In Pepper Basham’s latest novel My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel’s Dream, she draws her readers in with an intriguing story of faith, love, and determination. This is an enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction. The story takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1918 in the heart of Appalachia. Jonathan Taylor, new in town from England, becomes a school teacher and faces many challenges in an area where the locals are weary of new people and resistant to change. He is provided with assistance from local Laurel McAdams and her family, and through their work together they may have a chance at finding love.

Readers will experience a variety of emotions while reading this novel. Difficult and relevant topics are addressed by the author in a respectful manner, such as alcohol addiction and the negative feelings toward African Americans during the post Civil War time in the South. A wonderful novel from Pepper Basham! I can't wait for her next book!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour publishing and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

'I can't hardly get one dream to come true. It'd seem greedy to hope for two.'

This book just filled my heart all the way up till the goodness overflowed. Pepper Basham has just outdone herself here.

Jonathan Taylor has come from England to teach in a one room school in 1918 Appalachia. Boy, is he unprepared for what he finds. He longs to be of some use to these children, but long held family belief systems and superstition nearly break his heart. He can't go back home because his stern father doesn't think he can make a go of it there or anywhere.

Laurel McAdams has taken it on herself to help the new teacher. Laurel has long dreamed of going to college to become a teacher herself. Her dreams might come true, but then maybe not. Surely God wouldn't take her dream away, would He? She wants it so badly.


Everything about this book touched my heart. The wonderful patterns of speech of these people was dear to my heart because I've heard my grandparents speak this way and sometimes my mother did also. Their hearts and their acceptance of the hardships of mountain living was amazing. I felt like I just fell into the book and knew everyone. Laurel and Jonathan were two characters that I will remember for a very long time. This is definitely a book that is destined to be read again! Basham's prose is woven with love throughout each page and I adored it.

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

When I read a historical novel, I expect to be transported to the time of the story. Pepper Basham does that in her books. I love the mountains and this book made me feel like I was there. The book is well written and o thoroughly enjoyed it

I've been a fan of Pepper's writing for a while now, but this... this one is my favorite! I loved everything about it! The authenticity of language and culture is stronger in this book compared to the others. And I love the realness of broken characters, like Laurel's father, whose problems weren't magically "fixed" by the end.
I was provided a copy by Netgalley, but my opinions are always my own.

Ms. Basham always writes interesting, entertaining novels whether they are present day or historical. I have read many of her books and thoroughly enjoy them all. This is a historical novel set in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1918. The book focuses on Laurel who is a captivating young women who dreams big dreams for herself. In a time and place where change is not welcomed and status quo is preferred, Laurel pushes those boundaries to educate herself and even stretch her dreams beyond what she believed possible. Jonathan is the new teacher who has come from England to teach the children of this area. He is faced with a lot of opposition, but perseveres to overcome these challenges. This book examines this geographical area and time period and provides the reader with an accurate portrayal of this area during this time. I really enjoyed reading Laurel and Jonathan’s journey! I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.

My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge Mountains, written by Pepper Basham, was an interesting read.
I give this book a 3.5 star rating. I struggled at the beginning to keep going. I realize there is a lot to set up in a story for the reader to know who, what, when, and where we are and will be going in the read, but I struggled with so much of the local chatter which I felt held me back from a complete love for the book when it first started. BUT I have to say by the end of the book, I loved the characters and could have read more of what happened after the end.
I've read many Basham books and recommend them all, even though this has a slower start for me, I still think many readers may not have the difficulty in the slowness as I had. So, yes, go get it and read it and get yourself drawn into the Blue Ridge Mountains because by the end you'll find your heart belongs there, too.
I received a copy of this ARC from Netgalley. All thoughts and comments are my own.

I love the “My Heart Belongs in” series. What will I do when it ends? I have never read Pepper Bashum before, but I am already looking for the next book of her's to read.

The story takes place in 1918 just after the war. Pepper has a wonderful ability to make a setting come to life. Her love for the Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia comes through on every page. She describes Appalachian mountain people so well, you feel as if you know them. What a beautiful different way she uses words. The dialogue is written in mountain colloquialism, which adds to the charm. It is full of drama, humor and romance. This is one of the best Historical Romance novels I have read this year. The author writes with a thread of faith woven throughout the book.

