A Warrior’s Heart is the first book in a new historical romance series called Brides of Laurent by Misty M. Beller. Evan MacManus is a spy looking for a mineable material that could help end America’s war with England. However, when he gets too close to a hidden community, their head of security takes him prisoner. Brielle Durand only wants to protect her home. If that means this handsome stranger must stay locked away in a cave, then so be it.

It is fun to read about lady warriors. Brielle is obviously skilled and deserving of her position and it takes a while for her to open up to Evan. It was interesting to read how Evan handled his captivity. They treated him well as they came to understand him, though they still held him under guard. The relationship between Brielle and Evan unfolded slowly, moved forward by several challenging circumstances.

This was an enjoyable read, albeit not my favorite by this author. I’m looking forward to the second book in this series and hoping it’s about Brielle’s friend, who makes a significant appearance in this book. If you like historical romance, give A Warrior’s Heart a try

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

What I think you you should know:
A Warrior’s Heart is the first book in Misty M Beller’s Brides of Laurent series. It is a historical fiction series set deep in the Canadian Rockies in 1814. It features a secluded settlement that seeks to stay hidden from society and has secluded itself for over a century.

What I think about this book:
What a beautiful start to what looks to be an amazing series. If you have had the pleasure of reading Beller you know that her books are captivating and this is no exception. Beller transports the reader to a hidden society that deeply values their safety and privacy. Brielle has fought to prove her worth as a warrior and protector of her society. Evan is on a secret mission from President Madison to find a mineral that could turn the tides of the war. I love the way that story starts off with action, but slowly unfolds to reveal the society that has been hidden in the caves. I loved the story and the people of Laurent, Beller has created a fascinating society that leaves so many opportunities for future stories. Brielle and Evan were wonderful characters and I enjoyed watching them slowly learn to trust each other and see the strength in the other person. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

I couldn't put this unique story down. Set in the middle of no where Canada in a mountain cave dwelling a little after the Revolutionary War, you have never read anything like this. A man stumbles into the community of untrusting cave dwellers and is held prisoner. Even though the war ended fifteen years prior the people have no clue America even exists.
Brielle is a tough warrior girl with a kind heart who grows on you almost as much as her prisoner. The story is believable, flows so well, has lots of action that keeps it moving. I loved this well written novel so much and will recommend it to anyone looking for a good wilderness historical novel. I'm super curious about communities like this that may have existed.

A Warrior’s Heart is the first book in Author Misty M. Beller’s Brides of Laurent series. It takes us into the Canadian mountains, where the hidden community of Laurent dwells in peace and solitude. They live in caves and know nothing of the outside world. Their only other outsiders are the occasional Indian that they trade with. The people of Laurent have a strong faith in God, but they are afraid of outsiders, as their last visitation resulted in a massacre of their people. However, when a foreigner stumbles upon their territory, Laurent’s quiet life might change forever. Brielle Durand has lived within the caved walls of Laurent her entire life. She is the main hunter and protector for the tribe. So everything changes when she shoots Evan MacManus and takes him prisoner. Evan is a scout/spy for the government seeking a mineral found in the mountains that will help to end the war of 1812. Evan finds this mineral within the caves where he is held prisoner but he finds so much more! He can’t help but be drawn to this people and especially Brielle. He longs to be helpful and honest with the people, but he is duty bound to his commission to the government. If they would just let him leave then he could go back with the information and then resign. Then he would be free to return and pursue his love interest….. There is excitement and hidden surprises and so much more in this most interesting book. Of course anything that Beller writes is always a book that will leave you waiting for the next book to be published. I love anything she writes….. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The thoughts and opinions stated above are entirely my own.

A Warrior's Heart
by Misty M. Beller
Pub Date: August 31, 2021
Bethany House

Another great book by Misty M. Beller! Our patrons love inspirational books like this one. A Warrior’s Heart is a great start to Beller’s new Brides of Laurent series. It has a very interesting story and setting, and I’m so excited to see more of these characters in upcoming books. I highly recommend this one to readers who enjoy a bit of adventure, romance, and faith in their books.
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC. Can't wait to read book #2.

5 star

A Warrior's Heart begins Misty M Beller’s Brides of Laurent series. I love her books and was excited to have the opportunity to read this one. This one is probably one of my favorites I have read by her to date. I loved it! I adored the story between Brielle and Evan. The historical details made me feel as though I was transported back in time and seeing in real time how they lived and being part of their adventure and journey. This is probably one of my favorites I have read by her to date.

