#theheartofthemountains #netgalley

This was a great story to read. I loved the storyline and the characters, definitely recommend this book!

Running from an arranged marriage, Cora Taylor shows up to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learning nursing skills from World War One, she joins her brother in doctoring the mountain people.

Jeb McAdams is a local man who had his own secrets. Meeting Cora has been a whirlwind of emotions, feelings, and town gossip.

Jeb and Cora’s love story is well written and I loved the ending. Anyone looking for a clean historical romance with a happy ending will love this book! Although I never read the first book in the series, I would recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for a truthful review.

This is my fist Pepper Basham book, but it definitely won’t be my last!!
I loved every part of this story from the mountain people to the flat lander who just arrived. The characters will win your heart and you will want to fight for them!
If you love historical, post war romances, you’ll love this book!!

This is the second Basham book I've read. It was nothing like the first one I read so it was almost shocking. The first on had a lot of humor. This one had a lot of drama. So much happened in this book. It seemed to move from one trauma to the next with barely a breather in between. So much drama. I have no relatable experience with this life that was written about so I've no idea if it was realistic or not but man, so much stuff happened. I'm going on the assumption that this much stuff could be packed into such a short time period for a woman looking to help with people's medical challenges.

Having the brief moments of romance filled the role of comic relief from all the trauma. I loved Jeb. He thinks he has no idea how to be romantic yet he is -innately. It comes so naturally to him once he has the right woman before him. Cora was a strong woman who refused to be cowed because of her sex. And I loved that Jeb loved that about her. He is always going to support her feministic ways.

The writing was good and I'd be happy to pick up another Basham book.

Sex: references to prostitution, marital-closed door
Language: no
Violence: against both women and men. beatings, shootings, threatenings.

The Heart of the Mountains
By Pepper Basham
Barbour Publishing
Rated: 3-4
Back of the Book: “Can their hearts overcome the darkness of the mountains?
To escape a forced marriage, Cora Taylor travels from England to the Blue Ridge Mountains in search of her brother, who is working as a teacher in a mission school. She hopes to find a place where her nursing skills and independent ideas will be accepted and appreciated, but nothing prepares her for the wild mixture of isolation, community, brokenness, and hope within these mountains…or in the person of Jeb McAdams.
Returning from the devastation of World War 1 emotionally damaged, Jeb McAdams struggles against the rampant mountain alcoholism to soothe his nightmares. It’s easy to hide within the mountains, or it was, before Cora Taylor arrived. Now, she seems to show up at every turn, bringing her modern ideas, curiosity, and beautiful eyes with her.
Bound by their shared war history, the pair develop an unlikely friendship, which unexpectedly hints to something more. But when Cora’s desire to help the women of the mountains crosses an unspoken line, will Jeb be able to protect this feisty flatlander from the wrath of the mountain men or will he end up losing much more than his heart?”
Impressions: This was a sweet historical romance with characters that warmed the heart. Although I enjoyed this book I was also left with questions. Without giving any spoilers there were some conflicts that were not resolved. I also questioned Cora’s family’s judgment to leave her alone after her journey in an unknown and “unsafe” area. Despite having questions, I enjoyed this book.
Quotes:
“‘If you have questions about a woman, just be quiet. Sooner or later, the answers will come right out of her mouth. Most times, you can count on sooner.’” -I had to laugh at this because it is true for me.
“‘But I reckon God wouldn’t have given tears to us if He didn’t mean for us to use them now and again.’”
“‘I think there’s value in knowing the synthetic creations of doctors and chemists, but also what nature has to teach us.’”
“‘Because you need help and God placed me within your path at just the right time to help you.’”
“For surely, even though payment for carefree intimacy was not within God’s best plans for His people these women were still women created in His image. Their souls needed love and grace and forgiveness no less than Cora’s.”
“…His prayers grew louder than his fears…”
“‘This conversation is not leading in a direction that will glorify God or help this community.’” – I need to learn to use this line.
“‘But prayin’ is where we admit we ain’t the lords of our own life’s, 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.”

THE HEART OF THE MOUNTAINS by PEPPER BASHAM is a beautifully written historical romance novel which takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1919. I love the characters and the strong Christian message. The story is set after WW1 and we see the often fatal effects the war has on so many people.
Jeb McAdams overcomes his memories of the battlefields by keeping busy. He is a family man, strong and capable, with a subtle sense of humour. Cora Taylor finds him calming, especially when he saves her life on several occasions. She has also gone through a great deal during the war as a nurse on the battlefields of France, but nothing has prepared her for the adventures she will have in this harsh and dangerous land. She longs to help the people with her nursing skills and to learn from them, especially from Granny Burcham, but “Nurse Woman” is looked upon with suspicion by some of the fiercely superstitious inhabitants.
Both she and Jeb are determined to live well in this hard place, and as Jeb says, “Maybe we can’t choose our hard, but I reckon we can choose how to live with it in the right way.”
It is a story about second chances, healing, restoration, forgiveness and the redemption of lost souls. We are reminded that God’s plans are best and that He can bring good out of any situation. A quotation I like from Cora is: “ From what the Bible says, we are all broken, Willa, and that is why we need a rescuer.”
There is plenty of adventure and beauty in these mountains and the story is not only enjoyable but also inspirational. I highly recommend The Heart of the Mountains to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Cora escapes to the mountains to avoid a forced marriage but is met by people and animals who do not want her there. Jeb is home from the war and is struggling with the aftermath of that.



