Can you ever go wrong with an Ann H. Gabhart book? I don't think so. The Song of Sourwood Mountain had all the feels and more.

After church, the last thing Mira Dean expected was a proposal from the visiting preacher. Granted, she did go to school with him as a child, but she hadn't thought about him in years. Now, Gordon Covington not only wants her to marry him, but he also wants her to be the new teacher at his mission school in the mountains. What's a girl to do? Say no, of course. Except for the fact that God seems to be pushing her to say yes.

While I thought Gordon was a bit of a bully in that he was abusing his position as a preacher to convince Mira to leave her life behind and follow his dream, I still loved this book! Gordon seemed to be a bit clueless where women were concerned. To me, he came across as a "God told me this, so you have to do it" kind of guy. But as you get to know him, you realize he is just following God. He only has to wait for others to catch his vision and hear if God is also speaking to them. 

While Gordon and Mira were interesting characters, it was Ada June and her dog Bo who stole the show for me. She was desperate for love from anyone. A ten-year-old living by herself for the most part in the mountains. She slept outside in the cold without proper clothing, often without food in her stomach. The people of Sourwood often took advantage of her, forcing her to work for a scrap of food or shelter, and while they thought they were doing right by her, they weren't. I loved how she fit into Mira and Gordan's lives, as well as how that relationship grew. 

Trusting in God is a major theme in this book, and we get to see how each character grows in that respect. If you are looking for a book with a sweet story about love in all its forms, look no further than The Song of Sourwood Mountain.

For my honest review, I received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley.

"The Song of Sourwood Mountain" by Ann H. Gabart is a beautiful story about what can happen when God is in control of our lives. Like Jonah in the bible, the main character, Mira resists the seemly random proposal she gets from a former schoolmate she hasn't seen in years. After all of her doors close, she listens to her neighbor who says God is calling her and decides to accept the proposal from Pastor Gordon and be his wife and the school teacher for Appalachian children in a remote area of North Carolina.

The author weaves a beautiful story of what can happen when we let God in to lead our lives. We may end up with more than we ever bargained for!

I just loved this story and read it in two nights. The characters in the book are ones you will love and strongly dislike but weave an unforgettable story. This book has a marriage of convenience, found family and characters that will leap off the page.

Thank you to Revell Fiction and NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoy reading about the Appalachian Mountain people and I thoroughly became engrossed in reading The Song Of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart, which was a very heartwarming saga of Mira and Gordon going to Sourwood, Kentucky and running a mission school. The mountain people have a hard life, but this book shows how the people stick together through thick and thin, and though poor are so rich in very Godly ways . What a very inspirational book well worth a readers time. All of Ann H. Gabhart's books that I've read are amazing!

I was going to wait until closer to publication date but book just kept calling my name. I'm not sure why but there was a gentle tug on my heart to read it.
I have come to love this special couple very much and I hated to say goodbye to them.
Gordon and Mira have become the friends I've always wanted and loved.
Here's a quote I wanted to share because it spoke volumes to me. It's short, sweet, and to the point.
“You are the valentine I never knew I needed, but the Lord knew. He has blessed me beyond measure.”
That kind of love is rare indeed.
This author has done well with this novel. I felt like I was coming home again through her writing.
I always love a visit to Kentucky through this author since I can't get back home.
Yes, there were a few characters that I didn't like but that's ok too. They're what made the story interesting.
But I think my most favorite character was Ada June. What an incredible child! My heart really went out to her. She's so very brave through it all! Wow! I'm truly amazed and I've come to love and appreciate her too.
Here's another saying I'd like to share
“Sorrows don’t erase joys. Nor joys sorrows.” no words ever truer spoken.
My heart is sad and happy for these characters right now.
I'm going to give this story 5 stars because even tho this story is fictional these characters represent people in reality for their feelings, and everyday life.
People are people no matter where they live or how they do things. Just some are different customs like the mountain people. I loved learning their ways and I was really rooting for Mira.
In my book lol she's a pretty awesome lady.
I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own thoughts.

Fans of Christy will love this heart tugging story! Set in 1910, the life of Mira takes a sudden turn as she accepts a post as a schoolteacher in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.

Full of interesting characters whose local speech colors in the picture of mountain life with both joys and sorrows. Mira and Gordon are a wonderful pair to watch as their marriage of convenience grows into something more. Ada June steals the show as she and Bo quickly work their way into Mira's heart. The story has plenty of spiritual elements gently added as they struggle through difficulties, growing their faith and learning to love each other. It was a wonderful story from start to finish. I wish it had been a bit longer, but there is room for a sequel perhaps.
Recommend!

