Suspense. Romance. History. Faith. These are the things that you’ll find woven beautifully together between the pages of this book.
I absolutely loved the main characters. Their personalities were endearing and their struggles real. Their relationship was beautiful and solid—even amid pain, insecurities, and danger.
The suspense and mystery were handled well, keeping me guessing until the electrifying climax.
The faith elements were neither overdone nor too subtle—they shone out naturally thorough the character growth and plot, and even saturated a few gorgeous scenic descriptions.
And speaking of gorgeous descriptions, the setting was as much a part of the story as any character. At times, I could feel the last rays of the setting sun on my cheeks, and hear the rustling of trees in the night. By the time I closed the book, I was longing to experience the unique wild serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains for myself, and yet, I felt that I already had.
Not once did any aspect of this books overpower another. The suspense, romance, character growth, setting, plot, and faith elements all complemented each other to form a stunning harmony.

(I received a complimentary of this book from the author for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)

The author hit the ball out of the park with The Red Ribbon. I absolutely adored this story. It had suspense, romance, humor and nuggets of wisdom galore. The Red Ribbon is one of Barbour's True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime novels. Each can be read as a standalone. I have really enjoyed this series. This one definitely had a different tone than the other books. The story centered around a real crime, The Courthouse Massacre of 1912, in Hillsville, Virginia. However, the tone was not quite as dark as some of the other books in the series.

I attribute this to Pepper Basham's unique voice which is full of Appalachian sass and humor. The story focuses on bootleggers, the generations long feuds of Appalachia and the sweet people that call Appalachia their home. Ms. Bashum definitely knows how to pen a sweet romance and a first kiss. But it is her older characters, filled with grit and mountain wisdom, that draws me into her stories. Everyone needs a Granny Burcham in their life. The author's unique sayings had me literally laughing out loud.

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

This is a well written book that has just the right amount of suspense, drama, mystery and romance to keep you turning the pages. I love how the author wove fiction and fact together to write a wonderful story. Ava and Jeremiah's story will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Thank you Barbour Publishing for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own..

do believe that this is the best book I have read in the true colors series! I have loved Pepper Basham's contemporary stories and this historical romance set against the backdrop of a real massacre was really good.
I loved the way the author kept dropping the little nuggets of wisdom in the story. It had me grabbing ahold of those truths and looking for the light in the story. I really loved how Pepper Basham wove fiction into nonfiction. I had never heard of this incident before and I really felt immersed in the setting with Pepper's perspective.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions are honest and completely my own.

A beacon of hope.

There is no denying how much I enjoy a Pepper Basham story. You can count on me being one of the first in line to read one of her books. When I saw that she would be continuing to one of the best collections to come out of Christian fiction, I squealed with joy. I mean, hello—Pepper kisses plus True Color crime equaled one amazing combination.

Now, some of the stories in this collection are rather dark—The Gray Chamber and The Blue Cloak come to mind, but not The Red Ribbon. The suspense and mystery are present as we have come to expect, but the “kissing author” put her own twist on it in such a way that romance only readers will enjoy it.

Jeremiah and Ava are cute to read as they navigate the waters of “friends to more” and then thrust into the middle of a town feud. Ava’s struggle to overcome her fear and show her strength as her own woman is admirable but I get the feeling that she doesn’t want to be so independent that there is no room for Jeremiah to have a place. And his gentle pursuit of Ava in his waiting is swoon-worthy. He doesn’t rush or push—he also doesn’t hide what is in his heart either.

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit. A positive review was not required.

Not my favorite Pepper Basham book, but still a good read. What I love about Basham's writing is the slow burn romance. This one lacked the anticipation and longing, focusing more on the mystery than the romance (although there are still some trademark Basham-style sizzling kisses). It was an interesting story (made more interesting by the fact that it's based on a true story), and while I figured out "whodunnit" fairly early on, it was still an enjoyable read.

This was one of my favourites in this series. The feud between all the families were interesting, especially the way everyone perceived the Allens. The way the character Sid was portrayed, the way he helped others in need, did not make him a villain in my eyes as others viewed him.

The fictional plot in between the actual historical events were interesting, action packed and at the end very suspenseful. I knew early on who was involved but didn't realised till the end just how involved.

I just loved Jeremiah and Ava. They were such cute couple and meant for each other. I just loved the romance - it was sweet and innocent and Ava's view on kissing made me smile a few times.

The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham is Christian Historical True Crime. Life is hard especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains but God is always the answer.
There were exciting adventures to keep my interest even though some seemed unrealistic. The fictional details were well woven into the historical true crimes.
The characters lived their faith no matter what they faced. I always enjoy reading about the background, the history and the real people behind the fictional story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 4 Stars

I’ve really enjoyed reading this series! Each author has written such great stories based on factual events.

The Red Ribbon held my attention from start to finish. I was caught up in the story Pepper Basham weaved. The characters in the book were very interesting and I loved how the relationship developed between Ava and Jeremiah!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I’m going to start by saying that suspense books are generally not my cup of tea… But when Pepper Basham writes them, apparently they are! I absolutely fell in love with Jeremiah from minute one. He’s the kind of hero that fairytales are made of— strong, honest, honorable, and so plumb crazy in love with Ava it wasn’t even funny. I loved Ava‘s spunky fearlessness and her deep yearning for validation in a world that have an always treated her the kindest. Their Friends-to-More love story was woven in between the real life details of the Courthouse Massacre, which took place in a time and location I knew very little about. It was deliciously suspenseful, wildly romantic, deeply spiritual, and filled to the brim with some of the best kisses this side of the Appalachians! I absolutely adored it.

