Even if Nothing Else Is Certain

by Amy Willoughby-Burle

Even if nothing else is certain … love still is.

Ruby Foster loves her job as a Pack Horse librarian, but secretly she dreams of being a nurse. Since there are no schools for nursing in the hills of rural Kentucky in 1937, Ruby contents herself with harvesting medicinal plants, delivering her beloved library books, and dreaming. Dreaming mostly of a life that doesn’t leave her living in the past. Until one day she discovers that “past” camped out by the Hell for Certain creek. Could it really be Cole, the one who left her heartbroken so many years ago? Just when she starts to believe in her dreams and hope for love again, Cole reveals his true colors. Or is the truth she sees only another illusion?

“‘Even if Nothing Else Is Certain’ is a heartfelt story about healing, forgiveness, and the true meaning of home.” —Heather Bell Adams, author of ‘Maranatha Road’ and ‘The Good Luck Stone’

Genres: Clean Romance

276 pages, Paperback

Published March 27, 2024

About the author

Amy Willoughby-Burle grew up in the small coastal town of Kure Beach, North Carolina. She studied writing at East Carolina University and is now a writer and teacher living in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband and four children.

She writes about the mystery and wonder of everyday life. Her contemporary fiction focuses on the themes of second chances, redemption, and finding the beauty in the world around us. Amy is author of a collection of short stories entitled Out Across the Nowhere and a contributor to a number of anthologies. She is the author of the novels The Lemonade Year and The Year of Thorns and Honey.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a former librarian, I enjoy stories about the pack horse librarians. Even if Nothing Else is Certain is set in the hills of Kentucky, in a town named Certain. Author Amy Willoughby-Burle doesn’t include much about the pack horse librarian program, it is more a vessel for the story. One thing that disappointed me was the (I thought) excessive use of the word heck. I felt like the word was unnecessary.
Cole’s father was a swindler and Cole wants to right the wrongs of his father. He is fearful about how he will be treated by the town that chased his family out of town 15 years ago. Cole and Ruby were teens together and interested in each other.
Ruby became a pack horse librarian but her real interest is nursing. She reads all the medical-type books that come into the library. She is also interested in medicinals which helps her in the community.
The underlying theme of Even if Nothing Else is Certain is forgiveness and righting wrongdoing. Christian principles are evident in parts of the story.
Even if Nothing Else is Certain is an adult novel. Because of the language I cannot recommend the book for a K-12 Christian school library.
I received a complimentary copy of Even if Nothing Else is Certain. This is my honest review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an early copy and endorsing this one:

It’s a comfort and joy to return to Certain, Kentucky in this second novel of the series. Even if Nothing Else is Certain is a heartfelt story about healing, forgiveness, and the true meaning of home. This novel is perfect for anyone who’s ever tried to make amends for a past mistake; put simply, it’s for all of us. Through the characters of Ruby and Cole, Amy Willoughby-Burle has generously crafted a reminder of what remains in times of hardship: faith, hope, and love. Rich with historical details, a strong sense of place, a swoon worthy romance, and memorable characters, this novel offers a much-needed message of redemption.

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole Cooper is back in Certain, Kentucky - the only place that ever felt like home - and hoping to find forgiveness. Ruby Foster never left, and never really stopped waiting for her best friend to return. But lies, blackmail, and false impressions are roadblocks to a second chance between a con man’s son with a talent for storytelling and a pack horse librarian with dreams of becoming a nurse.

There’s a beautiful quality to Amy Willoughby-Burle’s writing that folds you into her storytelling, just as the voices of her characters wrap around you and carry the story along. Even if Nothing Else is Certain is a much anticipated follow up to the first of the A Love for Certain novels, Love For Certain, and all the more gratifying for continuing Daniel and Mattie’s story within the pages of Cole and Ruby’s tale.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to delve into this novel. I have been loving historical fictions lately and there’s nothing better than being introduced to a new (to me) author! The first thing that caught my attention was the incredibly descriptive imagery. It is almost poetic in its telling, and it didn’t take long to capture my imagination and submerge me in this world. This is a very character-driven novel, with many of townsfolk mentioned almost as much as the main characters, and everyone is so likable. Well, Cole’s character wasn’t one of my favorites, but he eventually won me over. I am a sucker for a good redemption arc, and this is magnified in this novel.

There are ghosts of the past that haunt the entire novel that tugs on your heart. Throughout the story Cole has flashbacks to further explain what happened in his past, and why he struggles like he does. I appreciated these brief reminiscences as they give more depth to Cole’s situation and did soften my heart towards him the more into the story I got. The past holds him captive and keeps him almost frozen in time, which is something that is incredibly relatable.

Ruby’s character is truly an angel and seeing the evident connection between her and Cole was so sweet. Their moments together were some of my favorite scenes. The ending was refreshing, and even though it was predictable it was sweet, nonetheless. I am so glad that I was able to read this well-written and heart-tugging novel and be introduced to a new author! There is truly nothing better.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Ruby were the best of friends during their adolescent years. Their friendship seemed to take on a whole new meaning one night with a kiss, then Cole and his family are gone. Fast forward to 1937, Ruby is pushing thirty and still remembers her best friend, but she also tries not to wish too much for a family all her own. She is happy to join in with the joy of her other girlfriends as they marry and have children. But Ruby is an independent sort, she was adopted by those she called grandparents, and they loved her till they passed. No, Ruby is a strong independent woman and someday her dreams may come true, but until then she is just fine. Then Cole steps back into her life.

Cole did not come from a good home. His father was something else, and throughout the story we get snippets of the past and how everything went down when his parents were forced out of the town. Cole wants to come back to the only place he ever thought of as home and make things right. Cole wants to come back to Ruby, his once upon a time best friend and the girl he loves.

Unfortunately, things do not go smoothly for these two. Just when Ruby thinks she and Cole has a chance at forever after, Cole's love for her comes into question. Is Cole different from his father, or has he been conning her this whole time? This was a good redemption and second chance romance that takes you back to a time when like today, things were not always certain.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Lori Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found the history of pack horse librarians fascinating. They endured difficult trails, tremendous weather challenges, and wild animals, putting their lives at risk, to take books to the people who desired them. These librarians were the life-line for many in the mountains, bringing hope and knowledge to them. So, the summary of this book jumped out at me right away.

I truly enjoyed reading about Ruby and the life that she had lived. Her friendships brought out the best in her and her upbringing, though it wasn’t a traditional one, showed her the true way and how to enjoy true life. These important lessons helped her reach out to one who had caused her much difficulty in her life, leaving her lost and alone when she trusted him. When that friend resurfaces 15 years later, Ruby has to decide how to approach him. She does it with grace, friendship, kindness, and courage, helping him rebuilt and find the community he needs to change.

I loved this story. It took twists and turns I could not see coming without being a suspenseful story. It shows us how difficult life can be but also how much hope and help friendships and communities bring to our lives. I found this Amy Willoughby-Burle to be an enjoyable author and I will be looking to read more of her stories soon.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres to read. Even if Nothing is Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle is Book 2 in the Love for Certain Series. I have not read Book 1 in this series yet, but I will go back and read it soon.

The book is set in rural Kentucky in 1937 and the main characters in the book are Ruby and Cole. "Ruby keeps her days busy as a librian and by "dreaming" of becoming a nurse. She tries to stay focused on what the future could hold in hopes of forgetting her past. Her heart was broken by Cole many years ago, but now she finds out that he has returned to town. The 2 begin talking to one another and Ruby soon discovers that maybe Cole hasn't changed after many years. Ruby also begins to have feelings for him again. Will Ruby give Cole a second chance? Will Cole be able to change and better himself?

I really enjoyed this book from the very first chapter. The time period of 1937 is such an intriguing time, especially for women who want to do things like nursing. I LOVE that Ruby realizes her dreams and what she wants in her future. I also like that Cole was really trying to make things better in his life after many struggles and so many wrongs in his life. Even if Nothing is Certain is a book about forgiveness, second chances and so much more. FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading about the Pack Horse Librarians. I think it would have been fun to do. And I enjoy reading about people who, even though they like their jobs, have dreams for the future. And Ruby was doing just that. Ruby is a great character with spunk and dreams. I enjoyed getting to know her.

Author Amy Willougby-Burle does a wonderful job of describing people and places. It really drew me in and placed me in the book. Even if Nothing Else is Certain is historical fiction and these descriptions did bring the past to life.

Past memories often popped up in the story, and healing had to happen. All the way through the story was hope for that and for the future. A good story, I encourage it for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Although this is book 2 in the Love for Certain series, it reads just fine as a stand alone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well! If the cover doesn't bowl you over with its' beauty, and the blurb on the back doesn't intrigue you even a little bit......READ THE FIRST CHAPTER!!! Even if you didn't read the first book in this series, you will certainly be drawn in to Ruby's world. I can't remember when a first chapter struck me so hard with its' rich descriptions and poetic wording! And then you get to the second chapter and get into the heart of the story....all I can say is that it hooked me like a big fish going for the first worm of fishing season! This town of Certain, Kentucky and its' citizens are very special and have a lot to teach us about life, love and forgiveness.
I am so happy to have been given a copy of this book as part of the street team/first readers. What a privilege!

[Lois Kennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several of this author's novels, some contemporary, some historical. Each one is filled with emotion, laughter, heartache, redemption, and hope. "Even if Nothing Else Is Certain" drew me into the beauty of rural Kentucky and the hardships of the Great Depression, but also radiated the love between people and their appreciation of what little they had. Several sweet love stories emerge in "Even if Nothing Else Is Certain," as well as questions about broken promises and who can be trusted. This story also gave me the gift of laughing out loud more than once--something I greatly treasure! What a marvelous, uplifting, and memorable book.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So thankful to read the second in Willoughby-Burle's "Certain series." This installment focuses again on loss, betrayal, redemption and faith. Pack horse librarian, healer Ruby has waited over fourteen years for the young Cole whose family left after swindling the towns- people of Certain of their deeded property. Cole wants to make things right with the town and Ruby, and to restart a life in the only place he ever felt 'certain.'

So uplifting. Good characters. Great descriptive writing. Eternal themes.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved going back to Certain Ky, I never wanted to leave after book 1 so I am happy to say I didn't want to leave after book 2. Romances and pack horse librarians go together in this must read book by Burle.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Kent Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful and heartwarming story. We all need family and friends as wonderful as those in Certain.