I must admit that one of my favorite genres is historical fiction. I love to read about history, and reading through the eyes of the characters (real or imagined) has made me feel a little closer to the past. I especially like reading about characters based on my own history, and that is exactly what I found with At the Mountain’s Edge by Genevieve Graham.
This is a fictional story that covers the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 set in the desolate, and almost impossible to reach part of, Yukon Territory. We see the story through the eyes of two characters. Liza Peterson is traveling with her father, mother, and older brother to Dawson City to set up a store and take advantage of the gold rush through that enterprise. Ben Turner is a young Constable in the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) who is sent to Dawson City to help keep the peace and also to help people traveling to the area as best he can. Both face obstacles that they could have never imagined. This area of the Yukon was, and is, an absolutely gorgeous but harsh and unforgiving land. Liza and Ben face hardship and tragedy on the trail and even after they reach Dawson City, the trials they endure do not end.
You will find love, betrayal, friendship, sacrifice, heroism, betrayal, and romance.
I absolutely loved this book. It is rare that I find a historical fiction novel I can feel is a part of my history written as well as this one. Mrs. Graham does an excellent job of describing the setting and the hardships of the area and time. The characters are well-drawn and believable and the story realistic and captivating. I give my highest recommendation to the book. It also gets my highest rating. This is my first novel by Mrs. Graham, but it definitely won’t be the last.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an honest review.

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Liza's life is turned upside down when her father declares that they're moving from Vancouver to the Yukon to capitalize on the gold rush. Ben, an aspiring Mountie, applies for a transfer from Alberta to the Yukon. Their paths ultimately cross in the wake of tragedy.

I love historical novels. I especially love historical Canadian novels. I have never read a book about the gold rush in the Yukon. I really liked the examination of how Liza's family was uprooted and their treacherous journey to the Yukon, amidst all the (misplaced) optimism about what was awaiting them at their destination.

The narrative is told in alternating POVs between Liza and Ben. I found them rather unbalanced in the respect that I liked Liza a lot more than Ben. It's very easy to sympathize and feel for Liza's situation - she's taken away from her home and everything she's ever known because of her father's hopes that they can make great profit in the Yukon. Along the way, she suffers multiple tragedies and struggles to survive.

However, I never warmed up to Ben. We learn literally in the first chapter that he has strong anger/violence issues, linked to his past. This becomes a constant problem throughout the novel, though Ben tries his best to be better. But even very late into the novel, it's hard to like him or believe he will stop being so angry or easily prone to violence. It doesn't make for a very great relationship between him and Liza.

Overall, I really enjoyed the novel but I also found it was sometimes just a string of disasters, which got tiring after a while. But if you're looking for a historical novel on the gold rush, I think this is a good one.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40539184-at-the-mountain-s-edge" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="At the Mountain's Edge" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1540832901m/40539184.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40539184-at-the-mountain-s-edge">At the Mountain's Edge</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4505583.Genevieve_Graham">Genevieve Graham</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2745291911">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
At the Mountain`s Edge by Genevieve Graham is a beautiful historical novel set in Yukon, Canada during the Klondike Gold Rush. The novel has romance, suspense, action all on a backdrop of Northern Canada gold rush period. Hardship and adventure are throughout the book, yet hope and perseverance are what keeps the characters going. Entertaining novel with a facinating historical content.<br /><br />Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book and discovering the author Genevieve Graham in return for an honest review.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/88197662-maude-arcand">View all my reviews</a>

A exciting time in Canadian history. It follows a Vancover family moving their general store to the Klondike area and a young man who joined the Mounties after a terrible childhood. Gold fever, North-West Mounted Police and those who were looking to make a fortune is the basis of this novel. It read more like "The Perils of Pauline". DNF.
My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Genevieve Graham once again teaches us about a perhaps lesser-known part of Canadian history that many of us may have not studied in our school days. At the Mountain's Edge looks at the Klondike Gold Rush, from the arduous journey undertaken to reach the gold fields, to Dawson City at its heyday. She tells her story from the point of view of Liza Peterson, travelling with her family to open a store in Dawson, and Ben Turner, a constable with the North-West Mounted Police. The book tells of their hopes, trials and burdens to overcome in a rich narrative that will be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction and Canadiana alike.

