Great story!
I really liked the story and plot but felt as though the story got muddy half way though. Belle is a beautiful character and I loved Worth. I felt as though they had a strong connection and the plot was great! However, the side characters were a bit much for me. I felt as though there was too much going on at once. The story got muddled together and it got confusing. I did really like the story. I might recommend this book to my friends and family.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway is set to release in April 2024. Very interesting story. I really appreciate that it’s a historical fiction account of the building of the Grove Park Inn, and includes many nods of real life. It brought me into the world of the early 1900s, and made me picture life at that time. I appreciate that the author tells the story of strong women, in a time where being a strong women was looked down upon. Additionally, although there is a clear class destination between the upper class and lower class, the story reminds us that every person matters. I think this is an important message, and tends to be forgotten.
In my opinion, I felt like there were parts that were a little confusing, where the story would jump around. There were almost too many characters, it was hard to keep them separated. Overall, I did enjoy this story, but just wish it was a little more concise.

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

An interesting premise of a story. Historical fiction account of the building of the Grove Park Inn. At times the heroine was frustrating. It appeared the author kept inventing silly, unbelievable reasons for the hero and heroine to keep pushing each other away. Although the heroine is supposed to be researching an article she's writing, it seems that the story gets bogged down in parts by all the lengthy detailed descriptions of the construction of the building. Overall, I found the story mostly likeable. Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy.

This book centers on Belle Newbold as she is visiting the mountains for the first time in seven years since her father was killed when they lived in the West Virginia. So much of the fear of poverty comes out in Belle's story as well as the stories she eventually told of the workers who built the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. I love that Joy Callaway tells stories about strong women in a time when strong women were not encouraged. I also love that she told the stories of those who helped build the Grove Park Inn combined with real people and fictional people. There is still a lot going on in the story that will keep you turning the pages. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

WHAT THE MOUNTAINS REMEMBER by JOY CALLOWAY is a most enjoyable read with interesting characters, some of them real people, mostly inventors, who lived in the early 1900’s, and a story rich with romance, betrayal, guilt and forgiveness.Although we see blatent class distinction and the plight of the working class, we also are made aware of the value of every human being. This is well brought out in the writings of Belle Newbold, the stepdaughter of Shipley Newbold, the gasoline magnate, who interviewed the architect and labourers who were building the magnificen Grove Park Inn for her article, instead of only honouring the investors…..
The setting is rhe Vagabond camp in the mountains. Belle’s relationship with Worth Delafield is one of convenience. They both do not want to fall in love as they have lost loved ones and carry the pain. We are clearly shown that living a life without love and a sense of belonging is not living at all.
The mountains in which the camp is siuated evoke painful memories for each of them. There are secrets on both sides and the fear of someone finding the truth is very strong. Belle’s cousin Marie Austen Kipp has opposite desires to Belle, of whom she is extremely jealous, and causes a lot of trouble for herself and Belle, who is supposed to be her best friend. We see Belle’s relationship with her mother, as opposed to that of Marie Austen with her mother.
I highly recommend this enjoyable and inspirational novel to anyone who likes a really good story with uderlying substance.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Harper Muse. The opinions in this review are completely my own.