I probably wouldn’t have bought this week’s book, These Healing Hills by Ann Gabhart if it hadn’t been an ACFW Book Club selection. Not because Ann isn’t a fabulous writer, but I just don’t usually read historicals, especially if they don’t have a mystery attached to them. But boy, I’m glad I did! I was ever so pleasantly surprised! I couldn’t put the book down! So…that means I have to stretch my wings a little and read different genres!
Here’s the back cover copy:
Francine Howard has her life all mapped out until the soldier she planned to marry at WWII’s end writes to tell her he’s in love with a woman in England. Devastated, Francine seeks a fresh start in the Appalachian Mountains, training to be a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service.
Deeply affected by the horrors he witnessed at war, Ben Locke has never thought further ahead than making it home to Kentucky. His future shrouded in as much mist as his beloved mountains, he’s at a loss when it comes to envisioning what’s next for his life.
When Francine’s and Ben’s paths intersect, it’s immediately clear that they are from different worlds and value different things. But love has a way of healing old wounds . . . and revealing tantalizing new possibilities.
My take:
Ann Gabhart drew me in from the very beginning of this story and made me care about Fran. Who wouldn’t care about her? The man she thought she would marry was returning home from World War II with a fiancee from England. Fran applies to the Frontier Nursing Service and is accepted, but the Appalachian Mountains are not what she expected. I loved watching Fran change and grow to love the mountains and the people in it, especially Ben Locke. Ben is totally swoon-worthy. While Ben was overseas, his father died so he tucks away his dreams of college when he returns from the war to take care of his family. When he first meets Fran, sparks fly. He thinks she looks down on mountain folk, and she thinks he’s a stubborn hot head.
I loved learning about the mountains and the mountain people and the midwives “catching babies” back in the 1940s. Gabhart writes convincingly of the times and the people. And I will be buying the next book when it releases!
Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card at the end of the month. Have you ever been in a book club? And has the selection ever been one you didn’t think you’d like, but you ended up loving it like I did These Healing Hills?
You can purchase These Healing Hills at Amazon, B&N and CBD!
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Comments 54
Yes, I have been in a book club. I dropped out not because the books weren’t great but because it was such a narrow, genre book club. I kept itching for a bigger variety. (Obviously, I joined the wrong book club for me.) And yes, a selection has pleasantly surprised me. Thanks for reviewing These Healing Hills and all your reviews!
Author
Thanks, Priscilla! The ACFW Book Club is the only one I’m in, and it’s been fun. The selections aren’t what I would maybe have chosen, but so far I’ve enjoyed all the books.
This has been on my wish list.
Author
You will totally enjoy it, Lucy! thanks for stopping by.
Yes, I have been in a book club, but it was many years ago. And yes, sometimes the book was better than expected, but it was also sometimes worse!
Author
Hi Mary! Thank goodness I haven’t had the worse experience! Thanks for stopping by.
I too would’ve never downloaded this book if I seen it on CBD as I seem to stick to suspense/mystery but I think I will buy it now!! Tks! No I have never been in a book club.
Author
Hi Kim! So glad to ‘see’ you here! I think you’ll really enjoy These Healing Hills!
Have never been a part of a book club though really wanted to start one with my friends and their daughters when I read The Mother-Daughter Book Club series. Ironically, I finished the entire series and my daughter stopped reading after book 2.
Author
Oh, Mindy! I wish your daughter had continued on with you. I have one daughter who reads almost as much as I do and it’s so much fun to discuss books with her. We’re trying to get her sister and daughter involved. lol Thanks for stopping by.
Ann Gabhart HAS written mysteries. This may be different but she is a good writer and it sounds worth reading.
Author
Absolutely, Christine and I’ve read them. I think you’ll really enjoy this one. Thanks for stopping by.
My daughters and I have a book club together. And yes, over the last year and a half I havd read several that surprised me and has caused me yo read the next one!
Author
What a neat idea, Lisa! You know, the family that reads together stays together…or something like that. Acutally I think that goes with another saying…thanks for stopping by.
