#BookReview – “Soul of the Storm” by Jean Grant

Blurb

Will love help her summit one more peak?

Charlotte MacGregor lost the thrill of conquering mountains five years ago when her sister disappeared on a hiking adventure without her. Still guilt-ridden, Charlotte heads for a vacation to rustic Vermont with a friend—where she's surrounded by reminders of her devastating loss and plagued with unanswered questions.

Matiu Christiansen is an outdoors buff. He works multiple jobs to save for his dream of owning an outfitter in New Zealand. He's never quite felt at home in the United States and he yearns for his Maori roots, but his attraction to Charlotte puts a kink in his plans to move home later this year.

Thrown together by coincidence, Charlotte and Matiu form a kindred bond through their shared love of the outdoors. Can Charlotte surmount her demons to assist Matiu on a rescue when a late-season snowstorm hits? And can Matiu help Charlotte heal from the pain of the past?

Review 

In book 6 in the Deerbourne Inn series, high school teacher Charlotte MacGregor is in Willow Springs, Vermont for spring break. She used to be adventurous, but now she’s withdrawn after the disappearance of her beloved sister, Julie.

New Zealander Matiu Christiansen has been living in the US for several years, but he’s ready to go home and be with his family. Then he meets Charlotte, and she’s different from most of the tourists he deals with everyday.

Charlotte and Matiu are interesting, wonderful characters. She’s trapped in an endless cycle of grief and pain, and he’s determined to make life better for himself and his family. As they get to know one another, he helps her heal and come to terms with the past, and she presents the “forever” that he’s been searching for. Romance bloomed from friendship, and it was very heartwarming.

Ms. Grant really did her homework when writing this story. She did a wonderfully detailed job describing the mountains, snow, hiking, mud, search and rescue (SAR) procedures, Maori speech and customs, etc. I learned a lot.

I really enjoyed this story and would love to read more books by Ms. Grant.

5 Stars

Disclaimer – I volunteered to read and review this book. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.