Healer's Promise - by Misty M Beller (Hardcover)

This was a very sweet and engaging story! The second book in the Brides of Laurent, I was already looking forward to Audrey’s story, ever since I read the first book, “A Warrior’s Heart”, because she was a secondary character I loved since she first appeared. This can be a standalone story, but I do recommend to read the first one to get to know better all the characters and the situation of this amazing hidden village in the Canadian Rockies from the start. The story is situated in 1812 after the war between America and Great Britain. Levi Master was a British spy during the war, and he’s now relieved the war has ended, but wants to get an important information about a newly-discovered mineral in the confines of the mountains. He follows Evan, an American from book one, who returns to the village to marry Brielle, but is discovered and captured. Even if he decides to be truthful about his intentions, the village elders seem to think of him as the enemy and a threat to their safety. Audrey is in charge of the prisoner’s meals, and as she talks with him, she is struck by a deep feeling about his innocence, and tries to convince the council of the unfairness of taking the life of a good man. But they are wary, and when she sees an opportunity to free Levi, she decides to risk everything to help him. But the people of Laurent try to hunt him down, and Audrey knows a place of safety for him, and tries to help him reach safety. When Levi is injured, and the freezing winter threatens his life, she’s more than willing to help him, even if she risks being punished and never trusted anymore by helping the enemy. Can she help him escape? When their feelings deepen, can she be ready to part with him when the time comes, or are they willing to risk everything for a love that is found once in a lifetime? It was a heartwarming read and I fell for Levy and Audrey! Levi was really a good man, and I was moved by the way he wanted to protect Audrey, even if it meant putting his freedom in danger. The more he fell for her, the more he respected her. And Audrey had a huge heart, always trying to see the good in people, and she proved to be courageous in her determination to save Levi and risking her reputation and the trust of her people in this quest. She did what was right to the eyes of God even at the cost of her own good. The romance was sweet and tender, the way I like it. The plot was engaging and the constant danger they experienced had me captivated from the start until the end. I highly recommend this story! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher, but wasn’t required to write a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

A Healer’s Promise by Misty M. Beller is the second book in the Brides of Laurent series. If you are familiar with Misty’s books, you know she is so talented at creating natural landscapes in the wilderness of the west. The town of Laurent is even more intriguing because of its unique culture and ways of survival–like digging caves from the inside of a mountain to use as homes. I have been looking forward to revisiting Laurent after the first book, and I loved being able to follow Audrey’s story. She is such a gentle soul, a true picture of the love of Christ we should be willing to give to others. I related to her struggle to follow the promptings of God while not running ahead of His will. Levi is a man who made a living using deception during the war, but now wants to live by the truth and grace of God. I admired him for turning back to his faith even after doing things he regretted. Overall, I loved the beautiful mountain setting, the sweet, slow-burn romance, and the suspense of wondering what would happen to Levi and Audrey in the end. But my favorite part of this story was the strong inspirational themes of being obedient to God and extending forgiveness. This story is a great work of entertaining, Christian fiction. If you like Tracie Peterson, then you should definitely read Misty M. Beller’s books. You’ll be hooked! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.