The Song of Sourwood Mountain is proof that you can judge a book by its cover. The beautiful artwork and intriguing description drew me in immediately and took me on a wonderful adventure to the mountains of Kentucky that may be best described as Christy meets When Calls the Heart.
From page one, the story grabbed me and continued to progress effortlessly. The characters were well developed and believable. The proposal at first seemed outlandish until God’s plan starts to come to light. The back and forth between points of view, as well as the mountain dialect, was very well done and easy to understand. I love that Mira and Gordon have such a heart to serve God, even when they cannot see what He is doing. Ada June was an especially wonderful character, and I am glad she had some resolution to her problems. I would love a sequel that focuses more on the mountain people and their backgrounds and stories.
This is the first book I have read by Ann Gabhart, but it will not be the last. For an enjoyable read that is easy to follow yet completely unpredictable, pick up this page-turner.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Revell through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Song of Sourwood Mountains by Kentucky storyteller extraordinaire, Ann Gabhart, is a fascinating Christian historical novel. From the very beginning I was captivated. This is one of her best books to date.

This is the story of Mira Dean. Living in Louisville, Kentucky, she is a schoolteacher with a broken heart. Her fiancé succumbed to tuberculosis taking her dreams of being a wife with him. At church she reconnects with a former classmate, Gordon Covington. He is a missionary in Appalachia and makes an offer that will change Mira’s life. Gordon wants her to marry him and join him in his mountain ministry.

Author Gabhart’s knowledge of Kentucky and its culture shine brightly in this story. I felt transported to Sourwood in 1910 as I met the unique inhabitants. Each character was expertly crafted with loving precision. I loved so many of them. All had many layers and side stories giving them depth. They were relatable and believable. The children, Bo and Ada June, added mirth to the story many times. The Christian message is not hidden in this Christian fiction book. It has an inspiring lesson on trusting God, loving others, and keeping faith.

The story is interesting and deep. My heart went out to many of the characters at times in sorrow and happiness. There is a twist that was a surprise. The writing is superb. It flowed easily and carried me along with it. I hated to leave these people and Sourwood behind when I finished the book.

I highly recommend this amazing novel. A reading group would find it to be a wonderful selection. This would make a perfect gift for a historical fiction lover. It gets a 5+ star rating from me. A copy was provided by NetGalley but these are my honest words.

Thank you to Net Galley and Revell for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ann H. Gabhart is one of my favorite authors. I am always happy when I am chosen to read one of her books. This one grabs you right from the beginning. After church, Gordon Covington asks Mira Dean to move to the mountains as his wife. This is strange because they have not seen each other for years. At first Mira says no, but God seems to have another plan for her life. This is a sweet love story that takes place according to God's plan. Highly recommend to all Ann H. Gabhart readers! She has written another great story!

A moving story that had me gripped from the start. Such reality and a reminder of all things family and community. Knowing God helps so much and evangelism is a way of life

The Song of Sourwood Mountain
by Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell
Series: None
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “While the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean's hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher--until Gordon Covington shows up.
No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack.
With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of.”

Impressions: I’ve read other stories about the people of the mountains and enjoyed learning about the culture of the people. I was looking forward to learning more in this book. The beginning of this book took some time to set up Mira’s background, which felt a bit slow compared to the rest of the story. Once Mira moves to the mountains the story begins to unfold, however, Mira’s journey is still the main perspective. I did not get to know the mountain people’s stories and histories as well as I would have liked. I wish there were a family tree to reference how everyone was related to better understand the dynamics of their relationships. Understanding some of their pasts might have created a better connection with the story. Perhaps I was really wanting more background on Ada June. She shared the spotlight but had much mystery around her person. That being said, it was easy to read, a clean romance with faith entwined through the story.

Quotes: “’ My path is set.’ ‘Who set your path?’...Chapter 3, verses 5 and 6. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

I love stories set in Appalachia, and Ann Gabhart is a master at spinning an Appalachian tale with her authentic and thoughtful portrayal of the hardworking, caring Kentucky mountain people and their culture. Set in 1910, This heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching story kept me engaged from beginning to end. Beautifully crafted characters who you come to care for drive the story. I love Mira and Gordon and the way their marriage of convenience develops into a solid relationship built on love. I actually enjoyed ten-year-old Ada June’s touching storyline most of all. As always in Ms. Gabhart’s books, I greatly appreciate the strong faith element that permeates the story. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fairly slow to start, this book soon picked up and became a good read. The characters were developed enough to keep the audience interested in them, and the scenery was described appropriately.

The descriptions of activities undertaken are era correct, which was a nice touch.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

Mira learns the meaning of closed and open doors when God leads her to accept Gordon's proposal and offer of a teaching job in the Kentucky mountains. Christian faith plays an important part of this story, but it is no way preachy. All the main characters were well-developed, though I had trouble keeping track of the supporting cast. This might make a good movie.

