This book centers on Belle Newbold as she is visiting the mountains for the first time in seven years since her father was killed when they lived in the West Virginia. So much of the fear of poverty comes out in Belle's story as well as the stories she eventually told of the workers who built the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. I love that Joy Callaway tells stories about strong women in a time when strong women were not encouraged. I also love that she told the stories of those who helped build the Grove Park Inn combined with real people and fictional people. There is still a lot going on in the story that will keep you turning the pages. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

WHAT THE MOUNTAINS REMEMBER by JOY CALLOWAY is a most enjoyable read with interesting characters, some of them real people, mostly inventors, who lived in the early 1900’s, and a story rich with romance, betrayal, guilt and forgiveness.Although we see blatent class distinction and the plight of the working class, we also are made aware of the value of every human being. This is well brought out in the writings of Belle Newbold, the stepdaughter of Shipley Newbold, the gasoline magnate, who interviewed the architect and labourers who were building the magnificen Grove Park Inn for her article, instead of only honouring the investors…..
The setting is rhe Vagabond camp in the mountains. Belle’s relationship with Worth Delafield is one of convenience. They both do not want to fall in love as they have lost loved ones and carry the pain. We are clearly shown that living a life without love and a sense of belonging is not living at all.
The mountains in which the camp is siuated evoke painful memories for each of them. There are secrets on both sides and the fear of someone finding the truth is very strong. Belle’s cousin Marie Austen Kipp has opposite desires to Belle, of whom she is extremely jealous, and causes a lot of trouble for herself and Belle, who is supposed to be her best friend. We see Belle’s relationship with her mother, as opposed to that of Marie Austen with her mother.
I highly recommend this enjoyable and inspirational novel to anyone who likes a really good story with uderlying substance.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Harper Muse. The opinions in this review are completely my own.