cover image These Healing Hills

These Healing Hills

Ann H. Garhart. Revell, $15.99 (368 p) ISBN 978-0-8007-2363-7

Gabhart (The Outsider) paints an endearing portrait of WWII Appalachia in this enjoyable tale about two people trying to find their place in the world and discern what it means to truly be home. After Francine Howard’s boyfriend dumps her for an English war bride, she heads to Hyden, Ky., as a member of the Frontier Nursing Service to be trained as a midwife. The local customs are different from any she has ever known, and she soon discovers she may be in over her head. Meanwhile, Ben Locke has been serving his country as a medic in Europe and wants nothing more than to go back home to the mountains he loves. When an unexpected injury allows him to do just that, one of the first people he encounters is Fran. The two are attracted to each other, but he is from the rural parts of the mountain. In her community, she knows things would be contentious if the two became close. Garhart handles the Appalachian landscape and culture with skill, bringing them to vibrant life. (Sept.)