Love’s Mountain Quest is the second book in the Hearts of Montana Series. It is 1867 in Settler’s Fort, Montana. Joanna Watson’s son Samuel and Laura, the woman caring for him, are missing, and the sheriff is dead. In order to find them, Joanna enlists the help of the reluctant Isaac Bowen, a man who would prefer to stay in the shadows. Joanna and Isaac pursue the kidnappers on horseback, dealing with dangers from wildlife and the rugged terrain as well as from the kidnappers they are chasing.
This book has a positive message of God’s forgiveness, no matter how grievous the sin. The description of the Montana wilderness is beautiful. However, there are some unrealistic and downright baffling situations. For instance, Joanna is distracted by romance and desire, and gets all hot and bothered over her traveling companion. This is improbable for a mother trying to rescue her kidnapped son! A mother would be frantic and single-minded in her pursuit, not distracted by the muscles of the neighbor! Then in another insane moment, a horse injured in a wolf attack is left to bleed temporarily while two characters share a kiss!
I appreciated the strong message that you can start over, no matter the circumstances. However, that could not overcome the nonsensical idea that a mother would be engaged in kissing and flirtation while her son is in danger. It is possible to write a romance where romance does not rise in importance to ridiculous levels, but the author does not do that here. In this book, romance is king, and life and survival are secondary. The message of God’s forgiveness lifts this to two stars from one, but I cannot recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers for Historical Novels Review Magazine. My opinions are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
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.
Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family—both immediate and extended—is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.
Bonnie Reads and Writes 