My Thoughts:
The Heart of the Mountains is one I had been looking forward to since I heard it was being written. I absolutely adored the first book. You can read this one as a standalone, but why read one great book when you can read two great books?
As with any of her Appalachian stories, it was rich in setting. It’s not overly descriptive, but the mountains come to life on the page. And her characters are amazing!
But even greater than these things are the Christian elements. There’s a beautiful salvation scene tucked away in here. And the story itself is one of healing and is remarkably done.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving it 5 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy Christian Historical Romance or those looking for an Appalachian setting.

~ I received a copy from NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one. All thoughts are my own.

While I've read many a book that takes place during or after WWII, I haven't read many of the previous World War. Many of us know the toll the second World War took on so many. This book, however, gives a peek into what traumas WWI left behind. 

Jeb McAdams is still struggling with what he went through in the war. To be a better man, he's trying to quit drinking--the thing that helps him cope with this memories of a friend failed. 

Cora Taylor, and English woman arrives, looking forward to seeing her brother--and escaping an arranged marriage that is being forced on her by her father. 

When Jeb and Cora find each other (under horrifying circumstances), they realize that they can help each other. 

This story was a perfect blend of history and healing. I fell in love from the first and would recommend this story--hands down--to any who enjoys this time period. For those that don't appreciate "Christian" stories--this one does have a message of God, so be warned. For me it only added to the beauty. 

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. My review will be live, at the link given, on 9/10/22.

I loved reading the book Christy as a child. The televised program was also one that I loved to watch. I felt that I was part of the cast and crew. The mountains felt like home to me.

Travelling back to the time period and people of the Blue Ridge Mountains pulled at me. I could not wait to start this book. And once I started it, I could not wait to finish it. It pulled at my heartstrings and made me fall in love with the mountains and their people all over again. Now I want to visit!

I love the backstory for this book. Read the small blurb about the author and her why for this book. I love that it has a family connection to her. That always makes the books seem more real when they have a connection.

The book comes to life under your eyes. It felt like watching a movie instead of just reading a book. It’s one setting I can’t wait to go back to.

This is book two in the series. You do not have to read book one to read this book but it will be a much easier read if you do. As always I do recommend reading book one before book two in any series. Or do the fun thing and read both books because then you get two for one!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Reading this book made me feel like I was living in those mountains. Being from Appalachia, I recognize that authors can sometimes come across as cheesy when using the dialect and phrases of Appalachians, but Pepper Basham does it just right. I truly enjoyed this sweet story and the characters she created.

Another beautiful story from Pepper Basham! This was a haunting and wonderful story of broken people who receive so much healing. I really love where Pepper went with this one. It's a slower paced novel, so don't go into it thinking you'll speed through. But the redemption and love is worth it!

First off, I would recommend reading Laurel's Dream before picking this book up, though I still enjoyed the story without having read it first. This is a wonderful story of two cultures colliding.

Cora is trying to start over after helping to serve in the war as a nurse. She comes to America so she can live with her brother. When she arrives, nothing goes as she expects. She wonders what is this place that seems so different than her homeland? When she meets Jeb McAdams, she is pleasantly surprised of all the contrasts she finds in this new place.

Pepper Basham is so diverse as a writer, and I have enjoyed every book she has written. This book was not any different. This is by far one of my most favorite books I have read this summer. I was engrossed in the story as if I was one of the characters and fell in love with the contrasts of the people and the hardships of the mountains. I loved how the relationship between the two main characters blossomed. The characters were three dimensional with so much depth. Even better, the message was so strong and I feel blessed by reading the book.

