An Appalachian Summer is just what this summer calls for. Now I admit, I may be biased. Ann H. Gabhart has slowly worked herself into my absolute favourite authors thanks to her ability to craft relatable characters, engaging plots, and a setting that leaps off the page to invite you home and An Appalachian Summer is no exception.
This time readers are invited into the life of Piper Danson, a debutante who dreams of a life with purpose and an old friend who disappeared from her life following the stock market crash.Swearing off her debut season for something more meaningful, Piper volunteers as a courier for the Frontier Nurses. I really enjoyed this on two fronts. First for those who have read These Healing Hills, An Appalachian Summer feels like revisiting a friend as Mrs. Breckinridge and the frontier nurses come back again this time through the lens of a courier. Second Piper is a great lead character as she learns life outside her father's house and away from many of the conveniences and distractions. It's easy to root for Piper as she chases chickens, navigates the hills, and muddles through what her life should look like.
Gabhart helps give Piper life by placing her in a setting that thrives all on it's own. She infuses life and in a summer like this one it's nice to have a book so inviting it whisks you away to another time and place. I will admit some of the slang the characters used felt a little modern but, I'll confess, my knowledge of thirties slang is fairly scant. Otherwise it was refreshing to imagine walking along swing bridges and up and down the mountains.
For the romantics in the crowd Gabhart delivers on that front two as Piper finds herself facing two opposite paths with her father's choice of Braxton Crandall and her heart's wonderings regarding her childhood friend Jamie and Piper's Aunt Truda also faces down her own regrets from her past.
Honestly, An Appalachian Summer was the at home escape I needed thanks to Gabhart's consistent ability to spin a world that invites you to get lost in it. I would definitely recommend this and it's predecessor These Healing Hills.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group
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