When Molly Walker graduated from college, she was thrilled to be hired on as a ranger at Deep Creek Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She arrived ready to begin her career and to enjoy all the aspects of her new job, but the one thing she hadn’t counted on was the local poachers and their illegal shenanigans. Molly and fellow ranger Jake Stuart try to put a stop to the … escalating poaching problem while protecting the animals. In the meantime, Molly finds that the handsome ranger, who is also a local, is a great partner to have on her side. She also finds that she’s losing her heart to him when she’d planned to stay focused on her career. Can she give her heart and have a career? She and Jake find themselves in a battle against a group of men with a hidden agenda far more sinister than poaching. Can they be stopped before Molly’s life is snuffed out?
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I really enjoyed this book. The characters were so well developed and the scenery is so detailed that you feel like you are right there with the characters. The book is set in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the author takes you right there. There is some intrigue in the book, as well as Christian values throughout the book. I love how she has the characters pray and talk with God. And, of course, there is romance. I like that part, but it is clean romance. I think if you enjoy clean Christian romance stories, you’ll love this one. It’s a keeper.
I love that this takes place in the Smoky Mountains! It’s not technically book two of this series, but Molly is the granddaughter of Cameron Murphy, the Park Ranger from Dedication to Love. A tale that takes place at the dedication of the Smoky Mountains by President Roosevelt.
This story had a lot of suspense and danger among the romance and it describes how the Christian characters handle the trials!
Mountain of Peril represents the first book in the Faith in the Parks series. The suspense aspects of this book kept me reading. I think one of my favorite interactions came at the beginning of the book when Molly tries to get directions from two men who are apparently hard of hearing. Perhaps because my own mother often has difficulty hearing, I could appreciate Molly’s difficulties. Or perhaps the setting of the Great Smoky Mountains captured my attention since I attended college in Asheville and I call North Carolina home. Or maybe its because I had a friend who thought about becoming a Park Ranger, I found myself unable to put this book down.
Having a husband who serves in the Army, I appreciated that J. Carol Nemeth served in the Army and calls North Carolina also grabbed my attention. Wildlife and more make appearances throughout the story. I also appreciated the dynamics of Molly being brand new to being a Park Ranger and the enthusiasm she brought came alive throughout the pages.
The dynamics between Molly and Jake drew me into the story. I found the story to be realistic and worth reading. So if you like books set in the mountains or ones that examine women struggling with having a career or having a relationship, check out this book for yourself. It definitely deserves your examination.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Wow. Mountain of Peril certainly delivers on it’s title. Molly Walker has just started her new job as a park ranger in the Smoky Mountains. Little does she know how that decision will change her life forever.
Ranger Jake Stuart has literally fallen for Molly from the moment they meet. He is sure she is the one for him, he just needs to convince her of that.
I enjoyed being taken on a reader’s tour of the Smoky Mountains and some of it’s beauty. I haven’t been there yet, but is sounds breathtaking. However, there is something going on that is not right or even legal and besides dealing with the dangers of nature, poachers are also on the prowl and some very jealous people.
I liked Jake a lot, and even though it was like instant love for him, he have Molly room and did not become possessive. Molly on the other hand was a great example to him about the faith that he had pushed aside and Jake begins to talk to God again. This was a really good book to just escape into.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Mountain of Peril is the first book I have read by J Carol Nemeth and it, also, is the beginning to her exciting series, Faith in the Parks. I enjoyed the beautiful setting in the Great Smokey Mountains. Molly becomes the new ranger. She finds herself teamed up with fellow ranger Jake to solve the mystery of what is going on in the area. I was intrigued with this story. I thought it was uniquely written and kept me engaged from start to finish.
Mountain of Peril is getting four and a half stars from me. I look forward to reading the second installment from Faith in the Parks series, Canyon of Death , to find out what happens next. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy clean mystery, suspense and romance.
I received Mountain of Peril from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Ranger Molly Walker begins her dream career working in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park system, eager to explore and learn—isn’t that how we often approach life? A variety of activities within her jurisdiction keep her hopping, with poachers, a lost teen, injuries, and much more. Then there’s her fellow ranger, Jake Stuart, who wishes for more than a friendly relationship with her. The characters and events portrayed seem quite realistic and draw the readers’ attention and caring. The story draws you in and keeps you wondering what will happen next. This novel is a great way to experience the area and the life of a national park ranger from the safety of a comfortable seat and out of the elements. It seemed to progress a little slowly and more ordinary at first, but eventually incorporated me into the action and experience. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
I love that the author has such a personal connection to the setting of this book and that a lot of her own personal experiences are incorporated within the pages.
I’m a lover of suspense and this book offers quite a bit though it’s not quite nailbiting.
Also within the pages is a romance blossoming. It’s a bit of the age-old fight. Can the girl have her career or will she fall in love? Can’t she have both? Or will one distract her from the other?
Molly must set her priorities and she must watch her back because things are going to get dicey and who can she really trust.
This was a wonderful read and I can’t wait to see what else is going to come from this author and this series.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through 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.
“The Smokies, in particular, hold a mystical appeal, like they’ve held secrets and tales for centuries just waiting for folks to discover. They have…personality.” This personality of the Smokies is very well brought to life in Mountain of Peril by J Carol Nemeth. It was a book I really looked forward to reading. Having visited there, I am very interested to read about descriptions of the natural beauty and wildlife, and Nemeth did not disappoint. Bear, wild boar, and elk all make appearances, and Nemeth shares a lot of pertinent information about poaching and trapping. The novel was very informational while still being easy to read in and truly still a fun story.
I enjoyed the occasional snarky humor that made me smile.
I enjoyed Jake and Molly’s story, especially Molly as a new ranger. I certainly could identify with her need to put her career ahead of her romance, since this is her first job.
I liked that prayer is an integral part of the story. Salvation is clearly presented, but I would have liked to have seen it woven into the story in smaller, more natural bites.
I also enjoyed how the ending came together. I hope we get to read Cal and Pam’s story soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. I am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions are my own.
One of my favorite vacation memories from growing up is staying at Lake Lure, North Carolina and visiting Chimney Rock State Park. I think that it is the only state park I’ve been to, but I would love to see the others, and revisit Chimney Rock, too, for that matter! I love the outdoors and rural areas, and although many people dream about the beach, my heart will always belong to the mountains and woods. As soon as I saw the title of this series, I didn’t hesitate to sign up to review it. That it was categorized as suspense was an added bonus.
“Mountain of Peril” is the first book in J. Carol Nemeth’s Faith in the Parks series. Taking readers alongside new ranger Molly Walker as she begins working at Deep Creek Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, Nemeth generates interest in America’s national parks system. I do feel that the beginning of the book is a bit slow after a startling, intriguing first chapter. The narrative settles into a quotidian rhythm, describing some of a park ranger’s duties, and I was surprised to learn their extent. Their job is anything but boring, for anyone who has an interest in trapping, law enforcement, search and rescue, horseback riding, public relations, and a plethora of other tasks. Add to that the challenges of inclement weather and sometimes working in solitude, and I felt an even deeper respect for these public servants.
Regarding the characters, I enjoyed them and their interactions, but I still don’t feel as though I connected with them very much. They seem almost superficial in some ways. As a romantic suspense novel, there is naturally a romantic love interest, and along with this a heroine who is determined to remain dedicated to her career. Nemeth demonstrates that God has a plan for our lives, and that He is working things out for our good and His glory, whether we can see it or not.
The editor in me did pick up on various errors within this book, most of which concern proper apostrophe usage. There are also a couple of discrepancies, including the number of children that Cal and Pam have, and a time disparity. None of this detracts from the reading experience, and I would recommend this book to those who enjoy stories about the great outdoors, sweet and clean romance, and/or romantic suspense.
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.
A sweet romance, filled with adventure, and faith.
This book explores the life of a park ranger and the challenges that they face, filled with beautiful evocative descriptions. This was an enjoyable read with a engaging plotline, and likable characters. Molly is just starting out her career in the Park Service, and is determined to prove herself, she is a hard worker, and I admired how she is open about her beliefs and faith.
Jake is an all-around nice guy, who is hard not to like, and sometimes his nice-ness leads to confusion. I liked that he was honest, and that he was willing to take a hard look at himself to see where he was falling short.
There was great interaction between the characters, and I loved the gorgeous setting of the Smoky Mountains. I also loved how Molly was made welcome in the community, finding friends to make her feel at home. This was a highly enjoyable read, with a lot going on, and great characters. It starts out like a sweet romance, but ends with a bang!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Be careful …. you never know what might happen.
Molly has finally started her dream job, a park ranger. With plenty of good teachers in those who have been around for awhile, she finds her new position to be most enjoyable. After all, how could you not love being outside in the Great Smoky Mountains every day! However, with her position comes enforcing the law in the park. That’s where things start to get dicey. The action starts to heat up with a drunk and disorderly charge for several park visitors and just continues with poaching and other questionable activities.