Jonathan Taylor the hero of the book, and my favorite new hero, arrives from England to teach school in his uncle's mission church. He is so taken back by the differences in culture of the mountain people. He feels as if he may have made a mistake. He has made a commitment to his uncle, so he will stay and carry it out. He is an educated man and he will share his knowledge and try to make a difference. In the beginning he is swayed with the preconception that 'flatlanders' have about mountain people. They all are lazy, stupid and can't learn. During his time with these wonderful, loving, caring people he learns they have a thing or two they can teach him.

Enter Laurel McAdams, she is a beautiful, smart young lady, who has endured a hard life in her short years. Laurel has a dream, and that is to get a college education. There are only a few that support that dream.
The author takes on some of the harsher subjects of the time, like the unemployment, poverty and alcoholism. Jonathan, like Laurel want's to protect her and the rest of the family from her fathers abuse during his drinking.

I so agree with Jonathan when he said “I’m a huge proponent of reading. And I don’t know what I’d do without the imagination of books to take me places. They’re truly one of the under appreciated treasures in this world”

Pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

Everything about this book captivated me! My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge is a beautiful historical romance about the Appalachian life and Ms. Basham did a wonderful job transporting the reader to the everyday life of the heroine. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. My opinion is voluntarily and I was not expected to post a positive one.

I have always loved the "My Heart Belongs in..." series and this was another favorite! Pepper Basham has uniquely captured the mountain people in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia and showcased their faith, generosity, pride, and their caution of outsiders.
Jonathan is educated gentleman from England who has signed on to work at his uncle's mission church as a teacher. His arrival in the mountains nearly turns him around to hop on the next train out of there but he made a commitment to his uncle he would honor. Enter Laurel, a young mountain woman who yearns for a college education but feels connected to the mountain folk and their ways. She invites the new teacher to dinner, at her mother's asking, thus giving Jonathan a hand on education to mountain life.
This novel is written using the colloquial Appalachian
language making it's very authentic descriptions colorful. The characters are all well written with strong backbone and mountain smarts to make them enjoyable. This is a wonderful story and I hope it continues because I want to know what happens to many of the mountain folk that I feel like I know!

I love this author's books. I just have to say that right off the bat.
From her lighter ones to her heavier ones, each one makes me want to keep reading and buying more and more of her books.
This book is kind of a Christy feel with hints of humor intermixed. There are a few heavier topics such as alcoholism brought up, but overall, I would say this is a lighter read for one of her books.

When you go to look for a book with truth and good story, I would say pick this one up. It will warm your heart!
I wished it were a tad bit longer as I wanted a little more of their story, but I guess it can't go on forever!

Set in 1918, Laurel McAdams dreams of leaving the mountains to go to college with the hopes of becoming a teacher. Jonathan Taylor moves from England to Maple Springs, North Carolina to join missionary uncle.  He hopes that he can make a clean break from controlling father and discover his gifts. Drawn together for their desire to improve the lives of the Appalachian people, the friendship flourishes into a romance.  Faced with various challenges like angry parents over teaching methods, Laurel's father drunken rages and bad news from England, will their love bloom?

What's not to love about this book? I was immediately drawn this one because of the beautiful cover. The characters are well-fleshed out with engaging conversations. One of the most endearing things about this story was the beautiful slow-growing friendship between Laurel and Jonathan. I  have not been able to stop thinking about this book and the possible tangents that their stories may have taken.  This is my first Pepper Basham novel and I hope that she would write another one for this series, possibly telling Kizzie's story.

Somehow Pepper Bashum continues to raise the bar in this lovely story of a British teacher who travels to a remote mountain community of North Carolina hoping to make a difference. Bashum shares her love for the Appalachian people as she describes their strengths and weaknesses. The eclectic cast of mountain folk is as colorful as the autumn color in the mountains described so eloquently through Bashum's beautiful prose. The laugh-out-loud humor Bashum fans have come to expect are interlaced with sweet romantic moments that are memorable. In Jonathan and Laurel, the author gives us two young people who each have a dream that can be altered by unexpected tragedy. But not only do they have a burden for the people of Maple Springs, they also have a tender heart for God's gentle prodding. I fell in love with several characters in the book and hope to visit the fictional world of Maple Springs again in the future.

Fans of Catherine Marshall's Christy will love this book. With an obvious love for the mountain folk, great attention to historical detail, a sweet romance, then add some of Bashum's sweet humor and Appalachian ability of storytelling and you cannot go wrong. This book is one to be read again and again.

