| Title | : | An Appalachian Summer |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0800729285 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780800729288 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 368 |
| Publication | : | First published June 30, 2020 |
An Appalachian Summer Reviews
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This is a Historical fiction/Romance. This book took place in 1933 during the Great Depression. The main character Piper has to make a big decision in this book to either make her father happy or follow her heart. She decides volunteers as a frontier nursing courier in the Appalachian Mountains, so she will have time to think it out. I really loved this book, and I loved the characters. I felt the characters and the animals in this book pulled me right into the story. This book was so well written. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Fleming H. Revell Company) or author (Ann H. Gabhart) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review , and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
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Thanks to NetGalley, Revell Publishing and Ann H. Gabhart for my copy of An Appalachian Summer.
Louisville 1933, Piper Danson’s parents organize a debutante party for her, she’s twenty and her parents want the best for her and are keen for her to marry well.
Piper has her doubts, she doesn’t want to rush into marriage, she has only just finished her studies, she isn’t ready to settle down and start a family. Piper hears Mary Breckinridge talk about her work in the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky; she needs girls who can ride horses to volunteer over summer as couriers to support her frontier nursing service. Girls are expected to look after the horses, feed and water them and muck out the stalls. They travel through the rugged mountains, ford streams, delivering supplies and help midwives safely deliver babies, Piper wants to have one summer of freedom, find her place in the world and her Aunt Truda encourages her to do it.
Piper loves the mountains, yes it’s remote and she sees the natural beauty in her surroundings, even the stars in the night sky seem bigger and brighter. The mountain people have their superstitions, different ways and are wary of strangers and people from the government. She makes friends with her fellow couriers, midwives, patients and their families. She does miss her best friend Jamie Russell whose family lost all their money in the financial crash, he also finds his way to the mountains and he’s writing stories for a newspaper and people want to read something up lifting during the depression.
An Appalachian Summer is a book about hope, a young woman finding her path in life, rediscovering her faith and finding love. I enjoyed the story, four stars from me and Ann H. Gabhart never disappoints and I highly recommend her new book. I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Amazon Australia, Twitter, Kobo and my my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/ -
I have read Gabharts books for years her shaker series is the best. But being from the mountains of West Virginia and Kentucky. I devoured this book. I loved every word.
Having a sister in law that is a nurse made this read even better.
I will say this if you have not read a book by Gabhart this is the book to start with. You will fall in love with her writing style and southern charm she writes about.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our 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. -
An Appalachian Summer is a charming story with endearing characters and rich detail of the beautiful Appalachians.
When I read a novel by Ann Gabhart, it is like coming home. Her books give me a warm cozy feeling. This book is no exception.
Piper Danson comes from Louisville society in 1933. She has just made her debut and her father has marriage expectations for her. But this is the era when women were beginning to decide things for themselves. After Piper hears Mary Breckinridge talk about her nursing service, she determines to volunteer as a courier for the Frontier Nurse/Midwives in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Her longtime friend, Jaime Russell, whose family lost almost everything in the stock market crash is no longer suitable as husband material. At least according to her father. Jaime loves to write and aspires to be a journalist but has agreed to take a teaching position in the fall.
Piper is taken by the mountains when she reaches Wendover Nursing Station. “You know what our nurse midwives are fond of saying. No one comes to these mountains by accident.”
The people may be backward and scary at times but they respect and revere God. Piper searches for a deeper relationship with the Lord. She finds wise counsel from a woman from the hills and witnesses miracles of birth and nature.
Ms. Gabhart obviously writes from experience as she describes life on a farm outpost. The scenes with the horses, dogs and chickens come to life under her pen.
The romance between Piper and Jaime is natural, if filled with a bit of anxiety. And romance could bloom again for her Aunt Truda.
This was the perfect book to read on my back porch on a sunny June afternoon.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* -
I’ve said in the past that sometimes Christian fiction can be difficult for me to read. But, I’m finding that there are really talented authors in this genre who seem to be able to hook me with their stories.
Piper Danson finds herself needing to get away from normal life and pressures that weigh her–mainly, that of whether or not to marry for money or love. So she finds herself in the Appalachian Mountains giving help to frontier nurses.
