Misty M Beller has become a recent favorite of mine. I love the versatility of her writing and how they all feel original and have unexpected journeys that unfold within the story. Her stories are refreshing! I was excited about the start of a new series and once again, she did not disappoint.

Brielle Durand vows to help take care of her people so they do not face another massacre that took her mother. She finds a stranger where he doesn’t belong and struggles with making the right decision for her people. When the wounds are deep with the loss of her mother, it is hard to trust again. Evan tries to get her to trust him while also trying to fulfill his mission.

Beller was able to tell the story while allowing the reader to connect to the characters. I love how she makes the reader think on their own experiences and ultimately think of what they would do in that situation. I also appreciate how she mixes seeking for God’s wisdom. Beller always has a way of weaving His story into the pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

Brielle Durand is the key defender for French settlement living in hidden caves in the Canadian Rockies. Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover a mineral for the Government. When he gets to close to the settlement Brielle has to stop him from discovering and maybe harming her people. She captures him and our story begins. They are both strong characters and Evan has a hard time excepting how this woman is in charge of so much. An interesting story in the Canadian Rockies that was fast paced and hard to put down. I always enjoy how descriptive this author is with the scenery and the characters!
I requested a copy through NetGalley. No review was required, my review is voluntary.a

This was quite a different sort of book that takes a look at what a people will do to protect themselves from the outside world. The author takes a fictional look at what if there was a hidden civilization in the Rocky mountains that hid themselves from the rest of the world.

Brielle is a woman warrior who takes protecting her people seriously. They have only really dealt with evil from the outside world so this wanderer who has made a way to their mountain must be dealt with. Wounding her victim she takes him back to their home, in the caves.

For a lot of the story Evan is their prisoner and he is confined to the cave. However, the story unfolds as we get Evan's story for being there, it is the year 1812 and America is in war with England again. We also get the village story and Brielle's as well. There was action that takes place in the latter half of the book. Author Beller is great at atmospheric reads in the wilds of the mountains and you can certainly imagine the cold and the heat.

I found this book interesting as how cut off this people was. They did not even know of the geopolitical changes that had happened to the Americans or the Canadians. This story kind of read like a fantasy as well, though it is not, it was just the difference of the people.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Can they trust each other with their secrets?

Misty M. Beller has been an interesting author to read over the last couple of years. She's known for her small casts of characters and for pitting them against some of the most beautiful and harsh landscapes in the north. A Warrior's Heart was quite different and yet the same.

This first book in the Brides Of Laurent series had Misty M. Beller's trademark elements of danger mixed with romance and vividly painted word pictures of the unforgiving surroundings. But A Warrior's Heart also had a surprisingly large cast, an entire village in fact, and the adventure and romance all take place in the near vicinity of the mysterious hidden community of Laurent.

The idea of a village hidden away for decades in the mountains of Canada is what first caught my attention about the Brides Of Laurent series. It was just so intriguing to think about. Toss in the fact that the story is set during the fictionally neglected War of 1812 and you have the makings of pretty good novel.

I finished A Warrior's Heart a bit sooner than I expected, Brielle, Evan, and the villagers of Laurent just kept drawing back within the pages. I enjoyed my first foray into Misty M. Beller's exciting historical romance Brides Of Laurent series and I am definitely looking forward to my next adventure into the wilderness...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

This is the beginning of a new series called Brides of Laurent from author Misty M. Beller. Right away I fell in love with the book because the main character bears my little girls name. Brielle is not a very common name so to see it in a story warms my heart. I really enjoyed this story. The main characters suffering really shines to the forefront and it is very believable. You feel what she is feeling as she grieves her mother and that burden of responsibility she feels for the people of Laurent is pretty big for someone who has not yet begun to truly live life. Evan McManus was a great character as well and full of depth. Through him we see a softening in Brielle's heart.

This story was woven with God's message of grace throughout its pages. I thought it was very empowering that God was at the center of it all. I mean the thought that kept popping into my heart as I was reading was, without God our strength is at its weakest. Sometimes we have to step aside and let God be God.

