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Appalachian Journey #1
Whistling Woman
In the waning years of the 19th century, Bessie Daniels grows up in the small town of Hot Springs in western North Carolina. Secure in the love of her father, bothered with her mother’s desire that she be a proper Southern belle, Bessie’s determined to forge her own way in life. Or, as her Cherokee great-grandmother, Elisi, puts it, a whistling woman.
Life, however, has a few surprises for her. First, there’s Papa carrying home a dead man, which seems to invite Death for an extended visit in their home. And shortly before she graduates from Dorland Institute, there’s another death, this one closer to her heart. But Death isn’t through with her yet. Proving another of Elisi’s sayings, death comes in threes, It strikes yet again, taking someone Bessie has recently learned to appreciate and cherish, leaving her to struggle with a family that’s threatening to come apart at the seams.
Even her beloved Papa seems to be turning into another person, someone Bessie disagrees with more often than not, and someone she isn’t even sure she can continue to love, much less idolize as she had during her childhood.And when Papa makes a decision that costs the life of a new friend, the course of Bessie’s heart is changed forever.
Life, however, has a few surprises for her. First, there’s Papa carrying home a dead man, which seems to invite Death for an extended visit in their home. And shortly before she graduates from Dorland Institute, there’s another death, this one closer to her heart. But Death isn’t through with her yet. Proving another of Elisi’s sayings, death comes in threes, It strikes yet again, taking someone Bessie has recently learned to appreciate and cherish, leaving her to struggle with a family that’s threatening to come apart at the seams.
Even her beloved Papa seems to be turning into another person, someone Bessie disagrees with more often than not, and someone she isn’t even sure she can continue to love, much less idolize as she had during her childhood.And when Papa makes a decision that costs the life of a new friend, the course of Bessie’s heart is changed forever.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2011
877 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
September 9, 2022
I am absolutely LOVING this series and Carol Herman does an excellent job narrating. I love when they read with an accent from the area the book is focused on.
December 23, 2012
Vashti Lee Daniels was born in the late 1800s into a close knit family comprised of several generations, including a great-grandmother who had a strong influence on young Vashti. That influence helped define the young woman, who was fifteen at the beginning of the story, and who had renamed herself "Bessie" quite early on in her life. I could definitely relate to renaming oneself, as I had done the same.
As the eldest child in the family, much of the housekeeping and child minding fell to her. But her close bond with her Papa, the town constable, who seemingly admired the gumption that set her apart from the others, helped nurture the side of her that would flourish as the years passed.
"Whistling Woman (Appalachian Journey)" is a nonfiction story based on the great-aunt of the authors, and the setting of Hot Springs, North Carolina, in the Appalachian Mountains, was researched thoroughly by them. Additionally, both heard many of the tales about Great Aunt Bessie from their father, whose storytelling abilities were certainly passed down to his daughters.
I was enchanted by the idea of a "whistling woman," and early in the tale, the reader discovers the meaning of the term and will find it quite apt in describing the independent-thinking Bessie. Narrated in Bessie's first person voice, the reader soon connects completely with her thoughts, feelings, wishes and dreams.
What astounding event early in the story sets the tone and spotlights the personalities of the characters? How does the event seem to herald sad happenings that will unfold throughout that year? And what unexpected occurrence will drive a wedge between Bessie and her father?
I loved the language that seemingly transported me to that time and place. I recognized certain phrases and sayings that my own paternal grandparents used quite frequently, and, as a result, felt even more connected to the characters. I wanted to know a lot more of Bessie's story, so I'm hoping for a sequel. Five stars.
As the eldest child in the family, much of the housekeeping and child minding fell to her. But her close bond with her Papa, the town constable, who seemingly admired the gumption that set her apart from the others, helped nurture the side of her that would flourish as the years passed.
"Whistling Woman (Appalachian Journey)" is a nonfiction story based on the great-aunt of the authors, and the setting of Hot Springs, North Carolina, in the Appalachian Mountains, was researched thoroughly by them. Additionally, both heard many of the tales about Great Aunt Bessie from their father, whose storytelling abilities were certainly passed down to his daughters.
I was enchanted by the idea of a "whistling woman," and early in the tale, the reader discovers the meaning of the term and will find it quite apt in describing the independent-thinking Bessie. Narrated in Bessie's first person voice, the reader soon connects completely with her thoughts, feelings, wishes and dreams.
What astounding event early in the story sets the tone and spotlights the personalities of the characters? How does the event seem to herald sad happenings that will unfold throughout that year? And what unexpected occurrence will drive a wedge between Bessie and her father?
