A story of survival in a mining town in Idaho... Hills of Nevermore by Janalyn Voigt (Review)


Hills of Nevermore
(Montana Gold #1)
By Janalyn Voigt
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 306 Pages
May 1st 2017 by Mountain Brook Ink

Summary

Can a young widow hide her secret shame from the Irish preacher bent on helping her survive?

In an Idaho Territory boom town, America Liberty Reed overhears circuit preacher Shane Hayes try to persuade a hotel owner to close his saloon on Sunday. Shane lands face-down in the mud for his trouble, and there’s talk of shooting him. America intervenes and finds herself in an unexpectedly personal conversation with the blue-eyed preacher. Certain she has angered God in the past, she shies away from Shane.

Addie Martin, another widow, invites America to help in her cook tent in Virginia City, the new mining town. Even with Addie’s teenage son helping with America’s baby, life is hard. Shane urges America to depart for a more civilized location. Neither Shane’s persuasions nor road agents, murder, sickness, or vigilante violence can sway America. Loyalty and ambition hold her fast until dire circumstances force her to confront everything she believes about herself, Shane, and God.

Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America, Hills of Nevermore explores faith, love, and courage in the wild west.

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My Review

HILLS OF NEVERMORE is a story about three main characters as they face the challenges of living in the lawless Idaho mining towns while trying to eke out their own happiness. There's danger and injustice, but also friendship, family, and love. Christian historical romance fans may enjoy this one.

There was quite a bit going on in this story. There are three main characters who are all trying to figure out how to make things work and where to place their faith. America has held on to a past sin and won't forgive herself to the point that she blames her husband's death as her fault and continues to punish herself. Addie is just trying to figure out life without her husband and raise her teenage son while also trying to find her own happiness. Shane is struggling with preaching to the unruly miners who'd rather shoot or punch him than listen to him preach. The three of them must face their fears and learn to fight for love in the wild country they live in.

The pacing of this story is pretty slow. Or maybe not slow as much as I felt it dragged on with unnecessary information in places. It was a lot to have three storylines and two romances going on at the same time. I think it needed some additional editing to fine tune it more. Then there is the constant back and forth of the romances that began to really irk me, and the almost too perfectly sweet ending.

Having said all that, there were also some really good parts of this story and things that I did enjoy. I really liked the characters and the romance was sweet. I also adored America's baby and I enjoyed the friendship between America and Addie and her son, Travis. I also completely fell in love with dear Nate who never gave up. He was a solid friend above all else.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed this story overall. The characters were likable, the friendships and romance sweet, and the overall story was heartfelt.

Content: Violence, innuendo, drinking, situations involving saloons, attempted kidnappings.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from JustReadTours, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

Other Books in the Series


This is the first book I've read from this author... have you ready any of her books?

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