Less Than A Week!!!
And…you all get to meet Jonathan and Laurel!!
My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel’s Dream comes out on January 1 and this story is close to my heart because I take the readers deep into my world of Appalachia. Gleaning from family history shared by my Granny Spencer and evoking a similar ‘storyworld’ as Catherine Marshall’s Christy, this book takes people on a journey to a very different place in time.
A place I love because it means family.
So, do you want to know more?
About the Book
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 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?
I have high hopes to continue the story with some secondary characters having their own tales to tell, but for now, I can’t wait to introduce you to ALL of these characters, but particularly the world of Appalachia in Maple Springs, NC.
Want to know what early reviewers are saying about Laurel’s Dream?
From Karen R – “This book started out well, and just got better and better as it went. It had me smiling and chuckling one moment and holding my breath the next… Highly recommend this book to Christian historical romance fans! If you enjoyed Christy by Catherine Marshall, Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin, or These Healing Hills by Ann Gabhart, you will love this one too.”
Tracey H says, “Pepper Basham’s book, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge is destined to be a classic! Reminiscent of the beloved Christy by Catherine Marshall, only with the main characters roles reversed. Jonathan Taylor is the new teacher to the impoverished mountain town of Maple Springs and Laurel McAdams is the Appalachian girl who has plenty to teach Jonathan herself, about living and loving, mountain style… I was left with that feeling of not wanting to pick up another book for a while so I could savor all the wonderful emotions and memories of it. That’s my gold standard for a book to make it onto my shelf of favorites.”
Trisha Roberson says this, “Pepper Basham eloquently captured the very essence of the Blue Ridge Mountains and warmly welcomed me home within the pages of this fantastic book. I loved this story and I seriously didn’t want it to end. The closer I got to the end of the book, the slower I read, savoring each word, each phrase!”
Susan Snodgrass shared this about the story, “Everything about this book touched my heart. The wonderful patterns of speech of these people was dear to my heart because I’ve heard my grandparents speak this way and sometimes my mother did also. Their hearts and their acceptance of the hardships of mountain living was amazing. I felt like I just fell into the book and knew everyone.”
This from Jen Galaxy, “Sigh. Like, seriously. After reading this book, a piece of my heart is definitely in Maple Springs, back in time, deep in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel’s Dream by Pepper Basham was immediately engaging. Her love for the Appalachian people and their history is present through her vivid storytelling.”
Preorder is up NOW and the paper copy is BEAUTIFUL – so…I’m giving away one paper copy here on the blog! Just leave a comment below! I will draw a random winner using random.org on release day!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Goodreads
And don’t forget to spread the word about ANOTHER upcoming book that I can’t wait to read! Laura Frantz’s newest novel, The Bound Heart, debuts on Jan 1 along with mine so we’re having a party to celebrate.
Save the DATE: January 15th, Laura and I are going to be celebrating releases, chatting about heart-stopping heroes, and discussing the beauty of similar settings on two different sides of the ocean. RSVP HERE!
What are you most looking forward to reading about in either one of these books?
This is the type of story I’m drawn to. I look forward to reading this. (Audrey Stewart / jozywails@gmail.com)
Thanks, Audrey. It was fun to write. What draws you to it?
The sweetness of their lives. I love the mountains and the solitude. They aren’t living in busy, noisy cities. A much calmer life before all the tech. (Audrey Stewart / jozywails@gmail.com)
I personally love the Blue Ridge mountains and have so many special memories captured there. I’m looking forward to reading about someone else’s special experience as well.
Brandi, some of my favorite memories are from these mountains too. Home, sweet home 🙂
That cover is stunning!! And the story sounds so good. Can’t wait to read it!
Also love those two books side-by-side; what fun!
Raechel! Thank you. I LOVE the cover! Laura’s cover is fabulous too, isn’t it?? Wow!
Two books with gorgeous covers! I read a lot on my kindle, but I want paperback copies of both of these beauties!
I’m looking forward to walking the path that these heroines walked on the journey to their happy ever after.
Congratulations to you Pepper and Laura on the upcoming release of your newest books!
Tracey, thanks so much for loving this book!!! I’m thrilled to get to share release day with one of my favorite authors!! Laura Frantz!! 🙂
Congratulations on your upcoming release of “My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge”. I’d love to have the opportunity to read more about Laurel McAdams and her life in the early 1900’s. I’d enjoy reading about the budding romance with Jonathan Taylor to see how that plays out. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to win a copy of this wonderful sounding book!
Can’t wait for the party celebrating the release of “The Bound Heart” by Laura Frantz and your fabulous book too.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Thanks so much, Kay!! I’m looking forward to the party too 🙂
They both look amazing! I love your books so I will be chasing this one down eventually!
