In this sixth book of the Call of the Rockies series, Misty Beller pens another engaging adventure. As with the prior books, “Honor in the Mountain Refuge” can be read as a stand-alone but continues the story of former characters and is best appreciated chronologically. Set in the Clearwater River Valley in the future Idaho Territory in the summer of 1831, this narrative follows Telipe, the Nez Perce half-sister of Meksem who was kidnapped by the Blackfoot in book 3, “Light in the Mountain Sky.” She has returned, pregnant, to her home village after the death of her husband, yearning for “her own life again, free from the pressure to wed a man she couldn’t even bring herself to like.” She misses her former life and finds it difficult to deal with the commotion of her younger brothers, but she doesn’t know where her future lies.

Feeling similarly displaced, Chogan has been disowned by his father and the Blackfoot tribe whose bloodthirst he has never shared. As one of Telipe’s former captors, he ensured her wellbeing, and when they encounter each other in the woods, Chogan wonders if he was led here for a reason. Telipe feels understandably unsettled about him: “He was such a mystery, this man. Enemy, yet friend. Fierce warrior, yet gentle and kind. Undecided, yet determined.” I think that this unlikely pair is a large part of the reason that I found “Honor in the Mountain Refuge” so compelling. There were a few times during my reading that I questioned the odds of certain circumstances happening, but then again, that is part of the point; sometimes we encounter impossible situations in order for the Lord to step in to achieve what only He can, and sometimes things happen to reveal to us the divine intervention at work behind them.

Beller creates a unique model of harmonious collaboration within Telipe’s village, one that reminds me of the body of Christ. Besides the indigenous Nez Perce tribe, there are interracial couples, trappers, and native Blackfeet. Telipe amusedly remarks to herself, “Conversation flowed freely among the group, sometimes in Nimiiputimpt, sometimes in English. And she couldn’t be certain, but it seemed like every so often, a bit of the French tongue slipped in. There was such a mix of nationalities and languages represented in this group that it was a wonder anyone could follow along. Often, Elan or Beaver tail would lean forward and translate something said into a language the rest could understand.” The first thing that came to mind while reading this description was the “great multitude” spoken of in Revelation 7:9. It is a beautiful depiction of what the church should be like here on earth, too, and it dovetails well with the faith journey of the main characters. When people see the peace and joy that our faith produces in us and experience the Lord working through us, they will be more inclined to seek the Savior.

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. ( )

As book 7 in the Call of the Rockies series by Misty M. Beller, this book chronicles the relationship between Telipe and Chogan. As parts of two different tribes, Chogan and his fellow warriors kidnapped Telipe earlier in the series, but now exiled by his tribe, Chogan seeks to find his own path. Believing Telipe to be a married woman, he crosses paths with her and discovers her husband had died while she still carries their child.

This story examines how Chogan and Telipe navigate the waters of a tumultuous relationship during her pregnancy and then the delivery of her unexpected twin daughters. The two, along with her people, also attempt to survive a wildcat that sets its sights on the village. As Chogan develops a relationship with Telipe’s people, the two move into a new relationship. As will the other books in this series, I highly recommend reading it.

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

Now I know why so many people gush over Misty Beller’s novels. I love stories about outcasts who need acceptance, and Chogan, in Honor in the Mountain Refuge, surely does! Too tender-hearted to be accepted as a member of his war-like Blackfoot tribe, Chogan is disowned. Chogan finds himself drawn to Telípé, a young, expectant Nez Percé woman whom his people had stolen as a captive earlier.
I could not put this book down once I started. The love story lured me in, and the scenery, history, and action held me spellbound. I never knew what to expect, and the tension runs high in spots. Secondary enigmatic characters like Meksem, Beaver Tail, Elan are great to get to know. I felt like perhaps, if I had read previous books, I would know more about these characters and perhaps understand them better, but that was ok. It didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this novel, just made me want to go back and catch up with some of Ms. Beller’s others.
The faith element is unapologetic and clear, but not forced. It works naturally in the characters’ thoughts and conversations.
The make-up of the villagers and couples themselves thrilled me. I cannot say more without giving away spoilers.
Go get your own copy of Honor in the Mountain Refuge!
I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher via Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. ( )

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I love anything Misty Beller writes. I was introduced to Misty soon after I started reviewing for Celebrate Lit and have read all of her books since. Honor in the Mountain Refuge is the sixth book in the Call of the Rockies series. I am so glad Telípe is finally getting her own story. She is such a brave character and I love the attraction between she and Chogan. In the scene of the wildcat, Chogan wants so bad to prove himself capable of Telípe and how much he loves her.

Misty Beller does a fantastic job writing this book, her characters are so realistic, and by this sixth book, I feel they are now part of my family. I also love and appreciate the way Beller weaves the gospel within the story in the life’s of her characters. And with Honor in the Mountain Refuge especially that we saw some of the sweet character come to know our Lord and Savior. But no worries, this is done in such a subtle smooth way it doesn’t offend.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

Honor in the Mountain Refuge by Misty M. Beller is book six in the Call of the Rockies Series. While this is a nice stand alone story, this book does follow after the rest in the series and mentions past characters, so it is best to read in order. Telipe's husband dies before their child is born and she is forced to return to her family's village. Chogan is sent away from his Blackfoot village by his father and the two's paths meet a second time. They develop a forbidden friendship that is tested when he is captured by her tribe. When a dangerous wildcat threatens the safety of the village, he is allowed to join in the search.

This is a fast moving, suspenseful Christian historical fiction story. This story has the theme of forgiveness and second chances running through it. I especially enjoy catching up with the past characters and seeing how Telipe is connected to them. I enjoyed the strength Chogan has and the care he extends toward the members of her tribe, even when they distrust him. I especially enjoy the way the message of God is woven into the story. I also enjoyed how the people of the village all worked together to care for each other and see to their needs.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review. ( )