What the Mountains Remember

I loved this story by Joy Callaway! What the Mountains Remember is the story of two people determined to not fall in love. Worth and Belle truly believe that love only leads to heartache because of past experiences. Their relationship is to be a practical one, with no emotion attached to each other. However, the reality is that life doesn’t work that way. Join them as they face their past and hope for their future. You’ll be glad you did!
Also, the narrator did a great job!

What a truly beautiful book!
Once again this one made me feel all the feels…
Love, heartbreak, jealousy, hatred, and the huge open hole that’s left when you lose someone you love!

Belle Newbold is a young woman who does not really want to get married.
She lost her Dad several years ago in a mining accident and was shattered afterwards. Her Mom, who loved her Dad, heart and soul, never imagined she would love again…yet she found love…and her life and her daughter’s changed forever.
Her new husband is a gas magnate with huge pockets…as opposed to their humble beginnings of living paycheck to paycheck.
When her stepfather introduces her to Worth Delafield, who is also wealthy and looking for a wife…things are about to change for her…. But, is her heart in it?

This one made me laugh and smile as many times as it brought me to tears!
It is so beautifully painted and told…

And Belle is such a beautiful soul. You can actually FEEL her love and tenderness as it unfolds throughout the storylines. ❤️

The same cannot be said for her cousin. She is meanness personified…over and over….

On this journey you will see Belle grow and learn as her horizons expand…and the changes she makes will be felt for lifetimes to come!
And the fact that she is open, willing and eager to take things on that women of that time would never even consider…well, that just speaks volumes!

Beautiful story with remarkable, wholesome, kind, loving bones!

5 + ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#WhatTheMountainsRemember by #JoyCalloway and narrated beautifully by #BrittanyPressley.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsFocus and #HaperMuse for an ARC of the audiobook which was released on 4/2/24…so you should be able to find it on shelves now! I am so happy to have been gifted this ARC…It is truly special!!

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Title: What the Mountains Remember
Author: Joy Callaway
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Publisher: Harper Muse
Length: Approximately 12 hours and 16 minutes
Source: Thank-you to NetGalley for the audiobook review copy. Thank-you Bethany House and Austenprose for the review copy of the physical book.

Do you prefer to read indoors or outdoors? I love both!

What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway is the story of a young woman named Belle Newbold set in 1913. Belle was a miner’s daughter, but after her father’s death, her mother remarried a titan of industry, Shipley Newbold. Both Belle and her mother are afraid that their past will be found out and they will be thrown out of their life of luxury. Belle is determined to marry for convenience to make sure she has a good life where she never will have to worry about hunger. Worth Delafield seems like the perfect match who can give her all that she asks for. When Henry Ford invites the Newbold family on one of the Vagabond camping trips, Belle gets to know Worth better and determine what is important to her in life.

I just discussed how I want to visit North Carolina and visit the Biltmore estate as part of a review last week. This novel gave me another North Carolina point to visit, Grove Park Inn, which is called the eighth wonder of the world. This Inn is in Ashville, North Carolina and it was a major construction project in the early 20th century.

My thoughts on this novel:
• I loved that this novel focused on how buildings are usually remembered by the person who financed them, but the architect and construction workers who made it possible are often overlooked. I will also put engineer in this category as I have spent my life designing large projects that dignitaries get gold shovels at while I stood in the background. I loved how Belle loved to talk and learn about all the people who worked on this construction project.

• This book was a love story to Asheville and the Appalachian mountains and the people who lived, worked, and died there.

• I really disliked Belle’s “friend” Marie Austen. Marie Austen had a lot of cringe worthy behavior in this book both to Belle and to men. She might win the award for worst fictional friend ever.

• It was interesting learning about the TB crisis in North Caroline during this time period. It’s interesting and sad that there was a real fear that TB hospitals would overtake the community.

• I loved the characters of Belle and Worth. I loved learning more about them and how they learned more about each other and came to an understanding. I also loved how Belle was able to work on an article about the Grove Park Inn and highlight the workers. I enjoyed that she had a coming of age herself and discovered what she really wanted out of life.

• This novel has a marriage of convenience and friends to lovers’ tropes. The romance was beautiful in this novel.

• The camping trip with the Vagabonds was very interesting, but the Vagabonds were very much minor background characters. It left me wanting to know more about their adventures.

• There was a great author’s note at the end of the novel that discusses how the author has visited and been fascinated with Grove Park Inn since she was a child. It discussed her research and changes that she made to make her story work.

• I read this book both physically and on audiobook and kept switching to whatever format worked best for me at the time. I had a lot of travel during the last couple of weeks, so this worked well for me. Brittany Pressley was a great narrator.

• This was my first Joy Callaway novel, but it won’t be my last.

