I really liked the first book in the series and was excited to read this new book. Pretty sure I enjoyed this one even more. Pepper Basham writes characters that feel real and are easy to connect with. Her stories flow easily, the writing very descriptive without getting bogged down. They are just a joy to read. The Heart of the Mountains is a sweet love story that quickly grows between the unlikely couple of Cora and Jeb. I loved Cora’s delightful spunk and Jeb’s integrity and their interaction with the community that surrounds them. It’s a story of heartache, faith, redemption and finding and using your God given purpose. I’ve grown fond of these characters and am really hoping the story will continue with another book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the chance to read for honest review.

This was realistic fiction at its best. This historical clean romance gets a 5 ⭐️ from me. I enjoyed it so much. Watching broken people with God’s amazing grace, I fell head over heels with this story.
Pepper Basham blesses me with each of her books. She always reminds me about what’s important in life. That Hod does exist, even in the mess of things.
This was book 2 but doesn’t matter and can be read as a stand-alone. I thought PB created wonderful characters with suspense, love and forgiveness.
I highly recommend this jewel. Happy Reading.
Thanks Barbour fiction via NetGalley.

Laurel’s Dream and The Heart of the Mountains give beautiful depictions of life in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the early 1900s. Pepper Basham uses her own heritage to paint a colorful portrait of Appalachian culture that shows the beauty, pain, faith, and fun of the people. As a descendent of Appalachian culture myself, I appreciate my own background better since reading these artistic yet realistic stories. Pepper always delivers wonderful romance in her books, and these marriage of convenience stories did not disappoint! There were plenty of dangerous rescues and swoon-worthy heroes— my favorite elements of a well-written historical romance! Pepper used both romantic moments and spiritually profound moments to create a story that made me both blush and cry within a few chapters. I also love that, although they can be read separately, reading these books in order makes the redemption arc of some characters all the sweeter by the end. Laurel’s Dream and The Heart of the Mountains declare the redemptive power of the Gospel, and there is no better way to tell a story! Both of these books get five stars from me, and I enthusiastically recommend them to any lover of Christian historical romance.

I received a copy of The Heart of the Mountains for review purposes. My thoughts are my own— I really did love it!

This book is absolutely wonderful!! I loved everything about this book; the characters, the setting and how the author brought the book to life with her words and made you feel like you were there. This is one of those books that you hate to see end, but you just have to know what happens next. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the 2nd book I’ve read by Pepper Basham. I absolutely loved this book! Talk about a page turner. There are so many things happening in this book. It takes you on a roller coaster of emotions in the best way! First of all Laurel and Johnathan are back from book one in the series (Laurel’s Dream). It is not necessary to read book one, I haven’t yet, but I recommend it before reading this one. In this book the heroine is Johnathan’s sister Cora Taylor and the Hero is Laurel’s brother Jeb McAdams. I thought that was fun. Cora Taylor wants to help the people of the mountains but that proves to both be dangerous and a threat to her reputation. Jeb tries his best to help Cora and keep both her reputation and his intact. Can I just say Jeb is such a nice guy! I love these characters! All kinds of events happen right after the other, births, fires, sickness, deaths and more. This book will definitely keep you engaged and wanting to see what happens next. That ending had my eyes watering. Beautiful message of how we need Jesus throughout the book. Clean read and definitely recommend!

Fans of Christy, novel by Catherine Marshall, will enjoy reading The Heart of the Mountains. Set in the mountains of North Carolina, join flatlander, Cora Taylor, a nurse from England, as she navigates the beauty and danger of the Application mountains and learns the culture of the mountain people in Maple Springs. With the help of Jeb McAdams, a mountain man and soldier from the war in Europe, Cora and Jeb learn to trust God to heal their hurts, and unite them both in love for each other and their purpose in life; to love the people in Maple Springs.

The characters are realistic and complex; plot details and character interactions brought to life my imagination. The themes of hope, redemption and healing making this a wonderful satisfying read for the historical fiction fan.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing the ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series and loved getting to know more about the McAdams and Taylor families. While you don't necessarily need to read the first book before this one, it definitely helps you understand the characters and the setting more. A great book about finding oneself, recovering from trauma, and the importance of community. Really hoping there is another book in this series!