Late 19th-century Canada, the Klondike Gold Rush has just begun in the Yukon. Ben Turner, a young man with a difficult past and a difficult-to-control temper, has just become a Mountie and decides to go up to Dawson to bring some civilization to the gold-rusher city. Liza Peterson is a 19-year-old from Vancouver, when her father decides to pack up their store and move it to Dawson. They then embark on a months-long journey on snow-covered mountains towards an uncertain future. Which becomes even more uncertain for Liza when both her parents and her brother die on the trail, leaving her alone to decide whether to go back home, or try her luck alone in the Yukon.

I got this book from NetGalley. I'd honestly picked it a bit at random, because one of the Popsugar categories is an author whose first and last names start with the same letter. When I started reading I checked out the author's other books and saw the covers were all couples, so I was expecting a sappy romance I wouldn't much like.

As you can gues from my rating, I was wrong. Ben and Liza (whose POVs we get in alternating chapters throughout the novel) meet a few times on the road before getting to Dawson and becoming friends. Only in the last third of the book is the romance more prevalent, and by then you really care about the characters as individuals so it feels natural.

And Liza is awesome. Really, I loved learning about this part of Canadian history, and even more so from the point of view of such a kick-ass young woman.

The only part I had a bit of trouble with was the chronology in the beginning, while their stories were still separate. Nothing indicated whether the events were occurring simultaneously or not, so it's like one chapter we had Ben in Calgary, the next was Liza struggling up the mountain, and the one after that was Ben at the top of the mountain seeing Liza reach it, and I was like, what did he do, fly up there?!

So yeah, I happily recommend this book. And the author has written similar novels about other events in Canadian history, so I intend to check them out too!

This was a charming book, full of action, angst, heartbreak and promise. It posed a different viewpoint on the gold rush, which I rather enjoyed. (Although I now look suspiciously at any sticks emerging from snowbanks) The characters were motivated, driven and well-drawn. It was quite obvious the author really enjoys her topic and did a lot of research. This is the kind of writing that makes for a wonderful bedtime read. It promises that things really will get better, and there can be new beginnings for those willing to work hard enough.
Thank you to Simon&Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC. I greatly enjoyed it, and I'll be eagerly seeking out more of this author's works to devour.

This historical novel is an epic tale of romance and adventure about two people who must let go of the past not only to be together, but also to survive. Set during the Klondike Gold Rush we are swept into a drama of love, tragedy and redemption.

In 1897 gold rush has reached the Canadian wilderness and thousands of prospectors swarm to the North seeking riches. Dawson City, Yukon was their destination but to get there was not an easy endeavor. This story will bring our main protagonist, Liza Patterson, and her family to establish their business in this terribly cold city overrun with guns, liquor, prostitutes and thieves. As for our second main player, recent recruit Constable Ben Turner from North-West Mountain Police will uphold the law….”At the Mountain’s Edge” tells how in order to reach Dawson City they all had to climb harsh trails and survive an excruciating journey for weeks before reaching their destination. But most of this entire exhausting story will tell us how they faced every form of catastrophe and managed to survive in a crude and hostile environment.

The author has combined historical events along some thrills with a wee bit of romance for our enjoyment. Vividly written with a modern twist to it, this story dives straight into the time of the Klondike Gold Rush and propels us in the middle of the action with expert knowledge. The events are accurately recounted showing Ms. Graham spent enormous time researching her subject matter but unfortunately the descriptions just scratched the surface. “At The Mountain Edge" is somewhat of a fluffy story but one that could pique some to look deeper into those who dreamed of making big ….The story is well played out by two charming characters…..awe and there is love in the air….

This is a good story but it wasn’t the page-turner I had wished for.

I'm a total sucker for anything Klondike, Canadiana and love that blossoms in a disaster zone, so I was all in for At the Mountain's Edge. And it totally delivered on those fronts--I loved reading the story from the alternating POVs of a young woman and a Mountie; two narratives that are about as far from the Jack London school of gold rush writing as an author could probably get, which was refreshing.

Unfortunately, there were a few things about the book that were a bit disappointing. The dialogue was minimal and fairly weak--it was very difficult to get a read on the protagonists by the way they spoke. I kept waiting for them to just *talk* but their conversation was formal and stilted. Eventually they reached a certain level of familiarity, but there was no sense of real intimacy. And then [--just as I thought we were finally panning gold, the relationship turned on its heel out of nowhere, and I was left with a bum claim on Bonanza Creek. (hide spoiler)]

All in all I enjoyed the setting very much, even if the action got a little heavy-handed at times. I got a real sense of place and time that kept things interesting--and I swear, it didn't make a difference that my hometown is suffering the worst winter it's had in years while I was reading on a Florida beach, happily on vacation.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the free ebook advanced copy of At the Mountain's Edge.

