The Heart of the Mountains

GIVEAWAY

BASHAM, PEPPER

THE HEART OF THE MOUNTAINS

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 I 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?

My Review:

(Oops...Post Reader's Choice Week Addled Brain Syndrome...forgot to schedule this review to go up at midnight. Ah well, better late than never, right?!)

An enthralling sequel to 'Laurel's Dream'. And, really, that about sums it up. lol Because I always find myself grappling for words when it comes to reviewing Pepper Basham's books. This one is all layers with sharp edges smoothed over by grace. Stunning. Moving. Goosebumping. Laugh-out-louding. Swooning. (Be. Still. My. Heart. Jeb!!!!) Have I said captivating yet? 'Cause 'The Heart of the Mountains' is all that and then some.

Basham has captured the complexities of rural Appalachian relationships with such poignant accuracy (at least it seems accurate to this city-fied Canadian) and she's drawn from some of her family history for inspiration! I listened to the audible edition narrated by Kate Forbes and I wanted to hit pause so many times to write down treasured snippets of mountain folk wisdom but if I did do that it would have taken me a month to finish! I definitely need a print copy too, so I can underline and annotate to my heart's content. 

An incredible, heartwarming story that seamlessly weaves faith and romance and heart-stopping action into a moving read that inspires change...not just for the characters, but for readers too.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Heart of the Mountains , leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 8 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.