I had not yet had the pleasure of reading anything by Misty M. Beller, but I was entranced by this novel and am eager to read more by her. The rugged and formidable Western setting was a great backdrop for the achingly tender romance in this story. The author does a breathtaking job of describing the harsh elements and the beauty of the mountains in the winter. I really liked Ingrid and her strong faith that allows her to survive tough trials. At times, I did think that her behavior was a little unbelievable, such as overcoming a tragedy with a family member early in the book remarkably quickly, but I do not think this detracted from her as a character. Micah is also a wonderful character, with strong qualities that make him a true hero. I think at times the plot feels repetitive with multiple tragedies that set Ingrid and Micah back again and again, but the ending wrapped up wonderfully. Overall, I did enjoy this book and look forward to more by this author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I had not yet had the pleasure of reading anything by Misty M. Beller, but I was entranced by this novel and am eager to read more by her. The rugged and formidable Western setting was a great backdrop for the achingly tender romance in this story. The author does a breathtaking job of describing the harsh elements and the beauty of the mountains in the winter. I really liked Ingrid and her strong faith that allows her to survive tough trials. At times, I did think that her behavior was a little unbelievable, such as overcoming a tragedy with a family member early in the book remarkably quickly, but I do not think this detracted from her as a character. Micah is also a wonderful character, with strong qualities that make him a true hero. I think at times the plot feels repetitive with multiple tragedies that set Ingrid and Micah back again and again, but the ending wrapped up wonderfully. Overall, I did enjoy this book and look forward to more by this author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

My Thoughts on Hope’s Highest Mountain:
Hope’s Highest Mountain is a great new novel by an author I love to read. She’s got a great way of drawing you into the story and holding you captive. I know when I sit down with one of her books that I’m there for the long haul. It’s not a book I’m going to read a few chapters and then get up and go on with my day. And it’s definitely not a book I’ll sit and read a few chapters before going to bed. I wouldn’t put it down till it was over!

This is no exception. Great book. I loved the characters. Since I’m a nurse I love pretty much any book that brings medicine or the lack of it or the discovery of it or the need for it into the storyline. I love books that have nurses or doctors in them.

So, of course, I loved this book with its mentions of smallpox and that Micah is a doctor. All too often it really does seem that one bad happening can cause someone to lose love for something they lived for before. This can be true for pastors as well as doctors.

I highly recommend this book and any book you can find by Misty Beller. They’re great and you’ll love them.

I love the tenacity of Ingrid and the reluctance but chivalry of Micah. He knows what he has to do and even though he really doesn’t want to do it because of the personal loss it could potentially mean he perseveres to get it done. Could he possibly find healing while helping Ingrid to heal? Can they together accomplish the tasks set out for them?

I’d love to find another book on these two characters or see them make guest appearances in other books to come.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from 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.

I am a fan of Misty Beller and Hope’s Highest Mountain did not disappoint. Book one in her Hearts of Montana is set in Montana in 1866. Some of the plot line is familiar in that it has a doctor who left doctoring after losing patients but is now forced to use his doctoring skills. But even though it is a plot line that has been used before, the story is fresh, new and enjoyable. Beller includes a few twists that make you wonder which direction a romance is headed but that adds to the enjoyment of the book. I love that one character places reliance on God as a necessity for a spouse. Faith in God is evident in one character and gradually grows stronger in another. I look forward to reading book two.

I would not hesitate to add Hope’s Highest Mountain to my k-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for middle school and up.

I want to thank Celebrate Lit for the complimentary copy of Hope’s Highest Mountain. This is my honest review.

I have read all of Misty Beller’s mountain wilderness novels, and I wondered how she could pull off another thrilling adventure story that didn’t seem to repeat stuff from the other books. Of course, we have snow and danger, but the characters and situation make this new one a winner. The plot may be similar since it’s a mountain journey through bad weather (man against the elements), but the tension rachets up and the stakes are high. Ingrid Chastain and her father were on a journey to deliver small pox vaccine to a needy community suffering a severe outbreak. Right away problems arise and we wonder if they will be successful. Micah Bradley, a trapper who had been a doctor, comes upon them, but does he want to get involved? He’d been trying to escape his painful past by coming to Montana Territory, but now he must face what he’s been trying to avoid. I enjoyed the story and the characters it includes—they brought the story to life. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit.

