Family feuds and friends-to-more romance takes this tragic historical fiction to new heights. I am truly saddened that The Courthouse Tragedy actually happened. I can’t imagine the fear that was felt in that courthouse that morning, and the author did a masterful job of putting the reader right there in that moment in time with such vivid imagery that the the pain and emotion was truly felt. After reading The Red Ribbon, as well as doing a little extra research, I honestly felt like the Allen’s got a bad rap. It made me so sad to read that father and son ended up both being found guilty and executed on the same day! Talk about tragic!

As far as the fictional aspect of the story, Ava and Jeremiah are such great characters and add a sweet charm to an otherwise dark narrative. Granny Burcham was another bright spot and the voice of reason, oozing so much wisdom that I highlighted multiple quotes by her that I will reference again as they are profound and impactful even in my own life. One of my favorite moments of this novel was Ava, Jeremiah, and Granny celebrating Christmas and the incredibly thoughtful gifts they gave one another. Such a happy and tender moment that left a sweet smile on my face.

I know I’ve said this with every volume but I love this series so much!! The Red Ribbon captures a relatively unknown moment in our American history that I am so thankful for as it sheds light on a tragedy while also feeling deeply personal to the author herself. I love when you can feel the writer’s passion in their writing and I believe this to be true in The Red Ribbon. A very powerful story that deserved to be told. ( )

I won an autographed copy, and wasn't sure the genre was for me. Luckily, a great story is a great story. Based on true events, I highly recommend. ( )

The Red Ribbon, written by Pepper Basham, not only continues the excellent True Colors crime series but continues it well. It is another gripping story taken from the pages of history, this history being the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912. The author has crafted unforgettable characters. Ava, a spitfire with deep-rooted fears of becoming someone to shun. "Would her past always wait in the shadows of her present?" Jeremiah, protective, tender, full of quiet strength, and not afraid to show his love. Keen, a broken, black-hearted villain. The plot moves well with twists and turns to keep the reader's interest high until the edge-of-the-seat end of the story. The Red Ribbon, with its Appalachian mountain bootlegger clansmen and Ava and Jeremiah's sweet romance, is a perfect blend of intrigue and tender moments, and the result is an entertaining and satisfying historical romance. Readers who love historical fiction will not want to miss this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour. ( )

I enjoyed the sweet and tender love story between Jeremiah Sutphin and Ava Burcham. I liked Jeremiah’s faithfulness, patience and how he encouraged Ava in her writing talents. I liked Ava’s spunk and determination. I liked how the author took readers to a Corn Silk Dance and showed how a Corn Sucking kiss can create lots of drama. Things get dangerous for Ava and Jeremiah when they help a family seeking refuge and safety as they grieve the loss of their oldest child. Both Jeremiah and Ava had lost their family in a tragic way, so they were sympathetic as Granny Burcham helped love on them both.

GrannyBurcham Quote, “Sometimes, girl, you gotta live life like a squirrel. Jump, even if the limb looks too far, ‘cause the one you’re standin’ on is bound to break, if you don’t. “

I enjoyed learning about Ava’s dress designs and how she was a creative and cheerful giver. I got a chuckle out of the different quotes that started each chapter. They were fun. I also like how the Red Ribbons play an intricate part in the adventure of this story. It was fun to learn and read the many ways Ava used them.

The author does a wonderfully job submerging readers into this small Appalachian community giving them an inside look at what happened leading up to the event which history has dubbed “The Courthouse Massacre.”

I liked that the author talks about this event in note to readers she says, “till this day no one knows who fired the first shot” I like that the author notes that there are so many variations to what actually happed as each family member wants to keep their family name clean.

Each author in the True Colors series exposes an actual crime. They add their creative talents, with intriguing fictional characters that walk readers through some brutal stories that try to keep historical events close to the truth and leave readers with a satisfying hopeful ending. I like how this author breaks down each character and tells the "rest" of the story telling of what happened to them after the shooting.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )

I really enjoyed this great read. I have loved all the books in this series. It is a great idea for these writers to take a true crime and build another story around it. This shows how people that might have been innocent bystanders could get involved with the people that commit the crime. This story made me cry at times. I loved Ava and how strong she was. I enjoyed seeing how everyone might see something a little differently from each other. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )