Legend of the Mountain Ash By Ruth Sims
932315
A short story about forever love, and here forever is a really long time; Davy and Ethan met during IWW and at the end of that war, Davy being disowned by his own English family for being a conscientious objector and Ethan being an orphan, they decided to build their own family and home in the Appalachian Mountain. But they were nave, and innocent, believing they could live together given they didn't harm anyone. Davy above all, a CO, believed there was good in anyone. Davy is like a mystical creature, someone that could not be possible of this world, since he is too innocent and good at heart to be humankind, a humankind that in less than 50 years managed to get into 2 world wars and many other conflicts. Ethan is more realistic, but he loves Davy, and whatever pleases Davy, Ethan will try to do. But he is only a man, and a man can little against fate and tragedy.

A bittersweet tale that is "sweetened" only by the end, but one of these men will have to wait a long time for that happily ever after.
210306
This is a fun short story that tells the tale of Hailey, Jared, an old mine, and some spooky don't-look-behind-you moments.  The author puts a unique spin on a tale of legend and ghosts that will make a great campfire story for years to come.  This is just one great story for kids of all ages, a very enjoyable tale.
845716
Nora Bonesteel is a beloved character of the family tradition of seers throughout Sharyn McCrumb's other suspense novels of Appalachia.  I find Nora to be a true daughter of the magic, mystery, eeriness and beauty of the Smokey Mountains.  McCrumb is a great storyteller.  If you have not experienced her writing before, this is a good place to start.
4235925
Arabella becomes a widow and finds herself in trouble financially. She calls upon James who worked with her late husband, to help her with things. I really like that this book contained mining facts of the late 1800's, as I always enjoy educational aspects of books. I look forward to more work from Ms. Oliver in the future.
3705648
I am so excited to say that I have finished reading  "Out Of The Ashes" by Anita Health, the third book in the "Ancient Words Series" and I loved it. I strongly recommend reading book1 and 2 in this series before reading "Out Of The Ashes".
"Out Of TheAshes"by A. M, Health is a book about how George, Ralph, Frank and others survive the aftereffects of war.  This book has facts of history woven into a GREAT STORY.
There are lessons that the characters learn in this book that readers need to apply to our lives, lessons about forgiveness and loving our enemies and how sometimes doing nothing to help others is just as bad as the things others are doing to those less fortune.
I got to the last chapter and was thinking I don't want this series to end and I was happy to read in the back of the book that another is coming! Yeah!
While reading the books I was thinking these books would make a great movie or movies because they are as great as the classic "Gone With The Wind" and one scene made me think of "The Gift Of The Magi" by O.Henry, no one cut off their hair but the gifts were just as special.
If I was asked to pick a favorite character from "Out Of The Ashes" it would be all of them but the few ladies from the church, yes I can dislike church ladies in books, you know all readers do, and Melissa's parents who made her feel she was worth nothing if she didn't marry and help them financially.  I think the character will remain in my heart and head for a long time, because I could feel their pain and happiness as I read the story because AM Health told a fantastic story and made me fall in love with these characters while telling history.
These stories made me cry ( no so much "Out Of The Ashes") and rejoice.  There was a few times in this book  I was no don't let be that way. I am going to close the review now before I give a spoiler alert.  I SAY READ THESE BOOKS AND YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author.  These opinions are mine own. Definitely worth more than the 5 stars I am giving it.
4168017
This is a wonderful book, one that I loved reading and didn't want to end. The writing is beautiful, and I fell in love with the characters, wishing I could visit that house in the mountains.
435294
Mackenzie's Mountain is the first in a series that Linda Howard has written.  This is a wonderful book.  I truly enjoyed the characters and the Mackenzie family as a whole.  Good reading.
4819033
This book is very interesting as it brings crimes from the outside world to the Amish. Sadie really needs to trust God as nothing in her protected live has prepared her for the evil she encounters.
3118000
I loved this book and wish the author, Virginia Chatson, would pen more! The story line provides legend with a beautiful accounting of friendship and character. I highly recommend this book!
4614682
I loved this book.  I love this series.  It is a reminder of the simple yet exciting stories that I read when I was a girl.

