These Healing Hills is a delightful historical romance novel. The descriptive writing firmly places the reader in the gorgeous scenery and amongst the friendly people of the Appalachian Mountains. It was wonderful to sink into this story and journey with Fran and Ben as they overcome the obstacles before them, each find a place to call home, and find peace.

Francine Howard didn't start her life looking for adventure, but when her fiancé writes home from the war to tell her he has found someone else, she knows home in Cincinnati is no longer where she wants to stay. Instead, she takes up the offer to travel to the Appalachian Mountains and put her training as a nurse to use as one of the Frontier Nurses. It is a vast change in culture, but Fran soon feels at home there. Ben Locke has spent many years away at war and wants nothing more than to return to his home in the mountains. He isn't sure what his future holds, but the kind nurse with the amazing smile draws him like no one has before.

This book is set just as World War Two is coming to an end. However, at times it feels like it could be set in an earlier era, as the people in the mountain eek out an honest and simple living and the women of the Frontier Nursing Service ride horses across the rugged lands to offer what medical help they can. So the mentions of buses and cars, and women wearing pants sometimes came as a bit of a shock and reminder of the true setting of this story.

The setting was almost a third main character in this book. The mountains truly came to life on the pages. These Healing Hills is beautifully written. It was a long story. While there is no shortage of exciting happenings, from snow storms, babies needing catching and shootings, this book had a beautiful, slow cadence to it that made sinking into its pages a delight. I took the time to savour every moment. However, the ending was way too sudden for me. I was left desperately flicking for pages I might have missed, another chapter, a long epilogue, anything! I thought there was more to learn, endings to be neatly tied in a bow, but maybe that's because I wanted the book to go on forever. I would be content, however, with a sequel or a companion novel... Here's hoping.

The slow sweet burn of the romance in this novel was oh so delightful. Little moments, shared laughter, simple things that brought Ben and Fran together, while they doubt and wrestle with their feelings. It made the ending all the better (if still too short!).

I was totally surprised by just how much I enjoyed this wonderful book. I eagerly look forward to discovering what else this talented author will produce. These Healing Hills is highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical novels with strong characters, detailed and descriptive writing that flows beautifully, a touch of adventure and heartwarming romance.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

These Healing Hills was the first book I've read by Ann H. Gabhart and I really enjoyed it! I'd never heard of the Frontier Nursing Service before, so it was really fascinating to learn about them. I loved that this was set in the Appalachian Mountains around the end of World War II. Those are some of my favorite settings and time periods.

Ben and Fran were great leading characters. I instantly liked them both. But there were also so many vibrant and super likeable secondary characters, too. Granny Em, Sadie, Sarge, and especially Woody. (I think he's my favorite character in any book that I've read lately.) I really enjoyed the little nuggets of wisdom and advice from Grandma Howard that Fran would often remember. Even though Fran's grandma wasn't physically there on the mountain with her, Grandma Howard's presence was definitely felt throughout the whole novel. And one of my favorite aspects was how Fran leaned on God and trusted Him so fully.

This was one of those wonderful slow building stories. It started off at a nice and easy pace, but gradually ratcheted up as the story moved along, keeping me fully engaged. There were moments where I found myself chuckling, but it was also full of heartwarming moments, and a few stressful ones, too. It was a very well-balanced story. I highly recommend 'These Healing Hills' for anyone who loves historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

