The Secret of Hunter Mountain by Julie Anne Stratton is an engaging novel that follows Gerlinde as she finds her role as a priestess. Gerlinde is a midwife in Austria who has deep pain after being raped by a man she let into her apartment. She discovers a prophecy in an ancient family book, written by her ancestor Elisabeth. The prophecy guides her to a cave in Hunter Mountain, New York, where a hidden treasure capable of challenging history is located. As a way to heal from her traumatic experience, Gerlinde decides to embark on this adventure with her cousin Sarah, who has a sad past. On their journey, they meet Quannah and his grandmother, who have a secret that could help them on their journey. Gerlinde and her team must protect their secrets from a powerful and sinister Christian group spying on them that has bigger ambitions.

This book covers themes of faith, trauma, adventure, myth, and identity. Julie Anne Stratton did a great job of developing the characters, especially Gerlinde and Sarah; their motivations, fears, and ambitions were very relatable and engaging. Gerlinde, carrying the weight of her past trauma, needed to prove herself as a faith keeper, which gave her a sense of purpose, and finally was able to change her perception of the world. Sarah, as well, is a very practical person; she hid her special abilities out of fear that she might become mentally ill like her mother, but she slowly starts to make use of them and becomes resilient. This book is full of suspense, and I was so caught up in the story that I read it in one sitting. The part that discussed sacred women’s circles, herbal healing, and Indigenous teachings added depth and gave it a more endearing cultural spirit. Stratton describes some secondary elements in detail: the settings, mood, atmosphere, characters' features, and more. Felix added menace, which I loved; he kept me very curious about what twists were going to happen. I recommend The Secret of Hunter Mountain by Julie Anne Stratton to readers who enjoy historical mystery, adventure, and journeys of strength and recovery.

The Secret of Hunter Mountain by Julie Anne Stratton is the second book in The Red Amaryllis series. Previously, the 17th-century Baroness Elisabeth von Galler served as Faith-Keeper for a hidden community devoted to an ancient goddess, while witch hunts threatened her family and beliefs. Her descendant, Katarina Lilienthal, turns to the inherited Book of Shadows to shield her Jewish husband and daughter from Nazi rule. Later, Sarah Lilienthal follows her grandmother’s last request, returning to Austria to uncover the book’s origins. Now, Gerlinde learns of a centuries-old prophecy in her Book of Shadows linking a sacred treasure to America and travels from Austria to seek it. Joined by her cousin Sarah, she traces a path from a herbal women’s gathering in New York to the Northwest, aided by Indigenous communities, while a radical Christian faction pursues them to eliminate the knowledge hidden within the treasure. “We all have our parts to play... we don’t have the same sacred duty as you do. Ours is our own destiny... And you have yours.”

Julie Anne Stratton’s The Secret of Hunter Mountain delivers a thrilling adventure where magical prophecy, ethical dilemmas, and a long-running history collide. Gerlinde moves through a life shaped by the Book of Shadows, the lineage of Faith-Keepers, and warnings of environmental catastrophe as she comes up against dragon mothers, past rituals, and the need for a blood relative in powerful ceremonies. Stratton does a fantastic job of integrating Native American heritage, artifacts like Navajo bolo ties and the Two Grey Hills rug, and the legacy of historical injustices that ground the story in real-world significance. Overall, the combination of prophecy, legacy, and well-timed twists, as well as the promise of more to come, will keep readers looking forward to what Stratton delivers next. Very highly recommended.

The Secret of Hunter Mountain by Julie Anne Stratton is a modern-day adventure incorporating Wicca and Native American folklore. A sequel to the author’s previous novel, The Witches of Riegersburg, this story focuses on the current keeper of the three-hundred-year-old Book of Shadows, Austrian witch Gerlinde. When Gerlinde discovers a prophecy in the book regarding an ancient Templar treasure, she believes the Goddess is instructing her to uncover the mystery and recover the treasure. This treasure is supposedly buried somewhere in New York State, near Hunter Mountain. Travelling to America, Gerlinde enlists the assistance of her reluctant cousin, Sarah, the original holder of The Book of Shadows, to help her find the treasure. What neither of them realizes is that powerful forces, terrified of what the treasure might reveal about their own religion and history, are already lining up to stop these women in their quest, whatever the consequences. Enlisting the assistance of Native Americans and their folklore, the pair will try to unravel the puzzle and set the world’s history right.

The Secret of Hunter Mountain is a fast-paced, thrilling chase through North America in search of what is essentially “The Holy Grail”. As with any sequel, I always ask if it is necessary to have read the earlier book to fully enjoy this one. The answer is definitely not. Author Julie Anne Stratton does an excellent job of dropping in little pearls of information that allow readers to better understand her characters' actions and motivations as they relate to the earlier book. I appreciate that Gerlinde is a strong, independent woman who is determined, through her beliefs and her actions, to resurrect the feminine perspective in a world dominated by the patriarchy. I loved that Gerlinde’s travels and search allowed the author to examine and discuss Native American lore and beliefs. Despite the inherent distrust of those outside the Native American circle, it became clear that these modern-day witches and the beliefs of the Native Americans had much in common. In a world that seems on the precipice of destruction, both from our abuse of Mother Earth and the patriarchy’s obsession with conflict and marginalization, it is lovely to read a story that offers an alternative perspective; one of peace, harmony, and a partnership with nature. I have little doubt that Gerlinde and her coven have many more adventures in store, and I look forward to reading them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

The Secret of Hunter Mountain by Julie Anne Stratton follows Gerlinde, a midwife and Faith-Keeper of an ancient Goddess religion, as she embarks on a quest to uncover a prophecy tied to her ancestral lineage. Her journey takes her from Austria to the United States, where she faces physical and emotional challenges, including a harrowing encounter with a dangerous adversary. The novel also explores the intersection of Indigenous wisdom and European traditions, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation and mutual respect. Quanah, a Native American archeologist, plays a pivotal role in guiding Gerlinde and Sarah, offering insights that bridge their worlds. While the story is steeped in mysticism, it also addresses real-world issues, such as environmental concerns and the impact of colonialism.

Julie Anne Stratton brings together themes of spirituality, heritage, and self-discovery. The narrative is balanced, with moments of introspection interspersed with action-packed sequences. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a climactic discovery that ties together the threads of prophecy, history, and personal destiny. The story blends historical elements with fictional and mystical components, making it more imaginative than historically accurate. The Secret of Hunter Mountain does contain graphic scenes, including depictions of violence, assault, and intense emotional struggles. This book would appeal to readers who enjoy mystical adventures, strong female protagonists, and stories that intertwine history, spirituality, and personal growth. The Secret of Hunter Mountain is a tale of courage, connection, and the search for meaning. Stratton’s storytelling invites readers to reflect on their own paths and the power of belief in shaping one’s destiny.