Nancy Kilgore

For even more book reviews, visit my book blog: https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile.com/

Wild Mountain is story that naturally moves at a slow pace, but does find its general rhythm after the first few chapters. Which is a typical characteristic character driven novels. The story is set in a somewhat rural/isolated small town called Wild Mountain and follows the life of its townspeople and the events that surround them.

There are many people mentioned in the story, but the plot’s main focus is on the two lead characters, Mona and Frank. Mona is an independent store owner who is very involved in the community as her store acts as a meeting place for many of the townspeople. She strives to live a peaceful life , but things get shaken up when town politics get heated and her abusive ex-husband makes a reappearance. She feels a strong connection to the covered bridge located near her store and it feels like home. Frank is also a very independent person. He’s very adventurous and likes to travel a lot; most of his life has been spent outside of the town and he’s viewed slightly as an outsider. After reconnecting with Mona he slowly develops feelings for her.

The book is mostly slice of life story full of small town politics, a freedom to marry bill, figuring out how pay for a bridge that’s an essential part of the town, relationships (and familial love), and it’s a tale of self-discovery. Though the ages of the characters vary everyone is in the midst of trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do (goals) in their life. I liked the way Frank and Mona evolved over the story; their individual selves and their blooming relationship. Both are seeking a solid relationship as they both come from failed marriages, they’ve known each other for a while and see the potential and decide to act on their feelings. They also grow over the course of the story.

Kilgore’s writing is incredibly descriptive, from the people to the landscapes. The cover art truly catches the essence of the story and give readers a visual of the landscape. From the flowing river, woodsy hiking trails, and mountainous terrain, the writing places the reader right in the story. This story also catches the essence of human emotions, POVs are also detailed and you can feel what the characters are going through and relate to some of their struggles.

The book ended on a good note, closure for the overall story and its characters. This was definitely a book outside of my genre that I typically read but it was a nice break from the usual picks. I’m glad I gave this book a chance since I really enjoyed it.

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
… (meer)

This book is at its heart, all about love. The good kind of love that develops between a man and a woman. Then there is the kind of emotion that simmers in a man who has mental health issues. A location can engender very strong feelings of love. Our friends and family fall under the umbrella of love and we will collectively fight for and support a cause we strongly believe in – this is yet another type of love. This book pulls all of these types of love into a delightful tale of small town Vermont.

The story circles around Mona who owns the local country store. She wants to think she is aloof from all that goes on around her but she is far more involved than she realizes. As she faces the changes in her personal and professional life as well as the larger issues swirling around she learns that many people lean on her. And that she needs her friends and neighbors far more than she realizes.

I readily admit this is not the type of book I usually read but I was intrigued by the setting and so I took a chance. Oftentimes such serendipity is rewarded and in this case it was. I found myself quite involved in the lives of the people in and around Wild Mountain. Ms. Kilgore has a very poetic way of writing that turns words into vignettes that played as little movies in my head as I read the story. I almost shivered as the ice broke on the river, I felt the breeze blow across the fields and the spring sun warmed my face. I, unlike the author do not have a magical way with words but trust me when I say you will be rewarded by reading this book.… (meer)