Do you remember reading Christy, Catherine Marshall’s 1967 novel about a young woman who moved to the Smokey Mountains in 1912 to teach school, and who came to know and love the people who lived in that region, people whose culture was much different than the one in which she was raised? It is a story that once read will live in your heart forever. Ann Gabhart’s 2017 novel about a young woman who moved to the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky as World War II was ending to join the Frontier Nursing Service resonates in one’s heart in much the same way, as she too comes to know and love the mountain people. Gabhart’s writing reflects her own love of the people of her home state, both in These Healing Hills and many of her previous novels set in small town, Kentucky.
Francine Howard, stifled by an overbearing mother, and jilted by the man she expected to marry, sees the opportunity to join the Frontier Nursing Service and to train at its midwifery school as a way to not only escape an uncomfortable situation, but also as a way to discover herself. She did not foresee the love she would experience for the people who lived in the Eastern Kentucky mountains, nor for the very mountains themselves. A love that would far outweigh the pleasures of the modern conveniences which she would leave behind. Francine is one of those rare people who sees past stereotypes into the hearts of people, a trait we sorely need in today’s society.
These Healing Hills is a heartwarming story, one that I would most highly recommend. I thank NetGalley and Revell Books for providing me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for providing the review.

Simply fascinating! An exciting foray into the often-misunderstood world of the Appalachian people, albeit many decades ago, These Healing Hills grabs the attention of both romance enthusiasts and history buffs. It was a highly enjoyable read, not just for its beautiful characterization of life on the mountain, but also for its engaging characters and thought-provoking storyline. Books that make you think are the best books of all.

Francine Howard has traveled to to the Appalachian Mountains to serve as a midwife through the Frontier Nursing Service. She wants to be of use, in a place where no one is nagging her to go out and get married. Recovering from a recently broken engagement to a soldier who found a British girl overseas, the last thing Fran is looking for is romance. But while out on call, she finds herself lost, and a handsome mountain man saves the day. Ben Locke, a medic recently returned from the war, feels like he has one foot on the mountain and the other back in the war. Although both know that they come from very different worlds, they are drawn to each other. A mountain boy and a city girl - could their love truly endure in the unforgiving mountains?

Fran and Ben were a delightful couple! They had their squabbles, but I loved how Fran held her ground and Ben knew when saying sorry was the best option. Though their love seemed strong, it was hard to watch as they both fought their attraction. Fran knew that, as a nurse, she was supposed to maintain distance from the people. After all, she was not of their world. Ben knew this too, but though he lashed out at times when she seemed to judge the mountain life, he also couldn't help his desire to see her all the time. As the romance blossomed, I loved them more and more, and I couldn't help seeing the change in Fran. She truly grew to love the mountains, in a way that many of us might have trouble with, considering how different life is there. Wonderful to read about that transformation.

This was my first book by this author, but it most certainly won't be my last! I am eager to read what Ann Gabhart has planned next, no matter the subject. I'm sure it will be a book I will like!

THESE HEALING HILLS by Ann Gabhart
Francine needed an adventure for her bruised heart. An opportunity to be a midwife, riding a horse in Kentucky. To get off a bus and to find out the hospital was on the side of the mountain, and a path to get to. Called to help, and a swinging bridge, about did it for her. Your heart goes out to Francine, this would be more of a nightmare. You have to admire the courage she had. Ben across the ocean, fighting a war, wanting the open spaces of home. A fractured arm sends him home, to a farm. Without his father to help. The courage these two had, was a great story. They struggled, but it strengthen them. Readers will enjoy this in depth look at life in the hills , following the war. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

Ann Gabhart is a natural born story teller. And her subject material this time is completely interesting. She just writes books that make you feel as if you're sitting down with an old friend to talk. Loved it!

A wonderful story full of colorful characters and fun dialogue, an instant add to my favorites list! Set in 1945 Kentucky, in the Appalachian Mountains, featuring the brave women of the Frontier Nursing Service.

I loved the people in this story, especially the locals who Fran met in her visits, and the aspect of midwifery in 1945. The history of the FNS was fascinating, and had such a positive impact on the health of the people. The difficulty of travelling all over on horseback over rough terrain in all weather, making home visits with little back up, using everything they knew, made them some of the strongest women I've ever read about. Every day was an adventure!

The fun dialogue, especially between Fran and the Locke family, with the local vernacular was very entertaining, along with Granny Em's insights and how the locals perceived any outsiders. Plenty of inspiration is tucked in also, with scripture references, including past conversations between Ben and his father, and Fran and her grandmother adding their wise counsel.
I enjoyed the relationship between Fran and Ben, watching their little back and forth dance of friendship developing. Wished the story could have gone on just a bit longer, but the ending was satisfying. I hope it may continue with another book and it will be a series.

