The Mountains Between Us by Imogen Martin

First time read by this author , and finding this was another instalment to a story already started made me wonder how I'd get on.
I wasn't disappointed in reading it , a lovely book and a great story that I didn't feel distracted from not reading the first.
I knew nothing about the goldrush, and the characters and premises of the book added to the enjoyment.

This is very touching story of a woman traveling alone to California. It is during the Gold Rush and she is looking for her husband. I read several hours at a time to find out about her adventures. Imogene Martin is one of my favorite authors. I loved it.

Easy and delightful read. Interesting setting of new California and what the early settlers experienced. Pacing was good through but the ending lagged some. I had not read the first book of Grace and the travel west, but easily followed this one without that. I enjoyed it so much I just downloaded To the Wild Horizon, so I can discover the beginning of her story. I really enjoyed the strong female characters and loved that they were the ‘heroes’.
If you like stories about settling west, strong women and faithful love, you will enjoy this book!

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

The next installment of Grace and Tom's story, THE MOUNTAINS BETWEEN US opens with the couple finally reaching Grace's brother's farmstead in rural Oregon. However, despite the peaceful surroundings and promise of a good farming life, Tom is haunted by his dishonorable dismissal from the US Army and something else he's not sharing with his beloved wife; and for herself, Grace struggles with infertility and her longing for a child. The decision is made to strike out towards California, where whispers of gold-filled mountains have begun luring men to the unsettled valley from around the world.

The promise of financial security and the thrill of adventure spurn the couple onward, but the road is long and paved with blood, sweat, and tears.

While I had not read the first book in their series, it wasn't strictly necessary to enjoy this story. I do believe, however, my enjoyment of the character development of Grace and Tom would have been deeper had I known the beginning of their stories. This book was an approachable fictionalization of the wilds and lawlessness of California during the gold rush, and while it gleaned over some of the harsher realities <spoiler>such as the senseless practice of killing and scalping Native American's for reward money</spoiler>, Martin took care to allude to the practices without discussing the horrors-- which would make this an appropriate choice for a reader with more delicate sensibilities. I was impressed with Martin's attention to detail in depicting life in early San Francisco and the practice of gold mining; and I also enjoyed the characters.

Grace's character especially had a difficult line to walk; Grace was so obviously a fiercely independent and capable woman, but, as per usual during the 1800s, she held deference for her husband (even when he was making bad decisions for the couple). As a member of a more modern audience, I applaud Martin's ability to create and sustain a character than embodied these rather conflicting personality traits. Tom, while not my favorite character in the book, was memorable in the realism in which he was portrayed; a war veteran struggling with not only PTSD (not diagnosed in the book, which is historically accurate), but also the weight of caring for his family and no idea how to do so.

I was pleasantly surprised with THE MOUNTAINS BETWEEN US, and I look forward to exploring some of Martin's other books in the near future!

THE MOUNTAINS BETWEEN US by IMOGEN MARTIN tells an exciting story that takes place in 1848 in California during the Gold Rush.
James Randolph is no longer the confident captain that Grace married after something happens to him in Mexico that leads to his discharge from the army. ….
James and Grace have good success in panning for gold together until tragedy strikes ……
We see how brave and supportive Grace is when James is taken captive……
It is a story about courage in adversty, unconditional love and second chances.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Storm Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Really good comfort read, the storyline was well done and characters believable. It was like cozying up with a cup of tea and a warm blanket to watch a few episodes of Little House on the Prairie. This skillfully done novel will have you falling in love with Grace and Randolph and the challenges they faced in this historical non-fiction romance!

Anything involving western style stories I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I enjoyed this so much. I loved every second of it. Highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read it. 10/10

What another amazing, riveting, brilliant read from Imogen Martin! A wealth of historical research has been mined and utilized extremely well in The Mountains Between Us. If you have not read To The Wild Horizon, I highly recommend you do as although the current novel can stand alone easily, the previous novel covers the initial meeting of this couple, James and Grace, and provides a wider picture of the challenges they endured and the accomplishments they achieved. The next instalment of their journey after marriage, provides a moving picture, too. Grace’s initial strength continues to blossom in the face of adversity. She is determined to be with her husband wherever he goes. Her strength knows no bounds—for love is behind her every step. James, on the other hand, has changed due to war experiences. Reading both books provides the full arc of his career: his previous commanding heights as a Captain to his current downward spiral. But thankfully, this dip is momentary!

As mentioned, The Mountains Between Us focuses on the continued saga of James and Grace Randolph. It centres on their lives for two years during the California Gold rush (1848-1850). And oh my, what harrowing adventures this novel showcases. We are plunged into the hazards, pitfalls and disappointments connected to gold prospecting and the hard earned victories that are sometimes swept away in a blink of an eye! We see this couple endure some of the most horrendous experiences and separations imaginable: caused by fire, theft, imprisonment, slave labour, remoteness— just to name a few. We certainly get to see what these two are made of as they navigate a maze of memories, forge new paths and try to establish businesses during their new life in the west. There are plenty of surprises and twists on the road to success. A few failures, too, but overall these two are to be admired for their courage and tenacity. Reading this novel gave me a close up view of what it must have been like for US settlers in the mid 1800s who desperately tried to make a living in new unprotected territory.

