Friday, July 1, 2022

The Heart Of The Mountains By Pepper Basham

The Heart of the Mountains
by Pepper Basham
Publisher: Barbour Books
Series: My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge
ISBN: 978-1636093253

When the author asked me if I'd read an ebook ARC of her book for review, I agreed. I didn't realize it was part of a series (par for the course with me), but I was happy to read it. I hadn't read anything about it so had no clue about the story and it was a wonderful surprise.

Summary:

Can True Love Weather a World of Differences?

To escape marriage, Cora Taylor runs away from her home in England to join her brother in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, but not even her time as a nurse in the Great War prepares her for the hard landscape and even harder lives of the mountain people. With the help of Jeb McAdams, a quiet woodcarver, who carries his own battle scars, she fashions a place for herself among these unique people. But the past refuses to let go, and with dangers from within and without, can hearts bruised by war find healing within the wilds of the mountains?

My Review:

Oh my word, let me take a moment to have a contented sigh...

This story was so unexpectedly wonderful! I had read some early reviews and was afraid the hype wasn't going to stand up to my highfalutin opinions. Well, let me tell you, the story exceeded the hype. Is that even possible? For me, yes!

I don't know if this love story would be considered a slow burn, but if so, I'm here for it!

Poor Cora, maybe not poor Cora. I think initially, with her baptism into the life in the Blue Ridge Mountains I was worried for her, but that lady has spunk! She is worth her weight in gold! She had a lot to prove to the mountain people, that was for sure.

And then there's Jeb who is dealing with a LOT! As you read and get to know him, you can almost feel the weight of the world (or his little corner of it) on his shoulders. There's just such a steadiness, strength, and calmness in him that even soothed me!

Of course, this story wouldn't have been nearly as "fun" without all of the rumors (ahem Imogene - who needs to be put over someone's knee), hidden people, and running for their lives. The storyline gives the reader of such a deep sense of how these people see the world and what a tight knit community they are, albeit a rather rigid one with how they see flat landers such as Cora. Like her, I wondered what beauty Maple Springs would really have, but as readers we begin to see it unfold like she does over time. We even come to love the people and their ways... mostly.

If you love, love, love a good and sweet love story, look no further. I'm NOT a fan of super quick falling in love, but the way the author wrote Cora & Jeb, it was the most natural thing in the world. There is a gift in her writing to be able to convince me to believe in it! You'll want to be sure to have a fan because even the small things will have you near to swooning.

And the faith that comes through and is lived out throughout the story is a bright spot, although it comes in the midst of so much hardship. God's plans and His timing and woven beautifully throughout the story with the characters who live out their faith. I loved how it was written into it.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the story and hope in book three that Imogene will have a "come to Jesus" moment for all of her naughtiness. And I'm talking about a grown woman by the way. lol I still have to go back to read book one, but don't feel like I missed out on anything by reading out of order.


About the Author:

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell's Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. 

You can learn more about Pepper at her website http: //www.pepperdbasham.com or connect with her on FB, IG, or Twitter

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

MIMI!!!!! I love this so much!! Thank you for writing such a beautiful review for this story of my home's heart.

Pepper Basham said...

Thank you so much, Mimi!!!!

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