Member Reviews
This is a story about Kizzie McAdams who leaves her home for a better life and falls in love with her employer. They ended up having a baby out of wedlock. He sends her back to her family, who cast her out, only for her to return to him for help. Through out the novel, Kizzie learns through fixing her mistakes and starting over what true love really is.
I love this story of love, hope, and redemption. This story uses a lot of Christian ideas to show that through Christ we can be saved from our past mistakes which I loved! Once again Pepper Basham weaves a beautiful story about finding hope in the difficulties of life! I loved the character development!
Kizzie’s story breaks my heart and it sheds light on how different society was in the 1910s. I love how she learns that love and lust are two very different things and is able to find real love and friendship in a fresh start.
This is a great story for those who love a good heart wrenching story with a happily ever after!
I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
This story takes you on a redemption journey with Kizzie during the early 1900’s. Stuck in a situation with no protection forces her to make some hard choices but ones that lead her closer to God.
She meets Noah in a snowstorm but the transformation her life takes once she has a new start leads her to new Hope and a new family.
I loved the ending and if you like Francine Rivers Redeeming love you will like this one as well.
When a flower grows wild
It can always survive
Wildflowers don't care where they grow. 🎶 (Dolly Parton)
This song from Dolly's "Trio" album with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt kept running through my mind while I was reading this new Pepper Basham book. It probably had to do with the fact that this inspirational story is set in Appalachia -- the perfect place to enjoy some bluegrass.
I hesitated to read this book as it was the third in a series, but that was not a problem. Now that I have gotten a taste of the characters, I will try to fit in the two earlier books as that will give me a more comprehensive look at the McAdams family.
In this latest installment of the "My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge" series, the focus is on young Kizzie McAdam as she becomes an unwed mother. Her feelings of shame and regret conflict with the message of the gospel that her friends Joshua and Nella live out in front of her. Little Charlie is the light of Kizzie's life, but she feels undeserving of his love and more importantly of God's. Pepper Basham gives us such a relatable MC to root for and she is like a wildflower -- getting blown about by the winds of life, but flourishing where she is planted. Kizzie is not wilting violet. She has resilience and pluck. You will love her and the folks who support and nourish her through the trials she is facing. Be sure to have your tissues handy.
"We all got pasts, Kizzie. But we got futures, too. Don't get so hung up on the past that you discount God's mighty good love in the future. Your heavenly daddy ain't prone to giving stingy gifts, so what I'd do if I was you is just thank Him."
Thank you to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
"Sometimes the very best folks rise out of a second chance because they know what they've been forgiven of."
Ms. Basham has written a beautiful story full of hope amidst the brokenness. A story of finding love and acceptance in the eyes of the One who matters most. And then taking the steps, one at a time, to start over and live a life that reflects grace and mercy to others.
I absolutely loved Kizzie's story, finding it compelling. Kizzie has to learn to accept the consequences for poor choices made. These include starting over away from home. I eagerly devoured Kizzie's journey of faith, which is delivered in a way that is not preachy, but essential to her story.
The author's love for her beloved Appalachian mountains and its culture shines through in a special way in Hope like Wildflowers. The heroine, Kizzie McAdams, is sweet and caring, yet full of sass and grit when needed. The colloquialisms and nuggets of wisdom spread throughout the story brought many a smile to my face. The friends that were placed in her path reflected the love and acceptance that helped Kizzie to find hope in a new life filled with love and purpose.
Ms. Basham has penned a beguiling blend of family history with fiction that readers will find heartwarming. Another of my favorite quotes, "Somehow, even in the middle of broken dreams, God touches the raw, painful remnants with a teensy bit of stardust."
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
{Thank you to @netgalley and @barbourbooks for my gifted e-copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.}
What a beautiful novel, set in the Appalachian mountains in 1917.
I absolutely loved this new release from Pepper Basham. Kizzie McAdams was so easy to fall in love with and so were each of the sweet people woven into her story. I loved the book’s deep themes of God’s grace, mercy, and redemption. This beautiful story is full of reminders that God works out all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28,) and that no person or story is irredeemable by Him. I also loved the author’s weaving of Psalm 139 into this story. So much truth, beauty, and goodness to be found in this one!
This book is the third book of a series, but each book can be read as a stand-alone. I actually read this third book first! I loved it so much and can’t wait to go back and read the first two now. In fact, I’m already working on requesting them from my local library!
If you are looking for a Christian historical fiction with deep faith themes and a sweet romance, this is it!
Highly recommend!
Did I yell at my phone numerous times when I was reading this? Yes, yes I did. The GIRL!!! gIrRrrrlll!!! Don't fall for his lies!!! I wanted to sit down with her and have a come to Jesus moment. Thankfully she had one of her own but I was ready to jump thru the phone Into the pages to do it!