This was my first foray into this True Colors series and honestly I only read it because I’m a Pepper Basham fan for life! It was definitely different than her normal books but her writing style still shone through and she got some of those famous kisses in!
I thought it was interesting how the crime in this story took place in the author’s home town so it was a story and area she was very familiar with and that came through in the writing.
Jeremiah was such a great hero and I loved the way he was hardworking and kind and the quiet way he loved Ava.
Ava was a bit too reckless with her safety at times but she had a desire to see justice and truth prevail.
The two of them made a sweet couple and I liked watching their friendship finally turn into more!
All in all it was an enjoyable read and I’m sure fans of this series will love this installment!

Another engaging story in the True Colors series based on real events. The author chose the 1912 tragic courthouse massacre in her hometown of Carroll County Virginia to create this story. Ava and Jeremiah are perfectly woven into the event in a realistic manner. I loved spunky Ava and her quest for the truth. Recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I had a hard time putting this one (True Colors series entry) down! The story centers around a fictional couple (Jeremiah and Ava) who overcome great odds to be together. The backstory is the infamous Hillsville Courthouse Massacre. Although Ava has endured extreme hardship in her young life, she comes to see the blessings of God through the people he puts in her path. Jeremiah is a kind, gentle, loving hero who perseveres in his pursuit of Ava. Various characters from the true-life story appear and Basham seems to do them justice since no one really knows who fired the first shot. A beautiful story coming out of tragedy.

This book had a great blend of strong characters, vivid descriptions and a fascinating historical setting. I always enjoy reading about strong female characters in historical settings and this book offered that in spades, but in a way which was not at odds with the realities of life for women in that era. The mystery itself was good but I did feel there was a bit too much life guidance being offered when telling the story would have been enough to make the point.

I think most of the books in this true crime fiction series are good. This one was really good! I enjoyed this authors writing style and she was a brand new author for me! I loved the story of the main character and her best friend who she has always been in love with but comes to realize it through different crises that happen. I liked the action of the story and that it kept up the whole time and I really wasn’t sure what would happen till the very end. Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read this advanced copy.

Pepper Basham's readers will enjoy this trip back in time. I thoroughly enjoyed the period language (sparking!) and plot, as well as the characters. Readers will appreciate the suspense, attention to detail, and the sweet love story. And the kisses? Fantastic kisses that honor both the propriety and the passion.

This is another installment of Barbour's True Crime series. The series is interesting, as it brings light to cases many readers may not be familiar with.

Basham's characters are well-developed, and the pace is appropriate to keep the reader engaged. Ava and Jeremiah are enjoyable characters and easy to root for. You can feel their pain as the story unfolds. Basham keeps the reader guessing as the clues play out.

One of my favorite quotes: “The Lord your God is in your midst. Here. And Greater than your fear”

The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham is a Christian historical murder suspense with its roots in reality. It is part of the True Colors series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Pepper Basham has created a marvellous tale with a strong, feisty heroine at the core – very much a modern woman for 1912. She is encouraged and championed by her childhood friend. She writes under a nom de plume for the local paper as female writers were not seen to be able to write seriously.
There is the fear of bad blood tainting the generations but as Christians we are all cleansed by the blood of Christ. Fear immobilises us. “Fear don’t speak truth.” Fear keeps us captive with lies. “You can’t keep livin’ in fear… She only has the hold you give her.” We all have the choice as to what we let take root in our mind and in our heart. We can choose to “hold on to truth or ride the wind of fear.” Let us look to God and live in truth.
Sometimes it feels like we journey through life alone. Even, or especially, in the darkest of times, God is with us. “God hadn’t left her alone.” We were never promised a trouble free life. We were promised that God would never leave us nor forsake us.
No matter how dark the night, we can hang on to God and choose to trust Him in the dark. “His light will change the view in the darkness.” When we see life from God’s point of view, our perspective changes.
Each chapter started with a wonderful gem of wisdom that we would be wise to follow.
I loved The Red Ribbon. It was exciting, thrilling and engaging with God at its heart.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

What an amazing historical fiction read this was!
I enjoyed this book so much I couldn't stop reading.
The first couple characters in it felt kind of slow for me to get started!
Once I made it over my slump I devoured it.

anything with true crime I lobee.
This book will.sick you in.

Thank you NetGalley, Publisher and Author for this gifted e-book.

“Bitterness is a wicked poison. Fogs up the head and sickens the heart till folks call wrong right and right wrong.”

I really love it when authors can bring history to life. “The Red Ribbon” did just that with family feuds and a heartwarming romance, too. Basham wrote the story based in Carroll County, Virginia and inspired by the real historical event, the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912. She wrapped the story around the two main characters, Jeremiah and Ava, finding romance out of a long lasting friendship. Jeremiah’s heart for her was sweet, protective, and inspiring. I loved seeing there transition of friendship to love come together. I really enjoyed the moxie of Ava with her drive for truth, justice, and journalism in a time women were not accepted in that field.

“Jeremiah’s voice remained calm, smooth, pouring over her agitation like warm honey on a biscuit.”

The love story is sweet and heartwarming. The mystery and danger kept me intrigued. The rivalry between families brings to mind what it would’ve been like during that time period. I thought it was interesting seeing the possible story behind the real life event. Another interesting aspect is that the story is from the author’s hometown, which made the story come to life. You could see the passion for her hometown and the mystery surrounding the Hillsville Massacre. Initially the dialect may be distracting for some, but I really enjoyed it and found it true to the storyline.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves books based on history, true crime, heartwarming romance, and characters I think you would love. Of course, Basham always knows how to make the romance noteworthy. Weaving Jeremiah and Ava’s into the fictional, but seemingly realistic backstory added to the chemistry of the novel. Her focus on God in the midst of the turmoil, forgiveness and love vs. hate in relationships made for an inspirational storyline. It was beautifully written in light of a true crime event.

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

I was given a copy of this book by the author through NetGalley. I am giving my honest review.