Of everything Pepper Basham writes, this Appalachian series is my favorite. It's where the faith is deepest and the characters are the most dynamic. So of course I've been looking forward to Kizzie's book.
First of all, let me say how much I love it when authors don't follow the prescribed "rules" for structuring a book. Hope Like Wildflowers is primarily a love story between God and the lost sheep he pursues. It's beautifully done.

I would say that the two things I questioned the most was how mature and wise Kizzie became after choosing to follow the Lord when she was still so very young. She spoke like someone who had been following Him for many years and had a lot of experience, which didn't strike me as completely realistic. And the second thing was just that the male main character didn't seem to have flaws to speak of.

A lot of times we read books that speak to the fact that the Christian journey is not easy, that there are still a lot of difficulties in life that God walks alongside us through. And then sometimes we have books that highlight the fact that God showers blessings on his loved ones that are undeserved and everything seems to work out for them. I just wanted to make a note that both can be true. Sometimes at the same time, while in other situations, one seems much stronger than the other. This book leans heavily towards one direction but it bears noting that in doing so, it doesn't mean that the other isn't true also.

This is a wonderful story about what true love looks like and is worth reading, especially for young ladies who are tempted to settle for less than God's best for them.
I'm grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ebook so that I could write an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

4.5 stars for Pepper Basham's delightful newest novel! I loved the characters, and the story felt realistic (apart from Noah being TOO perfect, and a few other characters being too one-dimensional). The story contains everything I've come to expect from Basham's historical series: a strong emphasis on family and friendship, growth in the Lord, clear presentations of biblical truth, and a happy ending despite difficult circumstances. Additionally, though the epilogue felt rushed, it wrapped up the story nicely for the McAdams clan.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions. I will also post this review to Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram no more than 30 days prior to the book's release.

Kizzie's story at last! A redemptive tale that begins in 1917 and concludes in 1920, it overlaps Laurel's and Jeb's stories told in Laurel's Dream and The Heart of the Mountains. A satisfying series wrap up, but easy to read as a stand-alone. It is a touching coming-of-age story with a theme of faith, hope and love throughout.

This author knows how to tug on the heart strings with characters that grow on you. Kizzie's situation forces her to make difficult choices and become a stronger person through it all. She finds new purpose and meaning in her life. I was reminded of words from the hymn Amazing Grace, "Once I was lost and now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see." She went from being a lost, wandering, sad young woman to a stronger, more alive and healthier person through faith, and good friends who helped her along the way.

There are a lot of moments of introspection, and spiritual insights that Kizzie mulls over as she grows in faith, like pauses for reflection. It revealed what she was thinking and feeling. I loved how she finds the strength to face off with negative people by finding her identity in how God sees her. This is something many of us could latch onto, to shake off unhealthy thinking, help move past mistakes, and forgive ourselves and others.

A lovely conclusion had me crying happy tears. Historical Christian romance fans from mature teens and up may enjoy this one. Recommend reading the first two books to make this one more meaningful. 4.5 stars

I loved Hope Like Wildflowers so much! Kizzies story was beautiful! Kizzie found her faith in God and that was enough for her.
Ms. Basham takes Kizzie on a journey from despair to redemption and love.

"Hope Like Wildflowers" by Pepper Basham is a captivating novel that beautifully weaves themes of resilience, love, and hope amidst the trials of life. Set in a picturesque historic town, the story follows the journey of two deeply nuanced characters who, despite their tumultuous pasts, find solace and strength in each other's presence.

Basham's exquisite storytelling brings to life the vivid landscapes and heartwarming moments that define this tale. The characters are crafted with such depth and relatability that their struggles and triumphs feel profoundly real. As they navigate their complex histories, readers are drawn into a narrative that is both touching and inspiring.

This novel is a perfect blend of emotional depth and romantic charm, reminiscent of the elements you cherished in Lauren Asher's work. If you enjoyed the blend of historical charm and heartfelt connections in Asher's writing, "Hope Like Wildflowers" is sure to resonate with you.

Basham's ability to capture the essence of hope in the face of adversity makes this book a standout in contemporary romance. It's a story that will linger in your mind, much like the delicate wildflowers that bloom against all odds.

Not my favorite Pepper Basham by far. I much preferred her other Appalachian books, which was disappointing as I was excited to read Kizzie’s story after references to her in the other two books of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Pepper Basham is an auto buy author for me. I love all her books and always recommend them to everyone I know. Hope Like Wildflowers brings us the story of the McAdams sister. She is young, naive and feeling hopeless. We see her gain her strength and it's a beautiful journey of redemption.

Thank you NetGalley for Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham

First, let me say that Pepper Basham is one of my favorite authors. I have loved her witty writing, her other historical romances, and the faith interwoven.

This one compared to other Basham books was just "okay." It might be because the main character's voice is a teenager, so it had a youthful perspective and cadence. It felt like a book a younger me would have loved as I was learning about faith and learning about God's character. I love a good book that reminds me of Christian values and encourages growth, both in characters and in readers, but this one felt a bit repetitive throughout the book. I ended up skipping over some of the parts that were repeating the same messages/revelations again by the end of the book.

That said, I did enjoy the plot and story. I enjoyed Pepper's writing overall. I enjoyed the redeeming love story. As a pregnant teenager myself with a "first love" who was more like Charles, and real love being found later- flaws, babies, and all- I very much related to Kizzie's character. I related to her thoughts, fears, habits, growth, and newfound passion for helping others. Overall, I'd still recommend this book (but go read more of Basham's books!)

If you’ve read Laurel’s Dream and The Heart of the Mountains, you’ll be eager to read this third one in the series, as it tells Kizzie’s story – the McAdams sister that is referenced in the first two books, but about whom no one has any information after she was sent away from home as an unwed mother. The themes of hope and love are strong in this book – Kizzie learns what real love is all about, as God’s love transforms her life. He also gives her hope for the future. Lots of wonderful spiritual insights come from various characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. I went back and re-read the first two books, and while you don’t have to read them first, if you are able to, they give the broad background of the life Kizzie left behind.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #HopeLikeWildflowers #NetGalley

An inspirational book that had me unable to stop reading. Really enjoyed how important community and family are in life.

OH. MY. WORD! WHAT. A. BOOK! We are going to need a new rating scale to make a place for this wonderful story! It's in a category that goes above and beyond the 5 stars allowed.

Pepper Basham is one of my favorite authors and this Appalachian series has been fantastic. Hope Like Wildflowers is the icing on the cake and the absolute swoony best of the three!

Kizzie McAdams is a naive mountain girl with idealistic dreams of romance. Reality doesn't quite measure up to her expectations and she finds herself on a quest to discover what it means to be truly loved. I admit I may have felt like swooning at some of the wrong times just as Kizzie did. I also traveled each redemptive step with her on the road to being His Beloved Child. Her happy ever after is beyond her previous expectations when all her dreams come true. Faith, family and love win the day! In Kizzie's own words, "it's all...too wonderful." Another admission, the ending and epilogue made this non-crier cry because the love that goes the distance is on full display.

Hope Like Wildflowers is one of the best books of the year. Pepper Basham has outdone herself and her reputation as a writer of ""kissing books" is solidly intact.
"If God ever brought her a chance to love again, she wanted it to be for all the right reasons...With the kissing parts added in too, if God didn't mind too much."
I appreciate Barbour Publishing making a copy of Hope Like Wildflowers available for review. It was my delight and privilege to read it. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.