An Appalachian Summer was a story of knowing yourself enough to take what you want, while still serving others and becoming the best you can be.
Gabhart painted the Mountains beautifully. I got a feel of life for both the wealthy and poor in the aftermath of the Depression. But, the descriptions of the Appalachians and its flora, fauna, and people brought the story to life. -
An Appalachian Summer is an atmospheric novel about the frontier nurses of the Appalachian Mountains, women couriers, and life and love in the in 1930s. With romance aplenty, adventure and lighthearted moments, An Appalachian Summer is a light and easy book to enjoy.
Piper is grateful her family has weathered the crash of the economy so well, even if it means she must go ahead with her Debut Ball. Being pressured by her father to accept an engagement to Braxton Crandall and heartbroken over the silence she is receiving from her best friend and keeper of her heart Jamie Russel, Piper seizes upon the opportunity to join the frontier nursing courier service in the Appalachian Mountains. From the journey there, to the surprises in store for her, it is all a great adventure. She just wants to forget men and romance for a summer, which is fine until a mystery man from her aunt’s past re-emerges, Jamie follows her all the way to the mountains and she must decide where her heart and future will lay.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this is a novel that mixes the past with more modern ideas of women’s liberation and a changing society. I sometimes forgot the time setting and had to do a double take at some of the more casual language and use of jeans and such.
I absolutely adored These Healing Hills by Ann H Gabhart, which is also set in the Appalachian Mountains. And while I liked An Appalachian Summer, it just didn’t grab me in the same way. I loved the scenery and the adventure, the people of the mountain and the other nurses, I just didn’t warm to Piper all that much and I certainly wasn’t intrigued by the love triangle she is dragging around behind her. I really enjoyed Piper’s aunt’s reconnection with a past beau, though, and thought this a nice addition to the story.
If you are looking for a historical read about strong, independent women with a touch of the dramatic in the romance, you’ll enjoy An Appalachian Summer.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog
Madison's Library -
Mrs. Gabhart once again brings us a delightful read about 1930's Kentucky.
I have enjoyed reading her books and this one is no exception!
This is a subject that I feel this author has done well with and her research is spot on!
I've found myself looking up Mrs. Breckenridge and I"m thoroughly intrigued by her and how she started everything. She's a fascinating woman that's for sure!
I love her saying that can't is not a word in her book. I think it was wonderful how she stood by it. By saying can't isn't going to get anything done.
I feel like if it's meant to be then God will make it happen no matter where, when, and who you are. I like how He's always watching out for us. I know He has me. All the time.
Kentucky is full of rich history and I really liked the story telling of the mountain folks. They can teach future generations to keep the old ways. I think in some ways we'd be better of if the old ways were still around.
I will say this, the horses in this story made my day. They are my favorite animals and the way Gabhart has written I felt like I was riding with the nurses to their destinations to help the people that live in the mountains of Kentucky.
I snickered in some places of this book and I really and truly loved this read! It took me back to my home even if only for a little while.
I love learning and reading more the nurses of the Appalachian mountains and their whole reason for being there.
Truda is my favorite character in the whole book. Her whole outlook on life is amazing! She keeps on doing what needs to be done and I like that her positive attitude rubs off on everyone that she meets including her niece Piper.
Garbhart weaves in some wonderful faith filled messages that aren't a mile long and brings her point across without being too preachy. It's my favorite thing about reading these books.
I am looking forward to Gabhart's next book with anticipation because she's an awesome story teller herself.
I highly recommend this book. It will leave your heart filled with satisfaction from an incredible read.