I am giving A Warrior's Heart a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I can not wait for the release of the second installment from the Brides of Laurent series.

I received a paperback copy of A Warrior's Heart from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This book is a new series by Misty Beller and I know I’m going to love the books to come. I always love how she starts her books jumping right into the story. Every time I start her books I am hooked from the very start! I love this book is about a strong woman in charge of taking care of her people. Evan is out scouting and comes to close to their home and Brielle has to shoot him and take him captive to find out if he’s a threat to her people. This book has a sweet romance, adventure and is full of Gods love.

Brielle Durand is still haunted by the massacre that killed her mother a dozen years before. Vowing to never let it happen again, she's risen to be the key defender for her people's peace-loving French settlement living in hidden caves in the Canadian Rockies. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret home, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. But now, what to do with this man who insists he can be trusted?

Hoping to escape past regrets, Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover if the northern mountains contain an explosive mineral that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on his promise to his government or take a risk on where his heart is leading him? Either choice will cause harm to someone.
Brielle and Evan must reconcile the warring in their hearts to have any hope of finding peace for their peoples.

My review: I had trouble getting into the book until about half way through. I kept waiting for something to happen It's hard to imagine a group of people that have been able to stay hidden from the outside world for years. They all seem to speak three languages fluently and are highly educated. Brielle is head of the security section for the community. Her fighting skills are above every one else. Evan is a spy working for the US Army trying to find a material that is combustible to help the US win the war against the British in 1812. He is shot with an arrow by Brielle in the stomach as he approaches their dwellings. This is how the story begins. The first half of the book is about his care and how he wants to escape. The second half begins with conflict within the community and how Evan and Brielle have to work together to quell it.

I'm giving this book a three star rating because it took so long for me to really get into it. I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

This is a book for readers who like a thoughtful narrative driven by dialouge. The events of the book happen in one location and primarly in one room. While actions are discussed, and there are moments of activity, this book is more of a slow and steady unfolding of the heart and mind.

While I enjoy thoughtful, character driven books this one lacked some of the spark I normally look for in a tale. If you are looking for a story centered on a slow shifting of perceptions then this might be just the book for you.

I received a free digital galley of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

loved this story of a peace-loving French settlement hidden in caves in the Canadian Rockies in the early 1800s! The female protagonist, Brielle Durand, was the amazing leader of their guard! I admired the respect she received from most of the male guards. The male protagonist, Evan MacManus, was an exceptional man who is searching for an explosive mineral for the American military to use in the War of 1812 and gets too close to Brielle's village and is taken prisoner! Due to a massacre a few years ago, the people of Laurent do not trust outsiders and only have contact with one Indian tribe. They have no idea what is going on in the world and do not know about "new" inventions. I do not know if a settlement like this really existed or not, but it was fascinating to read about. I recommend A Warrior's Heart to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and am anxious to read the next book in this series. I received an advance copy of A Warrior's Heart from the author and Bethany House. This is my honest opinion.

Evan MacManas is on a specail mission to find a mineral called pitchblend. When he stumbles across a hidden village of french decendents and is shot by an arrow by a warrior lady. While he is kept as a prisoner, he begins to fall in love with the warrior lady who shot him. This is a different Misty Beller story but the developing feelings between Evan and the lady warrior,Brielle, makes for an interesting love story that has a feel good ending.

My review today is on the Historical Romance, A Warrior's Heart. This is the first book in the series Brides of Laurent. This is an awesome book. It's a different concept from her usual stories but I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book. It's well written and will touch your heart.

Brielle Durand is the head of protection in her hidden village. The village has been hidden in mountain caves for decades. Their only visitors are the Indian tribes around them. She is out on a hunt when she sees a strange man heading towards her home. She watches him carefully until he crosses a line that she has set in her mind. She shoots him with an arrow dipped in a sedative compound. She takes him into the village as a prisoner. They need to decide what to do with him. Did he come to destroy them as men massacred the village years ago and killed her mother?

Evan MacManus had lost all and is now in the Northwest on a mission for the army. He needs to find an explosive mineral that will help them win the War of 1812. He is shot with an arrow but this is no Indian that has captures him. He wakes in a dark cave with an armed guard. Where is he and who are these people?

An interesting journey of two broken souls. Brielle must keep the village safe at all costs. Evan must return with the mineral that is in the walls of the village. God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too; a plan for peace and not for destruction even in this time of turmoil. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.

