The Red Ribbon, by Pepper Basham, is volume eight in the True Color series by Barbour Publishing. Each of the stories are fiction based on true crime stories in history. This story is based in Virginia in 1912 and covers the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre.

Ava is a young lady who was orphaned at a young age. The area has been hit with many crimes and murders through out the years and her father’s and brother’s are just a couple of them. Ava was raised by a local family, had her grandmother close by and was really good friends with Jeremiah. As children and now adults, Jeremiah often rescues Ava in times of need.

This is a great story. It is well written with strong characters. The writing is clear and it is easy to envision what is happening and the surroundings. I enjoyed reading the wisdom of Ava and Jeremiah’s grandparents that started the chapters. I enjoyed the character of Ava’s grandmother, especially how she helped Ava to understand her mother’s health background. This story is filled with action, suspense, and mystery with strong friendship and growing romance. I especially like the additional information the author provides at the end of the story that focuses on the real crime.

I received an ebook copy of this story from t he publisher through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

It's the Hatfield and McCoys all over again only this time it is moonshiners: Allens and Daniels. Ava Burcham and Jeremiah Sutphin have both been effected by the moonshiners with loss of their parents. They were close friends during school and now Jeremiah is starting to court Ava, but trouble starts during a fall corn shucking that leads to all out feuding between the Allens and the Daniels with Ava and Jeremiah caught in the middle.

Having grown up in Carroll County Virginia where the Courthouse Massacre took place, Pepper Basham had heard all the stories true and embellished throughout her growing up years, but it is obvious that she did intensive research as well to try and accurately portray this true crime. She brought the life and times alive through her descriptions of the Appalachian mountain area as well as the speech and vocabulary of the hill country people. She threaded the story with wonderful spiritual content, and I loved watching Ava grow in her Christian walk.

One of my favorites of this true crime series.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

It took me a while to really get into the story. Part of it was the number of major players and trying to sort out who is who. But, overall I enjoyed this story, based on true events. There was plenty of moonshine and hidden stills, feuding mountain people, death, and danger that kept me engaged until the end. It is incredible how far gruesome human nature can erode. But, in these feuding situations, small children were taught to hate the feuding party enough to kill.
Like many parts of history, some details are lost in time.

This was my first Pepper Basham book, but it won’t be my last. I appreciated the mountain folk perspective and all the fun little phrases that were tossed around the pages of the book. It felt genuinely authentic. And having a family feud as the basis of the mystery was just perfect for both the True Colors series and Pepper’s brand.

I appreciated the way Pepper intertwined a fictional story with real characters and real events. It flowed smoothly. It also seemed to be a fairly even balance of mystery and romance.

The romance was a steady thread that wove throughout the entire book. There were a few intimate or suggestive comments made and I would personally not recommend it for teens, but if you’re someone who enjoys a clean romance, this one would be a good pick for you.

The Christian elements were continuous in this book. Scripture was quoted, they prayed to God, and overall seemed to have a solid faith. I loved the message about accepting who God made you to be—and not being bound by the mistakes and errors of your parents.

And the grandparents’ quotes at the beginning of each chapter! They were so perfect!

*I received this book from Celebrate Lit and happily provided my honest review*

Lovers of historical romance will devour this novel. Pepper Basham has a gift with transporting her readers to the past, and The Red Ribbon is another knock-out. The setting, characters, and faith elements were incredibly moving. Add in the fact that this was based on true crimes, and the intrigue level is undeniable. Jeremiah and Ava are characters you’ll be rooting for the entire time. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jeremiah and Ava have been friends all their lives, but now Jeremiah wants more - and a kiss at the corn-shucking makes Ava start to rethink their relationship too. But another kiss at that same corn-shucking starts a deadly feud between two powerful mountain families, and when a secret group with a desire for power use this feud to forward their own ends, things get deadly. Can they find out who is behind things in time to avoid more bloodshed? And can there be a happy ending in such troubled times?

I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I enjoyed spending the time with Ava and Jeremiah and their friends, and the quotes at the start of each chapter were great. However, the parts that were actually based on fact, while handled tastefully without unnecessary or descriptive violence, I found somewhat depressing - the idea that people treat each other like that is not something that I can really wrap my head around (nor do I really want to!). All in all, the story is well written but I personally prefer the author's other books. However, it was interesting historically, and I mostly kept up with the characters, despite being initially rather daunted by the character list at the start. A good read, though not very light. I guess that's what you get if you read 'true crime'!