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

What caused Cora to flee to the Appalachian mountains was desperation; what caused her to stay was determination. Pepper Basham’s familiarity with the Appalachian culture and her family’s roots in the area the story is set brings richness to the characters and depth to their way of life.

Cora Taylor was an outsider (flatlander) and at first didn’t understand the ways of the mountain folk. But, she fell in love with the people, their fortitude, and their loyalty to each other. I admired her courage as she put aside her fears to help when she was needed. The opening scene of Cora riding a mule into the wilderness to find her uncle and her brother was both hilarious and hair-raising. I would have been tempted right then to go back to town, but I quickly realized that Cora doesn’t give up easily. She was one of my favorite characters for not only this reason, but her heart of compassion as she serves the people of Maple Springs and wins the hearts of many of them.

Jeb McAdams was a big-hearted man who ends up coming to Cora’s rescue again and again. Helping Cora tend the medical needs of the community comes at a great price to himself, but he puts aside his misgivings to do whatever she needs. He was a true treasure that I’d definitely want to be my friend.

Some favorite quotes of mine are:

“Adventure and danger are often thrust on a person here.”

“There is no fast thaw with these people. Slow and steady faithfulness and authenticity reach them.”

“Love’s worth being brave, Ain’t it? Brave again and again and again.”

I highly recommend this book. I would add it to your library as I am sure you will read it often.

I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The heart of the mountains

A story of commitment and determination. Cora came to the mountains to find her brother but found a whole lot more. Cora was committed to staying there and determined to learn more and be a nurse. I enjoyed reading about how nursing and doctoring was done in older days. It would have been a hard life living in the mountains. Cora did get lost a few times.

I received an advance copy of the book from NetGalley.
This book review is my own opinion.

The Heart of the Mountains
Aptly named, this beautiful story conveys the beauty of the mountains and the many struggles of living there in the early 1900s.

A sweet romance and a hard life between two very different people who both desire to live lives that are useful, fulfilling, and make the most of their God given gifts.

Strong characters, heart wrenching moments and the author’s personal family histories are woven in make this such an honest but hopeful story. And as a reminder to never give up on a person, that there are no lost causes.

Pepper said it all better than I can:

“But I learned a long time ago the prayin’ ain’t mostly ‘bout’ getting’ what we ask for, is it?
Praise may be for the Almighty, but all the rest of prayer is for us.”
“Mama’s always said that God uses prayin’ to change us more than us changin’ anything else.”

“ Maybe we can’t choose our hard, But I reckon we can choose to live with it the right way.”

“Time had a strange way of stealing and giving, and there wasn’t a way to predict which way it would go. Only God knew. And there was comfort in that.”

Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

The story takes place right after World War 1, and much of the emotional horror of being in war is described clearly through both the main characters, Jeb Mc Adams, who fought in the war, and lost his best friend, and through Cora Taylor who volunteered and learned nursing skills the hard way, by caring for wounded and dying soldiers.
Cora comes to the Blue Ridge mountains after running away from an arranged marriage in England. Cora is described as feisty, strong-willed, and independent, not the type to be told who to marry, or anything else.. She is seeking her brother Jonathan, who is a teacher and has learned to assimilate with some of the local mountain folks who rarely trust outsiders. Cora’s uncle, a pastor, is also in the mountains, so Cora has some back-up. Having family is helpful because she is not trusted by the mountain folks, particularly the me. For the times, Cora is headstrong, carrying her own trunks, riding horses, hiking through the dark, and essentially being afraid of nothing. She actually intimidates some of the folks she meets. She quickly finds out that a cultured young woman with fancy clothing, and more civilized ideas, has a hard time making friends, or fitting in with the Appalachian culture. And above all, they do not trust her with their health problems, at least initially.
When Jeb returned from the war, he resorted to alcohol, hard work, and solitude to help him cope with the horrors of war. He is a skilled craftsman, having built a large home, where he lives alone, and also crafting furniture and wooden ornaments that are unique, beautiful, and in demand for sale. He has parents and siblings locally, but he keeps to himself most of the time, needing to deal with his depression and bad dreams in his own way.