Aww, that is SO SWEET!! I have such fun writing stories. This one is very dear to my heart so I can’t wait to share it 🙂
I look forward to every aspect of this book. I’ve loved every book I have read of yours.
Donna! Thank you so much!!! I hope you’ll enjoy this one too. I love sharing The Blue Ridge Mountains with people.
I am so anxious to read these books ’cause I love the authors! I am an avid reader…thanks for your giveaway!
Thanks so much, Jackie!! I know! I’m anxiously awaiting the chance to read Laura’s!!!
That cover!!! Just perfect!!! Congratulations again on such a beautiful story! 🙂
Thank you, Jen!! Your encouragement has been AWESOME!!!
I really enjoy the “My Heart Belongs. . .” books, and I agree this cover is beautiful. I am looking forward to reading this and Laura’s new one coming out.
wfnren at aol dot com
Wendy, I can’t wait to read Laura’s too!! 🙂
The Appalachian region is steeped with history and resilience – not to mention it’s so beautiful! I know I can trust you to bring it to life after reading the Mitchell’s Crossing stories!
Thanks for the chance to win – I have a feeling that this book will fund its way onto my gift card purchase list. 😊
YAY!! Beth!!! I can’t wait to see what you think of it. My LOVE writing of my culture and the stories hidden away in these mountains!!
Mitchell’s Crossroads, I meant! 😄
I love all your books but am really looking forward to this one. Christy has always been one of my favourite books so I am really excited about reading this. 😀
Tammy, thank you so much. I can’t claim to write like the amazing Catherine Marshall, but you’ll get the sense of ‘place’ in this book like Christy 🙂 I really hope you enjoy it!! Thank you so much for reading my books and spreading the word!
I loved “Christy”,and I am sure I would love this one of yours, Pepper.I enjoyed your others I have read ,very much.
I like reading about that time period. I like that it was when a lot of new inventions came about. Thank You for sharing your book with us it looks great.
Thank you, Linda!
So excited to read this! I received When You Look at Me for Christmas and am really enjoying it
Megan!! Oh my goodness, I just love Henry and Julia together. They make me smile!!!
Your books are ALWAYS mind blowing good!!
Historical fiction is not always my thing, but after the raving reviews I’ve heard from my mother I can’t wait to read this one!
Pepper the cover is beautiful. The book is one that I would love to read. Thank You for the giveaway.
Marion
I would love to read this book. Thank You for the chance to win it.
Marilyn
The name is Marilyn not Marion
Marilyn
This is a nice giveaway for a beautiful book.
Joan
Congratulations! I’m looking forward to reading your new book. I need to know more about your lovely Blue Ridge Mountains (even though they’re more like hills compared to my Rockies!) 😀 I’m reading Laura’s book now. I’m not very far yet, but I’m loving it, because . . . Scotland!!! Thanks for the chance to win a print copy of your book!
Congratulations on your new book. I have it and Laura’s on my footstool ready to read as soon as I finish what I’m reading now.
One of the preview reviewers said this:”if you enjoyed Christy by Catherine Marshall, Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin, or These Healing Hills by Ann Gabhart, you will love this one too.” I loved all three of the books mentioned so if it’s like these I know My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge has to be really good. I’m looking forward to Laura’s book too since I always enjoy hers. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of your book.
I have all your books so for and since I live in the Virginian mountains have been waiting to read your version about life in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I had not read much the last few years, as I couldn’t seem to find good clean fiction anymore, until I read your mothers post about your writing. I was not disappointed . I will curl up with your book during our next big snow in a few weeks.
Elsie
I have never visited Appalachia but I love my home in the Ozark mountains. I’d like to visit that part of the country someday!
I love books set in the Blue Ridge Mountains! jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com
Such a beautiful setting for a book! I can’t wait to read it.
Hi, Pepper! Looks like such an interesting area for the background of the story! Thanks so very much for an opportunity to enter a giveaway! Would love to win a print copy:) Happy New Year! God bless you! krautter12ATbresnanDOTnet
I just finished A Bound Heart, I won a copy from Laura! Also looking forward to your book, as I imagine the setting not far from me in Upstate SC.
Sounds like a book I would love to read! My sweet mother is 95 years young and I love finding great books for us to share !!
Sounds like a great story! Love to find great books to share with my sweet mother who is is 95 and loves to read!
I LOVED the book “Christy” by Catherine Marshall and I can’t wait to read this one! I just finished your book “Just The Way You Are” and loved the British + Appalachia combination. I love that you are writing Appalachian romances!!! Looking forward to this!
I love the cover. This sounds like my kind of book I love historical fiction and the Blue ridge mountains. Thanks for the chance
Tammy
Tighefan42atgmail dotcom
I have wanted to read this book 📖 since I first seen it 😁💖😁
Sounds Great
iamabho AT gmail DOT com 😍😘