this is one of those books where the very first line just sucked me right in!

“Blood moons were made for pact-swearing. Four boys orbiting ten years old knew it, and so did the mountains standing witness.”

I mean, come on!? This story was simply beautiful as we explore the Colorado mountains and our main character Mercy. It’s the 1940’s and Mercy picks up and starts anew in the mountains upon being outcasted in Hollywood due to scandal after being known as the lovely leading lady at the time.

I thought it was so intriguing to see how she acted when she first arrived with the adjustment to the *very vastly different* scenery and folks surrounding her than what she was used to + how she grew as a character by the end. Through resilience, patience, and the growth of friendship with Rusty (my fave underdog here), Mercy learned to navigate a new life, while on a mission, and I couldn’t out this one down!
4.5 stars

4.5/5 ✨

Every time I sit down to read one of Amanda's books, I make sure to set aside a decent amount of time--because you can't read one of Amanda's books and not get so invested in her storytelling. Her lyrical prose, deep themes, and cast of characters you can't help but feel are as real as friends are absolutely stellar. I loved the epistolary format of this story; it's so unique and fits the time period so perfectly that it made it feel even more authentic.

Born of Gilded Mountains is a beautiful story of friendship, grief, and a front-row seat to how God redeems & restores everything in our lives that feels broken beyond repair.

While it did take me a bit longer to get fully invested in this book compared to her other stories, I loved it nonetheless and absolutely recommend it!!

"The more I live, the more convinced I am that we were made to be held. Not to hold bitterness."

"What do we do when both our worlds are dark? We do what you said. We both go out and see it. We defy the dark."

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of Born of Gilded Mountains. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.

I want to preface this review by saying I’m a 67-year-old male who rarely reads fiction, so my opinion may not be of any use to the intended audience of “Born of Gilded Mountains.” I manage a church library where we often evaluate books before their inclusion in our catalog. In this instance there was no one else available to read this title which we had agreed to review in order to receive a free PDF.

I have to admit it took a little time to understand what was going on in the story since it went back and forth in time and in style (from narrative to screenplay script to newspaper article). Returning to read the book’s prologue (which I at first skipped) helped fill in some holes.

Even as one perhaps unqualified at judging women’s fiction, I found the author’s writing skills to be first-rate. She had a creative way of expressing even the most mundane things. She’s no Stephen Ambrose or Shelby Foote, but still has a splendid ability to entertain and captivate an audience.

On the negative side, there were some scenes that were just unbelievable, from my perspective, which took me out of the story, though not enough that I didn’t keep reading. Her narrative carried my interest until around midway through. I did finish the book, though to me the later chapters seemed at times a bit unnecessary despite their warmth of feeling.

For women who love this type of relational adventure, I think “Born of Gilded Mountains” would be a very worthwhile read. My overall opinion, though, was greatly reduced by the story’s scant spiritual thread. This book is released by a Christian publisher (Bethany House), and it’s main characters go through some heart-rendering events. It is hard to believe that any of those people were believers from their almost total lack of thought or words expressing a love for Christ (with the exception of one minor character). With all those intense emotions occurring throughout, where was even the slightest momentary thought of their need for or acknowledgment of the One who blessed them?

BOTTOM LINE: If you’d like a touching tale of a powerful friendship between two women, amidst the environment of a lovable small town atmosphere, with a touch of romance thrown in, you will likely enjoy this book. But if you’re expecting to find in the story a sense of the character’s recognition of God’s hand in their lives, His deep love for them, and their hope in their circumstances because of that, you will be disappointed.

This author has penned another magical tale that will resonate with readers long after the last page has been read. Her prose is poetic, mesmerizing in its beauty. Meant to be read slowly and savored. She spins a story through which is woven the wonder of a Creator who is at work in our lives, breathing life and healing into the broken pieces and unexpected paths our lives take.

Born of Gilded Mountains is a story of two young pen pals who find the friendship of a lifetime. Told through a blend of traditional narration, letters and articles, the author skillfully paints a poignant picture of two young girls. I found this to be an excellent format, with new clues as well as details from the past skillfully parceled out.

I cherished every word, every emotion, becoming acquainted with the heartwarming citizens of Mercy Peak as they wrapped themselves around my heart. As they work towards a common goal, I found the story was more about the journey. With each page, I'd uncover another layer, another description that revealed truth and light. Rusty's and Mercy's story will have a permanent place on my keeper shelf.

****I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really wanted to love this book like I did her first one. Unfortunately I only made it to 20%. While I liked her poetic writing this time it was just too much and I struggled to stay invested in the story. I might try with the audiobook when released.

BORN OF GILDED MOUNTAINS is a plot-driven novel that I found to be enjoyable from start to finish. The inclusion of newspaper accounts, letters, movie scenes, etc. works quite well. I admire how they provide another layer to the story.