Highly recommend to readers who enjoy Christian historical fiction set near WW2, with a clean romance.

Francine Howard has plans to marry after WWII to Seth her lifetime friend but her plans are changed when he writes and tells her he has meet someone else. Francine wants a new start and goes to the Appalachian Mountains to train to be a Frontier midwife. She begins her training when she meets Ben Locke who was injured in the war and sent back to his home in Kentucky. When they meet they know there life's are so different but they feel a bond. Will they give in to there feelings or will Francine go back to her home and the man she was to marry. one ? This is a wonderful historical fiction about the Midwife Nursing services in the Frontier. Well written and a lovely story. Love the author and the story line.

This was an enjoyable read, if a bit predictable. The historical setting was interesting to discover Kentucky in post World War 2. Francine was a plucky heroine and Ben was also a great character. I never really sensed sparks flying between the two but it was a sweet romance.

Ann H. Gabhart knows how to write with gentleness and sincerity to a point that I didn't quite notice how much this story had entrapped me until the day was long gone and the to do list long forgotten.

Francine Howard had her life planned out. But when the man she wished to marry decides he's actually in love with someone else, she hopes on to an adventure at the Appalachian Mountains with the Frontier Nursing Service to learn midwifery. Confronted with a culture so different from hers, she feels pulled towards the people who live beautifully, even if somewhat dangerously, among the mountains and wilderness, as well as by her obligations and superiors, who never hesitate to point out that she's not one of themand should keep her distance. But what happens if a city girl finds her true self in the middle of this raw and captivating society?

Ben Locke has seen the devastations of war up front. He has always dreamed of fianlly going back to the mountians that call to his heart. When this finally happens, how to find his back to building his own life when so many unexpected responsibilities are thrown upon him? And what about the kind nurse who is slowly but surely capturing his heart, even though she is not mountain?

Even with life not going as either of these two characters planned, can both truly believe no one is heer by accident?

I was completely captivated by this author's writing about mountain life, to a point that I had half a mind to buy a ticket to go see for myself these rocks capable of settling your worries and hear the many rythms of this wilderness.

I don't think I have ever been disappointed in an Ann Gabhart book. She is one of my favourite authors and These Healing Hills proved once again why.

In These Healing Hills, she created pictures so vivid I felt like I was watching a movie. That is the work of a great writer. It was easy to see the "mountain people" who Fran grew to love and to see why a city gal would stay. Ms Gabhart's characters are well developed and seemed to jump off the paper (or Kindle in my case) and become so real you did not want to let them go. Which is my only complaint about this book. It ended without letting me know what happened next. There was no epilogue. I have to imagine what Ben and Francine will do next.

My imagination is not as vivid as Ms Gabhart's. I hope she writes a sequel.

I loved getting to know more about the Frontier Nursing Service as well. I had never heard of them before.

The theme that God always has a plan seemed central to this story, but not in an overly preachy way. I really enjoyed this book and I know you will too.

You can never go wrong with an Ann Gabhart book. I highly recommend it.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.​

I really enjoyed These Healing Hills by Ann Gabhart. I wish I could give it another 1/2 star. Great characters and an interesting time in American history. Enjoyed learning about the Frontier Nursing Service in Kentucky and those who were taught midwifery and helped in the mountains.

Fran, who has decided to learn midwifery to escape an broken engagement and an interfering mother has come to the Frontier Nursing Service for a new start. She learns to face her fears and learns to love the mountains. She meets Ben who has returned from WWII and is trying to figure out his future. There is danger and romance. A great read.

I received this book from Netgalley/Revell for my honest opinion.

Nice plot and storyline but in some places it got a bit boring and the story could have moved quicker along.
It isnot everbody cup of tea.