Meagan Myhren-Bennett
Hope's Highest Mountain Hearts of Montana #1 By Misty M. Beller Settler's Fort, a remote mining town in the Montana Territory, is in desperate need of the smallpox vaccine. Along with her father, a maid, and a guide Ingrid Chastain is en route to help administer the vaccine and to help any in need of medical nursing. But when their late-season venture meets with a catastrophic fate Ingrid's life hangs precariously on the skills of a doctor who left the profession behind after losing his family to an outbreak he couldn't stop. Micah Bradley wants nothing to do with people having left all that he knew behind - but he couldn't escape his pain, his loss, or his guilt. When he comes upon the tragic scene that was Ingrid Chastain's life he knows that he'll have to do all he can to save her life. But with little in the way of medical supplies and equipment at his disposal, he isn't hopeful. But Ingrid is a fighter and has a hidden strength that will help her through the pain she is about to face. Ingrid isn't about to let her father's last act to be in vain and she is determined to get the smallpox vaccine to Settler's Fort. Now she just has to convince Micah Bradley that the risk is worth it if they can save lives. But reaching their destination will take more than their own strength - a strength found only in faith in God will be their greatest hope as they take on the Rocky Mountains. I really enjoyed the strength of Ingrid's faith and how she helped not only Micah but several others along the way. One feels the loss that has affected these lives, the push to deliver a needed medicine, and the healing that comes with relying on God. This book is told through both Ingrid and Micah's viewpoints and it is interesting to see how they both react to the situations they find themselves facing. The strength of Ingrid's faith makes an impact on Micah as he sees her faith in action and in the face of what she is experiencing. Hope's Highest Mountain is the first book in the Hearts of Montana series and this book, in my opinion, is excellent and I'm more than a little curious as to what will come next. Those who enjoy historical fiction will want to add this to their TBR list. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion all thoughts expressed are my own.
Terri Dickey
This book is a heart stopping story of a young woman, Ingrid Chastain, that traveled a long distance with her father and caregiver to deliver vital vaccines for smallpox in the Montana territory. Ingrid was raised by her father and when a college reached out to the good doctor he decided to travel from their home in Boston to Montana to deliver and assist in the administering of the much needed vaccine. Little did Ingrid know when their journey began that her whole world would change. The trip was difficult to say the least but one she put her trust in God to see them through. When Micah Bradley lost his family to smallpox he gave up his practice as a doctor and moved to the Rocky Mountains of the Montana territory to get away from everyone and suffer in his pain alone. When he heard a noise and investigated where that noise came from his world would change as well. Finding Ingrid on the side of a mountain with lots of injuries he was forced to go back to doctor mode. Could he save this woman? And better yet could she save him? Ingrid and Micah face so many trials along their way and with Ingrid's faith Micah finally sees he must trust in the Lord to see them through. I was on edge several times reading this book. There are so many times I didn't think they would survive and I wanted to skip ahead to see the outcome but held fast and read page by wonderful page and made this journey with them. I love this author, she always takes us on a journey back in time to feel what the characters would have felt and to paint a picture with her words that gives us a clear picture of the majestic beauty but also the dangers the characters saw and faced to live during this time. I could feel their pain and rejoiced in their victories. I watched as their love for one another grew and was rooting for their happily ever after. This book is so well written and shows us to put our trust in the Lord no matter how large or small our problem is. Very well written and so worth the read. I received an early copy from Netgalley to read and review with my honest opinion. I loved this book and I highly recommend it. 5 stars for me.
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Karen Zimmerman
Yet again, Misty does NOT disappoint! Within just a few paragraphs, sentences really, I was hooked! Filled with adventure, danger, trials, tragedy, and humor I could not put the book down. It was late evening when I started the book and I read into the wee hours of the morning, until I could no longer keep my eyes open. After a few hours of sleep I picked the book back up and didn't put it down until I finished. In less than 24 hours I had read the entire book. Ingrid Chastain faces things that would knock most women and men to the ground yet her faith in the Lord and her hopeful spirit are never crushed. Micah Bradley has faced tragedy of his own. His world was rocked to the point he left civilization to roam the mountains of Montana Territory. He doesn't think he is fit to be a doctor or even to be a part of society. Yet when he comes upon Ingrid in a time of great need he doesn't hesitate to help, to bring her into his camp. Such an inspiring book! Get your copy TODAY!