I love everything Pepper Basham writes. The last series of hers I need to read is the Penned in Time series.
Her books are always hopeful and this one needed tissues at the end.
A young woman falls for the wrong man and believed his stories. She realizes the only way the doomed to fail relationship ends is for her to leave - so she does.
And makes new friends with wonderful people and finds her purpose.
A sweet tale set in the Appalachians during the war years, Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham lives up to its name.
Kizzie McAdams, a young teen, pregnant out of wedlock has been cast out her home by her father for her sin. With nowhere to go, she walks the 20 miles in stages to her lover's home, encountering enough adventure along the way.
Her lover, young, rich, handsome Charles Morgan, the only son of a rich, socially mobile widow vows to take care of her, but refuses to commit to her.
Eventually, Kizzie encounters God who changes her heart towards Him and after some very real danger, she gathers up all her courage for her next move.
In the new town, her reputation in shreds as an unwed mama, Kizzie encounters acceptance and rejection. How will she take it? Will she face it with courage from God, knowing she is his beloved daughter, loved and accepted as she is, or will she believe what people say she is?
What of her growing attraction to local wealthy businessman Noah Lewis, his mother and powerful older brother George Lewis. Will they accept her or consider her "used goods"? Can there be a happily ever after written into Kizzie's life, despite all her sins?
A beautifully allegorical tale of God who chases us down in our brokenness and our self-made messes, willing to give us chance after chance to return to him in repentance, while lavishing his love and grace on us the novel is full of pithy observations that are so true of life with God.
However, I found the transitions of time and place and events in the novel rather abrupt and jerky with gaps in the narrative as opposed to seamless segues. That rather spoiled the book for me, which never really held my attention despite the much needed reminders on how God views us and loves us conditionally.
I received an e-ARC from @NetGalley and the publisher @ Barbour Publishing, but my views are my own.
#NetGalley #HopeLikeWildflowers.
Pepper Basham has written another great book. Hope Like Wildflowers takes place in the mountain country of NC. Kizzie finds herself with child as an unwed young lady, the father being a man who told her that he would marry her when his dominating mother dies. He sends her back to her parents to deliver the baby where her father disowns her and forces her to leave. She arrives on the doorstep of a loving family who she knows, but danger lurks and forces her to leave. This is a story of a strong, young woman full of resilience, determination and hope. There are many other outstanding characters in the book, including Noah Lewis and his mother. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I received a complimentary digital copy from Barbour Publishing and Net Galley and was under no obligation to post a positive review.
“Repentance was beautiful to behold, much like the early spring flowers taking advantage of the warm late-February days.”
This book with its skillful descriptions, captivating plot and encouraging spiritual lessons is not to be missed.
Kizzie McAdams has made a mess of her life. Her only hope is to turn to her Savior and God does not disappoint. She is resilient, brave and has a heart for those in challenging circumstances. God sends help in the form of Nella and Joshua Chapelle and then Mrs. Carter and Victoria and Noah Lewis.
The author does a stellar job of depicting the struggles Kizzie goes through and shows her integrity winning out in the end. The hero, Noah, is upstanding in character and tries hard to right the wrongs he is confronted with. The story was rich in the atmosphere of Appalachia and described a mill town and the difficulties of the early 1910s. There is something for every history lover including danger and corruption as well as an appealing romance that has the requisite closet kiss that Ms. Basham is known for.
Ms. Basham wonderfully mixes the history of her ancestor Kizzie with a believable fictional tale that is sure to warm your heart. This was an exceptional book that I will long remember.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Review Crew and NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.”
In Hope for Wildflowers, Pepper Basham weaves a story as delicate and resilient as a wildflower blooming amidst the rugged terrain of early 20th-century Appalachia. Kizzie McAdams is a character whose heart is both heavy and hopeful, navigating a world that hasn’t been kind. Her journey unfolds with a raw, moving exploration of faith, redemption, and the search for a place to belong.
Kizzie’s life, marked by heartbreak and the sting of rejection, mirrors the tenacity of a wildflower surviving against the odds. This narrative delves into the profound power of God’s love, exploring questions like, “Did God’s love really work itself into broken lives nowadays? Like hers?”
As Kizzie wrestles with her past mistakes and sins, she finds solace in the unexpected friendship of Noah Lewis. His genuine compassion and shared passion for helping the marginalized reflect Kizzie's own hopes and dreams. Their evolving relationship beautifully illustrates hope and the chance for new beginnings. Basham skillfully captures their journey with reflections such as, “God tends to do things like that, doesn’t He? Work out life’s tangles into a better plan than we could ever make.”
The authenticity of Kizzie’s faith journey is a standout element of this novel. As she faces her past and the return of her first love, she learns that “God had already given her much more than she could have imagined,” discovering that true fulfillment lies in surrendering all to Him and His plan.
Basham’s writing is both lyrical and vivid, immersing readers in a world where human struggles meet God’s love and compassion. The Appalachian setting enriches the story and symbolizes Kizzie’s personal growth and renewal.
Hope for Wildflowers is an amazing book filled with tender moments and heartfelt reflections. It beautifully celebrates redemption and spiritual growth, illustrating the unyielding power of love and faith. As Kizzie blooms despite adversity, we are reminded that maturing in our faith and depending on God is essential in every situation and stage of life. Truly a treasure trove of inspiration, I’ll be revisiting this story many times and wholeheartedly recommending it to everyone.
I received a digital ARC of Hope Like Wildflowers from the Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. 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.
This is the third book in a series. While it would be helpful to read the other books, this is a stand-alone story set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the early 1900’s.
Kizzie McAdams finds herself alone and frightened and stranded in the forest surrounded by wild coyotes. Her job as a housemaid in the local landowner’s house ends when she discovers her relationship with the son has left her pregnant. He is afraid he will lose his inheritance so he refuses to marry her. Her father, upon learning of her situation, disowns her and throws her out. She is taken in by a local couple, Joshua and Nella. She is mistreated by the local community, referring to her as a soiled dove and kept woman. After it becomes clear that the father of her child is not going to marry her she decides to leave and start a new life in another town. Just as Joshua rescued her, she rescues Noah after his carriage crashes. The friendship that develops is very respectful and heartwarming but is threatened by Noah’s stressful and sometimes contentious relationship with his brother. His brother is currently in control of the family business. Eventually, Kizzie finds herself having to make a life changing decision.
The author gives us a wonderful story of complex family situations, unfair stereotypes, acceptance forgiveness and redemption. Kizzie’s deep faith and reliance on God’s love guide her. This is a story of rich verses poor and discovering what really makes one rich.
You will not want to put this down, it will keep you engaged, page after page.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
My thanks for the ARC go to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Genre: Historical Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Sweet Romance
Spice Level: Kissing on page, but there are sex scenes off page that affect the story
Themes: Resilience, Belonging, Found family, Forgiveness, God in our lives, Hope
Representation: Black family who have a very positive and important role
I'm loving how Christian fiction is expanding and including harder-hitting topics. Kizzie is young and got swept away by the son of the manor, and now, she's struggling to finder place.
The first half of the book has a little different feel than the second half. This actually worked because Kizzie makes such a large change in her thinking. I was excited to see how everything would weave together.
HOPE LIKE WILDFLOWERS is a feel-good read, affirming there is hope. I think anyone who enjoys historical romance will enjoy this book. The author writes a variety of romances, and I'm always interested to see what she does next.
Happy reading!
Really loved this story. It has a great message for anyone struggling with receiving forgiveness however great the wrong. Kizzie makes mistakes she doesn't comprehend at the time but they change her life in ways she never expected to face. The father of her child won't marry her. Her family disowns her. The community rises against her, pointing fingers and threatening her home and child. But Kizzie's friend leads her to God's forgiveness and as she trusts in Him, Kizzie sets out to make a new life for herself, A life with a hop[e and a future.
Noah tries to remain positive but he can see his family business beginning to fail and knows his relationship with his older brother is tenuous at best. When Kizzie and her baby arrive at his house through an act of kindness, they also claim a place in his heart that has remained void after the death of his wife.
Can Noah and Kizzie carve out a life against the business struggles and tense family relationships? Can Kizzie's kind heart and love for those less fortunate redeem her in the eyes of the community enough to accept her as one of their own. Grasping at hope with all her heart may just be enough to spread that hope amongst those around her.
Many life lessons find their way into the pages of this book while your heart is captured by the sweet romance and the deep faith of the characters. Pepper Basham is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. Looking forward to her next.
Yet another wonderful story by Pepper Basham!
The struggle between memories, guilt and redemption are beautifully woven together in this novel.
This is the third novel in this series about the McAdams family.
The lacing of Gods redemptive power and His unfailing love in this story attaches right to the heart.
I received an arc from NetGalley.
A lovely inspirational historical romance. I had not read the other books in this series, but now I plan to go back and read them. I don’t think previously familiarity is a necessity by any means, but it might contribute to a more fulsome enjoyment of this one.
Kizzie yearns for home but she has been cast out from her family because she is unmarried and pregnant. I loved following along as Kizzie finds her identity in Christ and begins to recognize and accept Christ’s love for her despite her past. The author excels at character development, and the mystery sub-plot helps keep the narrative moving at a good pace.
