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I’m picky when it comes to depictions of Appalachian people in novels, but Ann Gabhart (pictured above with me last week at the Bluegrass Writers Coalition Conference) never lets me down. The Song of Sourwood Mountain is yet another winner. She describes the beauty of the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and the genuine affection people from the hills have for one another in a way that only illuminates, never condescends.

In this story, Louisville school teacher Mira is alone in the world when all of the threads that hold her life together begin to unravel. In short succession, she loses her rental room and her job. Just as quickly, a visit from an old school friend provides her with a chance at a new adventure in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky as a school teacher and a preacher’s wife. At first, Mira’s sensibilities are shaken, and she can’t see how this will work. However, through some persistent persuasion, her eyes are opened, and she begins to see that it may be the only way to achieve her dreams of teaching and becoming a wife and mother. 

Mira arrives at Sourwood Mountain to a quirky cast of neighbors who quickly win readers’ hearts—none more so than the unloved, unwanted orphan Ada June. Mira opens her heart and home to God’s calling and finds herself changed forever. 

The Song of Sourwood Mountain was a 5 star read for me! It releases on May 7, so make sure to pre-order your copy today. 

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.