I loved the language that seemingly transported me to that time and place. I recognized certain phrases and sayings that my own paternal grandparents used quite frequently, and, as a result, felt even more connected to the characters. I wanted to know a lot more of Bessie's story, so I'm hoping for a sequel. Five stars.
September 10, 2012
“A whistling woman and a crowing hen never come to a very good end.” This first sentence grabbed my interest right away.
Whistling Woman is a thoroughly enjoyable look at the lives and times of historical Hot Springs, North Carolina from 1895 through the early 1900s as seen through the eyes of young Bessie, CC Tillery’s great aunt. The characters are well drawn and believable. I especially loved Bessie’s Cherokee great grandmother, Elisi, who has the second-sight and the gift of healing through herbal remedies, and the gift of storytelling. Elisi teaches Bessie all she knows about healing, and tells her true stories of Indian life in the mountains, about the Trail of Tears and Cherokee legends.
Bessie, the spunky strong child, exasperated her mother at times, but held the large family together, while her fragile mother, often ailing and in bed, depended on Bessie to care for the home and younger siblings. Bessie had a loving spirit and so delegated duties fairly, based on their ages and abilities. At first resentful of her mother’s weakness, she learns a heartwarming lesson of her mother’s true strength. Bessie idolized her Sheriff father and he enjoyed her companionship, but when he turns to drink in their hour of need, can she forgive him?
Bessie’s life is a mixture of fun times, sad times and many life lessons. Still, Bessie has time to daydream about the handsome young man foretold to be her husband. She dreams that someday he will marry her, making her happy and allowing her to become the woman she wants to be.
I like stories that offer inspiration and happy endings and this gave me both. I sure hope there’s another book coming about Bessie.
Whistling Woman is a thoroughly enjoyable look at the lives and times of historical Hot Springs, North Carolina from 1895 through the early 1900s as seen through the eyes of young Bessie, CC Tillery’s great aunt. The characters are well drawn and believable. I especially loved Bessie’s Cherokee great grandmother, Elisi, who has the second-sight and the gift of healing through herbal remedies, and the gift of storytelling. Elisi teaches Bessie all she knows about healing, and tells her true stories of Indian life in the mountains, about the Trail of Tears and Cherokee legends.
Bessie, the spunky strong child, exasperated her mother at times, but held the large family together, while her fragile mother, often ailing and in bed, depended on Bessie to care for the home and younger siblings. Bessie had a loving spirit and so delegated duties fairly, based on their ages and abilities. At first resentful of her mother’s weakness, she learns a heartwarming lesson of her mother’s true strength. Bessie idolized her Sheriff father and he enjoyed her companionship, but when he turns to drink in their hour of need, can she forgive him?
Bessie’s life is a mixture of fun times, sad times and many life lessons. Still, Bessie has time to daydream about the handsome young man foretold to be her husband. She dreams that someday he will marry her, making her happy and allowing her to become the woman she wants to be.
I like stories that offer inspiration and happy endings and this gave me both. I sure hope there’s another book coming about Bessie.
May 24, 2013
Being a genealogy buff, I especially enjoyed the sayings peppered throughout this book. Many of my ancestors lived on the fringe of Appalachia, and I was reminded of many of the things I had heard them say years ago.
The fact that the characters loved hearing the dad and great-grandmother tell stories about their lives brought a smile to my face. Listening to stories told by an older family member was common before the days of television. When the characters had to walk to a neighbor's house to enlist the neighbor's help, it was a reminder that the story took place before people had land lines, much less cell phones.
I hated to see the book end because the authors did such a good job of character description, I felt the characters were my friends. When the book ended, it felt as if those friends had gone away.
The sister authors work extremely well together. I found nothing in the book to remind me that it had two authors; it flowed easily. Furthermore, typos usually stand out to me like a sore thumb, but I don't recall any in this book.
My only criticism of the Kindle version of this book is that there was no Table of Contents with each chapter listed. I like to refer to that to see how long each chapter is and whether or not I should start a new chapter when I have an appointment coming up. At the end of the book, there was a mention of another book in this series. I will be looking forward to reading it.
I wish there were a similar book about the life of people in Ireland before and during the potato famine.
The fact that the characters loved hearing the dad and great-grandmother tell stories about their lives brought a smile to my face. Listening to stories told by an older family member was common before the days of television. When the characters had to walk to a neighbor's house to enlist the neighbor's help, it was a reminder that the story took place before people had land lines, much less cell phones.
I hated to see the book end because the authors did such a good job of character description, I felt the characters were my friends. When the book ended, it felt as if those friends had gone away.
The sister authors work extremely well together. I found nothing in the book to remind me that it had two authors; it flowed easily. Furthermore, typos usually stand out to me like a sore thumb, but I don't recall any in this book.