Noah is a swoon-worthy hero – a bit too good to be true but he has his own character arc which is a joy as well.
I admired how Kizzie found God and continued to grow in her faith and learn to trust God.
The epilogue is the perfect bow to tie on the story’s ending.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.
𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 is a wonderful story about redemption woven with sorrow, joy, and hope. I ended up loving this book far more than I was expecting! The book was well written, the plot engrossing, the characters lovable, and the faith element was really strong and touching.
I liked how the sin Kizzie was living in was not dwelt upon very long, and because of the way it was written you could give it to young teens and their innocence would not be compromised. Unfortunately, most books depicting the redemption of those fallen into sin dwell far too long on the darkness rather than the light.
I also liked how Kizzie found God very early in the book so that the rest of the book we got see her faith grow and strengthen. Even if you can’t relate to Kizzie’s struggles, her bravery and trust in God is very inspirational.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction, faith-filled redemptive stories, and books set in the 1910s.
↠ You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 𝐏𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝟏𝟑𝟗:𝟓-𝟕
↠ Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝟏:𝟏𝟖
↠ Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. 𝐏𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝟑𝟏:𝟐𝟒
***I am very grateful to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for this advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
Wonderful, heartwarming, Christian historical romance!
This was my first book by Pepper Basham and it won't be my last, I really enjoyed her writing style and the Christian elements she included in the story.
I absolutely adored this book. The romance was sweet, the themes of redemption and forgiveness were inspiring, the entire story was wholesome & heartwarming.
The first third of the book introduces us to Kizzie and paints a heart wrenching picture of her life. She's found herself an unwed new mother and is stuck in a half-hearted relationship with the father of her baby. She's been abandoned by her family, outcast by society, and is desperate need of a friend. Enter Nella, one of my favorite side characters ever! She's sassy and strong and not afraid to speak her mind. She takes Kizzie under her wing, points her to Christ, and gives her the strength to stand on her own two feet.
It's only when Kizzie leaves her old life behind that we have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Noah Lewis. Handsome, kind, and all-around good guy, our hero storms onto the scene in a blaze of glory - literally. The first thing this man does on page is save his employees from a fire! Talk about a "save the cat" moment! And it only becomes more clear just how great our hero really is when he rescues Kizzie from a snow storm (to be fair, she kind of rescues him first) and befriends her.
I loved the way their relationship began as more of a friendship that turned into an undeniable love and attraction. It was clear how much they cared about each other. I loved Kizzie's redemption story and how important her faith in Christ became over the course of her story; the way she loved those around her, especially her baby, was inspiring and heartwarming.
The ending was satisfying and brought up more than a few happy tears, and it made me want to go back and read the first two books in this series.
Absolutely recommend reading this heartwarming tale of redemption, forgiveness, and finding true love!
Thank you to NetGalley & Barbour Books for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This is a story of faith, hope, love, and forgiveness of one's self. Kizzie is a woman with a past, giving herself a bad reputation. After becoming a believer, she has to learn how to forgive herself and hope in a better future as God uses her history to make her more understanding of others and strive for a better future. It also allows her to see what true love as a posed to what she thought was love. It was a beautifully written story.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The beginning of Kizzie's story is nothing idyllic. In fact, the situation she finds herself in seems hopeless. She is pregnant and scared. By a sheer miracle she is saved in a very dire situation from an unlikely family. Beyond grateful, she resolves to do all she can to repay the kindness that was shown to her. She learns about forgiveness and more about the God she has heard about, but not really understood or connected to in a real way.
She continually dreams of being married to her baby's father Charles. She knows he loves her and plans to marry her. And she continues to hope everything turns out just like she hoped it would. But life, as we all know never turns out like we think it should, nor how we want it to.
Charles finally comes and meets his baby and for a little time, Kizzie believes she has everything she needs to be a happy family.. But as time goes by, little by little Kizzie realizes everything she thought that was perfect and right, in the eyes of God she sees how she falls short. She struggles with repeat sin, and thinks that she is too far gone for God. But God doesn't work the way that us humans do. He gives hope over and over again in the most unlikely ways and Kizzie finds out that His plan for her life, was more than she could have ever imagined.
My thoughts:
I loved Kizzie's character in this story. Growing up in the mountains, I loved her Appalachian talk and plain spoken language. She was her own person but had similar qualities of her sister Laurel. She was smart and strong. In the beginning she was broken and unsure, not sure how her life was going to turn out. She could not see her happy ending yet. But when God got a hold of her, she trusted him wholeheartedly and completely.
If you have not read the other two books in this series, I suggest you stop and do that now! They were both so good! I will say there is nothing like a conclusion of a character that their story and life is eluded to in a couple of books and you are anticipating reading their story. Kizzie's story was worth waiting for. And the epilogue was epic.