Pepper Basham brings us once again into the heart of Appalachia in the Blue Ridge Mountains but this time in 1918. The author has a gift for pulling the reader into a tight-knit family and community and showing us the beauty of the mountains and its people. Oftentimes I felt like Jonathan, a British gentleman fumbling through a new culture, and his adventures truly felt like my own. His compassion, passion for learning and teaching, and kindness made him a worthy hero even with his insecurities and regrets. Laurel was the perfect complement for Jonathan, with her direct-talking, take-charge ways softened by tenderness and compassion for others. Their dialogue is delightful and their witty banter allows them to become friends first before romance hits them over the head. Themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, learning to follow God’s calling, and sacrifice are entwined within the characters’ lives to further enrich the enchanting story.

I received the book from publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Jonathan once dreamed of becoming a doctor, but that dream disappeared with the Great War. Now, he's traveled to the Blue Ridge Mountains as a missionary teacher to help his uncle. There, he meets Laurel, a mountain girl with dreams of going to college to become a teacher for her people. Overall, I enjoyed this sweet romance.

Jonathan Taylor leaves England and joins his uncle Edward Anderson in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, in America. His uncle has been like a second father to him, he doesn’t criticize him and he’s going to teach at his missionary school. Life in the Appalachian Mountains is harsh, Jonathan needs to help to build his small house before winter sets in and he can’t cook.

Laurel McAdams lives with her family in Blue Ridge, she works for Mrs. Cappy in her general store and dreams of going to teachers college. When she’s not working or helping her mother with chores and Laurel can be found with her nose in a book. The McAdams family help the new school teacher, they invite him for supper and Laurel promises to give him some cooking lessons.

Jonathan is excited about his new job, he decorates his classroom, and discovers he has to be very careful about what he teaches. The mountain folk are very superstitious, set in their ways and showing the children a simple science experiment causes parents to complain. But, the flatlander teacher can see beauty surrounding him, the Appalachian people live a simple life, filled with joy, and are extremely loyal.

Laurel and Jonathan both have brothers fighting in The Great War, they share an interest in learning and reading. Sam McAdam is Laurel's father, as winter approaches he starts drinking moonshine and Jonathan’s shocked by his behavior. Jonathan's summoned back to England by his domineering father, Laurel’s worried that he will stay and he finds himself missing her and life in the mountains.

I received a copy of My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel’s Dream from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for an honest review and wow! Pepper D. Basham’s novel is based around life in the mountains, having a strong christian faith and the promise of a sweet romance. Five stars from me, I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading others by Ms. Basham.

"...it seemed to be ingrained in most of the mountain folks he'd met, a forthrightness. Manipulation appeared to be a waste of time and words. No, she was refreshingly authentic. And somehow, her existence in this world made everything a little better."

Right from the start this book reminded me of the Christy TV series. It has the same setting and the same stubborn mountain people. My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge tells the story of Jonathan Taylor, a young British man who feels that he has to prove himself to his father. To do that he goes to the Blue Ridge mountains to teach where his heart is drawn to the mountain children and their need for education. While there he forms a fast friendship with Laurel, a simple mountain girl with big dreams and an even bigger heart.

A few of my favorite things...
-colorful mountain scenery descriptions
-a young woman caring for her little siblings
-humorous run-ins with mountain lions and polecats (did you know 'polecat' means skunk???)
-a romance revolving around a young couple. Laurel is only 19. I find so often that romances are either about teens far too young to get married or adults already in their thirties (basically every Hallmark movie).
-when things keep going wrong Jonathon wonders if he's in an Edgar Allen Poe novel.
-delicious food descriptions. Apple fritter- yum!
-a man who's good at playing with children.
-themes of unconditional love and trusting God.
-the humor and teasing.

I didn't care for...
-the way a wedding ends up happening. It seems a bit out there, but maybe possible. But as tragic as it was, it was humorous to read. I guess it was just a bit hard to believe.
-the idea of getting married keeping you from pursuing your dreams and almost being a sad fate. I don't know that it was meant that way and in the end they do learn how to pursue dreams while married.
-too much kissing. Pages and pages of passionate descriptive kissing. They were married so technically it was ok, but I still didn't need to read all about it.