Having read a number of Misty Beller's books, I was looking forward to reading A Warrior's Heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The setting was so unique. Beller often has as the main character one who identified as a mountain man or mountain doctor, or the series name include different mountain ranges. In A Warrior's Heart, the community is secluded in caves carved out of the Canadian Rockies. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Evan and Charlotte begin and change throughout the story as they encountered so many struggles and dangers. Strong, likable characters, realistic situations, and wonderfully descriptive scenes work together for a delightful story. Threaded throughout the book also is a faith in God--the God who hears our prayers and answers. I enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next book in the Brides of Laurent series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit and NetGalley. A favorable review is not required, and the opinions are my own.

A Warrior’s Heart was a unique and intriguing tale. It was so interesting to see how this community lived, set apart and hidden for so long. I appreciated the way Brielle and Evan got to know each other as he was held prisoner. Their interactions made a lot of sense. Both of these characters were upstanding people. Brielle was extremely protective of her village and was also a caregiver to her family and friends, working to provide them with food and comfort when they were going through difficult situations.

We learn about Evan’s background and his mission throughout the story. The fact that keeping his mission secret from Brielle and the village weighed on his heart spoke volumes about the kind of man he was. Evan’s faith grew from this trial and he realized that he had to hand everything over to God in one part of the story and rely on prayer and trust in God alone and that he had not been doing that before.

Evan and Brielle made a wonderful romantic pair by the end of the book and I am hopeful that we will see more of them in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A refreshing story of exploration, love, and sacrifice. A Warrior’s Heart takes readers on an adventure into the Canadian mountains, where the hidden community of Laurent dwells in peace and solitude. However, when a foreigner stumbles upon their territory, Laurent’s quiet life might change forever. Will the people be able to trust this stranger despite the threat he poses of exposing their location to the rest of the world?

Evan MacManus is a spy for the United States, commissioned by James Madison himself to find pitchblende, a mineral that could end the War of 1812. After months of trekking through the Canadian wilderness to find what the army needs to win freedom from Great Britain, Evan will discover something far more valuable than he could’ve imagined, but what will happen when his heart is captured by the warrior who imprisoned him despite his innocence? Can Evan find a way to be set free and fulfill his mission without betraying his orders, or will the truth prove harder to share when the outcome could destroy the bond he's formed with Brielle?

“What would it take to prove his innocence completely for her? Would she lay down her defenses enough to give him a chance to win her heart? He had a feeling that winning Brielle would be no easy feat. But she would be worth every bit of effort required.” ~ Misty M. Beller

Brielle Durand has lived within the caved walls of Laurent her entire life. Though her heart yearns to explore past their territory lines, Brielle remains loyal to her duty to protect the people of Laurent with her life; nevertheless, everything changes when she shoots Evan MacManus and takes him prisoner. Is he truly trustworthy, or is he the forerunner of another vicious attack on her people? Brielle will do what it takes to unveil Evan’s secrets, but as she gets to know him, she’ll learn that it’s okay not always being the strongest person in the room.

“She loved these people, too. This home she’d committed to protect. How could she reconcile the longing to leave with her intense love for this place?” ~ Misty M. Beller

A Warrior’s Heart is a unique novel that points the glory to God rather than a hero. How do we respond when our faith is put to the test, or we are told to take a back seat rather than joining the frontline? In Evan and Brielle’s case, they must discover what it means to trust in God and humble themselves despite their drive to do it on their own. God’s ways are mysterious, and it takes walking into the unexpected to understand all that He has planned.

I enjoyed this God-fearing book. Full of meaning, action, and faith, I was immediately absorbed into its storyline. With so many novels casting the glory on protagonists, I found Misty M. Beller’s approach pioneering to the Christian Fiction genre. Our strength is not enough, but with God on our side, we will be victorious! A Warrior’s Heart portrayed this and more in its intricate journey through trust, sacrifice, love, and prayer. Sometimes, we must be stripped of everything to gain the world!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this pre-release copy. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

I am totally hooked on this series, and cannot wait for the second installment. Set in 1814 in the Rocky Mountains of Canada, the story follows female warrior Brielle Durand and US Army spy Evan MacManus. In an effort to protect the village of Laurent, Brielle takes Evan captive, but will he end up being the invader or the protector of Laurent? Will Evan decide to rely on his own strength and reasoning, or is there someone else on whom he can safely rely? Readers will greatly enjoy discovering the answers to these questions.

