Description
In a land untamed, only faith can light the way.
Emmalin Hammond and Jacob Landon begin their new life together as husband and wife, settling into Jacob’s log cabin north of Deer Creek in the rugged Oregon Territory in the spring of 1857. With Emmalin’s adopted daughter by their side, they embrace the hardships of pioneer life, ready to face the wilderness and build a future from the ground up.
But as they navigate the trials of marriage and frontier survival, a threat far more dangerous than wild animals or harsh weather emerges—a man from Jacob’s past, driven by vengeance and determined to destroy everything they’ve built. When violence reaches their doorstep, Emmalin and Jacob must lean on a steadfast faith to confront the danger head-on.
As the threat escalates, their love, their land, and even the life of their child hang in the balance. Will the storm shatter their fragile new beginning—or shape them for a greater purpose only God can see?
mgtnelson –
As I started reading this book, it felt like it must be part of a series, since there was a lot of summarized information about characters, locations, and events “dumped” on the reader in the first chapters. I looked up online, and sure enough, this is book 3 in The Valley Series by Leon. I have not had a chance yet to read the first two books, One Hundred Valleys and Valley Melodies. I think it would be helpful to have done so, because I kept feeling like I was late to the game, and had a hard time feeling connected to the characters.
I enjoyed reading about the setting in southern Oregon, since I live on the west coast of the US and have traveled through that area many times. It was interesting to see if through the eyes of pioneers, who took weeks to travel up to Oregon City, when I can drive that distance in a few hours.
There are good spiritual lessons that the characters learn, and lots of plot twists to deal with. I have enjoyed other books by Bonnie Leon more than this one (which may well be due to jumping into this series at the end), but it still a good read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
chosengirl15 –
Beyond the Valley is the third book in the Series. Newly married Jacob and Emmalin are just beginning their life with their adopted daughter Annie. While they are settling into their home a man comes and tells Jacob that this is his home and he needs to vacate. This book will take you on a journey as this family now has to find a way to keep their home. You will meet their friends and family as well. I was given a copy of the book by the publisher. All thoughts are my own.
Connie –
This is the third book of a series, but author Bonnie Leon helps new readers by highlighting tidbits from the other books in the first few chapters of Beyond the Valley. It’s now 1857, and Emmalin Hammond has just become a wife and a mother to an adopted daughter in the Oregon Wilderness. She may seem unprepared for the hardships, but Emmalin is gutsy and determined to make a home for Jacob and Annie.
Leon’s descriptive talents have never been better! I could see the beautiful Oregon landscape, feel the bitter cold, and hear the mournful howls of the wolves. The multifaceted characters and historical details are woven into an intriguing tale of fear, pain, and loss. but hope and joy are still present. Sweet romance, inspiring faith, and an undying pioneer spirit make this a journey worth traveling. Beyond the Valley is a wonderful conclusion to The Valley historical series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
melmo2610 –
I signed up for an ARC of this book because I enjoy historical reads. I did not realize this was the third book in a series, but it does a good job of filling in crucial details without me feeling confused coming in to the series with this story. I enjoyed it overall, the characters are likable and the story held my attention throughout. It’s a solid historical read and I will likely seek out the first two books at some point for more of the backstory.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.