Courtney Clark's Reviews > Born of Gilded Mountains

When I read an Amanda Dykes story, I know I am going to have a reading experience of wonder as she delivers deep characterization, adventurous tales, brightly painted settings, and characters with vibrant personalities, and deeply meaningful + overarching themes. The added brilliance of her storytelling prowess includes the ever-changing eras, settings, and varied storylines. With Born of Gilded Mountains, readers are swept into a tale of adventure and discovery as the protagonist, Mercy Windsor AKA Mary Beth Spatts AKA Rusty's pen pal, seeks a haven in to the town of "Mercy Peak" in the Colorado Rockies.

What I first thought would be a story of identity and discovery grows into so much *more* in every way. It unfolds much like the history of the characters themselves in a careful, measured way which layers in meaning and magnitude to the tiniest of details. I'll leave the details of the friendship and adventure to be discovered in the story, but I'll expound on my favorite themes and elements. I SO love and appreciate the aspects of friendship and kindred spirits we see through the establishment of Rusty and Mary Beth from their young introduction. This element of friendship is built upon to expand into community and restoration, with further themes broaching grief, romance, honor, singleness, and trust.

And, if you have access to the audiobook in any way (maybe through a library?), I highly recommend it as a bonus to the reading experience. The narrator gets the emotions and excitement of the story's delivery *just right*.