I would definitely recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

Where do I even begin to unpack everything I thought about the story?
I came across several nuggets of relative thought in regards to our Christian walk, how we view people, and what we tend to get wrong. It’s so easy to live in our own little bubbles when we don’t interact with the community we forget how to walk like Christ and treat people with his love and kindness. In every single sub plot of this book, scriptural Christ likeness was taught or on display. It was beautiful.
Now, let’s talk about some of these characters.
Granny Burcham was a Spitfire of a woman and I loved reading any time her character came into the picture. She reminded me a lot of my maternal grandmother. She was sassy and had no problem telling you where you stood.
Willow’s story made me sob. Probably more because of my experience with women who have suffered this kind of trauma.
Caroline McAdams is a woman that many women could take a moment to evaluate to see her faith in the middle of the chaos that is her marriage. She sees her husband for what he is and loves him in spite of it all. You know women like her are praying hard every day for their husbands.
Jeb McAdams was also a wonderfully well written character. The highs and lows of his emotions or relatable to anyone who suffers from PTSD. The second guessing your sanity and whether or not you’re good enough for the rest of the world is some thing that people like Jeb deal with on a regular basis. And he’s reluctant affections for Cora will make any reader smile As he tries to sort out exactly how he feels about the flatlander.
Cora Taylor it’s a beautiful person inside and out Who is justice damaged as Jeb but is willing to do better, and be better, than she was before. I felt her heart for wanting to help others less fortunate than her. Her eagerness to use her talents was enlightening and encouraging.
If you can’t tell, I loved this book – and it’s not just because I have read almost every single one of this authors books. There is no doubt about it, I am a Pepper Basham fan, but I’m also a fan of this story. The gritty realities of life after war, the taboo behaviors of the mountain people, and the breathtaking scenery matched with beautiful love stories just wrapped this book in a perfect little bow for all to enjoy.
** I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit Publiclies. All views expressed restrictly my own and given freely.

Pepper Basham has long been a favorite author of mine and I thoroughly enjoyed Laurel’s Dream so I was excited to learn there would be a sequel!
I really liked Jeb and Cora and their romance was entirely sweet. They just fit so well together despite their differences and I was rooting for them the whole time! Romance is definitely where Basham shines and I wish there was more focus on it in this story because those parts were my favorite. There was a lot of focus on the setting of the Appalachian mountains as well as Cora’s doctoring which slowed the story down just a little in my opinion. She did a good job of fully giving you a feel for the time and place but I could have done with a little less of that and more scenes between Jeb and Cora!
It was also fun to see some familiar characters and to catch up with Laurel and Jonathan some!
All in all this was an enjoyable read, a little slow at times but overall one I liked!

This was such a satisfying story. Right after WWI Cora Taylor wants to recover emotionally and doesn't quite know how to go back to her normal life, or even if she can. Then her father determines to marry her off to a man who is not a good man but good for her father's wealth. So, she runs away from England to try and find her brother and uncle in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From the moment she gets there, her life will never be the same.

Within the first few pages I felt for poor Cora. She really had nowhere to go, and she met danger left and right. I liked her character strengths as she showed she was going to adapt to her new home, for the time being, and do her best to help others with her nursing skills. No matter what.

Thankfully she had a right handsome, strong man who seemed to come to her rescue all the time. And not only that, but they also shared similar wounds from the war. Jeb McAdams has come back from the war with nightmares. He does not want to go the way of his father with strong drink, instead he pours himself into building and creating with his woodworking. He is quite good at it too. But when Cora drops into his life, literally and figuratively, he knows there is no going back.

I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the landscape and how very real the dangers were both to the natives and the outsiders. The way they lived, their culture, lifestyle, even clans was very foreign to Cora. However, she settled well and her and Jeb had a most swoon worthy romance.

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.

