Book Details:
Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 372 pages
Genre: Adventure
Publisher: North Raven Books
Release date: March 27, 2023
Content Rating: PG for romantic elements
Have you ever felt the call of the wild, beckoning you to a place where the beauty of nature takes your breath away?
Get ready to be swept away by the powerful and heartwarming tale of Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains. This story of love, family, and friendship will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Follow the journey of siblings Lee and Lyla Meyers as they leave their lives in Germany behind and return to their roots in the Canadian Cowboy Country. Nature sets the tone in this breathtaking setting where freedom requires courage, and the magic of love between untamed hearts can be found around every corner.
As Lyla and Lee rediscover their family and their roots on the Willow Ranch, they are welcomed by the stunning Rocky Mountains and the unforgettable horses that roam freely. The beauty of the wilderness is nothing short of magical, but danger lurks around every corner. The siblings are tested in ways they never could have imagined, and their courage is put to the ultimate test.
New love relationships blossom and the bonds of family are renewed, but a dark family secret threatens to tear everything apart. Lyla and Lee are willing to risk everything to save their beloved ranch and the family they have grown to love.
Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains is a breathtaking adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. If you believe in the power of love and the strength of family, this book is a must-read. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of the Canadian wilderness and the wild spirits that call it home.
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MY REVIEW
The story is what I would describe as compelling. The characters are genuine, each carrying their own brand of baggage. The author’s visual writing sets me right down on the ranch in the stunning Rocky Mountains of Canada. The telling of the ancient tradition concerning the shadow horses of the First Nations people is fascinating. And how things all connect and come together is why I couldn’t stop reading this book.
Lee and Lyla are brother and sister. Their mother moved them to Germany many years ago. Memories come flooding back when an urgent summons from their aunt calls them back to Canada. Their father is very ill. I’d say he wasn’t at all thrilled to see his two kids when the arrived on his doorstep. It wasn’t until right near the end of the book that I found out why and it wasn’t what I was expecting. They don’t feel welcome and have no plans to stay on. But that may change as the lure of the ranch takes hold.
Secrets, legends, mystery, romance, danger and a hint of the mystical made this, as I mentioned at the beginning of my review, a very compelling story.
4 STARS
Book Title: Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 446 pages
Genre: Adventure
Publisher: North Raven Books
Release date: March 27, 2023
Content Rating: PG for romantic elements
Do you believe in the power of love and ancient magic to overcome the obstacles of the heart and the wilderness?
Dive into an enchanting journey of love, adventure, and mystery set in the captivating wilderness of Canada.
In The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains, Chuck and Lyla find themselves drawn together by their shared love for the Canadian wilderness. However, while Lyla embraces the strength the mountains provide, Chuck returns to his hometown a bitter man, determined to sell his inherited fur-trapper route, and leave once more.
When a lucrative offer from a cunning businessman and a chance encounter with the enigmatic Wahleeah enter the picture, Chuck’s plans for a swift exit are thrown into disarray. As the possibility of staying in his hometown starts to feel like an adventure rather than a punishment, Chuck finds himself embroiled in a whirlwind of emotion, danger, and intrigue.
Lyla, appointed by her Native American tribe as the protector of wild horses, faces her own challenges. With a tumultuous relationship and her dreams of transforming the wild horse territory into a protected reserve on the line, a mysterious figure named Lonefeather Jones enters her life, igniting a magical spark within her. But will this newfound magic be enough to overcome the setbacks and jealousy that threaten to tear her world apart?
As secrets are uncovered and lives intertwine, the Willow Ranch residents find themselves facing trials that will test their courage, love, and loyalty. With legends of the First Nations woven into the narrative, this tale of ranch life and the untamed beauty of the Canadian wilderness will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Unravel the mysteries of the Rocky Mountains and immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains.
MY REVIEW
I became enthralled with the characters and the author’s visual writing about the Rocky Mountains in the first book, Shadow Horses Of The Rocky Mountains. I was excited to dip back into the series.
Something I forgot to mention in my review of the first book is how the author starts with a short scene around a campfire, with someone telling about a legend of the First Nations people. Each one relates to what unfolds in each book and is quite fascinating.
The story continued a short time after the last book and once again I was eager to turn the pages. Lee is now busy running Willow Ranch and Lyla is in charge of taking care of the brood mares and foals. It works quite well and they even find time for relationships.
While the ranch and the siblings were the main focus in Shadow Horse, Shadow Crow brings minor characters to the fore and learning about them was equally intriguing.
Life in the majestic Rocky Mountains can be beautiful but it can also be risky and it tests the mettle of these characters. Sometimes puts them in danger. Differences must be put aside for their own survival.
