I am a sucker for any book set in North Carolina and add in some history, a home run! This was a good romance but also a coming of age story.

In 1913, Belle Newbold is caught between the world she “should” live in - that of privilege afforded to the step-daughter of a wealthy business owner - and the world she “wants” to live in - one that would allow her to write and live in the mountains, as she did growing up with her mother and coal miner father. When the opportunity arises to travel to the NC mountains in Asheville to what will be the Grove Park Inn with the group known as the Vagabonds, she jumps at the chance, knowing she will at least be back in the mountains she loves. I had heard of this group, but didn’t know too much about them until this book, so that was interesting. Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and John Burroughs explored the country, sometimes bringing their families along. But these were no ordinary camping trips - servants tagged along to cater to all their employers’ needs, along with furniture, china and silver. I found this disturbing but fascinating at the same time-the author provides much detail so the reader can see this in their mind. And of course, there’s ulterior motives too for these men - as they traveled in their Ford vehicles with Firestone tires, they were a moving advertisement.

The Grove Park Inn is touted as the “eighth wonder of the world”, as the attention to detail is beyond anything they’ve seen before. Belle is drawn right away into the architecture of the inn, and is fascinated on how it’s being built and by whom. When the opportunity comes up to document the building of the inn, she decides she wants to tell it from the workers’ perspectives, as there would be no inn if not for them, and their stories are seldom told. She meets bachelor Worth Delafield, and romance follows, but it’s not a smooth road for the two as they both harbor secrets.

With so many details about the area and this era, this book played out like a movie in my head, and I couldn’t put it down. I love all of Joy’s books, but this one is my new favorite. Out now, so pick it up and be swept back in time to the Gilded Age, and the perseverance of one strong woman, who won’t settle for what she “should” have, but fights for what she “wants” to have.
Highly recommend!

*What the Mountains Remember* is a moving historical romance that holds a special resonance for anyone who loves North Carolina or has ever visited the iconic Grove Park Inn. Having stayed there myself, I found it thrilling to dive into the history of such a special place while also exploring a story about love, societal divides, and personal resilience.

The author does a phenomenal job of blending historical facts with a captivating storyline. You feel the depth of research in each scene, from the social distinctions of the era to the heart-wrenching challenges people faced, like poverty and disease. Real figures from history make an appearance, adding authenticity and a powerful reminder of the time’s realities.

At the heart of the book are Belle and Worth, two characters who find comfort in one another’s company at the Inn as Belle pursues her work as an investigative reporter. Their interactions are tender and genuine, underscored by a shared desire to avoid love—even as they openly admit to wanting marriage and family. Both characters are harboring painful secrets, and as a reader, I found myself deeply invested in whether they would choose to be vulnerable with each other and allow love to break down the walls they’d carefully constructed.

The book also raises thought-provoking questions about feminism and the role of women at the time. Belle’s determination to take on such a demanding investigative role as a woman felt inspiring and refreshing, especially set against the era’s backdrop.

If you enjoy historical romances rich with detail, well-drawn characters, and a beautiful sense of place, *What the Mountains Remember* is a must-read. It’s a book that will leave you both moved and grateful for the journey back in time.

I absolutely looked forward to this story of the Vagabonds! The members; Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs have always been a special interest to me due to their marks in History. The research done by Joy Callaway was incredible thorough and impressive as a detail was not missed.

I was really drawn to and absolutely loved the character of Belle - her story and journey of being a woman in the time period where women were expected to be seen and not heard. The way she was horrified and showed true concern for the inn workers when TB went around really was compelling and heartfelt. Worth is an amazingly kind man, who has a lot of deep seated wounds and pain, but the way he was so caring and kind to Belle. He was truly encouraging for her as well, and their romance was so sweet and earnest. It came together rather naturally and felt real and compelling. The cousin, Marie was an absolutely dreadful wench and her annoying childish immaturity was better left out of the book entirely.

The pacing felt a bit slow and the plot lagged quite a bit at times which is the only reason I did not mark this as a 5 star read. I am for sure a Joy Callaway fan now and am looking into her backlog of work as well.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Joy Callaway for the eArc in exchange for my honest opinions.

*What the Mountains Remember* by Joy Calloway is a beautifully crafted historical fiction novel set in the Appalachian Mountains. It tells the story of a woman uncovering her family's hidden past amidst the region's rich cultural tapestry. Calloway's lyrical prose and deep sense of place bring the mountains and their secrets to life, creating an evocative and memorable tale of resilience, legacy, and the power of memory.

Beautifully written, expertly and carefully researched. This is historical fiction at its finest and is another winner from Joy Callaway!

What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway was a perfect read for me! Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this did not disappoint! Belle Newbold is a wonderful main character mixing strength and compassion. I enjoyed reading the history of the Grove Park Inn and Asheville as well. What the Mountains Remember would be an excellent choice for a book club discussion. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the gifted e-book.

Wow! This book had so many facets that I loved. It was rich with historical tidbits such as the construction of Grove Park Inn and Henry Ford’s Vagabonds’ adventures.

Because I have architectural engineering degree, I am fascinated by stories of grand architecture feats. For whatever reason, I’d never been made aware of Grove Park Inn. Even though my husband grew up in upstate South Carolina and we’ve visited Asheville due to the proximity I’ve surprisingly still never heard of this grand hotel. Now, I’d love to go visit and stay in it. I did some of my own research about the place after reading the book and Callaway’s descriptions are spot on!

In addition to the architectural and area interest, I could relate to Belle’s background. My father grew up in rural West Virginia and when he was just a teenager he went to work in the West Virginia coal mines. Learning a bit more of the history and danger of the mines through this book made me have a deeper sense of appreciation for the work my father did and gratitude for my father’s amazing health.

Maybe because of the personal ties I have to this book, I absolutely loved it. But I also think that the story of Belle and Worth was marvelous. The storyline drama kept me wanting to continue reading into the wee hours of the night. And everyone hopes for a man like Worth, who appreciates a strong, smart woman and has a deep emotional literacy.

Would 100% recommend this incredible historical fiction read by Joy Callaway!

On a camping trip with her parents, Belle Newbold has the opportunity to write an article about the new Grove Park Inn. As she delves into the community, she speaks to the laborers and locals and finds many similarities to her own childhood which she has been hiding and pushing aside ever since her mother remarried an gasoline magnate. She also meets her fiance Worth and as they get to know each other in person, develop a strong relationship. Overall, a somewhat slower paced historical fiction that is suited to readers interested in Asheville or who like characters undergoing self-discovery.

In this early twentieth century historical fiction novel, readers meet Belle Newbold, who lives the high life of an American heiress despite being born to a coal miner in the Appalachian Mountains. Returning to the mountains for the first time in seven years, Belle is here to get engaged to Worth Delafield, a man she has never met before. As the Vagabond camping group ventures into the wilderness and visits the under-construction Grove Park Inn, Belle finds herself going beyond her role as a society heiress and exploring the depths of Grove Park, her future husband, society, and her heart. Moving beyond society’s mandates and choosing her own future, Belle’s trip to the mountains will change her and her relationships with those she loves. Belle is a surprisingly complex heroine whose relationship to the social hierarchy of the American upper class in the twentieth century is particularly fascinating to uncover. Her approaches to life, marriage, and work are also particularly interesting to track as the novel unfolds, and the other characters such as her mother, fiance Worth, and friend Marie Austen, are also interesting and well-developed with complex relationships with Belle. Blending two vastly different societies and cultures in this novel, Callaway’s latest novel is an interesting, fascinating read about a different side of early twentieth century America.

What the Mountains Remember is another impressive book by Joy Callaway! Loved that this book incorporated the history of building Grove Park Inn and having seen it in person made it all the more special to read. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

I will be honest, books like this are what make reading such a joy! This was such a delightful historical fiction novel that expertly evoked the wilderness so much that it made me wish I was camping so I live out this novel in real time. Highly recommended and every romantic will swoon at the hard-won love story!

What the Mountains Remember is a fascinating, setting-as-a-character historical fiction story with roots in real-life places and people. This is the first novel I’ve read by Joy Callaway, and I’m impressed with her style and immersive prose transporting the reader to the rugged Appalachians. The story encompasses an empowering, engaging heroine’s tale with relatable struggles, a spot-on depiction of grief’s impact, and a reluctant and hopeful romance.

The romance thread is my favorite aspect of the story (imagine that!) as it is integral to Belle’s arc and growth as she asserts a new role for herself as a writer and recorder of people’s stories. The love interest himself is an observant, perceptive, and caring beta hero. For the two of them, a convenient betrothal grows to genuine care, albeit reluctant on both sides (they are adorable little fools for a good portion of the story). Instead of frustrating the reader, the reluctance and avoidance of love, on Belle’s part, is endearing and something you want her to completely work through.

What the Mountains Remember is the kind of story that makes me want to learn more about the places and real-life people in its pages. I found myself down a Google rabbit hole learning more about the now-Omni Grove Park Inn and the Henry Ford vagabonds trips.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance ebook copy. And thanks to my library for the audiobook copy I also utilized for part of my reading. This is my honest review.

This was my first book by Joy Callaway but will not be my last! I was first drawn to this book because of the beautiful cover and then when I started reading, I was immediately immersed into the story of Belle, the mountains, and a man named Worth.

I read/listened to the audio version and absolutely loved it! Brittany Pressley is a great narrator. I've listened to several books that she's narrated and feel like she's very easy to listen to.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 2 April 2024

Joy Calloway's love for the history of the Grove Park Inn shines in the meticulous detail she has woven into this story of its construction. While the main characters are fictional, many of the supporting cast are historical. I have long been entranced by the history of the area around Asheville. Throw in the history of an iconic hotel and I an hooked. Calloway's vivid prose brings the setting to life.

Belle hoped to remain inconspicuous while vacationing with family to the mountains of North Carolina. Tasked with writing an article about the construction of the hotel, she chooses to focus on the ordinary people and their stories. While struck by the magnificence of the undertaking, she recognizes that it takes many ordinary people to accomplish something extraordinary.

Readers will be entranced by this young woman's journey of finding healing, a sense of purpose and love.

Content warning: use of mild curse words

****I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Joy Callaway's novel, "What the Mountains Remember," presents an engaging narrative that intertwines elements of romance, historical context, and the theme of self-discovery. Initially, some readers may find the pace gradual, but the story progressively unfolds into a well-crafted tale that educates and motivates. It is particularly suited for readers who have an affinity for historical fiction characterized by well-developed characters and an element of romantic intrigue.

"What the Mountains Remember" is an eloquently crafted work that vividly brings to life the nuances of a past epoch alongside the universal quest for personal identity. The novel's ability to engage the reader's emotions and intellect makes it an excellent choice for one's collection. It comes highly recommended for its immersive storytelling that has the power to elevate the mundane to the extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.

I really enjoyed the setting of the book, the history of the Grove Park Inn, and the cover is gorgeous!! I ended up listening on audio book and thought it was an enjoyable read.

I loved the history of this book! It takes place in the mountains of NC while the Grove Park Inn is being built. Such a great story!

Do you want to know what is one of the most delightful experiences in the reading world? When one is pleasantly surprised by how much they love a new book. That is me with this one. I knew the barest of information about this book before picking it up, so I didn’t entirely know what to expect. And I was so pleased around every turn and bend and page. I finished on a sigh of happiness, with a desire for it to keep going.

Belle is a wonderful character. She clearly has her struggles, but she refuses to be hemmed in by them, to be shackled by the weight of her fears and insecurities. And I loved that about her. Her mountain background had given her a firm resolve and level head, and she was able to face life’s challenges with determination and grit, as well as the learned poise and grace she gained later.

The way she dealt with the people she interacted with was beautiful. I loved the underlying themes that everyone has something of value to offer the world, and that when we look for them, we can find things about others to learn from and admire. I thought she was especially kind to Marie Austin, even though I didn’t think she deserved it (she is so bothersome!). I also loved Belle’s natural writing ability, and how one person seeing her own goodness opened doors for her.

I was so confused about Worth for awhile, even though I liked him a great deal. He is incredibly swoony. One thing I loved about their relationship was how they tackled their problems head on, not letting them fester for days on end. It was refreshing and I loved how their communications with each other helped to reinforce their relationship.

My very favorite scenes happen near the end. Papa Newbold is just so good and I love him. And I loved how much Belle (and, by extension, Worth) grow in the short time they are on this Vagabond camping trip. Also, the kissing scenes (and almost kissing scenes—swoon!) were so, so good. So good!

I also found the history absolutely fascinating. Every single piece, from the hotel, to the consumption, to the fancy “camping” (the historical version of glamping!), was a lot of fun to read.

I am hooked on Joy Calloway’s writing now, and I’m off to locate another of her books to listen to. This one was just so well done, with incredible themes, a sweet, slow burn romance, and immersive writing (I could have sworn I smelled wood smoke at one point and felt the chill of the mountain air—and being a mountain lover, I cannot express enough just how much I loved all the mountain settings). I highly recommend for all fans of historical fiction and romance.



**CW/TW: parent deaths (occurred before book) by accident and fire; other deaths by disease; mention of affairs; starvation and extreme poverty; hunting and fishing, and preparing freshly caught fish; deception and lying; tongue mentioned during kissing


**many thanks to Austen Prose, NetGalley, and Harper Muse for the copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

This book was fulll of heart and I love the perspective from our leading lady. As someone who loves Asheville, I also enjoyed the history woven through every page. Couldn’t put it down.