Pepper Basham does it again. Every time I think her books can't get better, she gives me something like The Heart of the Mountains and I fall in love with stories all over again. There's nothing like finding characters who speak truth to your heart in a setting that's familiar and brings God, faith, and family to new heights. Cora and Jeb are distinct and worthy characters who come into the story with something to say and a truth that drives them onward. I love seeing the Appalachian mountains through their eyes and experiencing this world that's dangerous enough to drop you off a cliff but beautiful enough to have you coming back for more. Read it. You won't regret it. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Beautiful and Heartfelt

When a story grabs you right from the start, you know it's going to be great. That is definitely the case with The Heart of the Mountains. The minute I met Cora and realized what brought her to Maple Springs I was all in. Immediately after meeting her, I was drawn into the crash course that was thrust at her as she realized how different her past experiences were to her new reality. Parts of that had me smiling and parts had me holding my breath. It also drew me in even more as I wondered what other new realities Cora would experience.

Jeb quickly became a very important and special part of her new reality, and I loved getting to know him. He was strong, sweet, caring and just plain wonderful. Jeb was also Cora's knight in shining armor because he was with her time and time again to help guide her through various situations. Their interactions were priceless and added so much to their growing friendship and relationship and made the story that much more enjoyable.

I was completely amazed at how beautifully author Pepper Basham described the beauty of the mountains and what life was like during that time. It made me feel like I was right there seeing everything and experiencing what the characters were experiencing and feeling. In my humble opinion, The Heart of the Mountains is a beautiful, heartfelt story that will leave its impact on you long after you've finished reading it. Yes, it's just that good.

Book Quote:
"Life is hard everywhere." He shrugged a shoulder. "Maybe we can't choose our hard, but we can choose how to live with it the right way."

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are completely my own.

The Heart of the Mountains is written by Pepper Basham. This is a Christian Historical Romance Fiction. I absolutely loved this book. It’s set right after the First World War. Her characters are well written and descriptive you feel like you really get to know them.



Cora Taylor has fled England after her father arranges a marriage to a man who is a scoundrel. She fells that since she has served in the War she should not have to settle down. She wants to help people and the arranged marriage would not allow that. She goes to Blue Ridge Mountains where her brother moved a few years back. Her uncle is also the preacher in the small mountain town. However she isn’t sure what to make of the town or it’s inhabited. Especially Jeb McAdams.



Jeb McAdams has a lot of demons in his mind since the war. Sometimes those demons are only stopped with alcohol. When he hears Cora’s screams he quickly springs into action. What he doesn’t count on is his reaction to Cora. There’s no way he could fall for a “flat-lander”



These two characters have broken pasts. They have hurts. They have flaws. But they both have big faith in God. I enjoyed seeing them interact through the story. There are several secondary characters that made me laugh. Granny Burcham is definitely one of them. She does not like Cora when she first meets her. She’s the midwife and natural healer of the town. She is not a fan of modern medicine. However as she gets to know Cora she softens.



This book does touch on pre martial relations and drunkenness. However it’s done in a way that shouldn’t scare anyone off. The author has a way of writing in God’s forgiveness and love of these dark issues.



I adore this author and this story. It’s my favorite Basham book yet. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this story. All thoughts are my own.

Well I'm a little late the the Pepper Basham party but it's never to late to join. She only came onto my radar in the last year and I've been slowly making my way through her books and enjoying each one!

THE STORY:
From the very first chapter this book was giving me huge Christy vibes. Christy was one of my favourite books as a teenager and one of the first Christian Fiction books I read. I enjoyed the similarities between the two stories and the elements that made them different. I loved learning about the mountain community, especially all their quirky superstitions. I appreciated that neither of the two worlds (Appalachian and England) were overly romanticized, both had their draws and their flaws. If I had one criticism for the storyline, it would be that the characters mutual PTSD is what brought them together but it wasn't mentioned during the second half of the book and it seemed a shame to lose such a key part of the story.

THE ROMANCE:
I always love a memorable first meeting, you can't get much better than a mule, a cougar and a tree #iykyk. I loved the natural attraction and romance between Jeb and Cora (though a little fast for my personal taste). And Jeb's 'itchin lips' sure led to some very romantic kisses....

