Not like the typical books that I have previously read by this author so I didn’t know what to expect.
However, every book in this series that I have already read has been good & this one also did not disappoint. There was just enough mystery to keep me on the edge of my seat, & I enjoyed this one more than some of the others. I look forward to reading the ones that I have missed & several new ones that recently released.

Loved this sweet novel set in early 1900s that's based on real events. The main characters are fictional, but the town and many of the events are real. It was atmospheric and the mountain setting added to the suspense.

I love the cover of this book and was really looking forward to reading it. I had to stop about 25% in. There were too many characters and I couldn’t keep everyone straight

Pepper Basham has crafted a great true crime novel based in her native county. As always, Basham is a master at telling stories dealing with the people of Appalachia. In fact, her love for the people and the tales of this area shines through in this story based on The Courthouse Tragedy which actually took place in Carroll County, VA.
The cover of this book is lovely and begs the reader to ask why the red ribbon is representative of a book of true crime. I love the way the red ribbon is woven throughout the story.
Although the book is one of true crime, the writing is not overly graphic if that is a concern of some readers. Fans of Basham’s romance novels will not be disappointed because she has fashioned this novel to include a sparkin’ couple who discover they might just be more than childhood friends. Their growing relationship coupled with the setting of the crimes committed in the area at the time combine for a very intriguing read.
Basham includes some pithy sayings at the beginning of each chapter attributed to various characters in the story. These are thought-provoking and add much to draw the reader into the mindset of the people of the area in which the story takes place. I loved this part so much!
I definitely recommend this book!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions stated are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. It's set in the early 1900s and the author does a great job with the setting there. I felt like I had time traveled and was there with the characters. Faith is woven well into the story, which is something I always enjoy. I also liked that it was based on actual events. Those stories always are intriguing to me.

I really liked Ava. I wasn't sure how she was going to turn out at the start. It seemed like she might be the dive in before you think type, which is fine, but they need a balancer. That came in the form of Jeremiah. He was great. The author did a great job with the story and I didn't realize it was part of a series until part way through. It stood on its own though.

It was a 4/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and teh opinions stated above are 100% mine..blogspot.com/2020/11/the-red-ribbon-by-pepper-basham.html

The Red Ribbon was definitely among my favorites of the True Crime Series. This fictionalized account of a courthouse massacre in the Appalachians in 1912 has mystery, suspense, romance and humor all wrapped up in a riveting story. Great characters, settings, and writing that puts you smack in the middle of the story, make this a page-turner you're sure to enjoy. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. This may have been my first story from this author, and I'll for sure be looking for more.

What do you get when you combine true crime and romance? The multi-author True Colors series, of course! The Red Ribbon is book number 8 in this series, and written by the fantastic romance writer Pepper Basham. Because each of these books takes on a different crime story, they can all be read as standalones. I have previously read other books by this author, and enjoyed her romances. As a fan of suspense and mystery, I looked forward to checking this one out too. While different than her other works that I was familiar with, this one is every bit as good.

While the romance in the story between Ava and Jeremiah may be completely fictional, the backdrop of the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912 is based on a true crime. (Get it, TRUE colors?). I think that really makes this story all the more intriguing and really sets this series apart. I love the history of it, as seen through the eyes of these fictional friends... and who doesn't love a good friends to more story?

Overall, this is a fascinating story and one that has me excited to read more from the author AND from the series. Fans of true crime stories, historical romance and suspense will all be able to enjoy!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

The Red Ribbon, written by Pepper D. Basham is the next in the True Crime Series. I found the story line fascinating. The Courthouse Massacre, moonshining, clans fighting, it really comes to life. Ava and Jeremiah were just wonderful. The mystery and intrigue really drew me in from chapter to chapter. I love the historical aspect of the book. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to write a review.

This was my first true crime novel and it was an interesting read. The clan rivalry and the bootlegging are such an interesting part of history.

I love Basham's romance books so I have to be honest and say that was the part of this book I loved. The details of the crime and the history didn't interest me as much. But true to Basham's style this book had excellent romance.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

The Red Ribbon started a little slow for me, but as I continued to read, I couldn't wait to see what happened next. This book is part of a series, but it's not necessary to read the books in order. The books in the series are based on true crime, but are fictionalized versions. This book is based on the The Courthouse Massacre of 1912, which I previously had not heard of. As soon as I completed the Red Ribbon I started googling. I wish I would have read the historical notes at the beginning of the book instead of at the end. After reading them, it made me want to go back and re-read the book.

I absolutely love how Basham brings the Appalachian mountains to life, from descriptions of the area to people, culture and sayings. I loved the characters, but I'm not going to lie, I wanted to knock Ava upside the head on a couple occasions. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were fabulous. I love the tidbits of wisdom.

I will definitely be pursuing more of Pepper Basham's books!

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which I have provided.

I have read and enjoyed a number of the books in this series. I thought The Red Ribbon would be a good chance to see what I thought of this author, since I have heard a lot about her, espeically the kisses she writes. I can't say I'm a fan of her writing, yet, but overall the book was done well. It's not my favorite in the True Colors series, but if you like thrillers, it's good. The message Ava kept getting over and over is one that we all need to take to heart: that God loved her, no matter what happened to her.
I received a free copy of this book from <Book Provider>, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

This is book 8 of the True Color Series. This book is a historical, true crimes book about the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912. When Ava and Jeremiah, good friends living in Virgina and a little bit of attraction, are witness to a killing, what do they do? They are having to keep secret because of the bootleggers, their neighbors and towns people due to the fact, they don't know who to trust and who is part of the murder. The title red ribbon, has a significance, you need to read to find out and that is why I love these series books, because the titles are a mystery in themselves. You will find suspense, drama, mystery, a little romance and as all the books in this series have twist, turns and page turning until the end... Another great read from this series!!!!!!!