Cora and Jeb meet in an unlikely way - and at first are suspicious of each other, but find they keep running into each other, needing each other’s skills. Cora simply wants to be of help to the local people but they do not accept outsiders, particularly “flatlander” women. Through persistence, fortitude and stubbornness, Cora gradually learns folk remedies from Granny Burchum, the elderly mountain midwife, and puts her skills to use helping many of the families who come to depend on her “nurse woman” knowledge. Jeb always seems to be available when Cora needs to be bailed out of whatever trouble she’s gotten into, and gradually they come to depend on each other.

Throughout the book, there are weddings, funerals, illnesses, alcoholism, prostitution, family dysfunction and all manner of societal issues that happen everywhere. There is definitely a Christian theme running through the book, where many of the folks depend on their faith, and prayer, and where others know right from wrong, but do the wrong thing anyway. The author does a wonderful job of character development, where the reader is drawn into the day to day drama, and can identify with many of the characters and their issues. It was easy to love both the main characters, Cora with her green eyes, and wild, curly blonde hair, and Jeb, the big guy with a tender heart.
Throughout the many trials each of them face with the rigid mountain culture, Cora and Jeb come to respect and understand each other.
I thought the book was well researched, well written, and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy historical novels and Christian fiction.. I think it would be a wonderful book club selection.
I received the book free as a digital ARC through Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, but the review is my unbiased opinion after reading it.

Pepper Basham reentered my book-reading radar with her recent releases _The Red Ribbon_ (2020; part of the _True Colors_ series) and _The Mistletoe Countess_ (2021; a standalone). So I jumped at the chance to read and review _The Heart of the Mountains_!

Somehow I missed that it's book 2 in a series (story of my life, haha), and I do recommend reading book 1 (_Laurel's Dream_) first--both to avoid spoilers and to set up Cora's story for success from the get-go. It tells readers Cora's brother's story, and as he plays a decently sized role in this book ... :) that will help!

That aside, as I am no stranger to reading books out of order (LOL), I went ahead and jumped in with both feet. This book reminded me a great deal of Catherine Marshall's _Christy_, a book I've read (and loved)--and of course, saw the TV series. But I'll spare you my happy tangent on that here! (I'll just add that I'm curious to see if _Laurel's Dream_ channels Marshall as well.)

Basham brings the Appalachian people and country to life--both the good and the bad. I was especially intrigued by the struggles "flatlanders" (non-Appalachians who moved to the area) faced when they arrived and settled; I'd already seen (one) teacher's experience in _Christy_, and seeing both preaching and doctoring here was fascinating. Basham did a great job at respecting both the mountain people and the flatlanders, and their journey to common ground.

A thought-provoking read, for sure. I prefer _The Mistletoe Countess_ (of Basham's books I've read), but I'll definitely still go read _Laurel's Dream_.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I admit it. I am drawn to beautiful, plucky heroines as well as handsome, strong, good-hearted heroes and such were Cora and Jeb in this book that is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1919. The author has family roots that go back to this culture and era and she gives the reader insight into the mystery of the Appalachian mountain folk who were creative, resourceful, self-reliant and suspicious of the influence of outsiders. She paints such a vivid word picture of both the exquisite beauty and the struggle for survival that could be found in that world and weaves an irresistible tale of how one “flatlander” came to find her place in such a community. Cora and Jeb were the best of both worlds and their story was so romantic. Such kisses! And underneath it all was the healing hand of God in individual lives as well as in the life of a people. I give it my highest recommendation! I received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

I read the book about Laurel that comes before this one and enjoyed that one so this follow-up story was a joy to read. It's a slow-moving novel but still keeps you engaged. Pepper's writing is always meaningful and encouraging!

Enjoyed this book by an author I had never read before. She caught my attention right away when Cora was riding that mule up the mountain. I definitely had to find out what happened.