Ingrid Chastain travels with her father to Montana Territory to carry life-saving smallpox vaccine to the people of Settler’s Fort. Everything about the trip turns out wildly different than she ever would have imagined.

Her great losses draw her closer to God and the example she sets inspires Micah Bradley to discover a faith he never knew.

Sweet romance that reads like a chapter from Les Miserable—one disaster after another (some of them seem a little contrived).

Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

What a wonderful story this was. It was full of hardships, grit, and so much grace. I loved how the entire plot of the story was dangerous and tough. The two characters in this book have both faced hardships, and after they meet, they must also endure even more hardships together.

Beller did a fantastic job of setting up the setting of this book. She wrote with such detail that I could feel the cold and endurance needed for these characters to trek through snow covered mountains for weeks to get to their destination. I also liked the development of the characters. It took time for there to be trust built and each was in their own place when it came to their walk with God.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, I highly recommend this. With each character, Christ can be found in different ways because they are all in different places, which makes it relatable to a lot of readers.

Hope's Highest Mountain begins the new series, Hearts of Montana. I have loved the every one of Misty M Beller’s books and I believe this one is by far my favorite. I loved how she vividly detailed the time period and setting. I felt like I was right there with Ingrid and Micah.
I would give Hope’s Highest Mountain one hundred if I could. I highly, highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy well written and clean historical fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

What an amazing read! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I couldn’t wait to see what happened in the end! The adventure was always there and the romance that built...was heartwarming. To see how tragity led to his aloft nature and her grace that led to a redemption.

I went on a hallowing adventure in the 1800s through Hope’s Highest Mountain. Ingrid along with her father and two others experienced a wagon crash while traveling to Settlers Fort. Ingrid was the only survivor and was found near death by a mountain man, Micah. With a broken leg and ribs, Micah struggles to rescue her and help get her on the road to healing. Her only thought is to get the vials of life saving medicine to the doctor in Settlers Fort.
Traveling on foot, dragging Ingrid in a “sling” he tries to fulfill her request. Through mountains, snow and winter weather they struggle with little food and near frostbite conditions. They pick up a small boy and his mother after her husband passes away. So on they go, day after day, week after week. If obstacles could hinder their travels it happens to this group in spite of all their prayers.
I admired the strength and fortitude in everyone of these characters. I even found myself praying for them as I read. Now that’s realism in the best of books! Grab a blanket, a hot cup of coffee and settle in for a great read that will leave you admiring the strength of the travelers during this time period of American history.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.

I was immersed into the action and the adventure found in Hope’s Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller. The courage and hope that Ingrid had after a tragic accident in the rugged terrain of Montana in the middle of winter gave way to her inner strength and faith she held dear. When she realized she was being nursed back to health by a former doctor Micah, she was determined that the delivery of the precious cargo he had salvage from the accident be delivered. There were so many twists and turns in the story with snowstorms, misfortunate with new injuries and even unexpected provisions that kept the story moving at a rapid pace. The ups and downs of traveling in the hazardous winter conditions of Montana was so vivid I felt like I was in the mist of a winter storm The hope that Ingrid clung to brought soul searching to life for Micah, as he had been hiding away to cope with his heartbreak of grief. I enjoyed the letters he had written that brought more insight into his past that interspersed in the story. Ingrid and Micah’s journey to Settler’s Fort will have readers enthralled to see how their lives and others might be rescued. I appreciate the traits found in Ingrid with knowing her hope was truly in God. Beller’s story is not preaching but a gentle reminder that God is hope, love, peace and joy when a life is surrendered to Him despite being in the valley or highest mountain top.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, NetGalley and the author for the book tour. I was not required to write a positive review but have shared my own personal thoughts.

(4.5 stars) - A beautiful story of life after death

Micah has been living in a self-imposed exile in the Colorado wilderness when he finds the wreck of a fallen wagon. Ingrid is the only survivor. Her determination to finish delivering vials of smallpox vaccine to the town that desperately needs it sends them on an incredibly difficult & dangerous journey together.

