This story was an excellent addition to the series! I love how they are based on a historical mystery or case and that Pepper grew up in the area of this setting. Well done!

I was blown away again by Pepper Basham’s writing! I am turning into a huge fan of this True Colors series and have loved each book I have read. They are doing a great job of choosing authors to line up with the stories of the crimes.
In The Red Ribbon, Basham does a fantastic job of dropping hints throughout the plot, but never entirely giving away the story until the last minute. Her character development is superb and by the end of the book, you feel like you have new friends.

I love the historical notes at the end as well! It’s always fascinating to see how things really played out compared to the fictional account!
I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher, but was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I love when I come across a new wonderful author to read and follow. That is how I feel about Pepper D. Basham thanks to her book, "The Red Ribbon." Her depiction of small-town Appalachian life in the early 1900's whisks the reader to that time and place to walk with Ava Burcham and Jeremiah Sutphin as they seek the truth behind these "real world" events. The character development in "The Red Ribbon" is artfully done and the inclusion of a feud helps to bring the story to life.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I am very sad to say that I didn't like this book. I believe it was because this is not what I was expecting. I thought this was true-crime, non fiction account of the incident. But this was a fictionalized account and this book also appears to be a part of Christian fiction series.

THE RED RIBBON, by Pepper Basham, was actually one of the best True Crime stories I have read in quiet some time. The story and characters, Ava Burcham, who had lost both her parents and brother at an early age. A very sad part! Jeremiah Sutphin, a gentle, and kind man, a carpenter and school friend of Ava's, and Granny Burcham, a sweet little old lady. These characters took me off on a fast-paced, high adventure. There was one part especially in this story that filled me with nervous energy as I read it. It was when and how the red ribbon was used. That, to me, not only was a great idea, but also helped the story along. I liked that part! The author showed excellent skills there; Especially when the story took off. What a great opening! Ava was in town minding her own business when suddenly the action started. She was being held up by someone wearing a derby and a dark handkerchief covered half his face. He also had a gun pointed at her, demanding her money. And, she was so cool about the whole thing, as if something like that happened every day. Even though she could have gotten shot, she showed no fear, but felt a slight shiver run up her spine as she gazed into the barrel of the cold steel he was holding! That was a great scene!

I also liked the way the Bible scriptures were written throughout the story, too. That gave the story a more inspirational point of view. And, the way the mountain people talked; especially Granny, and how she told her stories. In my opinion, I think this story would also make a good movie.

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

The True Colors series continues to keep my attention and interest. Although the stories are fiction, they are based on (and often include) real life historical events, interwoven with fictional romance stories.

The Red Ribbon features the historical event of Hillsville Courthouse massacre of 1912. The main character, Ava, is a bit of a troublemaker who finds herself smack in the middle of a battle between the Allen family and the local politicians. While Ava isn't perfect herself, she soon finds that getting wrapped up with the notorious Allen family can't be a good thing.

These books are intriguing, haunting and reminders that our choices carry weight, even if we don't think they do at the time. I love that Basham knows her history and the state of Virginia, which is why I am always happy to read anything she's written about my home state. Jump into the True Colors series and hold on for the ride!

I was an early reader, thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is a marvelous fictional story of a true crime.

I made one slight mistake at the very beginning. I read the cast of characters given before the story begins. I then found myself trying to remember each one. As soon as I realized that and let go of those details I was sucked into the story very quickly.

I absolutely loved both Ava and Jeremiah. They are incredibly well developed and their history, individually and as friends, is slowly revealed. My heart broke for Ava and all the heartache she suffered as a girl. I was so glad she had Jeremiah, and others, as friends through all of it.

All of the anger and violence that flows through the plot put me in mind of the old Hatfield-McCoy feud. It was entertaining to read but I definitely wouldn’t want to be around it.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

The Red Ribbon is part of a fictional series based on historical true crime. I have read others in this series and have enjoyed them.