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 is a unique story from Pepper Basham. Quite different from the other books I've read by her. But I liked it.
This is a story set in the olden days in Appalachia.
I liked meeting these hill people and learning more of their ways. I especially enjoyed getting to know Ava and Jeremiah.
Ava was a gal that was determined to be a writer. So she kept poking her nose in to places where she really had no business being. Jeremiah was bound and determined to keep her safe, so he had to do all he could just to keep up with her.
This is the story about a terrible event in history, a 'massacre' shooting in a courthouse.
Pepper Basham does a masterful job at tying this all together in one beautiful story.
Giving us the history around those parts, bringing the people to life for us to see, and just doing a fine job of showcasing the lovely hills of Appalachia in the earlier days of our country.
This book is a fine addition to the True Colors series.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

What a truly captivating story! Pepper weaves the real life facts of the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912 with the fictional story of Ava and Jeremiah wonderfully. I could not put this book down, it was so so good. Fantastic read!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Another great book in the True Crime series and this one takes place in the Appalachian Mountains, a place I love reading about. In an era of time where there was a lot of moonshine/bootleggin going on, with all of the crimes that took place along with the operation. This book is based on the Courthouse Massacre that took place that has never been completely explained as to the who and why. A most interesting book where the heroine Ava saw her father killed over the doings from this illicit business. There is suspense and drama told by Basham that will keep you reading into the night.Also a beautiful love story. My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.

This was a very good story based on fact. The history of the Appalachian mountains is fascinating without lots of embellishments. This author recognizes that and tries to base her story on fiction as much as possible. This particular episode in history is steeped in cover-up, family honor etc. enough as it it. I enjoyed the romance aspect of this and how their faith brought them through a really dark time. The characters were wonderful and. I felt, true to form. I'm a native North Carolinian and have been around mountain people most of my life. Really good historical fiction based on real events. Another good addition to this series.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.

If you want to find some crime stories to read. This book can help with the craze. This series also will help with your craze for crime and historical events. This book is called The Red Ribbon. It deals with historical events evolved around clans and the courthouse tragedy in one county.

This story is slow when you begin. Though, it does get better as you read. The plot is more interesting once the action starts. The main characters are a bit interesting. The clans are more telling. Hearing about the story of a father's death and how it connected in the book. It brings out the more about the historical events of the true crimes and what happens at the courthouse that triggers it all.

If you are a historical fiction fan or crime fan this book, is for you. I hope you have the heart to take all the death and crime that takes place. Ava and Jeremiah seem to be pulled into trouble that may have all started with a kiss. But who kiss starts a feud between families and clans? Ava story reporting that starts it when there a rift. What may have brought on a courthouse massacre?

Wow, wow, WOW! What an amazing book! Pepper Basham is one of my all time favorite authors and The Red Ribbon is a storytelling masterpiece!
I loved learning about a true crime that I had never heard of before, and Pepper wrote this story in a beautiful way that honors the people on both sides of this tragedy, and fills the reader with empathy for all involved and their families.
Yes, this is a true crime story, but this book also contains a beautiful reminder that there is hope in this world all because of the One in whom our hope is found! I also loved the message regarding identity, and that who we truly are is all in Whose we are, I don't know about you but I personally need to be reminded often who I am in Christ! This book blessed my heart in so many ways and I know it will do the same for you!
And of course it wouldn't be a Pepper Basham book without a breathtaking romance (not to mention numerous toe-curling kisses!) and man is it a good one! I absolutely adored Ava and Jeremiah's romance, it gave me all the feels and had me swooning from beginning to end!
I also have to say that I love Granny Burcham so much, she's the absolute best and she made me smile every time she appeared on the page!
The suspense in this book is fantastic and so well written, it kept me on the edge of my seat and I hated to stop reading, and the fact that Pepper created a fictional mystery alongside the true crime was absolutely genius and so brilliantly done! If you are a fan of Roseanna M. White you'll love Pepper Basham's brand of suspense!
I absolutely and completely loved every single moment of The Red Ribbon, and it's one of my top ten favorite reads of 2020!
I most highly recommend The Red Ribbon! Trust me this is one book you don't want to miss!


I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!

So many memorable quotes in this book. I am intrigued by this entire True Crime series. This one is set in Virginia, the mountains. Feuds between families and those caught in the crossfire. Ava and Ieremiah have had their share of being in the crossfire. Ava seems to find trouble everywhere she goes. This story was very well written. It was an awful event in history. The author handled a delicate matter with great care. And it’s a Peoper Basham Book, so there was a kiss or two! I especially liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Those are from Granny Burcham and Granddaddy Sutphin. Nuggets of wisdom! I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All views stated here are my own.

This book is going to be one of my favorites of this series! Pepper Basham can always be counted on to deliver romance in her novels, no matter the genre. I absolutely adored the friendship to romance angle of this story and felt like the author did a great job of weaving in the mystery and suspense threads without losing any of the romance that was blossoming between the characters. The reader can feel the tension building in this story as the feuding Appalachian families continued to grow ever closer to their boiling point. The author’s blending of fictional and real life events was seamless and made for an engrossing and page turning conclusion. I was so happy with how this story wrapped up! I am always a fan of Pepper Basham books and thought that The Red Ribbon was the perfect addition to this series!

I stayed up all night reading The Red Ribbon, and I couldn’t bring myself to regret it.
The romance alone made this book hard to put down.

I fell in love with Jeremiah Sutphin in one paragraph. He has become one of my favorite Basham heroes, second only to Henry Wright from When You Look at Me.

