Review of 'The Mountains Between Us' by Imogen Martin

Review of 'The Mountains Between Us' by Imogen Martin

Release date: Feb 18th, 2025

Publisher: Storm Publishing

REVIEW

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.