Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

To escape a forced marriage, Cora Taylor travels from England to the Blue Ridge Mountains in search of her brother, who is working as a teacher in a mission school. She hopes to find a place where her nursing skills and independent ideas will be accepted and appreciated, but nothing prepares her for the wild mixture of isolation, community, brokenness, and hope within these mountains…or in the person of Jeb McAdams.

Returning from the devastation of World War 1 emotionally damaged, Jeb McAdams struggles against the rampant mountain alcoholism to soothe his nightmares. It’s easy to hide within the mountains, or it was, before Cora Taylor arrives. Now, she seems to show up at every turn, bringing her ideas, curiosity, and beautiful eyes with her. Their mutual understanding of the costs of war leads to an unspoken bond that develops into a hesitant friendship. As Cora turns her nursing experience and determination on establishing hygiene and education for women in the Appalachian community while also attempting to rescue Jeb from his own ghosts, Cora and Jeb’s partnership turns into a project of celebrating the gifts within Appalachia. But when the past sweeps back into their lives and an outbreak of scarlet fever threatens the future, will Cora and Jeb find a way to work together – even if it means unplanned matrimony – or will their different lives and brokenness tear them apart.

The Heart of the Mountains

Who is planning on joining?

Planning to start reading later during the week.

I really liked the book !

Looking forward to the discussion starting next Saturday!

I finished the book!

Ten days into the book and only at 46%, my focus to read has been real slow, will eventually check in ….

We'll be here when you're ready, Missy!

Okay . . . from here on out, spoilers are A-OK!
There are no discussion questions that I can find anywhere specific to this book, so I found some 'general book club' type questions that hopefully will spark a bit of discussion. Feel free to ask your own questions, bring up a point that has not yet been made, etc etc etc!

How effectively does the author portray the presence of spirituality in the characters' everyday lives? Has the author succeed in presenting faith in a way that feels relevant and relatable? Are there specific characters whose beliefs resonate with yours?

Is there anything in this book to which you personally can relate? Is there any advice or ideas you can take and apply to your own life?

How important is the setting to the story? Is the author's description of the landscape/community a good one? Did the setting of the novel detract or add to your enjoyment of the story? If the book is not set in the present day, are the characters and their spirituality believable and applicable to modern-day matters of faith?

What did you like or dislike about the book that hasn't been discussed already? Were you glad you read this book? Would you recommend it to a friend? Do you want to read more works by this author?

How important is the setting to the story? Is the author's description of the landscape/community a good one? Did the setting of the novel detract or add to your enjoyment of the story? If the book is not set in the present day, are the characters and their spirituality believable and applicable to modern-day matters of faith?
~For me, I think knowing that Pepper (Basham) has not only family history in the area in the Blue Ridge but that she lives there currently lends a certain authenticity to her work. They say to write what you know, and I've felt like that's shone through in this novel (and series).
~As far as current 'matters of faith', I thought the reminders throughout the novel, and especially the scene with Sam McAdams near the end, that we are never beyond saving when we have a humble and repentant heart were timeless.

I think the mountain setting was well captured. The characters were realistic. I especially liked how the author mentioned that people came to the area for seclusion and - especially in Cora's case- to escape. She portrays the good, the bad and the superstitious sides of the mountain people. I liked how it was shown that in the storms of life we need more than our own strength and abilities to make it through; we need to also put our faith and trust in the Lord.

This book had my attention from the start. I really enjoyed it from beginning to end. I love that salvation and spiritual growth was the common thread woven through each chapter. How important to understand that God offers us second, third, and many more chances. He will pursue us and will always welcome us back to Him.

Michelle wrote: "I think the mountain setting was well captured. The characters were realistic. I especially liked how the author mentioned that people came to the area for seclusion and - especially in Cora's case..."

Agreed!

Karen wrote: "This book had my attention from the start. I really enjoyed it from beginning to end. I love that salvation and spiritual growth was the common thread woven through each chapter. How important to u..."

Isn't that a wonderful thing to remember?

Finished this one today and loved it!

glad to hear it!