When newcomer Mercy Windsor arrives in Mercy Peak in 1948 after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood's beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood--an abandoned estate with a haunting history--and begins to restore it to its former glory.
But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of that mountain's lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal, Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Engine No. 8, which vanished years ago, along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention another fabled treasure that--if found--could right so many wrongs.
Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed.
But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of that mountain's lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal, Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Engine No. 8, which vanished years ago, along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention another fabled treasure that--if found--could right so many wrongs.
Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed.
MY THOUGHTS.....
This book has many of the things that I love in a story, including a mystery, an inspiring message, and a unique setting. It could also be labeled an "all-star extravaganza' because of its cast of amazing characters! Ruby/Rusty and Mary Beth/Mercy are the two who immediately stole my heart, but they are supported by so many others, including one that's actually a missing train car.
Born of Gilded Mountains is a story of a friendship that endured through years of pain, grief, and loss, and author Amanda Dyke's poignant descriptions helped me feel them all. I could imagine a flight from Hollywood, and I was allowed to laugh and dream in a special place called Mercy Peak. Her words are lyrical, the emotions are sometimes raw, and even when hope seemed diminished, she never allowed it to be destroyed. I loved the friendship that began when two 10-year-old girls became pen pals, the efforts to restore an abandoned estate, and the eventual meeting between Mercy and Rusty. Add a missing mailbag of letters that could change everything, mix in a treasure trove of clues and details, and the results are pure magic!
Grab a copy of this book if you're looking for a mesmerizing tale that will keep you glued to the pages. Born of Gilded Mountains is truly storytelling at its very best!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
Born of Gilded Mountains is a story of a friendship that endured through years of pain, grief, and loss, and author Amanda Dyke's poignant descriptions helped me feel them all. I could imagine a flight from Hollywood, and I was allowed to laugh and dream in a special place called Mercy Peak. Her words are lyrical, the emotions are sometimes raw, and even when hope seemed diminished, she never allowed it to be destroyed. I loved the friendship that began when two 10-year-old girls became pen pals, the efforts to restore an abandoned estate, and the eventual meeting between Mercy and Rusty. Add a missing mailbag of letters that could change everything, mix in a treasure trove of clues and details, and the results are pure magic!
Grab a copy of this book if you're looking for a mesmerizing tale that will keep you glued to the pages. Born of Gilded Mountains is truly storytelling at its very best!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amanda Dykes is a spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She’s the winner of the 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten title, and the winner of an INSPY award for her debut novel, Whose Waves These Are. She’s also the author of Set the Stars Alight (a Christy Award finalist), Yours is the Night (recipient of the Kipp Award, Christy Award finalist), All the Lost Places (Christy Award finalist, starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Foreword), and three novellas.
Find her online by visiting her Website