My only criticism of the Kindle version of this book is that there was no Table of Contents with each chapter listed. I like to refer to that to see how long each chapter is and whether or not I should start a new chapter when I have an appointment coming up. At the end of the book, there was a mention of another book in this series. I will be looking forward to reading it.
I wish there were a similar book about the life of people in Ireland before and during the potato famine.
September 17, 2013
I enjoyed this book very much. The "author" turns out to be two women whose maiden names were Tillery and whose first names begin with C. They based the book on their great aunt Bessie. Bessie's great grandmother was Cherokee, and much Cherokee folk lore was included in the book. The book is mostly about Bessie's teenage years growing up in Hot Springs, North Carolina. It turns out there is a sequel to the book about Bessie's later years which I look forward to reading.
Some of the people from this part of the country are great story tellers, and I enjoy books which relate those stories full of history about our early country. The title comes from one of the Cherokee stories.
Some of the people from this part of the country are great story tellers, and I enjoy books which relate those stories full of history about our early country. The title comes from one of the Cherokee stories.
December 10, 2013
As I've said before, I love stories about the Appalachians and their people and Whistling Woman was a really good read. Loved the story of Bessie and her family, way of life, and the beautiful surroundings of North Carolina. The next book is titled Moonfixer, and I can't wait to read it. This book is based on the authors real great aunt Bessie. The authors are two sisters, Cyndi Tillery Hodges and Christy Tillery French who are both accomplished authors writing under a pseudonym as CC Tillery.
To learn more about both authors and their books, as well as look at pictures of some of the places they describe in their book, go to http://whistlingwoman.wordpress.com/
To learn more about both authors and their books, as well as look at pictures of some of the places they describe in their book, go to http://whistlingwoman.wordpress.com/
June 16, 2013
This was a decent historical fiction story about a girl growing up in Appalachia but it feel more like reading someone's diary. It is a quick read but it is not very exciting. In parts of the story is becomes a bit like watching the grass grow. I think the author does a poor job of defining a "whistling woman." This reminds me of Little women. Yes the women in the story (or rather one woman) is an independent thinker and does things that are "nontraditional" which was "earth shattering" for that time period but that alone does not make it a 5 star book in my opinion.
June 24, 2013
I just finished this book and found it to be a very good read. The story line is similar to stories that my grandmother used to share, her grandmother was part Cherokee and lived a very similar life. The folklore and superstitions reminded me of life as a child growing up in a rural area, everything had a saying. Life was simpler but harsher and people's lives were more closely tied to the events of daily life. I think they experienced things on a much stronger level, not diluted by careers and rushing. I loved the book and am looking now for a sequel.
August 31, 2013
Having once lived in Appalachia and partaken of Southern hospitality and a slower pace of life, my heart yearns to return there now and again, which I am able to do in books like this one. This book also intrigued me because I am known as somewhat of a medicine woman - or maybe even a whistling woman! I loved the story of this young woman trying to come to a greater understanding of herself. I also am looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 9, 2013
Wonderful story, the historical information and accuracy of the Hot Springs area was great. I loved the surprising personal connection to my Alma Mater - Warren Wilson College. The main character attends school at the Dorland Institute, which eventually merged with the Bell Institute and then merged again with the Asheville Farm School to become WWC.
March 31, 2015
Tedious
I reached the half way point in the book and felt I hadn't read much.... I struggled to finish it, mostly gleaning over most pages. .... Pages and pages of nonsense folklore..... Emotions all over the place....People popping in and out of the storyline..... Won't read the other two books in the series...
I reached the half way point in the book and felt I hadn't read much.... I struggled to finish it, mostly gleaning over most pages. .... Pages and pages of nonsense folklore..... Emotions all over the place....People popping in and out of the storyline..... Won't read the other two books in the series...
June 27, 2013
This is a very good book from the first line until the very last word. The stories about Indians, the town people,
and the plot was also great, once I stated reading it I could not put it down until I had finished it.
and the plot was also great, once I stated reading it I could not put it down until I had finished it.
December 17, 2012
Great reading on a 19th century woman who grew up in Hot Springs WNC
December 29, 2012
Beautifully written.
January 19, 2013
Another good book and it was free!
February 13, 2013
I enjoyed Bessie's mischievous ways as she matured into a confident woman who knew what she wanted and achieved her dreams.
February 14, 2013
I enjoyed this coming-of-age story set at the turn of the century in North Carolina. I will be reading the next book.
March 14, 2013
This is my kind of book. I loved everything about it. Set in the 1800's. Hardships -tears-family-little treasures everywhere in this book.
April 22, 2013
Bessie is a strong female character. Looking forward to the sequel, Moonfixer.