Not only is Jeremiah sweet and loyal, he’s also thoughtful and protective. His gentle pursuit of Ava made me sigh on more than one occasion.

Ava’s concerns about a relationship are understandable, unlike some heroines who leave me wanting to bash my head against the wall. When their romance took a turn for the better, I practically had to hold back a squeal. Pepper Basham knows how to write a romance, y’all.

But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the suspense. Basham does a great job showing real events through the eyes of her fictional characters. Her historical note at the end helps the reader come to their own conclusions about the actions of the Allen family as well as the result of the shooting.

I also loved the spiritual thread and Ava's lesson about who she is in God. It was well done and thought provoking, for new and old Christians alike.

Overall, The Red Ribbon is a great romance perfect for true crime and suspense lovers.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

I was so happy to see that the most recent addition to Barbour Publishing's True Colors series was written by Pepper Basham. This particular fictionalized version of the American true crime known as The Courthouse Massacre was a perfect fit for Basham as it took place in her hometown of Carroll County, Virginia. Her stories set in Appalachia are wonderful, including The Red Ribbon. Her characters in this book, especially Ava and Granny Burcham and the chivalrous Jeremiah Sutphin, are endearing. Readers will likely have mixed feelings about Sid Allen, who seems to be a caring citizen while having one foot outside of the law. Of course, given the genre, there are characters whose feet are firmly planted on the side of evil. I especially liked the quotes of homespun wisdom from Granny Berchan or Granddaddy Sutphin at the beginning of each chapter.

I am grateful to have received a copy of The Red Ribbon from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Red Ribbon combines Ms Basham's passion for history, her Appalachian past, and a sweet and sassy romance with a sad episode in Carroll County's past when bootlegging and family rivalries dominated the landscape.

Based upon the infamous courthouse shooting in 1912, Ms Basham weaves a story of suspense and romance around this fateful day in Carroll County's history. We meet a host of wonderful characters, none better than the two romantic leads: Ava Burcham and Jeremiah Sutphin. Two old school friends who have always stayed close, Jeremiah having a deep longing for Ava, which blossoms into a beautiful romance. However, a series of events conspires to keep these two lovebirds apart.

As another reviewer has mentioned, everyone needs a Granny Burcham, Ava's granny, who provides some wonderful soundbites of wisdom throughout the story. In addition, her villains are well drawn, none of whom I'll mention as that may spoil some of the suspense. Ms Basham is new to suspense and so this is a gentle entry into the genre. It's not edge of the seat stuff but it still kept me guessing and worrying about the well being of our two lovers.

Ms Basham excels in drawing the reader into her Appalachian culture and language. Even the various dialects spoken were well represented and gave the story so much vitality. And of course, no Ms Basham production would be complete without some wonderfully crafted kissing scenes, tender, sweet and innocent.

But it is Ava and Jeremiah who are the standouts. Ms Basham continues to raise the bar in crafting characters with depth and heart. Jeremiah, gallant and chivalrous; Ava, vibrant, passionate and independent.

I look forward to Ms Basham's next romantic adventure.

I received an early ebook version of this story from Bethany House via NetGalley with no expectations of a favourable review.

The next installment of the True Color series, The Red Ribbon, was written by one of my favorite authors, Pepper Basham. She grew up in the very area that this story came from. Many of the people mentioned in the story of 1911 and 1912 were real. Mountain folk where some bootlegged moonshine and others that were just plain evil. Most were just trying to keep food on the table and clothes on their backs. What happened later was national news from such a small community. True crime, real life and some fictional characters to lend a little excitement into the story. I was glued to the book right up to the end. Wow, a great way to pass a little bit of time amid this pandemic we are going through.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

The Red Ribbon is a historical romance with plenty of suspense set in early 1900s Appalachia. It centers around main character and seamstress Ava Burcham and her best friend (and possibly more) Jeremiah Sutphin. It did take a bit for the story to get rolling, but once it did, I became invested in seeing the feud with the Allens through to the finish.

This installment of the True Colors series is not as dark as some of the previous books have been, and it maintains the interesting uniqueness of the series theme as a whole.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This novel is one in the True Colors series, novels based on actual historical crimes. This one takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains and centers on the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.

Some of the other novels in the series have a number of events, such as murders or kidnappings. This one has just one event, the courthouse massacre, and it does not happen until late in the novel. Most of the novel is about Ava, her back story and her romance. This fictional character does have interactions with significant people involved in the massacre, however, that are somewhat minor and not very character revealing. I do wish more of the novel would have been about the actual people involved in the massacre. The massacre could have been more central in the novel with more about the culprits hiding out for days. Also, Basham brings in a whole other fictional group of nefarious men who are involved in the courthouse event. I felt that really muddied the waters, so to speak. I would have rather the novel been about the historical people with fictional ones supporting the plot but not being the central aspect of it.

All that being said, it was an interesting novel and I learned some things about an event the author, a native of the area, had heard about since childhood.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.