Overall I thought this was a great story. Misty M. Beller does a great job in her research and making a story truly believable. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

4.5 stars
A thrilling and heartwarming tale. Brielle is a warrior who wants nothing more than to help her people. Evan is a spy searching out her land. If there's ever been a chance for fireworks between two characters, this is it. I loved this book. The details of Laurent were so vivid I felt like I was there. The spiritual message throughout the book is well done, and Evan's lesson to learn to lean harder on God and not on self when things are out of our control, really hit home for me. A Warrior's Heart is quite the adventure, and from the opening moment (which I won't spoil but was absolutely stunning) I was brought into this new world among Brielle's people. A well-told story of love and sacrifice, I recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of Tracie Peterson or Jody Hedlund. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Misty M. Beller has written another fabulous book with A Warrior's Heart. Brielle Durand and Evan MacManus meet precisely at a time when they would have preferred not to meet. Difficulties are therefore to be expected. And for whom do you actually choose? For yourself and with that your pride or can you let an important task go and let the other go first?

Despite the fact that this book is a historical novel, it raises questions that you need to think about for yourself. Who are you actually going for?

Brielle and Evan are both very well developed. The book really takes you in from the beginning to the end. Definitely a must read for anyone who enjoys historical romance novels.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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.

I enjoyed reading this novel! The descriptions are beautifully told and I had no trouble envisioning the scenes. The premise of the story caught my attention right away, and although the story started a little slow, as the tale unfolded, it began to capture my attention. I liked the romance a lot and enjoyed getting to know the main characters in the book. Brielle is a strong female character with a remarkable passion for those she loves. There is adventure and danger as well as mystery that kept me reading and even surprised me with a twist that I was not expecting. This novel is well written and definitely worth the read! I look forward to more in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I have enjoyed many of Misty Beller’s historical novels, and this one switches things up. I expected another with indigenous people, but she presents a hidden village of French immigrants to Canada who have lived there for several generations and don’t even know the USA has become an independent nation. When Evan MacManus ventures too close, he gets a surprise he never expected to find on his expedition. Brielle Durand strives to protect her people hidden away in the mountain, which proves more of a challenge than she anticipated. The characters and their reactions seem organic and make you care. The plots offers an intriguing story with plenty of excitement. Both main characters must overcome the pain of their pasts, and, despite their differences, seem drawn together. You can’t help but cheer for them to succeed in their endeavors. From them, we can learn to be more discerning and to trust others when they prove worthy. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. #AWarriorsHeart #NetGalley.

A Warrior's Heart is the first book in the Brides of Laurent series by Misty M. Beller. In this book we meet Brielle, the leader of the hunters and guards. She injured Evan, who is searching for a mineral that will help end the War of 1812, as he enters her territory.

This is a well written, very descriptive story that has action, suspense and romance. I could envision the rooms dug out from inside the mountain and the beautiful carvings. This story is a good example of what would have happened if Evan would have told the truth about his search when he was first captured. The story also focuses on faith, prayer and helping others.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Book one of the Brides of Laurent, A Warrior’s Heart starts out with a bang, or should I say a swoosh. It’s 1814 and Evan is exploring in Canada for a mineral that will help America win the war against Britain. He is waylaid by an arrow to his abdomen by a female no less. Brielle, I love her name, is simply protecting her hidden community from perceived threats from the outside. Evan is held prisoner in a dark dank storeroom with guards twenty-four seven.
This community is built inside a mountain, unknown to the rest of the world. The descriptions of the apartments and characters were such that I could easily imagine them in my mind. They lived primitively with no knowledge of outside discoveries and inventions.
Evan was a character easily liked by this reader. His treatment was understood by an event in the past that threatened this peaceful community of Laurent. And of course there is a “villain” inside their own community.
This was a story unlike no other I’ve read. It was interesting and the imagination it took to create it was so spot on. I highly recommend it to readers everywhere!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

3.5 Stars

Misty M. Beller has established herself as an author who writes about the struggles of survival of people in the Montana/Wyoming/Canadian Rockies. She adds a little twist in A Warrior’s Heart (the first book in a brand new series from Beller).