This is a beautifully written book. The characters are so brilliantly written. I especially love Ada June a young orphaned child shunned by the village, it was heartbreakingly written. I hadn't realised that it would be as religious as it was and if it hadn't been so well written I probably wouldn't have finished but I wanted to know what happened to Mira, Gordon and Ada June. I haven't read Ann H. Gabhart before but I will definitely read some more of her books.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It kept my interest throughout. The main characters were very well developed. The storyline flowed well. It fit the customs and activities of the era.
There were one or two things left unfinished. I'm not sure there will be a second book or not, but I'd enjoy an extension.
I requested and received an ARC of this book through LibraryThing. This review is freely given and my own, personal thoughts.
If you enjoy historic, Christian fiction, I am sure you will enjoy this book.

I’ve always enjoyed reading historical romance/fiction and The Song of Sourwood Mountain didn’t disappoint this reader. I thought the book was very realistic and the Author made me feel as though I’d gone back in time and was there with the characters in 1910. I liked that the author blended good times and bad times in this book. It was entertaining, inspirational,unpredictable, and a page turner. The people who lived on Sourwood mountain were loyal to one another and though they were poor they lived with what God gave them.
This book has three main characters. Gordon Covington who was the preacher at the church in Sourwood Mountain. Mira Dean who was a teacher in Louisville Kentucky. Ada June Baker who was a 10 year old homeless orphan on Sourwood Mountain. All other characters are secondary but play an important role in this story. When Mira Dean’s world in Louisville falls apart she wonders if God has another plan for her. Preacher Covington makes her an offer that she isn’t sure she wants to except. Ada June gets by the best she can by helping people that live on the mountain but no one cares enough to offer her a home . God has a plan for all three of them. Find out what He has in mind for them when you read this heartwarming book.
I recommend this book to readers of historical and inspirational fiction. This book is a standalone . It is scheduled to be released on 5/7/24.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader’s copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#TheSongofSourwoodMountain #NetGalley

This book was so refreshing! I loved the character of Gordon, he is a strong and well grounded man with principle and courage. The story of Mira was enchanting, the way this author created the world these two characters lived inside was magical and inspiring. The courage of both Gordon and Mira was something to ponder. I loved how God's touch is highlighted throughout this story, the way He masterfully creates our perfect path so we may have a fulfilling life. Each character in this book is masterfully written, from the very beginning to the very end. So many different personalities, so many different worlds that are all connected and the way God has woven them together is so beautifully detailed in this wonderful book. The Song of Sourwood Mountain has given me new inspiration to look for God and His will in my life. I would love to see a sequel to this story!

This book was so refreshing! I loved the character of Gordon, he is a strong and well grounded man with principle and courage. The story of Mira was enchanting, the way this author created the world these two characters lived inside was magical and inspiring. The courage of both Gordon and Mira was something to ponder. I loved how God's touch is highlighted throughout this story, the way He masterfully creates our perfect path so we may have a fulfilling life. Each character in this book is masterfully written, from the very beginning to the very end. So many different personalities, so many different worlds that are all connected and the way God has woven them together is so beautifully detailed in this wonderful book. The Song of Sourwood Mountain has given me new inspiration to look for God and His will in my life. I would love to see a sequel to this story!

Ann Gabhart never disappoints. The Song of Sourwood Mountain took me back to when I fell in love with the novel Christy by Catherine Marshall. Gabhart captures the Appalachian people and lifestyle in a beautiful, yet realistic way. Mira, a schoolteacher, has tough decisions to make. I love how she grows throughout the story into someone who depends on God and embraces her circumstances with hope. Gordon, a preacher, has a kind and caring heart and loves the people he serves. And I love Ada June and Bo, they bring depth and delight to the story. This is a beautiful story of faith and hope. You'll fall in love with the characters and want to spend more time with them. I received a free copy. Opinions are my own.

I loved this book! It was a great read! I couldn't put it down and I wished it kept going. The characters are likable, the plot line moves easily, and the author does a great job describing the setting and situations.

The story begins with an outrageous marriage proposal from an old classmate that leaves Mira speechless! Gordon feels that the Lord is calling him to marry Mira and take her with him to his mission in the Appalachian mountains. The mountain children desperately want a teacher so they can learn to read. Mira just happens to be a teacher who just lost her job!

Mira knows she doesn't love Gordon but love can grow from respect. She takes a leap of faith, leaves everything she knows behind, and moves to the backwoods. She must learn the ways of the mountain people; their speech, customs and cooking on an open fire. On the way she experiences love, loss, heartbreak, prejudice, and ultimately, joy.

I loved the characters of The Song of Sourwood Mountain. Mira, Gordon, Miss Nicey Jane were unforgettable. I wanted to wrap Ada June in a big hug to comfort her.

This book reminds me very much of the classic book, Christy, by Catherine Marshall. Similar setting but different in many other ways. This was a clean romance and one that I will let my teenager read.