Journey into the Blue Ridge Mountains of 1918 where Laurel McAdams endures the challenges of a hard life while dreaming things can eventually improve. But trouble arrives in the form of an outsider. Having failed his British father again, Jonathan Taylor joins is uncle’s missionary endeavors as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse. Laurel feels compelled to protect the tenderhearted teacher from … from the harsh realities of Appalachian life, even while his stories of life outside the mountains pull at Laurel’s imagination. Faced with angry parents over teaching methods, Laurel’s father’s drunken rages, and bad news from England, will Jonathan leave and never return, or will he stay and let love bloom?
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Basham is a wonderful writer. Her characters come to life. I’m from Western North Carolina and felt right at home reading this story that reminds me of the novel Christy.
Basham is such a convincing storyteller! Laurel’s Dream is filled to bursting with authentic language, deep story, and Basham’s trademark wit and romance. I was wholly transported to the hills of Appalachia! Spending several of my formative years in that part of NC, it felt like I was among the folks on Doggett Mountain once again, listening to them tell yarns and living life to the fullest despite having meager possessions. My experience was in the early 1970s but life was still hard there, although there was a distinct goodness about it and the people that I haven’t seen anywhere else I’ve lived. Laurel’s Dream wrapped around my heart with its genuineness, romance, and all around excellence.
I was gifted an electronic copy of the story from the author. No review was required. No compensation has been received.
Laurel and Jonathan’s story set in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains is so well told! I love the original mountain talk used in the book. Jonathan is a teacher and that’s what the entire community calls him. The mountains themselves become so vivid within your mind, you can picture yourself there. I credit the author with her love for the area and well written descriptions for that. This book gives a glimpse at what life was like in the mountains. I don’t want to give any of the details away. It was such a great story and one I’d love to read more of. The characters were so endearing. I love how strong and determined both Jonathan and Laurel are. I don’t even know if they know how strong they are. They form a friendship and Laurel helps him integrate into mountain life. In return, he helps her further her studies. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.
Pepper Basham captures the heart of Blue Ridge culture in this poignant story of growing up in the isolated communities of the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1917. The hardships faced by many in the Maple Springs community will humble you even as their creativity will inspire you. Fans of Catherine Marshall’s book Christy, will find themselves enchanted by Laurel McAdams a young woman desiring to become a teacher to help her family and community. Enter new teacher, Jonathan Taylor, who is searching for a new beginning away from his disapproving father. Jonathan experiences first hand the mistrust and bitterness of the Maple Springs community even as he is encouraged by the bright minds and dreams of the children in his care. With the help of Laurel and other members of the community who long to move beyond the ignorance and brokeness that has taken root in Maple Springs, Jonathan discovers there is more to life than riches and family approval; serving God and helping others may offer a wealth of love that will carry far beyond Maple Springs and into eternity. This beautifully written story paints a portrait of the breathtaking Blue Ridge vistas as well as the intricate people of the land. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a simpler age where love of family, enduring faith, and wholesome fellowship were the hallmarks of the day.
My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge is destined to be a classic in my opinion. It’s been several months since I read it and I still think about it. The characters are memorable and their love story is quite beautiful. It’s still early, but I really think this may be the best book released in 2019.
Young Laurel takes on the overseeing of the new teacher. City boy totally out of his element in Blue Ridge. Saving him on his first day helps them connect and we quickly find them thrown together as they both work through the harsh realities of Appalachian life. I found it very interesting and hard to put down.
I was gifted a copy through Barbour Publishing, no review was required. My review is voluntary.
In the tradition of Catherine Marshall, Pepper Basham ushers readers into Appalachian life. From the beauty of the land, the music, the stories, the prejudices, and distrust of outsiders, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge is a love story to the culture and people.
The love growing between Jonathan and Laurel is wonderful and authentic, falling into place naturally, even when circumstances try to force it. But the true love story in this book is to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the people who live simple yet full and fulfilled lives.
I think it’s safe to say that whether she’s writing contemporary or historical, Pepper Basham is an author not to miss.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Much like the dreamy rolling peaks of the southern Appalachians, this story invites the heart and mind to meander and soak up the extraordinary beauty of every day. Laurel’s Dream honors the legacy of a vibrant culture with the innocence of a coming of age tale, the universal appeal of family drama, and the irresistible draw of sweet romance.
Laurel’s open, honest, and innocent personality is so refreshing in a world which seems to be increasingly jaded and cynical. Her joy and compassion shine all the brighter against a backdrop of poverty and occasional sorrow. Jonathan’s privileged background lends a stark contrast to the material want and the strong community of Appalachia. His purposeful and respectful approach to a culture quite different from his own reveals his admirable integrity and intelligence.
While I’ve highlighted some of my favorite positive attributes, this story has a hearty helping of hardships and each character possesses genuine flaws and raw authenticity. Faith, hope, love, and humor make this a story you’ll want to share and enjoy again and again. This book is going straight to my all-time favorites shelf, I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Pepper Basham effortlessly transports readers back in time to 1918, and to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The story of Laurel and Jonathan is one that resonates on so many levels. What a way to start this series!
Pepper Basham has done it again! While I love her contemporary “kissing books”, I was captivated by this story set in the Blue Ridge mountains, rich with Appalachian culture and lore. From the quaint Appalachian speech to the lusciously painted setting, each page drew me into a world I’d never experienced, yet came to love.
This is one of the sweetest love stories I’ve read in a long time. Laurel is tenderhearted and kind while being amazingly strong in the face of difficult circumstances. Her wisdom and spiritual insight combined with her innocent faith make her a compelling character that you grow to love and want to protect. Jonathan is not unlike Laurel in his good-natured personality and innate sense of right and wrong. He, like Laurel, is a kind soul who learns to love the foreign culture of the mountains even though he is like a fish out of water.
The growth of Laurel and Jonathan’s friendship is sweet and delicately blooms into a beautiful love that satisfying and very swoon-worthy. Yes, Pepper writes kissing scenes that rivals that of Julie Lessman.
I highly recommend this book to any reader of historical romance. It’s rich in history and culture while giving a fantastic romance that will put a smile on your face.
Oh wow did I love this! It perfectly embodies the people and spirit of life in the Blue Ridge mountains. It is a completely different world and this author nailed it! Such a beautiful story of caring and reaching for your dreams. All the characters snagged a spot in my heart but Laurel and Jonathan were so special and endearing. Laurel’s desire for knowledge and more than the life she’s only ever known are hard to come by in the hollars. Jonathan thought he had a lot to prove and his attitude towards the people was the perfect mix. I can’t wait to read more from this author! She is amazingly talented at painting the scenery and landscapes to make the story come alive.
I got this from Barbour Publishing but was not required to do a review. These are my own opinions.
Laurel’s dreamed of going off to college for a while and has saved diligently for it. Jonathon has come to Maple Springs at his uncles prompting to teach the upper level children. Learning the mountain ways, trying to overcome prejudices along with the help of Lauren and her family make for a challenge and he appreciates the friendship extended to him. Sabotage and mishaps are par for the course, but a few have a price he doesn’t want Laurel to have to pay. Likeable characters, along with those that are more difficult round out this story. An enjoyable read overall, and another great addition to the My Heart Belongs series. Hoping we get to hear more about Laurel’s family and Jonathon’s in future books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Loved, loved this book!
Author Pepper Basham’s newest release My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge is well written with well developed characters. The descriptions of the mountain, its people and their homes are described so well I can still see them in my minds eye.
Laurel McAdams grew up in these mountains; she loves the people and the mountain in all its seasonal splendor. When a handsome stranger comes to the mountain as the new school teacher, Laurel befriends him striving to pave the way for his acceptance by the community, a community embedded with traditions that do not welcome outsiders quickly.
Jonathan Taylor has come to the Blue Ridge Mountains at the invitation of his preacher uncle, an invitation extended after visiting Jonathan in his British home and seeing the discontent in Jonathan. Under his father’s ever-present disapproval, Jonathan’s uncle extends the offer to teach and perhaps even provide limited medical care, an offer Jonathan accepts.
As both Laurel and Jonathan strive to encourage of the newcomer to the community and the school, suspicions arise. Believing the new teacher is going to entice their children into the ways of the world, pulling them away from the mountain heritage so deeply engrained, not all the parents are willing to send their children to school. Still others send their older children as spies.
When Jonathan is called back home, Laurel picks up the lessons using her gifted teaching and love of the mountain children.
While Jonathan is away, Laurel is anguished with missing him. Though he promised to return to her, Laurel prays that it would be so for in his absence she realizes she’s come to love Jonathan quite deeply.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
4.5 stars
“Yep, kissing thoughts could give a coon dog competition for perseverance.”
Kissing was about the last thing Laurel McAdams had on her mind at the moment. Getting the new lowlander teacher far, far, away from the lion’s claws, mountain lion that is, immediately took precedence, even if the man was easy on the eyes. What in “tarnation” would bring a man like Jonathan Taylor to her Appalachian mountains?
“He didn’t know why he was running, or from what . . . . . but he ran as if his very life depended on it.” Maybe coming to these remote mountains and joining his uncle’s mission hadn’t been the smartest thing to do, but it sure was turning into an adventure; especially when his trail guide looked like an angel but talked with a back woods brogue that would take some getting used to. Could he really make a difference here or was this going to be another failure for his father to hold against him?
Journey deep into the Blue Ridge mountains where you will find the sweetest of stories; lives that are rich with family heritage, while pleasantly bereft of possessions; intelligence and wisdom shared for generations, gained far outside the pages of a textbook; and an abiding love that not only births dreams, but follows them.
“Love is not love which alters when its alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove. Oh no! It is an ever fixed mark, that looks upon tempests and is not shaken . . . . ” – Shakespeare
This was my first time reading a book by Pepper Basham and I was certainly not disappointed! It’s not quite a novella, but it’s certainly a shorter novel (I read the e-book but according to Goodreads the print is 256 pages), and I happened to read entire book in one evening.
I’ve only read a few stories that involve “mountain people,” but it’s quite interesting that almost all of them paint the same type of picture of them. They are a people of pride and while they may not have much, they work hard for what they do have. They don’t often take kindly to strangers, and are eerie of people who come in and say they want to help them in any way. They consider free help a charity case, and refuse to be viewed as such. So it’s safe to say that Jonathan Taylor had his work cut out for him when he truly had a heart to help the people of Blue Ridge by teaching their older youth. You also see that his truedesire is to be a doctor, which happens to be another profession the town could benefit from. Yet how do you help a people so bent on wanting you to leave?
What I loved about Jonathan’s character was how willing he was to “get his hands dirty.” He didn’t want to be viewed as the type of person many originally took him for. He didn’t want to be viewed as the rich boy who thought he was better than them and came to teach out of pride and charity. Everything didn’t come easy for him there, but he continued to do his best and show the people that he truly cared. I really liked seeing his friendship with Laurel develop. They really were perfect for each other despite the fact that they were thrown together through circumstance. She helped him try to understand the people instead of simply fixing them. They really were a great team.
That is all I will say because I don’t want to spoil anything in the story, but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this story and absolutely look forward to reading more from Pepper in the future!
*I received a copy of this book from the author through NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions
I have tears flowing as I’m trying to write this review. What a heartfelt, beautiful story. Ms. Basham has truly captured the heart of the people of Appalachia and penned it into a compelling story that captures time and place. The character of Laurel is a true heroine with a heart and dreams as big as the mountains she lives in. When Jonathan tells Laurel , “ I’ve never seen anything like them. Each morning, each afternoon they offer a different view.” He nodded as she looked up at him. “Yes, I guess they do call to me, but I haven’t sorted out what they’re saying.” These words are exactly how these mountains call to your heart, and the words are written like a lyrical dance between them throughout. I truly didn’t want this story to end. This is my first book by this author and now I want to read everything she has written. Move this to the top of Your TBR pile.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
This was my first time reading a Pepper Basham novel, but it will NOT be my last. Being a Southern girl myself, this story really spoke to my heart beginning with those molasses-slow, sing song mountain voices. I felt right at home in this story of true love, friendship, and joy in the Lord. That, along with the sprinkling of humor throughout, it was a delight!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
As I started reading My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel’s Dream by Pepper Basham, Laurel’s culture intrigued me with its superstitions and plainspoken occupants. The uniqueness of the setting and characters carried the story for me as the relationship between Laurel and Jonathan was sweet, but slow. I enjoyed their friendship and mutual love of books, but I would have liked the romance to develop earlier.
Following one’s dreams is a strong theme in the novel and I appreciated Laurel’s determination to follow her dream of attending college and improving life for those in her community. One of my favorite quotes was, “Dream, girl, but trust God to take better care of your dreams than you ever could (Pg. 139).”
My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel’s Dream is a stand-alone novel, but I wish there was an epilogue or second book to address certain situations. From the author’s acknowledgment page, it seems the latter may someday be reality. I recommend this book to readers looking for a gentle story of friendship turned love.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Wonderful! One of the best books I have read in some time! Laurel McAdams, a mountain girl, and Jonathan Taylor from London are wonderful protagonists! Jonathan has completed part of his training to be a doctor and desires to complete that training. His father has scorned Jonathan since his leg was injured in an accident as a child. He comes to the Blue Ridge Mountains as a temporary teacher where his favorite uncle is a preacher. Life in the mountains is unlike anything Jonathan has known! Laurel helps Jonathan learn the ways of the mountain people. I was reminded of Catherine Marshall’s Christy. I highly recommend My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel’s Dream to everyone! I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
I loved this story! Pepper Basham’s penned in time series is great but these more modern stories from the Blue Ridge area are my favorites. She has written tales from her own relatives past and put a fictionalized version into My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge. The year is 1918 and Jonathan is coming from an affluent family in London to a remote area in the mountains of North Carolina. His uncle has been there for a while as a missionary type preacher to the people. He encouraged Jonathan to give teaching these upper age children a try and to bring new ideas and dreams to their future. Only problem being some of the parents don’t take a shine to some of his teaching methods.
Laurel catches his eye right away. She’s beautiful but also has dreams for her future. She wants to go to college and teach the children in her area. Jonathan wants to finish his medical schooling, where his true heart lies. Laurel has a large family with responsibilities to them as one of the oldest. How do these two find a way to work together to accomplish their individual dreams?
These two characters and the others brought out in the story were quickly ensconced in my heart. I found myself living the story with them. I pictured the area, the people, their homes and their clothing. And the true speech patterns of the characters from the time period and place added so much more to the telling. It will be a long time, if ever, before I can quit thinking about them. Hopefully I’ve heard a rumor that more of these stories will be coming our way from the author. Can’t wait!
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author through the publisher but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.