The Mountains Between Us highlights Grace’s resilience, strength, skill, resourcefulness and devotion. She is a woman determined to succeed even when her husband is not quite there with her in spirit and form. She is most definitely the star of this novel. She clearly outshines her husband for a good portion of this story. But although he falls to the self-pitying pits of despair for a season after he is discharged from the army, he heads to California to start anew. He comes up with some good ideas that make finding gold less laborious and the couple have some happy moments in their wilderness haven. But peace doesn’t last long. Conflicts begin and with each downward swing of luck, James falls a little lower in confidence. Grace, though, manages to pull him back up eventually. But there are walls between them. He never wants to talk about his painful army days— until he must endure a terrible fate. Then kickstarted by advice from a friend, he starts to open up to Grace (who harbours her own secret). It is not until they both share, that wonderful healing begins to happen.

I love this couple. They had their ups and downs but their love remains like a shining golden seam between them. James’ depression is more forgivable when we learn why. Grace is able to understand his emotional and physical pain when he reveals himself. So yes, this is a relationship story—one about enduring love. It also covers the history of California—when it became the 31st state in 1850. Part of it is about the pursuit of gold and how it changed people. Many travelled there seeking economic and social freedom and opportunity. The pursuit of gold, though, drew out thieves, fuelled envy and created some dangerous times. I don’t want to give anything away so I am dancing around the events but this novel is a wonderful tribute to the gold fever age.

The Mountains Between Us is a moving story. I truly felt I walked in Grace’s shoes and was transported to that wild landscape. I also felt James’s despair as the author gives us his perspective as well. The roller coaster emotions of these two characters affected my own. I definitely became deeply engrossed in the story, action and events that surrounded these two and their wonderful friends who add striking colour to the plot. There is a great cast of characters. And yes, some nasty villains that you truly wish would leave the scenes! And Grace’s skill with a gun had me in awe. I can picture this strong fearless woman from Imogen’s excellent descriptions. How her love for her husband fuelled her courage. She would go anywhere and do anything to save him.

This is without doubt my favourite novel I have read in the new year. It is so well written and grabbed my heart from the start and held me to the very end. I am happy that good things eventually happen for this couple. I closed the book satisfied, sighing and uplifted by the outcomes. A stunning masterpiece that is beautifully rendered! 5 glowing Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.

This was a beautifully done novel and enjoyed getting to read this romance during the California Gold Rush. The characters felt like they were supposed to be there and worked with the storyline going on. Imogen Martin has a strong writing style and thought the characters were everything that I wanted.

"The Mountain Between Us" by Imogen Martin is the third book in this series and is a captivating historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of the American Gold Rush.
It is a story of adventure, suspense, romance, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is an enjoyable read that offers a glimpse into a fascinating period in American history. The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged. The book includes a strong and resourceful female protagonist, a conflicted lawman, and a charismatic but dangerous outlaw. The story is amazing as Imogen Martin has captured the setting and the characters beautifully. I was captivated from the beginning as you get swept into the story as Grace and Randolf embark on their adventures into the hills where gold is being panned. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy to preview. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely loved this book. Imogen Martin always does such a great job at painting a picture. From the first page it was like a movie had started as I continued to read. My heart saddened when James took off back to the gold mines without Grace. I felt all the emotions in this book. Easily one of my favorites. Imogen Martin has also become one of my favorite Authors. I was so pleased to see this book after reading Into The Wild. I had wondered where life had taken James and Grace. Truly a five star read for me!

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I had enjoyed the previous book, To the Wild Horizon which told the story of Grace and her brothers journey across America to Oregon and meeting with Captain James Randolf. This sequel follows up on that dtory as they go in search if a new life in the gold fields. Much has happened since the first story and this is a difficult journey both emotionally and physically fir them. It is good to read how their characters develop. Grace becoming a stronger, more determined young woman. James has his demons to contend with. California is still a lawless state, so many challenges have to be faced.
I look forward to reading more of their lives in the next book. This is a recommended read for those who enjoy historical fiction..

The Mountains Between Us by Imogen Martin was a slow start for me. I was about to put it aside and not finish. However, I stuck to it and the ending was worth it. There was one open door scene between Randolph and Grace (husband and wife) that I felt could have been handled closed door. The struggle to tame the new world was very real and the strength of the women who helped settle it was critical. Grace showed that strength and was a great MC.

