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.

A beautiful story about redemption, love (romantic, familial, and God's), and learning how to move on from your mistakes in the past.

Kizzie doesn't realize how far she has stumbled from what is right until it becomes clear that the man she fell in love with is never going to marry her. Desperate to escape the mistakes she has made along with the temptation of him, she seeks out a new life in a town about 20 miles away. While there, she continues to grow in her faith as well as finding a way to reopen her heart to love.

This book is heart-felt and honest, never shying away from the mistakes that Kizzie makes and highlighting her struggles to feel worthy of love. I hardly have words to describe how I felt reading through this story. The beginning is painful especially when it is very clear that she is falling back into the same trap that caused her such pain before the book started, but it makes her journey all the sweeter as Kizzie grows as a character and uses her own pain and mistakes to reach out others who are hurting as well.

Basham does have another book that follows a different member of Kizzie's family, but it is not necessary to read that book before this one.

When I read Laurel’s Dream over two years ago I knew I had to have Kizzie’s story. And it was everything I needed it to be!

Kizzie is a beautiful girl with a big heart and those two things get her in a heap of trouble. Working as a house maid she catches the eye of her employer’s son Charles. Sweet endearments and stolen kisses lead to a pregnancy and Charles “unable” to marry her because he will be disinherited. So Kizzie returns home only to be cast out by her daddy. This banishment breaks Kizzie and she is lost and alone in the world. As her time draws near she stumbles into the lives of Joshua and Nella. It is with the dear family she finds a place to birth her baby.

Charles continues to give her platitudes and promises, gives her a home and money to spend, but his time and his name aren’t part of the bargain. Kizzie begins to realize the being a kept woman ain’t right and her soul aches for redemption. She finds salvation, her strength, and a backbone, leaving Charles behind.

Kizzie leaves her mountain home for the big city in search of a new life and livelihood. There she finds an abundance of friends and a new purpose. Proof that God is leading her right where she needs to be. But troubles still find her. And she struggles with protecting her heart and the reputation of those she has come to care for deeply.

My expectations were through the roof for this book. And at 30% I was beginning to worry this would be more women’s fiction than romance because Kizzie does a lot of growing and reflecting and Charles is just the worst. But I know Pepper loves kissing books so I shouldn’t have ever doubt her! When I turned the page to a new POV I was ECSTATIC!!! Noah, Noah, Noah! You dear sweet, humble, caring man! I love your face off!

And the epilogue! I cried like a baby! It was absolutely perfect. Go read this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for my advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

This book was so good!! I loved the faith, the love story, everything was just so good! I did not read the previous ones but I didn’t feel like I missed anything! It was so close to a 5 star, but just didn’t give me that 5 star, can’t put it down vibe!


Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

Hope Like Wildflowers, by Pepper Basham is Book 3 of "My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge" series. I was glad to be able to read this because it is a story that we can all relate to. In Oak Plains, NC in Oct. 1917, Kizzie McAdams finds herself pregnant & alone, with the baby's father only willing to keep her out of sight as a "kept woman." But her reputation follows her wherever she goes. When she is at her lowest, she finds that God truly does love her & has a purpose for her life. When she meets Noah Lewis, she feels she isn't worthy of his love but he sees her as she is. Together they find strength, purpose & faith in God & each other as they forge ahead in a new life. This book was very well written, as are all Pepper Bashams books are. I hate to see this series end, but it was very uplifting to read. "God touches the raw, painful remnants with a teensy bit of stardust." I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.

This latest novel from Pepper had me engrossed from the first page all the way to the end. Kizzie is a beautiful FMC whose journey to Christ and as a child of God echos some of the struggles that are commun for Christians. Pepper has written the truths about those lies and struggles in such a powerful way that you feel them in the depths of your soul. This beautiful story of redemption, family, faith, and love is a worthwhile addition to any shelf!

Oh my heart! Any book that Basham writes is an automatic "purchase now" from me, but this book really took it to the next level for me. This book is the third in the My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge series and is just as powerful as the two before it. As I finished it, I just let my heart marinate in the story and the parallels that can be drawn from this story to my own life. Basham is a master storyteller and I struggle every time with rushing through her books and wanting to go slow to savor each and every word. Easy 5 stars!!!

I loved 'Hope Like Wildflowers' and felt immersed in this story that takes the reader on a beautiful journey of hope and healing, and what true love looks like. The true love of our heavenly father, and the true love of a kind and self giving man, after Kizzie experienced a broken father and a young man who used her. I could not put this story down, it was so well-told that I kept turning pages into the night. I loved the friends and mentors along the way who loved her, and helped her grow in her faith and live better going forward. Kissie McAdam's tale will wrap around your heart and have you cheering her on.

Fans of historical fiction will love this story, and this series!

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early ecopy. All opinions are my own.

Be still my heart! What a wonderful story of redemption. Pepper Basham brought me to literal tears with her tale of a fallen young woman who truly finds herself when she finds Jesus.

Confession: I still haven't gone back and read book 1 in this series like I planned to after reading book 2. :D (Because story of my life, I read books out of order!)

I think this read would benefit from doing so, though book 2 was fine. This one picks up with the sister of book 1's heroine, so having not read book 1 yet, I felt a bit at a loss - no connection to Kezzie (and, second confession, I _really_ don't care for her name; sad but true!).

