The Heart of the Mountains

Written by Pepper Basham

Narrated by Kate Forbes

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 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
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 at 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?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705066652

Pepper Basham

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC, where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com; Facebook: @pepperbasham; Instagram: @pepperbasham; Twitter: @pepperbasham; BookBub: @pepperbasham.

Reviews for The Heart of the Mountains

[Frances O'Connor · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.5 stars. Sweet story, with believable characters. Author did her research.

[Jenette McClanahan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent story. Characters were full of depth and very realistic. Being from the same mountains, I felt like I knew these people.

[Laura McLeroy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this story! The author is a wonderful story teller and those set in Appalachia seem to show her heart. This is the second book and Cora Taylor’s story as she comes to Maple Springs. What a culture shock she has and adventures. Thankfully she has Jen McAdams to help her. There is much to overcome, celebrate and the ending is quite an ending! I definitely recommend this book!

[Ann Bush · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book, because it spoke a lot about being authentic. I liked reading about life in the Appalachian mountains. This book follows some of the characters introduced in My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge - Laurel's Dream, which I enjoyed too. Both books are written as stand alones.

[Connie Pettersen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a great story of mountain life in Appalachia. It is well written and narrated. I easily give it five stars. This story reminded me a lot of Christy by Catherine Marshall and also the more recent Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer. The story is faith filled with God’s miraculous power of redemption.
Pepper Basham is a new author to me and I’m looking forward to many more of her historical novels. Well done!

[EG · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I just loved this book Pepper. Made me laugh and brought me to tears. Spoke straight to my heart reminding me of my calling . Thank you!!

[ibjoy1953 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOKI was so excites to have the honor to read another Pepper Basham book, and this one did not disappoint. This book takes readers back close to where Basham grew up when Cora Taylor travels from England to these Mountains to find her brother, after her father planned her marriage to a man she certainly would never marry. She soon meets Jeb McAdams, a man that has a past of not so good baggage, but the two have an interesting relationship.  I love, love, love this story. Pepper Basham has a way of writing that draws you into her stories and you just can’t leave. I love that she writes her home town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as her family as inspirations for her stories. I have a soft spot in my heart for the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the Blue Ridge Parkway because it is close to where I live, and we have made many, many trips down the Parkway, stopping along the way, getting to know the people. This makes this book so much fun. I really appreciate the cast of characters and the way they grow and develop along the way. I felt I was right there in the story with them, and I Love’s that! Basham deals with some tough issues in Jeb and Cora’s story, and she handles these issues like the professional she is. Readers are sure to see the love, forgiveness and redemption through Jesus in this story, but never fear, it is written in such a subtle way its fits well as part of the story. I Always love they way Basham weaves the faith and the Christian life into the lives of her characters.If you love a good historical fiction that is post WWI, you will love this one I am more that happy to give The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham Five Stars!A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Heart of the Mountains, by Pepper Basham, is book two in My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge series. Having not read the first story, this one was still very easy to follow. This is a very well written Christian historical fiction story based in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1919. The story is easy to read and grabbed my attention from the very beginning. This is a wonderful story of hope, helping others and family. I enjoyed the charters of Cora and Jeb, they are both so helpful and caring and Jeb goes out of his way to keep Cora’s reputation safe. I enjoyed the language that was used, such as itchy lips. I especially enjoyed the portions of the story that involved Cora helping others with medical needs and the dangers she put herself in to help others. This is such a good book.I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Maybe we can’t choose our hard, but I reckon we can choose how to live with it the right way.Ponder on God’s truths and good memories to counteract the bad ones. The Great War is over, but the memories do not disappear as quickly for those who survived. Jebediah McAdams returned without his best friend and nightmares that would not go away. Skilled in working with wood, he drowned his troubles in carving and building.Cora Taylor, a volunteer nurse, returns from the front to an arranged marriage that she will never consider. Running away from England to the wilds of the Blue Ridge might seem a little over board, except for her brother at the other end. Wow - how different life would be did not even enter her imagination. I must admit, the incredible detail made me want to run away as well.This fabulous early copy was received through Barbour Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. These thoughts and impressions are my own and are just the beginning of the mark that this book has made on my life!

[robbyefaye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pepper Basham has been a favorite author of mine for a long time. Her heart for the people of North Carolina and Blue Ridge Mountain area is endearingly real and heart-warming. Her passion for the locals and the region is richly illustrated and vividly expressed in The Heart of the Mountains.Cora Taylor and Jeb McAdams have both seen what war can do to someone – Jeb from personal experience and Cora from nursing experience. Both have fled to the mountains, albeit for different reasons.Basham's story deeply resonates with empathy, kindness, faith and hope as the main characters struggle to find their way in circumstances neither had ever imagined. The Heart of the Mountains is a poignant story about overcoming adversity and deepening faith. Cora and Jeb's endearing love story will stay with you long after you have read the last page.I received a review copy of this book from Celebrate Lit through  NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am so in awe of The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham that I doubt my review can do it justice. While The Heart of the Mountains is actually a sequel to Laurel’s Dream, it could easily be a companion book to Catherine Marshall’s Christy. Basham has so well transported the reader into the same world that Marshall originally created, albeit with different characters.The style, language, and premise is similar to Christy. An outsider enters the mountains, is rejected by many, yet forges ahead with a mentor. As Cora Taylor falls in love with the mountain’s unique culture and people, I was in rapture as I read one the best Christy-like books out there(and there have been several lately, but all pale in comparison to Basham’s offering.You will physically ache for the mountain people as well as the outsiders who wish to help them.So many heroes in this book. But besides the Cora and Jeb(a couple who will live in my mind forever), Caroline McAdams is a wonder. Her trust in God is rock-solid, even in horrible times, and she exhibits unconditional love. She looks beyond actions and sees the heart desires.“God did love His children. Anyway and always. No matter how broken or lost.” The characters in the novel grapple with (among other themes) social justice, racial equality, and fighting against unimaginable odds. Would Cora be trampled underfoot by all the obstacles in her new world? “People dealt with grief in so many different ways. Some wore their wounds better than others. Some sank beneath the pain, others soared.”I love finding nuggets of truth for today, my “Notable Quotables,” and Pepper Basham provided so many. What a glorious book!I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, plus I bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story is one that I will remember for a long time. The author draws readers in with vividness and anticipation. Without leaving my home I traveled to the mountains where wild animals roamed and met people who lived a life of hardship.Their ways were very different but gave insight into a world where many kept to themselves. It must have been a culture shock to those who traveled beyond their comfort zone. Cora was someone I admired because she stepped out of her safe life into a world where strangers were hard to befriend and danger was close as she traveled in the mountains where many liked their privacy. Running away so she would not be forced to marry someone she didn’t love , she travels to her brother’s place. She was not prepared for the journey ahead and found herself in an environment that would teach her to trust, forgiveness and never give up. Her skills as a nurse are valuable but not everyone welcomed her into their home. Jeb has a tender heart but also has a past that haunts him at times. Being in the war made him witness death in a brutal way. He likes to keep to himself but a certain woman has piqued his interest. It’s not everyday a refined woman is heard screaming on the side of a cliff. I liked how he came to Cora’s rescue and treated her with respect. I couldn’t wait to see how these two would interact with each other.It is a hard journey to witness as Cora tries to adjust to mountain life. The people that live there have their own ways about them. They don’t take kindly to outsiders and are very protective of their secrets. It is evident that Cora wants to be accepted but Jeb warns her that not everyone will trust her. I enjoyed watching Cora start to understand why God had directed her path to this place where comfort and peace was not always visible. The illustration of how God loves us no matter what we have done was well written. I think we all have felt like we can’t be forgiven but God shows us grace and loves us unconditionally. Witnessing how women are treated wrongly, alcoholism that turns people into dangerous threats to others, to learning the ways of the mountain people, Cora realizes that God is teaching her to love others without judgment. With Jeb close by to protect her they find a connection that will see them through hard times. The author is so gifted in telling a story that digs deep into your heart that it helps you remember that we are never alone. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a very fast read and I loved this historical romance. I loved reading about the Appalachian mountains. I loved Jeb and Cora. I loved how inspirational each character is in the story. I did not want to put the book down. I enjoyed how Jeb and Cora each had something that they needed to work out before they could be happy. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pepper Basham is one of those rare authors whose work I pick up without question, knowing that it will end up being one of the best books I’ll read that year. What makes it more remarkable is that I mostly steer away from romance-driven novels, yet here I sit after finishing “The Heart of the Mountains,” thinking that if another author had attempted this story, I likely would have found it overdone, but as it is, I feel a sense of fulfillment. It occurred to me that while some of the circumstances in the story seemed almost too providential or too sweet at times, there is a reason that our hearts ultimately long for these outcomes, and a reason to include them in Christian fiction. Just as the stories of some characters will reflect the fallen, broken nature of humanity, some may also point to the love Christ has for each of us. After all, happily-ever-after IS real for born-again followers of Jesus!With its 1919 Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains setting, “The Heart of the Mountains” is primarily a romance, complete with the inherent challenges, dangers, and customs therein. Cora Taylor arrives in Maple Springs after fleeing her family’s upper-class home in England to avoid being forced into an unwanted marriage, following the earlier path of her brother, who teaches at a local mission school. In spite of her experience on the war front over the past year, she still finds herself overwhelmed by how primitive her new surroundings are, and determined to prove herself, she considers that “Surely, she couldn’t just entrust everything to God. She’d had to fight so hard to make her place in a world where people thought she was too young to manage the devastation of nursing in war and too ‘female’ to do anything but end up as the wife of a rich man.” Even today, the struggle lives on, whether it’s based on gender bias or any other form of preconception. It is so much easier to try to take matters into our own hands than it is to trust the One who is truly in control. However, as the longsuffering Caroline McAdams wisely tells Cora, “But prayin’ is where we admit we ain’t the lords of our own lives, nor of any lives, to be true. And, as I study on it, God uses prayin’ to change my heart into what He’s wantin’ it to be in sun or rain, ‘cause I’m trustin’ His love and His plan.” This profound statement speaks to the place where our will and God’s will come into alignment, which is when mountains are moved and miracles happen. There are a myriad of life lessons contained within “The Heart of the Mountains,” all gently stemming from the truth of Scripture. As Cora observes and experiences more of the mountain life, she begins to realize the beauty and goodness amidst the hardship. Having less doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is worse off. Cora herself admits to local resident Jeb McAdams: “But I’ve felt more alive and more myself in the middle of the hardest days, than I ever felt in the easiest. There was purpose and this…this joy in making a difference, in offering even the smallest hope to those who were hurting or heartbroken. I don’t think I would have seen it before in my gilded world, but I do now. And I don’t wish to go back to what I was before.” Likewise, as is the case with life today, most of those in bad situations do not want to stay there and did not land there intentionally. Acting with kindness and love will always accomplish more, and as we live out the gospel, we will find more ways to share it with those who need it the most. While a sequel to “Laurel’s Dream,” which offers more backstory on the secondary characters, “The Heart of the Mountains” can be read as a standalone. It is such an inspirational, uplifting story that will touch every reader regardless of background. On a personal note, I love that Basham included a dulcimer in one of the scenes; my mom, who passed away last year, played the mountain dulcimer, and it’s rare to find it in a novel. Speaking of loss, Cora’s statement to Jeb resonated with me as well: “We trust that God’s love for us and the people we’ve lost is even bigger than ours for them. And so, whatever He’s chosen for their lives is a much better plan than one we can imagine.” Our relationship with the Lord is based on trust and our eternal hope in Him, and as with her other novels, Pepper Basham perfectly exemplifies this with “The Heart of the Mountains.” I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's hard to convey the many emotions that I felt while reading this book. I've read several of her stories before so I know the power of Pepper Basham's words but this story trumps them all. It's obvious that Basham loves the Blue Ridge Mountains: the people, the culture, and the inherent goodness that can be found there, and she also loves God. The Heart of the Mountains is a testament to all of these loves and we readers are gifted with a tale that we won't soon forget!I absolutely loved the characters! Cora Taylor, who is fleeing from an arranged marriage in England ends up in a mountain community in North Carolina. There she discovers a life she's never known, and she slowly adjusts, with the help of Preacher (her uncle Edward), Teacher Doctor (her brother Jonathan), and the war veteran who's trying to escape his tragic memories of World War I. Jeb McAdams helps Cora despite his initial reservations and proves to be one of the best fictional heroes ever. The Heart of the Mountains is filled with romance, faith, and the power of forgiveness, and I was deeply moved by the conversion story involving Jeb's father, Sam. This is historical Christian fiction at its best and I can't praise it enough!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[huberk-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

5 stars, Two wounded soulsTHE HEART OF THE MOUNTAINS (MY HEART BELONGS IN THE BLUE RIDGE #2)by Pepper BashamJeb 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

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pepper Basham's books set in Appalachia are always a treat. She very respectfully portrays an historical Appalachian lifestyle without shying away from the difficulties inherent in that lifestyle. She shines a light on the good and loving hearts while acknowledging the hearts that are hardened by adversity. Basham's characters are frequently quirky and easy to love; the characters in this book are no exception. The only thing that troubled me a bit about this book was the timeline. It wasn't the speed with which relationships were built, but the unrealistic speed with which furniture was built! I know, that won't make sense until you read the book, and you will want to read this book. As in her other books the characters have a great deal of wisdom to share. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Heart of the Mountains from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“Maybe we can’t choose our hard, but I reckon we can choose how to live with it the right way.”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.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a quick book to get lost in. A rather pampered girl, or she was until she ended up as a nurse in the The Great War, only to return home and find her father was arranging a marriage for her. So she does what a girl who has now grown up and seen the worst of the world, leaves England and goes to the Blue Ridge Mountains, world apart from what she has known, but now she begins to see the beauty that her brother and uncle have told her about.We meet people that are very wary of new flat landers, and those that embrace Cora, and what a heart she has for these people.We meet Jeb who literally comes to Cora's rescue.Some of the happenings here are hard to understand, these people have long held beliefs, along with many superstitions, that Cora did not share, but opened her mind and heart to helping!In the end I wondered if those I now cared about would even survive! Page turner for sure, and throw in some sweet romance!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.