352 pages Publisher Revell Publication date May 6, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
Nothing would please her family more than her securing an admirable match, but true love and loyalty are harder to come by than she imagined.
At twenty-two, Elena Bradford has never met a man who made her consider marriage. But when her father dies and leaves the family deeply in debt, Elena becomes their only hope. Her mother uses their last funds to take Elena and her younger sister to Graham Springs, Kentucky, where people find healing by drinking the mineral spring water and healthy recreation through the many daily activities–including dances almost every evening.
As her mother schemes to find Elena a wealthy husband, Elena finds herself drawn to two men her mother would never consider. Charming artist Kirby Frazier spends his days drawing and painting the guests, but his real mission is to find a wealthy bride to finance his dream to go west. Melancholy Andrew Harper has come to Graham Springs in need of healing after a broken heart.
When a beautiful young lady shows up at the Springs with no chaperone and a story that seems suspicious, nearly everyone is charmed and intrigued. But when an unexpected tragedy occurs, Elena, Kirby, and Andrew will all be faced with decisions of life, love, and loyalty.
With a Southern flair and a spark of intrigue, this stand-alone clean historical romance will charm readers with masterful artists, colorful dances, a love triangle, and endearing family relationships.
MY THOUGHTS
I just love the author’s books, and this is one of her absolute best.
Books based on actual events like this one, yes please!
I’ve heard of the springs for bathing and mineral water purposes and its many benefits.
Graham Springs, Kentucky has the beneficial springs and health spa with the doctor there insisting all guests partake of the nightly dancing for the health benefits.
When Elena Bradford’s father dies her mother insists she and her two daughters visit the springs, portray themselves as high society ladies and find themselves a rich gentleman to marry, love not required.
The daughters don’t hold out the same hopes, as they want to marry for love, an emotion of the heart.
While there they meet a guest around the same age as the oldest daughter, very mysterious and not open about herself. At the dance that evening a tragedy occurs and she passes away at the dance under unusual circumstances. The book is very intriguing, and I suggest you read the notes in the back of the book by the author as this actually did happen there.
I kept saying, one more chapter, just one more as I had trouble putting this one down.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. An award winning author, she’s published many books for both adults and young adults. Her books cover several genres from historical to small town family stories to cozy mysteries (mysteries published with author name A.H. Gabhart). Her ideas are sparked by events in Kentucky history and by experiences in her own family. Her first Shaker novel, The Outsider, was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year. Love Comes Home won the Selah Book of the Year award, and These Healing Hills was the Faith, Hope & Love Readers’ Choice Women’s Fiction Book of the Year.
Ann lives on a Kentucky farm not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann enjoys hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. See more about her books at http://www.annhgabhart.com or join the conversation on her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/anngabhart.
Right now I’m really enjoying reading historical fiction. I may or may not move on to another reading genre soon. Thanks for stopping in and have a lovely evening.
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