
The doors she thought were closed forever are starting to open up . . . just a crack
Though 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.
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 just might end up becoming the family she always yearned for.
My Review:
Lyrically beautiful storytelling. Gabhart brings Appalachian culture and community to life in such a vibrant way that it’s easy to picture every detail as the story unfolds.
Gordon caught my attention in the very first chapter with his unorthodox proposal which sends Mira’s world spinning out of control. Loved the marriage of convenience storyline with Mira being scooped out of all that is familiar and deposited into a very different environment.
And, oh my goodness, the characters (both loveable and not so much) in those Kentucky hollers! Love Mira’s grit and determination and her unflinching compassion in every situation. Particularly when dealing with ten-year-old orphan, Ada June. The girl has gumption! And such a big heart but she’s so misunderstood and overlooked. I really enjoyed having part of the story told from Ada June’s perspective. Added even more emotional depth to this classic-feeling Appalachian tale.
The romance between Gordon and Mira is gentle and tender and develops slowly from a foundation of mutual faith and trust in God. It felt so natural and plausible and emotionally satisfying. There’s lots of growth, both in their relationship as well as with the people in the community they have been called to serve.
I love becoming immersed in a story and ‘The Song of Sourwood Mountain’ was that kind of read for me. These characters will stay with me (so hoping for an Ada June story sometime in the future!) A classic Ann H. Gabhart bestseller!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.
US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice
Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice
International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Song of Sourwood Mountain, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 24 2025
I’ve had my eye on this book for a while. It sounds so good, and the cover is beautiful. Thanks for the lovely review, Kav!
whthomas13 at yahoo dot com
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Yes, the cover is beautiful! Good luck, Winnie!
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Definitely a want to read!! Kathleen lanehillhouse(at)gmail(dot)com
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Good luck, Kathleen!
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Wasn’t Ada June just the best. Lovely storytelling. You’ll have to read Ann’s newest release The Pursuit of Elena Bradford. Let’s do a book twin dance. Can you square dance?
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Ada June definitely needs her own story once she’s all grown up! Ohhh, glad to hear you enjoyed The Pursuit of Elena Bradford will definitely have to book twin dance over that one too sometime soon. In the mean time, why yes, I think I could muddle through a dosey doe as long as we have a good caller and some lively fiddle music!!! Happy Reading, Lucy!
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Been watching this book for a while. I love Ann’s stories.
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I do too. She has a knack for storytelling. Good luck, Becky!
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THE SONG OF SOURWOOD MOUNTAIN has been on my TBR list since way before it was published meaning for a very long time. My desire to read this amazing sounding story is still as strong as way back then. Circumstances just hasn’t had this book arriving on my doorsteps – yet. Love where Gabhart sets this story. While having driven through the Appalachian, we’ve not been able to stop and enjoy the countryside and culture. Reading this book would give me a chance to armchair travel a bit. Can’t wait for the opportunity to read the sweet growing romance between Gordon and Mira. I just know that Ada June will weave herself into of my heart.
Thank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy of a much longed to read book!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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The pictures I’ve seen of the area are so outrageously beautiful! And there’s so much fascinating folklore and culture — makes for an incredible fictional setting. Good luck, Kay!
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I love Ann’s books! mauback55 at gmail dot com
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Good luck, Melanie!
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I’ve read several books by Ann and they are a feast for the eyes….such delightful stories! This one has been on my want-to-read list ever since it released. ❤😊
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot)
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Love the way she delves deep into emotions in her stories. Makes them seem so real. Good luck, Trixi!
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oh but this sounds like such a wonderful read. thanks so much for your review.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
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You’re welcome, Lori. Good luck!
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I’d already noticed this one, Kav. Sounds like a great read. Count me in, please! 🙂
ckbarker at gmail dot com
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Counted! Good luck, Cheryl!
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It sounds like an enjoyable read!
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Good luck, Sabrina!
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I loved this book! (Don’t enter me, I’ve got this one😉)
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Yay — fellow Ann Gabhart fan. So glad you loved it too. Happy Reading, Elly!
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Sounds good! Plus, pretty cover!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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The cover for the win! Sells me every time. Good luck, Kimmy!
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Always enjoy her stories and interesting (paint a picture with words) locations.
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She really captures the oral storytelling of the area she writes about. Love it. Good luck, CC!
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I read this last year, my first book by Ann Gabhart, and I loved it! I’m looking forward to reading her new release soon; waiting for my hold at the library.
Sandyavery at comcast dot net
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I must check and see if my library is getting her latest in too. She tends to be an auto buy for them. Good luck, Sandy!
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Ann’s novels are exquisite masterpieces!
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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Yes they are. Good luck, Caryl!
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I loved this book! The opening lines are memorable and the characters so likeable.
I already have a copy so don’t include me in the giveaway.
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She knows how to bring her characters to life. Happy to hear you loved it too. Happy Reading, Pam!
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Ann Gabhart is the best! I love her books! Thnx Kav! sarahdar0801ATgmailDOTcom
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You’re welcome, Sarah. Good luck!
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I think I’ve only read one if her Shaker books. I’m wondering if she writes Appalachia like Pepper Pepper Basham
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
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Ohhh, her Applachian books are wonderful. Similar feel to Pepper’s in many way, but not as much humour, I think. And yay — your comment worked!
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I’ve had this book on my radar for a while so I’ll throw my hat in the ring! Thank-you!
tam –
appletamoATyahooDOTca
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Good luck, Tammy!
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