Ann H. Gabhart

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

Rating: 1 Star
Content: 1 Star

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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