Perfect for...
Older teen to adult women who enjoy the Christy series.

Pepper Basham's novel is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains during World War I, featuring a British missionary who discovers a whole new world.

When Jonathan Taylor begins his new position as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse, he experiences culture shock, to say the least. Laurel McAdams, who has had a difficult life, tries to help Jonathan navigate skepticism and animosity from the mountain people while fantasizing about escaping to the beautiful places Jonathan mentions.

Basham readily incorporates Bible texts into the plot through the characters' dialogue. She also uses wit, humor, and local idioms to express her affection for the Appalachian region.

A lot of the writing spoke to me because my family is from the Alabama backwoods, and they, too, have had a hard-scrabble life. They speak and communicate in a unique fashion that is difficult, if not impossible, to understand. They are, however, a passionately loyal, caring group of individuals who will go to great lengths to help you if you are family or have proven your worth if you aren’t.

From beginning to end, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Basham has an uncanny ability to draw you into a story and keep you there. You'll find yourself thinking over her book well after you've already completed it.

I received this book from NetGalley. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

I loved writing this story. my heart was to bring history alive from the Blue Ridge Mountains through the way the people spoke and the culture. I wanted to draw readers in to "feel" the dangers and tenderness of a life back in time in a place where time seemed to stand still.

This whole series has been sweet and fun to read. Pepper has a great way of describing things I can't wait to check out her other books.

Pepper! You've done it again! Captured me with eloquent writing, profound spiritual themes, and heart-stopping character development. But you left me with questions! I know you just finished this one, and it hasn't even been officially released (thanks, NetGalley for the sneak peek!), but I sure hope you're busy on the sequel! I need more!

Laurel and her family were flawed but likeable. Appalachia in the early 1900s isn't a setting I'm overly familiar with, but Basham paints a scene that is both breathtaking and heartbreaking.

I loved Laurel's lack of pretense as her friendship developed with Jonathan. And I loved watching more than a friendship develop between them. Basham is an expert at penning steamy kisses, and she doesn't disappoint with this book! She's also excellent at creating believable banter between the characters that leaves me giggling into the face of my Kindle.

This book started out a bit slow for me, but still earned a 5 star rating because once it got going, I couldn't put it down, and didn't want it to end. Not only does she craft a heart-rending romance, she also weaves in hard topics like alcoholism, abuse, and fear with grace and solid theology. This was one of my favorite quotes:

"Fear is easy. And anger. . . But really loving somebody? Really trying to do the right thing, to forgive and to help even when it's hard? That takes a whole lot of strength and courage." Preach it, Pepper!

Due to a trusted blogger's review, I will not be reading this book because of the kissieness that I find to be wrong.

Pepper Basham's books are always so sweet with engaging characters and a well formed plot, this one was no exception! She is definitely an author I will read in the future!

Sweet, faith-filled read

This was a sweet, faith-filled read that I enjoyed. This book not only explored what happens when comfort zones are left, but was a bit out of my comfort zone as well, as I hadn't read any historical fiction that take place in Appalachia. This was a sweet and clean read, I'd rate PG for kissing and details of drunkeness and a reference to a pregnancy out of wedlock.

Can outsider Jonathan find "Home" in Laurel's Blue Ridge Mtns?

God brings 2 completely different cultures together in 1918, in Pepper Basham's Historic, American, Christian Romance, "My Heart Belongs in The Blue Ridge: Laura's Dream". Laurel's a born storyteller, with a dream to become her North Carolina mountain community's Schoolteacher. "Citified, lowlander" Jonathan meets Laurel, as the Mission School's newest Schoolteacher. Laurel's family, helps Jonathan's transition, into the isolated community's hard life.

Jonathan & Laurel are drawn to each other, but face many obstacles to a lasting relationship. I Highly Recommend You Read this Wonderful, Engrossing, Inspiring, 💗-Touching Story, to find out how God brings Laurel & Jonathan to their Forever 💞! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ❤️📖

Wow! This was such a fun read. I'd heard a lot of good things about Pepper Basham's books before reading this one, so my expectations were high. I was not disappointed! From the unique characters to the amazing descriptions of the scenery to the beautiful romance and the historic setting... I loved everything about this book.

I'd recommend it to those who enjoy Christian Historical Romance, and Romantic Comedies.


(I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)

I found this author to be a delight to read because she is SO funny! I found myself laughing out loud at her comments. The back-mountain life was painted realistically that you feel like you’re right there. My favorite part was the pole cat AKA skunk unfortunate interactions that had you smelling it. This author has a way with adjectives, drawing me into her characters and seeing the pure, lovely character of the main female. I thought she matched well with the city-teacher. A refreshing read that I recommend to you.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


***Also posted on Amazon, CBD, B&N

Laurel’s innocence is a rarity. She’s a simple mountain girl, a girl that takes everything at face value and expects others to do the same.

When they don’t, she’s quick to tell others to speak plain and ‘true’.

Her faith was also amazing. I think it’s because of the innocence she portrays, her faith is simple. Childlike. She walks in forgiveness toward her father who is a drunk 3 months of the year – through the winter only. Laurel chooses to remember the other 9 months, even when those 3 are unbearable.

Which is astounding to Jonathan, the community’s new teacher. He has been rejected by his own father his whole life. He has been led to believe that he has and will always come up short. But as Jonathan watches Laurel walk in forgiveness toward her father, he is challenged.

As for the love story side of this great read, I’m afraid I’ll give spoilers if I say too much! But I loved how these two became friends and they both had dreams. Even as Jonathan felt himself falling in love with Laurel, he chose to put her dream of becoming a teacher first… and his own dream of finishing medical school as well. Friendship was enough.

Until things are taken out of their hands.

A shotgun.

A drunken father…

Okay, that’s enough for spoilers, but I hope it’s enough of a teaser.

I give this book a 4.5 star, so I suppose I'll have to round up to 5. I can’t wait to read more from Pepper Basham!

“Regret don’t do nothin’ but steal your joy and cloud your eyes from seein’ the blessings.”
– Laurel’s mama, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel’s Dream

I'm a new reader of Pepper Basham, and I am utterly delighted with My heart belongs in the Blue Ridge. I will be seeking out more of her titles! Appalachia has long intrigued me ever since I read Christy as a young girl, and this story carried me away into those mountains with it's quirky and unique characters.

Pepper writes beautifully, her characters loom large, and she has penned here a beautiful romance. I can't recommend this book highly enough - it is an absolute must-read! I am thankful to the publisher and to NetGalley for the joy of reading an ARC they furnished me.

Two hearts from different worlds, one shared dream...

I've heard quite a bit about Pepper Basham's books over the last few years but I hadn't read any of them yet. My Heart Belongs In The Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream was a lovely introduction to her writing. I've already been enjoying this series and through it have been introduced to several new-to-me authors.

This was another of the books that I never read the blurb before reading the book itself. I've been reading my way through the series with each new release anyway, so My Heart Belongs In The Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream was next on my want-to-read list. I was quite pleasantly surprised by the characters and the story. If you've ever read Christy by Catherine Marshall you will see some familiar character types and situations but Pepper Basham has certainly penned a story that is all her own.