The story is set in an Appalachian town where family feuds have been a legacy. A kiss at a community event, escalates tensions in the area between families and dividing lines become firmly set. Ava’s family history compels her to search for answers, which gets her into trouble. But her good friend Jeremiah looks out for her. As they develop a relationship during these strange times, they face obstacles and risk in all the uncertainty.

If you enjoy historical fiction and romance, this novel could be for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

The Red Ribbon
by Pepper Basham
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books
Christian | True Crime
Pub Date 01 Oct 2020



I am reviewing a copy of The Red Ribbon through Barbour Publishing:


Red Ribbon takes us back to Carroll County, the year is 1912 and Corn Shucking is the social event of the season, that is until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the greatest tragedies in Virgina’s history.





Ava Burcham isn’t like most Blue Ridge Mountain Girls. She has had a habit of courting trouble. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned. Out of all this came The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.




If you are looking for a true crime story that reads like fiction I recommend Red Ribbon, one of the True Colors series, featuring true crimes throughout American History.



I give Red Ribbon five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
From the opening paragraph, The Red Ribbon, captured my attention. Each chapter begins with a sentence or two of wisdom from one of the main character’s grandparents. The two main fictional characters reveal an historical event called the Courthouse Massacre that occurs in the early 1900. (Wow, was that interesting!) The love story is sweet, the action believable, the descriptions rich. “The trees ached and squeaked in the breeze, welcoming the evening with their broken moans.”
The is another book in the fascinating True Colors series.
#BarbourBooks #TheRedRibbon #NetGalley

There are many stories tucked into the hills and crags of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some stories lost to time, and others are woven so deep that generations later the legend lives on. Pepper Basham brings one such story to light and breaths into it her unparalleled style and grace, and of course romance and sweet kisses.

I loved how Pepper Basham brings the setting to life. I felt like I was right there in the story, not only watching it play out in vivid details in my mind but walking right in the story myself. The characters each bring their own unique charm and life to this story.

The many twists and turns had me holding my breath and rapidly turning pages to see what would happen next. While I did have my suspicions, I enjoyed watching it all unfold. I especially appreciated the levity that Granny Burcham brings to this story.

(I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists and/or authors, including netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

I really love the authentic toneof this captivating historical romance set in Appalachia. The main characters, Ava and Jeremiah, are so easy to care about and identify with. Their friendship and growing passion for each other carries them through some white-knuckle trials. I can think of only one other book that conveyed that same earnest, earthy sense of a mountain gal set on doing right, no matter the cost...wait, that's IT! That familiar voice...Pepper Basham wrote THAT one, too! (My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream). Realizing that was like scratching an itch you never thought you'd reach. Like her character Ava, Basham has a special gift, "Finding truth and hope in the middle of real-life stories."

Basham also weaves good theology into her stories, and this tale is no exception. Granny reminds Ava, "God never leaves His children alone. No matter where they are, or what they’ve done. If they belong to Him, there’s nothin’ that can snatch them from His hands, ever.”

As much as I loved reading The Red Ribbon, I have to admit it probably took several weeks off my life. Those plot twists and anxious moments COST me! But it was so worth every goosebump. I received a complimentary copy of this great read from the publisher via Netgalley and was not obligated to post a review.

REVIEW : The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham 5 stars

This is my first book by Pepper Basham. I didn't expect to be hooked by Ava and her people's life. I love how Ava and Jerimiah's childhood friendship blossomed into love. Their love story is a definite must read. Jeremiah’s faith is amazing. He is a keeper.

Tbh, the character descriptions at the beginning overwhelmed me. But as I read along and got to know each of the characters, I was fine. It was rough and not a safe place for a woman to be alone. This book gave me a lot of insight on how they lived their life that time in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But I can feel the compassion among neighbors. They have to be cautious but they do care. They send help whenever and whatever they can.