So, this was a bit of a hard read to get into on a few levels, and quickly turned into a DNF. From skimming other reviews, it does seem to pick up, but I'd honestly rather reread other Basham novels--notably the contemporary ones! The Skymar series, in particular, is exceptional.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I want to say this is my favorite book by Pepper Basham but I say that about everyone of her books. I love her stories, this is an absolute fantastic read! I feel in love with the characters immediately but Kizzie held a special place in my heart. I found myself walking in her shoes with how the author weaves the mistakes that are made outside of God’s word. But as hatred falls upon Kizzie’s door she handles herself in a way that had me laughing and cheering her on against some evil men who intend to scare her. The way Jesus is poured into the pages of the story brings joy and beauty to the pages transforming it into so much more. I stayed glued to the pages and fully entertained from beginning to end. A budding romance along with a testing of her faith keeps the story moving at a perfect pace. When a twist is thrown in toward the end you will be on the edge of your seat with what circumstances it may bring. So beautifully written, this story will most assuredly leave an impression on your heart.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

We all make mistakes. Kizzie McAdams has made one. Her family disowns her, and she has few places to go. She decides to turn to God and repent for her mistakes. Can the world forgive her, like our heavenly Father? Read of Kizzie's journey.

I enjoyed this redeeming story and God's grace. I would read more from this author. Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy, my opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this one. Kizzie McAdams starts out as a servant. Like many young servant girls of the time she becomes pregnant. She is not completely turned out by the father but is an outcast to his mother, other servants and the town. She finds a friend who invites her to their church and it changes her life. In order to do so she must take a big risk and start her life over somewhere else.
I really like the character of Kizzie. Like many of us she struggles with a sin that has a strong hold over
her. Through helping others, she improves her own life and becomes stronger in her faith. Mrs. Carter is another strong woman who lives out her faith by helping young women such as Kizzie. Noah and his mother care little for social norms when it cones to helping and protecting others whenever they can. Lots of great characters with strong faith make this a great read. Of course there are those trying to push them off their path from time to time adding to the intrigue of the very satisfying ending.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Kizzie McAdams is the main character of this redemption story. Alone, pregnant and cast out from her family she found a home with friends, Nella and Joshua. She also found her worth in God.
Pursued by her past she felt compelled to leave her friends and seek out a new future for her and her child.

It was a very unique story line.

I felt Kizzie became mature in Christ almost too fast for her age. Although we call learn through hard experience and she definitely had some.

Also Noah was very kind, loving and caring but maybe little too perfect.

I loved the setting and the details of living in the mountains.

The first half of the story was slow for me. However, the second half was unexpected and engaging.
I loved the epilogue, it was the best part.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

This is a great read.
The book tackles a hard subject. That of unwed mothers.
The shame and blame put upon women throughout the ages is horrible.
Yes, sexual intimacy is meant by God for within marriage. But when things happen, it seems only the women are blamed. It takes two to tango.
I wish I could say it is better now, but the purity culture has done the same thing to countless young women destroying their value as a person.
I love that this story brings out very strongly that God does forgive. Yes, we must make better choices but sex outside of marriage is not the unforgivable sin. This story shows how God can take a wreck and still bring beauty.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

This story! I’ve wanted to know Kizzie’s story since she was first mentioned back in ‘Laurel’s Dream’ (and again in ‘The Heart of the Mountains’).
Kizzie had made some bad decisions with lasting consequences. Seeing her turn back to God, make the hard decisions, and lean into God’s forgiveness and love were beautiful. Noah!! Noah was such a strong, caring man who lived out his faith. He loved and accepted Kizzie for who she is now.
I loved Nella (and Joshua). She was exactly what Kizzie needed at the time. A loving , truth speaking woman. I also loved Mrs Carter and Victoria Lewis. They were so loving and accepting of Kizzie.
And the epilogue, I could barely read it through my tears!!
This ARC was provided through NetGalley by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars for this beautifully inspirational historical romance. This story follows Laurel's Dream and The Heart of the Mountains. I have only read one of those and it was a few years back, so I went into this one pretty blind as regards to the history and did not have any trouble following along, so this story stands just fine on its own. Though if you've read the other stories, I believe you will understand Kizzie's yearnings for home a bit better. For fans of the series, they will be glad to get Kizzie's story. Kizzie has been cast out by her dad for bringing shame to the family by getting pregnant without being married. And her story is a truly redemptive tale. The faith thread in this story is solid as Kizzie learns to find her identity in God's love for her. When she leaves temptation behind for good, she finds His blessings abound even more and finds friendship and acceptance in the least likely of places.

Though this is mostly a character driven book as Kizzie's character growth and development is the central story-line, there is also a bit of a mystery sub-plot as it surrounds the mill in the town where Kizzie lands. As a plot-preference reader, this helped me enjoy this tale immensely even though I loved to see Kizzie's growth and the sweet romance that came with that growth. One complaint I have is that when we first switch to Noah's point of view, we're about a quarter of the way through the story and so it feels abrupt like we're starting a new story altogether and it kinda snapped me out of what I was reading. However, it did make its way back pretty well as we're introduced to Kizzie through Noah's eyes a chapter or so later. Noah is the epitome of a historical romance hero - a true gentleman who has a bit of heartbreak in his past, but full of compassion, standing up for the innocent, and takes good care of his mother. Just makes a girl want to sigh. Or swoon. I thoroughly enjoyed his character arc as well, though. And the epilogue is one for the ages. I was wiping tears. It give you ALL the feels! All in all, this was a beautiful and inspirational story and one I would recommend to fans of historical fiction and tales of redemption. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.