May 19, 2013
This was a very nice read about a young girl coming of age in Appalachia.
August 19, 2013
Absolutely beautifully written and probably the best late 19th century era book I've read. I'm looking forward to more from these sisters!
July 24, 2014
Wonderful story! A true look into history and the lives of those during this period in time.
March 26, 2013
Well written. Good characters.
August 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It is a fast read, and a wonderful telling of this girl into woman's life - told by two of her great-nieces. I love that it is set right here in the Appalachian southern mountain chain, and I also love it because this is the couplet my grandmother used to say to me over and over again. I don't remember being a big whistler but I was what they used to call a tomboy. She would shake her head and say "Whistling girls and crowing hens always come to no good end." I understood that the 'whistling' stood for all of it, all the unladylike behaviors of me. Like the girl in the book, however, I also saw the affection and even pride behind the words and I embraced my whistling girl/tomboy identity with all my heart. This book brought me back to all of that, but it is also wrenchingly sad in places, like life itself, and I wept over it several times. Highly recommend.
June 3, 2017
I'm really enjoying reading this series of books about mountain people in North Carolina. Called the Appalachian Journey series, by C C Tillery. They are only .99 cents on Kindle and are very delightful books, I would call them Historical fiction, Bessie tells her lifes story which includes history and Cherokee folklore stories and natural herbal concoctions she learned from her Cherokee great grandmother, wound into the story, a very different and very enjoyable read. I'm on the last one there are 4- First is The Whistling Woman, Then 2- Moonfixer, 3- the Beloved Woman 4- the Wise Woman. I hate to see them end.
Very delightful books. Really enjoyed them. Hope I can read more from C C Tillery.
Very delightful books. Really enjoyed them. Hope I can read more from C C Tillery.
June 8, 2017
Decent storyline - "sophomoric" writing killed it for me
I would give this 2.5 stars. As always when I'm not liking a book I go to the 3 and below star reviews to see if others are feeling the same. And there were plenty to back up my thoughts. This could have been great- loved the setting and the time period. But over and over the same lines (ending each question in "papa?") waaaayyyy too many cliches and then the storyline slowed so much I gave up. And what's with the high end people living in the mountains? I just didn't get it. Are they prim and people or are they mountain people. I was confused. I am leery about series books anyway on kindle unlimited for this exact reason. They all seem the same. Glad lots of ppl liked this I just am not one of them.
I would give this 2.5 stars. As always when I'm not liking a book I go to the 3 and below star reviews to see if others are feeling the same. And there were plenty to back up my thoughts. This could have been great- loved the setting and the time period. But over and over the same lines (ending each question in "papa?") waaaayyyy too many cliches and then the storyline slowed so much I gave up. And what's with the high end people living in the mountains? I just didn't get it. Are they prim and people or are they mountain people. I was confused. I am leery about series books anyway on kindle unlimited for this exact reason. They all seem the same. Glad lots of ppl liked this I just am not one of them.
February 7, 2021
I was a bit put off by the way the book began, however, the further I read of this novel, the more intrigued I became. It was set in the NC Appalachians in the late 1800s and many historical facts were interwoven into the novel. I came to love a majority of the characters and suffered and celebrated right along with them. The book was filled with many emotions from horror, to joy to sadness and the characters became so real. I didn't realize it was the first book in a series, and by the time I finished reading this novel and realized that fact, I had no choice but to buy the next book in the series because I could let the story continue without taking me along. I definitely recommend this book.
August 30, 2017
Liked it a lot
Characters are well developed and heartfelt. You can feel the love she has for her family and her town. Why doesn't her papa see he is putting all t h e responsibilities on her at a young age ? He seems completely oblivious to what she does and hope hard she has worked to keep them together and happy.
Characters are well developed and heartfelt. You can feel the love she has for her family and her town. Why doesn't her papa see he is putting all t h e responsibilities on her at a young age ? He seems completely oblivious to what she does and hope hard she has worked to keep them together and happy.
May 27, 2019
A delightful coming of age story of the two authors great aunt Bessie who is gifted with the "second sight". Part of a 4 book series. I am anxious to start the next book. Contains some really wonderful quotes like " The room was so crowded you couldn’t cuss the cat without getting fur in your mouth.” How could you not??????
June 27, 2021
I enjoyed this story very much!
A great story of family life in the Appalachian mountains. I liked the characters, a little history of the area and the daily life of the area! I am starting on the 2nd book in this series. If you like a good clean, well written story, you will like anything g from these authors!
A great story of family life in the Appalachian mountains. I liked the characters, a little history of the area and the daily life of the area! I am starting on the 2nd book in this series. If you like a good clean, well written story, you will like anything g from these authors!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews