Wonderful! One of the best books I have read in some time! Laurel McAdams, a mountain girl, and Jonathan Taylor from London are wonderful protagonists! Jonathan has completed part of his training to be a doctor and desires to complete that training. His father has scorned Jonathan since his leg was injured in an accident as a child. He comes to the Blue Ridge Mountains as a temporary teacher where his favorite uncle is a preacher. Life in the mountains is unlike anything Jonathan has known! Laurel helps Jonathan learn the ways of the mountain people. I was reminded of Catherine Marshall's Christy. I highly recommend My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream to everyone! I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

This book has all the feels. You will laugh, unless you've had some unfortunate polecat experience, cry, be afraid, be happy, and most of all be in love. Pepper Basham has that first kiss down to a science. I love reading about the first kiss the characters share. Not only will you see the love between her characters, you will see the love our Heavenly Father has for us.

Laurel is a mountain girl with dreams that will lead her away from her home. Jonathan is running from the expectations of his father. These two make an unlikely friendship but could it turn into something more . Laurel and Jonathan are all about the fair trades. Laurel is teaching Jonathan the ways of the mountain and how to cook for himself. Jonathan is reading some writings of Laurel's and giving his honest feedback. Will these two find a way to help each other find their dreams?

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I so love to discover new-to-me authors whose books immediately captivate me. Pepper Basham's tale of Laurel McAdams, her family, and the new teacher who has come to the Blue Ridge from far away England is endearing, and leaves the reader anxious for more, which Basham promises in her acknowledgments.

Basham honors the people of Appalachia by describing the truth of their circumstances in the early 1900s, by celebrating the beauty of their language and spirit, and by upholding the worth of their culture. Yes, change is inevitable, but salvaging and holding on to what is best is equally important. Basham, through her well-developed characters, offers great insight into the heart of God and the wisdom of trusting Him with each day.

This is a book that will linger long after the final page. I most highly recommend it to those who love books of all kinds because Laurel and Teacher Jonathan Taylor do as well, and they will remind others of the true gift reading is. I appreciate receiving this copy from Barbour Books through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Jonathan's father has treated him as inferior to his siblings ever since an accident as a young child left him with a limp. Unable to join the army even as a medic as a result, Jonathan decides to take a position as school teacher in the same village as his uncle. He wants to prove himself - but the Blue Ridge Mountains present quite different problems from London, what with polecats, cougars and antagonistic parents who are stuck in the last century! With the help of one particular family, who welcome him to the area, and in particular the oldest daughter, he seems to be starting to settle down - but his father still has plans for him, and they don't match his own dreams. When an accident in the mountains and another back at home change everything, Jonathan must work out what is important to him, and who is really in charge of his life.

With a setting that is closely reminiscent of Christy and a storyline that is all its own, this book definitely lived up to my hopes. I've read and enjoyed other books by the author, but this was the first historical one I've read, and it made me hope for more. Overall, the writing was good, the plot interesting and not too straightforward, the characters realistic (mostly? it's describing quite a different time and place, so hard to tell) and varied, and the story clean. I look forward to reading more by the author and would definitely recommend the book, with a couple of minor reservations.

I guess I had two problems with the book that reduced it to 4 stars rather than 5. The first was a scene near the end of the book where things get a bit physically intense. I realise that there was no problem with their behaviour in itself (*Spoiler alert* - they were married by that point anyway), but I don't really want to read that much detail regardless. Second, the end felt a bit rushed and I really wanted a lot more! In particular, a sequel as they begin their life together, and more about her family would both be great, because I was left with so many questions - a sign of a good book, I guess, because it kept me interested to the end and beyond - but a slightly less abrupt ending would have been good.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

This book was amazing! I loved every single page of it more than I can put into words. But I'm going to try!

I read Catherine Marshall's "Christy" when I was quite young. In fact, I read it more than once! And my family used to watch the TV show together and I was completely in love with Kellie Martin who played Christy in the show. So when I found out that Basham's next book was going to take place in the same mountains I used a recent road trip to listen to the audio version of the book narrated by none other than Kellie Martin. This all being said, it was Kellie Martin's voice I heard in my head as I read this book and it was perfect.

This book was beautiful. From the descriptions of the mountain scenery to the various people throughout the story, I couldn't put it down. I fell in love with Laurel immediately before I was even two pages into the book. She is a voracious reader and reminded me of myself. But truly I fell in love with her whole family. I loved her mama's heart so much.

I fell in love with Jonathan pretty fast too. I loved that he left his fancy life to teach school in the mountains and only grew to love him more as he grew more comfortable with his new life. I was quite impressed with his bravery and his willingness to learn all about a whole new culture.

Another thing I really loved was learning more of the customs of the people in the Blue Ridge mountains. I loved the celebrations they held, the fun traditions they had, and the way they all band together through good and bad.

I had so many favorite parts, but being a teacher I really loved reading how Jonathan got the students excited about learning and how he adapted his lessons to their needs both educationally and in life. But really my favorite part was the love story. I won't give anything away, but it was exceptional.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Just thinking about me book makes me smile and sigh a happy sigh. It is a beautiful. The characters made this story to be one that I couldn’t wait to visit and I want to demand (nicely!) that this book be made into a series so I can visit again. I truly loved everything about this book. I read the digital advanced release copy and I can’t wait to purchase the paperback. This book must be on my bookshelf. I don’t re-read many books, there are simply so many new books to enjoy, but I am already planning when I can re-read this beautiful story. I want a friend like Laurel! She was inspiring. The gorgeous Blue Ridge descriptions have me planning a trip there some day. I would say the writing style is comparable to Catherine Marshall, Joanne Bischof and Lori Benton, but with a humorous flair that is so much fun! This is one of my favorite books of 1018 and one of my favorite books ever, I highly recommend it!

What a delightful read.....Pepper Basham's book, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge is  a book that will definitely have you turning pages.  The story takes place right after WW1 in a small Appalachian community. I so loved reading about their culture, their sayings, beliefs and superstitions that were handed down from generation to generation. Mostly from not being exposed to other towns/cities and a lack of education. Jonathan Taylor is the new British teacher to the impoverished mountain town of Maple Springs and Laurel McAdams is the sweet Appalachian girl who has so little of this world's goods but plenty of common wisdom to teach Jonathan, about the lives, love and customs of this backward mountain people. Basham has created such strong characters that you feel you are right there and feeling the harshness and the tenderness of these mountain people. There is also a strong faith in God woven through out. I highly recommend this book as a historical read and also a book of romance with a lovely ending. Pepper Basham has certainly written a winner in this book......I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley and was not required to give a review but I am pleased to do so.

I had so much fun reading this story by Pepper Basham! My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge is the story of Laurel and Taylor, two people from very different worlds who still find love. Laurel is a mountain girl, raised by a poor family with a drunken father and her sweet-spirited mother. Taylor hails from London, where he left behind a father he couldn’t please during a war he couldn’t fight in. When Taylor arrives in the mountains to teach, he and laurel strike up an unexpected friendship. Their love of reading and nature draws them together, although neither can see how a life together would work for them. They both have dreams, her to teach and him to become a doctor. Can their dreams draw them tighter or will they push them apart?
This book was very lighthearted while still reminding the reader of the grace of God and the beauty in His creation. I loved the lilting speech of the mountain people and the fierceness of their loyalty to each other. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romance.
I received a free copy of this story from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

What I Loved: I’m still new to Pepper’s work, but I’m already a huge fan! I’m not even sure what to say aside from that I loved this one and recommend it to everybody. The setting comes to life as well as the culture of the Appalachian mountains. The characters are well developed. The chemistry between Laurel and Jonathan is stuff of perfection. Jonathan’s initiation in the mountains had me rolling from the start. There’s a sound message about trusting Christ with the details of your life and the salvation of your loved ones. All in all My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge was a delightful novel from start to finish.

Rating and Recommendation: I’m giving it 5 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy Historical Christian Fiction or fiction set in the Appalachian Mountains.

~ I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Stunning!

And I mean that both literally and figuratively. My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge took my breath away and found me wiping my eyes more than a few times. The deep love the author has for Appalachia, the place and the people, simply pours off the pages of this book. It sings the song of the mountains, creating a haunting melody that will linger in my heart.

While the story deals with some very hard issues of prejudice (against not only people of color but any “flatlander”), drunken rages, and abject poverty, all this is done with such tact, sensitivity, and hope. I am amazed at the way Laurel and her entire family love her father so deeply that they do what they can to protect themselves from his “dark times”, and yet remember the way he is when he is not controlled by drink.

Jonathan is not immune to family issues, despite his affluent upbringing being so diametrically opposed to the poverty Laurel has grown up in. The accident that left him lame as a child only drove his father to despise him all the more. When his uncle invites him to come teach, he fled from London as quickly as he could.

Laurel and Jonathan both have such a hunger for bringing a love of learning to the children. The gifted manner in which Laurel so naturally helps the little ones learn their letters and how to read is very admirable.

It is so charming how through most of the story, Laurel and Jonathan are friends and don’t have any idea of any feelings stronger than just that until . . . You know, that thing that happens that I can’t mention lest it give away a significant surprise.

If you have read and loved books by Joanne Bischoff, you will adore this one as well.

I enjoyed this sweet romance set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Laurel is a small town daughter of a farmer who dreams of more than mountain life. She finds an unlikely friend in the new teacher, Jonathan, who has moved to North Carolina from his native England.

Pepper Basham has done her research and effectively captures the spirit of the mountain foothills and its people. There are difficult topics such as prejudice, racism and alcoholism woven into the characters' lives, which lends to the tapestry Pepper weaves.

Jonathan and Laurel have a naturally developing friendship that turns into a romance over time. The characters were believable, although to be honest, I did see a few holes in the ending. A complicated relationship with Laurel's family just seemed to disappear after a certain point in the story, and it left me wondering why her family issues were not neatly wrapped up in conclusion, as Jonathan's family challenges had been. Because Laurel's family was so intertwined with the characters in the start of the story, I felt a little let down that there was no explanation as to how/why these important things weren't addressed.

It is worth the read, though, and it did remind me a bit of one of my favorite stories, "Little Women." Both Jonathan and Laurel have challenges they overcome, both together and apart. There was great growth in the characters throughout the story, which I appreciated. Thankful for the opportunity to read early with #NetGalley.

My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream is among my favorite from the My Heart Belongs series. It takes a reader back to 1918 Blue Ridge Mountains. I believe Pepper did an excellent job portraying how the mountain folk were like during this time. It is exactly how my Grandpa described it. Even the dialogue was perfect. I loved Laurel and Jonathan's story. They are from two different worlds but yet learned so much from another.
I am giving My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream a well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend this book. Especially, fans of Catherine Marshall's Christy.

My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge, Laurel’s Dream by Pepper Basham begins in September 1918 in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville North Carolina. The new teacher, Jonathan Taylor, has arrived to much skepticism and distrust as is often the case for newcomers. He is the nephew of the minister which is his only saving grace. He came from England and has no idea how the mountain families live. Fortunately, the McAdams family, Laurel in particular, takes him under their wings and roof while his uncle is traveling to another part of the mountain. Jonathan finds himself greeted with the end of a rifle often the first few days and begins to think his plan to redeem himself in America may have been a mistake. Laurel has finished school and plans to go to college. She has been offered a scholarship but is working to earn and save money for room and board and other necessities. Her goal is to become a teacher and return to the mountains as teachers come and go regularly in Maple Spring. Jonathan’s ultimate goal is to become a doctor; he had finished to years of medical school before it was disrupted by the war. Laurel and Jonathan agree to help each other; he will read her papers and assist her in learning about the outside world and she will teach him to cook and learn about mountain life. Will either of them be able to fulfill their goals?
I enjoyed this story. I have read most of the “My Heart…” series and this one is an excellent addition. I found the story of how the people lived in their very close-knit and proud community fascinating. Most of the characters are dependent on God and following Biblical principles though I did not find the story to be preachy. The ending has a bit of a surprise. I give this book 5 of 5 stars and believe it will appeal to a wide audience.bl
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge~ A tender and captivating delight! On my favorite shelf for life!

Pepper Basham's book, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge is destined to be a classic! Reminiscent of the beloved Christy by Catherine Marshall, only with the main characters roles reversed. Jonathan Taylor is the new teacher to the impoverished mountain town of Maple Springs and Laurel McAdams is the Appalachian girl who has plenty to teach Jonathan herself, about living and loving, mountain style.

I don't know when I have been more enraptured with a character as I was with Laurel McAdams. Her common sense wisdom, spiritual depth, and love of the less than lovable was truly humbling. She dealt with poverty, fear and family alcohol abuse with strength, compassion and forgiveness. Jonathan was in awe of her and so was I. Laurel is a powerful role model for facing life's hardships while maintaining your integrity and individuality.

There are so many fantastic quotes in this book I just have to share a few. Laurel's view on love in a difficult relationship touched me deeply,
"I reckon that's why the Bible's always talkin' about love, because it's the only thing to bring change-and we have to be reminded of the power of it all the time. The sacrifice."
"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. I reckon my mama is one of the most courage people I know."

Her innocence and naive view on romance, love and marriage was so charming it had me smiling at times then laughing out loud at others.

My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge is such an incredibly inspiring story. It has all my favorite elements rolled into one. Faith and friendship, hope and healing, love and romance all meld into a tender and captivating delight. I was left with that feeling of not wanting to pick up another book for a while so I could savor all the wonderful emotions and memories of it. That's my gold standard for a book to make it onto my shelf of favorites. Pepper Basham's book releases on the very first day of the new year, but it's already on my Best Books of 2019 list and I'll be reading it again and again!

I appreciate Barbour Books for making a copy of My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge available for review through Netgalley.

This book was great! It was very historically accurate and that really added to the overall feeling of the book. The descriptions of the mountains were breathtaking. I really liked how Laurel and Jonathan are both bookworms and violinists. Laurel seemed lifelike and I adored the way that Jonathan put his full effort into teaching the school for the deeply traditional mountain folk. The relationship between Jonathan and Laurel was sweet because it focused on their love of education, with romance more of a side plot. It was nice to see determined characters that never gave up - no matter what happened. There was a twist in the book that I never expected. My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream took me back to the time period, and I felt like I was in the Blue Ridge Mountains with the characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to step into another culture for a moving visit.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Pepper Basham eloquently captured the very essence of the Blue Ridge Mountains and warmly welcomed me home within the pages of this fantastic book. I loved this story and I seriously didn’t want it to end. The closer I got to the end of the book, the slower I read, savoring each word, each phrase! Opening the pages of this story and diving in, was like going home! I grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains and while I may not live there now, it is still home to me.

I’d love to sit down for a chat or get the chance to cook with Laurel McAdams. She is a strong young woman, filled with grace and courage. Her kindness to outsiders and her helpful nature is sure to draw you in. Laurel is open to new ideas and not afraid to stand up for what is right, even in the face of many who would choose to fiercely cling to tradition and superstition. She has big dreams and determination to see her way to fulfill those dreams!

Teacher, Jonathan Taylor comes to the Blue Ridge Mountains to escape the heavy-handed expectations of his father and to prove himself capable and worthy. But will his reasons to leave behind all he knew and immerse himself in a culture that is highly suspicious of anything new be enough to keep him teaching in the Blue Ridge Mountains?

I fell in love with these dynamic, engaging characters! I appreciated their growth in the story as well as the wisdom of the secondary characters that provided a welcome insight and encouragement.

There is plenty of excitement to enjoy. From a mountain lion encounter, a brutal snowstorm, a couple of disgruntled mountain men, larceny, saving a child with a severe allergic reaction, and much more! You are sure to find an exciting plot-line, delightful characters, all set in a beautiful setting. I give this story 5-enthusiastic stars and encourage you to pick up a copy to enjoy!

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Be aware before you read this review: I going to gush about this book.

I did not want this book to end. The ending was perfect, but I knew when I finished the last page I would have to leave the story of these wonderful characters. From the very first page, I knew that I was going to love Laurel, the mountain girl with a compassionate heart and the longing to go to college to become a teacher. Jonathan, who comes to the mountains from England to be a teacher but wants to be a doctor, is also an inspirational character. But now I want to know what becomes of Maggie and Isom and Cora. We get a hint of the rest of their stories, but I’d love to see where the author would take them.

There’s humor and drama by turns in this storyline. Laurel’s faith and trust in God is a major theme throughout the storyline as she faces conflicts and challenges within her own family.

The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains are a wonderful backdrop for this story. If you loved Catherine Marshall’s “Christy”, you would also love this book. It’s definitely not a copy of that book, but it has the same heart, emotions, and respect for the mountain people. This is a sweet and clean Christian historical novel that will touch your heart and make you smile. This book is what award-winning fiction should look like.

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

Jonathan Taylor dreams of being a doctor, but when a childhood injury keeps him from his dream, thoughts of failure threaten to overwhelm him. So he joins his preacher uncle in the Blue Ridge Mountains as the new teacher in a two-room schoolhouse. Jonathan teaches the older children, while Laurel teaches the other class.



Laurel McAdams grew up in the mountains, she dreams of going to college and becoming a teacher, in the meantime she helps the younger children learn to read while she saves money for her education. Laurel teaches Jonathan their mountain ways, so that he can better relate to his students, and in exchange he helps her with her writing.



Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of 1918, it evokes the spirit of Catherine Marshall's beloved Christy, with the roles reversed. Laurel and Jonathan work well with each other, Laurel teaches him about life on the mountain while he encourages her to follow her dreams. I loved the relationship between Laurel and Jonathan, how they open up each other's worlds, supporting each other through good times and bad.



A well written read, that brings to life the beauty and the struggles of mountain life. Laurel and Jonathan are both passionate and driven people, they want to make a difference, and their loyalties are strong, I loved how their love of books brings them together. Great characters and sense of community, and strong faith. Highly recommend and easily one of the best books that I have ever read from the My Heart Belongs Series.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

I truly enjoyed reading this book! It is a wonderful and clean story with a genuine story line that is easy to follow. I really didn't want the story to end! The story follows a man from England that comes to a remote area to teach. He meets the girl, Laurel, and they develop a friendship that grows and blossoms, until an unexpected event occurs, that causes their relationship a slight "hiccup" before deepening. Excellent read! This is the first book I have read from this author, but it won't be the last!

This is another in the My Heart Belongs series. It was also the first time that I have read a book by this author. I really enjoyed it. I especially liked how the mountain culture shown through including the language that they would use and their beliefs and lifestyle. It's a hard life in the Appalachians and Laurel wants things to change.

The new teacher in the mountains tells of life and things outside of this place and receives harsh responses to his teaching ways.

I think this was a really good book and I think people will love it as much as I did.

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.