Ann H. Gabhart

I absolutely loved this story. Set in the early 1900s, partially in Louisville, Kentucky, and largely in the Appalachian community of Sourwood, Kentucky, the story is filled with memorable, believable characters that readers will, for the most part, come to love and respect. Of course, there are a few more cantankerous ones to keep the story lively. Readers will share in the characters' joys and sorrows, and may come to see how the two can coincide in their own lives. They may also come to see that they, like some of the people of Sourwood, have more love to give and more backbone to support themselves than they ever realized. As with her other books set in Appalachia, Gabhart shows and understanding of, and a high regard for, the people there, honoring their ways and avoiding caricatures. The colloquial language she incorporates enhances the tale.

I give The Song of Sourwood Mountain five stars and am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.… (altro)

I didn’t want to put this book down as I quickly fell into Mira’s life that she had relegated herself to since the death of her fiancée. But….God has different plans and as doors close God opens one to a life completely different than what she envisioned. I immediately fell in love with Ada June and in my opinion she carried the story to new heights. In the midst of all the changes in her life Mira also finds the blessings and as she grows and learns the ways of the Appalachian people she finds they have become a part of herself. I loved the characters and the storytelling as it’s like sitting on your porch listening as a storyteller immerses you in what they have to say which is part of Appalachian history. I love that this author has that ability and I am always satisfied when I turn the last page. From the beautiful cover to the ending you will find you can’t devour it fast enough but that you want to slow down so you can savor the words. I highly recommend as you won’t want to miss meeting characters that stay with you.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.… (altro)

In this unusual marriage of convenience story, Mira is also encountering a lifestyle that she knows nothing about. But when God blocks her way of life in the city, she follows the lead He provides. “You don’t have a problem, my dear. You have an opportunity.” She marries Preacher Gordon and travels to a backwoods community to become a teacher to children in Sourwood, Kentucky.
Ms. Gabhart is an extraordinary storyteller. She is an artist with words and paints a realistic picture of existence in the hollers of Appalachia in 1910. The little expressions and mountain traditions bring the story to life, the characters are likable, authentic and drew me into the story.
The portrayal of Mira as she dealt with the unknown and as she connected with the mountain folk was well written. You can tell the author has dogs by the way she depicts their behavior. A favorite character was Ada June, a lonely orphan girl who is passed from family to family because she can help with children and chores. After her mother dies, she chooses to speak to a select few. But the tender heart of Mira shows Ada June love and pulls her out of her shell.
This was a memorable story that touched on many emotions and was a very satisfying read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was nit required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*… (altro)