A Warrior's Heart by Misty M. Beller

Brielle Durand is still haunted by the massacre that killed her mother a dozen years before. Vowing to never let it happen again, she's risen to be the key defender for her people's peace-loving French settlement living in hidden caves in the Canadian Rockies. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret home, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. But now, what to do with this man who insists he can be trusted?

Hoping to escape past regrets, Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover if the northern mountains contain an explosive mineral that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on his promise to his government or take a risk on where his heart is leading him? Either choice will cause harm to someone.

Brielle and Evan must reconcile the warring in their hearts to have any hope of finding peace for their peoples. 

My review:  I had trouble getting into the book until about half way through.  I kept waiting for something to happen  It's hard to imagine a group of people that have been able to stay hidden from the outside world for years. They all seem to speak three languages fluently and are highly educated.  Brielle is head of the security section for the community.  Her fighting skills are above every one else.  Evan is a spy working for the US Army trying to find a material that is combustible to help the US win the war against the British in 1812.  He is shot with an arrow by Brielle in the stomach as he approaches their dwellings.  This is how the story begins.  The first half of the book is about his care and how he wants to escape.  The second half begins with conflict within the community and how Evan and Brielle have to work together to quell it.  

I'm giving this book a three star rating because it took so long for me to really get into it.  I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.