Recent Reads - The Red Ribbon

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The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham - Ava Burcham has overcome the tragedy of her past and longs to be taken seriously as a writer, but her passion and curiosity get her a little too close to the moonshine running factions in Carroll County, Virginia. Her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin, does his best to keep her safe, and is finally ready to take their friendship to the next level because he's loved her for years. Ava is fearful at first because her mother hadn't been of sound mind, and the spiteful gossip about her "bad blood" has her worried, but soon she realizes that sparkin' with Jeremiah suits her down to the ground and that God's love and promises will not fail her.

The feuding and whiskey running troubles spill over into some violent and dangerous outbursts, including the death of a young man in prison and a brawl between men from two family groups. This is the part of the story that is taken from history - the Allen family and the "Courthouse Clan" clash over long-held grudges. Ava and Jeremiah are both witnesses called to the courthouse when Floyd Allen is on trial, so they are in the thick of things as The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre occurs. They are both injured, and they are separated during the confusion. Ava finds herself in the worst trouble of her life when she is caught by the outlaws and must keep all her wits about her in order to stay alive and pass along a warning to Jeremiah.

The fictional characters and their story are so compelling and loveable, and the descriptions of the Appalachian community and setting are so charming and realistic that this book was hard to put down. Fiction and history are woven together seamlessly, which makes the historical note at the end describing which characters were historical figures especially interesting. The sweet and loving relationship between Ava and Jeremiah, and the growth of Ava's faith are inspiring; and I loved the homey little quotes from Granny Burcham and Granddaddy Sutphin that opened each chapter.

From the publisher:

An Appalachian Feud Blows Up in 1912

Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history. Ava Burcham isn't your typical Blue Ridge Mountain girl. She has a bad habit of courtin' trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava's tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned. The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.

By the same author: My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of this review.

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