About the Book
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
Review :
Basham's smart take on the good Samaritan parable testifies to the resilience of the human spirit and the mysterious workings of heavenly wisdom: "God had a way of placing beauty in the most surprising places." The result is an inspiring tale about living in harmony through God's love.
-- "Publishers Weekly" (5/11/2022 12:00:00 AM)
"Pepper Basham weaves a stunning tale of suffering and hope set in the heart of Appalachia. Blending romance, humor, and history, The Heart of the Mountains reveals a God who not only heals the broken but redeems hearts in ways no one can imagine." - Tara Johnson, author of All Through the Night, Where Dandelions Bloom, and Engraved on the Heart.
"The Heart of the Mountains is a world created with exceptional skills by Pepper Basham. It immersed me in the mountain life until I could see the scenery, smell the plants, hear the mountain breeze and the bird calls. All of that was wonderful, but more than that was the way I felt as I read. The hurt, the love, the longing, the loss, the fear, the joy. Basham created a beautiful, emotional work of art. I enjoyed every word."
- Mary Connealy, bestselling author of The Element of Love
Pepper Basham's The Heart of the Mountains has a perfect title, as her story reveals the hearts of her characters as they face one challenge after another in their mountain community. You'll hardly have time to catch your breath from one exciting scene to the next. Great characters, great setting, great background history. Great story! You won't want to miss it.
- Ann H. Gabhart, bestselling author of Along a Storied Trail
Exciting. Moving. Humorous. Touching. The Heart of the Mountains touches every sense. With characters that are strong and determined and a story that moves like honey dripping from the comb, Pepper Basham has nailed this Appalachian story. Set in 1919, Basham draws the reader in with the strength and sassiness of Cora Taylor. She grasps the era, the mountains, and heart of the people of the mountains. This must read will find you flipping page after page and sad when it ends. Pepper Basham's work is exquisite.
- Cindy K. Sproles, author of Christian Market Book Award, Novel of the Year, What Momma Left Behind
The Heart of the Mountains is a beautiful story of second-chances, redemption, and finding home. Filled with breathtaking scenery, heart-tugging encounters, and tender romance, this latest story by Pepper Basham will leave you feeling as if you've just spent time in the dangerous, yet fascinating, Appalachian Mountains."
- Gabrielle Meyer, author of When the Day Comes