THE TRUTHS:
I loved the constant contrast between darkness and light, brokenness and beauty, hardship and hope. The reminder to not focus on the bad things but to keep looking for the light, beauty and hope in the hard times. To keep looking for God and have faith in His plans for our lives. To trust that no matter what happens, He has our best interests in mind. That God loves us!

Healing hearts and finding love in the Blue Ridge mountains of Appalachia.

Cora Taylor escapes an unwanted arranged marriage by joining her brother who is working as a teacher at a mission school high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place unlike anything she could have imagined. I loved watching Cora fall in love with the breathtaking beauty of the mountains as well as the unbending harshness, as well as befriending the many colorful mountainfolk. I admired her for not only bringing her own knowledge to her new friends, but also how she was willing to learn from them in return.

Engaging from the start, I was quickly drawn into the story and cheering for both Jeb and Cora. Jeb is a strong man of faith, mindful of his personal struggles and fighting for a better tomorrow. There was great interaction between him and Cora, and even though it all happened over a short period of time, it felt right.

Overall, a wonderful read with a compelling plot, and characters, I loved how the subplots added to the story, as well as the author's attention to detail and all the little ways that she makes Appalachia come alive. A satisfying, faith-filled read, definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Heart of the Mountains is the first book I’ve read by Pepper Basham. It certainly won’t be my last! Ms. Basham has written an excellent novel regarding finding your place in the world, even if it’s somewhere you never expected.

This book is a sequel to a previous book by Ms. Basham but works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. I did not read the first book in this series and do not feel I missed any character traits of the people who appear in both novels.

Cora Taylor is the main character. She leaves England to escape an arranged marriage and runs to her brother, who is settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She was a nurse on the front lines and battlefield hospitals during World War One and very obviously a fish out of water in the mountains. Cora is a great character. She’s tenacious, caring, and is a heroine easy to root for.

Jeb McAdams is the other main character. He, too, is a great character. Jeb fought on the front lines of WWI and struggles with PTSD. He is a genuinely nice guy and is a good foil for Cora. He has lived in Appalachia his whole life except when he was in the war. Jeb is a hardworking man trying to make something of his life.

The theme of finding your place in the world is one that permeates through the book, though it also touches on judging others, helping others even if society tells you its wrong, and finding family. This book was enjoyable and well-written. The side characters are real and have motivations and stories of their own, and the scenery descriptions are all really well done as well.

Near the end of the book, however, a lot of things happened one right after the other that felt like the author was struggling to finish the book. The end dragged a little but did not really detract from my enjoyment of the book.

I give this book 4/5 stars and recommend it to fans of historical fiction, especially those who are interested in learning more about Appalachian history.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through CelebrateLit and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**

Pepper Basham is one of those rare authors whose work I pick up without question, knowing that it will end up being one of the best books I’ll read that year. What makes it more remarkable is that I mostly steer away from romance-driven novels, yet here I sit after finishing “The Heart of the Mountains,” thinking that if another author had attempted this story, I likely would have found it overdone, but as it is, I feel a sense of fulfillment. It occurred to me that while some of the circumstances in the story seemed almost too providential or too sweet at times, there is a reason that our hearts ultimately long for these outcomes, and a reason to include them in Christian fiction. Just as the stories of some characters will reflect the fallen, broken nature of humanity, some may also point to the love Christ has for each of us. After all, happily-ever-after IS real for born-again followers of Jesus!

With its 1919 Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains setting, “The Heart of the Mountains” is primarily a romance, complete with the inherent challenges, dangers, and customs therein. Cora Taylor arrives in Maple Springs after fleeing her family’s upper-class home in England to avoid being forced into an unwanted marriage, following the earlier path of her brother, who teaches at a local mission school. In spite of her experience on the war front over the past year, she still finds herself overwhelmed by how primitive her new surroundings are, and determined to prove herself, she considers that “Surely, she couldn’t just entrust everything to God. She’d had to fight so hard to make her place in a world where people thought she was too young to manage the devastation of nursing in war and too ‘female’ to do anything but end up as the wife of a rich man.” Even today, the struggle lives on, whether it’s based on gender bias or any other form of preconception. It is so much easier to try to take matters into our own hands than it is to trust the One who is truly in control. However, as the longsuffering Caroline McAdams wisely tells Cora, “But prayin’ is where we admit we ain’t the lords of our own lives, nor of any lives, to be true. And, as I study on it, God uses prayin’ to change my heart into what He’s wantin’ it to be in sun or rain, ‘cause I’m trustin’ His love and His plan.” This profound statement speaks to the place where our will and God’s will come into alignment, which is when mountains are moved and miracles happen.

