An Appalachian Summer

Before we get to far into things lets just take a minute to appreciate the cover of this book.  I mean, just look at it.  The beautiful colors, the cabin in the back...doesn't it just make you want to escape to the mountains!

Well, that's pretty much what Piper Danson does.

Even in the midst of the depression Piper's parents insist on a debutante party.  Their goal is for her to marry a rich man, and not to worry, love will come later.  Piper is less than thrilled, but agrees to the party to make her mom happy.  The only man she can imagine marrying is Jamie, but his family has moved away after losing everything.  Braxton Crandall is the man her parents want her to marry.  He can provide for her the way she is used to.

The day after the party Piper meets Mary Breckenridge, the founder of the Frontier Nursing Service in  the Appalachian mountains.  Piper is able to convince her parents to let her volunteer over the summer.  Piper's adventure has just begun.  She is now spending her days caring for horses, milking cows and even assisting with the delivery of babies.  Her life is transformed.  How can she go back to the life her parents want for her.  Doesn't she deserve happiness?  Shouldn't she be free to marry her true love and not someone who her parents have picked out for her?

This is such an enjoyable read.  I loved that it touched on two completely different lifestyles during the depression.  I've always enjoyed reading stories about midwifery and books set in the Appalachian mountains.  This one was a bit different than previous reads and that made it all the more enjoyable.

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.