In 1933 Louisville, Kentucky, even the ongoing economic depression cannot keep Piper Danson’s parents from insisting on a debut party. After all, their fortune came through the market crash intact, and they’ve picked out the perfect suitor for their daughter. Braxton Crandall can give her the kind of life she’s used to. The only problem? This is not the man–or the life–she really wants.When … Piper gets the opportunity to volunteer as a horseback Frontier Nursing courier in the Appalachian Mountains for the summer, she jumps at the chance to be something other than a dutiful daughter or a kept wife in a loveless marriage. The work is taxing, the scenery jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and the people she meets along the way open up a whole new world to her. The longer she stays, the more an advantageous marriage slips from her grasp. But something much more precious–true love–is drawing ever closer.Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart invites you into the storied hills of Eastern Kentucky to discover what happens when one intrepid young woman steps away from the restrictive past into a beautiful, wide-open future.
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An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart is a pleasing historical, Christian novel. I thought it was well-written with interesting characters. Piper Danson is twenty years old and not ready to settle down. She would like some adventure. Piper hears Mary Breckinridge speak at a tea arranged by her Aunt Truda and immediately volunteers. Piper loves the mountains with its natural beauty and even enjoys the hard work. She learns a variety of new skills while making friends with her fellow couriers, the nurse midwives, patients, and the families that inhabit the area. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the Appalachian Mountains the quirky people who lived in them. They residents do not take kindly to strangers especially governments types, but they love Mary Breckinridge and her workers. Piper is a woman finding her path in life. She is also given a chance to take God into her heart and discover love. Truda Danson was a delightful character. She was a woman ahead of her time. In today’s world, Truda would be running a large corporation. There was only one man who captured her interest and Truda never heard from him again their quick encounter at her debut ball. Jamie Russell has been Piper’s lifelong friend who never told her how he truly felt about her. When the Russell family lost their fortune, they decamped to Danville. Jamie finds his way to the mountains where he gathers information for articles he is writing for a paper. Can romance bloom in the mountains? Unfortunately, the course of true love is not a smooth one. There are a variety of secondary characters who include the other couriers, nurse midwives, a hardworking doctor, and Jamie’s opposition. I enjoyed reading An Appalachian Summer. A story about strong women, faith, hope, and love. An Appalachian Summer is a charming story that took me back in time among the people who live in the Appalachian Mountains.
Yet another wonderful story from Ann Gabhart! In this book, she takes us back to Hyden with the Frontier Nursing Service. This time we meet a debutant fresh from her coming-out ball who winds up mucking stalls in the Appalachian Mountains while running from the man she doesn’t want to marry. It’s a fun cast of characters who will tug at your heart – and surprise you! – throughout the story. I’m a long-time Ann Gabhart fan and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint.
A Perfect read for fans of historical fiction.
I was drawn to this book for several reasons besides the gorgeous cover. One I’m a fan of Ann Gabhart. I’ve met her and she is one of the nicest writers. Two, the book starts out in Louisville, KY. I love reading about my hometown of the past. Three, I was interested in learning the Frontier Nursing Service. I was not disappointed. I found myself turning pages late into the night.
A clean, Christian read for most all ages. I would have no issues giving this to older middle grade readers.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Ann Gabhart is a fellow Kentuckian. My favorite books by her are her novels set in the mountains. This was one of her “mountain stories”. It tells the tale of some of the couriers and nurses that served the mountain folks of Eastern Kentucky, around the Hyden area in the 1930’s. I enjoyed learning a bit more about this part of American History. Ann definitely did her research and I appreciate that! Most books set in the 1930’s focus solely on the Depression. Not so, this book. It was only mentioned in passing and was not a focal point. This book flows from beginning to end in a slow way, taking readers on a beautiful stroll through a mountain community, stopping along the way to visit neighbors. In my opinion, it’s the way the world should be now. I hope you’ll enjoy this book by Ann Gabhart.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review.
I love reading historical fiction and learning about something that existed in the past that I had little to no knowledge of. An Appalachian Summer is about the Frontier Nursing Service that was started in the hills of Kentucky to provide nurses and mid-wives to the people in the area. The organization eventually evolved into a hospital and a graduate school of midwifery. Today it is a highly ranked school for nurse-midwifery and family nurse practitioner programs.
