About the Book
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: March 26, 2019
As a half-Indian raised among her Peigan tribe, Moriah Clark knows better than to trust white people. The tragedy that resulted in her birth is proof enough. But when her trusted grandfather marries her to a white man, she has no choice to but to obey and hope this new life isn’t her downfall. Her white husband turns out to be a decent sort, but his unexpected death left her to birth a newborn baby among hostile mountain men. She wants nothing more than to retreat to the safe haven of her tribal upbringing. When a mysterious frontiersman arrives on her doorstep seeking her deceased husband, his offer to escort her and the babe to her people seems like the opportunity she’s been praying to find. But can she trust him?
Samuel Grant has been sent to retrieve Henry Clark for his sister’s wedding, but the sight that greets him at the little cabin in the woods is not what he expected. Not only has the man died, but Henry’s wife is fighting off an aggressive gang of men at gunpoint—while trying to conceal a newborn. He can’t leave the pair unattended, so helping her travel into the mountain country to reach her family seems like the only option. If he can win her trust, that is.
Such a grueling journey with a three-week-old baby will be risky, but the challenges that arise test them far more than either expected. When a devastating surprise increases the danger ten-fold, Moriah focuses all her efforts on keeping her newborn daughter alive. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t realize how much of her heart belongs to the mountain man—until it’s too late.
My Thoughts
I adore everything about Misty M. Beller’s Heart of the Mountain series, and This Daring Journey continues the story of family and friends in Canada’s heartland. This story can stand alone, but it’s great to reunite with previous beloved characters, such as Simeon & Emma, Noelle & Daniel, Seth & Rachel. Having met Samuel in the previous story, which focused on his twin and ended with him riding off to find Rachel’s brother, I was eager for his time in the limelight. There’s plenty of adventure and hardship, but the best part is getting to know Samuel and Moriah.
I don’t know of any other author quite as gifted as drawing readers into the Canadian territory setting. This Daring Journey immerses readers into the Canadian wilderness which, in spite of its rugged beauty, could be unforgiving when it came to climate, terrain, and wildlife. Dangers from the elements, predators – both animal and human – are all part of this journey, and I especially enjoyed reading about survival skills.
Moriah and Samuel are such appealing characters, well drawn and complex. I loved Moriah’s strength, determination, and survival instincts. Moriah’s situation prior to Samul’s arrival literally blew my mind, giving new meaning to the idea of doing whatever you have to do. After the death of her husband in a hunting accident, she was completely by herself. During that time, she carried a baby to term, then delivered the child – by herself!
Samuel was something totally unexpected in her life and watching them connect is a joy. “His kindness seemed to run soul-deep… He was like a safe cave in a blizzard. A refuge.” When a “manly” man tenderly reaches out to a baby … well, there’s just something special about that! The scenes with Samuel and baby Cherry were so very touching, as was the scene when he gently removed porcupine quills from a horse. Samuel and Moriah were exactly what the other needed, and the theme of God’s guidance shines throughout.
“The farther we travel, the more thankful
I am that I
don’t travel alone.”
- Moriah
“This gift … I never knew how much I wanted it.”
– Moriah
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
About the Author
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
More from Misty
How did I get started writing?I’ve always loved to read, but several years ago I was putting together my bucket list, and realized that I really did want to write a novel. So, “Write a novel that’s published” made it near the top!
I decided, it’s now or never, and made the commitment to do it. So, I had a general idea that I wanted it to be a Christian historical western romance. But where to start? I finally decided I needed to find a good book to help me plan. I stumbled upon (a.k.a. God led me to) the best possible book to help me get started with a great plan: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. For all you writers out there, I can’t recommend it highly enough!
From there, I’ve soaked in every bit of writing instruction I can from some amazing groups and individuals. And I’ve spent countless hours sitting with my laptop pouring out words onto the screen. Writing is in my blood. It’s my passion. A true gift from my Heavenly Father, and I pray daily that he uses the words for His purpose.
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.
Blog Stops
Among the Reads, April 4
Simple Harvest Reads, April 4 (Guest
post from Mindy Houng)
The Power of Words, April 5
Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 5
Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 5
Real World Bible Study, April 6
Pause for Tales, April 6
Christian Author, J.E.
Grace, April 7
Splashes of Joy, April 7
Blossoms and Blessings,
April 8
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 8
Mary Hake, April 8
Godly Book Reviews,
April 9
Connie’s History
Classroom , April 9
Where Crisis & Christ Collide,
April 10
Carla Loves To Read, April
10
A Reader’s Brain, April 10
Library Lady’s Kit Lit, April 11
Wishful Endings, April 11
janicesbookreviews, April 11
Through the Fire Blogs,
April 12
Vicky Sluiter, April 12
The Becca Files, April 12
Carpe Diem, April 13
For Him and My Family, April 13
Bigreadersite, April 14
Daysong Reflections, April 14
Truth and Grace
Homeschool Academy, April 14
Connect in Fiction, April 15
Texas Book-aholic, April 15
Stephanie’s Life of
Determination, April 15
Inspired by fiction, April 16
For the Love of Books, April 16
Inspiration Clothesline, April 16
Little
Homeschool on the Prairie, April 17
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations,
April 17
Inklings and notions, April
17
This is a new-to-me author. I'd love to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteAll of Beller's stories are great historical romances, Emilee. Best wishes in the giveaway!
DeleteThank you for your interest in my book!
DeleteI appreciate you taking the time to give us a great book description and giveaway as well. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteHey what a lovely book.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting me!
ReplyDelete