Overall, What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway was an excellent historical fiction novel with a great unique setting, interesting characters, and wonderful romance.

@joywcal does such a fantastic job of researching her novels to make them accurate to the time period and have tidbits of truth in her novels. All The Pretty Places was my favorite non-thriller read last year and Joy’s newest novel, What The Mountains Remember is equally as good. The story is set in Asheville, NC while the famous Grove Park Inn was being constructed in 1913. The main character, Belle Newbold is on a family vacation in the area and is tasked with writing an article about the Grove Park Inn for the local paper. The story is historical fiction with a dash of romance. It has themes surrounding socioeconomic issues from that time period, as well as the health and wellbeing of laborers. I cannot recommend this book enough especially if you love strong female protagonists in historical fiction novels. I loved the narration in the audiobook and thought that Brittany Pressley really brought the characters and story to life.

Thank you @harpermusebooks for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

(This same review was shared on the Barnes & Noble website)

Joy Callaway has once again written a page turner. She has a way of creating a time and place in history that I can easily escape into. In this novel, the setting is 1913 Asheville, North Carolina, during the building of the beautiful Grove Park Inn. The heroine, Belle Newbold, is participating in one of Henry Ford's Vagabonds camping tours. Another member of the tour group is Worth Delafield, a man she's agreed to marry, though she met him only once years before. Both Belle and Worth have experienced tragic loss and deep grief causing them both to vow to not fall in love, to protect their hearts from grief again. Their relationship is certainly not a case of "where fools rush in", but a slow burn of two people realizing they are not only perfect for each other, but a balm to the soul of the other. During their stay in the mountains around Asheville, Belle has the opportunity to interview the construction workers on the Inn for an article to promote the Inn's opening. Through these interviews, you appreciate the danger, risk, and incredible craftsmanship behind the Inn, and learn of Asheville's history too. The book is set in April, and lush descriptions of Asheville's landscape make this a great spring read.

What the Mountains Remember
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A perfect great Historical fiction story that has everything you want it to be. Unique setting, story, & characters that makes you want to keep turning the pages. Bonus is some fun romance too. I love all of Joy's books. This is another lovely story!
Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity.

I fell in love with this story. It centers around Belle Newbold, a young woman attending a Henry Ford vagabond camping tour in Asheville, NC with her parents. Belle is struggling with the reminders of her childhood as she gets to know the man she is engaged to marry and becomes fascinated with the construction of the Grove Park Inn. Historical fiction isn't typically a genre I pick up, but I'm so glad that I kept coming back to the description for What the Mountains Remember. The setting, characters and the history all come together to create a wonderful story that drew me in. I will be searching out more of Joy Callaway's books.

The narrator did a fantastic job as well!

Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsFocus and #HarperMuse for a free copy of #WhattheMountainsRemember by Joy Callaway. All opinions are my own.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

Belle is trying to find her way in a world not entirely her own. Determined to marry for security, not love, Belle thinks she has her future carefully mapped out.

As a fan of both historical fiction and vintage architecture, this title was perfect for me. Seeing the construction of Grove Park Inn through Belle’s eyes is fantastic, and I appreciate Callaway’s dedication to showing the talents of the “little man” - the workers who built the inn. As Belle works to show the personhood of everyone who plays a role in the inn’s construction, she also experiences a revelation about the value of herself and those around her.

What the Mountains Remember is a delightful early twentieth-century novel set in the mountains. Belle and her mother join her step-father at one stop of the famous Vagabonds camping with Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs.

Belle is set to meet her intended, who happens to own the land where the Vagabonds have set up camp. As part of the adventure, they get an advanced look at the Grove Park Inn, called The Eighth Wonder of the World because of its awe-inspiring use of local rocks. Thanks to the antics of her 'cousin' with a journalist, Belle finds herself invited to write about the Inn. She sees it as the chance to tell the story of the ordinary men who took a dream and made it reality.

While Belle and her family plus a few other characters are fictional, the Grove Park Inn and some of the characters are real, After enjoying the lovely prose describing the beauty of the locale, I am ready to journey there.

Overall, it is a delightful story that reminds us of the impact an ordinary person can have. I look forward to reading more by JOy Callaway.

Brittany Pressley was a good narrator and kept me engaged. The only times when the audiobook drove me nuts was when she was voicing the annoying 'cousin.' For some reason, the volume of that character was significantly louder than some of the others, so I had to keep changing the volume setting.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for the advanced audiobook copy. All opinions are my own.

What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway was a fantastic dive into history. I loved how she brought the story to life with vivid imagery and made it seem like I was actually there.

I loved this book. Being a North Carolina native I LOVE stories around places I've visited. I truly felt like I had been transported to that world.