National Review

My first novel, Mountains of Trouble, received a five-star review from Reader’s Favorite, a professional reviewing site. Reviewer Joanie Chevalier had this to say: “Mountains of Trouble by Clare Bills is an inspiring story about determination, integrity, loss, forgiveness, love, and acceptance. There is so much depth to Mountains of Trouble that readers may find themselves thinking about the story long after it is finished. Clare Bills does a great job of showing how unique Cora is, and readers will find that they cannot help but love and admire her. Fighting for survival is the name of the game for Cora.

She was a mother, a midwife, a teacher, and a role model. And through her strength, she pulled herself up over and over again, learning at the right time of her life that forgiveness may be her path to happiness. Mountains of Trouble by Clare Bills is a story that will grab your heart. You may cry with sadness or sigh with relief, but you will never regret reading this moving novel.

I was expecting an easy-to-read quick story about a farm girl when I picked up Mountains of Trouble. I was pleasantly surprised when it quickly became a profound story I could not put down. Cora had a difficult life. From her childhood onward, she had to stand up for herself and put her best foot forward, hoping everything would turn out okay. Often, she had no one to turn to in times of crisis and had to muster up her own courage. But with all the tragedies that Cora faced, she was determined to persevere.

shiny badge says Readers Favorite five starsWe are, or have been, or have known, a Cora in our own world and that’s why many of us can relate. Mountains of Trouble by Clare Bills shows us that strength comes from faith, perseverance, and the power of learning to forgive.”

Clare is outside on deck wearing a lavender blouse.

Clare Bills is a Minnesota author with three published novels. She holds an MS in journalism, three BA degrees and is a graduate of Brown Institute for broadcasting. She worked in radio, public relations while also teaching at Iowa State University. She's also completed courses in writing from the Institute of Children's Literature, and novel writing from Jerry Jenkins, Susie May Warren, and James Scott Bell.