The novel begins in 1933 at Piper Danson’s debutante party. She has had two years of college and doesn’t want a coming-out party but agrees to it to make her mom happy, even though she is miserable all dressed up and in the spotlight. Her parents’ goal is to help her find a rich husband who can take care of her and who she can learn to love over time. Her goal is to live life before she settles down as a wife. She knows that there is a whole world out there that she wants to explore but she isn’t sure how she’s going to make it happen. Her best friend, Jamie, isn’t in attendance because his family lost all their money in the depression and he is no longer accepted among the rich. Her aunt, a bit of a rebel, has a tea party where Piper meets Mary Breckinridge, the founder of the Frontier Nursing Service in Kentucky and is excited to be asked to be a horseback courier with the Frontier Nursing Service for the summer. Once she convinces her parents to let her participate in the program, she boards a train to Kentucky and her adventure begins.
Life in the mountains of Kentucky is nothing like her rich pampered life. She is expected to make long trips on horseback delivering supplies, paint buildings and milk cows. She helps the nurses with the sick children and even assists at births. She is thrilled with her new life and can’t imagine going home and getting married to the rich man that her father has picked out for her but what choice does she have? Society was structured so that she didn’t have many choices in her life. Can she find a way to change her future from what her parents expect to what she needs – a beautiful wide open future filled with true love.
This is my first book by this author and I look forward to future books. This was a light hearted book with characters that represented this time period. I loved learning about the nurse program in Kentucky and about the adventurous woman who kept it running during a time that women had few choices in their lives.
Hope, faith, and love abound as lives converge in the Appalachian Mountains. Reminiscent of Call The Midwife, Mrs. Breckinridge’s nurses and courier service in Appalachia are inspiring.
I connected with these young ladies as they stepped out of their comfort zones to do something bigger than themselves. I loved the rawness and authenticity of the mountain people. The characters were well written and stepped right out of the pages of the book.
Truda and Piper have pushed against the constraints of society. In the mountains they must both face what they learn about themselves. Will they decide to follow expectations or follow their hearts?
I was given a copy of this book courtesy of Baker Publishing House by Interviews and Reviews through NetGalley.
I recommend this book.
With An Appalachian Summer, accomplished storyteller Ann Gabhart offers a well-written, fact-based fictional tale capturing the flavor of Depression Era Appalachia in a respectful, engaging way. I loved learning about the historic Frontier Nursing Service founded by Mary Breckinridge who plays an important part in the lives of fictional characters Piper and Jamie. Jumping off the page and into your heart, this story runs the gamut of the emotions with delightfully humorous moments along with teary poignant ones. With beautifully crafted prose and dialogue, sweet romance, richly drawn memorable characters, and an inspiring faith thread, An Appalachian Summer is sure to please any reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it especially for lovers of historical romance.
I felt this book was too predictable. It was based on the story of real midwives who delivered babies for disadvantaged inhabitants of the hills. The subject matter could have been much more deeply developed than it was. The romantic storyline had very little tension.
In addition to being an uplifting and heartwarming story which I listened to via audiobook, An Appalachian Summer gave me a peek into a different time and way of life. This 1930s era book was not only good storytelling but very informative about a group I had never heard of before, the Frontier Nurse Midwives. Ann Gabhart’s writing made me feel like I was right there on the trail with the midwives and couriers. In addition to the history presented, there was not one, but two sweet romances to watch. A very enjoyable read!
An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart
Baker Publishing
June 30, 2020
Pages: 355
Reviewed by mrsboone4, Green Forest, AR, USA
Rating: 5 Stars
Review date: June 21, 2020
Piper Danson has lived a life of privilege. Even though many families in the USA lost everything, her family is still quite wealthy. Piper’s mother insists that Piper has a debutante ball, she hates every minute of it. Her best friend Jamie Russell wasn’t invited to the ball, because his family lost their fortune. Braxton Crandall of a railroad empire is whom her father chooses to be her husband. What can Piper do? She does the only thing she can, she runs!
Her Aunt Truda Danson hosts a tea, giving a lady who has started a charitable mission high in the Appalachians a chance to do a little fundraising and also recruit some couriers to come to help the staff take care of the horses for the Frontier Nursing Service that she started.
The FNS is a wonderful medical mission whose goal is to decrease maternity mothers’ and their infants’ premature deaths. They not only provide prenatal care but also shots and medical supplies to all who are in the area.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I can picture myself in Piper’s shoes, except that my family wasn’t rich and my marriage wasn’t an arranged one. Read the book and find out what happens with Piper’s future.
