Wednesday, May 02, 2018

THIS WILDERNESS JOURNEY - Misty M Beller - One Free Book

Bio:
Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

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. 

Welcome back, Misty. Why did you become an author?
I’ve always loved to read, but several years ago I was putting together my bucket list, and realized that I really did want to write a novel. So, "Write a novel that's published" made it near the top!

I decided, it's now or never, and made the commitment to do it. So, I had a general idea that I wanted it to be a Christian western romance. But where to start? I finally decided I needed to find a good book to help me plan. I stumbled upon (a.k.a. God led me to) the best possible book to help me get started with a great plan: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. For all you writers out there, I can't recommend it highly enough! 

From there, I've soaked in every bit of writing instruction I can from some amazing groups and individuals. And I've spent countless hours sitting with my laptop pouring out words onto the screen. Writing is in my blood. It's my passion. A true gift from my Heavenly Father, and I pray daily that he uses the words for His purpose.

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?
That’s a tough question because I LOVE writing. If I had to choose another job outside the home…After high school, I became a substitute teacher, and I loved working with kids. It was a little stressful for this introvert, but the kids were so worth it!

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?
That’s an easy one! I’d love to go back to the middle of the 1800s, around the time periods I write. Although, I’m not sure I’d want to go through all the trials my characters have to!

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?
I was blessed to have traveled a lot with my grandparents while growing up, but New England is one place we never went. I’d love to visit in the fall!

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?
My number one place I’d love to visit would be Italy, but England and Spain are a close second and third! I hope one day to be able to spend a month touring Europe with my husband and daughters. 😊

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?
He’s been working with me on total obedience. Following His gentle prompting without second guessing or trying to compromise, both in the little things and the big things. It’s tough sometimes, but God is so faithful to give us exactly what we need!

Tell us about the featured book?
I’d love to!

Joseph Malcom has spent his life protecting those in need, but now that his sister is safely settled with her new family in the Canadian Rockies, his help is no longer required. That is, until he’s asked to safely retrieve the priest’s cousin to help minister to the local Indian tribe. But his passenger is not at all who he expects.

After the death of her mother, Monti Bergeron has nothing to keep her in Montreal. While the prospect of ministering to the Indians out West is daunting, she looks forward to assisting her beloved cousin in his mission work. The life of a nun may be just what she needs to heal her grief, serving her Heavenly Father and fellow mankind, especially if no more pesky suitors are around to ask for her hand in marriage. But the man who’s been sent to guide her through the mountains might make her second-guess her plans before she even begins.

As Monti settles into her ministry, Joseph finds his wandering feet drawn back to the Indian camp. Monti’s focus on God is more unsettling than he’d like to admit. Add to that her beauty which tests his willpower at every turn, and she’s made it crystal clear she doesn’t want a husband. But when his determination to keep distance between them puts Monti in danger, protecting her might require something Joseph might not be able to give.

Please give us the first page of the book.
November, 1852
Canadian Rocky Mountains
I am the luckiest man alive. Here I stand at the edge of the world, nothing below me but rock and mountain and snow and a lake so clear it reflects the sky like green moss. It’s not yet frozen, but I know it soon will be. Another wonder of God. The stack of His marvels so high it stretches as far as I can see.

And here I stand in the midst of them. A place as beautiful as heaven, surely.

So why do my eyes sting? Why does my heart ache?

What do I long for?

If I could form it with words, maybe then I would know what I seek. I could focus my restless energy on a goal. A single purpose that would make this life worth living.

How much longer can I live with this flood of emotion that churns through my mind and chest? How much longer can I withstand this saturation of feeling before I lose the ability to feel at all?
Maybe I am there already.

Joseph Malcom closed his leather journal and stared out at the view one last time. Snowcapped peaks stretching as far as he could see, rising into the heavens, some of them covered completely by clouds. Far below, scrawny pines and firs darkened the valleys, winding around and between the green pools that dotted the flat ground.

The wild beauty of this land had fascinated him since he’d first traveled into this country. The craving to explore these peaks had been part of what urged him to stay on here in these Canadian Rockies instead of returning to Baltimore—the only other place he could think of as home.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I love to connect at my website, FacebookGoodreadsTwitter, Bookbub, and Pinterest

Thank you, Misty, for sharing this book with us. I’ve been eagerly awaiting its release. So have my readers.

Readers, here are links to the book.
This Wilderness Journey (Heart of the Mountains) (Volume 2) - Paperback
This Wilderness Journey (Heart of the Mountains Book 2) - Kindle
This Wilderness Journey: Heart of the Mountains, Book 2 - Audio

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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14 comments:

Lane Hill House said...

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?
"He’s been working with me on total obedience. Following His gentle prompting without second guessing or trying to compromise, both in the little things and the big things. It’s tough sometimes, but God is so faithful to give us exactly what we need!"

I love this!! The Lord has been teaching me to be a listener and it has been so rewarding!! In my third year now of not having to hold my response but really deeply listen! So thankful in our wilderness journey He holds our hand!! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House in Missouri

Diana Flowers said...

I would dearly love to read this. I love reading about characters who attempted to minister to the Indians against formidable odds! I wasn't aware that Misty was another SC girl. :-) Thanks for the interview and giveaway opportunity.

Diana in SC

dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

Kay Garrett said...

Love the storyline for THIS WILDERNESS JOURNEY by Misty M. Beller and enjoyed reading the first page. I'd very much love the opportunity to read the book.

I would tell Misty to definitely take a trip to the New England states in the fall. She won't be disappointed. We took a bucketlist trip there 2 years ago. We went up the entire coastline of Maine, then into the interior of the the state before going through all the rest of the New England state headed to Niagara Falls and then down to Amish country in Shipshewana, IN. It was a 32 day trip that will always bring fun memories to mind.

Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this wonderful book.
Kay Garrett from Mountain View, AR
2clowns at arkansas dot net

Melanie Backus said...

What a great book. I would love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity. Melanie Backus, TX

Misty M. Beller said...

Kathleen, I love your message! Truly listening can be hard but so rewarding when we connect with people more deeply. And isn't it wonderful how God can show us their heart when we listen? :-)
Blessings!

Misty M. Beller said...

Diana, it's always a pleasure to meet another South Carolina girl! :-) Blessings!

Misty M. Beller said...

Kay, that sounds like an AMAZING trip!! I think I'm going to write it down in my bucket list just the way you described! :-)
Blessings!

Misty M. Beller said...

Melanie, I hope you get a chance to read it and I pray you enjoy the story! Blessings!

Sandy Quandt said...

Misty, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Emma, Simeon, and Joseph's story in The Treacherous Journey. Glad to hear The Wilderness Journey is out. Sounds like it's as good a read as the first book in the series. Thanks for the opportunity to win it.

Sandy Q TX

Vivian Furbay said...

I really like to read historical fiction and would enjoy this book. Vivian Furbay of CO

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Obedience without questioning is a goal that I need to work toward also! Thanks for sharing your first page and your thoughts.
Blessings!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Sharon Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.

Shelia64 said...

sounds like a good book! Shelia from Mississippi

rubynreba said...

The Canadian Rockies are beautiful and this will be a great read!
Beth from Iowa