These Healing Hills

Love has a way of healing old wounds…and revealing tantalizing new possibilities.

Published September 5th 2017

 by Fleming H. Revell Company 

Francine Howard has her life all mapped out--until the man she loves announces his plans to bring home an English bride from war-torn Europe in 1945. Devastated, Francine seeks a fresh start in the Appalachian Mountains, training to be a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service.

Deeply affected by the horrors he witnessed at war, Ben Locke has never thought further ahead than making it home to Kentucky. His future shrouded in as much mist as his beloved mountains, he's at a loss when it comes to envisioning what's next for his life.

When Francine's and Ben's paths intersect, it's immediately clear that they are from different worlds and value different things. But love has a way of healing old wounds . . . and revealing tantalizing new possibilities.

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Meet the Author:

Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. By the time she was ten she knew she wanted to be a writer. She's published over twenty novels. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. She still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dog, reading and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, will be followed by Small Town Girl. 

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“Where the land is rough and steep, nature is not easily conquered even after wild beasts and wilder men have been subdued. …a dogged determination to survive keeps a mountaineer’s body lean and his mind alert. His dwelling place in awesome regions tends to give him dignity of manner …accentuated by his sparse use of words.” (Mary Breckinridge describing the mountaineer characteristics)

The author does an exceptional job on her blog of telling the story of Mary Breckinridge.

 http://www.annhgabhart.com/2017/09/13/a-dedicated-woman/

My Opinion:

This story touched me in so many ways. The author weaves words together that bring to life the mountains of eastern Kentucky and brings a wonderful tribute to Mary Breckinridge.

This story touched me both heart and soul. 
I think the reason this book touched me so much is because I was raised in the "hills" of Kentucky.  No, not Hyden, but in a small town that was very similar. I left many years ago, but I will always consider it home.  So this book took me on a trip back home to my childhood.  Of course I wasn't born until many years after the setting in this book, but the characters put me in mind of people I knew growing up.  Yes, I have went to a sorghum run, crossed a swinging bridge many times, roamed the hills and played in the creek.  I also have known many older women like Granny Em.  (I think she's probably my favorite character in this book.)  In this story the author points out that even though life is hard, the people who live in eastern Kentucky endure the hand they are dealt, but strive for the best.    
 The author does an excellent job of bringing her characters to life on the pages.  I immediately liked Francine Howard.  She was not one who focused on broken promises.  No, she choose to start an adventure that would bring her new dreams and purpose.  Her arrival in Hyden was not as she anticipated in the least.  With no one there to meet her she was challenged with climbing the mountain to Wendover, the school for Frontier Nursing.  This showed her determination and drive to accomplish her dream.  
Ben Locke is a young man who had his dream of becoming a doctor cut short by World War ll and service to his country.  With the end of the war Ben heads back home to eastern Kentucky.  While serving his much loved father passed away so his homecoming was filled with many memories of days gone by.  He felt a great responsibility to care for his mother and siblings so again he puts his dreams on hold. 
For me, this was a one setting book.  I was immediately pulled into the story and didn't put it down until the last page was turned.  It has elements of humor, adventure, faith, second chances, trust, and love. 
I loved everything about this book and would recommend it to anyone. 
**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

The Innocent

 

Published by  Fleming H. Revell Company 

Released July 7, 2015

5 Stars

Brief Description:

 Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. The war ends without further word. Now penniless, in debt, and forced from her home, Carlyn seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, only to discover that they will not allow her to keep her beloved dog, an animal that has been her faithful companion since her husband went off to war. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie has pity on the lovely young woman and agrees to take the dog. Carlyn is just settling into life as a sister in the Shaker village when she receives a devastating letter confirming her worst fears. As she wrestles with whether to commit herself fully to the Shaker life, mysterious deaths begin to occur, and Carlyn comes under suspicion. Can Sheriff Mitchell help her expose the true culprit?

This is a very intriguing story.  This is the first Ann H. Gabhart story that I have read, but I can assure you it won't be the last.  

How many have heard of the Shaker religion?  Certainly, being from Kentucky, I have heard of it, but essentially know nothing about this religion.  The author has written this story in a way that shares their basic beliefs which helps the reader fully immerse themselves in the story.  This is a story about the hardships a young woman endures after the Civil War.  

Carlyn Kearney grew up under the stern guidance of her father, a traveling preacher.  This quote will give you an idea of what her father was like:

"Wife do not encourage wrong thinking in our offspring.  There is much the female brain cannot comprehend.  It is best to leave interpretation of the Scripture to those chosen by the Lord for understanding."

When Carlyn met Ambrose he gave her the one thing she had longed for and that was love and understanding.  Ambrose left for the war promising that he would return to her. Now 2 years has passed and she is still hoping for his return.  She is referred to as widow, but doesn't believe this is so because she has no proof.  Vows of faithfulness does not keep a roof over your head and when the sheriff arrives with notice that she is to move within the week she knew the law was not on her side.  Uncertain of her marriage status she hopes the Shakers community down the road from her will take her in.  

The Shakers are peaceful through simple living,  hard workers, but also very devout in their religion.  Carlyn must read and learn from their book of instruction, but has problems from the onset.  She is eager to learn and for the first time feels safe, but this life seems anything but peaceful.  Carlyn spies an outsider having an argument with a brother of the order and suddenly the entire village is in an uproar.  

What a wonderful stoy!

I loved the characters, imagery and the storyline.  I was drawn into the story by the characters, but the storyline kept me turning the pages.  I was pulled to Carlyn and her plight.  She was a good person and always wanting to do the right thing,  even when she met resistance and adversity.  Sheriff Brodie was a larger than life character that knew he didn't have all the answers, but still used determination to look for them. 

I would recommend this book to anyone. 

I would like the thank Revell for giving me this book for a honest and unbiased review as stated above.  

Meet the author:

 

  http://www.annhgabhart.com/

 Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. By the time she was ten she knew she wanted to be a writer. She's published over twenty novels. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. She still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dog, reading and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, will be followed by Small Town Girl.