I am very thankful to #LibraryThing for the complimentary copy of #anappalachiansummer I was under no obligation to post a review.
Another wonderful historical fiction by Ann Gabhart!
I enjoyed this story of Piper Danson, who volunteers as a courier with the Frontier Nursing program in the Appalachian Mountains to escape the attentions of a suitor her father selected. Friendships bloom with the other couriers and nurses, and surprise visits up the stakes in a game of love Piper had not intended to play.
With my background in nursing, I enjoyed reading about this story set during the Great Depression era. The variety of characters and more than one love story kept the reading interesting. It seemed to get off to a little bit of a slow start (maybe because I was ready to get to the hills), but the pace picked up and held to the end. Looking forward to reading the others in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell, for providing a complimentary copy to review through Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not required or requested, and all words are my own.
I first saw this book because of a JustRead Tours social media takeover which I was a part of. I was supposed to get a copy through them, but sadly – the publisher failed to send them out. So, when I saw it on Interviews & Reviews – I decided to request it. The story definitely drew me in and it was a “must read”. It also didn’t hurt that the cover was simply gorgeous with all the purple in it. That sunset! WOW!
So, yes, the cover was the first thing that grabbed me!
I loved the idea that it was set in 1933 following the stock market crash, and prior to World War II. 1933 is important to me as my grandmother got married that September when she was 16. In October 1934, she had a son but he died a month later in November. I know the conditions for having children were bad in that time. She actually was in a larger city (near St. Louis, Missouri), and access to hospitals was better than the women in this book had. That gives this story some perspective as to how vital a service like this was.
As my grandmother off and on grew up on farms, this was an interesting look into a life I had only heard about through “hand-me-down” stories. I do know of some relatives who lived in the Appalachian area.
This story is actually based on the real life Mrs. Mary Carson Breckenridge (1881-1965; granddaughter of Vice President John C. Breckinridge) who founded the Frontier Nursing Service in 1925 which also led to the Frontier Graduate School of Midwifery. The school graduated its first class in 1940.
Readers will be interested to know that the Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Kentucky was reported first (1st) by U.S News & World Report of graduate schools of midwifery and 14th among family nurse practitioner programs in 2011.
Stories like this really give an interesting and entertaining look into history.
And, speaking of the stories – at the heart of those stories are the people/characters involved. This is told in third (3rd) person from Piper’s POV along with Jamie’s POV).
I instantly admired Piper. From the beginning, her reluctance to fall into the “debutante” lifestyle was admirable and a refreshing change. Instead of being served, she wanted to serve. She wanted to do something before settling into her life and I really loved that she made that decision. It was a shame her father, nor ill-fated suitor, Braxton could see it. Thankfully, Piper had no interest in him. For some reason, he reminded me of Hockley from the movie “Titanic”.
Aunt Truda was an absolute delight. Her honesty was candid, refreshing, and definitely added some perspective on the expectations of the times.
Jamie was definitely an admirable character because he didn’t give up on Piper. He also kept things low key and was mild-mannered. Of the male characters, I felt he was the strongest one. Despite his losses, he still maintained his personality and dignity.
Another character was Dr. Jackson Booker who had a connection to Truda. With that, the reader gets two (2) romances i with this beautiful read – Piper/Jamie and Truda/Jackson though there is more focus on Piper and Jamie.
The plot was absolutely moving. Gabhart’s vivid, colorful writing with authentic vernacular for the time and location, along with short chapters certainly made this a quick read. I was really surprised how interested I was in this – especially given my “history” with historical romance. And, I was surprised I didn’t want to put it down.
I got the feel for the society of that time – some of the ideas were, compared to now, quite silly. One was about pregnant women didn’t parade their expectant bodies around and thus pregnant women, when they started showing, were to remain confined at home. Instead of celebrating pregnancy, it was treated as something shameful. And, given how miraculous it is – that is quite the shame. But, that is why reading books such as this are also important.
It was also interesting to see how the different “classes” handled the stock market crash.
I enjoyed reading about the technological advances (vehicles) which were still combined with horse and buggy travel, along with travel by train. In addition, the book highlights the medical advances. Despite having hospitals, the Frontier Nursing Service was there to provide healthcare to those who had limited access, such as the mountain people of rural Kentucky, as well as remote and impoverished areas which. This drastically reduced the mother and infant mortality rates. Girls like Piper were often couriers and assisted the nurses along with the hospital staff.
There is some humorous talk about moonshiners and revenuers (IRS, FBI). As one character stated – one does not discuss religion, politics, moonshine, or revenuers; which lightened the tone of the story.
Piper learns more than she bargained for when it comes to life in the hills, but doesn’t shy away from the challenge. She also gets some valuable life skills. And, some aspects were almost funny. The chicken prep directions were, to me, hilarious; as was her trying to get the chicken.
To add to everything, Truda and Jamie both show up in Wendover. Both are there to “seek” out the people they still have feelings for. One lesson Truda learns, and it is one that is personal to me – some things are meant to be, even if decades had to pass. For Piper, it is coming to terms with balancing what is expected of her and what she wants.
Of course, Braxton also shows up calling for Piper as well to add even more drama.
There are some dramatic moments in this book that caused me to pause for a moment, and one was a teary-eyed moment. This is definitely a stunning and almost heartbreaking read, and it is a story that will stay with the reader for quite a while.
The publisher is a known Christian/faith themed group so there will be some bible and faith references, along with a strong belief in God. The references are not central to the plot so the reader won’t feel as though they’re being preached to. While a “clean” read, there might be a slight questionable “roundabout” reference to reproduction on page 75 (chapter 9).
Fans of the author and genre will no doubt enjoy Gabhart’s latest release. This was my first time reading Gabhart’s work, and I truly enjoyed the book.
I love books set in the Appalachian Mountains and have enjoyed several books by Ann Gabhart. An Appalachian Summer did not disappoint me! The book is fiction based on the Frontier Nursing Service and their midwives and couriers. Piper was an excellent female protagonist who was not interested in her debut or the man her father had chosen for her! I admired how Piper managed to postpone marriage by volunteering as a courier in the mountains. Piper was a courageous young lady who cared for horses, helped deliver babies and learned to kill and dress a chicken and to milk a cow as well as many other duties! Piper had loved Jamie since childhood but his now impoverished status does not meet Piper’s father’s requirements for a son-in-law! You will admire Dr. Jack who works at the local mountain hospital and remembers an intriguing young woman he met years ago. Piper’s aunt, Truda, has never married or forgotten the poor young intern she spent several hours visiting with. I recommend An Appalachian Summer to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction. I received a complimentary e-book from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
Ann H. Gabhart shares another story that centers around The Frontier Nursing Service and its founder, Mary Breckinridge, but this time her heroine is a young woman who leaves her Louisville, Kentucky home for a summer job in Hyden. Piper Danson has known a life of wealth and luxury but her family has seen the effects of the Great Depression and her parents tell her that they’ve found a man with money that she can marry. Piper, however, wants more! She wants to feel useful, she longs to make a difference, and she yearns for true love, so accepting a job as a courier for the Frontier Nursing Service in the summer of 1933 may be just what she’s looking for. But can she ride a horse through the mountains, muck out horse stalls, and even help deliver babies? What else will Piper encounter during her summer in Appalachia?
Piper Danson is a wonderful character and I admired her determination to help others and the special bond that she shared with her Aunt Truda. When her long-time friend Jamie Russell showed up to do a series of newspaper articles on Mrs. Breckinridge and her nurses, I fully understood why he had been Piper’s ‘teenage dream’. It is, however, Gabhart’s description of the mountains and the people who lived there that grabbed my heart. Those strong, hardworking people greatly needed the medical care provided by the Frontier Nursing Service but they were proud people who didn’t readily accept help or easily give their trust to strangers. Watching Piper and the others earn that trust was truly heartwarming and inspiring and it reminded me that all of us need to do more to serve others.
