The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart is a beautiful story about learning to love all kinds of people through obedience to the Lord. Mira's story begins with an unexpected offer and whisks you away down a path of faith and trust as she strives to follow God's will for her life. Some of my favorite things about this book:
A marriage of convenience.
A secluded mountain town.
Rich in mountain-life culture.
Vibrant characters.
Tension between the mountain people and their outsider preacher. (Also made me nervous and kept turning pages!)
A strong faith element is woven throughout the story. I loved all the scripture and strong faith arcs for Mira and Gordon. I think we can all relate to them in some way!
And a tale that grabs your interest from the first line!
This is another great novel by Ann H. Gabhart. I love how she brings her characters to life and immerses you in the time and place. Fans of historical romance would enjoy this story, especially if you like more deep or spiritual-themed books.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

3.5 Stars
The Song of Sourwood Mountain takes readers to the mountains of eastern Kentucky, life in the holler, and the challenges of living in the woods.
Schoolteacher Mira Dean is content to accept her life as a spinster at the age of 25, while teaching her students at the local city school. Preacher Gordon Covington knows what having a school will do for the people of Sourwood. Proposing a marriage of convenience – with the caveat of having her own school – Gordon and Mira set off for an adventure she never dreamed of having.
There’s a huge cast of characters that bring Sourwood to life. Each one is connected to the other, though sometimes nobody knows how, even Mira and Gordon. But the connections that are eventually revealed will surprise some readers. Joseph and Ada June are adorable children that allow Mira’s character to shine in the community where she’s a complete stranger.
Descriptions of the landscape help readers navigate the setting of thick woods and hilly landscapes. One can almost imagine the characters walking through the pages.
There is a strong faith thread throughout the entire novel and it’s refreshing to see characters struggling with their own wants knowing what God expects of them.
Even though it’s a marriage of convenience story, much of the focus is on Mira and her relationship with the women of Sourwood. Not a whole lot of romance happens after the rushed wedding.
For readers who enjoy a deeper kind of story without a lot of romance, The Song of Sourwood Mountain is an excellent choice.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own. ( )

5 stars, Bluebird of Happiness

THE SONG OF SOURWOOD MOUNTAIN
by Ann H. Gabhart

One of the reasons I love books by Ann H. Gabhart, is that each book is a complete story. I get tired of all of the series' that a lot of other authors produce. I like the way Ms. Gabhart allows you to get to know her characters and what makes them tick.

This is the story of Mira Dean and Gordon Covington, not starting out as a romance, but instead as a proposed marriage of convenience. Mira is instantly turned off, she has always wanted a true marriage with love and children.

Gordon believes that a wife would be a helpmeet in his mountain community. Since they are basically strangers, a marriage of convenience could be the answer.

I like the mention of Mira's Bluebird of Happiness. I have one also, made of blown, blue glass. For me, it is a reminder of the love of our family. I have given another one to my husband's grandmother, because she is a special friend to me.

I received a complimentary copy of #TheSongOfSourwoodMountain from #RevellBooks #NetGalley #AnnHGabhart I was under no obligation to post a review.

#ChristianHistoricalFiction #historicalfiction #inspyfic #Inspirational #Kentucky #blessings #BakerPublishingGroup #BluebirdOfHappiness #marriageofconvenience ( )

Have you ever made a quick decision that could potentially be the best decision ever or disastrous? Mira Dean’s put in this position when an old schoolmate turned preacher offers her a teaching position in Sourwood, in the hollers of Appalachian Kentucky. Gordon Covington not only asks her to leave her home in Louisville and current teaching position, but asks for her hand in marriage. After grieving the loss of her deceased fiancé and parents, Mira never imagined her dream of a husband and family would come true, but, can she accept this rash proposal and travel to an unknown, very different community to become their teacher and a preacher’s wife?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved Mira. At first, she has no intention of accepting Gordon’s proposal, but with a little prodding from the spunky Miss Ophelia and after losing her job & home in one fell swoop, she’s willing to take it to the Lord and give it some thought. I admired her bravery and willingness to follow the Lord’s promptings. Gordon was such an enjoyable character too with his golden retriever personality. He had a crush on Mira when they were in school and still carries that attraction. I loved how he wanted to do everything he could to make her comfortable and take care of her.
I loved the people of Sourwood Mountain and the way the author captured their endearing personalities, customs, and speaking. Though considered a “brought-in flatlander” this tight knit community took Mira and “Preacher Gordon” into their hearts and offered them all they had. I especially loved ten year old Ada June and watching her flourish. There’s a bit of a mystery surrounding what happened to her ma. Ada June doesn’t speak and is a sort of wild child, that is until Mira takes her under her wing.
Along with Mira trying to fit in and learn how to help the people of Sourwood, there’s a beautiful marriage of convenience story that grows from friendship to love. Though Gordon falls first, I loved the way Mira had a positive, go with it attitude and was willing to give her marriage a real chance. They’re all in it together and I enjoyed seeing how they worked together to grow closer to each other while helping the people of Sourwood.
Highly recommend this beautiful, inspiring, gentle, endearing story to historical & Christian romance fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. ( )

Very enjoyable. She is a good storyteller. ( )