I have never been in a book club, but I would want one that did a wide variety of genres. I don’t like to stick to any one genre.
Author
Hi Linda! The ACFW Book Club is open to everyone and there is a wide range of books read and discussed. You don’t have to be a member of ACFW to join. Just go here: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/acfwbookclub/info and click join. Then follow the instructions you will get in an email.
I also thoroughly loved this book and Gabbart’s writing. I’m pleased and looking forward to another she is writing another that takes place in this same setting. A very memorable read.
Author
I so agree, Delores! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I enjoyed reading your review! I hope to read this book very soon!
Author
Great, Rosalyn! I love Ann’s work whether it’s her mysteries or her historicals. And I don’t normally read historicals! Thanks for stopping by.
Have never been in a book club. This book DOES sound great…thanks for your review!
Author
You might want to try the ACFW Book club, Jackie! And I think you’d love These Healing Hills. Thanks for stopping by.
I am like you, this is not a book I would ordinarily choose but it sounds really good. I have never been in a book club but I think it is something I would enjoy.
Author
Hi Stella! I think I must do a post on the ACFW Book club! I think you would enjoy being a part of it. And I hope you give These Healing Hills a read! Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve never been in a book club. I’ve thought about it, and I love to read, but I just can’t commit to reading a book in a certain length of time, because I never know when I am going to have a chance to read!
Author
I understand Colleen…we have a month to read the book of choice and I usually find myself furiously reading a couple of days before the discussion begins. lol. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Pat! Yes, I’m in the same ACFW bookclub. I have loved Ann’s books for a long time and was glad when These Healing Hills was selected. There were a couple books in this bookclub that I probably wouldn’t have picked up if it hadn’t been on the agenda. Stars in The Grass was one. I really enjoyed that one and it taught spiritual truths even though it was a very sad subject. I have been enjoying the answers to the questions on Ann’s book. Like you, I’m looking forward to her next book. I have read and loved River to Redemption.
I encourage everyone to join us at ACFW. There is a chance to win a book that is coming up for discussion. Thanks Pat!
Author
Oh, yeah, Paula, I forgot to mention a few readers win the book we discuss! And most of the time if one of the books go on sale, someone in the group lets us know. I can’t remember what we’re discussing this month, but I better get on the stick! Thanks for dropping by with more information on the ACFW Book Club.
Hey Pat. The only book clubs I was ever in were those like Word Book Club where you got four free books for joining and had to buy a certain number of books over the next year or two. That’s how I got acquainted with several authors’ books. I read this book by Ann Gabhart and enjoyed it. Her latest book is also very good. I noticed that Paula mentioned it in her post. I recommend you read it when you get the opportunity.
Author
Hi Edward! I’ll have to hop over to Amazon and grab it, then find time to read it! lol I have several books on my TBR table as well as a few more reviews to write! Thanks for stopping by!
I have never been in a book club but my daughter and I are in the Kindle family library account together and share books/talk briefly about which ones are good. I don’t usually read historical books but just read Colleen Coble’s new book coming out, Freedom’s Light and enjoyed it. I got it through NetGalley because I enjoy her books so much and wasn’t disappointed. Sounds like I need to check out your book club, though.
Author
Gloria, my sister and I share a Kindle account and we talk about books sometimes when we get together. Thanks for stopping by!
I am so excited, I have read everything she has written th us far, and, I am on my way to the library to get her newest book. I have loved them all.
I just read your newest Justice book. I like historical but I have to say I love suspense.have a great weekend
Author
I’m so glad you got a chance to read my latest Justice book, Phyllis! You have a great weekend, too.!
been in quite a few book clubs and have found books that was sure on that I loved!
that should say not sure on that I loved
Author
Hi Shelia and thanks for stopping by! Book clubs will introduce you to books you might not otherwise read!
Thanks so much for the review, Pat, and for being willing to give my historical story a chance. Book clubs do open up some new genres for you. Of course, with the ACFW Book Club, you can be sure the books will not have gratuitous scenes of violence, bad language, etc. I’ve had fun being able to peek in on all the discussions of my book, These Healing Hills this month. That’s fun. I appreciate all of you here who say you might pick up my book and give the story a chance. I also appreciate those who have already read it and have read my new book, River to Redemption too.
I loved all the mother daughter sister book clubs. I love discussing books with my sisters although we don’t always read the same books. We did recently all read The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Book Club (not Christian fiction, but a clean read) and then watched the movie together. That was fun. I hope you all have fun reading new books too.
Author
Thanks for stopping by, Ann. I have several of your books on my TBR table and can’t wait until I reach them…may have to jump ahead of a few. lol So many books I want to read and so little time.
I know what you mean. My TBR pile gets taller and taller but life gets busy especially when you need to write your own book now and then. I know your fans are anxious for your new ones.
I have never been in a book club. It sounds like it would be a good experience, unless the books don’t interest you. I have promised to read and review books that I have struggled with in the beginning, but usually have enjoyed by the end.
Author
I hate promising to read and review a book, Betti…what if I don’t like it???? But believe it or not, I’ve never read one I didn’t like. And I’m always happey to post a review. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for reviewing These Healing Hills by Ann Gabhart. This sounds like a book I’d enjoy, and I’ve read others I loved by Ann Gabhart. I was in a book club which regularly read books I wouldn’t have chosen, but I did enjoy a few of them.
Author
Suanne, I haven’t found an Ann Gabhart book I didn’t like! Thanks for stopping by.
I’m actually in charge of a church book club. The ladies leave it up to me to select the books so I try to vary genres even when some are not my favorites. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised!
Author
That’s great, Joan! I just spoke at a church book club! Thanks for stopping by!
I am in a book club that reads mainly Christian fiction (sometimes we read a nonfiction or biography, but always faith based). These Healing Hills is a book I’m planning to recommend we read for next year. It is one of my favorites by Ann H. Gabhart. I’ve read quite a few of her books and really like them. She has written a three book mystery series you might also enjoy.
Author
I have that her mystery series on my TBR table, Pam! Just finding the time to read them all is my problem. Thanks for stopping by!
These Healing Hills was the first book by Ann I’ve ever read and enjoyed it tremendously! But then again, I am a historical fiction lover so it’s no surrise for me 🙂 I loved her descriptions in the book that made me feel like I was right there with Fran. I felt so bad for her at times though on how she got turned around in the hills and mountains…I do the same thing as I am directionaly challenged too, lol! I now have a copy of The River to Redemption on my shelf that I am going to be reading soon. Can’t wait!
I’m glad you stretched yourself reading a different genre, Patricia! You can find some real gems when you do that. I’ve never been a part of a book club and am not sure I even have one anywhere near me. But I have discovered some books I normally wouldn’t read based on friends recommendations that I have enjoyed. For me, women’s fiction isn’t my “normal” genre I would choose for myself. I have read about 3 or 4 in the last year and have been plesantly surprised how well I liked them. I guess it all depends on the author and how they present thier story.
Sometimes, too, it’s fun to mix up your reading from time to time to keep it fresh. At least I think so anyway 🙂
Author
Trixi, you might want to consider the ACFW Book Club! We have lively discussions and the books are always interesting and Christian-based. And I am so with you on being directionally challenged! Thanks for stopping by!
No, I’ve not been part of a book club. I recently read and loved These Healing Hills!
Author
Caryl, you might enjoy the ACFW Book Club, too. I’m glad you enjoyed Ann’s book! Thanks for stopping by.
I have never been in a book club. Partly because I have never been quite sure what they are about, but also because the ones in the area where I lived until recently were not Christian based. I am very careful about reading non-Christian fiction and was concerned I might run into a problem with it. Since I read so prolifically, I prefer to read my books from the library first until I am sure I like a book/author enough to spend my money there. The concern that the book chosen wouldn’t be available in the library has also hindered me from joining.
Author
All valid concerns, Diane. You might want to consider the ACFW Book Club since there are usually 4 or 5 books given away each month and all of the books are Christian-based. We always have a lively discussion! It’s really easy to join, just google ACFW Book Club. Thanks for stopping by!