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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Another page-turning, can’t-put-down read from gifted storyteller Misty Beller! Set in 1867 in the Montana Territory, Love’s Mountain Quest, Book #2 in the Hearts of Montana series, follows the journey of mountain man Isaac Bowen and widow Joanna Watson as they travel down treacherous, hidden mountain paths in pursuit of a gang of outlaws who kidnapped Joanna’s five-year-old son Samuel and a friend Laura Hannon. Isaac and Joanna, who we meet in the first book of the series, are wonderfully captivating characters, and their sweet romance is endearing even with Isaac’s secret from his past and Joanna’s doubts. Laura and Samuel’s storyline featuring their perilous exploits with the outlaws is suspenseful and adds depth to the story. The faith element affirming trusting God, forgiveness, and redemption is strong and thoughtfully woven into the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this emotionally rich, inspiring book and highly recommend it. I am looking forward to Laura’s story in Book #3 of the series Faith’s Mountain Home.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Misty Beller is a new author for me. And while the book description intrigued me on a surface level, I was quickly immersed in this story on a much deeper level from practically the first page. With constant action and rich description, the desperation of a mother to find her kidnapped child is all too apparent. My own mother’s heart was stirred as I was caught up in the raw emotions of this story. Although there is a romantic element to this book, it is only one layer to the drama, danger, and suspense streaming from the pages. Love’s Mountain Quest proved to be a fast paced read, riveting and compelling, easily attracting your entire focus from cover to cover.
I highly recommend this book. I know I will be searching for other books by this author!
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Misty Beller writes an amazing adventure story. This book had such an engaging storyline. The mother and widow, Joanna Watson’s son is missing. The story takes her to rugged mountains in the search for him along with Isaac Bowen. They face many trials, dangers and setbacks as they travel, enough to make anyone give up trying.
It is a beautifully written story filled with a mother’s enduring love. I really enjoyed this!
I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
‘She struggled to believe the Almighty heard her tiny cry.’
When Joanna Watson, a young widow, needs Isaac Bowen’s help to rescue her kidnapped son and friend, she finds she must also guard her heard from this quiet, strong man. Isaac just wants to live a quiet life after being delivered from a despicable past. But he is finding it very difficult to stay unaffected by the young widow.
‘He’d long ago stopped letting his past rise up to haunt him.’
Misty Beller takes us along on a dangerous trek through the mountains of Montana as Joanna and Isaac follow the kidnappers, men who form a dangerous and deadly gang. We also get glimpses into the outlaws’ camp as they terrorize the young son of Joanna and her friend. We feel every emotion as things go from bad to worse, with both hoping and praying for God’s protection and deliverance.
Both journeys are harrowing but these folks are relying on God at every turn to see them through. Beller’s writing just keeps getting better and better and I never miss a new release.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Misty M. Beller’s writing from the very beginning of a book pulls you in and doesn’t let you go until the end. The book Love’s Mountain Quest does not disappoint! There are so many twists and turns (not just from the mountain trails) in the story and surprises that you have to keep reading. It is difficult to put her books down. Another positive about her writing is God and prayer is always involved in the story lines.
Widow Joanna Watson and her son, Samuel, have made a new life for themselves in Settler’s Fort. It is not an easy life for a woman alone but she has a friend, Laura Hannon, who gives her moral support and looks after Samuel to help her out. Isaac Bowen comes by occasionally and leaves food that he has trapped to help her with putting food on the table.
When Samuel and Laura are missing, Joanna finds help from Isaac and they set out following the trail. It turns out to be a longer process than Joanna was hoping for since she is desperate to get her son back. In the process they both learn to trust others and not just always do everything on their own.
Isaac, who had a rough past he left years before, has to face the old demons and put them to rest for good. Through his faith he knows God has forgiven him but he struggles with thinking he is good enough for others. Because of various tragedies in Joanna’s life, she has had to rely on herself for survival. It is beautiful the way Misty Beller uses their circumstances to allow God to teach them the trust they need but to also believe in each other.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about people overcoming tragedies in life and learning to fully trust God. It is always amazing to read about the struggles our ancestors went through to settle this country and how their faith in God pulled them through.