Releases Feb 18th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I didn’t realize initially that this is a sequel to ‘To the Wild Horizon,’ but having also read that book it worked out well. While technically this could be read as a standalone, much would be missing from the characters’ stories for the reader.

Picking up a year or two after their journey west, ‘The Mountains Between Us’ opens with James and Grace Randolph at loose ends after James’ surprising discharge from the army. No longer Captain Randolph for reasons he will not disclose to Grace, he is left adrift and uncertain what path to take, a mental state that has a toll on his marriage as well as their living situation. While Grace would be content to stay near her family in Oregon and farm, James is clearly not the farming sort. His restlessness and desire to find his place have them heading south through the untamed, and often lawless, California hills. From the 1849 gold rush to San Francisco in its infancy, a lot happens for the Randolphs. And I mean a lot. That would be my one criticism of the book, that events moved along at such a rapid pace that it felt like about four story plots converged into one. But maybe this is a good reflection of the frenetic pace and insecurity of forging a life amid the challenges of the American frontier.

Enjoyable new characters and the return of friends from the trail add to the story’s appeal, and Grace and the other women prove to be tenacious forces to be reckoned with, both as business women and pulling off a daring rescue when the men are conscripted into forced labor in a mining camp. James’ behavior irritated me for much of the book I must admit, but things resolved towards the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a great follow up novel giving us a continued story of Grace and James. They met on the Oregon Trail and fell in love. James was a captain in the Army and finds himself having to resign. It does change the couples plans and the story takes us on their journey. Though they have finished the trail their hardships have not ended.

I enjoyed the strong female character of Grace. She is tough, smart and clever. There are many times that her forethought has saved the couple. The settings take us to the gold mine hills of California and San Francisco. The story gives us a glimpse of life then and it's hardships. We meet some other characters who make the story interesting and build a type of family for the couple.

I enjoyed this historical fiction novel mostly set in California. I could imagine how difficult it would be to start a new life. Both their characters have likeable traits and flaws which make them relateable. Thank you Netgalley for the chance to review this novel. I do hope there will be a continued story.

Just love this series of books by Imogen Martin, absolutely enjoyed following Grace and Toms journey across the planes of the Wild West and the reasons for them both setting off on their journey. Grace’s turbulent relationship with Captain Randolph which turns into love. This books focuses on reconnecting with Graces brothers before setting off on another adventure to find gold. You won’t be disappointed with this book, it’s such a good read and excellent storyline with lovely characters.
I really hope there will be another follow up
My thanks as always to NetGalley, Publisher Storm Publishing and to Imogen Martin for allowing the early read.

Captivating, emotional, tender and written with such lightness of touch. An impressive, beguiling narrative set against the early years of the California Gold Rush. The sense of place is vivid, the challenges are fascinating and the characters as so real.

Having met Grace and James in the first novel, I was intrigued to catch up on their lives. James is haunted by something that happened in Mexico.
But why is James distant when he was so in love with Grace in the last novel? This is a fascinating hook and kept me turning and turning the pages. I willed Grace and James to find a way through the troubles.

Wonderful the way the author guides the reader through the era with the characters. The resilience of the characters is inspirational, and I was particularly impressed with Grace's gumption. There is always something happening in this story, but the depth of the characters’ emotions moved me. I almost forget I was immersed in a novel.

This novel can be read as part of the series or as a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. The story of Grace and her husband James Randolph during the beginnings of the California gold rush in 1848 was an interesting, inspiring, and engaging story. James left the US Army as a captain in disgrace, he declined to discuss the reasons with Grace and it caused tension and confusion between them. Grace wanted to live near her brother in Oregon , but James could not see himself as a farmer and decided that they should go and try their luck in California. The story of their adventures to travel to California, settle there, the fortunes and misfortunes that they encountered made for an interesting moving story. I do not want to devolve much of the entire story but I enjoyed the second part of the book, that describes the resources that Grace and her friends Lillian and Cora did to survive. I enjoyed the strength, determination, that these people had in order to survive, this book showcased all of that but especially the love , compassion and friendship that these people had for each other. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in reading more about the California gold rush era.

A sweet story of love and overcoming hardships. Multiple times they lost everything and had to start over.

I was very excited to see another novel by this author! I'd thought she wouldn't write anymore after the last one. Boy howdy I was so glad she did!
I just finished this delightful book and I loved this one even more! Lots going on!
Exciting things, learning things, and most of all wonderful friendships formed.
The Mountains between us is a wonderful adventure along with marriage renewals, hope, love, and learning to appreciate each other.
I simply couldn't put Grace's story down! She certainly had a lot to tell. I loved her from the previous books and this one made her even more special to me. She and her friends became family to me. I hated to say goodbye once again.
I hope to see more from this author in tge future. I loved Grace and her family.
I really loved this story. It left my heart feeling full and satisfied.
5 stars from me for excellent writing and drawing me in immediately. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I'll be thinking about this one for a,long time.