Yes, I enjoyed Shadow Crow as much as Shadow Horses and I’m excited to turn the pages in the next book, Shadow Grizzly, which is waiting for me on my end table. Stay tuned for my next review.
4 STARS
Book Title: Shadow Grizzly of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 352 pages
Genre: Adventure
Publisher: North Raven Books
Release date: March 27, 2023
Content Rating: PG for romantic elements
Can love triumph in the face of adversity and the shadows of the past?
In the shadows of the Canadian Rockies, a gripping tale of love, danger, and destiny awaits.
Discover the enthralling story of rancher Lee, who finally gets permission to lead horseback tours in the wilds of Canada. His dreams of family and shaping the future of Willow Ranch hang in the balance. If he fails, he loses everything.
As Lee embarks on his quest, his sister Lyla returns from the Yukon to take charge of the wildlife station. Destiny reunites her with Lonefeather Jones, a Native American dreamcatcher weaver grappling with demons from his past. As the flames of their long-hidden feelings spark to life, they must confront the shadows that threaten to keep them apart.
Amidst the untamed beauty of the Rocky Mountains, new challenges test the courage and unity of Willow Ranch’s residents and friends. As relationships falter, death looms, and darkness threatens to consume the light, can the power of love prevail?
Join the unforgettable characters of the Willow Ranch series in this heart-stopping third installment. In a breathtaking landscape where mysteries lurk around every corner, you’ll be captivated by tales of love, adventure, and the unbreakable human spirit.
Uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows of the Rockies. Will love conquer the darkness before the last light on the horizon fades? The answer lies within these pages.
MY REVIEW
In the first book of the series, Shadow Horses, we meet the siblings Lee and Lyla and share in their struggles o adjust to life on a home they’d not seen for many years.
In the second book, Shadow Crow, the stories focuses more on Lyla and where she fits in on the ranch after secrets were revealed that changed her forever and sent her on a new path.
In the third book, Shadow Grizzly , the story is more focused on Lee and his plans to make Willow Ranch successful and maybe start a family. Lyla returns to take up the reins at the wildlife rescue center and just might find love too.
This series continues to reel me in. There are many characters to keep track of and new ones the author deftly introduces. All of their roles become clear as the story reaches it’s conclusion.
I found myself trying to put faces to names and to visualize the ranch and the majestic scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Made me think this would be a wonderful television series that would keep me coming back for more, just like the books.
4 STARS
Book Title: Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 484 pages
Genre: Adventure
Publisher: North Raven Books
Release date: March 27, 2023
Content Rating: PG for romantic elements
What if the untamed wilderness held the key to unlocking the deepest desires of the heart?
In the shadow of the majestic Rocky Mountains, whispers of untold stories and hidden destinies come to life. Welcome to the world of The Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains, the fourth installment in the gripping Willow Ranch series. Here, three humans and a she-wolf navigate a treacherous landscape of love, loss, and the unforgiving wilderness.
When fate intertwines the lives of Rosie, the resilient groom, Cody, the enigmatic cowboy, and Woodwind, the mystical Cree Indian, their fragile dreams and deepest fears are unearthed. At the heart of it all is the Willow Ranch, a place where passions ignite, and lives are forever altered. Can they trust the strength of their bond and the power of love to guide them through the storm?
In this haunting tale of self-discovery and the quest for redemption, each character is forced to confront their own demons. As Cody grapples with the crushing weight of his brother’s suicide, Rosie fights for her horses and her home amidst swirling deception. And Woodwind, haunted by self-doubt, must find the courage to save the she-wolf and the woman who has captured his heart.
As careless decisions threaten the future of the Willow Ranch, the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains presents a formidable challenge. With time running out, the friends and staff must pull together and believe in the magic of community to save their home and their happiness.
Dare to venture into the wild unknown, where heartache and hope collide, and where the call of the heart is a siren song that cannot be ignored. “Song of the Wild: Call of the Heart” beckons you to the Willow Ranch, where the secrets of the wilderness hold the key to love, courage, and the power of unity.
Embark on this unforgettable journey of love and self-discovery today – answer the call of the heart and unlock the secrets hidden within the wild.
Meet the Author:
Natascha Birovljev is a storyteller at heart and author of the “Willow Ranch” book series.
Growing up in Germany, horses were always part of her life. After getting her Master degree in Religious Studies and German Literature, adventure was calling and she traveled to Alberta. She fell in love with the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains and immigrated from Germany to Canada in 2005.
Here she worked the first years as a guide for horseback vacations, exploring mountain trails and spending the summer months in tent camps in the wilderness.
Inspired by her adventures and connections to ranchers, cowboys and First Nation communities, she started writing her books. Natascha lives on her ranch in Alberta with her horses and dogs.
Her stories show her fascination with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and her love for the people she encounters.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ youtube ~ pinterest ~ goodreads
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