The Song of Sourwood Mountain is a gently paced historical romance set in 1910 in the hills of Kentucky. It starts off with a bang - a marriage prop0sal. A marriage of convenience proposal which Mira quickly rejects. But God opens a door and slams shut and bars all the others. Mira and Gordon race into marriage, but Mira's love and admiration for her steadfast, honorable husband grows like a well-tended garden.
One of the hallmarks of a great book is the development of its secondary characters. The children are sympathetic and believable. I was invested in them as much as the main characters. The conflicts rang true with a believable villain and some very human flaws.
The pace of the book was gentle until the climax, and then it sprinted to the finish with heart-pounding action.
A sweet story that I enjoyed very much.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was another sweet southern historical by Ann Gabhart. This one takes place primarily in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky (though it begins in Louisville). When Mira encounters an old classmate who speaks at her church about his mission, she is taken aback when he proposes marriage to her. Her world gets turned completely upside down thereafter when God orchestrates the circumstances that have her moving to Sourwood Mountain. This was a sweet heart-rending story of love and loss and life in the mountains. There was a solid faith thread involved and conversations about ways God answers prayers was prominent throughout. There was a bit of a coming of age story for a young girl named Ada June and her faithful pup Bo was among my favorite characters in the book. I enjoyed learning about the ways of the mountain folks, reading the story of the preacher and teacher, seeing their sweet love story and uncovering some of the mystery of Ada June. If you enjoy faith-filled historical romances, this is one I could heartily recommend. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

I most certainly enjoyed The Song of Sourwood Mountain --@ Ann H Gabhart . She is such a great word painter that you actually feel like you've visited the mountain community in Eastern Kentucky. It's about a missionary preacher, named Gordon Covington and a school teacher named Mira Dean. She was happy teaching school where she was but when Gordon made an impassioned plea about the children of Sourwood Mountain had no teacher. They would grow up illiterate. This touched Mira's heart. Almost she was persuaded but she already had a position. When God opens a door, just like Jonah, you can run but you can't hide from God's will. That is all I will say.The book will be available May 7,2024. I hope that you will pre-order it now. It's a great read. I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Listen closely, and you'll hear the gentle melody of The Song of Sourwood Mountain, a captivating tale that resonates with the spirit of Appalachia. This 5+ star book, in my opinion, is a priceless treasure, weaving together the threads of faith, love, and the rugged beauty of the mountains.

This heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching story gripped me, each page a melody echoing throughout the hollows of my heart. Ann H. Gabhart has a gift for crafting characters who feel like old friends, their lives intricately woven into the very fabric of the mountains they call home.

In the heart of these ancient hills, we meet Mira Dean, a woman faced with an unexpected proposal from Gordon Covington, a preacher with a vision for a mission school in the mountains. At first, Gordon's persistence may seem overbearing, but as we explore the depths into his character, we see a man led by faith, trusting in God's plan.

The Appalachian setting comes alive with every word, painting a vivid picture of the rugged beauty and the resilient spirit of the people who call it home. As Mira and Gordon navigate the twists and turns of their new life together, we see their love story unfold with genuine tenderness, mirroring the sweet melody of a bluebird's song.

But it's not just Mira and Gordon who steal the show. Ada June and her loyal four-legged companion, Bo, capture our hearts with their courage and resilience in the face of soul-shaking adversity. Their presence in Mira and Gordon's lives adds exquisite, eternal depth and warmth to the story, reminding us of the found family that can emerge in unexpected places.

Throughout the novel, the theme of trusting in Almighty God and His plan shines brightly. I absolutely loved the Christian faith content! Here is a quote that I have memorized: “Fear has a way of paralyzing us, coloring our thoughts, making us want to believe we know more than God.”

Each character's journey, filled with joys and sorrows alike, unfolds in harmony with the Appalachian landscape, creating a symphony of faith, hope, trust, and love.

As I read, I found myself savoring every sentence, not wanting the book to end yet unable to resist the pull of the next chapter. Gabhart's masterful storytelling drew me into a world where the bluebird's melody intertwined with the whispers of the mountains.

The Song of Sourwood Mountain continues to linger in my heart long, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for the symphony of life's joys and sorrows.

For anyone seeking a soul-stirring journey through the heart of Appalachia, The Song of Sourwood Mountain is an absolute must-read. It's a bluebird's melody that will echo in your heart, reminding you of the beauty and resilience found in the heart of the mountains.

I received a digital copy of The Song of Sourwood Mountain from Revell. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

I enjoy how Ann Gabhart takes us back to Eastern Kentucky in her novels. This book centers around faith and trusting in God to lead the characters in the right direction and making good decisions. Very likable characters and easy to follow storyline. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Can you ever go wrong with an Ann H. Gabhart book? I don't think so. The Song of Sourwood Mountain had all the feels and more.

After church, the last thing Mira Dean expected was a proposal from the visiting preacher. Granted, she did go to school with him as a child, but she hadn't thought about him in years. Now, Gordon Covington not only wants her to marry him, but he also wants her to be the new teacher at his mission school in the mountains. What's a girl to do? Say no, of course. Except for the fact that God seems to be pushing her to say yes.

While I thought Gordon was a bit of a bully in that he was abusing his position as a preacher to convince Mira to leave her life behind and follow his dream, I still loved this book! Gordon seemed to be a bit clueless where women were concerned. To me, he came across as a "God told me this, so you have to do it" kind of guy. But as you get to know him, you realize he is just following God. He only has to wait for others to catch his vision and hear if God is also speaking to them. 

While Gordon and Mira were interesting characters, it was Ada June and her dog Bo who stole the show for me. She was desperate for love from anyone. A ten-year-old living by herself for the most part in the mountains. She slept outside in the cold without proper clothing, often without food in her stomach. The people of Sourwood often took advantage of her, forcing her to work for a scrap of food or shelter, and while they thought they were doing right by her, they weren't. I loved how she fit into Mira and Gordan's lives, as well as how that relationship grew. 

Trusting in God is a major theme in this book, and we get to see how each character grows in that respect. If you are looking for a book with a sweet story about love in all its forms, look no further than The Song of Sourwood Mountain.

For my honest review, I received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley.

"The Song of Sourwood Mountain" by Ann H. Gabart is a beautiful story about what can happen when God is in control of our lives. Like Jonah in the bible, the main character, Mira resists the seemly random proposal she gets from a former schoolmate she hasn't seen in years. After all of her doors close, she listens to her neighbor who says God is calling her and decides to accept the proposal from Pastor Gordon and be his wife and the school teacher for Appalachian children in a remote area of North Carolina.

The author weaves a beautiful story of what can happen when we let God in to lead our lives. We may end up with more than we ever bargained for!

I just loved this story and read it in two nights. The characters in the book are ones you will love and strongly dislike but weave an unforgettable story. This book has a marriage of convenience, found family and characters that will leap off the page.

Thank you to Revell Fiction and NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoy reading about the Appalachian Mountain people and I thoroughly became engrossed in reading The Song Of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart, which was a very heartwarming saga of Mira and Gordon going to Sourwood, Kentucky and running a mission school. The mountain people have a hard life, but this book shows how the people stick together through thick and thin, and though poor are so rich in very Godly ways . What a very inspirational book well worth a readers time. All of Ann H. Gabhart's books that I've read are amazing!

I was going to wait until closer to publication date but book just kept calling my name. I'm not sure why but there was a gentle tug on my heart to read it.
I have come to love this special couple very much and I hated to say goodbye to them.
Gordon and Mira have become the friends I've always wanted and loved.
Here's a quote I wanted to share because it spoke volumes to me. It's short, sweet, and to the point.
“You are the valentine I never knew I needed, but the Lord knew. He has blessed me beyond measure.”
That kind of love is rare indeed.
This author has done well with this novel. I felt like I was coming home again through her writing.
I always love a visit to Kentucky through this author since I can't get back home.
Yes, there were a few characters that I didn't like but that's ok too. They're what made the story interesting.
But I think my most favorite character was Ada June. What an incredible child! My heart really went out to her. She's so very brave through it all! Wow! I'm truly amazed and I've come to love and appreciate her too.
Here's another saying I'd like to share
“Sorrows don’t erase joys. Nor joys sorrows.” no words ever truer spoken.
My heart is sad and happy for these characters right now.
I'm going to give this story 5 stars because even tho this story is fictional these characters represent people in reality for their feelings, and everyday life.
People are people no matter where they live or how they do things. Just some are different customs like the mountain people. I loved learning their ways and I was really rooting for Mira.
In my book lol she's a pretty awesome lady.
I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own thoughts.

Fans of Christy will love this heart tugging story! Set in 1910, the life of Mira takes a sudden turn as she accepts a post as a schoolteacher in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.

Full of interesting characters whose local speech colors in the picture of mountain life with both joys and sorrows. Mira and Gordon are a wonderful pair to watch as their marriage of convenience grows into something more. Ada June steals the show as she and Bo quickly work their way into Mira's heart. The story has plenty of spiritual elements gently added as they struggle through difficulties, growing their faith and learning to love each other. It was a wonderful story from start to finish. I wish it had been a bit longer, but there is room for a sequel perhaps.
Recommend!

The Song of Sourwood Mountain is proof that you can judge a book by its cover. The beautiful artwork and intriguing description drew me in immediately and took me on a wonderful adventure to the mountains of Kentucky that may be best described as Christy meets When Calls the Heart.
From page one, the story grabbed me and continued to progress effortlessly. The characters were well developed and believable. The proposal at first seemed outlandish until God’s plan starts to come to light. The back and forth between points of view, as well as the mountain dialect, was very well done and easy to understand. I love that Mira and Gordon have such a heart to serve God, even when they cannot see what He is doing. Ada June was an especially wonderful character, and I am glad she had some resolution to her problems. I would love a sequel that focuses more on the mountain people and their backgrounds and stories.
This is the first book I have read by Ann Gabhart, but it will not be the last. For an enjoyable read that is easy to follow yet completely unpredictable, pick up this page-turner.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Revell through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Song of Sourwood Mountains by Kentucky storyteller extraordinaire, Ann Gabhart, is a fascinating Christian historical novel. From the very beginning I was captivated. This is one of her best books to date.

This is the story of Mira Dean. Living in Louisville, Kentucky, she is a schoolteacher with a broken heart. Her fiancé succumbed to tuberculosis taking her dreams of being a wife with him. At church she reconnects with a former classmate, Gordon Covington. He is a missionary in Appalachia and makes an offer that will change Mira’s life. Gordon wants her to marry him and join him in his mountain ministry.

Author Gabhart’s knowledge of Kentucky and its culture shine brightly in this story. I felt transported to Sourwood in 1910 as I met the unique inhabitants. Each character was expertly crafted with loving precision. I loved so many of them. All had many layers and side stories giving them depth. They were relatable and believable. The children, Bo and Ada June, added mirth to the story many times. The Christian message is not hidden in this Christian fiction book. It has an inspiring lesson on trusting God, loving others, and keeping faith.

The story is interesting and deep. My heart went out to many of the characters at times in sorrow and happiness. There is a twist that was a surprise. The writing is superb. It flowed easily and carried me along with it. I hated to leave these people and Sourwood behind when I finished the book.

I highly recommend this amazing novel. A reading group would find it to be a wonderful selection. This would make a perfect gift for a historical fiction lover. It gets a 5+ star rating from me. A copy was provided by NetGalley but these are my honest words.

Thank you to Net Galley and Revell for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ann H. Gabhart is one of my favorite authors. I am always happy when I am chosen to read one of her books. This one grabs you right from the beginning. After church, Gordon Covington asks Mira Dean to move to the mountains as his wife. This is strange because they have not seen each other for years. At first Mira says no, but God seems to have another plan for her life. This is a sweet love story that takes place according to God's plan. Highly recommend to all Ann H. Gabhart readers! She has written another great story!

A moving story that had me gripped from the start. Such reality and a reminder of all things family and community. Knowing God helps so much and evangelism is a way of life

The Song of Sourwood Mountain
by Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell
Series: None
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “While the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean's hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher--until Gordon Covington shows up.
No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack.
With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of.”

Impressions: I’ve read other stories about the people of the mountains and enjoyed learning about the culture of the people. I was looking forward to learning more in this book. The beginning of this book took some time to set up Mira’s background, which felt a bit slow compared to the rest of the story. Once Mira moves to the mountains the story begins to unfold, however, Mira’s journey is still the main perspective. I did not get to know the mountain people’s stories and histories as well as I would have liked. I wish there were a family tree to reference how everyone was related to better understand the dynamics of their relationships. Understanding some of their pasts might have created a better connection with the story. Perhaps I was really wanting more background on Ada June. She shared the spotlight but had much mystery around her person. That being said, it was easy to read, a clean romance with faith entwined through the story.

Quotes: “’ My path is set.’ ‘Who set your path?’...Chapter 3, verses 5 and 6. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

I love stories set in Appalachia, and Ann Gabhart is a master at spinning an Appalachian tale with her authentic and thoughtful portrayal of the hardworking, caring Kentucky mountain people and their culture. Set in 1910, This heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching story kept me engaged from beginning to end. Beautifully crafted characters who you come to care for drive the story. I love Mira and Gordon and the way their marriage of convenience develops into a solid relationship built on love. I actually enjoyed ten-year-old Ada June’s touching storyline most of all. As always in Ms. Gabhart’s books, I greatly appreciate the strong faith element that permeates the story. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fairly slow to start, this book soon picked up and became a good read. The characters were developed enough to keep the audience interested in them, and the scenery was described appropriately.

The descriptions of activities undertaken are era correct, which was a nice touch.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

Mira learns the meaning of closed and open doors when God leads her to accept Gordon's proposal and offer of a teaching job in the Kentucky mountains. Christian faith plays an important part of this story, but it is no way preachy. All the main characters were well-developed, though I had trouble keeping track of the supporting cast. This might make a good movie.

This is a beautifully written book. The characters are so brilliantly written. I especially love Ada June a young orphaned child shunned by the village, it was heartbreakingly written. I hadn't realised that it would be as religious as it was and if it hadn't been so well written I probably wouldn't have finished but I wanted to know what happened to Mira, Gordon and Ada June. I haven't read Ann H. Gabhart before but I will definitely read some more of her books.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It kept my interest throughout. The main characters were very well developed. The storyline flowed well. It fit the customs and activities of the era.
There were one or two things left unfinished. I'm not sure there will be a second book or not, but I'd enjoy an extension.
I requested and received an ARC of this book through LibraryThing. This review is freely given and my own, personal thoughts.
If you enjoy historic, Christian fiction, I am sure you will enjoy this book.