Series: My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge #2
Author: Pepper Basham
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Source: Net Galley
Challenge: Virtual TBR
My review:
I love Pepper Basham's books. She is one of those authors that writes across multiple genres and does it well.
The Heart of the Mountains is the second book in the series. I would recommend reading the first book, Laurel's Dream, first. Although it could be read as a standalone, you would miss the connections from the first book. Laurel's Dream is mainly about Laurel and Jonathon. This book is about Jeb (Laurel's brother) and Cora (Jonathon's sister).The Heart of the Mountains is a beautiful story of finding purpose, healing, and accepting people's differences. It is also filled with memorable characters, superstitions, and faith. It had a slow start and is more description driven than I would normally like, but it worked.
Nothing could be as bad as a lifelong commitment to that think-headed withered-hearted pansy of a man.
The humor I consider a trade-make in Basham's books was more subtle than usual. I loved Cora and Jeb, and I enjoyed them together. The war has left its mark on them, as it would anyone, and I appreciated the way in which this was handled.
As the story closed, I still had a few questions. The main story line does come to a wonderful conclusion. Yet I wonder if there will be a third book to tie up a few loose ends from both books. It's not necessary, as we don't always get all the answers, but I would love it all the same! I would recommend this story to anyone who loves a good historical fiction novel.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
★★★★/5
Synopsis:
To escape a forced
marriage, Cora Taylor travels from England to the Blue Ridge Mountains
in search of her brother, who is working as a teacher in a mission
school. She hopes to find a place where her nursing skills and
independent ideas will be accepted and appreciated, but nothing prepares
her for the wild mixture of isolation, community, brokenness, and hope
within these mountains…or in the person of Jeb McAdams.
Returning
from the devastation of World War 1 emotionally damaged, Jeb McAdams
struggles against the rampant mountain alcoholism to soothe his
nightmares. It’s easy to hide within the mountains, or it was, before
Cora Taylor arrives. Now, she seems to show up at every turn, bringing
her ideas, curiosity, and beautiful eyes with her. Their mutual
understanding of the costs of war leads to an unspoken bond that
develops into a hesitant friendship. As Cora turns her nursing
experience and determination on establishing hygiene and education for
women in the Appalachian community while also attempting to rescue Jeb
from his own ghosts, Cora and Jeb’s partnership turns into a project of
celebrating the gifts within Appalachia. But when the past sweeps back
into their lives and an outbreak of scarlet fever threatens the future,
will Cora and Jeb find a way to work together – even if it means
unplanned matrimony – or will their different lives and brokenness tear
them apart.
I need to read this. thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteBlessings~🙏🤗💖
Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteHi, Cindy,
DeleteI didn't realize my above comment posted anonymously, LOL!
Have a great day~🙂
Robbye, I get it, mine does that sometimes too!
DeleteI love reading books set in the Appalachians! And this story sounds so good. I've already got it on my TBR list. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, Lark!! I think you will really enjoy it as well!
DeleteNice review, Cindy. I try to read series books in order. I have not read anything by Pepper Basham before.
ReplyDeleteOh Wendy, she is a fabulous author! Especially if you enjoy historical fiction.
DeleteI enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteSarita, I haven't read one of hers that I haven't liked :)
Delete