Flora and Ruby are orphaned when their parents died a year ago.  They went to Camden Falls to live with their grandmother, Min.  The books are about their adjustment to living there.  I enjoyed 'TIS THE SEASON immensely because it was about Christmas.  The traditions of a small town were fascinating and the kindness for others was overwhelming.

But this book wasn't dripping with honey.  There is a particular story line of one of the kids in the book having to deal with abuse.  One scene actually brought me to tears.  The complex  problems of the children are written with simplicity, and the problems are just a fact of life and not written with too much drama.  I liked that because I think kids need to know that these things do happen in life, but we have to have the strength to live through them.

I loved the description used in the book.  Ms. Martin described the decorating of Camdem Falls and I wanted to live there.  This is another successful book in a wonderful series!

Reviewed by:  Marta Morrison
283519
Ella Mae 's mother, in a desperate attempt to save her daughter as well as the magic of the sacred grove, sacrificed herself to become the new Lady of the Ash. Ella Mae and her new friend Susie have found a reference to a Flower of Life that may free Adelaide , but throughout their search, she also has other problems to cope with. Her relationship with Hugh is heating up, but why is there that painful burning sensation when they kiss romantically, especially since this doesn't happen when they are in water. She knows Hugh isn't magical because he was not at the grove during the last ceremony. And then the town receives an influx of visitors whose own magical grove has been destroyed by arson. When one of these visitors is cruelly murdered, Ella Mae knows she must find the murderer before more danger comes to her town. Another exciting chapter in this series.
4652654
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Mountain Women Series--so sad this is the last book! The characters are very believable and the books all well-written. Carol Ervin is an excellent writer and I look forward to reading more from her.
1284303
Book Title: "The Legend of Gwernatha - Branwen's Garden & Chaos Corner"
Author: Brad Parnell
Published By: BlackWyrm Publishing
Age Recommended: 12+
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5

Review: Author Brad Parnell has an amazing imagination, one that writes itself right off the page and into reality as you are taken along on the journey with the main characters into a land thought only a dream. The series begins with a young boy looking for his place in a large family where brothers and sisters are much older, grown, and on their own. When he stumbles across some rather interesting information found by his genealogy intrigued older sister he vows to help her unravel the mystery of a family disappearance only to find out he may never find his way back home again.

A wonderful adventure and fascinating story, Brad Parnell takes you into a far off realm you'll never forget. A must-read for children and adults who love fantasy!
4277207
Absolutely love this book series.  I am currently completing the third in the trilogy, and just had to put the book down to share how much I enjoy them with other Amazon readers.

I have always enjoyed reading books that expand my understanding of worlds I don't know.  This series takes you into the mountains of Virginia post-Civil War and follows the life of Rob Nickerson from birth to, well, death.  G. Mason, in exquisite detail, describes what life must have been like for a Virginia mountain man.  He provides wonderful insights into everyday life from farming to cider making and meeting a spouse to child birth.  In his story, Author Mason provides some incredible history lessons from the rise and fall of the apple industry, impact of the chestnut blight, formation of the Shenandoah National Park and its impact on residents, plus two world wars. I particularly love how he has captured the regional dialect in these books.

Highly recommend these books.  I'm eager to finish this review and get back to the final book.
4111081
Thank goodness the effects of silver can be overcome by a brave and noble heart! I really enjoyed reading Valley of Silver! Linda McNabb is a great storyteller and I would definitely recommend this story to anyone that likes dragons and fantasy worlds.
367208
5 Star Rating because I enjoyed reading this book very much. I recommend this book to all Amish book readers.
3848256
I got THE BOOK OF EN because AUTUMN MAGIC by Triana Willard was AMAZING!!!! This is a wonderful fantasy novel with a fairy tale feel set in an Asian inspired world. The main character Midori is young and determined and makes an excellent role model for young girls.