Ann H. GabhartRecensioni

“‘Would you consider marriage, Miss Dean? To me’…He not only had said the words, he was implying the Lord wanted him to do so.”

*Sigh.* There is something so romantic about the turn of the century (early 1900s) and the people who lived in the hollers and mountains of Kentucky.

Ann H. Gabhart spins her tale, The Song of Sourwood Mountain, and soon you are caught up in its melodic web. The heart and soul of the people of that era rise hauntingly to the forefront of a hard life. The people are hard-working, fiercely independent, and suspicious of strangers who are “ brought in” from the outside. They rally around their own and protect secrets that shouldn’t escape the hills and hollers.

It is into this world that Mira Dean, a young teacher, enters, very reluctantly, as part of a marriage of convenience. Gordon Covington has started a church and a school. He is the pastor, but he desperately needs a teacher. And he thinks God is telling him Mira, a former acquaintance, is the one.

Mira tries to run away from the idea, but boy, does she resemble Jonah of the Bible as God places roadblock after roadblock in her path, until finally, as Mira consults her erstwhile landlady, Miss Ophelia, Mira tells the woman Gordon’s approach to the issue and faith in general: “He claims that sometimes the Lord expects a man to step onto a path that is thick with the fog of the unknown. A path where he has to simply take the next step without knowing if there is a firm path there.”

I enjoyed the stern, no-nonsense- approach to life of Miss Ophelia. Surprisingly, she provides several laughs!

What a not so propitious start to a marriage! Can Mira and Gordon make a go of this marriage, as Gordon believes?

“I can’t marry you. I don’t love you.” She looked directly into his eyes. “You don’t love me.” “But I love the Lord. You love the Lord. I believe he will honor that love, and with a common mission in both our hearts, the Lord will grow love between us as he did so many of those he brought together in the Bible.”

Ada June broke my heart and captured it at the same time. I wondered if I would have had the wisdom to deal with her many fears and her difficult past?
Don’t miss Joseph, Elsinore, and Bo! And the connections within the community were amazing! People are very complex in this novel, just as in real life, and a couple threw me for a loop!

Song… can be reminiscent of Catherine Marshall’s Christy, yet it is different. Making one’s heart desires those that please God is one of the main themes. God, in turn, gives us happiness in those desires. This beautiful novel is covered by a fantasticly colorful and appealing scene that begs you to read the book.

I received a copy of the book from Revell and Library Thing Early Readers via NetGalley. I also bought a pb copy for myself and one to give away. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Ours would be a mission school with our own rules for the position of teacher. A teacher chosen by the Lord.”

“When I see a bluebird, I can’t help but think of the love with which the Lord surely formed that first bird. Through that love, the Lord gifted us with joy and hope whenever our eyes delight in its sight. May this little bird help you remember not only my love but the Lord’s as well. A bluebird of happiness.”

“One doesn’t have to know everything about one’s destination when one begins a journey.”

“What were the desires of her heart? She had a ready answer. To teach them. To let her light shine. Sometimes she would quote the next verse to them. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. That was her way of letting them know that the Lord would, as her mother always said, provide. He would plant the proper desires in their hearts and show them the way to reach those goals in life. Had she taught that and never truly believed it?”

“He isn’t my young man, and I haven’t received a call to be a missionary.” “Are you sure? I think that is why you ran away this morning. You are afraid of the call you are feeling. Fear has a way of paralyzing us, coloring our thoughts, making us want to believe we know more than God.”

“Do you want me to live out your dream?” “No.” Miss Ophelia shook her head. “I want you to live out your dream. One the Lord appears to be pushing you toward.”

“Don’t we all have choices?” “We do, but sometimes until we walk the same paths as others, we can’t understand the choices they make. It’s a hard life.”

“Pain on the outside helped her not feel the pain on the inside that never went away.”

“Do more than hope. Pray.”

“The Lord doesn’t limit our prayers. He’s ready to answer abundantly if it is in his will.”

“I’m not in the reforming business. Just the spreading the gospel business. I let the Lord do what reforming he thinks needs doing.”

“Sometimes niceness was just a coating like moss on a wet rock that was slippery if a body depended on stepping full on it.”

“We often think we know the best way and have a sure idea of what should happen, without considering if those ways we want to choose will delight the Lord. What we should do, what I feel the Lord wants us to do, is let him plant those desires in our hearts.”

From the suspicious and cantankerous to the grieving and misunderstood, Ann H Gabhart flawlessly pens a character driven story filled with insights into the Appalachian culture of the early 1900s. I felt like I was living with these characters, scaling the Kentucky hills, and struggling with its occupants to obtain food, shelter and warmth. I also came to empathize with the frequent heartache they endured.

This story helped me gain a sense of the vastly different cultures of this time and location. I truly loved sweet, ten year old Ada June and her dog, Bo. Her life, I’m sure, mimicked those true survivors that were cared for by relatives, neighbors and Appalachia itself. The courage she displayed, along with that of Mira in moving to this unknown place and the other brave women dispersed throughout this story, was inspiring and challenging. I enjoyed every minute of this story of God’s providence and grace.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

Sweet, wholesome, and uplifting; this historical inspirational romance is heavy on the historical drama and light on the romance. Within the span of a week Mira Dean has lost her teaching position, her lodging, and committed to marrying a man she barely knows to be a preacher's wife and teacher in the Kentucky hills. Mira prays on it and feel that the Lord is calling her to take a leap of faith and to help the children who have never had a school or a teacher. She fervently hope that she will learn to love the stranger she married as well. When she arrives in Sourwood she finds herself instantly falling in love the community and their strange ways. A 10 year old orphan named Ada June also takes a spot in her heart and vice versa. When one door closes, another one opens.

I am a huge fan of Ann H Gabhart's books and was excited to have the opportunity to get my hands on her newest release, The Song of Sourwood Mountain. I believe it is among my favorites that I have read by her to date. I adored Mira and Gordon's story. I instantly felt a connection to Mira from the start. I understood the thoughts and feelings she was going through. I enjoyed the chemistry between Mira and Gordon and wanted to see how it would end for them. A beautiful heartwarming tale to read. I loved it.

I am giving The Song of Sourwood Mountain a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical fiction, particularly early twentieth century Appalachian era. As always, I will be looking forward to more releases from Ann H Gabhart in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Ann H Gabhart's The Song of Sourwood Mountain from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart is a beautiful story about learning to love all kinds of people through obedience to the Lord. Mira's story begins with an unexpected offer and whisks you away down a path of faith and trust as she strives to follow God's will for her life. Some of my favorite things about this book:
A marriage of convenience.
A secluded mountain town.
Rich in mountain-life culture.
Vibrant characters.
Tension between the mountain people and their outsider preacher. (Also made me nervous and kept turning pages!)
A strong faith element is woven throughout the story. I loved all the scripture and strong faith arcs for Mira and Gordon. I think we can all relate to them in some way!
And a tale that grabs your interest from the first line!
This is another great novel by Ann H. Gabhart. I love how she brings her characters to life and immerses you in the time and place. Fans of historical romance would enjoy this story, especially if you like more deep or spiritual-themed books.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

3.5 Stars
The Song of Sourwood Mountain takes readers to the mountains of eastern Kentucky, life in the holler, and the challenges of living in the woods.
Schoolteacher Mira Dean is content to accept her life as a spinster at the age of 25, while teaching her students at the local city school. Preacher Gordon Covington knows what having a school will do for the people of Sourwood. Proposing a marriage of convenience – with the caveat of having her own school – Gordon and Mira set off for an adventure she never dreamed of having.
There’s a huge cast of characters that bring Sourwood to life. Each one is connected to the other, though sometimes nobody knows how, even Mira and Gordon. But the connections that are eventually revealed will surprise some readers. Joseph and Ada June are adorable children that allow Mira’s character to shine in the community where she’s a complete stranger.
Descriptions of the landscape help readers navigate the setting of thick woods and hilly landscapes. One can almost imagine the characters walking through the pages.
There is a strong faith thread throughout the entire novel and it’s refreshing to see characters struggling with their own wants knowing what God expects of them.
Even though it’s a marriage of convenience story, much of the focus is on Mira and her relationship with the women of Sourwood. Not a whole lot of romance happens after the rushed wedding.
For readers who enjoy a deeper kind of story without a lot of romance, The Song of Sourwood Mountain is an excellent choice.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

5 stars, Bluebird of Happiness

THE SONG OF SOURWOOD MOUNTAIN
by Ann H. Gabhart

One of the reasons I love books by Ann H. Gabhart, is that each book is a complete story. I get tired of all of the series' that a lot of other authors produce. I like the way Ms. Gabhart allows you to get to know her characters and what makes them tick.

This is the story of Mira Dean and Gordon Covington, not starting out as a romance, but instead as a proposed marriage of convenience. Mira is instantly turned off, she has always wanted a true marriage with love and children.

Gordon believes that a wife would be a helpmeet in his mountain community. Since they are basically strangers, a marriage of convenience could be the answer.

I like the mention of Mira's Bluebird of Happiness. I have one also, made of blown, blue glass. For me, it is a reminder of the love of our family. I have given another one to my husband's grandmother, because she is a special friend to me.

I received a complimentary copy of #TheSongOfSourwoodMountain from #RevellBooks #NetGalley #AnnHGabhart I was under no obligation to post a review.

#ChristianHistoricalFiction #historicalfiction #inspyfic #Inspirational #Kentucky #blessings #BakerPublishingGroup #BluebirdOfHappiness #marriageofconvenience

Have you ever made a quick decision that could potentially be the best decision ever or disastrous? Mira Dean’s put in this position when an old schoolmate turned preacher offers her a teaching position in Sourwood, in the hollers of Appalachian Kentucky. Gordon Covington not only asks her to leave her home in Louisville and current teaching position, but asks for her hand in marriage. After grieving the loss of her deceased fiancé and parents, Mira never imagined her dream of a husband and family would come true, but, can she accept this rash proposal and travel to an unknown, very different community to become their teacher and a preacher’s wife?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved Mira. At first, she has no intention of accepting Gordon’s proposal, but with a little prodding from the spunky Miss Ophelia and after losing her job & home in one fell swoop, she’s willing to take it to the Lord and give it some thought. I admired her bravery and willingness to follow the Lord’s promptings. Gordon was such an enjoyable character too with his golden retriever personality. He had a crush on Mira when they were in school and still carries that attraction. I loved how he wanted to do everything he could to make her comfortable and take care of her.
I loved the people of Sourwood Mountain and the way the author captured their endearing personalities, customs, and speaking. Though considered a “brought-in flatlander” this tight knit community took Mira and “Preacher Gordon” into their hearts and offered them all they had. I especially loved ten year old Ada June and watching her flourish. There’s a bit of a mystery surrounding what happened to her ma. Ada June doesn’t speak and is a sort of wild child, that is until Mira takes her under her wing.
Along with Mira trying to fit in and learn how to help the people of Sourwood, there’s a beautiful marriage of convenience story that grows from friendship to love. Though Gordon falls first, I loved the way Mira had a positive, go with it attitude and was willing to give her marriage a real chance. They’re all in it together and I enjoyed seeing how they worked together to grow closer to each other while helping the people of Sourwood.
Highly recommend this beautiful, inspiring, gentle, endearing story to historical & Christian romance fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Very enjoyable. She is a good storyteller.

The Song of Sourwood Mountain, by Ann H. Gabhart, is a stand alone Christian historical story that takes place in the early 1900’s. Mira has lost her parents and fiance and is now a school teacher who’s job has been cancelled and apartment is being taken over by the owner’s niece. At the same time, Gordon, a boy from her past, has come to town, asked her to marry him and and move to Sourwood Kentucky to teach in his mission school. With no where else to go, and feeling God’s hand in the situation, she eventually accepts.

This is a well written, easy to read and imagine, enjoyable story to read. I enjoyed how this story points out that God is in control and knows what is best for Mira and Gordon. I enjoyed the humor within the story of the way the people in Sourwood do things and speak. I also enjoyed how loving and caring they both are toward the people, especially the young orphaned girl. It is interesting to read how the people of the community look upon the young girl and how she is treated.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

loved this book from the first page. Would suggest it to everyone

I really enjoy novels set in Kentucky mountainsides, and this was another great historical read based in that area. Mira is happy being a teacher and living in the small rental room, but she is starting to feel the longing for a family of her own. But that would mean a husband, and giving up her teaching career and she hasn't really met anyone meeting her fancy and the two kind of go hand in hand. When a classmate from her past offers her just what she has been thinking about. She cannot believe how presumptuous this is of him! It has been years since they were in school and are different people now. But when it seems doors are closing and giving her no other options, she realizes that just maybe his offer was God's way of giving her what she has wanted. I really loved this storyline as well as the characters. I also enjoyed the other stories wound through out and especially loved little miss Ada June! This was a great heartfelt novel about trusting in the Lord in putting us where we are needed. Thank you to the author and the Revell blogger program for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

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.

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.

I loved this story of hope and romance and starting over. I loved Gordon and Mira and Ada June. I enjoyed all the descriptions of the mountains and hollers of Kentucky. I laughed and cried. I could not put the book down. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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.*

This was such an amazing read. I finished it about 10 days ago and have read at least 4 other books since then and still - just starting to write this review gives me all the feels again.
I just LOVED the characters. Loved them so much. Mira was so modest and kind, so brave. Gordon was, he was amazing. I loved him more and more every time I read about him. Reading about how he treated Mira, the kids of Sourwood and all the other people there, but especially how he pursued the things he felt God told him to without hesitating just made me smile. I also enjoyed their love story a lot. It was a real marriage of convenience but in contrast to most modern romances with that trope it wasn’t a fake marriage where the main characters fall for each other without wanting to, but a real marriage, a real commitment where especially Mira tries her best to love Gordon - with God’s help. I loved how real that was and how God blessed their marriage because of their faithfulness to Him and to each other.
“But I love the Lord. You love the Lord. I believe he will honor that love, and with a common mission in both our hearts, the Lord will grow love between us as he did so many of those he brought together in the Bible.”
“She pulled in a breath and pushed out the necessary words. “I do.” Nothing more was expected, but before Reverend Haskell went on with the ceremony, she added, “With the Lord’s help.” Gordon took her hand in his then. “And I say the same.” “Not a bad addition to the vows,” Reverend Haskell said.”
I also enjoyed most side characters. Like Joseph, Bo (yes, this dog is definitely a character!) or Miss Ophelia who made me laugh quite a few times. I wished she would have moved to Sourwood with Mira so we could have read about her even more.
But Ada June is the real treasure of this book. This girl immediately had my heart and I cried so much for her and the hardships she went through. For me it would have been a great book without her, but it was an absolutely amazing read with her in it and I loved reading about how she slowly healed, started to trust more and more people and found friends and a family again.
“”Can I call you Mama?” Miss Mira looked surprised but pleased. “Please do, daughter mine.” [...] Her new mama reached to smooth Ada June’s hair away from her face. She picked out a twig and smiled. “But I have to say you smell more like dirt than starlight this time.””
Trusting in God is probably the major theme of the book and I loved watching the different character’s learning to trust God more and especially appreciated the scenes when Joseph or Ada June started to have questions and how Mira and Gordon talked to them about God, faith and prayer.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Mira quotes from Proverbs 3: 5-6)
There is a lot of heartache in this book, but also a lot of love and hope and even though I have a lump in my throat just remembering the grief I’ve read about, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the first book by the author that I’ve read, but I will definitely pick up another book of her’s! * I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing (Early Reviewers) via NetGalley. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.