During that time, they start to get to know one another and become increasingly closer as their relationship develops under the extreme circumstances of their trip.

Micah has considerable bitterness toward God for the loss of his wife & daughter. Ingrid has a very strong faith & trust in God even thru her pain. He helps heal & protect her physically, and she helps do the same for him spiritually & emotionally.

It's a very touching and inspirational romance. It gets a little bit mystical at the end which some will love and others not so much, but I certainly enjoyed it!

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Religion: overtly Christian

What makes this book so good is how detailed the author makes the historical setting so vivid. As the accident happened and people were thrown from a wagon it was easy to understand the terror they must have felt. I loved how Ingrid became a very strong and determined woman to finish the job her father set out to do. She thought little of her injuries and her grief as she lay waiting for someone to come along and rescue her that fateful day. The terrain she was trapped in was dangerous as the snow came down with an icy chill in the air.

Micah didn't happen upon Ingrid by accident. He was guided there by God and and guided Micah and Ingrid to safety. Their journey was tiring and a struggle as Micah had to keep Ingrid as comfortable as he could. I liked the back story on Micah and his loss that he hasn't gotten over yet. He kept his heart close to his chest but there were glimpses of feeling brewing for Ingrid. The setting is well executed by the description of that time period. the author gives us historical facts that help us imagine what it was like during the late 1860's.

The story is so well written that I felt like I was watching a movie as the words became pictures in my head. I could feel the pain Ingrid went through as her injuries prevented her from helping Micah as they traveled. Along the way they run into a woman and her child. Their addition to the story showed how God provided when they needed shelter and food. The faith element is strong in the story and delivers truths about trusting God and never giving up.

I have to mention the wonderful dog in the story. He melted my heart at his devotion to Ingrid and how he took to the boy right away. His steady faithfulness warmed my heart. There is nothing more precious than an animal that stays by your side during the good times and the bad. The author gives readers a powerful story of overcoming obstacles, trusting and finding your way back to God.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Such courageous! I loved how much courage Ingrid showed in facing dangers and hardships in the Montana territory. Ingrid's father was taking medicine to a remote village when disaster overtakes them. Ingrid's faith in God never seemed to waiver! Micah was courageous in spite of temporarily losing his faith in God. Hope's Highest Mountain is a book you don't want to put down. I have loved all of Misty Beller's books. I recommend Hope's Highest Mountain to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a copy of Hope's Highest Mountain from the author and Net Galley. This is my honest opinion.

Hope's Highest Mountain is another wonderful historical romance novel by Misty Beller. Having read several of her other books, I was looking forward to reading this one and found it to be as enjoyable as I'd hoped. It is a beautiful and captivating story of unexpectedly finding love in a very stressful and difficult situation and of recognizing the importance of learning to trust--trusting God to work things out and trusting one's heart. The writing style is graceful and flows smoothly as the author tells the story of characters who have to work together, trusting virtual strangers with their lives, to complete a daunting task. The author has infused the story with page-turning, nail-biting action during a treacherous mountain trip that is beset by one trial after another. Realistic situations and wonderfully descriptive scenes all work together for a delightful story. Threaded throughout the book is a faith in God--the God who gives us strength when we need it the most and the One who alone can mend broken hearts and bring hope. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Ms. Beller's books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

Misty M. Beller is a new author to me. I enjoyed her writing style. Her faith elements were strong, and she wove prayer into her story frequently and effortlessly. While I had to suspend my disbelief at some of the survival aspects of the book, I enjoyed the nonstop action and adventure. The main characters were brave and determined and they had great chemistry. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy frontier romance with a lot of "man verses nature" elements.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley for the purpose of review.

