book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have been a fan of Misty Beller for a couple of years. I had read a number of her other books in ebook format from the Mountain Series and do I was delighted to hear that her books were being published by Bethany House and that I would get a chance to be on her launch team. I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Since this was Book #2 in the series, I went and immediately read Book #1, Hope’s Highest Mountain. It was also excellent but not a necessity for reading Love’ s Mountain Quest. The story takes place in Montana territory and Joanna’s young son is kidnapped because he saw a murder. The story follows her arduous journey to try and rescue him. She encounters one problem and obstacle after another! There is a romantic element in Misty’s books, but it is not the major focus of the book. What I truly love about Misty’s books is the element of faith and perseverance that she artfully incorporates into her stories.
If you like historical fiction combined with stories of faith and adventure you will enjoy this new release and will probably want to go and read her other books too.
Love’s Mountain Quest is a wonderful story..a must read for anyone looking for a good inspirational story. Looking to God instead of yourself and trusting Him. Joanna’s son and friend are kidnapped after witnessing a crime. Isaac is on his way to town when she asks for help getting them back. On the long journey there are setbacks at every turn. The two kidnapped are trying to stay alive and find a way to escape their captures. This is the second book in the Hearts of Montana series…it can be read alone but I would recommend reading the first one as well. They are both wonderfully written and inspirational as well as exciting and of course some romance thrown in!! Like all Misty Beller books the story jumps right into the action and that is just one reason I love her books!!
This is the second of the Hearts Of Montana series, but it is a standalone book. Ms. Beller does it again with this one. After the son and friend of Joanna disappear, she enlists the help of Issac to go and find them. The story covers their adventures of their quest to find the missing pair. I love Ms. Beller’s books. They are so full of detail, you can see the places she describes. I highly recommend this book for anyone that likes historical romance. It also contains references from the Bible that I really like. You won’t go wrong with this book. I was given a copy, but my review is how I feel.
Feel in love with the characters, I love how they sacrificed for each other. This was an incredible story that keeps you rapidly turning pages. I found myself on the edge of my seat often, so many twist and turns. The author does a great job of reflecting how life’s journey takes us on ups and downs. The forgiveness of God and how he comes after us when we veer off made this story so beautiful. The endurance the characters put up with on this long and hard journey just keeps the reader rooting for them. A sweet clean romance that builds through endurance, forgiveness and sacrifice is a bonus with this clever and mesmerizing story!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Yet another wonderful read by Misty Beller. I was excited to read this book. This is book 2 in the Hearts of Montana series. Joanna Watson is a single mom, having a difficult time making ends meet. Isaac Bowen is a man that helped her in the past and now he secretly helps her when he can and admires her too. Heartbreak happens when Joanna’s son, Samuel and a friend, Laura, are kidnapped after witnessing a murder. Isaac volunteers to help Joanna get her son and Laura back. They must take a long journey through the mountains to find them. As always, this story has a strong Christian message, which is refreshing and encouraging. There is danger involved. A well rounded story. The story tells Joanna’s story as she looks for her son and also Laura’s story as she is held captive.
The old is gone – the new has begun. 2 Corinthians 5:17b
In the rough world of 1867, life at Settler’s Fort in the Montana Territory means hard work with little playtime for widowed Joanna Watson. Spending an afternoon at the local swimming hole with Laura, a neighbor, is all she can offer her young son Samuel on a hot summer day. When they are not found there, and a murder has obviously occurred, fear settles deep into Joann’s heart. Will they be found alive?
Isaac Bowen was one of the men that rescued Joanna and Samuel from the mountain wilderness after her husband died. Believing he can help find her son and friend, they set out to follow the trail left by the outlaws. The author has done an incredible job of detailing what the search and rescue would have entailed. The pain and panic experienced by Joanna could almost be felt – I wonder if I would have been as strong under such overwhelming odds. Life with the outlaws was very dangerous causing fear and discouragement for Laura as she tried to care for Samuel.
There is constant action, danger and suspense as the characters learn what it really means to trust and rely on God, in spite of the circumstances. You will not put this aside until you know how this ends. Will help come in time?
An ARC of this book was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Redeeming love:
This was Book 2 in the Hearts of Montana series, which can be read as a standalone. I found it dragged a bit and wasn’t as engaging as the first book, yet it was still a nice, clean historical romance.
Isaac has had a soft spot for Joanna ever since he helped rescue them when they were first headed to the settlement. Now her son and a young lady have been kidnapped and he is determined to help once again. As they spend more time together the bond and attraction between them grows, yet Isaac’s past has the potential to prevent them from moving forward.
Overall this was an enjoyable book with fairly good flow and just enough drama and action to keep my interest.
I liked the reminder that we are new creations in Christ and that our pasts are forever buried and covered over by grace.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Love’s Mountain Quest is the second book in the Hearts of Montana series, yet it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel.
Isaac and Joanna, who appeared as side characters in book one, Hope’s Highest Mountain, have a hard journey ahead of them before they reach their happily-ever-after. The harrowing trek to rescue Joanna’s son, Samuel, and Joanna’s friend, Laura, helped to move Isaac and Joanna’s friendship into a deeper relationship where love began to grow.
There were plenty of problems along the way and reasons that Isaac did not feel worthy of Joanna. There was also a clear faith message in the story and I appreciated that the reader could see that Isaac had changed a lot since his younger years and was definitely trying to follow God’s leading in his life. I’m looking forward to reading the next book of the series!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I love all of Misty Beller’s Rocky Mountain books! Imagine being a young widow with a five year old son who is kidnapped along with your friend who was watching him! Then to find out they were taken because they saw the sheriff murdered! This would strike terror in any mother’s heart! Joanna was ready to go after them on her own until Isaac Bowen volunteers to track them. I admired how Isaac let Joanna come along even though he could have made better time without her. Joanna and Isaac face unexpected perils along the way. When Isaac realizes who they are tracking, he knows he has to tell attractive Joanna about his past. Will she understand that he is a new creation in Christ? Will they find men willing to help them capture the gang? Anyone who likes historical fiction will want to read Love’s Mountain Quest.