I love how Cora is able to use her nursing skills and does not let the fear control her actions. I probably would have been on the first transportation mode out of there.



The people who live in the mountains can seem so rough and hard to understand but I love how strong and resilient they are.



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

I have adored reading Pepper D Basham’s Blue Ridge historical fiction in the past and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest book, The Heart of the Mountains. Oh my goodness, I loved every single page of Jeb and Cora’s story. I enjoyed going back in time to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the vivid historical details made me feel as though I was right there with them. Such a beautiful and sweet tale to read that I could not put down.

The Heart of the Mountains will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction, particularly centered around the post World War I.

I received a copy of The Heart of the Mountains from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

The Heart of the Mountains is a beautiful story about mountain life in the Blue Ridge mountains right after World War I. The heroine, Cora is a nurse from England and arrives to flee an arranged marriage from her father. The hero, Jeb is a quiet and good man with issues from serving during the military in the great war. This book captured my attention and I couldn't put it down. I love the history, the mountain people and of course the romance. It was easy to read and I could tell the author has a passion for Appalachia and the people who live there. The gospel message is so well given and it offers hope to the hopeless.

This book was so well done and I really do hope there are more books to come.
4.5 stars

This is a beautiful story of how people deal with outsiders and different cultures. Cora's brother and uncle are living in the Blue Ridge Mountains amongst the families that have been there for generations. Some of Jonathan and Uncle Edward’s ideas and practices have ruffled feathers but after Jonathan married into a mountain family and Edward has preached the gospel to them, and does his best to live it daily, things have settled somewhat for them. When Cora’s father promises her to a business associate she runs away from England to join them in the mountains. She has many eye opening experiences and soon learns how little she knows about life even after serving as a nurse during the WWI. Will she ever be accepted after her many mistakes? Will she put her life and the lives of others in danger because she doesn’t understand the culture of the people around her? This is an eye opening book as the main characters tend to be judgmental, at least at first. As they begin to new perspectives on others and situations that are new to them things begin to change. The characters in this book are well written and behave as many might in similar circumstances. Reliance on God’s plan for each life is a primary goal for most of the characters. Will getting to know one another on a personal level help to overcome the preconceived notions each side has? While reading I thought of how many little prejudices we all face in life today. Can we, with God’s leading, put aside differences and really listen to those who don’t agree with our beliefs? This is a wonderful story and a great read for everyone. Also a wonderful gift book.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Pepper Basham is one of my favorite authors,her books always finding a spot at the top of my TBR pile. I loved returning to the post WWI Appalachian mountain setting of Laurel’s Dream. This sequel met my expectations and then some as Ms. Basham pens a compelling story full of grace and redemption, with a cast of characters and plot that will tug at the reader’s heart.
Wishing to escape an unwanted marriage and memories of serving on the war front as a nurse, Cora leaves England to join her brother in a far different world in the Appalachian mountains. She finds life to be much simpler but harder. As her heart slowly opens to the people, she struggles to overcome their suspicions and win their trust as she finds both purpose and love.
Ms. Basham pens a wonderful cast of characters that I was sad to leave as I read the last page. Definitely a book for the keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

3 1/2 stars.

I didn't realize this was book 2 in the series, but it didn't affect my reading.

This is an historical novel set in the Appalachians after WWI. Cora is an Englishwoman and she travels there, where her brother has already been living.

She meets Jeb McAdams, who fought in Europe during the war, and they find something in common, since she served as a nurse.

It's well written and historically/geographically interesting. I liked war/after war stories, but I prefer them set in Europe.
There's a good cast of secondary characters that help round up the story.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Thank you so much for letting me read this! I didn’t realize that it was a sequel to another story. Even though it was stand alone, I am interested in reading the first book now too. This was a sweet romance and I enjoyed it! If you like Janette Oke books this is one for you!

