Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author who writes romantic mountain stories set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. Her Southern roots run deep, and she lives in South Carolina with her husband and children. In this interview, Mesu talks with us about the second book in her Brides of Laurent Series, titled A Healer’s Promise.
FF: Can you please provide a brief summary of your new novel, A Healer’s Promise?
I’d love to! Levi Masters is a British spy trying to uncover the United States’ secrets, and he can handle anything the Canadian Rockies demands. Yet he’s tired of the lies and half-truths that have become his life as a spy. When he’s taken captive by the warriors of a hidden French village, he determines to answer their questions truthfully—even if that truth ends his life at the edge of their blades.
He’s only able to escape the village with the help of one of their own—namely, Audrey Moreau, the village healer, who takes him to a hidden cave away from the village.
But as the villagers come closer to discovering their hideout and Levi suffers a life-threatening injury, they face difficult choices as each tries to protect the other–and the growing love between them.
FF: A Healer’s Promise is the second book in your Brides of Laurent Series. What is the connecting element that ties all of the books in your series together?
The village of Laurent is the heart of the series and the main feature that ties the books together. Laurent is a village hidden in secret caves in the Canadian Rockies, near what would later become Alberta.
FF: Although you live in the South, you have set many of your books in the West. What draws you to this area for your stories?
When I was growing up, we drove across the country several times to visit family in California. We would often take different routes and see new parts of the country. I loved many places we saw, but the Rockies really captured my heart. The majesty of the mountains there is too beautiful for words to describe, but I love to try!
FF: Your novel blends the lives of a British spy with a village healer. What did you love most about your characters, Levi Masters and Audrey Moreau?
Oh, Levi and Audrey might be my all-time favorite characters! Levi is one of those really good guys. He’s strong and capable. A gentleman, who struggles to protect Audrey, especially when his very presence is part of what puts her in danger. And add in the British accent . . . (happy sigh) Audrey is one of those caring people who give freely of themselves to help others—and she really loves doing it! She’s a born nurturer, which is one of the reasons she helps Levi escape instead of letting him face unjust punishment. Of course, no one is perfect and these two have their share of personal struggles. But I love their hearts throughout the story. And, of course, the way things develop to a sizzle between them!
FF: What was the inspiration for A Healer’s Promise?
The hero in book 1, A Warrior’s Heart, was a spy for the United States during the War of 1812, so I loved the idea of the hero in A Healer’s Promise being a spy for the other side during that war—the British. That provided quite a bit of tension with Laurent’s council, who had already agreed to support the US. With Audrey’s heart to help others, she couldn’t allow Levi to suffer because of his background. It was amazing to see the lengths she had to go to in the story.
FF: Have you always written in the historical romance genre?
Yes! I love to read any version of Christian romance, but historical is my first love. When I finally worked up the nerve to write my first novel, there was never any question that it would be a historical romance.
FF: What do you love most about this genre?
I tend to be a bit of a sentimentalist, so historical romance is perfect for me! My favorite period is between 1800–1880, when the West was still an extreme frontier. I love the simpler life, where there’s no rat race. Just hard work, plenty of alone time (can you tell I’m an introvert?), and a strong family unit.
FF: Are there any lessons you try to convey in your novel?
One of my favorite themes to write about is God’s love, and the way He guides us in His plan if we’re intentional about seeking His will in each decision. Trust can be so hard when something we really love is what God is asking us to place in His hands (like when God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac). But that’s the only way God can give us the bigger, better things He has in store!
FF: Are readers always promised a “happily-ever-after” in your novels? Why or why not?
Absolutely. I read as an escape, so that happily-ever-after is important to me. I know my characters will face challenges after the story ends, but I want to finish the book knowing they’ve grown through the story and will be able to meet future struggles with God’s strength and the support of each other—as well as family and friends!
A Healer’s Promise
Brides of Laurent Series #2
Misty M. Beller
Bethany House
Genres: Historical Romance
Release Date: May 3, 2022
ISBN-10: 0764238051
ISBN-13: 978-0764238055
Book Summary:
She was called to be a healer, but her skills–and heart–have never been so challenged.
Levi Masters’s time as a British spy hasn’t ended, though his country’s war with America has. After overhearing a scout reveal a discovery that could give America the upper hand in future conflicts, Levi is sent on one last mission. While trekking through the Canadian Rockies in pursuit of his former enemy, he is taken captive by warriors from a hidden mountain village.
Village healer Audrey Moreau is more curious than afraid of the outsider, and she’s drawn to his commitment to honesty even at his own expense. Despite her arguments for his release, the council remains at an impasse. Compelled to help him escape, she sneaks him out of the village. But when Levi faces a life-threatening injury and the fierce mountain winter closes in, Levi and Audrey are forced to discover just how far they’ll go to ensure the safety of the other and the love growing between them.
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