An Appalachian Summer in Clearly Christian Readathon

Jul 16, 2020 Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed-on-my-blog

This was my first book by Ann H. Gabbart and it was so lovely and well written. I had never heard of the Frontier Nursing Service or the person who began it Mary Breckinridge. I was actually so intrigued I went on a search myself and found her story very interesting and selfless that because of the heartache over the loss of her own two young children caused her to devote her life to the well being of of mothers and children in the remote areas of southeastern Kentucky. I think this made me love This was my first book by Ann H. Gabbart and it was so lovely and well written. I had never heard of the Frontier Nursing Service or the person who began it Mary Breckinridge. I was actually so intrigued I went on a search myself and found her story very interesting and selfless that because of the heartache over the loss of her own two young children caused her to devote her life to the well being of of mothers and children in the remote areas of southeastern Kentucky. I think this made me love the book even more.

The story takes place in the beginnings of the Depression Era and the after the suffragette movement where women have now begun to vocalize their wants to be more than just a trophy wife. This is where we meet Piper at her debut party and right away you can tell she is none too happy about it but wants to please her mom and not disappoint her. She feels like there is more to life and her heart definitely belongs to another.

A the debut party we meet Piper's escort and man that her father has "arranged" for her, Braxton Crandall, I mean he is okay and I am sure a catch for the time period we are immersed in but right away I knew he was not the man for Piper!

Truda is her aunt which definitely encourages Piper to follow her heart rather than what society and her parents deem from her. I loved Truda!! She definitely tells it like it is and is not afraid to speak her mind. She definitely stands by what she believes. You also get to learn why she is single and cheer her on the entire story. I won't tell you much but she definitely has her own story within Piper's!!

When we meet Mary Breckinridge at a fundraising tea she is looking for more volunteers for her Frontier Nursing Service. She sees something in Piper and urges her to try something new. By leaving home, she leaves everything behind, including her best friend Jamie who she has loved since childhood. She learns so much about herself in the mountains and learns that she can do anything put before her.

The love story between her and Jamie is sweet and definitely one you cheer on throughout the story. There are some times when you want to bonk him upside the head but I think that's how the author meant for you to feel which I love because it means you are totally invested in the story.

If you like historical fiction I definitely recommend this book. I thought it was very well written and I can't wait to read more from this author. She has already been added to my growing list of authors to read books from!

Favorite quotes:

"Every person should be allowed one idiotic dream in her lifetime." ~ Truda

I received a copy of this book from Revell . I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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Jul 19, 2021 Betsy rated it really liked it

In addition to being an uplifting and heartwarming story which I listened to via audiobook, An Appalachian Summer gave me a peek into a different time and way of life. This 1930s era book was not only good storytelling but very informative about a group I had never heard of before, the Frontier Nurse Midwives. Ann Gabhart’s writing made me feel like I was right there on the trail with the midwives and couriers. In addition to the history presented, there was not one, but two sweet romances to wa ...more

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Sep 17, 2022 Barbara Campbell rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobooks, christian-fiction, summer

Delightful read! I have read a number of books set in depression era Appalachia. Most relating to the Pack Horse Librarians. This is the first one that talks about the nurse-midwives that tended to the Mountain folk. The history is fascinating to me. Gabhart's character are varied and well developed... they quickly become friends and acquaintances with my heart. I listened to the audio version and the narrator did an excellent job! ...more

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