The Heart of the Mountains

5 stars, Two wounded souls THE HEART OF THE MOUNTAINS (MY HEART BELONGS IN THE BLUE RIDGE #2) by Pepper Basham Jeb and Cora are suffering, they don't think anyone else feels the same way that they do, since they've survived the heartache of war. The book is set in 1919 in the Appalachian Mountains. Jeb has returned home after the war took some of his best friends in the world. Cora has fled there from England, after being pressured to marry an unsuitable man. Cora's brother-a doctor and teacher, and her uncle-a preacher have already called these mountains home for several years. I like Cora and Jeb the best, out of all of the characters. They both have big hearts and are willing to go above what anyone else would be willing to do, to help a person in need. Cora is a nurse, who hopes to use her skills to assist anyone who's willing to accept help from a "flatlander." Jeb works at a local sawmill, and he also has side projects that he keeps himself busy with, to escape his war memories when they start closing in on him. There are several other characters in the book, that are intriguing. I did not read book #1 in this series, LAUREL'S DREAM. This book, #2 is a stand-alone. There were a couple of unsettled areas for me in this book, but they may very well be solved, in future books. I liked the way the book is in the inspirational, Christian genres, but does not come across as preachy or condescending. Highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy of #theheartofthemountains by #pepperdbasham from #barbourpublishing I was under no obligation to post a review. #favoritebooks #inspyfiction #christianhistoricalfiction #coverlove #barbour

Cora and Jeb’s story is a beautiful tale of redemption, and finding purpose in the midst of heartache, pain, and regrets. Learning about the Blue Ridge Mountain culture was enlightening through the eyes a British woman floundering to make sense of her past and present. Cora with her indomitable spirit is a wonderful heroine and I loved seeing her relationship with her brother Jonathan. Jeb’s heart for his family and community, his desire to find and create beauty, and his faithfulness even in small things make him a memorable hero. The story does address some tough issues like alcoholism, trafficking, and domestic violence but grace and forgiveness triumph to bring much needed healing. Seeing how medicine operated in 1919 North Carolina mountains was fascinating. I really enjoyed catching up with Laurel and Jonathan from the previous book in the series as well. If you enjoy historical romance, this book is the perfect summer read for you. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

The Heart of the Mountains is a sequel to Laurel’s Dream – My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge by Pepper Basham. I’m never sure if the next book will live up to the first, but I can say without reservation The Heart of the Mountains is fabulous. I love, love, love this series, and I love Jebediah and Cora’s story. The characters are delightful. Jeb McAdams, quiet and sensitive, is the perfect match for the adventurous and strong-willed Cora Taylor. Basham paints a marvelous picture of Appalachian life and the secondary characters add a richness to the story that brings the mountain world alive. If you like stories with surprises, you’ll like this story. That’s not to say it’s a big mystery or super suspenseful, but there are some twists and turns that are unexpected. The Heart of the Mountains is a beautiful story about God’s love and mercy to us if we’ll trust him for our good. Laurel says it best, “It’s a wonder why it always takes a body so long to want God’s way over our own, ain’t it?” Yes, indeed. I’d give this story ten stars if I could. It’s one I’ll read again and again. I received an ARC for review, but of course I purchased the paperback.