ABOUT THE BOOK
1897. The Bitterroot Valley, Montana. A time and place where men longed for a piece of God’s green earth to call their own, and women still dreamed of a home and a hand to hold.
Beth Yates has lost everything and could lose much more if she doesn’t escape her beloved city of Chicago and the dreadful memories it holds. Forced to run from a powerful tyrant determined to ruin her, she blames God and vows never to trust a man again.
Ethan Dawson dreams of owning a horse ranch in the foothills of the stunning Bitterroot Mountains, but is stuck building the dreams of Montana’s Copper King, Marcus Daly. With one setback after another, he won’t let anything…or anyone stand in his way.
Runaway River is a powerful story of God’s perfect timing and complete care during difficult times. Ethan and Beth must realize that their setbacks, troubles, and trials are not sent from a distant God, but that His great love and overwhelming kindness has gently carried them through it all.
MY REVIEW
Kim D. Taylor’s debut novel is filled with love, hardship, suspense, and redemption.
The sudden loss of Beth’s parents thrusts her into a position of overwhelming responsibility as she strives to safeguard the well-being of her younger siblings, Michael and Maggie. Their journey from Chicago to Montana is fueled by fear for their safety and hope for a fresh start and a secure future. However, the harsh reality of their new life is far from idyllic as Beth struggles to pay the rent in a seedy hotel by working as a waitress.
Help appears in the unlikely form of retired prostitutes, handsome ranchers, and the famous Calamity Jane presenting a captivating dynamic within the group. Being an unmarried woman in the wild West was not easy and it understandably takes Beth some self-examination and confronting her internal struggle to accept the aide they offer and truly realize the love and kindness around her.Â
Ethan is a gentleman, a religious man, and a horse breeder who has worked hard to own his own ranch and his dream is finally coming true. Marrying and having a family was the last thing on his mind and he’s tired of women vying for his attention. Then he meets a beautiful, stubborn woman who has the wrong impression of him and refuses his help at every turn. With patience and perseverance he learned by reigning in his hilarious scrappy horse, Jax, he slowly wins over Beth and her family.
The antagonist of the story is Elias Sands, an evil Chicago banker, who stops at nothing to destroy Beth for his own selfish deeds. However, justice ultimately catches up with him and his crony Donovan, and they receive the retribution they deserve.
The characters are genuine and relatable as the reader experiences their joy, pain, and unwavering faith. I hope to read more about Bella and Russ who are a wonderful match and who are great friends to Beth and Ethan. Michael and Sadie have a connection that has a surprising twist and would be a good book in the series as well.Â
I recommend this poignant historical love story of resilience and determination emerging from the depths of hardship. The compelling characters and intriguing storyline are a great start to a new series.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author, Kim Taylor, enjoys bringing a story to life that weaves in and out of history and takes her readers to a beautiful place. She brings nearly twelve years of real estate experience along with fifteen years as a pastor’s wife to her writing career. Her business and ministry experience add creativity as well as a sense of reality to her writing.
She has a spirited determination and commitment to excellence in the world of writing and values antiquity, authenticity, family and fun.
Kim has been married for almost twenty years and has two incredible boys.
