Book Review of 'When the Mountains Wept' by Kendy Pearson

Hello Bookworms!

Wow, do I have a treat for you today! This year I've been discovering more and more authors that are new to me and the novel that I am featuring today is another one that has found itself a new admirer. I don't normally gravitate to war stories, especially the Civil War, but this particular novel was intriguing, and I was blown away with how much it won me over.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Christian Historical Fiction and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for When the Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: When the Mountains Wept
Series: West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm #1
Author: Kendy Pearson
Publisher: Pear Blossom Books
Release Date: April 8, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

CAPTIVATING CIVIL WAR FICTION INSPIRED BY HISTORICAL EVENTS

Amid talk of war, Augusta Dabney tends her younger siblings and dying father. But when hatred sparks tragedy, peace is but a shattered memory. Heartbroken and desperate, Augusta searches for a way to protect all she holds dear.

Defying family and friends, Dr. James Hill declines a prestigious commission in the Confederate Army to join the Union cause as a Regimental Surgeon. When the Dabney farm becomes a crossroads of colliding forces, Major Hill commandeers their barn for a hospital.

He is running from his legacy, seeking penance for his past.

She is desperate to preserve hers, at any cost.

As a wise, former slave nurtures James’s battered faith, cynicism crumbles, and James discovers grace and belonging with Augusta and her family unlike any he’s ever known, even as he must face the horrors of war and the evil it breeds.

But when James comes face to face with his past, secrets unravel until deception ends in disaster, leaving Augusta with only one option.

And it is unthinkable.

My Review

When the Mountains Wept, I wept right along with it. This is a very emotional novel and tackles some tough subject matter, but it’s a conversation that needs to be had. Books about the Civil War are tough for me to read. So many innocent people did not want the war and were innocent, hard-working individuals that just wanted basic human rights for African Americans, a right that should’ve been there from the beginning.

The parallels to the beginning of the Civil War and what we are currently experiencing in our country are frightening to say the least, yet there is still hope despite the bleakness of it all. Just like those that lived during this time of war, we must continue to hold onto hope. Bitterness is blinding, and until you let it go and give it all to God, you’ll never experience freedom and everything God wants for you, even during times where hate seems to prevail.

The world building of this novel is absolutely incredible. From the moment I picked up this novel, I was transfixed, easily connecting to this sweet Virginia family who just wanted to continue their honest, hardworking existence but were thrown into the throes of war, losing more than any of them could’ve imagined. This story touches on some heavy subjects, so this sense of family and togetherness really helped bring balance to an otherwise depressing narrative. I can’t tell you just how thought-provoking this novel is. There were moments that made me physically sick to my stomach, the horrors depicted unimaginable, that were balanced with a sweet thread of family, love, and the fight for justice.

This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and I am completely blown away. The heart of this novel is palpable, and I can’t believe how quickly I read through this story and what a profound effect it’s had on me. I cannot recommend this novel enough and can’t wait to see where this new series is going to take us next.

My Rating: ★★★★★

More Books in This Series

About the Author

Kendy Pearson is a veteran high school teacher and an accomplished musician. She is also a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. When she discovers a pocket of American history omitted from the schoolbooks, she enjoys digging in and turning that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through real historical events and settings; engaging with period personalities—and she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God's undeniable grace. Kendy is an eight-time award-winning author and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. She also relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

Connect with Kendy by visiting kendypearson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed copies of When the Mountains Wept and When Heaven Thunders, a character named after you in book 3, In Tempest Winds, and a signed copy of that book once it releases!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 18, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!