A Warrior's Heart

Written by Misty M. Beller

Narrated by Melissa Hurst

Her heart longs for peace, but peace won't keep them safe.

Brielle Durand is still haunted by the massacre that killed her mother a dozen years before. Vowing to never let it happen again, she’s risen to be the key defender for her people’s peace-loving French settlement living in hidden caves in
the Canadian Rockies. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret home, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. But now, what to do with this man who insists he can be trusted?

Hoping to escape past regrets, Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover if the northern mountains contain an explosive mineral that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is
determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on his promise to his government or take a risk on where his heart is leading him?

Either choice will cause harm to someone.

Brielle and Evan must reconcile the warring in their hearts to have any hope of finding peace for their peoples.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705038345

Misty M. Beller

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller (MistyMBeller.com) writes romantic mountain stories set on the 1800s frontier and woven through with the truth of God's love. Her Southern roots run deep, and she lives in South Carolina with her husband and children.

Reviews for A Warrior's Heart

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Misty Beller has quickly become one of my favorite historical romance authors. I would not have thought that an author could pen so many books with similar settings, genres, and themes without falling into a rut or monotonous pattern, but Beller accomplishes this feat with aplomb. Each story is unique and uplifting, a glimpse into the nineteenth century and how romance and faith sustained the characters through hardship and heartache. Her latest novel, “A Warrior’s Heart,” truly stands out to me as one of the most intriguing, and my favorite to date, and it heralds the beginning of the Brides of Laurent series. Set in the Rocky Mountains in Canada during the War of 1812, “A Warrior’s Heart” presents a world that sounds idyllic until a stranger enters and starts a ripple effect in the lives of its inhabitants. Native Scotsman and American Evan McManus is a man on a mission, looking for a specific mineral that the government believes will help them win this second war against the British, when he unwittingly stumbles upon a clandestine community and into the path of its capable lady warrior, Brielle Durand. With that fascinating premise, readers embark on an adventure of discovery, one which shatters stereotypes while creating a world not so far removed from our own in certain ways. If I’m being honest, Laurent sounds like both a bit of a dream come true and a nightmare. I appreciate the detachment from the world at large and find myself wishing for that kind of self-sufficiency and for the well-being to continue. As Evan realizes, “Staying within these walls meant safety. In this land that was more treacherous than any he’d seen, these people had survived, and even thrived, because of the walls.” The thought of living in a space, likely without windows, hewn from rock, is unbearable to me, although I am impressed by the detail and planning of the homes and meeting structure and how everything is interconnected. Brielle notes that “Her people were peace-loving. They only wanted to remain completely on their own, invisible to the world except for the natives they traded with.” More and more in this current age, I find myself in agreement with this! A few other aspects of the Laurent people captured my attention and stoked my interest, as well. The most obvious is Brielle’s unusual position as Le Commandant, leader of the guards and hunters. Her demeanor is difficult to decipher, and after she begins to reveal her emotions, she feels overwhelmed by all that she must do. When she doubts herself, Evan reassures her: “You excelled where you were gifted. That’s what all people who achieve great things have done. You leaned into your strength and accomplished feats few people would attempt.” The Laurent people’s fluency in three languages also breaks stereotypes of the native people of any land being simple-minded or uneducated. Most precious of all is the faith element, which shines forth from both Evan and Brielle in spite of their seeming opposite natures early on. While I would have expected one or the other to have a stunted or even nonexistent faith, both characters exhibit faithfulness and godly compassion in their own way, and this bears fruit in their lives as the story unfolds. Just how far this harvest can reach will become evident when readers turn the final page of this inspiring new novel.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.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Having read a number of Misty Beller's books, I was looking forward to reading A Warrior's Heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The setting was so unique. Beller often has as the main character one who identified as a mountain man or mountain doctor, or the series name include different mountain ranges. In A Warrior's Heart, the community is secluded in caves carved out of the Canadian Rockies. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Evan and Charlotte begin and change throughout the story as they encountered so many struggles and dangers. Strong, likable characters, realistic situations, and wonderfully descriptive scenes work together for a delightful story. Threaded throughout the book also is a faith in God--the God who hears our prayers and answers. I enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next book in the Brides of Laurent series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit and NetGalley. A favorable review is not required, and the opinions are my own.

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am totally hooked on this series, and cannot wait for the second installment. Set in 1814 in the Rocky Mountains of Canada, the story follows female warrior Brielle Durand and US Army spy Evan MacManus. In an effort to protect the village of Laurent, Brielle takes Evan captive, but will he end up being the invader or the protector of Laurent? Will Evan decide to rely on his own strength and reasoning, or is there someone else on whom he can safely rely? Readers will greatly enjoy discovering the answers to these questions. Misty M. Beller has a unique voice within the genre of historical fiction. She creates strong protagonists through allowing their vulnerabilities to show alongside their strengths. She squarely places her readers within the stunning beauty as well as the harsh realities of life in the mountains, shoulder to shoulder with her characters. I am grateful to have received a copy of A Warrior's Heart from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[eamace · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enter the area around the hidden village of Laurent at your own risk!For Evan MacManus, there should have been a sign warning him. However, since there was not, we get to know a whole new set of characters in this first book in the Brides of Laurent series. Injured, but well cared for, he remains a prisoner. Will things ever change, allowing him to continue with his commission?Brielle Durand is the leader of the guards and hunters for the village of Laurent. It is 1814, and I loved how the author took a young lady and gave her the skills and fortitude to head up this most important job of safety and survival. Trust, however, was not something easily given, especially to strangers.An ARC of this first book was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.