Review: The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

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 I 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 arrives. Now, she seems to show up at every turn, bringing her ideas, curiosity, and beautiful eyes with her. Their mutual understanding of the costs of war leads to an unspoken bond that develops into a hesitant friendship. 

 

As Cora turns her nursing experience and determination on establishing hygiene and education for women in the Appalachian community while also attempting to rescue Jeb from his own ghosts, Cora and Jeb’s partnership turns into a project of celebrating the gifts within Appalachia. But when the past sweeps back into their lives and an outbreak of scarlet fever threatens the future, will Cora and Jeb find a way to work together – even if it means unplanned matrimony – or will their different lives and brokenness tear them apart?

My Review

I loved so many things about this book. I didn't quite know what to expect, and it starts with some danger and excitement which pulled me right in and immersed me in the setting. The author did a great job of showing rather than telling about the personalities of her characters, and it brought them to life in my mind as I read. Cora comes from such a different culture and landscape, and I admired that she was compassionate and accepting rather than judgemental of the differences she encountered. Jeb especially felt that as she learns about his family secrets and helps as much as she can. I loved Jeb's determination to persevere through his struggles and continue to find hope and joy in his woodworking talent and his family. Cora is a healer and she works with the interesting people she encounters to learn and serve in more ways than just the physical. The sweet romance developed naturally and I enjoyed their chemistry and the common ground they find in helping the community, even at the most unexpected times.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.