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4.57 AVERAGE
4.57 AVERAGE
Sometimes when I read a passage, it will speak straight to my heart - like in Pepper Basham's "The Heart of the Mountain". (It also doesn't hurt that the setting is in the Blue Ridge Mountains.)
Mama (Caroline) said, "But prayin' is where we admit we ain't the lords of our own lies, nor of any lives, to be true. And, as I study on it, God uses prayin' to change my heart into what He's wantin' it to be in sun or rain, 'cause I'm trustin' His love and His plan."
Prayer doesn't change God's plan but it molds our hearts to desiring His plan for us.
This is such a great read.
Mama (Caroline) said, "But prayin' is where we admit we ain't the lords of our own lies, nor of any lives, to be true. And, as I study on it, God uses prayin' to change my heart into what He's wantin' it to be in sun or rain, 'cause I'm trustin' His love and His plan."
Prayer doesn't change God's plan but it molds our hearts to desiring His plan for us.
This is such a great read.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Another fantastic read from one of my favorites! After loving Laurel's Dream, a couple years ago, I have been so excited for this one. I really loved Cora as a character, and she is perfect for Jeb! The story has it all: romance, danger, humor and the reminder God is always in control. A simply wonderful read!
"Woodwork soothed him some. Prayer too. And these mountains."
An English nurse and Appalachian woodworker find a common bond in the way participation in the Great War changed them, resulting in a sweet love growing between them. Heart of the Mountains is a meandering story that reads like a love letter to the people of the Appalachians. I realized quickly after picking it up that it is the sequel to Laurel's Dream, which I have but haven't read yet. I decided to continue reading this one first so I could see how it did on its own. It did just fine, although it did make me want to read Jonathan and Laurel's story.
This book talks a lot about the challenges and beauty living among mountain people. I imagine every culture has its own challenges and beauty, but you do enjoy reading about it from someone who has obvious respect for the people and place. You get a feel in this book for the variety of mindsets you'd find in Appalachian culture, escaping stereotyping.
The action really picked up at the 94% mark, but the story kept moving enough throughout the book that I wasn't bored. And as usual, I love Pepper for her strong and meaningful messages.
"Everything changed when one rested in the confidence of being loved well and in walking in the calling God had placed upon one’s life."
I am grateful to the publisher and Netgalley for providing the ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
An English nurse and Appalachian woodworker find a common bond in the way participation in the Great War changed them, resulting in a sweet love growing between them. Heart of the Mountains is a meandering story that reads like a love letter to the people of the Appalachians. I realized quickly after picking it up that it is the sequel to Laurel's Dream, which I have but haven't read yet. I decided to continue reading this one first so I could see how it did on its own. It did just fine, although it did make me want to read Jonathan and Laurel's story.
This book talks a lot about the challenges and beauty living among mountain people. I imagine every culture has its own challenges and beauty, but you do enjoy reading about it from someone who has obvious respect for the people and place. You get a feel in this book for the variety of mindsets you'd find in Appalachian culture, escaping stereotyping.
The action really picked up at the 94% mark, but the story kept moving enough throughout the book that I wasn't bored. And as usual, I love Pepper for her strong and meaningful messages.
"Everything changed when one rested in the confidence of being loved well and in walking in the calling God had placed upon one’s life."
I am grateful to the publisher and Netgalley for providing the ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Running from an arranged marriage, Cora Taylor shows up to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learning nursing skills from World War One, she joins her brother in doctoring the mountain people.
Jeb McAdams is a local man who had his own secrets. Meeting Cora has been a whirlwind of emotions, feelings, and town gossip.
Jeb and Cora’s love story is well written and I loved the ending. Anyone looking for a clean historical romance with a happy ending will love this book! Although I never read the first book in the series, I would recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for a truthful review.
Jeb McAdams is a local man who had his own secrets. Meeting Cora has been a whirlwind of emotions, feelings, and town gossip.
Jeb and Cora’s love story is well written and I loved the ending. Anyone looking for a clean historical romance with a happy ending will love this book! Although I never read the first book in the series, I would recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for a truthful review.
“In these mountains, we live strong or we die young.“
Pure enjoyment! From start to finish, I was entranced by this story and quickly grew to love the people of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In this amazing tale, Pepper Basham shares part of her own family history and the love, faith, and strength of a hardworking people. I absolutely adored all the characters, especially Jeb and Cora and their slow burn romance. The dialogue is outstanding and filled with humor, warmth, and faith. I loved every minute of it! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and can’t wait to read all her other books.
