The Red Ribbon

Written by Pepper Basham

Narrated by Jeanine Bartel

An Appalachian Feud Blows Up in 1912

In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history.

Ava Burcham isn’t your typical Blue Ridge Mountains girl. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious
desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned. The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705066744

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 Red Ribbon

[kimd66 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I won an autographed copy, and wasn't sure the genre was for me. Luckily, a great story is a great story. Based on true events, I highly recommend.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Red Ribbon, written by Pepper Basham, not only continues the excellent True Colors crime series but continues it well. It is another gripping story taken from the pages of history, this history being the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912. The author has crafted unforgettable characters. Ava, a spitfire with deep-rooted fears of becoming someone to shun. "Would her past always wait in the shadows of her present?" Jeremiah, protective, tender, full of quiet strength, and not afraid to show his love. Keen, a broken, black-hearted villain. The plot moves well with twists and turns to keep the reader's interest high until the edge-of-the-seat end of the story. The Red Ribbon, with its Appalachian mountain bootlegger clansmen and Ava and Jeremiah's sweet romance, is a perfect blend of intrigue and tender moments, and the result is an entertaining and satisfying historical romance. Readers who love historical fiction will not want to miss this one.I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

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

I really enjoyed this great read. I have loved all the books in this series. It is a great idea for these writers to take a true crime and build another story around it. This shows how people that might have been innocent bystanders could get involved with the people that commit the crime. This story made me cry at times. I loved Ava and how strong she was. I enjoyed seeing how everyone might see something a little differently from each other. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the newest addition to the True Colors series by Barbour Publishing and The Red Ribbon certainly doesn't disappoint. Author Pepper Basham explores the true facts about an Appalachian feud in 1912 but she adds fictional characters to tell this story of the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre and the "largest manhunt that the state of Virginia had ever known". Basham uses the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains for a backdrop as she explores a special friendship that promises to become much more during this time of feudin' and fightin'. Amy Burcham and Jeremiah Sutphin have long been friends but the circumstances surrounding this Courthouse Tragedy makes them aware that there could be more. Amy's life has been overshadowed by her late mother's mental state and this makes her reluctant but Jeremiah reminds her that "I've been sparkin' you most of my life, so you might as well get used to the idea of courtin' me." Basham's use of Appalachian dialect certainly adds to this book's realism and the twists and turns make this a story that I found hard to put down. It is, however, the commonsense wisdom and the strong faith element that I found especially enjoyable."God ain't siitin' up in heaven watchin' a show down here on earth. He don't mind gettin' His hands dirty. Else, He'd never sent the Savior." Granny BurchamIf you enjoy mystery mixed with history and fiction flavored with facts, you will certainly want to read this exceptional Christian historical fiction!I received a copy from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own opinions.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thought this fictional book about the very real Hillsville Courthouse Massacre was extremely fascinating! The history is well researched. The plot is attention grabbing with its complex storyline and interesting characters. I think this is my first novel by this author, but I really enjoyed her writing style and will definitely be adding more of her books to my list! I liked the plot twists in the novel and the romance was definitely clean but swoon worthy. It is very easy to become invested in the book and it is hard to put down. I think this might be one of my favorites in this series! Highly recommended!I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham is a treat for those who like a like true crime novel. Basham blends historical figures with fictional characters to recreate the Courthouse Massacre that took place in 1912 Virginia. Drawing from real events that Basham has knowledge of (the setting is her home town,) she creates a page-turner complete with an endearing heroine, a hunky leading man, and some seriously nefarious goings-on. This reader felt like she had stepped right into a world of feuds, backwoods justice, and less than legal activities. Ava Burcham is alone in the world, but for her Granny and her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin. She is haunted by a past filled with violence. Convinced by her own beliefs and the accusations of others that bad blood will out, she despairs of every having a real family. But this spunky, never shy away from a challenge character has truth spoken into her life about who she is and her place in God’s family. I loved how Ava’s granny uses down-home wisdom and truth right from the scripture to proclaim that the only blood of any worth is that shed by Jesus. The suspense builds, as does the sweet romance between Ava and Jeremiah. Caught between rivals, they rely on each other and God.So if you are looking for an historical novel filled with authenticity, check out The Red Ribbon. This one is a great look into the long ago days and ways of Appalachian mountain folk. A great addition to the True Colors series, and a winner from Basham!Recommended.Audience: Adults.(Thanks to Celebrate Lit and Barbour/NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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

The Red Ribbon, #8 True Colors Series by Pepper Basham is one of the best novels in the series so far. Each book seems better than the one before, if possible. Why did I love this book?First, I loved this story for its setting, taking place in the Appalachian Mountains in 1911. A time when mountain life was a culture unto itself, stills were known but not discussed, bootlegging was common, and families held unto feuds for generations.Second, Pepper Basham writes with such an engaging style. Flowing and descriptive, Basham’s beautifully painted details plunk the reader down smack dab in the middle of the uncertainty of unrest between two mountain clans.Thirdly, the romance between Ava and Jeremiah is so wonderfully sweet as it swings from childhood friends to grown young adults in love.Fourth, there are so many pearls of wisdom from both Ava’s granny and Jeremiah’s grandfather. Each chapter opens with a quote from one or the other. Solid wisdom.Fifth, there are so many repeated Scripture nuggets, and truths that are life-changing. They help Ava overcome her struggles and some of them are truths I am reminded to cling to in hard times. A book is great when it seamlessly includes these.Sixth, last but not least, the horrific crime that is not what it seems. All compelling factors to produce an exciting book. A must-read!I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving these opinions, which are solely my own.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am enjoying reading this series and learning about historical crimes that made headlines. This story was especially fun to read because I loved the western feel of it. We get a glimpse of what it was like to live during 1912 in the Appalachian Mountains. The author does a great job of making readers feel as though they are right there in the middle of the story. Ava is one feisty young woman who is determined to find out the truth when she sets her mind to something. She is hesitant to let her heart fall for anyone for fear she may turn out like her mama. Some say her mama was crazy in the head and Ava thinks she will have the same affliction. I liked how Ava had this quality of never giving up. Her lack of trust holds her back at times and she will need to learn to give her fears to God. Jeremiah was probably my favorite character because he has such a good heart. He is trustworthy, hardworking and fair. He has had his eyes on Ava for awhile and knows he must let her know his true feelings. The kiss they share is sweet and gave me hope that we would see a relationship develop between them. The author does a great job of using Jeremiah to share his faith with Ava. I can’t forget to mention a very special character who I adored. Ava’s grandma was the sweetest woman ever. She was always there to listen to Ava when she felt she would never be able to marry. Ava’s grandma reminds her to have faith in God and to trust Him with everything. The story is an adventure into moon shining, deceit, greed and a lesson in faith. There is a mighty big storm brewing in the town as families start to turn on each other. It’s hard to keep the peace when there are men willing to do anything to protect their secrets. The courthouse scene is one I won’t soon forget. I didn’t know anything about The Courthouse Tragedy, but the author delivers history mixed with a bit of fiction to bring this historical event to the surface. I can’t imagine what it must have been like as the sound of gunfire started. I’m sure people were trying to find a place to hide as men took to violence in the middle of a trial. I read the Historical Note at the end of the book and found many interesting facts. No one knows who shot first and I like that the author kept true to the facts. In her notes she explains that pride did get in the way and perhaps forced someone to take action. I loved how she explains about the people involved in this tragedy and what happened to them. I really enjoyed reading this book and appreciate how the author shares , “In a fallen world, broken things happen, but Christ came to mend the broken-hearted and raise up those who have fallen.” Even in the midst of tragedy like this story describes, God was there to heal the pain and give them hope for a better future as he restores their faith. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Of the eight True Colors books published by Barbour thus far, this latest one by Pepper Basham is my favorite. “The Red Ribbon” is based on the 1912 Hillsville Courthouse Massacre in Carroll County, Virginia, an event unknown to me before reading this book. Nothing says historic Appalachia like a feud, and this story illustrates how deeply grudges run through generations and how it takes only one small spark to set them ablaze: “A terrible foreboding rife with long-held anger and blind rage breathed out from the crowd, with fingers from the past twisting half truths and hard hearts.” As a resident of northern Appalachia myself, I have always loved the rural and the rustic, preferring the backwoods over the city any day. Therefore, I was fairly certain that I was going to enjoy this book, and having no foreknowledge of the crime was an added bonus in the suspense department!With skilled authenticity, Basham interlaces the historical record with fictional characters to create a tragic and inspirational tale complete with wholesome romance. As much as I love language, usually thick dialect distracts and even outright bothers me because it slows my pace and causes me to have to translate, but in this case it didn’t. None of the dialogue is at all difficult to figure out, and much of it reflects what I’ve grown up hearing, which lends it a comfortable familiarity. In this way and so many others, I feel a special connection with this book. I can easily connect with Ava Burcham and her fondness for writing, and with Jeremiah Sutphin’s bond with his dog, Wolf. The strength of family ties, whether biological or chosen, continues to be a mainstay for many in the Appalachian and other rural regions today.Because the main characters are fictional, “The Red Ribbon” has an intriguing sense of unpredictability. Up until the final chapter or two, how the ending will play out is largely a mystery, which makes me appreciate it all the more. Basham explores the dynamics of mountain life, including tragedy and trauma and how they shape the characters in both the past and the present. The subject of faith comes up mostly with regard to Ava, for whom “God had always seemed so far away, so distant, from the shadows waving a sinister hand over the works of the world. She’d asked Him into her heart as a little girl, but with so much brokenness in her past, could she really trust Him with her future?” A struggle with which we all contend sometimes, trusting God comes more naturally when we go through difficult circumstances and, with each one, see how He provides for us and cares for us.Epigraphs for each chapter consist of Appalachian aphorisms from either Granny Burcham or Granddaddy Sutphin; they set the scene for the chapter and impart mountain wisdom. A cast of characters appears at the front of the book, which can be very helpful but which does have some spoilers for the story’s outcome (particularly for those with no prior knowledge of this historical event), so read it with caution! Given how reactive some of the characters are, it is easy to draw parallels between the early twentieth century and the present. As Ava realizes, though, we all have a choice: “She could focus on the losses and pain, allowing those dark thoughts to color the filter of every other scene in her life, or she could choose thankfulness, gratitude, and the belief that God touched it all with hope—held it all—and never took His attention away from her.” Which will you choose?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.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Red Ribbon, by Pepper Basham, is volume eight in the True Color series by Barbour Publishing. Each of the stories are fiction based on true crime stories in history. This story is based in Virginia in 1912 and covers the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre.Ava is a young lady who was orphaned at a young age. The area has been hit with many crimes and murders through out the years and her father’s and brother’s are just a couple of them. Ava was raised by a local family, had her grandmother close by and was really good friends with Jeremiah. As children and now adults, Jeremiah often rescues Ava in times of need.This is a great story. It is well written with strong characters. The writing is clear and it is easy to envision what is happening and the surroundings. I enjoyed reading the wisdom of Ava and Jeremiah’s grandparents that started the chapters. I enjoyed the character of Ava’s grandmother, especially how she helped Ava to understand her mother’s health background. This story is filled with action, suspense, and mystery with strong friendship and growing romance. I especially like the additional information the author provides at the end of the story that focuses on the real crime.I received an ebook copy of this story from t he publisher through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

[lindz2012 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you want to find some crime stories to read. This book can help with the craze. This series also will help with your craze for crime and historical events. This book is called The Red Ribbon. It deals with historical events evolved around clans and the courthouse tragedy in one county.This story is slow when you begin. Though, it does get better as you read. The plot is more interesting once the action starts. The main characters are a bit interesting. The clans are more telling. Hearing about the story of a father's death and how it connected in the book. It brings out the more about the historical events of the true crimes and what happens at the courthouse that triggers it all.If you are a historical fiction fan or crime fan this book, is for you. I hope you have the heart to take all the death and crime that takes place. Ava and Jeremiah seem to be pulled into trouble that may have all started with a kiss. But who kiss starts a feud between families and clans? Ava story reporting that starts it when there a rift. What may have brought on a courthouse massacre?

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you’re going to change the world around you, make sure you’re not the one changing to fit - Jeremiah Don’t expect to put this one aside until you find out who or what is behind all the danger and killing that leads up to the Courthouse Massacre of 1912. The Appalachian hills hold a certain amount of mystery to all those who have not lived or visited there. It seems hard to believe that there would be such enmity between two families or clans that the feud would last for generations. Such was the situation in Caroll County, Virginia. The Thomas and Allen clans had been at odds for years and it finally came to a head in that courthouse. Could a simple kiss set the scene for murder??Ava Burcham had seen her share of sorrow, losing her father and brother in violent deaths. Her job at the Temples Alteration Shop Allowed her to make a living with something she enjoyed - especially the beautiful ribbons. Never would she have guessed how important those red ribbons would become. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow romance that the author entwined into this story of illegal stills, danger and death. It showed the resiliency of the human spirit, especially when one puts their trust in God, knowing He will be there all the time - regardless of what you are going through.This ARC was revived through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. All comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

[cassiesbooksreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham is Christian Historical True Crime. Life is hard especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains but God is always the answer.There were exciting adventures to keep my interest even though some seemed unrealistic. The fictional details were well woven into the historical true crimes.The characters lived their faith no matter what they faced. I always enjoy reading about the background, the history and the real people behind the fictional story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 4 Stars

[grammy57 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have not read anything by Pepper Basham but I enjoyed this book and her writing style.It is the 8th book in the True Colors series. It is based on a true story but fictionalized. The history behind this book is a courthouse massacre.The main characters are quite well defined and believable. Ava is a spunky, young adult that was orphaned. Jeremiah is her childhood friend. The story revolves mostly around them. They are brought to life in this book and it's like reading about a friend of your friend. The story flowed well and kept my interest throughout. It was not boring at all and it was a book that was hard to put down at times. This is a Christian book in a very good way. It is not preachy but shows how you can depend on God. It also shows that you can have growth in your Christian life.The copy I read was ARC from Barbour Publishing and Netgalley. Sometimes ARC need more editing but this book did not. It was very well done and I would not have realized it was an ARC if I didn't know it. I would recommend this book to my friends. I give it a 4 out of 5-star rating.