This book took on some tough issues that are just as valid, and poignant, today as they would have been a century ago when the story takes place. One of the biggest takeaways for me was that dreams are wonderful things but we shouldn't hold to them rigidly or we may miss out on the amazing things that God has planned for us. Dreams can change as our lives move forward, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Anyway, My Heart Belongs In The Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream is a great book from author Pepper Basham and is a nice addition to this series from Barbour.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own)

Oh My Goodness.....
This book was absolutely amazing !!! I fell in love with the characters, they were such remarkable personalities. I don't ever reread a book but this one I will., I am actually buying this in hardback to add to my collection.
Pepper Basham did a great job of telling a story about two people from completely different worlds working together to help a community overcome their fear of change. I hope that this book has more to the series as I loved this little mountain community and hope to learn more from them. Thanks for the great book.
I volunteered to read this book from Barbour Publishing in return for my honest feed back, the thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

Laurel McAdams' dream is to leave her beloved Blue Ridge Mountains an go to college. Jonathan Taylor wants to serve people and prove to his father he's not useless. When their worlds collide on the mountain will they find love? Can God show them the way to true love and through their obstacles of the differences and the family situations?

Laurel's quiet place isn't so quiet when her mother and their neighbors come to the barn and start talking about the new teacher coming to the mountain. After their meeting her mother sends Laurel to bring the teacher to to stay with them while his home is fixed up. There is an immediate kinship between them. Jonathan is smitten from the beginning with Laurel, but figures their differences are too great to lead any where, since he's leaving in a year. Jonathan is surprised by what he finds on his missionary teaching sojourn. Incidents with Laurel and her family shows his determination to the McAdams clan. Laurel and her brother Isom are his guides to his students' families so he can get to know them. As Laurel and Jonathan spend more time together their friendship starts and they get to know each other and their backgrounds. Revealing their dreams to each other. The seasons pass and Jonathan comes up with a plan to help the mountain residence to make some money. There is resistance to Jonathan's teaching and ideas and a fire destroys student resources. The McAdams stand with him along with his preacher uncle. He gets to see how the mountain people live and celebrate the coming fall. As fall starts to turn into winter Laurel's father makes preparations for his family. When Jonathan is told about what happens during the winter to Laurel's father he doesn't believe it until he witnesses the situation first hand. Laurel takes him and her siblings to their save place. Laurel shows her cooking talent by teaching Jonathan to cook and making a couple of English dishes. Jonathan's feelings get stronger the more he knows about her as does Laurel. They hide their feelings because of him leaving and her wanting to go to college. At the annual corn shucking event a boy has an allergic reaction to bee stings and Jonathan's medical training comes in handy and changes some mines. When an outbreak of the plague comes near by his uncle and the doctor go to help. Jonathan must pitch in when Laurel's older married sister goes into labor during a snow storm. While they head back down the mountain a snow ball fight results in Laurel being injured badly. Taking her to the nearest source of medical supplies leads them to Jonathan's house. When some unexpected visitors show up a wedding takes place. Jonathan had promised himself he would come back for Laurel after he finished becoming a doctor. The shock and realization of broken dreams & guilt has them keeping to themselves after their visitors leave. Jonathan vows to make Laurel's dreams come true. Laurel's surprised by some mail. They're just adjusting to their new lives when Jonathan's uncle brings him bad news. He makes a trip home to England. A confrontation with his father has him returning to what he now considers his home and the woman who's shown him what love and his life should be. All Laurel can do while he's gone is do the teaching job he asked her do in his absence and miss him more and realize that maybe her dreams can come true. While finishing up before the school break and thinking of Jonathan she's surprised by the man she loves. Their true feelings are revealed.

Pepper D. Basham weaves a story of life in the North Carolina mountains in 1918 during WWI. How family and friendship can change a life for the better. That opposites attract and God's hand guides you the way he wants your life to go even if you don't see it. That dreams can come true in time as long as you have faith. Courage can be gained by new experiences and people influencing your life. The My Heart Belongs series is always an emotional read.

Laurel dreams of attending college and becoming a teacher. Life in the Blue Ridge mountains, in a mountain family, means money is tight and dreams must wait. Laurel works very hard to earn and save toward her dream. Into her world comes the new schoolteacher, Jonathan. He is escaping a life in London where his father directs his every step. Jonathan comes to the Blue Ridge to seek out his pastor uncle and get his life on track. With a dream of medical school, Jonathan, like Laurel, needs to save and prepare. A series of interactions between Jonathan and the mountain people leads him to consider his true calling.