I really enjoy reading about Appalachia, so I was happy to receive a complimentary copy of this book. It was a beautifully written story, with strong character development.

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.***

This was such a well written book. I love the inclusion of the effects of the Great Depression. Piper isn’t your average debutant. She isn’t really interested in having a party or getting married for any reason other than love. Piper decides that instead of finishing the debutant season, she will go be a courier for a midwife nurse program in the mountains of Kentucky.
I really enjoyed this book. You quickly become invested in the characters. There are elements for everyone including adventure and romance.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

Piper Danson takes a summer leave from her family home and travels to Kentucky to join the Frontier Nurses as a courier. For Piper, this foray into blue collar, stable boy work, is seen by her parents as a whim and they permit it. Her father asks her to seriously consider a marriage partnership with Braxton Crandall, a rising star in their hometown. Piper, though, pines for Jamie whose family fell from grace when they lost all their wealth in the stock crash of 1929.
A summer in the mountains, among the nursing team and other couriers is a great choice for a young woman at a crossroads. She is challenged to dig deep in her personal abilities and grows greatly during the limited time program. Other young women of means are also participating in the program and it seems like a fantastic, real world "finishing" school.
Jamie, undeterred, approaches Piper's father for permission to court her. He aspires to be a journalist and is earning a living by teaching school. Though a respectable vocation, Jamie's value is slight to Mr. Danson. True love finds a way.

A beautifully written story where the way of life in the Appalachian Mountains in the early 1930's is actually a character in the book. When a young woman who has never lacked for anything finds herself unsettled and questioning her future, she must make decisions that are not available to many during the Depression era.

Set in an age of hardships and the lack of proper medical treatment for many rural communities, Ann Gabhart's story has at it's heart the Frontier Nurses and Midwives that worked to improve the conditions of so many families that would not have survived without their help. This organization was a true blessing to these remote locations.

As Piper Danson's parents bring pressure to bear for her to marry well, her future seems to be written by everyone except her. The Depression has left many of her friends and family without the means to support their former way of life. She feels unsettled and as if she needs to contribute to society. Her aunt introduces her to the Frontier Nurses group who are looking for volunteers to travel the remote Appalachian families, providing medical support to the nurses and assisting the midwives in birthing. For the first time in her life, she will work, performing tasks she would never have seen in her future. But her time on horseback traveling the mountains and the responsibilities she will grow into will give her a foundation for her plans and dreams.

An excellent look at life in a hard era and how even those who lost everything, could start again and enjoy their new lives.

Piper Danson is not your typical debutante. Instead of pursuing a future social life and seeking out a husband, she decides to take a leap of independence for the summer. With the support of her Aunt Truda, she decides to sign up as a courier for a frontier nursing service in the Appalachian Mountains of rural Kentucky. Instead of fancy balls and tea parties, Piper finds herself mucking out horse stalls, delivering supplies, and helping midwives deliver babies. Despite her resistance to settling down, she can't help thinking about her childhood friend Jamie Russell who just happens to have arrived in town. Will Piper be able to follow her heart or will her parents' expectations for her future thwart her chances at finding true happiness?

I always love reading about independent heroines and Piper Danson definitely fits the bill. I admired her ability to set social expectations aside in order to follow her pursuit of service to others. It was interesting to learn about the frontier courier service, since I have relatives who lived in Kentucky during this time period. Although I enjoyed most of the book, I found a few parts to be a little farfetched like the girls eating candy bars. It just didn't seem to fit the time period. Aunt Truda's relationship with the doctor seemed rushed as well. Overall, I found the book to be a satisfying read and will be looking for other books to be read by the same author.

