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The Heart of the MountainsPepper Basham

Christian romance

The Heart of the Mountains

by Pepper Basham

256 pages · First published 2022

Cora Taylor flees an unwanted marriage in England and travels to the Blue Ridge Mountains to find her brother, hoping her nursing experience will be useful at his Appalachian mission school. She encounters a community shaped by isolation, poverty, strong traditions, and deep loyalty, as well as Jeb McAdams, a World War I veteran using alcohol to quiet memories he cannot escape. Shared knowledge of war draws Cora and Jeb into friendship while her efforts to improve health and hygiene sometimes collide with customs she does not yet understand. Pepper Basham’s Appalachian historical romance combines scarlet fever, community conflict, faith, and healing as two wounded people learn to value both change and the culture already present in the mountains.

Paired for this story

Frankincense Honey Tea + Mint Julep

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At a glance

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Spice1 of 5
Suspense1 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Wartime/battle violence and peril · Serious illness/medical themes · Mild romantic content, including kissing

Alcohol-Free Pour

Frankincense Honey Tea

A fragrant cup of tea suits romantic anticipation and a little escapism.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
  2. Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Mint Julep

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A warming pour with a sharp edge suits romantic anticipation and a little escapism.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Gently muddle mint with simple syrup in a julep cup. Add bourbon and fill with crushed ice; stir until the cup frosts, then mound with more crushed ice.
  2. Garnish: Mint bouquet.
  3. Glassware: Julep cup.

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