The first few scenes in this book were so humorous, they had me chuckling. For some reason, they reminded me of Jane being rescued by Tarzan as she perched precariously on tree branches in the well known cartoon.

I liked the storyline and the two main characters in the Heart of the Mountain, but the writing style just did not grab me. I know the author has a lot of fans and that they will undoubtedly fully enjoy this book. For me, I look for a certain kind of narrative that I am still trying to figure out.

This is the sequel to Laurel’s Dream, which originally was published as one of the books in the “My Heart Belongs in...” series. You definitely want to read Laurel’s Dream first, as you’ll meet most of the characters from that book in this one, since it tells the story of Laurel’s brother Jeb and Jonathan’s sister Cora. Several of the story threads of Laurel’s Dream continue to weave together in this book. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the Blue Ridge mountains and the special people who lived there in the early 20th century – some steeped in superstition and age old traditions, and others open to learning about the world “outside”. I liked the insights into death of a Christian, prayer, and how to accept a hard life.

I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book with no obligation to post a review
#TheHeartoftheMountains #NetGalley

This was a lovely read. The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were well-developed; complex, and intriguing. I highly recommend this beautiful telling of the power of love. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Set just after WWI, up in the Appalachian hills, this is a story of faith, redemption, and a hardscrabble way of life. Both Jeb and Cora have had difficult experiences with the war, and are facing down their demons and troubles in its aftermath, but they never imagine they'd end up together. This is one of my favorite settings, as it reminds me of visiting my grandparents' home in the hills...the vivid descriptions, the people, and the vernacular bring it all back to life! And just like anywhere, there are good people and bad, hard workers and muckarounds, and people who are set in their ways. There's a bit of mystery, some romance to untangle, and an opening for another segment to this story. There was also a beautiful section about prayer and how it truly works that I think it an excellent segment to pull out and discuss with folks who might be facing a hard time, too.

'Prayin' is where we admit we ain't the lord of our own lives.'

Where do I begin to leave a review adequate enough to convey my thoughts on what a powerful story this was? Pepper Basham is always good; I've never read a bad book by her, or even a mediocre one. But this. This wonderful story of the Appalachian people in the time period immediately after the Great War is so full of grace, forgiveness, and the mercies of God, that I found myself crying through parts of it, gasping at others, laughing some, too.

The story takes place in Maple Springs where Basham set another book earlier and this one features some of the same folks but can totally be read as a stand alone. It was so good to read how these folks lived, their way of life, their superstitions and love. There were times the reading hurt, because people don't always do the right thing, but Basham handles it so well.

The hero of this story, Jebediah McAdams, is perfect. I totally fell in love with his sweet heart and concern for others. And I loved his 'itchin' lips'. You'll have to read the story to get that one. I promise you'll like it, too. Jeb is totally unprepared for the English woman who literally falls into his arms when she runs away from home to escape an arranged marriage. And Cora is determined to be a help to these precious people as 'Nurse Woman'. Having served at the Front during the Great War, she is sure she can provide help to them. IF she can get these backward and leery folk to trust her.

Set in a simpler time in a beautiful place, this story will stay with you long after you read the last word. It will be a treasure for any keeper shelf. I know it will mine. Basham's descriptions of the mountains will have you longing to see them for yourself. This was a powerfully moving book and I adored every minute. It's the kind of book that, when you read the last word, you want to flip to the beginning and start over again. It's that good. Well done!

My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review and the opinion expressed here is entirely my own.

Oh, this is such a sweet story. I loved returning to this mountain and these backwoods people.
It was fun catching up with Jonathan and laurel again…. But this is Cora and Jeb’s story.
Cora leaves her home in England quite unexpectedly, due to the fact that her father has plans of marrying her off to some noble gentleman, and Cora has no say in the matter. So, without telling her brother Jonathan of her intentions, she arrives unexpectedly there at his new home, in the Appalachian mountains. The people are not sure what to think of her at first. They view her with suspicions. All except for Jeb, who is still suffering from his own trauma at being in the war.
Cora had also been to the front, so it seems they have some things in common.
This is a romance, and so some things were expected, and yes, welcomed. :) But the discovery of how it all happens along the way, well that is the beauty of this book.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you won't want to miss it!
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