A few of my favorite quotes:

"They'll be stubborn, curious,eager,suspicious, and a whole host of other things, but beneath it all are hearts who desire to learn and create. To grow and find joy. A people who love their families with a ferocity that is breathtaking, hold music close to their souls, and survive unspeakable odds without complaint."

"Regret don't do nothin' but steal your joy and cloud your eyes from seein' the blessings."

"...your hands are only meant to carry today. They ain't big enough for yesterday or tomorrow. Only God's hands are big enough. We can dream and imagine, but grasping hold of tomorrow as if we know what goes on there, well, that can lead to a heap of heartache or a whole lot of pride."

All quotes are taken from My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: LAurel's Dream by Pepper D. Bashum.

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.

This book captured me from the first page. There is so much heart and soul to this story. It is tender and heartwarming with vivid descriptions of beautiful mountains and it’s residents hidden from the progressing world. Laurel and Jonathan friendship was a delight to read and I loved the exploration of each of them searching to fulfill their dreams. The hardships and struggles in this story only highlighted the characters strength, determination, and reliance on God. Anyone who enjoyed Cathrine Marshall’s “Christy” will enjoy this latest novel by Pepper Basham. I absolutely loved this book. Excellent writing, excellent story.

My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge – Laurel’s Dream is one of the sweetest books I’ve read recently. Pepper Basham has such an engaging writing style, utilizing humor, drama, and romance, which hooks a reader from the beginning.

Laurel’s Dream focuses on Laurel McAdams, an Appalachian young woman who has aspirations to go to college and return to her beloved mountains to teach children. She’s Appalachian through and through, but smart, tender, and kind. She’s encouraged to pursue not only a college education, but a writing career by the newly hired teacher Jonathan Taylor. Jonathan is very much like Laurel except he’s from England and a person who thinks his stay in America is only temporary. After the two meet it isn’t long until mutual admiration turns into something more.

There are laugh out loud moments and the Appalachian expressions will surely cause a chuckle or two. There are tender moments, especially between Laurel and Jonathan and Laurel and her family. And there are break your heart moments when Laurel thinks her dreams have been destroyed.

This is definitely a five-star novel, and it is my hope Basham will write many more novels about the various characters introduced in this book.

A wonderful story full of life and love! A glimpse into the Appalachian culture of a small community at the end of WW1, with a conflict all its own. When a young man from England comes to teach school at the mission led by his uncle, ill feelings are stirred up among the stern mountain men and the 'flatlander' who wants to improve their lives, and open their eyes to the outside world.

“Dream, girl, but trust God to take better care of your dreams than you ever could.”

This book started out well, and just got better and better as it went. It had me smiling and chuckling one moment, and holding my breath the next. I loved the way the author kept things light in parts with humor, quirky people and funny colloqialisms, cleverly working in the serious issues, adding biblical wisdom via conversations between characters. Laurel's mom and Jonathan's uncle especially were founts of lovely encouraging quotes, as well as Laurel herself. The spiritual themes included learning to trust God, looking to him for guidance and approval instead of others, and loving people to Christ, forgiving and letting go of anger. The difficult problems of alcoholism, unwed mothers, ignorance and prejudice added a serious side to the plot. It seemed to be implied that alcoholics were something to be tolerated, which may have been the case in that culture at that time; sadly though, the families suffer.

I loved the resolution of this book and how the romance developed from a healthy friendship. The romance is a wowzer when it happens, so be patient and be prepared to sigh. It will steal your breath away! I seriously didn't want this book to end. It was interesting to read the author's introduction that said her own family's history inspired some of the story, and there may be another book at some point. Yay! A few of the characters could definitely have their own book.

Highly recommend this book to Christian historical romance fans! If you enjoyed Christy by Catherine Marshall, Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin, or These Healing Hills by Ann Gabhart, you will love this one too.

I've been a fan of these "My Heart Belongs In..." books since the very first. They remind me a bit of the 'Love Finds You In..." series, only these are all historical, which makes them even better. ;) This one was probably my favorite, however, from the entire series thus far...partly due to the setting, as my family is from this region of Appalachia and I could easily see the characters in stories of family members past. The author also does a great job of creating new and exciting scenes....how often in books does the new teacher almost get eaten by a paint?! When you read a lot, you'll eventually see the same stories again and again, but there are many new ones tucked into these pages. The characters suffer trials that would make weaker men collapse, and they do it with grace and faith. My heart truly _does_ belong in the Blue Ridge!