Ann H. Gabhart is the best at weaving together life in the Appalachian Mountains, faith, and love. The Song of Sourwood Mountain, a fictional historical Christian novel, is the love story of brought-in preacher Gordon Covington and teacher Mira Dean, surrounded by the phenomenal folk of Sourwood. This enthralling story’s theme is to trust God no matter what happens.

Gabhart’s picturesque prose takes her readers back to 1910 Sourwood, Kentucky, luring them to immerse themselves in life in the holler. Imagine the only method of cooking being in a fireplace. Even Mira was shocked. The wonderful women of the holler embraced Mira, offering their wisdom and help. They taught her the art of cooking over an open fire. Even little Ada June pitched in, teaching Mira how to cook cornbread in exchange for book learning before school started.

This heartwarming, heart-wrenching, gripping story will forever remain in my heart. I enjoyed living amongst the mountain folk of Sourwood and was sorry to leave when the story ended.

For readers who fancy historical Christian fiction, I highly recommend The Song of Sourwood Mountain by the phenomenal author Ann H. Gabhart.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.

I loved this book from the very start. When that happens I read fast, wanting to see how things develop in the book. I loved the Christian aspects in the book which is very heart-warming to me. I love this type of book, so much! It kind of reminds me of my husband's grandmother whose husband settled in Hawaii and sent for what was called a "picture bride" who he married after 3 days of their meeting. Well Mira wants to be a wife and mother, but when she is surprised to be told by preacher Gordon Covington that he was called by God to preach and that he should marry Mira, she was not happy about this turn in her life. She was a schoolteacher with a good job and a place to live. But does God also have plans for her and causing a little redirection in her life?
Such a good read. I am so glad I was able to read this book and I wouldn't have wanted to miss it. This author has definitely become a favorite of mine and I don't want to pass by any of her books!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Name of book:The Song of Sourwood Mountain Author: Ann Gabhart Publisher: Revell
I have been anticipating Song of Sourwood Mountain since I saw the beautiful. I love choosing a book because of its cover, and this was a winner. As the book begins, Mira's life seems to be coming apart by its threads. Her teaching job has been eliminated, on the heels of hearing that her landlady wants her room for a family member. And what's more important is, she is given a marriage of convenience proposal. Is this for real?
This book reminded me of Christy by Catherine Marshal. So, if you enjoyed this, you will enjoy Song of Sourwood Mountain. I love the characters, all of them, but I am a bit partial to Mira and Gordon. I love how they communicate with each other, and how they are so humble in wanting to help. The setting is in the Appalachian mountains, and any book set in these mountains is a super hit for me. Author Ann Gabhart does a phenomenal job with developing her characters, and having them develop just the right times. I love Gabhart's book and would highly recommend them all but especially this one. I'm giving Song of Sourwood Mountain 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.

I did not finish this book. I tried really hard to like it and ignore the content, but it was too much for me. There was a madwoman who poisons people, detailed descriptions of childbearing, many discussions with too much detail about marriage.
I could not connect with the characters at all. I felt like Darcie was complaining about living the Shaker life for most of the novel and attempting to figure out which Shakers did not like the lifestyle.
Honestly, the best part of this novel was Flynn's daughter. She was super sweet and full of energy and hope. We get to see a bit of Shaker life from the view of a seven-year-old child and that is priceless.
Due to the content, I will not be reading any more books by this author.

Rating: 1 Star
Content: 1 Star

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Listen closely, and you'll hear the gentle melody of The Song of Sourwood Mountain, a captivating tale that resonates with the spirit of Appalachia. This 5+ star book, in my opinion, is a priceless treasure, weaving together the threads of faith, love, and the rugged beauty of the mountains.

This heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching story gripped me, each page a melody echoing throughout the hollows of my heart. Ann H. Gabhart has a gift for crafting characters who feel like old friends, their lives intricately woven into the very fabric of the mountains they call home.

In the heart of these ancient hills, we meet Mira Dean, a woman faced with an unexpected proposal from Gordon Covington, a preacher with a vision for a mission school in the mountains. At first, Gordon's persistence may seem overbearing, but as we explore the depths into his character, we see a man led by faith, trusting in God's plan.

The Appalachian setting comes alive with every word, painting a vivid picture of the rugged beauty and the resilient spirit of the people who call it home. As Mira and Gordon navigate the twists and turns of their new life together, we see their love story unfold with genuine tenderness, mirroring the sweet melody of a bluebird's song.

But it's not just Mira and Gordon who steal the show. Ada June and her loyal four-legged companion, Bo, capture our hearts with their courage and resilience in the face of soul-shaking adversity. Their presence in Mira and Gordon's lives adds exquisite, eternal depth and warmth to the story, reminding us of the found family that can emerge in unexpected places.

Throughout the novel, the theme of trusting in Almighty God and His plan shines brightly. I absolutely loved the Christian faith content! Here is a quote that I have memorized: “Fear has a way of paralyzing us, coloring our thoughts, making us want to believe we know more than God.”

Each character's journey, filled with joys and sorrows alike, unfolds in harmony with the Appalachian landscape, creating a symphony of faith, hope, trust, and love.

As I read, I found myself savoring every sentence, not wanting the book to end yet unable to resist the pull of the next chapter. Gabhart's masterful storytelling drew me into a world where the bluebird's melody intertwined with the whispers of the mountains.

The Song of Sourwood Mountain continues to linger in my heart long, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for the symphony of life's joys and sorrows.

For anyone seeking a soul-stirring journey through the heart of Appalachia, The Song of Sourwood Mountain is an absolute must-read. It's a bluebird's melody that will echo in your heart, reminding you of the beauty and resilience found in the heart of the mountains.

I received a digital copy of The Song of Sourwood Mountain from Revell. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

I enjoy reading about the Appalachian Mountain people and I thoroughly became engrossed in reading The Song Of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart, which was a very heartwarming saga of Mira and Gordon going to Sourwood, Kentucky and running a mission school. The mountain people have a hard life, but this book shows how the people stick together through thick and thin, and though poor are so rich in very Godly ways . What a very inspirational book well worth a readers time. All of Ann H. Gabhart's books that I've read are amazing!

"When Mira Dean left her rooms for church on Sunday morning, she had no idea that she would hear a proposal of marriage before she returned for her midday meal."

Fans of Christy will love this heart tugging story! Set in 1910, the life of Mira takes a sudden turn as she accepts a post as a schoolteacher in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.

Full of interesting characters whose local speech colors in the picture of mountain life with both joys and sorrows. Mira and Gordon are a wonderful pair to watch as their marriage of convenience grows into something more. Ada June steals the show as she and Bo quickly work their way into Mira's heart. The story has plenty of spiritual elements gently added as they struggle through difficulties, growing their faith and learning to love each other. It was a wonderful story from start to finish. I wish it had been a bit longer, but there is room for a sequel perhaps.
Recommend! 4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)½

I love stories set in Appalachia, and Ann Gabhart is a master at spinning an Appalachian tale with her authentic and thoughtful portrayal of the hardworking, caring Kentucky mountain people and their culture. Set in 1910, This heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching story kept me engaged from beginning to end. Beautifully crafted characters who you come to care for drive the story. I love Mira and Gordon and the way their marriage of convenience develops into a solid relationship built on love. I actually enjoyed ten-year-old Ada June’s touching storyline most of all. As always in Ms. Gabhart’s books, I greatly appreciate the strong faith element that permeates the story. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.