There are a myriad of life lessons contained within “The Heart of the Mountains,” all gently stemming from the truth of Scripture. As Cora observes and experiences more of the mountain life, she begins to realize the beauty and goodness amidst the hardship. Having less doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is worse off. Cora herself admits to local resident Jeb McAdams: “But I’ve felt more alive and more myself in the middle of the hardest days, than I ever felt in the easiest. There was purpose and this…this joy in making a difference, in offering even the smallest hope to those who were hurting or heartbroken. I don’t think I would have seen it before in my gilded world, but I do now. And I don’t wish to go back to what I was before.” Likewise, as is the case with life today, most of those in bad situations do not want to stay there and did not land there intentionally. Acting with kindness and love will always accomplish more, and as we live out the gospel, we will find more ways to share it with those who need it the most.

While a sequel to “Laurel’s Dream,” which offers more backstory on the secondary characters, “The Heart of the Mountains” can be read as a standalone. It is such an inspirational, uplifting story that will touch every reader regardless of background. On a personal note, I love that Basham included a dulcimer in one of the scenes; my mom, who passed away last year, played the mountain dulcimer, and it’s rare to find it in a novel. Speaking of loss, Cora’s statement to Jeb resonated with me as well: “We trust that God’s love for us and the people we’ve lost is even bigger than ours for them. And so, whatever He’s chosen for their lives is a much better plan than one we can imagine.” Our relationship with the Lord is based on trust and our eternal hope in Him, and as with her other novels, Pepper Basham perfectly exemplifies this with “The Heart of the Mountains.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I have to say, there's nothing like Pepper's books to put me right in the mountains. From the stunning descriptions of the gorgeous views, to the accents and phrases that sound just like home to my spirit, Pepper captures the heart of the mountains in a way that most others can't. Book one in this story, Laurel's Dream, was one of my absolute favorites when I read it, for these very reasons, and of course book two lives up to the hype. I wish I had reread book one to remind myself how much I loved all the characters. As it is, Jeb and Cora have the best story. I love how well they understand each other as they read each other's minds sometimes when it comes to their warfront backgrounds. Sam and Caroline, Jonathan and Laurel, and all the other characters from the mountains of North Carolina wheedle their way into your heart and pretty soon once you're reading you forget that you aren't right there with them. There's really nothing that can take me back in time like this series. Highly recommend, especially if the mountain folk have a special corner of your heart.

English nurse, Cora Taylor leaves England and travels to the Blue Ridge mountains to be with her uncle and brother and escape a forced marriage by her father. She has no idea how different life is in these mountains compared to England and even the war zones she worked in there. The mountain people and their ways and traditions leave her wondering if she should turn around and head back to England.

She meets Jeb McAdams, who was born and raised in these mountains, and has returned from being in the war and has to settle in to life in the mountains again. Jeb always seems to be there to rescue Cora at times she needs help.

This is a very sweet romance that you will enjoy reading and want to pass on to others. I highly recommend this book. I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and the publisher, Barbour. The opinions expressed are my own.

Swoony. Swoony Christian Romance in the mountains. This is the kind of Pepper Basham books I Love and am obsessed with!!! I loved that our heroine wasn't a wilting flower and had served in the war and seen things that a normal woman wouldn't have at that time. I hope there are more books in this series!!!!