Sandy M’s review of At the Mountain’s Edge by Genevieve Graham
Historical Romance published by Simon & Schuster 2 Apr 19
On top of her genius idea of taking her country’s history and weaving a romance into it for readers, Genevieve Graham pulls no punches when it comes to the reality of Canadian historical events. I always wonder if this time we’ll get a love story instead of a romance, because she skates against the edge of survival and loss with hope and longing, and you never know what’s going to happen next with her characters, and that includes Canada’s vast and rich history as a character in and of itself.
Right along with Liza Peterson and her family, we travel the rough and rugged terrain on the way to the Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s. Her father is certain there is a life for them there, so they pack up just what they’ll need to reopen a merchandise store once they reach their destination. Liza is the one who doesn’t want to go, leaving everything familiar behind, while her brother can’t wait to get there, excitement flowing out of him. The journey is more than difficult, especially when they get ready for that last steep and treacherous climb up to the top of the world. It’s as though you’re right there with this family – and all those others who were willing to live and die toward a hopefully rich end – as they encounter snow, blizzards, left-behind treasures, and a bleakness so deep you doubt they’ll triumph.
A man who lived a horrible childhood, Ben Turner has decided to join the North-West Mounted Police to make something of himself. His temper is his downfall, but he’s determined to conquer that flaw to be a successful Mountie. I so enjoyed learning about the Mounties, and now realize what a source of national pride they are for all of Canada. Ben becomes the man he should be as he grows into his uniform, helping anyone and everyone as they climb into the unknown. The harshness of the Yukon weather pummels all who dare to try to vanquish it, and it’s Ben and his fellow officers who pick up any pieces along the route. Then there’s the mountain itself, another trial that sometimes only the lucky make it through. It’s harrowing, deadly, and scary every step of the way.
As each of these characters go along in their new everyday life, we know their coming together is closer with each flip of the page. What I didn’t expect is their first meeting not going well at all. Ben is doing his job, and Liza’s frustration with what seems to be an impossible situation – she’s been through plenty of those already, with more to come, thank you very much – set the tone for their growing relationship that only the reader knows about so far. Unfortunately, Liza is going to be tested again and again as she makes her way to a destination that she finally comes to realize is her destiny. Ms. Graham, at this point in the story, knocks you for a loop with tragedy and perseverance like you can’t imagine.
Ben and Liza are the epitome of strength and resilience as the story moves forward to a happier time for them. But then you and they are hit square on again with a little-known Canadian disaster, and I kept asking myself, “When are they going to get a break??” But, as we all know in life, what we survive makes us even stronger and more appreciative of what we have, and Ben and Liza live that to the fullest.
Another emotional and wonderful telling of an amazing period in Canada’s history. Kudos to Ms. Graham for keeping it real while giving us a romance that will definitely stand the test of time after what Ben and Liza have been through.
Grade: A
Summary:
In 1897, the discovery of gold in the desolate reaches of the Yukon has the world abuzz with excitement, and thousands of prospectors swarm to the north seeking riches the likes of which have never been seen before.
For Liza Peterson and her family, the gold rush is a chance for them to make a fortune by moving their general store business from Vancouver to Dawson City, the only established town in the Yukon. For Constable Ben Turner, a recent recruit of the North-West Mounted Police, upholding the law in a place overrun with guns, liquor, prostitutes, and thieves is an opportunity to escape a dark past and become the man of integrity he has always wanted to be. But the long, difficult journey over icy mountain passes and whitewater rapids is much more treacherous than Liza or Ben imagined, and neither is completely prepared for the forbidding north.
As Liza’s family nears the mountain’s peak, a catastrophe strikes with fatal consequences, and not even the NWMP can help. Alone and desperate, Liza finally reaches Dawson City, only to find herself in a different kind of peril. Meanwhile, Ben, wracked with guilt over the accident on the trail, sees the chance to make things right. But just as love begins to grow, new dangers arise, threatening to separate the couple forever.
Inspired by history as rich as the Klondike’s gold, At the Mountain’s Edge is an epic tale of romance and adventure about two people who must let go of the past not only to be together, but also to survive.
No excerpt available.