After returning home from nursing soldiers in WWI, Cora Taylor finds herself pressured into an arranged marriage. She flees her pampered life in England to the wilds of the Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains where her brother and uncle live. Her experience so far is fraught with danger until she’s rescued by a handsome mountain man. His enticing licorice scent, quiet strength, and tenderheartedness draw Cora to him. While she enjoys putting her nursing skills to work and learning new remedies from “granny woman,” she isn’t sure if she’s cut out for living in these mountains.
Jeb McAdams is immediately taken with Cora. He admires her stubbornness and strength. She’s beautiful too. But, Jeb doesn’t know if he’s worthy of her and fears he might be like his father, especially in dealing with his painful memories from the war. There’s also the promise he made to his friend Amos. Yet, he can’t quite stop himself from helping her at every turn. But will helping her put them both in danger?
I loved Jeb! He’s the perfect blend of sweet and strong. I loved his humor, innocence (when it comes to women), his woodworking talent, and hardworking personality. His “itchy lips” whenever he’s near Cora made me laugh out loud. I enjoyed Cora as well. She’s always so eager to learn and help. Their romance is filled with sweet, swoony moments like when Jeb kisses the palm of her hand.
Granny Bucham, Fig, Mercy, Willa, Caroline, Sam, and all the other secondary characters were so endearing. I loved the culture, the superstitions, and strong faith. Well written themes of redemption, forgiveness, and pressing forward with faith touched my heart. I was sad to leave 1919 Appalachia, but look forward to reading the first book in the series about Laurel and Jonathan and hopefully future stories in this setting.
Highly recommend to historical romance, historical fiction and Christian fiction fans! Definitely a must read! Although it’s the second book in the series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Pure enjoyment! From start to finish, I was entranced by this story and quickly grew to love the people of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In this amazing tale, Pepper Basham shares part of her own family history and the love, faith, and strength of a hardworking people. I absolutely adored all the characters, especially Jeb and Cora and their slow burn romance. The dialogue is outstanding and filled with humor, warmth, and faith. I loved every minute of it! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and can’t wait to read all her other books.
After returning home from nursing soldiers in WWI, Cora Taylor finds herself pressured into an arranged marriage. She flees her pampered life in England to the wilds of the Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains where her brother and uncle live. Her experience so far is fraught with danger until she’s rescued by a handsome mountain man. His enticing licorice scent, quiet strength, and tenderheartedness draw Cora to him. While she enjoys putting her nursing skills to work and learning new remedies from “granny woman,” she isn’t sure if she’s cut out for living in these mountains.
Jeb McAdams is immediately taken with Cora. He admires her stubbornness and strength. She’s beautiful too. But, Jeb doesn’t know if he’s worthy of her and fears he might be like his father, especially in dealing with his painful memories from the war. There’s also the promise he made to his friend Amos. Yet, he can’t quite stop himself from helping her at every turn. But will helping her put them both in danger?
I loved Jeb! He’s the perfect blend of sweet and strong. I loved his humor, innocence (when it comes to women), his woodworking talent, and hardworking personality. His “itchy lips” whenever he’s near Cora made me laugh out loud. I enjoyed Cora as well. She’s always so eager to learn and help. Their romance is filled with sweet, swoony moments like when Jeb kisses the palm of her hand.
Granny Bucham, Fig, Mercy, Willa, Caroline, Sam, and all the other secondary characters were so endearing. I loved the culture, the superstitions, and strong faith. Well written themes of redemption, forgiveness, and pressing forward with faith touched my heart. I was sad to leave 1919 Appalachia, but look forward to reading the first book in the series about Laurel and Jonathan and hopefully future stories in this setting.
Highly recommend to historical romance, historical fiction and Christian fiction fans! Definitely a must read! Although it’s the second book in the series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Every time I pick up a Pepper Basham book I know I'm in for a treat. This book was no exception. It had all the right elements plus so much more. I loved the setting of this story. Set in the Appalachian Mountains it seemed so rustic and secluded but honestly I found it quite peaceful despite all that was happening. Basham does such a great job at describing the setting and gives you all the details to put you right in the midst of it all. Not only does she do that with the setting but also with her characters. Each and every one of them had something to bring to the story. They were so believable and you could connect with them wether in a positive or negative way.
Cora and Jeb... (insert sigh). They were the perfect leading characters. Each had to learn something throughout the story about themselves and their journey with God. When they meet, you know there is going to be a slow burn romance happening and goodness you keep waiting for that first kiss scene that no one but Pepper can write! (I promise you it happens and totally worth the wait!)
Yes, the romance part of the book was amazing but what drew me in the most were the hard topics that Basham tackled in this story. I mean there was prostitution, alcoholism and abuse. She really writes about these in a tasteful manner but at the same time tugging at your soul and making you stop and think of God's redemptive grace while you read the words on this book regarding what these characters are going through. I love how this author doesn't shy away from her faith in her writing but rather holds on to it, breathes it, lives it and you can definitely see that in her writing and also in her life (which you can see if you follow her on social media).
