The Heart of the Mountains in Clearly Christian Readathon

May 11, 2022 Heather Wood rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

"Woodwork soothed him some. Prayer too. And these mountains."

An English nurse and Appalachian woodworker find a common bond in the way participation in the Great War changed them, resulting in a sweet love growing between them. Heart of the Mountains is a meandering story that reads like a love letter to the people of the Appalachians. I realized quickly after picking it up that it is the sequel to Laurel's Dream, which I have but haven't read yet. I decided to continue reading this one first so ...more

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Jul 02, 2022 Melmo2610 rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2025-reread-goals

Another fantastic read from one of my favorites! After loving Laurel's Dream, a couple years ago, I have been so excited for this one. I really loved Cora as a character, and she is perfect for Jeb! The story has it all: romance, danger, humor and the reminder God is always in control. A simply wonderful read! ...more

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Apr 09, 2022 Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Every time I pick up a Pepper Basham book I know I'm in for a treat. This book was no exception. It had all the right elements plus so much more. I loved the setting of this story. Set in the Appalachian Mountains it seemed so rustic and secluded but honestly I found it quite peaceful despite all that was happening. Basham does such a great job at describing the setting and gives you all the details to put you right in the midst of it all. Not only does she do that with the setting but also with Every time I pick up a Pepper Basham book I know I'm in for a treat. This book was no exception. It had all the right elements plus so much more. I loved the setting of this story. Set in the Appalachian Mountains it seemed so rustic and secluded but honestly I found it quite peaceful despite all that was happening. Basham does such a great job at describing the setting and gives you all the details to put you right in the midst of it all. Not only does she do that with the setting but also with her characters. Each and every one of them had something to bring to the story. They were so believable and you could connect with them wether in a positive or negative way.

Cora and Jeb... (insert sigh). They were the perfect leading characters. Each had to learn something throughout the story about themselves and their journey with God. When they meet, you know there is going to be a slow burn romance happening and goodness you keep waiting for that first kiss scene that no one but Pepper can write! (I promise you it happens and totally worth the wait!)

Yes, the romance part of the book was amazing but what drew me in the most were the hard topics that Basham tackled in this story. I mean there was prostitution, alcoholism and abuse. She really writes about these in a tasteful manner but at the same time tugging at your soul and making you stop and think of God's redemptive grace while you read the words on this book regarding what these characters are going through. I love how this author doesn't shy away from her faith in her writing but rather holds on to it, breathes it, lives it and you can definitely see that in her writing and also in her life (which you can see if you follow her on social media).

I feel like there is more to this story that can be told! I would like to know about Jeb's sister and her whereabouts but as always I am just a greedy reader wanting more! If you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction I definitely recommend you go grab this one! Oh, and although this is the second in the series it can be read as a stand alone. I did and had no problem following the story but that doesn't mean I will not be reading the first one!!

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ...more

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Aug 08, 2022 Victoria rated it really liked it

Well I'm a little late the the Pepper Basham party but it's never to late to join. She only came onto my radar in the last year and I've been slowly making my way through her books and enjoying each one!

THE STORY:
From the very first chapter this book was giving me huge Christy vibes. Christy was one of my favourite books as a teenager and one of the first Christian Fiction books I read. I enjoyed the similarities between the two stories and the elements that made them different. I loved learning ...more

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Aug 16, 2022 Ochegba rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This story by Pepper Basham carries her signature style at its core but is aa beautiful story in its own right. Cora leaves all she knows to find herself in a totally new environment and she embraces it hardship and all. Though she ran from home out of desperation, she stays to help the people because she's determined to survive no matter what. I admired her courage all through the story. Jeb was also a beautiful character, dealing with his own baggage but coming to Cora's rescue again and again ...more

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May 27, 2022 Jennifer Hunt rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I loved this sweet book! It was an escape to another world and at the same time bolstered my courage to deal with the challenges of this one. Cora and Jeb were both delightful characters with resilience, ingenuity, and deep faith. I really hope there will be a third book about Jeb and Laurel’s lost sister Kezziah.

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Jul 22, 2022 Melissa Henderson rated it it was amazing

Brave, determined, strong willed, and more are ways to describe the main character. She has tough choices to make in order to live the life she desires. The author takes the reader on a journey of heart pounding scenes to tender encounters between old and new friends. A great read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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Jul 21, 2022 Audra Murray rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I seem to always finish Pepper Basham’s books with a “Wow!” What a powerful, lovely story.

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Jul 31, 2022 Elaine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: gentle-romance

I loved this sequel to Laurel’s Dream! It was nice to return to the mountains and see how Laurel and Jonathan were doing, but get to see things this time from the perspective of Jeb and Cora. I love how the author incorporates the gospel into her stories. I sure hope we get to find out what happens with Kezzie! I’d love to know Maggie’s story too.

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Aug 30, 2022 Karla Cook rated it it was amazing

Did you ever read Christy by Catherine Marshall? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read it. If you love it, like I do, you’re sure to enjoy The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham.

The story takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains following World War I. Cora was a battlefield nurse during the war, but she’s interested in learning more about herbal remedies and folk medicine. She travels from England to America to join her brother and uncle in the mountains. The lifestyle and practices are ...more

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Nov 12, 2022 Jeanette Durkin rated it it was amazing

A beautifully written book with fantastic imagery. A tender story of two people who carry scars from the war. Their lives entwine in the wilds of the Blue Ridge. Their faith in God helps them through some difficult circumstances. A love emerges despite the darkness of the mountains.

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May 15, 2022 Betsy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Compelling Drama!

I enjoyed this historical inspirational romance between two young people from very different worlds trying to find their way forward after experiencing the horrors of war. Set in Appalachian North Carolina after the Great War, this story shed light on the numerous challenges of mountain living as well as the many aspects of beauty and goodness that could also be found. The romance between Cora and Jeb, while of short duration, developed sweetly and felt realistic and believable. ...more

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