Once again, Genevieve Graham has masterfully crafted an engaging story around a pivotal time in Canadian history.

At the Mountains Edge takes place in Dawson City, Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. Despite the perilous journey, Liza Peterson’s family has decided to take the risk and head to Dawson City to open a new shop.
Ben Miller has become a member of the North-West Mounted Police and has been assigned to various outposts along the journey to Dawson City. He is trying to make something of himself and escape the memories of his troubled past.

Unfortunately, Ben and Liza don’t meet under ideal circumstances, but an unlikely friendship is slowly formed as they navigate their futures in the harsh and unforgiving North.

This book was an absolute page-turner from start to finish! It was action-packed, taking us on an unforgettable journey through the eyes of those dreaming of hitting it rich during the Gold Rush. The challenges these people faced were unimaginable and how they moved forward after facing such heartbreaking realities is mind-boggling.

If you enjoy reading about Canadian history, you will definitely want to pick this one up!

A historical adventure with a touch of romance set in the Canadian Klondike Gold Rush.

Two lives from vastly diverse backgrounds come together through the toughest of circumstances from 1897-1902. Liza Peterson's father decides to sell everything and move his wife, son & daughter from Vancouver to Dawson Creek Yukon and reestablish their mercantile/general store there. Ben Turner has turned his life around an dis now a red serge wearing constable with the North-West Mounted Police. The hardships these brave men faced to bring law & order to the wilds of Canada are told in bare-bones language and situations. Ben is always there when Liza faces adversity and their bond grows.

Genevieve Graham is a modern-day Pierre Burton with a softer side of Canadian Historical Fiction.

Who can resist a romance with a man in red serge against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies? I guess I can't! A fascinating story into the life of the men and women who succumbed to gold rush fever as they tackled extreme conditions to reach Dawson City, the center of the gold rush in the 1890s.

Not just a fluffy story but an account of what really happened to those who dreamed of making it big. I have a new respect for the Canadian Mounted Police (the Mounties) who faced extreme weather and living conditions to ensure the safety of those on their way to the gold fields.

Liza Peterson and her family embark on an exciting voyage from Vancouver to Dawson City, Yukon to get in on the gold rush. However, tragedy strikes around every corner. Constable Ben Turner of the RCMP is stationed in the Yukon and has to patrol the heightened excitement of everyone wanting to get gold. They are thrust together with circumstance. Will they find love?

This is the first book I've read by Genevieve Graham and I have to say...I enjoyed this book! The story kept me turning the pages and her imagery throughout enabled me to picture everything. I could feel the cold of the snow!

I fell in love with Liza and Ben. They were characters that I started to care for from the beginning. The secondary characters were also well-rounded.

I would definitely read another book by this author.

I give At the Mountain's Edge four dog sleds. You might want to sit by the fire to read this one!

This novel is set in the late 1890's and focuses on two people who are on their way to Dawson City during the Klondike Gold Rush: Liza and Ben.

Liza is the daughter of a merchant who has decided to uproot his family and store to Dawson City to capitalize on the gold rush by opening a store in Dawson City. Ben is an orphan who has just joined up with the Mounties and isn't sure that he'll be able to keep his temper in check as he heads towards Dawson City to his new post. On their way to Dawson City a tragic event causes their paths to cross and various events keep throwing them in each others way.

This story feels, to me, a smidge more modern than was likely for the time but I was able to suspend the disbelief because the history of the novel was so fascinating. This was my first foray into anything to do with the history of the Klondike Gold Rush (or ANY gold rush) and it was amazing to read about what people were willing to go through in order for their chance at a bit of gold. I don't know if all of the events in this story were true that the main characters go through but if not they were believably told and made the history feel even more real.

I do want to give a shoutout to LIza. Despite her modern-ness I adored her. She's feisty, strong and just weak enough to keep from being two dimensional. I think if you love strong women in your novels you'll like her too.

Overall I really dug the historical fiction of this novel but there was a smidge of charm lost with the MC romance. It was fine but I didn't completely buy into the story. Still, read this book for the historical fiction. It's a good one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the eARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

At Mountain's Edge had pretty much everything I love in a book. There was romance, history, and it was well written. Which is why this book felt like such a let down.

First of all, the characters and setting didn't match up. It kind of felt like 21st century people hanging out in 19th century Canada. Things that were said and done in such a time just made the whole thing feel slightly off.

