MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Peace in the Mountain Haven is yet another book in the exciting Call of the Rockies series from Misty Beller. This one is book seven. I was so happy to visit with some old friends in this series as well as meeting new and exciting in this story. Hugh Charpentier is to help a woman and her six year old down the rough and rugged Rockie Mountains. Watkuese is determined to find her way back down the mountain. Follow their journey as these almost strangers struggle to find their way.

I loved this journey even though some of the scenes were so hard to read about because the way was so treacherous at times. Sometimes I found it hard to put this book down, I was so engrossed in the story. Beller has no trouble keeling the attention of her readers, and she does a fantastic job in this one. Peace in the Mountain Haven is another favorite of mine and I sure hope there is a book eight!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

Whenever I start reading a book by Misty M. Beller, I expect wonderful characters and storylines. As the next book in this series about life in the Rockies, this book lived up to my expectations.

What I love about any series this author writes stems from the way familiar characters reappear and continue to develop. To get the full benefit of this story, I recommend reading the books in order.

With a willful six-year-old who demonstrates no fear, an adopted mother who wants the best for her daughter, and a man willing to do anything for his family, this book will draw you into the story.

So if you enjoy Christian Historical fiction, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

In the current politically-charged, divisive culture that has seemingly permeated every aspect of society, it is a great relief to be able to escape into a novel for a breath of fresh air. How much more so when the characters are diverse and their conflicts acknowledged without sugarcoating, yet also without propagandized dogma. This is just one of the many reasons that Misty Beller is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, as her “Call of the Rockies” series continues with book seven, “Peace in the Mountain Haven.” As I often observe with regard to series, this one can be read as standalones, but it is most thoroughly enjoyed in chronological order.

Set in the Clearwater River Valley in 1831 in what will later become the Idaho Territory, “Peace in the Mountain Haven” tells Watkuese and Hugh Charpentier’s stories. A feature of this tale that I found especially interesting is the fact that neither main character is a practicing Christian at the beginning; in my opinion, this makes things more challenging for the author, but Beller still infuses the Christian element into the narrative in a believable manner. Despite the ethnic differences between them, both characters share similar struggles and are outliers of a sort amongst their own people. Watkuese possesses a fiercely independent nature that has led her to forge her own path in life and to resist being cowed by any man. When this comes to a head, she exclaims, “I am so weary of everyone thinking they know what’s best for me. My entire life, men think they know what’s best for me…I have a mind of my own, and I know what I want.” Much the same can be said of her adopted daughter, six-year-old Pop-pank, who has not come to terms with her grief over the death of her parents.

Holding people at arm’s length is Hugh’s approach to life after his childhood experiences, and his younger brother Louis is the only person he feels comfortable around. After all, “When it came to other people, he never could get it right.” His aloof disposition puts him in the ideal place to serve the Lord’s purposes, even if he hasn’t given God much thought over the years. Because of what he believes about himself and the ensuing gulf in his spiritual life, “He’d worked so hard not to let himself care or get too close to others. He was saving them from himself and making things easier on everyone when he left. Keeping his distance was necessary.” However, while God does not always heal by removing the pain, sometimes he uses our broken pieces to join us together with others who also need restoration, like a puzzle that only comes together when He is the builder. The best part of both Watkuese and Hugh’s journeys is when they come to the end of themselves and recognize that peace ultimately comes from the “Creator Father,” who is the only One who can be our true safe haven.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Ack!! Misty Beller is another author whose books I am starting to really anticipate! I was not overly impressed by the first book I read, but now, I am hopelessly a fan. Peace in the Mountain Haven is on my favorites list. Beller’s beautiful mountain settings, multi-cultural characters, and ability to recount a compelling story of both faith and love have me hooked.

In 1831, the future Idaho Territory area is home to Watkuese, a single Native American, who is raising her deceased friend’s six-year-old daughter, Pop-pank. Searching for inner peace for herself and her sullen, grieving charge, Watkuese decides to return to Pop-pank’s tribal home. Hugh Charpentier and his brother, Louis, are assigned to accompany the two back to the village.

Watkuese is a strong, independent woman who wants to make her own way and rely on no one. She is not close to the family she has, but considers Pop-pank “the daughter of her heart” and will give her life to protect the stand-offish young one.

Hugh Charpentier is a white trapper who is hardened to relationships with others because of his past. “The more you kept your distance from others, the easier it was to part ways.” He is very aloof, but he still takes great care of Wautkuese and Pop-pank. With enough nurturing, will a tender, dedicated heart emerge?

I loved Louis. He is such a happy soul, yet it is not because his life is easy. He chooses to look for ways to engage others and make them feel comfortable. He can see past walls built up to protect a heart, and isn’t afraid to meddle to encourage better thinking.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought a copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

Firewood he knew far better than people.

She'd already promised herself she would give her life to protect Pop-pank. Should she give her freedom as well?

If only he could be the man Louis thought he was. ( )

This author is one of the best at taking a reader into the story where you feel a part of it. I was transported back in time to 1831 where people were trying to survive the dangers of the terrain, weather and possible enemies. I can’t describe how powerful the story was but without a doubt it captivated my inner desire to survive anything that came my way. The characters are very strong, determined but also have a vulnerable side to each of them. For some reason I kept hearing this song in my head “I will survive,” as the journey became one of instinct, trust and faith.

Watkuese has a big responsibility taking over the care of a six year old named Pop-Pank. The little girl misses her parents and Watkuese is trying to get her back to her own tribe before winter comes. How do you help a little girl who is grieving? It is a hard road ahead for everyone as danger and challenges await them.

Hugh oh how I am glad we get to know you better. You are such a hero in your own way by accepting the responsibility of escorting a young woman and child back to their tribe. I liked the almost stoic attitude he had at times. I think he was perhaps guarding his heart from getting hurt by a certain someone. Poor Hugh just can’t seem to say the right words around Watkuese and the distance between them grow.

Louis is the kindest and most understanding character in the story. He loves his brother Hugh, but knows he carries a heavy burden. I liked how he assured Hugh that he was nothing their Pa and encouraged him to open up to others more so they could see that he was an honest and caring person.

The story gets really good the closer they get to the village. A surprise appearance by White Owl stirred up a few emotions for Watkuese as well as Hugh. White Owl’s presence is innocent enough when he comes to bring his niece home but I think he has his heart set on making Watkuese his wife. The author brings emotions to the surface as Watkuese must face her feelings for Hugh. In the midst of this, danger surrounds them when a group of men attack the group. Oh my was this a well written scene as chaos breaks out. This scene is particularly important because it reinforces the feelings that two people have for each other and the heroic efforts taken to save our main characters from harm.

The ending is so good and I love how Hugh finally comes to accept how he is worthy and that he did make a difference in his brother’s life. I really liked White Owl and admired how he fought with strength to protect those who he was with. There is something about White Owl that intrigued me and I’m happy to know that the next book in this series features him.

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