All historical fiction readers please pay attention. There is a new book out that you must read. This story is rich in history and adventure with land that only God could have made. The author is superb in making the story come to life and make you feel you are part of it. I loved reading how determined Susanna is in making her father's dying wish come true. I worried that he would not make it as his health deteriorated. The terrain was rough and dangerous. I could here the bears off in the distance as they cried out to their cubs. I envisioned Susanna on her journey and she explores the land and hears the waterfall off in the distance. i love waterfalls and think they are soothing and a sign of God's beauty.

Beaver Tail is an honorable man who stumbles upon Susanna and her father. It is clear they need help and I admired his strength and gentle spirit. The adventure really starts as they begin their long journey. At first he is not sure he wants to continue helping them but the more he is around Susanna the more he finds himself wanting to help. I really liked how the author took two people from different cultures and placed them together to show how everyone can get along. Susanna's father shares his faith with Beaver Tail and I began to wonder if his heart would soften to God's love. There is no lack of danger as they come upon snakes, bears and other animals in the forest.

The story is very clean and has a nice spiritual aspect that flows throughout the book. It details how people work together and perhaps find love along the way. Will Susanna's father make it to his destination? Can Beaver Tail find happiness with Susanna? Don't miss this exciting new series that is filled with a bit of danger and lives that are changed forever.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

Misty M. Beller has yet to disappoint me! I love how each of her books comes with a remarkable setting, and Freedom in the Mountain Wind is no different. The majestic country of the Rocky Mountains is painted beautifully and inspires the common thread of freedom throughout the story. I enjoyed retracing the steps of Louis and Clark with Susanna and Beaver Tail as they hiked around the falls of the Missouri river, wondered at the large herds of bison, and stared into the magnificent peaks of the Rocky Mountains. I love how you felt right beside them the entire journey.
Just like with other Misty M. Beller books, I fell in love with the characters right away. She has a way of creating such depth to her characters, and there is not a single exception in this book. Susanna is an amazing woman--so strong and full of love for others. I adored the relationship she had with her father and how they both yearned for adventure together.
Beaver Tail is a quiet man, but his heart speaks for itself. A protector. Loyal. Not to mention strong and handsome. He is a swoon-worthy hero, although his humble attitude and gentle nature may make him a little atypical. I loved following him and Susanna on their short journeys away from the camp when he would teach her about the land and its furry or scaly inhabitants. Their romance was so genuine and sigh-inducing. I just adored watching them grow closer throughout their journey.
The rest of their group--Joel, French and Caleb--were also well crafted and oh, so memorable. I can’t wait to get to know them all even more in future books! I’ll be waiting for the second book to release!
Freedom in the Mountain Wind is full of many journeys both physical and spiritual. It will tug at your heartstrings and make you yearn for a taste of the freedom the characters experience as they travel through a magnificent and dangerous wilderness.
Overall, I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves Christian historical fiction, especially those stories set in the West.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

What I think you should know:
Freedom in the Mountain Wind is a historical Christian romance. It is the first book in the Call of the Rockies series by Misty M Beller. When Susanna and her Father start out on an epic adventure to follow Lewis and Clark’s travels they don’t expect to end up alone in the wilderness. After being abandoned in the wilderness by their guides Susanna is determined to continue their journey.

What you might want to know:
Susanna’s father is dying, the story includes him coughing up blood and symptoms of his illness.

What I think about:
I am a HUGE fan of Beller, I love her stories and how she is able to transport you back in time, I always feel like I am a part of her story and this one is no exception. The concept of the story is so unique, I wonder how many fathers would have been willing to take their daughter on such a journey. I loved how brave Susanna was and how willing she was to learn in order to not be a burden to Beaver Tail and his friends that help her along her journey. Beaver Tail was a great male lead, he brought a depth to the story and a natural way for Beller to weave in Faith. I really enjoyed the supporting characters and hope that we will see more of them in the rest of the series.

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

Freedom in the Mountain Wind reminds me of some of the television shows that I used to watch with my Daddy. It has a seriously ill father, the daughter who will do everything she can to fulfill his longing to see the Rockies, and the many obstacles they encounter as they travel to an unclaimed land. There are wild animals, uncertain weather, and unknown dangers, including the presence of Indians along the way. It is during this journey, however, that the Wilkinses meet Beaver Tail, the Blackfoot Indian who will forever change their lives.

I loved Beller's description of this untamed land and she even included a beaver that seemed to travel along with the party and was named "He Who Is Brave". Her characters are very realistic and lovable: Thad and Susanna Wilkins are good, decent people who know and love God and Beaver Tail is a good, decent man who doesn't know their God. As he helps them on their journey, Beaver Tail is shown friendship and kindness and he begins to wonder about the faith that they both possess. This story isn't just a journey to a new land, it is also a journey to a spiritual awakening.

Freedom in the Mountain Wind is a wonderful tale filled with faith and adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via NetGalley. I wasn't obligated to write a positive review and these are my own thoughts and opinions. ( )

Misty Beller is an author whose work I first read last autumn, and I was thrilled to add another historical fiction author to my favorites list. Not only that, but her books add a new dimension to nineteenth-century western tales by developing plots around mountain settings and survival in harsh terrain. As a child, my main area of interest was the American frontier, from Little House on the Prairie to Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. This will always be my favorite time period to read about, and it’s gratifying to find quality fiction that showcases it. Both of Beller’s books that I have read thus far have been kicking off a new series, which makes the experience even better.

“Freedom in the Mountain Wind” relates the interconnected stories of Susanna Wilkins and Beaver Tail. The characters are an essential element of this series, and they shine in this sequel. My heart went out to Susanna immediately as she selflessly cares for her ailing father while at the same time traveling west with him in the tracks of Lewis and Clark, seeking to fulfill his one wish. She is not the typical woman of 1830, but rather an intrepid adventurer and loyal daughter who puts others before herself. While she may not choose every situation she encounters, she has an indomitable spirit tempered only by naivete, and I found her inexperience to be endearing in several scenes. Beaver Tail likewise has a story that is somewhat nonconforming, as well as distinctive. The manner in which they relate to people and with each other is comical at times, yet always poignant: “He had the unique ability to move in tandem with her, as though he could read her thoughts and fade into her shadow. Words weren’t necessary with him.” Neither one particularly wants to need the other, yet as is always the case for believers, God uses their weaknesses to accomplish His purposes and to grow and mature them. “Freedom in the Mountain Wind” illustrates how common, standard parts of life can be approached with a unique angle when one’s faith is strong and secure.

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. ( )