Historical Fiction Book Review: Hope's Highest Mountain

About the Book

Book: Hope’s Highest Mountain
Series: Hearts of Montana (Book One)
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: October 1, 2019

Publisher's Description

“When Ingrid Chastain agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, she never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. Rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, but she’s hesitant to put her trust in this man who seems to have wounds of his own.

After tragedy struck his family, Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor and escaped to the wilds of Montana. But his self-imposed solitude is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he’s forced to call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can’t help but admire Ingrid’s tenacity despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on delivering the medicine–with or without his help–he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.”

Click here to purchase a copy of this novel for yourself.

My Review

Hope’s Highest Mountain, by Misty M. Beller, is the first book in the Hearts of Montana series. With stirring adventure, breathtaking settings, and compelling characters, this gripping historical romance novel tells an unforgettable story of courage, loss, faith, and perseverance.

Set in the Montana Territory late in the autumn of 1866, this story is enriched by Ms. Beller’s vivid, sensory descriptions. Written with thoughtful detail, the setting is truly immersive and influential. From steep slopes, to treacherous paths, to hazardous weather conditions, the setting provides myriad opportunities for impactful scenes that captivate and enthrall.

Relevant and authentic, the characters in this novel are truly special. When faced with terrible danger and great hardship, they display immense bravery and determination. In their care and concern for others, they go far beyond expectations. Through peril, fear, and heartache, they persevere, their faith grows, and hope is kindled.

Page after page, Ms. Beller’s gift for storytelling is remarkably evident. Hope’s Highest Mountain is an utterly memorable, moving, and meaningful novel. Long will I treasure the hours that I spent savoring the story within its pages. I recommend it wholeheartedly to all readers.

*I was given a copy of this novel through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

My Reflection

Throughout Hope’s Highest Mountain, I was thoroughly inspired by the many selfless actions of the characters. Often without thought to their own personal desires or comfort, they gave of themselves to help others in greater need. With whispers of the Biblical “Good Samaritan” story, this theme of selfless service and care for others adds depth to the novel, making it a story that is altogether edifying and uplifting.

About the Author: Misty M. Beller

After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller, is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life by writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. She lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is an active member of ACFW, and teaches regularly at conferences and writing groups on effective book marketing.

Click here to visit Misty M. Beller's website.

More from Misty

“Remember Lassie? Old Yeller? Chance and Shadow from the movie Homeward Bound? There was something about these dogs that gripped my heartstrings and made me love them as though I’d known them for years. (And, yes, I cried during every one of these movies and books.)

Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had real dogs I’ve loved too. As far back as I can remember, we’ve had at least one or two dogs, and each one has been my very best friend. They’ve suffered my undying love, even allowing me to dress them up like dolls during my younger years.

But the dogs in my stories have a special place in my heart. Handsome, the sweet little black fluffball in Hope’s Highest Mountain is no exception! He was the runt of the litter, and such a dark black that the story’s hero nicknamed him Shadow. You can see the picture that inspired Handsome at the book’s Pinterest page. Those eyes! Hard not to fall in love, right?

The more I wrote in the story, the more I enjoyed getting to know this little guy, and I could almost feel his soft puppy fur as he snuggled in close. I completely see why Ingrid (the heroine) is smitten him! As you read Hope’s Highest Mountain, I hope you love Handsome as much as I do. Please give him some extra petting for me!”

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Hope’s Highest Mountain, a $20 B&N gift card, and cute mountain cards!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.