“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” —Unknown.
Amanda Dykes’ Born of Gilded Mountains is a sweeping historical novel that beautifully blends history, faith, and romance, set against the rugged backdrop of Colorado’s mountains during the Gilded Age. Dykes is known for her lyrical writing, and this novel is no exception—it reads like poetry, with rich, atmospheric descriptions that draw you into the setting and the lives of the characters.
In 1948, Mercy Windsor, once Hollywood’s beloved leading lady, seeks refuge in the remote Colorado town of Mercy Peak after a scandal topples her career. Determined to leave her past behind, she purchases Wildwood, an abandoned estate with a mysterious history, and sets about restoring it to its former glory. But as she works, she stirs up the hidden stories of the mountain, unraveling the fate of her long-lost pen pal, Rusty Bright, and the secret of Galloping Goose Engine No. 8, which disappeared years ago, along with a mailbag whose contents could change lives.
Set among the majestic Rocky Mountains, Born of Gilded Mountains is a tale of friendship, healing, and hope. Through letters, newspaper articles, screenplays, and interview notes, Amanda Dykes weaves a layered narrative that highlights the power of resilience and courage. The novel’s treasure-hunt adventure, historical detail, and themes of light in the darkness make it a heartwarming and uplifting read. 4.5 stars.