SWEETWATER RIVER ROMANCE BY
MISTY M. BELLER

Synopsis:

A Christian Historical Romance novel. Taking flight from their quiet Pennsylvania town seems like the only way for Tori Boyd to protect her dearest cousin’s virtue. And the success of their escape may now depend on the man she’s been writing letters to for over a year now in the vast wilds of the Wyoming Territory. Ezra Reid has finally stepped out from under the shadow of his older brother and sister, now having full responsibility to man the Rocky Ridge Stage Stop through the winter. The success or failure of the stage and telegraph contracts falls squarely on his shoulders, and he’s entirely focused on the work – at least until his mysterious correspondence partner shows up on his doorstep. As Ezra takes on the search for a proper situation for Tori and her cousin, there seem to be no good options for the ladies. Especially since Tori won’t even discuss the one option that might succeed – marriage. When the danger chasing the women takes on a form none of them anticipated, how far will Ezra have to go to keep the Tori and her cousin safe? It’ll take a lot more than luck to ensure his heart is the sole casualty.

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get her bestselling novel, The Lady and the Mountain Man, FREE here: http://eepurl.com/bGt1er 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. Learn more at www.MistyMBeller.com.

As I began to read the story, I knew I was in for a grand adventure. I’ve had pen pals before when I was younger. It was fun to read about where they lived . I never once thought to travel to visit my pen pal though. Tori has been corresponding with her pen pal for awhile. With no other option she and her cousin take off to a new territory. They are hoping to find a place that is safe and start over. Tori has endured a tough life and maybe with a fresh start, she can finally find happiness. I admire her bravery for traveling so far without a real plan. I wonder what her mysterious pen pal will think when she shows up in his town? I love how the author gives us a wonderful character who is fierce and determined to make life better for her and her cousin Opal.

Ezra was truly shocked when he realizes who has stepped off the stagecoach. What in the world has he gotten himself into. I could just see his look of utter shock when Tori reveals who she is. Can you imagine what must be going through Ezra’s mind? I loved Ezra and found him to be such a gentle person. Even though he was unprepared for Tori and Opal, he is willing to help them out. The book captured a time when it was hard to make a living. Towns were just beginning to sprout up and families  had to find ways to survive. I loved the feel of a good western story mixed with a bit of danger and romance. Will  Tori learn to trust a man again? Can she open up to Ezra and allow him to share his faith?

The book is very well written and I loved the description of how a telegraph machine  works. We have cell phones and texts that are easily retrieved. What would we do if suddenly we were left with only a telegraph machine to correspond with? Tori and Opal have secrets that hold them back from being happy. Will Ezra be able to convince them that they are safe and that God loves them? I really enjoyed the story and loved how the author allowed readers to be taken back to a time when survival was hard, faith was important and people helped each other.

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