This started off as a rocky read for me. I skimmed a lot, wad a little confused by the variety of characters despite the author's role call, and felt as though things were a little abrubt and disjointed... but I persevered and became familiar with the cadence of the story and about 40% in found my stride. From that point on I became a vested reader and by the end - especially with help from the author's afterwords, completely understood some of the ambiguity and mixed feelings felt throughout the title. Parts of the fictiotious account were a little far fetched but I don't mind that in creative storytelling The romance was sweet and the heroine feisty. The struggle of faith and the question of what we inherently become because of our family were strongpoints throughout. Enjoyable once I reframed my understanding of the vague history of this actual event. The fictional side of the story was well done.

My thanks to the publisher for the complimentary ARC.

I loved the romance between Ava and Jeremiah. They were such a fun couple. Ava had a special talent with the Red Ribbon. There were a lot of things I enjoyed about this book. Jeremiah’s character was so much fun. I loved that he had a dog. I loved how Jeremiah enjoyed kissing Ava. Nothing was going to stop Jeremiah from finding Ava when Ava was kidnapped. Most of all, I loved their wedding.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham is a great story. Based on true history, a fiction story was created, This interesting suspense story is definitely worth the read. Add romance and inspiration into the story for a
great story. This book was provided through #NetGalley, Celebrate Lit and the author for my review. The opinions

As their love blossoms chaos erupts...

If there's one thing that I enjoy about author Pepper Basham's books it's that they remind me fondly of times gone by when as a 10 year old girl I devoured Catherine Marshall's novel Christy. There's something of a similarity between the two, the mix of tragedy and hope, the struggles of the characters to understand where God is in the midst of trials, and the gentle leading of the characters towards a faith that shines through the darkest of circumstances. Yes, all of that in The Red Ribbon, the eighth book in the True Colors series.

The Red Ribbon is also an entertaining story, a historical romance skillfully blended with true crime. I truly liked Ava and Jeremiah from the start and I desperately hoped that they would get their happy ending despite everything against them. And if there's one thing that I've learned from their story it was the reminder that God hasn't given a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Pepper Basham's latest book is a strong addition to the True Colors series. The fictional elements were suspenseful, sweetly romantic, and with a depth of feeling that engages the reader's emotions. The true crime part of the story was fascinating and well-written, the author's note at the end providing even more interesting, though sad, details of the real events that inspired the story. Needless to say, if you've enjoyed the True Colors series as much as I have you'll most definitely want to The Red Ribbon from Pepper Basham to your reading list...

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

Good story, but not as engaging as the other True Colors books I have read. Slow pace but does not drag. Good character development, but I had trouble keeping the characters straight.

Author Pepper Basham continues the True Color Series. Each is a stand alone so just jump in!

Based on a true story and set in rural Appalachia, one kiss starts a feud that will blow up Carroll County. Basham does a good job setting the background then bringing the story to life. Feuds. Grudges. Unforgiveness. Things get horribly ugly as you’ll see. Yet through it all is a thread of grace. Of God’s love for man. Among all the wonderful quotes I loved this one: “God ain't sittin up in heaven watchin' a show down here on earth. He don't mind getting His hands dirty. Else, He'd never sent the Savior".

This book is hard to read, yet on the other hand the author shows us the results of hate. And the results of love of home and family. I recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Tension filled is the best way to describe this novel. There is a lot of underlying tension going on, within relationships and much more deadly a tension that is lying in wait. In the darkness. That is enveloping the entire area.

There are some really deep familial roots in the Appalachians. I really liked how author Basham shows their love, support, and their unwavering family loyalty. These clans all have very similar characteristics. But sometimes even that support can be taken too far. What do you do when faced with right and wrong, good and evil, and it may even be your own family that is in the wrong?

This is a bit of history that I had not come across before. I found it interesting that the climax of the story is still shrouded in mystery and that this was so newsworthy until the Titanic sank and became the headlines.

However, Ava's and Jeremiah's love story is quite refreshing. And they certainly show how one can arise from family curses or bad blood.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

1912, Virginia.

Carroll County is rocked by the violence that was to become the infamous Courthouse Massacre.

This true, grim event is recounted through the fictional character of Ava. Orphaned as a child, Ava’s only living relative is her elderly, wise Grandma Burcham. Beset with a fear of bringing misfortune to those she loves, Ava struggles with forming close relationships. Will her apprehension prevail when she discovers her feelings for best-friend Jeremiah are changing?

Hardworking, devout, and constant, Jeremiah is unwavering in his genuine desire to watch over Ava and prove to her that his love is enduring. Together, he is certain they can leave their family history in the past, where it belongs, and make a promising future. But can Jeremiah safeguard them from the county goons that threaten not only their happiness but their lives?

Although Ava and Jeremiah’s relationship is the main focus, Basham’s clever narrative is well supported by accurate depictions of the clashes between moonshiners and the law, and a historically detailed leadup to the fated shootout.

Barbour’s True Colors Series has gript me. From the little-known to the legendary, the authors have crafted these stories with ingenuity, expertise, and sheer reader appeal.

I highly recommend The Red Ribbon.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the read of Pepper D. Basham’s, The Red Ribbon.