Historical Fiction Book Review: An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart

Book Description:
In 1933 Louisville, Kentucky, even the ongoing economic depression cannot keep Piper Danson's parents from insisting on a debut party. After all, their fortune came through the market crash intact, and they've picked out the perfect suitor for their daughter. Braxton Crandall can give her the kind of life she's used to. The only problem? This is not the man--or the life--she really wants.

When Piper gets the opportunity to volunteer as a horseback Frontier Nursing courier in the Appalachian Mountains for the summer, she jumps at the chance to be something other than a dutiful daughter or a kept wife in a loveless marriage. The work is taxing, the scenery jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and the people she meets along the way open up a whole new world to her. The longer she stays, the more an advantageous marriage slips from her grasp. But something much more precious--true love--is drawing ever closer.

My Review:
I love that Piper, a reluctant debutante, left behind her life of wealth to work in the horse stalls for Mary Breckenridge's Frontier Nursing Service. The girl digs in and tries to forget about the possibility of marriage and instead turns her attention to the horses and people she meets. Along with Piper's tale, Ann delights the reader with the story of Piper's aunt. I won't tell too much on her—just that I enjoyed Truda's character very much. Ann draws the reader into the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, a lovely respite from the world. An Appalachian Summer is Ann's second book featuring the horseback Frontier Nursing Service. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Check out my review of These Healing Hills Ann's first story on the Frontier Nursing Service.