A Warrior's Heart - (Brides of Laurent) by Misty M Beller

I loved this book! Great lesson in trusting God to take care of circumstances that are out of your control and remembering to pray continuously. I loved the Laurent community and am eager to learn more about the people of it in the subsequent books in the series upon their release. I was fascinated by these mountain people and especially by the possibility of their cave-dwellings. The unique setting and care between the members of this community were compelling and made for an interesting story that is definitely worth picking up!

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.

A Warrior’s Heart, the latest novel from inspirational author Misty M. Beller, has it all—faith, adventure, and romance. The heroine, Brielle Durand, is a strong, competent warrior who is entrusted by her community to protect them and provide for their needs. The hero, Evan McManus, is an honorable soldier on an important undercover mission, that if discovered, he fears will put him at odds with Brielle, a woman he respects and whose budding friendship he doesn’t want to jeopardize. As Brielle and Evan grow fond of each other, they struggle to reveal their entire past to one another leaving each to wonder what the other is hiding. But when a new threat arises from within, each learns to trust God and each other with their past so they can forge a new life based on trust, compassion, and forgiveness. Brimming with lovely descriptions of the Canadian Rockies and chock full of rich historical details, A Warrior’s Heart is sure to delight every fan of historical Christian romance. I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own

What a beautiful Canadian Rockies Historical Romance! This is a new series from Ms. Beller, who is an auto-buy author for me! She never disappoints to deliver a sweet, believable, historical romance, full of adventure and an inspiring message that never fails to touch my heart! Brielle Duran has promised herself that she will protect her village from outsiders and possible attackers. Ever since her mother died twelve years ago in a massacre after their peaceful French settlement was discovered, she has grown more and more determined to protect her people from any harm. So, when a mysterious stranger nears their hidden caves, she knows she must stop him, so she shoots him an arrow. After his wound is tended to, and he begins to heal, she discovers he may not have the evil intentions she concluded. But he is hiding something, how can she be sure her people are not again in danger. Can she trust a stranger? A handsome charming one, at that? Evan MacManus has been assigned by the US Army to search the Canadian Mountain for pitcheblende, an explosive mineral that can help end the war of 1812 and free them from the British. A war that has brought him more than enough loss and grief. Hoping to escape past regrets he sets for an adventure on his own, but he never expects to be attacked and imprisoned by an unknown community that lives hidden in the northern caves. He wants to prove his innocence, but can he really claim they have nothing to fear from him? If he finds what he’s looking for in the area, their village could be exposed. But duty is duty… Or is it, when the people he has come to know become friends, and the brave and courageous lady who attacked him, becomes maybe even more? Either choice he will make will cause harm to someone. Does he let his heart take the lead in the decision? Brielle has almost always lived to protect others, even risking danger, without thinking of herself. I liked how strong and selfless she was. At the same time, there was an undeniable vulnerability and an inner wish to find peace and feel instead safe and protected, as she felt when she was near this mysterious stranger Evan. And Evan was a swoon-worthy hero! I loved his quiet strength, his kind heart and integrity. They both battle fears and mistrust at the same time they start revealing truths about them, their pasts, and develop a friendship that quickly gives way to mutual attraction and deepens into something more. But this fragile bond can only survive if they trust each other. This is a beautiful story about second chances, the strength of family and community ties, about truth, integrity, love and forgiveness. There’s a beautiful faith inspired message about trust in God and forgiveness that is transmitted through the characters struggles in a very natural and appealing way. An Epic story, full of adventure, danger, sweet romance, a bit of mystery, and lots of family and community bonds. I loved how the people of Laurent watched each other’s backs. They were some secondary characters I would love to know more about. All in all, a memorable and touching story I highly recommend! The writing style flows freely and the natural descriptions made me almost feel there in or out of the caves! Can’t wait for the second book in the series to come out! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