Toss in some new friends, a little romance and a sweet landlady and you have a wonderful beginning to the Faith in the Parks series. You don’t want to miss this first book in what is sure to be a non-stop action collection of fabulous stories. All the wonderful details about the park will make you wish you could be there.
This ARC was received through Forget Me Not Romances, Winged Publications and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Without leaving my house I have experienced the Great Smokey Mountains thanks to the author. The description is so vivid I felt like I was walking in the woods and camping along the beautiful lakes. It was fun to read about the animals that lived there and how much they are protected by the rangers . This place is now on my bucket list to visit.
Molly was an exciting character and I cheered for her when she was hired as a ranger. I loved reading the duties of a ranger. I didn’t realize that there were problems with poachers and it saddened me to read how the bears are hunted down for profit. The author goes into detail about why bears are desired by poachers and what they are used for. Once again we see that “the love of money is at the root of all evil.” How sad that people don’t appreciate the animals and allow them to live peacefully in their habitat. Molly has a run in with a couple of men and she will find out how people want revenge even though she was doing her job. The story touches on greed, jealousy and deceit. It is hard at times to know who to trust in the story. I had my suspicion about one particular character and couldn’t wait to see if I was correct.
Jake is a great ranger and I thought his dedication to the job was admirable. He seemed to never tire of being out watching over campers and making sure that everyone was safe, There is definitely chemistry between Jake and Molly and I liked how they took their relationship at a slow pace. There is a lot of danger that brews throughout the story which I was very intrigued by. When a young boy goes missing everyone goes into action, The teamwork was good and I loved learning how they track someone.
With a kidnapping, poachers, selling bear parts on the black market and danger this story will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is a good amount of faith throughout the story that blends well and highlights how important it is to trust God. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Molly Walker starts her position at the Deep Creek Ranger Station. She settles into her new position feeling confident until she meets Jake Stuart. She is rattled by his sweet manner and good looks. Being assigned to work together, she isn’t interested in a relationship and tries to focus on her job.
Mountain of Peril has lots of unexpected twists. The author’s descriptions of the everyday life of the rangers filled my head with wonderful visions. The characters are real, caring, and I loved the many references to faith in God, as each character leaned on HIM for support.
There are lots of action and suspense to the storyline. The ending wrapped everything up nicely and the blossoming romance and friendly banter of Molly and Jake are wonderfully played out. Highly recommended.
I was provided with a copy and voluntarily choose to review it.
J. Carol Nemeth hit another home run with this book. Love, mystery, suspense and history all in one book. I enjoyed how gently Ruth drew Gage into God’s love and how the characters all made it clear that they depended on God, His love and help. I have totally enjoyed this series and hope she plans more.
I gave this a 5 star it was such a great read if you haven’t read this you need too so interesting! And a great read! Can’t wait to read the 2nd Book of Faith in The Parks!
This is an outstanding book! It is very well written and is full of action, suspense, drama, and romance. The ending will blow you away! This is a new-to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books. If you are looking for a book that you hate to see end, but keeps you turning the pages because you have to know what happens next, grab this book. I highly recommend it.
This was a really great read!!! It took a few twists that I wasn’t expecting at all!! I love books that I find out things when characters in the book find out, and that I don’t expect before they do! I especially loved how Jake renewed his relationship with God because of Molly, and I loved that when Kate had questions, Molly was more than willing to answer them, and knew when she needed to back off, too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I had mixed feelings about this book. It kept me interested for the most part, but there were things that drove me crazy for example the park rangers had no clue why a person would take a small organ from a bear. It’s common knowledge that bears are illegally harvested for their gall bladders, so a park ranger would and should know about it.
The other thing that bothered me was the number of typos. I highlighted many of them as I read. The timeline also got wonky near the end.
On the positive side, the main characters are likeable and easy to cheer for. One of the side characters was a bit unrealistic and over-the-top, but otherwise, the story was good as was the setting.
I enjoyed the characters and learning about park rangers and this part of the Smoky Mountains. A good travel guide. 🙂 Also a clean, sweet romance and added suspense.
This is my first read by this author and definitely won’t be my last. She has a descriptive writing style that draws you in and you feel like you have experienced visiting the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. I enjoyed the sense of humor, romance, strong faith, and the added elements of mystery and intrigue. The pacing was spot on and held my attention throughout. I also enjoy learning something new and I did, as I learned about poaching black bear and what is harvested and why. An interesting and entertaining read.
I won a copy of this book. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.