I feel like there is more to this story that can be told! I would like to know about Jeb's sister and her whereabouts but as always I am just a greedy reader wanting more! If you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction I definitely recommend you go grab this one! Oh, and although this is the second in the series it can be read as a stand alone. I did and had no problem following the story but that doesn't mean I will not be reading the first one!!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Cora and Jeb... (insert sigh). They were the perfect leading characters. Each had to learn something throughout the story about themselves and their journey with God. When they meet, you know there is going to be a slow burn romance happening and goodness you keep waiting for that first kiss scene that no one but Pepper can write! (I promise you it happens and totally worth the wait!)
Yes, the romance part of the book was amazing but what drew me in the most were the hard topics that Basham tackled in this story. I mean there was prostitution, alcoholism and abuse. She really writes about these in a tasteful manner but at the same time tugging at your soul and making you stop and think of God's redemptive grace while you read the words on this book regarding what these characters are going through. I love how this author doesn't shy away from her faith in her writing but rather holds on to it, breathes it, lives it and you can definitely see that in her writing and also in her life (which you can see if you follow her on social media).
I feel like there is more to this story that can be told! I would like to know about Jeb's sister and her whereabouts but as always I am just a greedy reader wanting more! If you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction I definitely recommend you go grab this one! Oh, and although this is the second in the series it can be read as a stand alone. I did and had no problem following the story but that doesn't mean I will not be reading the first one!!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
The Heart of the Mountains (My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge #2) by Pepper D. Basham -- I won advanced copy of this from a Goodreads giveaway, so this is my honest opinion. I loved this! I broke my rule and read it out of order and loved it anyway! I loved it so much, I started book one this week! It is also going really well! If you liked Christy by Catherine Marshall and you wished you could spend more time in the mountains, this is your series! Happy Reading!
I love Pepper Basham's books, and this one certainly did not disappoint. I had not read a book set in this time period in the Appalachians in years, and at first wasn't sure it would a favorite. However, in the first chapter I was charmed by World War 1 nurse Cora, who bustles onto the mountain in search of her brother and with no idea what she is getting herself into. The leading man, Jeb, was also full of layers and interesting facets that kept him from being 2-D or predictable. I appreciated how the author handled Cora and Jeb's experiences during the war, and the real, unpredictable toll that can take.
With just enough of the needed tropes ("Will Cora and Jeb realize they really can be together?") written in an interesting, sometimes heartbreaking setting of poverty and superstition, "Heart of the Mountains" hits my sweet spot for historical romance.
With just enough of the needed tropes ("Will Cora and Jeb realize they really can be together?") written in an interesting, sometimes heartbreaking setting of poverty and superstition, "Heart of the Mountains" hits my sweet spot for historical romance.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Books for the gifted book!
Cora is escaping from a forced arranged marriage in England to the Blue Ridge Mountains where her brother is working as a teacher in a mission school. She wants to find a place she can make use of the nursing skills and independence she gained on the front during WWI.
Jeb came back home to the Blue Ridge Mountains after WWI fighting the demons of his memories with alcohol. But when Cora arrives, he is no longer able to hide away in isolation as she seems to pop up at every turn with her ideas, curiosity, and beauty. They bond over their shared wartime experience and develop a budding friendship.
As circumstances on the mountain of their own making and of nature's doing throw them together, they are going to have to face their apprehension about each other and work together to move forward.
I read this entire book in one sitting on a plane to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains and I was entranced by Cora and Jeb's love story. I also loved how the people and traditions of the Appalachian people were respected and not overly stereotyped. This book fully put me in the mood to enjoy the beauty and the power of the Blue Ridge Mountains and all the stories they hold.
Cora is escaping from a forced arranged marriage in England to the Blue Ridge Mountains where her brother is working as a teacher in a mission school. She wants to find a place she can make use of the nursing skills and independence she gained on the front during WWI.
Jeb came back home to the Blue Ridge Mountains after WWI fighting the demons of his memories with alcohol. But when Cora arrives, he is no longer able to hide away in isolation as she seems to pop up at every turn with her ideas, curiosity, and beauty. They bond over their shared wartime experience and develop a budding friendship.
As circumstances on the mountain of their own making and of nature's doing throw them together, they are going to have to face their apprehension about each other and work together to move forward.
I read this entire book in one sitting on a plane to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains and I was entranced by Cora and Jeb's love story. I also loved how the people and traditions of the Appalachian people were respected and not overly stereotyped. This book fully put me in the mood to enjoy the beauty and the power of the Blue Ridge Mountains and all the stories they hold.