A Civil War story, based on a true story. A story of life - loved and lost. I held on to every word all the way to the end. Thank you to NetGalley for a chance to read this ARC. The review is my own.

This is the kind of story that brings the feel and heartache of the U.S. Civil War to light. The author, Kendy Pearson has developed a set of characters and written them into true history to show the harsh reality of war that did turn neighbor against neighbor, father against son and lifelong friends to opposing front line battles.
The Dabney family live daily life on their very busy Virginia farm. With hard working hands and loving hearts, they have included their dear friend Izzy and his granddaughter Melinda Jane into their circle. The eldest daughter, Augusta, "Gus" has taken on the responsibility of caring for the family including her father who is very ill. She is willing to sacrifice her needs and wants for the family. She is doing her best to keep them from losing the farm to the bank.
There is unrest in the country. Dr. James Hill has been trying to build up his medical practice but is now faced with pressure to join the fight between the North and South. Once he is forced to take a position, he finds himself needing a secure place to set up a field hospital for wounded soldiers. The Dabney property would suffice.
What a story. I've read other novels based on different areas of the country during the war. This one really hits me as it is an epitome of what any family could have gone through. This is an excellent cast of characters with Izzy being a wonderful strong testimony of faith in Almighty God.
The story is gut wrenching at times. There is an honesty here, no coloring over the truth of desperation and sadness of the time period when battles took place in towns nearby and with Dabney family members involved in the care of wounded and dying men and boys. Pearson has a knack for bringing historical settings, battles and people to light. This is an excellent story about family love, fear, danger, loss and resilience. It is also a sweet story about a love developing between a strong young woman and a man searching for his place. And, wow, a lot goes on.
I received a copy of this book from Pear Blossom Books through NetGalley. I want to thank them for a work from a new-to-me author. This is my own unsolicited opinion of the book. I can tell that the author is well researched in the time period, locations and Civil War history. As I read, I wanted to start looking up things and places to learn more.

Set during the Civil War, the story follows Augusta Dabney and her family as they find themselves involved in helping the Union soldiers during the war. This was not just a war that tore the nation apart, but one that tore friends and neighbors as well. A well written novel that was both emotional and factual, it is highly recommended. As this is the first book in a 3 book series, I look forward to reading the other two. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When the Mountains Wept (West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm, Book 1) by Kendy Pearson is an earnest and candid historical novel concerning the effects of the US Civil War on people’s lives. Two things struck me as I read this, first the conflicting emotions within the characters’ hearts. While the Dabney family abhorred slavery they had friends who joined the Confederate Army. It was difficult to see them do so but still they prayed for their friend’s safety. Then the characters would see despicable acts committed against slaves or free, serving to reinforce their beliefs against evil. Secondly, even if one tried to stay out of the war it seemed nearly impossible. Life was affected with both sides bringing skirmishes near to the farm. Yet everyday life went on with mortgages due and a dying father which gave their lives a surreal feel to it.

This heartfelt book is the most riveting book I have read this year. I can highly recommend it to all who read historical fiction no matter whether you usually read Christian novels or not.

I struggled to get r t into reading this book and only continued because I had 3 in the series to review. I found some of the American war names hard to remember. I was glad I pushed on to the end, as it was truly a good read and a huge reminder of seeing God's hand in many lives.

When the Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson was an amazing book. It had it all. Family dynamics, layered characters, drama, comedic relief, heartbreak, joy. Even some whimsy. I was thrilled with the dialect and accents she so easily traveled through from one character to the next. And it had what I love most: God’s grace and family love and devotion. This is book 1 in her West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Story and I can’t wait to dive into book 2 ;)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

This novel is a historical story with the central theme of civil war. The focus is on how families were getting affected by civil war and how the characters were trying their best to protect their families. It's a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. An historical story set during the Civil Was. Such a tragic time in our history, the book was full of the awful affects of war. I had a hard time enjoying reading this book although it was well written and the main characters were heroic and brave. A 3.5 rating.

Excellent!!! One of the best historical fiction stories I've read about the Civil War. I found myself immersed in this captivating story. The author has done her research into the Civil War especially in western Virginia and she combines this rich history with unforgettable characters, and powerful themes. Themes of family, healing, and faith mixed with "tragedies, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace" during times of war, division, and hatred. I was drawn into the story right away. This is the first book I have read by Kendy Pearson, I loved it, and highly recommend it! Heart-wrenching and heart warming.

Augusta Dabney "Gus", with the help of her best friend Melinda Jane, tends her home, farm, loving family including her siblings Fin, Will, Zander, and Bertie, and her dying father (Pap). She will do everything she can to keep her family together and keep their farm from the bank. Dr. James Hill is living regrets from his past. They live in a divided area as far as the sentiments towards slavery. He turns down a commission in the Confederate Army (and loses friends), and joins the Union as a Regimental Surgeon. "When the Dabney farm becomes a crossroads of colliding forces, Major Hill commandeers their barn for a hospital."

My favorite secondary figure is Gus's Pap's best friend Izzy and his kind, calm manner even when being mistreated by confederate prisoners. His faith and peace are a beautiful influence on the family and all he meets.

I did weep, and I did rejoice in this story. I highly recommend When the Mountains Wept for lovers of vivid storytelling, excellent historical fiction and inspirational stories. I am so glad there are more stories with these unforgettable characters, and I can't wait to read them.

Many tragedies occurred during the Civil War - family against family, neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend. Kendy Pearson captured all these in "When the Mountains Wept". Heart tugging novel. Great character development. Unexpected plot twist at the end.

Released Mar. 31st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Oh my heart! I cannot wait to read the 2nd book of this series.
Living in Fayette County, I know where all the places mentioned in the book are. I can picture some of this in my head as I'm reading.
The detail the author provides from surgery to killings made my stomach turn at times that these events truly happened.
Brother against brother, women left behind to man farms, mothers left childless all due to war. The author shows the historical aspects along with the emotional aspects of the Civil War.

When the Mountain Thunders, by Kenny Pearson, takes you back to Western Virginia at the beginning of the War Between the States. The people are divided in their loyalties, but the Gundry family knows their beliefs in the equality of every person, no matter their color. Their faith is the cornerstone of their existence. James Hill left his family plantation and trained as a doctor so he could heal rather than enslave people. He is living with regrets when he joins the Union army as a doctor and is ordered to set up a field hospital in the Gundry’s barn. Augusta (Gus) is already caring for her sick papa and her siblings, but she soon helps Dr. Hill care for the wounded too. When James’s past collides with his present, how will he carry on and find a future with Gus?

This is a story that give the reader insight into hearts and happenings during this time. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.