Book Review: A Warrior’s Heart by Misty M. Beller

A WARRIOR’S HEART
SERIES: Brides of Laurent #1
GENRE: Inspirational Historical Romance
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
RELEASE DATE: August 31, 2021
PAGES: 301

Her heart longs for peace, but peace won’t keep them safe.

Brielle Durand is still haunted by the massacre that killed her mother a dozen years before. Vowing to never let it happen again, she’s risen to be the key defender for her people’s peace-loving French settlement living in hidden caves in the Canadian Rockies. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret home, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. But now, what to do with this man who insists he can be trusted?

Hoping to escape past regrets, Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover if the northern mountains contain an explosive mineral that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on his promise to his government or take a risk on where his heart is leading him? Either choice will cause harm to someone.

Brielle and Evan must reconcile the warring in their hearts to have any hope of finding peace for their peoples.

A secret French settlement in the Canadian mountains – hidden from the world & carefully guarded. A courageous heroine who valiantly protects her people. A Scottish-American hero who can lapse into the brogue of his ancestors upon request (swoon!). I really could stop right there and most of you will be adding it to your shopping cart, am I right?

A Warrior’s Heart kicks off a new historical romance series by Misty M. Beller, and I am so intrigued by this cave-dwelling settlement of Laurent. The people are protected from the dangers of the outside world, yes, but in exchange they are also incredibly sheltered from the progress & knowledge of the same world. This lends their sequestered mountain village an almost magically innocent quality – a sort of Brigadoon, if you will, that stays put. Yet Evan’s mission for the US Army stands in direct opposition to Brielle’s need to protect her people & their way of life. The residents of Laurent (for the most part) are goodhearted and genuine, and I loved seeing them through Evan’s eyes while he is held prisoner. I also enjoyed seeing Evan & his world from Brielle’s perspective, peering over her shoulder as she tries to decide whether he will be friend or foe … or something more. And the kisses. I loved the kisses. (I’m sure you’re all shocked!)

The emphasis on the divine power of prayer – juxtaposed against the human need to be in control, to know the outcome – really touched my heart. In fact, the scene(s) where the only thing a certain character can do is pray brought a few tears to my eyes. That internal battle is one I’m familiar with, though our circumstances are certainly different, and the reminder that fervent & focused prayer isn’t a last resort but the best option is so timely for all we are struggling with in our current world. Beller does a fabulous job of seamlessly integrating these spiritual truths into the framework of the story, without sacrificing the flow of the narrative or weakening the personality of the characters. Rather, it makes the story all the stronger, the romance all the sweeter, and the message all the more sincere.

Bottom Line: A Warrior’s Heart is another gorgeously-rendered novel from Misty M. Beller. You will be intrigued from the very beginning, quickly invested in these characters & their story, as the vividly drawn setting wraps around your senses. The emotional tension between the characters, their seemingly opposing purposes, and even their own internal conflicts keeps the romantic tension high as well (not to mention some extra swooniness to their kisses), and it lays a solid foundation for the truth that Beller weaves naturally through the pages. I cannot wait to see what’s in store for book 2!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4 stars / loved it!

KissingBook Level: 4 / keep your fan & fainting couch handy

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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 daughters 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.

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