My thanks to Netgalley and Revell for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. -
RATING: 3.5 STARS
2020; Revell Books
While it took me a month to finish An Appalachian Summer, I did enjoy the story very much and read the bulk of it in one night. The novel opens up to a twenty year old, Piper reluctantly attending her debutante ball. She is "promised" to a man she doesn't love or know. When her aunt hosts a woman in charge of Frontier Nursing, Piper decides to spend her summer up in the Appalachian mountains. The first few chapters had me putting down the down the novel and reading something else. Once I got to Piper heading off on her adventure I was hooked for the most part of the book. I loved learning out the frontier nurses and the volunteer women couriers. I didn't really know much about these strong women riding horses in the Appalachian mountains till I read
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. In that novel, it is about women delivery books to those who may not have much or any access to education. In this book, it is about medicine and delivering babies. There is two love stories as well, but in this case they weren't as compelling as the Appalachian mountain story. I think the romance is a nice backdrop to have the story moving forward. I am so happy I read this book, as I have more to read up on.
***I received a complimentary copy of this trade paperback from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.*** -
A look back at a difficult time in our history, people are still reeling from the stock market crash that devastated the country. The author gives us both the ones who were able to hold on to their wealth and others who fell and lost everything including family members.
We are given a young woman, Piper, her family has kept their fortune and she has just had her debutant, a few years later than most, she has graduated from college.
We also meet a young man, whose family were not a fortunate and fighting back for survival. He also has graduated from college and trying to find his way, knowing that above all he loves Piper.
Now this is the second book set here in the Appalachian Mountains, and we are again with the Frontier Nurses and catching babies.
Come and get lost in these mountains, meet some delightful children, they tell it like it is, and those that will give what little they have.
We get to enjoy Piper as she embraces this very different life, and wonder what path she will further journey on!
I received this book through the Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review. -
I fell in love with this book! Ann Gabhart takes us to the Appalachian area of Kentucky as she tells us about Mary Breckenridge and the Frontier Nursing Service. I was so captivated that I did some research of my own. A compelling story indeed. She sets a fictionalized set of characters in the midst of this story and it is absolutely completely interesting! Endearing and totally worth the read. Recommended.
*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are my own. -
When I started reading this book, it felt familiar, like I was reconnecting with an old friend. I had to look to see what else I've read by Ann H Gabhart and saw that I'd read another book by her set in the Appalachians, but it was set in a later era. An Appalachian Summer takes place during the early years of the Great Depression and includes some high society activities that would be out of place in the Appalachians.
Piper Danson has just had her "coming out" debutante party. Her aunt Truda, has asked that she and her family host a woman who is recruiting couriers for the frontier nurse-midwives. Piper is wanting to do something different with her life, rather than making the expected match and settling down to a life of high society. As a member of the Frontier Nurses Services, Piper is often horseback taking medications to outlying posts, sometimes doing upkeep on the buildings, sometimes cooking for the nurses, and even once escorting young boy back to his home after being in the hospital for chemical burns.
Jamie Russell has long been the love of Piper's life, but his family lost everything in the Crash of '29 and now feels he has nothing to offer Piper. Piper's father wants her to marry Braxton Crandall, which is more of a business deal than a match of love. Jamie, Braxton, and Piper's Aunt Truda all end up at the same time at Wendover, the headquarters of the Frontier Nursing Services, and creates a bit of havoc for Piper.
Ann's research into the Frontier Nursing Services and the Appalachian area is impeccable. Her writing style is one of enjoyable familiarity which makes the characters believable and likable. The settings are what add spark to the plot. The descriptions are the stuff of legends, which add so much color to the book. This is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, and a horse to take you back into the hills of Appalachia.
Revell Publications and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own. -
This book was simply delightful. At the cusp of her life and not knowing which direction to go in life, she hears the words "do something" and hears Mrs. Breckinridge tell the experiences of the Frontier Nursing couriers in the Appalachian Mountains. Without much hesitation, Piper Danson hears the call, although not the life or direction expected of her by her parents.
She leaves behind a chance of courtship and an old flame to help the nurse midwives in the mountains.
I loved this book and I want to read others set in this same time frame and beautiful setting. There wasn't a dull moment in this book, which was well paced and totally engaging. It was so well written and adventures were exciting and you could see the growth in Piper over her time there. I can say only the best compliments to the author. It was simply excellent!
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. All thoughts are my own. -
This story takes place in Kentucky, in 1933. Piper Danson has just had her debut in Louisville, where she was escorted by the handsome and wealthy Braxton Crandall. Piper's parents want her to marry Braxton because of his family's financial stability, as they were able to maintain their wealth while so many others lost everything during the stock market crash and the Depression that followed. But alas, the thought of a life of society and money bores Piper. Plus, she is in love with Jamie Russell, but her family won't approve of a marriage with him because his family is one of those that lost their fortune.
Piper decides to do something adventurous and leave home to work with the Frontier Nurses up in the mountains of Kentucky. Acclimating to a lifestyle that requires hard work is tough for her, but rewarding, and ultimately Piper learns a lot about herself. Best of all, she finds the confidence to start making her own choices.
I was drawn to this story because of the Appalachian setting and because parts of the plot were centered around nursing. (I am a nurse!) I loved reading about Piper riding up into the Kentucky mountains on horseback and I loved that she was able to learn about hard work and public health. It was a lot of fun watching Piper's confidence grow, and it was inspiring to watch her eagerly learn skills that she had never been exposed to before (cooking, painting, washing clothes, etc.). I also loved all of the people that Piper met through the Frontier Nursing program.
There is, of course, romance throughout the story where Piper is concerned. She has to figure out what she wants to do about marrying Braxton without hurting him and upsetting her family. She also has to figure out what to do with the very real feelings that she feels for Jamie. There is a smaller, secondary romantic plotline in the story that I LOVED.
This one was a lot of fun for me. I read it one over the course of about a week when things were exceptionally busy at my house (and a little bit stressful). I really looked forward to picking this book up for a little while before bed every night.
Thank you to Revell Publishing for sending me a finished print copy of this book for review! -
I always enjoy Ms. Gabhart's writing. She chooses fascinating subjects, adds such likable characters into a storyline that is easy to follow in a setting I might like to visit, with just enough conflict, resolution and hint of romance to satisfy this reader, making me say, "Aaaaaah" with a sigh at the end.
Choosing to go against her father's wishes to marry the "well-starched" Braxton Crandall, Piper Danson decided to take a volunteer courier position for the summer with Mary Breckinridge's Frontier Nurses in Kentucky's Appalachian Mountains. She stepped into another world of stunning beauty, stars that go on forever and challenges she NEVER would have considered before.
Wonderful book! -
Loved this book. Loved the time period. Loved the story. But I didn’t quite fall in love with the characters. Nonetheless, I will for sure read again.
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Wonderful storyteller Ann H. Gabhart takes readers on a heartfelt and uplifting journey back to the Kentucky Mountains in the era of the Great Depression. Piper Danson's family is surviving the economic disaster better than most, and her parents have chosen a man for her to marry whom they think will continue to provide for Piper in the manner to which she is accustomed. The problem is that Piper wants a different kind of life for herself, and Braxton Crandall is not the man she envisions to share her future. Her lifelong friend, Jamie Russell, is the one who knows her best. However, his family suffered terribly in the economic depression, and he has become somewhat distanced. When Piper learns of a chance to work with a frontier nursing program as a horseback courier, it sounds like the answer to her prayers. It will be a summer of hard work, personal growth and revelation, and a deepening of faith. When Piper and Jamie are reunited, will it be just a reunion of old friends, or has the time come for two yearning hearts to finally become as one? Ann H. Gabhart, a Kentucky native, is a very special storyteller. Her descriptions of her home state, its people, its culture, and its heritage are like a painting colored by words. As always, there is the underlying message of deep and abiding faith.
Book Copy Gratis Revell Books -
I love this setting and the characters. A few cliches throughout, but the story, history and capturing of the scenery were superb. If you enjoy some unusual storylines with the courier for the nurse midwives, this will be one for you to check out. My favorite part had to do with the butchering of a chicken!
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*Sigh* After reading An Appalachian Summer, I wonder how a reader could not consider signing up to be a horse courier for Mrs. Breckenridge’s Nurse-Midwife Service. Sure, the year is 1933, and the locale of most of this unputdownable book is the hills and mountains of Kentucky. The adventure that Ann H Gabhart effortlessly spins rolls from one escapade to the next.