Cora Taylor shows up in the wilds of Appalchian country to surprise her brother and uncle. A mishap in the beginning of the story bring Jeb McAdams to her rescue. Both are haunted by images of their time serving in WWi, though for her, it was on the nursing side. Spending time with the Uncle Edward soothes her as she tells him why she fled London. We see the McAdams family again, along with Jonathan and Laurel and some other favorites from her earlier story featuring Jonathan and Laurel. Page turning story set in 1919, as we get to know Jeb and Cora.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am always searching for good, clean historical romances. The Heat of the Mountains definitely fits that profile. I was engaged immediately as the story of Cora Taylor begins. After working as a nurse on the battlefields of France during WWI, she returns home to England to find her father has contracted an engagement to someone very undesirable. Instead of staying and trying to fight it, she sneaks away and heads to America, specifically the Blue Ridge Mountains where her brother and uncle live. Any similarity to any other story I have read ends there. Cora has several heart-rendering situations befall her and then she meets Jeb McAdams. A troubled man who has returned home from the fighting in France, struggling with his memories of death and destruction. The darkness surrounds him and he tries to rebuild his life in the mountains that he so dearly loves. Faith in God runs throughout this story, with many stories of redemption and forgiveness. I was very engaged throughout the entire book and would highly recommend it and will purchase one for my sister. This was my first time reading this author and I will definitely search out her other books to read.

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

I love Pepper Basham's books, and this one certainly did not disappoint. I had not read a book set in this time period in the Appalachians in years, and at first wasn't sure it would a favorite. However, in the first chapter I was charmed by World War 1 nurse Cora, who bustles onto the mountain in search of her brother and with no idea what she is getting herself into. The leading man, Jeb, was also full of layers and interesting facets that kept him from being 2-D or predictable. I appreciated how the author handled Cora and Jeb's experiences during the war, and the real, unpredictable toll that can take.

With just enough of the needed tropes ("Will Cora and Jeb realize they really can be together?") written in an interesting, sometimes heartbreaking setting of poverty and superstition, "Heart of the Mountains" hits my sweet spot for historical romance.

What a quick book to get lost in. A rather pampered girl, or she was until she ended up as a nurse in the The Great War, only to return home and find her father was arranging a marriage for her. So she does what a girl who has now grown up and seen the worst of the world, leaves England and goes to the Blue Ridge Mountains, world apart from what she has known, but now she begins to see the beauty that her brother and uncle have told her about.

We meet people that are very wary of new flat landers, and those that embrace Cora, and what a heart she has for these people.

We meet Jeb who literally comes to Cora's rescue.

Some of the happenings here are hard to understand, these people have long held beliefs, along with many superstitions, that Cora did not share, but opened her mind and heart to helping!

In the end I wondered if those I now cared about would even survive! Page turner for sure, and throw in some sweet romance!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

I almost broke my kindle app with the amount of quotes I highlighted in this story. Between the humour and quiet wisdom, there is many memorable layers to this backwoods mountain story.

-- '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.'

Jeb and Cora may be as different as fire and water when it comes to their upbringing, but they are kindred spirits when it comes to the battles they fought deep inside - some still being fought.

I loved seeing the rugged mountains from both Jeb's native perspective and Cora's cultured one. Pepper Basham did a remarkable job at inviting the readers in to the real mountain people, not just the stereotypes we see in many books during this time period and setting. It had the feeling of Catherine Marshall's Christy to it.

While this book is on the shorter side, the slow meandering pace makes the story feel longer, and in a good way. I did feel there were a few subplots left hanging that I would've liked knowing the ending too, but that's all I can say without giving away spoilers. I had not realized it was book 2, so I will be on the lookout for book 1 now as I'm highly intrigued by the way Jonathan and Laurel's relationship began.

-- 'It appeared the only way to understand this very strange world was to experience it, and, if it hadn't killed her in the last two days - despite it's best attempts - she supposed she'd just have to keep on experiencing.'

Cora said it best. So come, join her in this wild experience and find yourself in the beauty of mountain living.

****

Content Note: It's pretty dark, which, considering the time period is to be expected. But due to the nature of the content I wouldn't recommend for younger readers. Mentions of magic + spells, a man is found hung, pregnancies out of marriage, miscarriages due to beatings, beatings, alcoholism, PTSD (although not outright called so), mentions of 'kept women' or prostitutes, implied abuse. The romance is fairly heavy, lots of kissing and chemistry - it probably won't bother most readers but for me it was a bit much. There is talk in a roundabout way of intimacy between both married couples and unmarried couples, not explicit but I would call this closed door.

*Thank you to the publisher for the e-Arc I received via Netgalley. I was not required to share a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.