The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham

by | Aug 2, 2022 | Appalachian Mountains, Books, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Pepper Basham is a mastermind of storytelling when it comes to the Appalachian mountains. She paints beautiful word pictures of the world as seen from the ridges of their peaks. I love how she always brings together characters both from the mountains and from across the pond in England. Jeb and Cora’s story was a perfect example of why I love her books. 

The Heart of the Mountains takes place shortly after the Great War when Cora flees an unwanted arranged marriage in England and travels to her brother’s home in the mountains of North Carolina. She immediately finds herself in a precarious and dangerous position shortly after her arrival and is rescued by Jeb McAdams. Thus begins the tale of two mismatched souls who quickly find more in common than expected as they get to know one another.

Readers know that they will find a sweet romance complete with kissing when they pick up a book by this author. However it is the cast of other characters, the daily lifestyle of the mountain people, and the drama going on around them that really shines in this story. The city girl who sticks out like a sore thumb and the simple mountain man with a heart of gold who is willing to give up his own happiness to honor his dead friend were the perfect couple even if appearances said otherwise. It was fun getting to know them and observing the development of their relationship as they poured out their lives taking care of others. 

The Heart of the Moutains is a wonderful story that you will just have to read for yourself. I fear saying more would reveal too much and ruin it for you.

 

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: The Heart of the Mountains

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance

Release date: July 1, 2022

Click here to get your copy!

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?

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can learn more about Pepper at her website http://www.pepperdbasham.com or connect with her on FB, IG, or Twitter.

MORE FROM PEPPER:

It’s so interesting how one idea can influence an entire series, or…how one person’s story can.

The idea for The Heart of the Mountains started in Laurel’s Dream with a hint of a family history story about a girl named Kizzie. (Someday, I hope to bring Kizzie’s story to the pages of a book). From there, the idea began to grow out of a love for my Appalachian culture into a series of books which highlighted (and fictionalized) stories from my family history.

The main story in The Heart of the Mountains is about Jeb and Cora, two different people with similar servant hearts, but the secondary story that touched me so much was the one based on my great grandfather’s life. I write about it in the Author’s Note at the end of the novel, so I won’t go into detail about it. However, what I loved getting to do is bring the truth of God’s redemption in my great grandfather’s life…to life again.

I never knew “Papa Rat”. I only knew the stories handed down to me by my granny and my mama, but in writing this story, I feel as though I had a tiny opportunity to “meet” him in these pages. He was a gruff mountain man with a broken past which led him to make a whole lot of broken choices, but his story is incredibly encouraging, because it points to the God of broken people. My great grandpa wasn’t left in his brokenness, but, after years of running away from God, he would later recount that God pursued him. The beauty of Sam McAdams’ journey in The Heart of the Mountains is only a little glimpse into what I imagine my great grandpa’s redemption story looked like.

Because my great grandpa was forever changed when Jesus saved him (as any of us should be).

I think that’s what my granny and her siblings (and even “Papa Rat” himself) would want most -that his story would point to Jesus. I hope that’s what you see when you read about Sam McAdams in The Heart of the Mountains.

 Have you ever read a book based on family history? One of my favorites is Catherine Marshall’s Christy.

 

BLOG STOPS:

 

Bizwings Blog, July 28

Rachael’s Inkwell, July 28

Bigreadersite, July 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 29

Texas Book-aholic, July 29

Inklings and notions, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 30

Boondock Ramblings, July 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

Reading With Emily, July 31

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 31 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, August 1

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, August 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1

Daysong Reflections, August 2

deb’s Book Review, August 2

Live. Love. Read., August 2

Betti Mace, August 3

Book Looks by Lisa, August 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 3

Remembrancy, August 4

For Him and My Family, August 4

Blossoms and Blessings, August 4

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, August 5

By the Book, August 5

Wishful Endings, August 5

For the Love of Literature, August 6

Books, Books and More Books, August 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 6

Connie’s History Classroom, August 7

SodbusterLiving, August 7

Splashes of Joy, August 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 8

Back Porch Reads, August 9

Through the Fire Blogs, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 9

Labor Not in Vain, August 10

Miriam Jacob, August 10

To Everything There Is A Season, August 10

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e- gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/20389/the-heart-of-the-mountains-celebration-tour-giveaway

Out of the Night by Susan May Warren

by | Jul 31, 2022 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

For those readers who enjoyed the Montana Marshalls series by Susan May Warren but were left wanting more of RJ & York’s story, the new The Epic Story of RJ and York series is what you’ve been waiting for. For those who have not yet had the pleasure of reading the aforementioned series, I think you would enjoy this one also but I would recommend reading the Montana Marshalls first and/or perhaps the Global Search and Rescue series too. Or not! Even without the background story, this is the perfect book for those who enjoy lots of intrigue, suspense, danger, and action with a little romance and faith thrown in for good measure. 

What begins as a romantic trip to Paris for York and RJ does not turn out at all as expected. Their plans are quickly interrupted by a man they believed to be in prison and their lives quickly went awry and from bad to worse. This action packed tale had me turning the pages and wondering what else could possibly happen. If you’ve read anything by this author, you know that there is no end to the trauma to which her characters might be subjected.

Out of the Night not only continued RJ and York’s story but as I’ve come to expect from this author, familiar characters from her other books popped in from time to time. Of course as the first of three in this series,  readers can expect this one to be a cliffhanger. I guarantee that when you reach the end you will be eager for the next installment. 