Of course, we might not all be as courageous as Piper Danson, who trades her debutante life for the wild unknown. Who needs to decide between two suitors when there are bigger mountains to climb... literally? What with snakes, men who might shoot before asking questions if a stranger is found on their land, odd jobs the girls have never before dreamed of attempting...life is never dull in these beautiful hills.
This is a journey of faith, friendship, love, and the soul. Faith that the mountain people have and readily share, as one lady on the train does to Piper:
“I’m guessing things has always been easy for you. That can make it harder to recognize what the Lord does for you. You can think maybe you’ve done it all yourself and don’t need him none. But you walk down some rocky trails with troubles on every side , and you’ll be wanting the Lord right there with you.”
Gabhart doesn’t belabor points, but inserts faith as a given for the mountain people.
Friendships. So many different kinds in this story. Some lead to respect. Some lead to good new friends. Some lead to love. *Sigh* It is just so much fun to follow the paths Gabhart winds, almost as twisty as the mountain paths themselves, before allowing her characters to settle their hearts.
There’s magic in those hills. Especially the ones inhabited by Mrs. Breckenridge, Piper, Suze, Dr. Jack, Billy, and on and on. This is a TV show waiting to be picked up.
Be able to say you read the book first.
Notable Quotables:
“...the joy of the song can be in you whether it tickles the ears or not.”
“Sometimes a person had to forget the obstacles and jump into the moment.”
“I think we all have a calling. Sometimes we live up to it, and sometimes we don’t.”
“...every person should be allowed one idiotic dream in her lifetime.”
“You get up high on those hills and the Lord just seems nearer.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Revell Reads. I also bought an ecopy and a copy to bless a special friend with. All opinions are my own, and are freely given. -
When I read the info about An Appalachian Summer by Ann Gabhart, I thought it was a sequel to These Healing Hills. It wasn't, but it could have been.
Both books centered on the Frontier Nursing Service in the Appalachian Mountains. This book focused on a young debutante, Piper Danson, who, dissatisfied with life, looks for a way to escape her obligation of getting married to the "right" guy, for all the wrong reasons (status, money, and a comfortable life). So she volunteers to become a courier in the Appalachian Mountains, for the Frontier Nursing Service. Her goal was to avoid thinking about the man she loved, but was "unsuitable" for her to marry, according to her father. She also wanted to not think about the man her father wanted her to marry. A man she felt nothing for. So she runs away, hoping to delay the inevitable. But sometimes, the "inevitable" chases you down until you have no choice but to make a decision.
I enjoyed learning more about the Frontier Nursing Service. Ann Gabhart once again has done her research, giving the reader not only a minds-eye view of the Appalachians but the experience of what the nurses and couriers had to go through. I am convinced I will never eat another chicken again. No, I'm not going to tell you what happens to the poor chicken. Suffice it to say, the author's writing was vivid enough that I am now thinking of becoming completely vegetarian.
I love that the author includes an element of faith in her books, while not being preachy about it. The major theme in this book, for me, was taking that step out in faith when we are unsure what will happen—something Piper had to learn the hard way.
"That can be how faith in the Lord is. You might feel a little trembly when you take that first step of trusting your ways to him, but once you do, you can always depend on that firm foundation of the Lord's love."
A lovely book with a beautiful message. I highly recommend it.
I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing/Revell, through NetGalley. -
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 home for a summer job in Hyden, Kentucky. Piper Danson has known a life of wealth and luxury but her family has experienced 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 Kentucky?