This was my first book by Misty M. Beller and I REALLY enjoyed it! My expectation was that this was just going to be a little easy read in between a few other books I was reading...and it turned out to be so much more than I expected. The vulnerability of Ingrid as she is injured in a terrible accident creates a connection between her and her rescuer. As she struggles to survive, her hero is dedicated to doing all that he can to keep her alive, even if it brings up difficult memories of his own. His battle with a form of PTSD due to his experiences in trying to bring healing to those in need challenges him mentally and emotionally, even as he is battling the physical elements of being on a mountain with winter approaching. While these characters began as strangers, they had to learn to trust each other with their lives. I liked the plot twists as well, especially as Ingrid began to heal and wanted to complete the mission she set out to do. Ingrid's stubbornness was a character trait that I have mixed thoughts about. At times, it certainly served its purpose in the story...other times it was kind of irritating ; ). But the overall outcome was definitely one I liked. I could definitely see myself reading this one again!

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give my honest opinions, which I did.**

Micah Bradley has isolated himself in the Montana mountains for almost 5 years. He has been grieving the loss of his wife and child who died on his watch. He was a Dr. who couldn’t help his loved ones survive a smallpox outbreak. He hears a scream “…”something was wrong. He could feel it in his bones. The same way he used to know his doctoring skills were about to be summoned, even before a pounded knock sounded on his door.”

He discovers a tragic sight. Everyone is dead except for a young lady whose critically wounded. Micah helps this woman the best he can. He hopes she wakes up soon then again, he doesn’t look forward to telling her she’s the only survivor. Ingrid has put her faith in God, left everything to go on this trip of mercy; bringing the vaccines to help this remote town with her father. She struggled with the tragic news Micah gave her. She is determined now, more than ever to deliver this medicine. Her father’s death wouldn’t’ be in vein. If they waited for her to heal completely it would be too late, by spring a whole village in Settler’s Fort could be wiped out by smallpox. She had to get Micah to go now.

Micah appreciates her determination, but he has to make her see that she is still vulnerable to collapse she had to rest to heal. Micah comes to the end of himself, “surrendering all he has. Could he truly release Ingrid into God’s hands? Accept that whatever God chose would really be best? For her? For him?...He had to do this. Had to release everything to the Lord. He’d never have peace if he held back.” He prays, “She’s yours, Lord.”..”I am too!”

They seek a supernatural strength to make it step by step.What the enemy meant to destroy them God uses to change them from the inside out. Along the way they meet a woman, Joanna and her young son, Samuel. They join them on their quest. None of these individuals realize what an impact this trip would have on their lives. The characters battle severe weather conditions and a treacherous mountain terrain. Against all odds this little caravan pushes on.

Nothing could have prepared them for this encounter with nature. Just when you think they’ve battled their last attack from nature, another one heads their way. It was like that right up to the very end.

This book made me appreciate the times we live in. I can drive in a covered vehicle drive anywhere in a short period of time to get medical help. It also made me appreciate the fact we have vaccines that have eradicated smallpox. No cases of naturally occurring smallpox have happened since 1977. This is a story of loss, love, hope and faith. Ingred and Micah, Joanne and Samuel have a change of heart and a fresh outlook on life, love and God by the end of their journey. So, will you!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Catalogue front page www.bookfun.org

This is a tender, sweet tale of two people who are thrown together by a tragic event and how they must survive and trust the Lord. The writing transported me to the mountains in this survival tale where you can't help but admire the pioneers who came before us.
In my opinion this book was a bit slower paced than I normally like, and to me the romance didn't grab me.
However the story was well told and I like how it put emphasis on the power of prayer when we are called upon to pray.
Very nice.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. My opinions are honest and entirely my own.

‘Your right hand will hold me fast’ Psalms 139:10b

The author has done it again - another fabulous book that draws you in and keeps you engaged until you are finished! The attention to detail found me shivering, holding my breath and almost crying out loud as I travelled with them through the mountains. Ingrid, her father and maid set out from Boston for Settler’s Fort with smallpox vaccines, never expecting the trials ahead. They only have eyes on the goal of helping stem the tide of this horrible disease. Rocky paths, caves, snow and more snow, avalanche, accidents and death were just some of the adventures experienced. Micah is a doctor that has given up doctoring and is existing in the mountains. Will he learn from Ingrid’s faith as she states ‘Relying on God fills me with an inner strength much greater that I could posses on my own’?

I must admit I started this book with the plan to accomplish some other things today as well. That did not happen as it was impossible to set this aside until I knew how it ended.

This ARC was received through Bethany House Publishers, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The 5 star rating, comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.