I'm also not sure what this story really wanted to be. If you're looking for a romance, don't bother. The two main characters didn't even really starting talking until about 70% of the way through the story. If you're looking for a story about a young woman who perseveres through literally every bad thing could happen ever, then sure, pick this up (seriously, we get it, she's resilient).

All in all I just was not invested.

4.5 for me but I believe in rounding up.

Who is not fascinated by the Klondike Gold Rush

Genevieve Graham has done it more than justice as she delves into the history behind the gold rush. You soon will be lost in the lives of Ben, a Mountie and Liza who left Vancouver with her family on the great adventure to the Klondike

Genevieve Graham has brought this period of history alive and combined with great storytelling. You will feel the winds howl along with the characters and you meet some nice people and some not so nice.

It was also very informative of how the North-West Mounted Police were formed and how those gentleman , who were heroes in every way , managed to protect us, and to survive for very little in return.

I hope that everyone will take the time to read the author's notes and acknowledgments at the end of the book. It gives the book another big aspect .

This is my first book by this author but off I go to look at her books and stock my shelves.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for this wonderful opportunity to read an advance copy of At the Mountain's Edge.

The Klondike gold rush, the people with gold fever and the brave men who were the first Canadian Mounties. The story is based around the love of a young girl and a Mountie who loved her. It's educational and heartwarming, Beautifully written by a gifted Atlantic Canadian author. A must read.

Rating: 4 / 5

For about 80%, this was great--the pacing, the characters, the vivid descriptions of the Yukon, everything! But then, in order to somehow wrap up with an "exciting" ending, the author reverts to using every manner of cliche in the book. And so, since I only enjoyed 80% of the book, I can only give it an 80% rating.

That being said, both of the protagonists, Ben and Liza, whom the author switches the P.O.V. of in every other chapter, are characters that I've seen before. He's the upright soldier/policeman/Mountie (in this case) who wants to do the right thing but also has a dark past and has a hard time controlling his anger because of it. Seen it. She's a willful and determined young woman who's unconventional at times but can also be a damsel in distress because trouble is constantly attracted to her like a magnet. Seen it. Together, they fall in love, blah blah blah---

Fine, but this was all written charmingly, so I was okay with it.

What I was more than okay with is the time and place that the author chose for her story. If there's any one time period that you have to choose if you're going to set the place as Yukon, then, of course, the Gold Rush is a rightfully popular choice. What impressed me so much is not the knowledge of events that that the author incorporated into her story, but rather how vividly and acutely I felt the setting of the story. Whenever she described how cold something is, I felt how cold something is, and this is coming from a girl who's grown up in Canada and actually likes the cold. Yes, even I was happy to have a warm house and bed at night. So, yes, full kudos to the author for great writing and descriptive detail.

The spoilers to the end I won't reveal, but let's just say that things happen in fast succession, and there's a tonal shift from what was an endearing tale of survival wherein love blossoms as an aftereffect to a story wherein the focus is just on whether these two people who are so obviously in love will get together or not. If the intention was to build suspense then....yeah, it didn't work. True suspense in romance is hard to find nowadays, since generally if two people are into each other, most stories make it a point to get these two people together or at least have them tragically die together or something. Either way, you know that "life" (ahem, the authors) will have them meet again and again for whatever reason. So, whether we're talking avalanches or guns or random third parties who try to separate them, you can predict that in a book they will meet again at some point.

But, anyways, all in all it was a good read that I enjoyed, and which gave me an appreciation for all I have--particularly the warmth. *glances at snow and white sky outside of window*

My recommendation: to anyone who'd like to have a fun and not-purely-historical look at the Yukon Gold Rush, with a little (okay, a lot at the end) romance on the side.

I love this book. Easy to read and impossible to stop when you begin. Ben and Lizza are so great together but the road to be there is full of surprises. Family is very present in the book, for bad and for good.

This story is written from two different perspectives - Liza, a young woman from Vancouver who is traveling to Dawson City in the late 1800's, and Ben, a young man who is a member of the North West Mounted Police (later, RCMP). Their stories converge and it's a tale of struggle and survival in a very remote area. I found that the original description spoiled the majority of the plot line, which was frustrating. A little less detail would have been nice.

I found the book interesting, but ultimately predictable. The tragedies for Liza kept coming and coming, to the point where it began to get annoying. I don't know a lot about Canadian history, so it was very interesting from that perspective. The ending felt a bit rushed, especially the time that was spent in the town of Frank, but it was a satisfying end.

Overall it was a decent, interesting read if you like historical fiction and want to learn more about Canada.