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. -
Another lovely heartfelt book by Ann Gabhart. This one takes place in 1933 in Kentucky. Piper Danson has just debuted in Louisville. Her best friend and the love of her life was ruined by the stock market crash and her father wishes to make an advantageous match for her. After attending a fundraiser tea hosted by her aunt, Piper yearns to do something meaningful and signs up to assist the frontier nurses in the Appalachian country in Kentucky. This is disappointing to Piper's dad and the man he attempts to match her with, but with the help of her mother and aunt, Piper convinces him to allow her to go. Ms. Gabhart's lyrical prose described the beauty of the mountains, the flora and fauna, the sounds of the birdsong, and the simple joy of the mountain folk so beautifully. It was fun to see the well-to-do girls, like Piper learn how to do things like fix dinner, paint a porch column and milk a cow. I loved how the mountain folk accepted the nurses and their couriers simply because they were "Mrs. Breckenridge's girls". I enjoyed seeing Piper's character grow as she learned what she was capable of, sought to know God better, and learned more about life beyond her comfort zone. I really liked the no-nonsense character of Mrs. Breckenridge - who loved the mountains so much to begin the midwife ministry in them, but expected those around her to do as she said when she said it. This book had a great cast of chracters, including wonderful side characters as well. While I would consider this to be mostly a character-driven book, it's also a historical novel with a sweet romance. I enjoyed all aspects of this story and heartily give it 4.5 stars.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Revell Publishers for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own. -
Piper Danson wants to do more with her life than be a debutante or a wife to the wealthy man her parents have picked out, so she joins the Frontier Nursing couriers. She spends her days riding the trails up and down the Appalachian mountains on horseback to serve the determined people that make the mountains their home.
Piper gets to see a whole other kind of living, working with the mountain people, enduring long days, and finding her path. Piper is willing to work and willing to learn.
I loved the premise of this book and the Frontier Nursing couriers. Through the experience Piper got to befriend many people that she never would have normally encountered in her old life, and I love how supportive her aunt was, as well as her mother.
Jamie is a very outgoing man, willing to pitch in wherever needed, naturally befriending people in every situation. He is a honorable man, with a good work ethic and respect for others. He was probably one of my favorite characters, along with Aunt Truda.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read, and probably my favorite from this author so far! This is a wonderful, engaging tale, I loved the setting of the breath-taking Appalachian mountains. Piper is an admirable young woman who comes into her own, growing in her sense of self and her faith, I loved that she took a chance and didn't pick the easier predictable path. There were also so many wonderful characters, and great side threads, that brought this beautiful book to life. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. -
Another triumph for Ann Gabhart. She really has her historical details straight, and you definitely feel that you have been put down in the middle of another era.
Piper has been uncomfortable for some time with the course she is expected to take as a wealthy debutante. She longs for adventure, not for an arranged marriage and the usual course of life for the rich little daddy's girls around her. Especially since the Great Depression has changed the lives and fortunes of so many, among them her friend Jamie, whose family has lost everything and had to re-imagine their lives. But Piper and Jamie have been close friends for so many years that each knows what the other is thinking. Can their feelings grow into love despite being separated by miles and now by class differences? Piper wants time to think it over, so she attends a tea given by her aunt for Mary Breckenridge, the head of the Frontier Nursing Service in the Appalachian Mountains. Piper decides to join the FNS as a courier - caring for the nurses' horses and running errands.
But who should follow her to the mountains, but both her beaus - the one her father intends for her to marry, and the one she longs to marry. It's a summer of adventure for Piper - learning to understand her heart and choose her heart's desire. -
Sweet story that was very reminiscent of The Walton’s and Christy. I thought I was starting a romance but there was only pining for each other and no actual interaction until I read about 3/4 of the novel. I enjoyed the time period and the setting. I love the cover!
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I enjoyed An Appalachian Summer by Ann H Gabhart. The story, set in 1933, shows love, turmoil, beauty, and love of nature. The story centers on Piper Danson, a young woman who must reason with love and her future. Will the future be with Braxton Crandall and a life of easy comfort or with Jamie Russell and a life of struggle and of uncertainty. For Piper, the summer brings her as a volunteer as a courier in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky with the Frontier Nursing Service. What dedication of these women who assist the mountain women in childbirth and sickness. The story flows with the beauty of the mountains, but also with the hardships and the persistent belief in God. The ending proves to be too predictable.
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This was a lovely story of a young lady who chooses not to follow the path set for her by her parents and instead decides to serve a community of people with limited resources.
I enjoyed the setting of the story and appreciated the author’s honesty in describing the Appalachian people. I also loved Piper, she displayed courage and fortitude that was admirable.
It was very interesting to learn about the Frontier nurses and how they helped the community. The writing was very smooth and easy to read and the story flowed well.
Overall, this was an interesting historical book that I enjoyed.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