The twist? A community hidden and living in the caves of the mountain. When Evan stumbles upon these people while on an expedition commissioned by James Madison, they are immediately suspicious—and no one more than Brielle.

Much of this book takes place in the cave where Evan is being held, so there are many slow sections with him talking to his captors or listening in on conversations, learning more about them. The majority of the action takes place at the start of the book and near the end. The middle tends to drag if you aren’t a fan of details. However, the romance between Brielle and Evan is a slow and sweet buildup that is enhanced by those same sections.

If you enjoy character-driven stories with some history and a little bit of danger thrown in, then A Warrior’s Heart may be just what you’re looking for in your next read.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I have loved every book by Misty Beller that I've read and this is no exception. The adventure begins on the very first page and goes all the way to the last. Brielle is such a strong young lady and Evan is the perfect match for her. This is a sweet love story that will leave you satisfied and looking forward to the next installment of this series.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 31 August 2021

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.

Prayers are powerful. GOD hears our prayers. Prayers can be said in times of trouble. Prayers are often said to give thanks.

Brielle and Evan both knew the power of prayer. GOD was with them at all times. They felt his presence.

It was a powerful story that clearly demonstrated faith and loyalty. Brielle and Evan came from different paths but shared these traits. This common thread tied them together.



I loved the story. Misty M. Beller has become one of my favorite authors. I discovered her books from Celebrate Lit. I am always waiting anxiously for her next book.



I received this ebook from Celebrate Lit to give a review.



Mark 11:24 ESV / Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

There is one thing for certain you will get from a story written by this author. You will get an emotional journey with characters that the author develops slowly as the story precedes. It will have faith sprinkled throughout and most of all you will come away feeling like you have spent time watching the story unfold before your eyes. I absolutely loved how the author opened our eyes at this small community nestled in the Canadian mountains . The people aren’t aware of what’s been happening around them and I think that surprised them. I wanted to go find their place and join their peaceful surroundings.

When we meet Evan we find him in the wrong place at the wrong time as he is discovered by Brielle. She doesn’t take lightly to strangers and soon Evan finds himself a prisoner. How will he convince Brielle that he is not there to harm anyone? I liked Evan and his calmness even when he wasn’t sure what his fate would be.

As the story begins to unfold, I saw two characters begin to form a friendship slowly with caution. The author doesn’t rush this relationship but allows readers to become familiar with them as they each seek trust from one another. When it is revealed that Evan is on a mission to find explosive material that will help the U.S. army doubts start rising in Brielle’s mind. Is he there to destroy their place?

The story is filled with secrets and healing to the broken-hearted. When Brielle is in danger, Evan fervently prays for her safety. His faith never deters and I liked how he continued to pray for as long as it took. The couple may be attracted to each other, but there is much they need to work on.

I loved how this story illustrates how God never leaves you and how the characters find themselves walking through forgiveness. I really liked how the story moves at a good pace and never falters from the message that God protects us, loves us and brings a strong bond of faith and courage,

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

If you love a historical romance with a strong female lead, A Warrior's Heart is certainly one not to be missed. Brielle is a strong warrior determined to keep her family safe from outsiders in the caves where her family lives. That includes Evan when he stumbles a little too close for comfort. What follows is a fantastic story filled with a good blend of romance, adventure and faith.

Misty M. Beller does such a good job of bringing these characters to life and drawing you into these rather unique world of theirs. While it took me a little bit to really get into the story, I did find that it was an enjoyable read overall. If you enjoy historical romance, this is a unique story worth checking out, I look forward to seeing what comes next in the series.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

This is a sweet start to a new series. I enjoyed learning about Brielle and her people and then about Evan and why he was traveling so far. I enjoyed all of the wonderful descriptions they had if the cave and the lands surrounding them. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit and Netgalley for a fair and honest review that I gave of my own free will.

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 via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.