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.

I believe I have only read one of Pepper's books before and it has been quite awhile. I was intrigued by the description but a little leery of the context of the story. The concept of family feuds is a rough reality of the time of the story. Often no one remembers why they have to hate the other side but they just do. I struggle to enjoy reading these kinds of plots because it hits home a bit hard but Pepper did an amazing job telling it without making you pick a side and I was able to read without being a uncomfortable as I thought I would be.
Ava has survived a life filled with madness and death. She fears turning into her mother and almost loses her identity in Christ before Jeremiah, a lifelong friend reminds her of it. Amidst a plot filled with crime, illegal stills, murder and more, Pepper weaves a story of beautiful redemption, much like the quilt that Ava and her Granny make Jeremiah for Christmas.
I am not generally into historical fiction (cowboy stuff is ok) but this was an enjoyable book. I feel comfortable recommending it without hesitation. I would recommend reading the extras at the end for the real history of the events of the story. It was cool to see that part added.
I did receive an ARC via Netgalley but I freely give my review.

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.

I enjoyed this book. It's a back woods,
Christian historical novel that takes place in Carroll County, which is also the place where Pepper Basham grew up. There is a hidden love between 2 friends who have been friends forever and Jeremiah seems to always help Ava get out of trouble which makes her angry and embarrassed aft the same time! Ava likes to snoop around and try to uncover things happening around town (like whose running liquor), and always seems to almost get into trouble when Jeremiah comes along to rescue her. Ava wants to uncover big stories and write for the newspaper. Jeremiah is badly worth the life he leads and would like nothing more then to have Ava at his side.
When suspicious things start happening in town (like the death of a young man who would likely have never taken his own life), things start getting interesting. This book is full of family feuds, drama, love, and a sweet old Granny who has a heart as big as the mountain she lives on.
Some things I really loved about the book were the quotes by Granny Burcham or Grandaddy Sutphin at the beginning of each chapter. There were some very strong characters, both make and female. One of my favorite parts is when a young man is coming on a little too strong with Ava and the woman of the house comes out and threatens him with a frying pan, then when he leaves says, Come on girl, let's go have a cookie or two and leave the stink outside." It reminded me of my beloved neighbor and I was laughing so hard I was crying! I could picture it happening in my head. Pepper Basham has an amazing way of describing events you have no trouble getting lost in this book and being able to picture each character, building and event in your imagination!
This book also has wonderful things said by different characters to make you think of God in a different way. Ava struggles with faith and her Granny helps her in a lot of ways. A quote from the book that I really love, comes from Granny Burcham and she says, “This ol’ world is full of dark and light. Dull and bright. Good and bad. God shines in bright colors. So bring as many of those into life’s shadows to help you make it through, and His light will change the view in the darkness.” I loved these insights from Granny Burcham and other characters.
A couple of things I didn't like. The book takes place in Carroll county, however, we aren't told where that is....... unless you read the dedication by the author, or near the end of the book can figure it out from some major towns that are mentioned that are nearby. But that's close to the end of the book. It would've been nice to know exactly where the book took place without having to search for it.
Another thing was the cast of characters. It's nice, but the explanations as to who they are aren't easily remembered. At least by me, I had some clue to the characters once they got mentioned but couldn't remember where they fit in.
At the end of the book we find out who is historically real in the book and who is a figment of Pepper Basham's imagination. The paragraph describing the characters that were made up I found to be kind of awkward. I found the descriptions of the real characters to be very interesting.
The other thing that really bugged me was the mention of Floyd and Claude Allen's final words, but the words are never told to us as readers, so why mention them if we don't get to set for ourselves what was said and see id we agree with Pepper Basham's assessment of those final words.
The pros definitely outweigh the cons in this book. It has very vivid descriptions of events that happened in real life, with fiction added in. I enjoyed this novel. I want to thank Netgalley.com and Barbour Books for the advanced copy. I was only asked to give my honest opinion in return and have no way been compensated for my opinion.
And for some hope for all of you in the words of Granny Burcham, always remember, "You’re missin’ sunshine? Well, it’s always close by. Never more than a smile and a hope away."

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.


Fabulous characters that inspire! This story holds your interest and pulls you in from the very beginning. So much sorrow for Ava brings about healing and love that pulls the readers emotions into this story. The journey that the author takes the reader on is full of twist and turns with danger and mystery. There were times I was on the edge of my seat to be brought full force into a tender scene or one full of revenge and anger. A story that will keep you guessing and hoping for God to show Ava her purpose for life. A sweet clean romance that is tender, uplifting and promising. Such a fabulous read that will have you glued to every page!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I have enjoyed several other books from this series as well. I have read some of this author's books and this was quite a bit different but just as good. I definitely recommend this book and author. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I look forward to reading more books in this series!

'I've outrun a lot of things in my time, but I've never been able to outrun a guilty conscience, an achin' heart and the judgment of God.' (Grandaddy Sutphin)

I am totally enjoying this series of books by Barbour Publishing, True Colors. All feature actual crimes but fictionalize them in some way. I look forward to each one. Pepper Basham does this one proud. I was so captivated, I did my own research into the Courthouse Massacre. And her addition to the story is so wonderful! I loved Jeremiah and Ava's story. I recommend not only this author, but this series.

*My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.

This was an engaging historical fiction story set in the early 1900s in Virginia. It started a bit slow for me to get involved in, then once I did, I didn’t want to stop until I got to the end. It has a bit of a Christian slant to it, as others in this series do, but not really that overwhelming. The writing was good enough in the handful of books in this series I read, that I didn’t mind it.  The Red Ribbon centers on a fictional couple who are sparking, or courting, and some things that befall them. Some of the story is based on actual events from that area. I found the writing good and enjoyed the story. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Pepper Basham, and the publisher.

If you like historical fiction that’s based on real events, you will find this book intriguing I couldn't put it down! Ava and her best friend Jeremiah live in a small community in the mountains, where some families are in a feud with other families. One man is accused of crimes and there is a trial being held for him and all chaos breaks loose. It was a tragic massacre that historically it actually happened. Fascinating story throughout! I enjoyed reading this book.