Misty Beller has quickly become one of my favorite historical romance authors. I would not have thought that an author could pen so many books with similar settings, genres, and themes without falling into a rut or monotonous pattern, but Beller accomplishes this feat with aplomb. Each story is unique and uplifting, a glimpse into the nineteenth century and how romance and faith sustained the characters through hardship and heartache. Her latest novel, “A Warrior’s Heart,” truly stands out to me as one of the most intriguing, and my favorite to date, and it heralds the beginning of the Brides of Laurent series.

Set in the Rocky Mountains in Canada during the War of 1812, “A Warrior’s Heart” presents a world that sounds idyllic until a stranger enters and starts a ripple effect in the lives of its inhabitants. Native Scotsman and American Evan McManus is a man on a mission, looking for a specific mineral that the government believes will help them win this second war against the British, when he unwittingly stumbles upon a clandestine community and into the path of its capable lady warrior, Brielle Durand. With that fascinating premise, readers embark on an adventure of discovery, one which shatters stereotypes while creating a world not so far removed from our own in certain ways.

If I’m being honest, Laurent sounds like both a bit of a dream come true and a nightmare. I appreciate the detachment from the world at large and find myself wishing for that kind of self-sufficiency and for the well-being to continue. As Evan realizes, “Staying within these walls meant safety. In this land that was more treacherous than any he’d seen, these people had survived, and even thrived, because of the walls.” The thought of living in a space, likely without windows, hewn from rock, is unbearable to me, although I am impressed by the detail and planning of the homes and meeting structure and how everything is interconnected. Brielle notes that “Her people were peace-loving. They only wanted to remain completely on their own, invisible to the world except for the natives they traded with.” More and more in this current age, I find myself in agreement with this!

A few other aspects of the Laurent people captured my attention and stoked my interest, as well. The most obvious is Brielle’s unusual position as Le Commandant, leader of the guards and hunters. Her demeanor is difficult to decipher, and after she begins to reveal her emotions, she feels overwhelmed by all that she must do. When she doubts herself, Evan reassures her: “You excelled where you were gifted. That’s what all people who achieve great things have done. You leaned into your strength and accomplished feats few people would attempt.” The Laurent people’s fluency in three languages also breaks stereotypes of the native people of any land being simple-minded or uneducated.

Most precious of all is the faith element, which shines forth from both Evan and Brielle in spite of their seeming opposite natures early on. While I would have expected one or the other to have a stunted or even nonexistent faith, both characters exhibit faithfulness and godly compassion in their own way, and this bears fruit in their lives as the story unfolds. Just how far this harvest can reach will become evident when readers turn the final page of this inspiring new novel.

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. ( )

Brielle Durand suffered trauma years ago when Englishmen who came to their village murdered her mother along with several other villagers. As an adult, Brielle now serves as the chief defender of their French villager in the Canadian Rockies. She shows strength of character, determination, along with compassion. As a character, I admired the distinct qualities of her personality.

Evan MacManus working to overcome actions from his past. He wanders into Brielle’s village and she takes the only action possible. Evan winds up as her prisoner. He carries secrets of his own, but eventually they find they have to trust each other in order to move forward. I want to read more about these characters and the village. Misty M. Beller creates moving and powerful stories that develop over time, and this book lives up to my expectations. So check it out for yourself.

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

A Warrior’s Heart by Misty M. Beller is the first book in the Brides of Laurent series. I have always enjoyed Misty’s books for the gorgeous Western setting and epic adventures across mountain ranges. This book is a little different in that it takes place in one location, but what a beautiful place to stay for this story!
I loved learning about the unique village of Laurent and the strong and innovative people who lived there. It was fascinating to get a close-up look at their way of life. How they taught several languages to their children, the French-inspired food, and how they literally carved a way of life into the heart of a mountain.
I loved strong heroines, and the author is great at writing women warriors. I loved how Brielle was a leader, respected among all the villagers--including men. But I also loved how she was still a woman with vulnerabilities all her own. It didn’t take long for me to admire her as well.
I loved Evan. I loved his tenacity, his loyalty, and his big, passionate heart. He has all the physical attributes of a typical handsome hero, but it is pride and affection for Brielle and her strong role in the community that really won me over.
Overall, I loved this story. It had fantastic adventure, history, and (of course!) romance. Any fan of Beller’s will enjoy this new series. And any Christian historical fiction fans will love it, too!
I was given a copy of this book by Celebrate Lit with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I enjoyed reading this novel! The descriptions are beautifully told and I had no trouble envisioning the scenes. The premise of the story caught my attention right away, and although the story started a little slow, as the tale unfolded, it began to capture my attention. I liked the romance a lot and enjoyed getting to know the main characters in the book. Brielle is a strong female character with a remarkable passion for those she loves. There is adventure and danger as well as mystery that kept me reading and even surprised me with a twist that I was not expecting. This novel is well written and definitely worth the read! I look forward to more in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )

3.5 Stars

Misty M. Beller has established herself as an author who writes about the struggles of survival of people in the Montana/Wyoming/Canadian Rockies. She adds a little twist in A Warrior’s Heart (the first book in a brand new series from Beller).

The twist? A community hidden and living in the caves of the mountain. When Evan stumbles upon these people while on an expedition commissioned by James Madison, they are immediately suspicious—and no one more than Brielle.

Much of this book takes place in the cave where Evan is being held, so there are many slow sections with him talking to his captors or listening in on conversations, learning more about them. The majority of the action takes place at the start of the book and near the end. The middle tends to drag if you aren’t a fan of details. However, the romance between Brielle and Evan is a slow and sweet buildup that is enhanced by those same sections.

If you enjoy character-driven stories with some history and a little bit of danger thrown in, then A Warrior’s Heart may be just what you’re looking for in your next read.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )