I was first drawn to this book by the cover, thinking that it looked a lot like the Grove Park Inn. Then I read the synopsis - sure enough, it's set during the building of the Grove Park Inn at Asheville NC. So I had to give it a try - I remember going there as a child/teen (I forget exactly how old I was) and my husband and I visited Asheville last summer and stopped by there. It's still a very impressive facility, so I was very interested in reading more about the origins, design and building of the grand old inn.
What I got was that, along with a lovely romance. It's told through the eyes of Belle Newbold, a young woman whose plan is to marry a man who can take care of her and give her the family she needs - but she's determined not to love this man, because she's seen how much heartache losing a love can bring. She finds herself engaged to Worth Delafield, who fits her needs nicely, especially since he's looking for the same type relationship. Only catch - as they get to know each other, they find themselves liking each other a bit too much. At the same time, we learn about the history of the Inn when Belle's given an opportunity to write an article about it. She's never written professionally, but enjoys writing and chooses to write not just about the money men behind the project, but about the men doing the actual engineering and the labor required to make the dream come to fruition. She faces both personal and professional hitches and pitfalls along the way, and overall it's a very enjoyable ride on both fronts. I listened to the audiobook version, and as usual Brittany Pressley's narration was top-notch. This was my first book from Joy Callaway, but I definitely plan to read some of her older books, and will be on the lookout for more in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Muse for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

This was fascinating historical fiction with a noble purpose: shining a light on the people whose skills, strength and genius are employed to create magnificent and historic buildings for public and private use, whose stories are generally untold, whose names are rarely associated with the final works in the way the financiers are - and whose quality of life, limbs, health and lifespan are often compromised in their creation. The story was well told through likable characters, the romance was earnest and while it was clear where it was headed, the internal turmoil the main characters had to overcome were not overly contrived and served the overall narrative.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this beautifully narrated audiobook.

Joy Callaway's "What the Mountains Remember" cements her as a must-read author. With a deft hand, she intertwines historical depth, societal complexities, romance, and opulence, creating a narrative tapestry that captivates from start to finish. For aficionados of historical fiction craving a multi-layered experience, Callaway's novels are an indispensable addition to the library.

I love this book. It hits you in the feels. It deals with history, loss, secrets, love, jealousy, arranged marriages, illnesses, relationships, soooo much. Belle has so much that she goes through and it’s so heartbreaking in the way she feels but how gentle and caring she is for others, that she just deserves all the love and happiness. I really enjoyed learning about the history of the hotel through this story and appreciated all the research the author did for this book. It was such a lovely read. Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Joy Callaway for this ARC.

Set in 1913, a time were the very wealthy and the very poor were miles apart. Belle and her mother find a new life into a world of wealth but must keep their past hidden. Never wanting to look back, changes for both of them as this story unfolds. Strength, courage, and grace are the core of Belle's character. The mountains bring them back to their past and to a peace they can endure.

Without a dowry Belle Newbold must determine her own worth.
Audiobook Narrated by my favorite Narrator Britany Pressley. She does all voices male and female regardless of age. She is extremely talented.
No Dowry, no family and your Bestfriend /Cousin is a mess. Belle is having trouble finding her way in a world she has never known. Growing up in poverty in a happy loving home her new life is filled with secrets she must keep from everyone. Fear of living in poverty again has caused Belle to lose herself along the way. What The Mountains remember will take you on a journey through the coal mining hills filled with Tuberculosis and greed of 1913. When Belle is introduced to Worth Delafield he helps bring her back to life and let her be her authentic self.
This book is full of big names in business for that era. Joy Callaway is truly gifted at vividly describing sights, sounds and emotion. You imagine you are
Can I have just 1 night in the Hotel described as the “Eighth wonder of the world”.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book by Joy; she never disappoints regarding historical inclusion of the area with realistic and timely stories that build the location as a character itself. Great narration and book!

Thanks NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the Audio ARcC for my honest opinion.

**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒚 𝑱𝒐𝒚 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚

Release Day: April 2, 2024

4⭐️0🌶

This book was very sweet and brought me back to my Anne of Green Gables Era. The protagonist in this story lives in 1913 in the Appalachian mountains. She lost her father 4 years previously and nearly lost her mother due to grief. She has convinced herself that to marry for love would only mean her ruin upon her husbands death. So, she has been corresponding with a man of marriageable age of means who would care for her and support her, but NOT for her to fall in love with.

Her parents and one of her "closest" friends travel into the remote part of the Appalachians where this man lives to determine whether they would make a good match. Upon meeting, they immediately take to each other, but both are in agreement that they shall not fall in love, because of their past scarring experience with it. They become closer while working together to write a news piece about the laborers who are building a magnificent lodge for tourist to flock to this part of the country and help support the community there. They find that their mutual love of architecture and community brings them even closer.