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided for the author’s launch team. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Will he ever outrun trouble?

All former spy and current national security agent York Newhouse wants is to propose to the woman he loves, RJ Marshall. Then they can move to Shelly, Montana, and start the calm, safe life he’s been dreaming of for over a year.

Too bad trouble doesn’t agree…

Or maybe RJ simply attracts trouble because she’s just going out for coffee when she spots a wanted, known terrorist standing in the middle of a street in Paris. At least she thinks it’s international criminal Alan Martin, the mastermind behind a plot to kill the president.

But he’s in jail, right?

Wrong. Martin has escaped, and it’s up to RJ—and York—to keep him in their sights until he can be apprehended. But chasing down Martin means following him into the darkness of whatever plot he’s cooked up now.

So much for York’s epic proposal. Now, he just wants to escape Europe with their lives.

The romantic trilogy ignites in book of the Epic Story of RJ and York!

Continue the adventure!
Book 1: Out of the Night
Book 2: I Will Find You
Book 3: No Matter the Cost

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 85 novels with more than 1 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren.

Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden

by | Jul 31, 2022 | Books

MY REVIEW:

Written on the Wind is yet another fine example of why I love books by Elizabeth Camden. Her characters are fully developed and usually people I would enjoy getting to know. Her stories are woven around sometimes obscure historical facts that enrich my knowledge while also entertaining me. 

In Written on the Wind, the primary characters are from totally different parts of the world but have formed a unique friendship through their business communications. Dimitri, a Russian aristocrat, is involved with overseeing the construction of the Trans-Siberian railroad. Natalia is the daughter of a wealthy businessman and is allowed to work in his business against common practice. When all communication with Dimitri stops suddenly, Natalia becomes concerned and takes it upon herself to find him. Thus begins a dangerous adventure that extends across continents as they attempt to reveal the truth without destroying everything.

This wonderful book held my full attention until the very end. I enjoyed every minute of it and look forward to reading more by this talented author.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

He carries a dangerous secret, but can he survive long enough to expose it?

Count Dimitri Sokolov has been charged with overseeing construction of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, but during this work, he witnesses an appalling crime, the truth of which threatens the Russian monarchy. In an effort to silence him, the czar has stripped Dimitri of his title, his lands, and his freedom . . . but Dimitri has one asset the czar knows nothing about: his deep and abiding friendship with Natalia Blackstone. 

Natalia is the lead analyst for her father’s New York banking empire and manages their investment in the Trans-Siberian Railway. Her bond with Dimitri has flourished despite the miles between them, but when Dimitri goes unexpectedly missing, she sets the wheels in motion to find him. Once they join forces, they embark on a dangerous quest in which one wrong move could destroy them both.  

From the steppes of Russia to the corridors of power in Washington, Dimitri and Natalia will fight against all odds to save the railroad while exposing the truth. Can their newfound love survive the ordeal? 

Read an excerpt here.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered story lines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Awards and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

The Vow by D.L. Wood (Winter Deceptions: A Collection of Christian Suspense Novellas)

by | Jul 23, 2022 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Novella Collection, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

I have read and enjoyed several books by D. L. Wood so when the author requested reviewers to join her launch team for The Vow, I quickly responded. As a novella, the book is somewhat shorter than a full length novel but it is definitely not lacking in suspense. I read the story in one sitting because it grabbed my attention and I HAD to know what would happen. As in all good novels of this genre, the suspense grew gradually with several twists as well as more than one possibility for the responsible person who continued to torment Kate. All I can say is that I never guessed the culprit before their revelation. Wow!

If the collection, Winter Deceptions is of the same quality as The Vow, suspense fans have a real treat in store. I plan to preorder asap.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

?Kate’s husband left her a year ago, ending their marriage without warning. Now she’s spending one last Christmas at her famiy’s mountain cabin before selling it to raise cash. But when nostalgia moves her to keep the place, things quickly turn sinister, suggesting all is not what it seems. Will Kate be able to uncover what’s really going on before the danger finally closes in?

Preorder a copy here.

Learn more at https://winterdeceptions.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

D.L. Wood is a USA TODAY bestselling author of thrilling suspense laced with romance and faith. Her books have won multiple awards and her novel Unintended Target was selected as the May 2019 American Christian Fiction Writers Book Club book. She is an Amazon bestselling author of Christian Mystery & Suspense and millions of pages of her books have been read through Kindle Unlimited. In her previous career she was a practicing attorney, but is now having much more fun as a writer and is simply happy to lend that legal experience to her novels as needed.

D.L. writes CleanCaptivatingFiction™ that entertains AND uplifts. In her novels, she tries to give readers the same thing she wants:  a “can’t-put-it-down-stay-up-till-3am” character-driven story, full of heart, believability and adrenaline.

An avid reader herself, she started the CleanCaptivatingFiction™ Booklist because she wanted to enjoy more fiction that was not only entertaining but good for the soul. The best thing for her soul has been Jesus Christ and, hopefully, her stories in some small way cast a light on the peace to be found in him.

D.L. lives in North Alabama, where, if she isn’t writing, you’ll probably catch her curled up with a cup of Earl Grey (light milk, one sugar) and her Westies – Frodo and Dobby – bingeing on the latest BBC mystery series. Speaking of which, if you have a BBC mystery/detective series to recommend, please email her because she’s nearly exhausted the ones she knows about. She loves to hear from readers and you can reach her through the “Contact” button on this site.