The Blue Ridge Mountains seems to be far removed from from World War 1 when new school teacher Jonathan Taylor arrives from England to face the culture shock of living among the mountain people. Jonathan was a praying man. One of his first prays after his arrival was, “Dear Lord, please give me the strength to help make a difference.”

Laurel McAdams was certainly an unexpected ally. They shared a comradery that started with brothers serving in the war and a love of eduction. Laurel was lacking in formal education. Jonathan was lacking an education in the ways of the mountain people.

The journey through life in Maple Springs was an enlightening step back in time. To quote Laurel, “And there’s nothin’ quite like fallin’ into the world of a book.”

I agreed totally with Jonathan Taylor when he said, “I’m a huge proponent of reading. And I don’t know what I’d do without the imagination of books to take me places. They’re truly one of the under appreciated treasures in this world”

I appreciated the insights of Jonathan’s uncle, Preacher Anderson who said, “When we are powerless to exact change, we must trust in the One who holds the power. The ultimate power. And the One we know isn’t a tyrant king but a loving Father…”
“You were judged by what you did before tonight. You’ll be defined by what you do hereafter.”

I’m grateful for Granny Spencer’s inspiration for this book. I look forward to reading the rest of the story of Sam McAdams and Kizzie.

I received a free copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. These are my own thoughts and opinions except where quotes are given.

There is nothing about this book I didn't love. Pepper Basham has wrote a beautiful historical romance about the Appalachian life. This book will grab you on the first page and not let go till the end. It's one of those books where you keep reading wanting to know what's going to happen next but you don't want it to end. Everything about this book is outstanding, from the beautiful cover to the wonderful story inside. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this wonderful book.

MY HEART BELONGS IN THE BLUE RIDGE by PEPPER BASHAM takes place in 1918 in Maple Springs in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The story is based on anecdotes told by the author's Granny Spencer about their ancestry in the area. It is a lovely book - well written, with very interesting characters and an excellent Christian message.
Laurel McAdams has lived all her life in the mountains. She is part of a large family who she loves and protects fiercely. She has always been a voracious reader and dreams of going to college and coming back to the mountains as a teacher.
Jonathan Taylor is the new teacher from England who was encouraged by his uncle Edward Anderson, the preacher for the area, also from England, to take up this position at the mission school. Uncle Edward does not see Jonathan as a failure or as being "broken" because he has a damaged leg and was turned down as an army medic.
Jonathan comes from a well to do family, and to start with he feels sorry for the people who are so poor and quite ignorant and superstitious, but he soon sees that he can learn a lot from them. Jonathan also has a dream which is to finish his medical degree. He has always been a disappointment to his father and wants to prove he is not a failure and also be independent of the overbearing man who has never shown him any affection.
I don't want to tell you any more and spoil the read for you, but I just want to say that I loved the way the characters learn a lot about themselves and their motives, and about the importance of forgiveness and trusting God to bring good out of all things.
This is the first novel I have read by this author, but it most certainly will not be the last!
I was given a free copy of the book by Barbour Publishing, Inc., from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

While browsing on NetGalley this title caught my eye... look at the beautiful mountain range and
her hair! A lovely cover, indeed.

After reading the description, I decided to take the chance in requesting the book and was selected
to receive an advanced copy by e-book. Hadn't heard of the series nor the author, prior to this.
Apparently, each book in the series focuses on a different location/time period and is written by
various authors.


We meet our main characters, in Maple Springs, North Carolina... in the year 1918.
Such a different way of life than we experience these days.
There's something about the Appalachian mountains, which captures this Kentucky girl's heart.


Oh my... this sweet book held my attention throughout.
Believe I even lost a bit of sleep over the rougher decisions toward the end. But, I'm not one to
spoil a lovely story...

The main characters, Laurel McAdams and Jonathan Taylor, were, genuinely, likable.
No instant love! I enjoyed watching their relationship develop over time.

Naturally, they faced individual challenges.

There were a few things I didn't, quite, understand... or wished they had a better outcome.

I would, definitely, read another book with these characters *hinting to Ms. Basham*

While the story leaned toward Historical Fiction/Christian, I didn't find it to be overly pushy.
Basically, a wholesome story anyone could read.

Have already been eyeing other books by Ms. Basham, since I enjoyed this one so much.

I would recommend giving this story a read when it debuts January 1, 2019!


I received this electronic book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this opportunity!