A note about the writing: Dykes' prose is lyrical and flowery. At times I liked this; at other times, it grew a bit tiresome because it seemed over the top. I wish she had been a bit more judicious with it. But don't get me wrong, some readers will be big fans!

The storytelling is top notch, and the plot is intricate without being too difficult to follow.

I found so much to admire with this beautiful novel. I'll look forward to more from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley; all opinions in this review are 100% my own.

On the cusp of a new century, four boys make an unlikely friendship pact high in the Colorado mountains under the light of a blood moon. Over half a century later, the small mountain town of Mercy Peaks struggles to stay alive, and the only hope of reviving it comes from another unlikely friendship.

Decades later, the mail gets mixed up, and ten-year-old Marybeth Spatts of Carolina receives a letter from Rusty Bright of Mercy Peaks. The motherless girls become instant friends and sisters through the pages of letters. Over the years, their letters bring solace, wisdom, and encouragement to each other. One day, the letters suddenly stop, leaving Rusty betrayed and heartbroken.

Mercy Windsor arrives in Mercy Peaks for the second time in 1948 as the new owner of Wildwood Estate, the mysterious castle constructed by the enigmatic and much-reviled Randolph Gilman. Mercy feels an affinity for the rundown mansion that exudes mystery. Recently fallen from grace, Mercy, America’s silver-screen sweetheart, also has secrets locked within.

As Mercy unravels the mysteries within the castle, the citizens of Mercy Peaks embrace her as one of their own. And despite the hard times that have come to the town (population 168), Mercy starts to weave together a plan for changing the course of history. As any actress knows, creating new scenarios requires gumption, good old elbow grease, and giving others a vision.

Before she knows it, Mercy has woven together a group of friends who help her discover the mystery of the mountains and heal the hurts deep within her soul. And maybe that healing will rub off on other residents of Mercy Peaks, too.

What I Loved About This Book

The author weaves narratives with parts of movie scripts, letters, announcements, newspaper articles, and telegrams to paint a stunning picture of friendship, community, and finding our purpose in life.

Born of the Gilded Mountains reads like a Faberge Egg—beauty, craftsmanship, layers of intrigue, and a masterful ending that will surprise even the most jaded reader. Readers who feel wounded by friendships will relate to Rusty. Those who feel misunderstood and pigeonholed by society will relate to Mercy. Once again, Dykes delivers one of my favorite books of the year.

I really enjoyed reading this book! The writing is extraordinary! The imagery is delightful! There's a mystery to be solved and some precarious situations.

The characters are wonderful! I love that there were portions of the letters that Mary Beth and Rusty wrote to each other. Their friendship definitely goes through the fire. Each character was hoping for a different life but ended up being happy and satisfied with the life they had.

The saying "don't let your past determine your future" rings true throughout this book. Each character has to release the past so that they can flourish in the present.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Born of Gilded Mountains was a delight to read from beginning to end. It is many things: part mystery, part treasure hunt, part fable, part tale of lost love and above all a story of the healing power of the love of friends and found family. Two motherless girls from different parts of the country are matched as pen pals in elementary school, and become close friends and confidants, though they do not meet in person. When they reach adulthood and it seems they will finally meet, tragic circumstances come between them. This book opens 10 years later, and we gradually learn who these women are, what happened, what will happen, and all about the remarkable community that surrounds them. I don't want to spoil the mysteries here, but I wasn't able to put it down until I read every word. This is the first time I have read anything by Amanda Dykes, but I will certainly search out more of her books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

#BornofGildedMountains #NetGalley
A promise made by friends if gold was ever found. The town of Mercy Peak is a mining town in Colorado, hearts that hurt a riddle to be solved and a town that holds secrets.
Mary Beth Spatts, as a young girl in grade school, gains a pen pal, Ruby Bright, who is known as Rusty. The letters between Rusty and Mary Beth continue long after grade school. Mary Beth goes on to be a Hollywood star named Mercy Windsor, who mourns her friends from passing when she visits the town of Mercy Peak on the day of Rusty's funeral The years in Hollywood come to a screeching halt, and Mercy makes her way to Mercy Peak to find healing. This book has many things you can learn from its pages.1

Born of Gilded Mountains
by Amanda Dykes
Pub Date: June 18, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
A lost treasure. A riddled quest. The healing power of friendship.

Legends are tucked into every fold of the Colorado mountains surrounding the quaint town of Mercy Peak, where residents are the stuff of tall tales, the peaks are taller still, and a lost treasure has etched mystery into the very terrain.
When newcomer Mercy Windsor arrives in Mercy Peak in 1948 after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood's beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood--an abandoned estate with a haunting history--and begins to restore it to its former glory.
Published by Bethany, I recommend this book for those who enjoy Christian fiction.