The massacre part was hard to read but it happened so fast and I got more concerned with Ava and Jeremiah. This book is full of action and lots of suspense. I also love the character of Granny Burcham. She is full of wisdom and love.

Thank you to Barbour publishing for this free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it! Blooming romance between childhood best friends was innocent and adorable. Tranquil setting in the mountainside, but taste of action and crime was so thrilling. I was very impressed to read that certain events, including the 'courthouse tragedy' were based on factual historical events. The Red Ribbon is a well written story and Pepper's use of language makes you smile while reading. Oh!...and I loved the opening quotes in each chapter.

I received a complimentary copy of The Red Ribbon from the publishers, Barbour Publishing, Inc. through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This might be one of my favorite books in this series. The main characters are just so lovable and cute together. It was interesting to learn of another historic event, this one happening in Virginia.

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

What a tale from the Courthouse Massacre of 1912! The fictitious account begins with Jeremiah Sutphin finding a red ear of corn at a local corn shucking in the Blue Ridge Mountains! This means Jeremiah can kiss whichever girl he wants and he chooses his good friend, Ava Burcham! This is the start of trouble that mostly goes downhill! Ava and Jeremiah are both strong characters with a deep love for God. Granny Burcham is an interesting strong mountain lady! The Red Ribbon contains bootlegging, liquor runners, shooting, murder, crooked sheriff's deputies, burnings and romance! The mountain people of Virginia tended to take the law into their own hands back in 1912 and earlier! The truth of the Courthouse Massacre is not known to this day. I recommend The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham to anyone who enjoys an action book and the Blue Ridge Mountains. I received a complimentary e-book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. This is my honest opinio

This series is not connected in any way to the other books, all written by different authors, but highlighting crimes/acts/events that occurred in history that are outside of popular storylines. For that reason, they are not all happily ever after stories, but as you would expect from Ms Basham, this one managed to find its way into a fascinating historical tale that you likely have never read about before. I was intrigued to learn new stories from history as I read this series and this book was no exception. Not only is it well written, but expertly woven. The story is grim with some hard details, making this series one for mature teens, but mainly adults, but the redemption throughout the story is what wins in the end. I really enjoyed it.

A feud that escalates and turns this town into a story that a young lady just has to write about under an assumed name. Women had a place during this time but not as newspaper writers or authors! Loved the detailed descriptions and quotes, they brought the characters and events to life and the story just went from eventful to full out suspense! Loved it start to finish. I really enjoy the write ups at the back of these books with the real life facts and how the author brought the story to life.
I requested a copy through NetGalley, no review was required. My review is voluntary.

The Red Ribbon is Book Eight in the True Colors American Crimes Series. Author Pepper D. Basham penned this captivating tale that was based on true events. I was immediately interested in the story and invested in the lives of the characters. It is a Christian, Historical, Mystery, Crime, Intrigue novel.

The tale is set in Appalachia’s Blue Ridge Mountains in the early 1900’s. It is a fictionalization of a family feud between two families. This reads like a story. It is hard to remember that many of the events actually did happened. The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912 is the story of this book.

Ava Burcham wants to be a newspaper reporter. She will do almost anything to get a good story. Her friend Jeremiah is a guardian angel and tries to keep her out of trouble. Sadly the end up in the middle of a long-standing feud.

I became invested in this story within a few paragraphs. It was a page turner and nearly impossible to put down. The characters were believable, flaws and all. I enjoyed watching Ava’s character grow.

The author’s notes on the actual story are fascinating. She did such a good job researching and planning this remarkable account of what might have happened. Life and spiritual messages are included. There is a lot to this story. It stuck with me long after I finished the book.

I highly recommend this entertaining and even educational fictional tale. It illustrates what happens when matters get out of hand and facts misconstrued. This would make a wonderful small group selection.

The Red Ribbon gets a 5 star rating from me. It is my favorite from the True Colors series. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

I love this series. This is historical fiction based on a true crime, and very well written. I appreciate the research that was done and the rich detail given.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.