A wonderful beginning to the Brides of Laurent series. I love this author’s writing style and how her creative mind works to conjure up something new and different that holds my attention. Brielle is a warrior at heart determined to protect her family and settlement from destructive outsiders. Her inner strength is to be admired but eventually might she need to lean on someone else? I love Evan and how he finds strength in God and reading His word. Both characters grow and become embedded in your heart by the conclusion. Throw in a character that can’t be trusted and it adds that suspense element. I love how Ms. Beller brings frontier characters to life and paints a picture of their lifestyles. I can not wait to read the next installment in this series. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Having read a number of Misty Beller's books, I was looking forward to reading A Warrior's Heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The setting was so unique. Beller often has as the main character one who identified as a mountain man or mountain doctor, or the series name include different mountain ranges. In A Warrior's Heart, the community is secluded in caves carved out of the Canadian Rockies. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Evan and Charlotte begin and change throughout the story as they encountered so many struggles and dangers. Strong, likable characters, realistic situations, and wonderfully descriptive scenes work together for a delightful story. Threaded throughout the book also is a faith in God--the God who hears our prayers and answers. I enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next book in the Brides of Laurent series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit and NetGalley. A favorable review is not required, and the opinions are my own.

3.5 stars "Another ten paces and she'd have to shoot. . . . . Five more strides . . . She'd done what she must do to protect her people." Getting shot in his mid-section with an arrow by a she-warrior wasn't exactly the most pleasant of introductions, but Evan MacManus was thankful to be alive, even if he was lying helplessly on the cold floor of a cave-like dungeon battling a befuddled, pain-riddled brain. "From where do you hail, monsieur", she dared to ask; what a loaded question. Evan's mission deep within the borders of the Canadian Rockies was one that he was sworn to protect; for his countrymen depended on his ability to keep a secret. He was an outsider, and outsiders were dangerous. Based on past experience, the cave dwellers were necessarily wary of strangers, and this man had wandered into their territory uninvited and unannounced. The question remained, what to do with him? The Laurent council would decide of course, but as Brielle Durand spends time with Evan serving as one of his guards, she begins to unravel his motives, a man whom she is certain is telling portions of the truth, rather than the whole of it. Never have conversations in a cave been more entertaining! And promising! And a call to prayer; for Evan and Brielle are destined to learn that some things are best left up to God Himself to figure out, for "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." What a nice beginning to a new series, by a very talented story-teller. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The thoughts and opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Enter the area around the hidden village of Laurent at your own risk! For Evan MacManus, there should have been a sign warning him. However, since there was not, we get to know a whole new set of characters in this first book in the Brides of Laurent series. Injured, but well cared for, he remains a prisoner. Will things ever change, allowing him to continue with his commission? Brielle Durand is the leader of the guards and hunters for the village of Laurent. It is 1814, and I loved how the author took a young lady and gave her the skills and fortitude to head up this most important job of safety and survival. Trust, however, was not something easily given, especially to strangers. An ARC of this first book was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

I am totally hooked on this series, and cannot wait for the second installment. Set in 1814 in the Rocky Mountains of Canada, the story follows female warrior Brielle Durand and US Army spy Evan MacManus. In an effort to protect the village of Laurent, Brielle takes Evan captive, but will he end up being the invader or the protector of Laurent? Will Evan decide to rely on his own strength and reasoning, or is there someone else on whom he can safely rely? Readers will greatly enjoy discovering the answers to these questions. Misty M. Beller has a unique voice within the genre of historical fiction. She creates strong protagonists through allowing their vulnerabilities to show alongside their strengths. She squarely places her readers within the stunning beauty as well as the harsh realities of life in the mountains, shoulder to shoulder with her characters. I am grateful to have received a copy of A Warrior's Heart from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This book starts what appears to me to be an excellent and exciting new series! It was quite different than previous books of this author that I have read. All of her books keep you reading. There is no putting down a book! Lot's of action. No dull moments. I can hardly wait for book 2. This new series takes place in the Canadian Rockies and a settlement of people living in caves in the mountains. It's amazing and you will not want to miss reading this. The heroine is a strong woman who is in a leadership position in this community of Laurent. There are secrets and "bad guys" and sweet romance. You will love. I know that I did! I received an ebook copy from the author through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.