Ann H. Gabhart writes compelling stories, and I always love her wonderful character. She has a way of making me feel as if I’ve stepped into whatever time period is the setting for her book, and in this case, it’s the hills of the Appalachian region in the year 1933. It’s almost hard to describe in a review just how beautiful this story really is. There are many good values in this storyline: Service to others; respect for others; love; and compassion. Piper Danson is a character you won’t soon forget. It would be wonderful to have a sequel to this book!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own

3.5 ⭐️ This beautiful story is wonderfully written! You will feel as if you are walking through the Ky hills. It is a sweet romantic tale, if you enjoy stories with a sweet story of love, you will enjoy!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

I really loved this book about the nurse midwives and the Kentucky Appalachian mountains. Piper Danson just had her debut into society even though her father lost everything in the stock market. He has “promised “ her to a young man whose father didn’t lose his fortune. However Piper feels nothing for Braxton and isn’t in the mood to be pushed into marriage and wait for love to come.
She decided she would go to the mountains for the summer and work as needed for Frontier Nursing program.
Confused by her love for her childhood friend Jamie and the pressure to make a good marriage she wants a break.
I fell in love with the storyline of the mountain people and the beautiful scenery.
There is another previous book in this theme called These Healing Hills. I hope it is a stand alone that was published a few years ago.

Well this was the first book that I Attempted to read on the new NetGalley app. I don’t know if it had a short license and then I lose it or what or if that is how the app works. Just a little over 1/2 way point it said my license had expired so I couldn’t read the rest.

I was able to finish this from our local library so I really can’t say I got the book from NetGalley because I don’t have it. A wonderful read that was worth the wait

If you’re looking for a summery book to read as the summer ends and turns into fall, then you should try An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart. What attracted me to this book was the cover. It was so pretty and made me want to read what the book was about, which made me want to read the actual book. The story had so many historical details that I had never heard of. For instance, I never knew there were nurses that rode on horseback to rural homes in the Kentucky mountains to help ladies deliver babies safely. I really enjoyed this book except for one part, the snakes. If you are like me and have a hard time even reading about snakes, be warned that there are snakes in this book. But other than the snakes, the book was well written with fun, brave characters, and lots of historical information.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An Appalachian Summer
by Ann H. Gabhart


Revell
Christian
Pub Date 30 Jun 2020  


I am reviewing a copy of An Appalachian Summer through Revell and Netgalley:




This book transports us back to 1933 Louisville, Kentucky, even the economic depression cannot keep Piper Danson's parents from insisting on a debut party. Because unlike so many others their fortune came through the market crash intact, and they've picked out the perfect suitor for their daughter. Braxton Crandall can give her the kind of life she's used to. The problem is Braxton Brandon Crandall is not the man she wants nor is it the life.






When Piper gets the opportunity to volunteer as a horseback Frontier Nursing courier in the Appalachian Mountains for the summer, Piper jumps at the chance to be something other than a dutiful daughter or a kept wife in a marriage without love. The work is difficult but the scenery is absolutely gorgeous and the people she meets open a new world to her. The longer she stays, the more an marriage that could be advantageous slips from her grasp. But she finds something much more precious, true love, is drawing ever closer.



I give An Appalachian Summer five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

4 1/2 stars

A perfect read for fans of historical fiction.

I was drawn to this book for several reasons besides the gorgeous cover. One I'm a fan of Ann Gabhart. I've met her and she is one of the nicest writers. Two, the book starts out in Louisville, KY. I love reading about my hometown of the past. Three, I was interested in learning the Frontier Nursing Service. I was not disappointed. I found myself turning pages late into the night.

A clean, Christian read for most all ages. I would have no issues giving this to older middle-grade readers.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

With An Appalachian Summer, Ann H. Gabhart gives readers a thoroughly enjoyable story wrapped in with a celebration of differences. It was easy to get pulled in from the very first introduction of Piper Danson, who wants nothing to do with a debutante season or finding a suitable match, much less doing so in the midst of the Great Depression. It is easy to relate to Piper's search for an opportunity to do something with real meaning, and to find out who she truly is before settling for a the match chosen by her father instead of marrying the man she has loved since childhood. And it is easy to see why Piper grows to feel the way she does about the Frontier Nursing Service and the people she meets during her time with them.

Piper is different from many of the people around her; her social status dictates that she should marry money, especially amidst the uncertainty of the Depression era, but the love of her heart has lost his family money and along with it, his social status. She does not care for the extravagance of lavish parties when so many others are suffering, and she searches for her own identity in a time when such is not considered necessary. Through the course of this one summer, Piper finds that she is not such a rare bird, nor is she unsupported by the women in her life. She finds beauty and strength in the works and ways of those she encounters during her Appalachian summer, which helps her discover the beauty and strength within herself to follow God's lead for her future.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are completely genuine

Interesting book about the Appalachan way of life.. It was a great service to the mountain( people, not just for their health but their overall way of life.

I adored this book, An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart. I started it today and finished it today! It was so good. I didn't want to put it down! The story takes place near the end of the Great Depression. It is 1933 and Piper Danson is twenty years old. Her mother wants her to have her debutante ball, even if she is older than she should be when she finally has it. Her father has made a match for her, with a wealthy man in the railroad business. The only problem is that her heart belongs to someone else, to Jamie. The day after her ball, she attends a tea, where she learns about the Frontier Nursing that takes place in the mountains. They need volunteers to come and take care of horses and assist the nursing midwifes. Piper heads out that very week, determined to not think about her future until she has had time to do something that makes a difference. However, the future seems to be pressing in on her. Will she follow her heart? Or follow the road laid out for her?
This was a great story, as all of Gabhart's books that I have read are. I love how her characters face the same types of issues that are around us every day. And that they are not afraid to discuss how the God of miracles is still at work today.
I offer my opinion of this book freely. I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.

I love books set in the Appalachian Mountains and have enjoyed several books by Ann Gabhart. An Appalachian Summer did not disappoint me! The book is fiction based on the Frontier Nursing Service and their midwives and couriers. Piper was an excellent female protagonist who was not interested in her debut or the man her father had chosen for her! I admired how Piper managed to postpone marriage by volunteering as a courier in the mountains. Piper was a courageous young lady who cared for horses, helped deliver babies and learned to kill and dress a chicken and to milk a cow as well as many other duties! Piper had loved Jamie since childhood but his now impoverished status does not meet Piper's father's requirements for a son-in-law! You will admire Dr. Jack who works at the local mountain hospital and remembers an intriguing young woman he met years ago. Piper's aunt, Truda, has never married or forgotten the poor young intern she spent several hours visiting with. I recommend An Appalachian Summer to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction. I received a complimentary e-book from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

An Appalachian Summer by Ann Gabbart is the thrilling, fast moving story of an intrepid explorer-like young woman, who has the amazing courage to bravely and boldly step away from the dull, wearisome past into the vast expanse of a beautiful future spread out gorgeously before her. In 1933, when Piper volunteers as a horseback Frontier Nursing courier in the Appalachian Mountains for the summer, it is her last chance to be something more than a boring old drudge. As a whole new and exciting world opens up to her in dazzling array, the longer she stays there, something much more precious, true love, beckons even closer. In this fast-moving and exciting tale, Ann Gabhart skillfully handles the Appalachian landscape and culture with an expert's eye, making them spring to life, vibrant in every color. The amazing tenacity and sterling bravery instilled in the leading lady character in this rugged, heartwarming tale are truly admirable, worthy of respect and emulation. I highly recommend this awesome book to all who love fast-paced action in every form.

I highly recommend this book. I chose An Appalachian Summer because of the beautiful cover and that it was Christian fiction. This was the first time reading this author, Ann Gabhart, and I will definitely be looking for her books.

May 1933 is the debut ball for Piper Danson, a 20-year old daughter of a Louisville, Kentucky banker and his wife. The guest list was smaller than what her sister Leona had had but that was okay with Piper. It was an evening that she endured for the sake of her family and Braxton Crandall was her escort for the evening. Both the Danson and Crandall families pulled through the depression without trouble, thence the celebration. We are also introduced to Aunt Truda Danson and Jamie Russell, a childhood friend whose family did not fare well during those years.

Throughout the book we hear from each character, Piper, Truda and Jamie which allows details to be given to enhance the story.

Truda hosts an afternoon tea the next day at the home of Piper. Mrs. Mary Breckenridge is the guest speaker and was trying to raise funds for the Frontier Nursing Service in the Appalachian Mountains in eastern Kentucky. Mrs. Breckenridge had a talk with Piper who becomes intrigued because as a horse lover, Piper finds that she could have a place within the service as a courier doing what she loved.

In a matter of a few days Piper finds herself on a train bound for Hazard, Kentucky and ultimately Wendover. Later in the summer, Truda goes to Wendover and has her own experiences as do Jamie and Braxton.

Throughout this beautifully told tale we are introduced to various nurses, couriers, and mountain folk each helping Piper to grow as an individual and to find the will of God in her life. We see how the Frontier Nursing Service helps the people of the mountains and you easily find yourself following along the various adventures of the courier life.

I was given a free copy of this book for review by Net Galley and the opinion is my own. #AnAppalachianSummer #AnnGabhart #NetGalley

I love that Piper, a reluctant debutant, left behind her life of wealth to work in the horse stalls for Mary Breckenridge's Frontier Nursing Service. The girl digs in and tries to forget about the possibility of marriage and instead turns her attention to the horses and people she meets. Along with Piper's tale, Ann delights the reader with the story of Piper's aunt. I won't tell too much on her—just that I enjoyed Truda's character very much. Ann draws the reader into the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, a lovely respite from the world. An Appalachian Summer is Ann's second book featuring the horseback Frontier Nursing Service. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Ann H. Gabhart brings readers a lovely story that has both heart and knowledge to share about the life of nurses and couriers in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1930s.

Before receiving this story, I don’t believe I’d read anything by Ms. Gabhart. But I am hoping she will continue this story with some of the ladies that had minor roles in this one. She began her telling with the extravagant debut party for a young socialite named Piper Danson. While Piper enjoys a good party, she would rather the focus be on someone other than herself. Her family came through the Crash of 1929 with little loss and her father is determined to grow their fortune with an advantageous marriage between Piper and another Society family’s son. But Piper is not ready to give up her independence just yet. She wants to do something important with her life before marriage is her only option. Her something important comes to her in the form of the Frontier Nursing Association, led by Mary Breckenridge. Although Piper doesn’t have the training to serve as a nurse, she does have the knowledge to be a courier for the Association. Excited about this chance, Piper enlists her Aunt Truda and her mother to convince her father to allow her to go. Piper has another more personal reason to leave Louisville – the man she has loved for years has left her behind. Jaime’s family lost everything in the crash, including his father. Though he loves her, Jaime cannot propose to Piper with no job or means of support. He has always hoped to become a writer and finally gets a chance at his first printed story. He will travel to Wendover and write a in-depth story on the Frontier Nursing Association. Little does he know that his story will bring him closer to Piper than he ever hoped and offer him a future he has only dreamed about. With beautiful scenery, funny escapades and moments of wonder, Piper will see a new side of life and what it means to live for others. And if she can let go of her notions of what she “needs” in life, she just might find that everything she is really looking for is waiting right in front of her. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting of this story. The characters were interesting and clearly experienced growth throughout the pages and I was impressed with how real faith was woven carefully but firmly into all situations. Piper and Truda were a bit selfish at the beginning of the story but both learned quite a lot about what’s important in life and that love is worth more than they knew. Jaime provided some funny scenes and the perspective of one who had to recreate his life in the face of total loss. He gained confidence through his experiences and finally understood that money doesn’t make a person better than another. I also enjoyed the well written descriptions of the mountains. There was just enough information to spark your imagination without being too detailed or boring. The people that the main characters met throughout the pages provided such insight into the lives of the mountain folks and proved that caring for others means more than just words. How interesting it was to read of the experiences of the nurses and couriers! I was really engaged by that part of the story and would love to learn more about those brave individuals who made that work their career. It made the book even better in my opinion because it made me consider whether I might have been willing to serve other in that way if I had lived then. I will certainly be recommending this book to others as both an informative and wonderful read. I do hope that Ms. Gabhart will write more stories about this topic and the ladies she introduced here. Looking forward to what she will offer up next!

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.