This book is sweet and heart-felt and is a great summer read for readers of general fiction!

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What the Mountains Remember is great historical fiction - Vagabond camping trips, building of Grove Park Inn, tuberculosis patients housed in sanatoriums and mining issues.

The main story is set in North Carolina in the Blue Ridge mountains in 1913. Belle, her mother and step father join one of the yearly camping trips of the famous Vagabonds - including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, John Burroughs, Harvey Firestone and others, It was fun learning about these men, their families and what they did during these camping trips..

The most fascinating history that was shared in this book was the building of the Grove Park Inn. This amazing hotel was build of granite taken from the mountain close by. The design and building of the hotel are really interesting and were very innovative in 1913. This hotel is still in operation and now there is a road trip in my future. This Inn was build in Asheville, North Carolina, The men that built the hotel were hoping to bring tourists back to the area after so many people were coming there for tuberculosis treatment.

There is a back story that happened before 1906 when Belle and her parents lived in West Virginia and her father was a miner. It was interesting to understand the living conditions and safety concerns around mining. This story shows us the great gap between people of wealth and the very poor during this time period in history.

The characters in the book were interesting and well developed. There were times in the story that the pace was slow. There was also a really annoying female character, Marie Austin, that could have been left out. I listened to the audiobook and even her voice was annoying. The narrator did a good job except for the voice of Marie Austen.

What the Mountains Remember by Joy Calloway, narrated by Brittany Pressley was such a fun book to listen to. The narrator does an amazing job bringing this story to life!
In What the Mountains Remember, April 1913, in Asheville, North Carolina, we meet Belle Newbold and the setting takes place in Asheville, North Carolina and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
The main character, Belle, is charged with writing an article about about the building of a new hotel under constructed called The Grove Park Inn. The scenes from the construction site are fascinating. It was 1913 after all and construction and engineering were so different back then. I loved the history the author emphasizes in the construction including the builders who were integral in the actual construction.
Belle is a determined young woman to make a name for herself but is reluctantly forced into an arranged marriage with Worth Delafield. Belle's soon-to-be fiancé is a wonderful character. He and Belle advance and retreat multiple times as they navigate issues.
Complicating nearly every part of this story is Belle's cousin Marie Austen, who is so chaotic. She flirts with the married men, treats terribly the ones she gets, drinks way too much, throws tantrums, and is really a jealous snob. She's just a mess that stirs up all the pots. Kind of a fun character all in all.
The author brings the mountains of North Carolina and Asheville’s compelling history to life with truly vivid characters. I appreciated the mix of historical fiction and fiction, especially with the introduction of real characters (the vagabonds) Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone. This is one of the historical fiction books I've really enjoyed that wasn't about WWII. I enjoy all of Joy Calloway's books.
You'll enjoy the Author's Notes as she explains how her research transforms into this fun, amazing story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for an advanced audio version in exchange for an honest review.

I listened to the audiobook of this very good novel by Joy Callaway. The author's warm and relatable characters bring this period of history alive for the readers. The formality of aristocratic life in the early 1900s is portrayed realistically and enjoyably. The story itself has many twists and turns as the protagonists advance and retreat repeatedly in their relationship. The book is an insightful look into the various factors that affect human interactions. The audiobook reader's exceptional oral interpretation did justice to this well-written historical novel.

What the Mountains Remember was the second book that I had the pleasure of reading by author, Joy Callaway. I was initially drawn to the beautiful cover and still am. Joy Callaway has a way of drawing her readers in with her eloquent prose and vivid descriptions of the local scenery which in this case was the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina. What the Mountains Remember explored the time period of the early 1900’s when Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and John Burroughs made their marks on history. It was during this time period that the exquisite Grove Park Inn was being constructed bringing with it the hopes of making Asheville a tourist destination that would be sought out by all. Joy Callaway’s research for this book was impeccable and quite impressive. I listened to the audiobook of What the Mountains Remember that was well narrated by Brittany Pressley.

Belle Newbold and her fairly newly married mother were harboring a secret that they desperately wanted to hide from their new family, friends and acquaintances. As a young girl, Belle, had grown up in the mountains of West Virginia where her father was tragically killed in a coal mining accident. When Belle’s mother met Shipley Newbold, her whole life changed. All she had to do was to bury her and Belle’s past and conceal how truly poor they had been. Being married to Shipley Newbold, the gasoline magnate, opened doors for Belle and her mother neither could have imagined. It had been seven whole years since her biological father had died but Belle still grieved for him inwardly.

In 1913, Henry Ford, a good friend of Belle’s stepfather, Shipley Newbold, invited them to one of his traditional Vagabonds camping tours. Belle was at the right age to marry so her stepfather arranged for a potential suitor, Worth Delafield, to be included on the guest list. Worth and Belle had met briefly once before. He was the owner of the land where the Vagabond campsite was located. Worth was in the business of buying and selling land. Not only was he quite wealthy but he was also very handsome.

The construction of the Grove Park Inn was the highlight of Belle’s and everyone’s trip. Belle was pleasantly surprised to experience such beauty and grandeur. She was in awe of the views that the Inn boasted and the high quality of the materials that were being used to build it. When it was suggested that a newspaper piece be written about the Grove Park Inn, Worth Delafield suggested that Belle be the person to write it. After some hesitation, Belle gladly accepted the challenge. She decided that she would interview the people that were actually building the Inn to understand what was really required to capture the essence of this huge undertaking. Belle was able to learn so much about the workers, their skills, the dangers they faced and the challenges of sticking to a strict timeline to complete it. Writing had always been a personal passion for Belle but she never pursued it until this opportunity was presented.

Worth insisted on accompanying Belle to the Inn as she conducted her interviews and gathered the information she sought. Both discovered that it was easy to talk to each other. It was comfortable and felt right. Both Belle and Worth admitted to wanting to marry and have children but neither wanted love to enter into the equation. Belle and Worth were both harboring secrets. They had both been hurt very badly and because of those hurt feelings they wanted to avoid love at all costs. Would Belle and Worth confess their secrets to each other? Would they marry? Would they allow feelings of love to surface?

What the Mountains Remember was another impressive book by Joy Callaway. Like I mentioned, her research for this book was impeccable. I enjoyed most of the characters in this book but my favorite characters were Belle and Worth. Joy Callaway masterfully told the story of the building of the Grove Park Inn and portrayed how tuberculosis impacted the lives of so many during that time without care of race or economic status. It was interesting to learn how many sanatoriums were built in Asheville to accommodate the infected. I appreciated learning about the granite that was mined right in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains for the construction of the Grove Park Inn. It was so interesting to discover and learn about the roles women were made to play during the early 1900’s and the limitations they faced during that time period. Both were so defined and unbending. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway and highly recommend it.

Thank you to HarperCollins Focus for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway is a heart-warming story set in 1913 in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The story is filled with charming details that bring the historical setting to life, from the marvelous construction of the Grove Park Inn to the unique experiences of Henry Ford and his vagabond’s adventures. These elements of real history are seamlessly intertwined with fiction, creating an immersive experience for the reader. The novel unfolds with an arranged marriage adding another layer of intrigue and emotional depth. The story is cute, warm and sweet. It leaves a lasting impression and the reader wishes for the story to go on and on.
The audiobook, read by Brittany Pressley is whimsical and perfectly complements the tone of the book. Her voice made the story flow beautifully, making it a delightful audiobook to listen to.
I want to thank Joy Callaway, HarperCollins Focus/Harper Muse and NetGalley for giving me this amazing and beautiful ARC (audiobook).

❤️ Happy Reading!!! ❤️

I wanted to love this as I love the setting and have fond memories of this area but this just was not for me. I enjoyed the stories of the Vagabonds and the titans of industry but the romance/social aspect did not hold my interest.

The setting is the building of the magnificent Grove Park Inn, located in Asheville, NC. The Vagabonds, Ford's camping experience for wealthy competitors and friends (complete with all the luxuries that would make today's glamping roughing it!) is happening nearby and allows for the characters to become a witness to the building details. Reading about the Vagabonds made me cringe at the wealthy "experiencing" real life skills. I was fortunate to have stayed at Grove Park, and it is as amazing as the book's description, I am glad others will learn of this feat of architecture and beauty.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for an audio.

What the Mountians Remember is a sweet romance within the construct of historical fiction. Belle Newbold was born a poor miners daughter and when her father was killed in a tragic mining accident her mother grieved fiercely. Eventually her mother remarried, but not to another miner. Because of her beauty she caught the eye of a wealthy gasoline magnate and kept the secret of her poor beginnings so that they would not be ostracized by high society which they instantly became part of. Belle and her mother live in fear that they will be outed by their former poverty. Because Belle witnessed her mothers severe heartbreak she vows to never marry for love, just companionship and the chance to have a family. Fortunately she becomes engaged to Worth Delafield, a wealthy young man of the same mind about marriage. They barely know each other but on a Vagabound fancy glamping trip to North Carolina with Henry Ford and other notables they spend time together and find they are very compatible. Both think they have made the right choice. Of course misunderstandings and such begin to happen all along the way towards true love and it is a sweet, if naive romance. The most interesting part of the story is the building of the famous Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. Belle is commissioned to write a description of the Inn's construction for the media. When she does her research interviewing local mason and construction crews, we the reader go along with her and we learn quite a bit about this historical landmark. Belle has always wanted to honor her fathers writing and she uses this opportunity to tell the stories of the workers who actually did the work, not just the financiers of the project. A major theme of this book is that everybody has a story that is important to be told. I enjoyed this novel very much, well written and an excellent blend of romance and historical fiction.
4 stars.

Many thank to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for the opportunity to read/ listen to this ARC audio version of this book.

I thought this was a romance. So romantic. Worth seems os hot. He's brooding and rich and falling in love! He is like "no I can't marry you. I refuse to marry someone I love!"
Adorable. I don't even like men and I like Worth, even if he is silly.
But then BAM everyone is getting TB and the rich people are fighting against sanitariums, or fighting to make sure they are hidden away far from town.
I work in an old Sanitarium and it is indeed a campus situated away from the rest of the city.
The narration was perfect. I picked it for the narrator so I was a little biased but she impressed me once again.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"What the Mountains Remember" by Joy Callaway, narrated by Brittany Pressley, is a poignant tale that weaves together the threads of history, romance, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, the story invites listeners to the majestic landscapes of North Carolina, where the unfinished Grove Park Inn stands as a symbol of ambition and beauty.

Belle Newbold, the protagonist, is a character of depth and complexity. Her journey from a life shadowed by loss and obligation to one of empowerment and authenticity is both compelling and inspiring. Callaway's writing is rich and evocative, painting each scene with such detail that the mountains themselves become a character, silent witnesses to Belle's transformation.

Brittany Pressley's narration is a perfect match for Callaway's lyrical prose. Her voice captures the nuances of each character, bringing an additional layer of intimacy to the story. The audiobook format is particularly fitting for this novel, as Pressley's narration complements the atmospheric setting and emotional depth of Belle's story.

What sets this audiobook apart is its exploration of the human spirit's resilience. It's a reminder that the path to finding oneself is often as rugged and breathtaking as the mountains that frame our lives. Callaway challenges listeners to consider the stories we tell and the legacies we leave behind.

In conclusion, "What the Mountains Remember" is a beautifully crafted audiobook that resonates with the heart's longing for connection and the courage to face the past. Joy Callaway has delivered a story that is both a historical treasure and a timeless reminder of the power of memory and the strength found in reclaiming one's story. Brittany Pressley's narration is the cherry on top, making this audiobook an experience to remember.

Although she was born a miner’s daughter in the hills of West Virginia, Belle has spent the past seven years living in luxury due to her mother’s second marriage. Having seen her mother suffer the loss of her father, Belle is determined not to fall in love, but to marry for stability and family. Joining Henry Ford and his wealthy group of adventurers, Belle and her family embark on a camping trip in the mountains of North Carolina, bringing up memories of her youth in West Virginia. No one can know that Belle came from poverty, including her fiancé, Worth. While camping, the group visits the construction site of the Grove Park Inn and Belle’s writing skills are called upon to craft an article about the ”8th Wonder of the World”.

I really enjoyed the setting in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina having been there several times myself. The information about the building of Grove Park Inn was fascinating and I loved how the author included everyday people who worked on the project alongside the financiers. I found myself rolling my eyes a bit at the love story at the heart of the book.

The narration was fairly good although I did feel that Belle came off as a bit whiny at times.

First, we have to pay homage to this gorgeous cover! Don’t you just want to jump right into it!?!

I have loved the way Calloway brings the beauty off the pages and alive before my eyes in her past two books I’ve read, and 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 transported me into another splendid and intriguing story.

What appealed to you the most in this story?

I flew through this book and could not get over the depth, research, and heart put into the story. Callaway vividly brought a little-known chapters of US history to life showcasing the building of Grove Park Inn, Henry Ford’s Vagabonds tour, and the effects of tuberculosis on the working/poor class.

I was absolutely captivated by every aspect of this story, but I of course could not get enough of Belle’s character and seeing her develop as a woman during a time when women were meant to be seen but not heard.

How was the romance?

Oh, the tension and frustration I went through! It was perfect! Belle and Worth complimented each other perfectly with their views on love and marriage, and I could not get enough of their budding romance. I also couldn’t help but lecture them and cheer for them at the same time.

Steam level: PG

Read if you like:

Found Family
Strong Female MC
Drama
Suspense
History
Romance
Heartwarming Story

How was the audiobook?

Brittany Pressley brought this book and each of the characters to life, and I felt like I was watching to book play out like a movie with her ability to capture the voices and styles of each character with their own idiosyncrasies.

How was the pace?

I could not stop listening to this fast paced and emotional story. I even found myself walking extra miles just to find out what was going to happen next!

Do you recommend this book?

Just an absolutely captivating and beautiful story full of so much heart! I will forever remember and recommend this immersive read to everyone. This is a touchingly woven story with moving characters that also shows us the power of love and grief, what we can endure, and how far we can go. Get this book and read or listen to it now!

Thank you, Harper Muse for this gifted copy and audiobook in exchange for my honest opinions.