The Heart of the Mountains
by Pepper Basham
Pub Date: July 1, 2022
Barbour
Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
* Christian Fiction
My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge #2
I have not read book one in the series. Excellent storyline! I loved this book! Set in a simpler time in a beautiful place, this story will stay with you long after you read the last word. Basham's descriptions of the mountains will have you longing to see them for yourself. This was a powerfully moving book. . Well done!
I am recommending this book.
4 stars

Circa about 1920. Cora Taylor, a young English nurse, is just home after serving as a volunteer on the front lines of the First World War. Once a pampered heiress, her time at the front has changed her. She now has modern ideas about women’s rights and a woman’s role outside the home. But after learning of her father’s plans to marry her off to an odious business partner, she sneaks away to America to join her brother, a doctor-in-training in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She knows God has a purpose for her, and though she is unclear of his message, she hopes she will find her true way in the mountains her brother has written so much about.
This is a lovely little story. We follow Cora, after arriving from London, as she makes her way thru the dangers of her new life. It is perilous at first, with wild animals, wild weather, and wild villagers making her question the stability of her decision to come here. With a history so steeped in tradition, her ideas about hygiene and modern medicine are looked upon by the locals as strange and suspicious. But Cora falls in love with her new home anyway, and her confusion about God’s plan for her life finally becomes clear to her, deep in these Blue Ridge mountains.
There are wonderful characters in this book. Jeb McAdams, also home from the war, suffers from his own nightmares and carries his own guilt. He worries he will succumb to the mountain’s dark call, and the alcoholism so many of the mountain people have fallen into. Jonathan, Cora’s brother, is a teacher and a doctor in training, and has had his own struggles as a ‘flatlander’ here in the mountains. We meet a young woman, reminiscent of Mary Magdalene, yearning to be free of her sinful life. And a Prodigal son… a man deep into the bottle, unable to rise above the heavy chains of guilt. Not to be forgotten, our antagonist lurks in the background, waiting like a fallen angel to finally have his day.
This story is rich in faith along with forward-looking ideas for its timeline. And yet, it still celebrates the traditional life of a people, and the beautiful heritage of their ways. The love story itself is sweet and patient, blooming from friendship and shared experience. Lessons learned? God’s will be done, and His children be not judgmental.
I think anyone who enjoys Christian fiction and wholesome love stories will find a place on their shelf for this little book. I believe it is another installment of the ‘Heart Belongs’ series, historical Christian romances written by various authors. I look forward to reading more of these stories, and more from Pepper Basham. I have grown fond of her characters and look forward to meeting them again.
Thank you to NetGalley, Barbour Publishing, and Pepper Basham for allowing me early access to this charming read.

When Cora Taylor returns to England after her harrowing experiences as a nurse near the battlefields of World War 1, she suddenly finds herself fleeing an unwanted arranged marriage. Seeking asylum with her brother in the Appalachian Mountains, Cora finds herself drawn to the scenic beauty and a kind-hearted war veteran with struggles of his own. Will Cora find acceptance among the mountain people? Fans of historical fiction will find much to like in this heartwarming tale by an award-winning writer.

I loved the first book in this series, and while the second doesn't spend very much time with the original characters, I fell in love with this book's main characters as well. Basham is so gifted at setting the scene and drawing you in to the plot. I was actually surprised by how much action there was in the story. It kept me reading the whole book in one sitting! I loved Jeb and Cora, and enjoyed revisiting the McAdams family. Another thing Basham does so well is weaving theological truth-nuggets into the story in a way that is meaningful without distracting from the narrative. I'm really hoping for a sequel telling Kizzie's story next!

Loved the Appalachian setting! Very realistic with humor, superstition and heartache. Cora had such a giving heart. The aftereffects of war hurts more than the people served as portrayed in the novel. Recommended!

The second trip to the Appalachian Mountain town of Maple Springs in The Heart of the Mountains was just as enjoyable as the first! I loved the sweeping mountain setting. the charming irresistible characters and the inspirational storyline about finding God and our place in this world.

Pepper Basham returns to her ancestral roots in this wonderful story about mountain life and the people who dwell there. Cora Taylor and Jeb McAdams are the main characters who don't have much in common except their shared WWI experiences and trying to find their footing again after the fact. From their dramatic first meet to the final pages of the story, they have a chemistry that was hard to resist. Pepper is an expert at describing attraction and to quote Jeb, "Lord, have mercy". That made me smile every time!

I loved all the humor! Young Isom and Jeb's conversation about what to look for in a good wife made me laugh out loud! However, there's also a solemn thought-provoking side to this story too. The effects of alcoholism, superstition, judgementalism and the harshness of mountain life among them.

Basham has written some wonderful quotes that were especially noteworthy,

*"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."

*"Time has 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."

The Heart of the Mountains is a truly exceptional heart stirring story. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series from the talented pen of Pepper Basham. I appreciate Barbour Publishing making a copy of The Heart of the Mountains available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

I wish to thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cora escapes Britain to avoid an arranged marriage and heads to the Blue Ridge Mountains to join her brother and Uncle who have written her to tell her what a beautiful place it is to live. She has served as a nurse in World War I and feels her skills might be something she can offer to help her brother and uncle’s community. Acceptance is slow but little by little she proves her value.

This is a delightful way to spend a rainy weekend and a book that you will totally enjoy. The ways of the mountain folk are beautifully detailed and the story is clearly presented. You will quickly be absorbed by the lore, the characters, the pets, and Jeb and Cora’s romance. There is a lot to this story to hold the readers interest from the very beginning. The reader learns a lot about mountain herbal medicines, the lives of the inhabitants in the area includes all sorts of problems and deals with each in tender ways. I highly recommend it and will go back and read the author’s other books now that I have discovered her.