Misty M. Beller has a unique voice within the genre of historical fiction. She creates strong protagonists through allowing their vulnerabilities to show alongside their strengths. She squarely places her readers within the stunning beauty as well as the harsh realities of life in the mountains, shoulder to shoulder with her characters. I am grateful to have received a copy of A Warrior's Heart from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Another inspiring mountain tale from Misty M. Beller! A Warrior’s Heart is a great start to Beller’s new Brides of Laurent series. It has a very interesting premise and setting, and I’m so excited to see more of these characters in upcoming books. I highly recommend this one to readers who enjoy a bit of adventure, romance, and faith in their books. 4/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A balanced blend of American history, family background, and Christian romance.

A Warrior's Heart is the first book in Author Misty M. Beller's Brides of Laurent series, and I'm excited to see what she has in store for us with her future books. A prolific writer of American history, Beller brings the Western and Frontier world to you in a thoughtful, character driven story. This new tale is part of one of her five different series, and I highly recommend you read her books if you love Christian Historical fiction.

We meet Brielle Durand on the hunt. She's tracking an interloper across the outskirts of her settlement which is hidden in the caves of the Canadian Rockies. As a leader of her people, she will never forget the tragedy which struck her secret village over twelve years before. A massacre killed several including her own mother. A peaceful encampment, Brielle is determined to never let outsiders into her home again.

Evan MacManus doesn't realize he's about to become the prey. His mission is to find an explosive material in the Northern mountains. This incendiary element is supposed to be within the mountains according to the descriptions and directions provided by an old trapper's diary. He needs the material to help bring an end to the War of 1812. A war that has brought him immense loss and grief.

During the telling of each story, our main characters inner turmoil and dialogue assists in developing their burgeoning relationship. Brielle wants to trust Evan, but the wounds of her past are still fresh, and she isn't sure she's ready to believe her instincts about him. Evan struggles to tell the truth, but not the whole truth, of why he was traveling so near their encampment. He didn't even realize it was there, and he knows there's a chance their home could be the location he needs. Brielle is a courageous and valiant female character, and Evan is a unflinching and forgiving male character whose personal growth and mutual respect heighten over time.

With secrets between the two, the bitter past, and conflict rising in the settlement, readers are treated to the characters' experiences and adventures. As they reveal their truths, both develop a deeper friendship. Neither want their fears and doubts to plague their growing trust and deepening feelings for each other. However, the antagonism of one of Laurent's people forces Brielle and Evan to make choices they hope they don't regret.

A Warrior's Heart is an inspiring and uplifting read about second chances, the strength of community, integrity, and faith. Brielle and Evan are a thoughtful couple who show how prayer and compassion can help heal scarred hearts, and how the Lord brings all things together for the good of His creation. Author Misty M. Beller gives readers sweet, meaningful encounters between the main characters and secondary characters as well as the depth of family within Laurent. It had me wishing there was even more background to all of the secondary characters who I came to love.

A stirring, memorable story that readers will love. The 19th Century is brought to life once more in this newest novel about the American West, and it sheds light on the compassion, sensitivity, and humanity each character's life brings to the story. I loved it - with a 4/5 rating, and I encourage you to pick up your copy today!

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers, Netgalley, and the author for an ARC copy to read and review!

Read if you like: Canadian history, war of 1812.
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This book was really fun! Brielle and her village were French settlers that moved into caves and basically cut themselves off from the world for a century.
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Brielle wants to protect her people because the last time their village was found there were negative consequences. So when Evan stumbles upon the village, he is taken prisoner.
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I really love how Beller took Canadian history and created her own story within history, which was really fun! I loved Brielle and how strong she was. She really wants to do what’s best for her people!
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CW: sexism and misogyny, violence, death of a parent, sexual harassment.

I just finished this amazing book with tears in my eyes! I couldn't put it down once I started it. Even the cover of the book is beautiful and helps us to see a little of the village of Laurent. Ms. Beller writes stories that touch your heart and this book has you tied in knots. I don't know what to say because I don't want to give anything away that would take from your enjoyment. The characters are wonderful and just about all of them will make their way into your heart as you learn about their lives and the battles they have fought. I'm glad this is just the first book in this series because I want to learn so much more about them. This book has all the things I enjoy, people that put their trust in God, suspense, mystery and romance!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion of an awesome book!