Set in my home state of Kentucky, and written by a favorite Kentucky author, An Appalachian Summer offers not one, but two, romances and a wonderful message of faith. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation to write a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
“An Appalachian Summer” by Ann Gabbart is the thrilling, fast moving story of an intrepid explorer-like young woman, who has the amazing courage to bravely and boldly step away from the dull, wearisome past into the vast expanse of a beautiful future spread out gorgeously before her. In 1933, when Piper volunteers as a horseback Frontier Nursing courier in the Appalachian Mountains for the summer, it is her last chance to be something more than a boring old drudge. As a whole new and exciting world opens up to her in dazzling array, the longer she stays there, something much more precious, true love, beckons even closer. In this fast-moving and exciting tale, Ann Gabhart skillfully handles the Appalachian landscape and culture with an expert’s eye, making them spring to life, vibrant in every color. The amazing tenacity and sterling bravery instilled in the leading lady character in this rugged, heartwarming tale are truly admirable, worthy of respect and emulation. I highly recommend this awesome book to all who love fast-paced action in every form.
If you enjoyed Christy then I think you will surely love “An Appalachian Summer” by Ann H. Gabhart. The beautiful setting of the Appalachian mountain side sets the scene for this gentle and sweet story built around the history of the Frontier Nurse Midwifes. As all historical fiction books do, I was intrigued by the true historical information regarding Mary Breckinridge and did some research on her after I read this book. I encourage you to do so also. Very fascinating women and life. But back to our “fictional” story. Ann created warm and memorable characters who have a host of adventures in the vividly described Appalachian mountains. I’d love to sit around the table with each character in the book and sample some of Piper’s fried chicken. Well maybe not her first time fried chicken!
I listen to this book on audio as well as followed along with the paperback. The audio was very top quality and the narrator brought each person to life with a unique accent and flair. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.
“An Appalachian Summer” was well written and kept me wanting to read. The Frontier Nursing Service that sent nurse midwives and couriers up into the Appalachian Mountains was an interesting subject. It makes me want to learn more about the program. I really liked Piper and Jamie and spending time with them. It wasn’t a traditional romance since we didn’t see them fall in love, them having reached that conclusion already on their own. The biblical faith thread was nicely done and woven through the story. I look forward to reading more books set in the Appalachian Mountains and others written by Ann H. Gabhart
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
Loved this book. Great characters, fantastic setting and some wonderful storytelling. I’ll be looking for her again.
An Appalachian Summer is the first book I’ve read by Ann H. Gabhart, but it won’t be the last! I was completely drawn into Piper and Jamie’s story from the first chapter (if not after just reading the back of the book!). I loved the women in this story, especially Piper and her aunt Truda, for being independent, adventurous, and chasing after their hearts. I had to see where Piper’s thirst for adventure took her, and I’m so glad I did.
Living and working in the mountains is a life of hardship but also blessings. I thought the author did a spectacular job of painting the hills and all their majesty in your mind. The call of the whippoorwill. The chorus of the frogs. The fierceness of the storms. And the gentleness of the dawn. Such beauty! And it extends to the people of the mountains, too.
Watching Piper conquer one challenge after another made me proud to be reading her story. Her time with the Frontier Nurses is one of those life-changing experiences we never forget. I’m glad I got to know Mrs. Breckenridge and how she made her vision of improving the health of mothers-to-be and babies in the remote cabins of the Appalachian mountains a reality. The level of care they were able to provide is astounding. Definitely a God thing!
Any fan of Christian historical fiction will enjoy this story. The Frontier Nurses are a truly unique piece of history–one that I’m thankful to know. Ride into the hills with Piper and discover a simpler world, but a world soothing to the heart and soul.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
When I read the preview for AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER, I knew it was going to be an emotional story and I knew it was going to make me cry. I had no idea I would be sobbing and be an emotional wreck after finishing it. All of Ann’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride.
Ann H. Gabhart’s latest book, AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER is the story of Piper and the life changing decision she makes, much to the dismay of her father and potential suitor. She didn’t want to marry him anyway because she doesn’t love him and the man she really loves, Jamie, holds her affection and heart. Her father doesn’t approve of Jamie as he has no money. His family lost it all when the Stock Market crashed.
While AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER is focused on the lives and different personalities of the women and how each in their own way responds to the not knowing what comes next, the question at the very heart of the book is – would I risk my life for complete strangers. Needless to say, the story brings a strong emotional response. So keep the tissues handy. AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER will stay with you for a long time after you finish reading it. I have no idea when I will be able to read another book, but right now I can’t stop thinking about this one. There were several times I found myself desperately wanting to keep reading, to find out what would happen next, but I was afraid to turn the page, scared of the possible fates awaiting these characters. Ann H. Gabhart has a magical way of telling dramatic stories about women, friendship and family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.