I loved this book. The characters felt like friends and I didn’t want it to end. Very well written and engaging story. I am definitely going to look for more by this author..

This book will live in my heart for a long time. It shares the story of a broken friendship between a bereft fiance living in the mountains and a former miner's daughter who became a silver screen star, fallen from grace. When hardship drives them together, they must learn to look past misunderstandings and differences as they solve a decade-old mystery. Somewhere in the mines and mountains, the whole town's hopes and dreams are lost in a missing bag of mail. What they discover as they search for it will change both of them forever.

I loved the unique story and setting of this book, and I also enjoyed having a break from the usual romantic thread that weaves through most women's historical fiction. There's a little romance, but both main characters are single women and the story is focused on solving a mystery and rebuilding what's broken between them. This was a masterfully told and truly beautiful story that made me cry.

Thanks to the publisher for a complementary ARC of this book.

Born of Gilded Mountains by @amanda_spins_stories

“A lost treasure. A riddled quest. The healing power of friendship.”

🏔️About the book…
Mercy Peaks is a place of mystery and lore, where locals spin tall tales and keep the significance of the long-lost missing treasure secretly stashed away in their hearts. It’s not until outsider Mercy Windsor arrives to restore the rundown Wildwood estate that unearthing the whereabouts of the treasure becomes a possibility.

Alongside some of the quirky towns people, Mercy begins to uncover what the mountains have hidden away. This is a beautiful story about friendship, courage, and healing.

Publisher: @bethanyhousefiction #bhpfiction
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Themes: Forgiveness, Restoration, Singleness, Unmet longing, Mystery, Regrets, Friendship, Healing
CW: Father Hurt and childhood abuse, Alcoholism, death, accused murder, avalanche.
Release Date: June 18th 2024
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🗺️What I loved…
“Blood moons were made for pact-swearing. Four boys orbiting ten years old knew it, and so did the mountains standing witness.”

The opening line captured my heart and inner-child’s desire for wonder and adventure. The promise of discovering the long-lost treasure carried me through the story, and the reconciliation stirred my soul. The mountain setting, with summer thunderstorms and secret places seemed mystical and ethereal; I wanted to be in this place.

🗺️This book is for you if…
You love lyrical prose and deeply intricate storytelling. This novel demands to be read with your full attention (and in book form) so you can flick to and from important dialogues, letters, movie scenes and memories. I’ll admit, sometimes the jumping to and fro was a little jarring, and it was occasionally difficult to discern who was talking as many of the characters has similar stories or ways of talking. This was my only minor quibble with the novel.

📚Book Club Read?
Yes!!! I’ll link Amanda’s book club guide on blossomingthroughbooks.online or comment TREASURE and I’ll send you the link.

Thank you @netgalley , @bethanyhousefiction and @amanda_spins_stories for access to this ARC 🙏🏻

I must say that the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous! Wow!
It's definitely a Mary Poppins want to jump in a be there cover.
I really liked this one. I was all in from the beginning until the end.
I'm going to say that this is my 2nd favorite story by this author.
Great characters! I loved in getting to know them especially the mystery lady!
I really loved the mystery part of the story. It was what kept me turning the pages.
I lost some sleep but it was oh so worth it! A wonderful story indeed!
Hard to put down and it was tough saying goodbye to my new friends.
This book is also going on my favorite shelf.
5 stars for an entertaining read! I highly recommend!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

DNF - I really wanted to love this but it's not working out. I love the romanticized style of writing and the beautiful turns of phrase, but there needs to be more distinction between characters. All characters male, female, young, old - have the same voice and poetic phrasing. I would keep going but it's just far too distracting to me 😭 I wish the flowery writing had been saved for one character, but it's across every page and it's just not believeable 😭

Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes is a lyrical story of best friends, a missing train, and opening your heart. As I read this tale, I was captivated by Dykes descriptions of the Gilman mansion and the small town of Mercy Park. I felt like I was transported to this small mountain town, and I honestly, did not want to leave. The characters were a delightful bunch of actors that I have ever read. They hurt and loved together. The story held hidden clues which brought healing to this small town. I loved it. I did not see that aspect of the plot coming. It takes a lot for a story not to have plenty of suspense and action that will capture my attention, but Dykes has done it again. I loved this story. Plus, the cover is fabulous. I really can't wait to own the physical copy of this book. If readers have not read Dykes stories, this is a good one to start with, then I would recommend all of her other stories too.

I received a complimentary copy of Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

The first book in a couple of years for Amanda Dykes. Set at the turn of the century so if you enjoy mystery and historical fiction, this is a book that you will enjoy. The story starts off with speculation about the main character and as you progress through the book, everything becomes obvious (no spoilers in this review!).

Fans of her previous books will enjoy this story.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.