Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed This Daring Journey (Heart of the Mountains) on + 157 more book reviews
I adore everything about Misty M. Beller's Heart of the Mountain series, and This Daring Journey continues the story of family and friends in Canada's heartland. This story can stand alone, but it's great to reunite with previous beloved characters, such as Simeon & Emma, Noelle & Daniel, Seth & Rachel. Having met Samuel in the previous story, which focused on his twin and ended with him riding off to find Rachel's brother, I was eager for his time in the limelight. There's plenty of adventure and hardship, but the best part is getting to know Samuel and Moriah.
I don't know of any other author quite as gifted as drawing readers into the Canadian territory setting. This Daring Journey immerses readers into the Canadian wilderness which, in spite of its rugged beauty, could be unforgiving when it came to climate, terrain, and wildlife. Dangers from the elements, predators â both animal and human â are all part of this journey, and I especially enjoyed reading about survival skills.
Moriah and Samuel are such appealing characters, well drawn and complex. I loved Moriah's strength, determination, and survival instincts. Moriah's situation prior to Samul's arrival literally blew my mind, giving new meaning to the idea of doing whatever you have to do. After the death of her husband in a hunting accident, she was completely by herself. During that time, she carried a baby to term, then delivered the child â by herself!
Samuel was something totally unexpected in her life and watching them connect is a joy. âHis kindness seemed to run soul-deep⦠He was like a safe cave in a blizzard. A refuge.â When a âmanlyâ man tenderly reaches out to a baby ⦠well, there's just something special about that! The scenes with Samuel and baby Cherry were so very touching, as was the scene when he gently removed porcupine quills from a horse. Samuel and Moriah were exactly what the other needed, and the theme of God's guidance shines throughout.
âThe farther we travel, the more thankful I am that I don't travel aloneâ (Moriah).
Each chapter began with a short journal-like entry that creatively reflected the mood or tone of what was to come. What I loved most, however, was the realization that some of these tied in beautifully to our spiritual lives. For example, the assurance that God is right there with us through the roughest of times. And then, this thought about God's grace ⦠âThis gift ⦠I never knew how much I wanted it.â
This Daring Journey is an entertaining and moving story. I highly recommend it, as well as the whole series.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I don't know of any other author quite as gifted as drawing readers into the Canadian territory setting. This Daring Journey immerses readers into the Canadian wilderness which, in spite of its rugged beauty, could be unforgiving when it came to climate, terrain, and wildlife. Dangers from the elements, predators â both animal and human â are all part of this journey, and I especially enjoyed reading about survival skills.
Moriah and Samuel are such appealing characters, well drawn and complex. I loved Moriah's strength, determination, and survival instincts. Moriah's situation prior to Samul's arrival literally blew my mind, giving new meaning to the idea of doing whatever you have to do. After the death of her husband in a hunting accident, she was completely by herself. During that time, she carried a baby to term, then delivered the child â by herself!
Samuel was something totally unexpected in her life and watching them connect is a joy. âHis kindness seemed to run soul-deep⦠He was like a safe cave in a blizzard. A refuge.â When a âmanlyâ man tenderly reaches out to a baby ⦠well, there's just something special about that! The scenes with Samuel and baby Cherry were so very touching, as was the scene when he gently removed porcupine quills from a horse. Samuel and Moriah were exactly what the other needed, and the theme of God's guidance shines throughout.
âThe farther we travel, the more thankful I am that I don't travel aloneâ (Moriah).
Each chapter began with a short journal-like entry that creatively reflected the mood or tone of what was to come. What I loved most, however, was the realization that some of these tied in beautifully to our spiritual lives. For example, the assurance that God is right there with us through the roughest of times. And then, this thought about God's grace ⦠âThis gift ⦠I never knew how much I wanted it.â
This Daring Journey is an entertaining and moving story. I highly recommend it, as well as the whole series.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