3.5 Stars
LOVE’S MOUNTAIN QUEST is a story about a man’s and woman’s journey as they try to save her young son and friend from the hands of a ruthless gang. Both parties are fraught with danger as they travel, but find unexpected help and possible love as the story unfolds. Elements of faith are weaved throughout. Beller gives fans another trademark adventure through a harsh and untamed but beautiful wilderness, with characters readers can’t help but cheer on.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to reading Isaac’s and Joanna’s story. The beginning set things in motion quite well, as I could feel Isaac’s yearning for something more, and Joanna’s love for her son, but also her exhaustion as she tries to provide for their life. Then things change when Joanna finds her son, and her friend who was caring for him, missing. Isaac gets to be her hero as he travels with her to bring them home.
I enjoyed the journey and learning more about these characters. These characters faced some really difficult things and weren’t immune to the pains of travelling fast, injuries and danger. The story did feel a bit slow to me in parts and the romance came on a bit strong in places (plus some of the wording was weird, like labeling a guy’s muscles as having a richness to them). I would have liked the romance aspect to come a bit later in the story and feel more realistic to the situation. I also felt parts were unrealistic when dealing with the gang and in a little boy’s recovery. The faith aspects I thought were done well—nothing felt too preachy or forced. The end was particularly sweet and was probably my favorite part of the story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I wanted more from it, but I have learned with this author that some of her characters I connect with better than others, and some of her stories work better for me than others. I’m looking forward to the next adventure in book three of this series!
Content: Some innuendo and violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Book two in the Hearts of Montana series starts with a bang and continues that way until the end, so hold on tight. Adventure and intrigue will keep you turning the ages to see what happens next.
Author Misty Beller writes a story of good vs evil and often it looks like evil will win. But strong characters Joanna and Isaac persevere and battle their way to find Samuel. Beller does a good job of describing people and places so that you feel as if you’ve dropped into the book.
One thing I struggled with was the occasional modern day idioms that were used. I think the editor should have caught these. But it didn’t stop me from finishing the book so push past them and enjoy the journey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
#Prayers of Blessing over My adult children# by Bruce Wilkinson . Bruce is a speaker , teacher and writer. He is the founder of World teach which is a Global Initiative to train Bible teachers in every nation. He is also a speaker, teacher and author. This book is a Christian living book. The author guides parents in how to approach praying for your adult children. The book has daily prayers to help parents ., The prayers go with the topic He is addressing. His prayer method has a 3 step approach to guide parents. Th e book is practical and helpful for any parent, counselor, pastor. Thank you to the author, netgalley, the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions are my own. i will post my review on facebook, netgalley, Goodreads, Bookbub, and for church staff.
Love’s Mountain Quest, Misty M. Beller’s second novel in her Hearts of Montana series, isn’t as good as its predecessor but still manages to craft a compelling story. Joanna Watson and Isaac Bowen, both introduced in Hope’s Highest Mountain, embark on another journey when Joanna’s son and friend are kidnapped, and Isaac promises to help them. Especially when he realizes his past may have come back to haunt him.
Beller hasn’t lost her ability to throw you into a setting. She crafts her world carefully, settling you into the mountains just as easily as if you were there.
More time is spent in Joanna’s perspective than Isaac’s, and I found myself craving more of his voice. Isaac is a solid, dependable character, and he is well-paired with hardworking Joanna. I liked his character so much, I wanted a better look inside his head. See what he’s thinking. But the scenes in his perspective give a great glimpse of his character and help define who he is. Beller does a great job of characterizing him.
Laura, the friend, also has a voice in this novel alongside main characters Joanna and Isaac. I can understand the need for her scenes, as Joanna and Isaac’s journey could get potentially boring after a while without something to add suspense. While Laura’s perspective did ramp up the tension as you, I sometimes felt like too much focus centered on Laura. However, I did become endeared to her, so much so, I hope she’s the main character in a future novel. I would love to see her again.
Overall, Love’s Mountain Quest is a well-written book with an adventure you don’t want to miss. Typical Misty M. Beller book, packed with mountain scenery and a heartwarming romance.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)