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Smoky Mountain Dreams Trilogy #1
Angel of the Cove
It's 1894, and Anna Prentiss has never wanted to be anything but a nurse. But before she can start school in New York City, her brother sends her to Cades Cove, deep in the Smoky Mountains, to spend a summer apprenticing to the local midwife. Anna is determined to prove herself, and then head to the big city. But nothing could have prepared Anna for the beauty of the Cove or the community and friendships she finds there. And she certainly wasn't prepared for Simon Martin, the handsome young minister, or the feelings he arouses in her. Has God's plan for Anna changed? Or is she just starting to hear Him clearly? From the banks of the Mississippi River to the Black Belt of Alabama, to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Sandra Robbins' characters take her readers on a faith-filled journey as they experience life in the South. In Angel of the Cove, she weaves a tale of love, loss, and God's faithfulness.
431 pages, Library Binding
First published August 1, 2012
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174 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Robbins
52 books89 followersLibrary of Congress Authorities:
Personal name heading:
Robbins, Sandra (Sandra S.)
Personal name heading:
Robbins, Sandra (Sandra S.)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 41 reviews
January 31, 2015
What a wonderful book. Very enjoyable read and the fact that it was based in East Tennessee and the Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains was especially nice. Can't wait to read more from Sandra Robbins
October 8, 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars first book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series ~ Anna Prentiss 1894
This review is from: Angel of the Cove (Smoky Mountain Dreams) (Paperback)
***Special thanks to Ginger Chen of Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Robbins and her husband live in the small college town in Tennessee where she grew up. They count their four children and five grandchildren as the greatest blessings in their lives. Her published books include stories in historical romance and romantic suspense. When not writing or spending time with her family, Sandra enjoys reading, collecting flow blue china, and playing the piano.
Visit the author's website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Anna Prentiss wants to be a nurse, but first she has to spend a summer in Cades Cove apprenticing to the local midwife. Anna is determined to prove herself...but she never expected to fall in love with the Cove. Has God's plan for Anna changed? Or is she just starting to hear Him clearly?
Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736948848
ISBN-13: 978-0736948845
MY REVIEW:
Anna Prentiss has aspirations of being a nurse in the big city. What will the fresh air and mountain valley folk do to change the dreams of her heart? Or exemplify them? Angel of the Cove is the first book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series.
Anna took a deep breath and inhaled the heavy, sweet smell that drifted from the forests on either side of the road. --page 6, Angel of the Cove
I am in! I am so in, being the visual person I am. Just close your eyes and visualize the cool air and breathe it in! For our vision is with all our senses beyond all we can know. A gift. Just for us. Can't you just see the deep, deep green of the forest around you!
New things to learn and apply. Anna becomes an apprentice to Granny, the wise woman of the Cove, to match up to her name: A. Prentiss. Join in with her adventures as she finds the depths of her heart probed and stretched. Love hurts sometimes but grows us into who we are.
BACK COVER:
"God gives us lots of things we don't notice 'cause we're too busy lookin' in the wrong places. Sometimes He's got a blessing waitin' right under our noses."
It's 1894, and Anna Prentiss has never wanted to be anything but a nurse. But before she can start school in New York her brother sends her to Cades Cove, deep in the Smoky Mountains, to spend a summer apprenticing to the local midwife. Anna is determined to prove herself and then head to the big city.
But nothing could have prepared Anna for the beauty of the Cove, or the community and friendships she finds there. And she certainly wasn't prepared for Simon Martin, the handsome young minister, or the feelings he arouses in her. Has God's plan for Anna changed? Or is she just starting to hear Him clearly?
In the first book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, acclaimed author Sandra Robbins weaves a tale of love, loss, and God's faithfulness in every circumstance.
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Mountain air was supposed to be cool. At least that's what she'd always heard.
Anna Prentiss couldn't be sure because she'd never been this far into the mountains before. But if truth be told, they still had a fair piece to go before they reached the hills that rolled off into the distance.
The narrow dirt road that led them closer to those hills twisted and bumped its way along. The June heat had dried out the winter mud in this part of Tennessee and produced a dust that threatened to choke her, roiling up and around the buggy. Anna covered her mouth with the lace handkerchief her mother had tucked in her dress pocket and sneezed. The smudge left on the cloth made her wonder what her face must look like.
She glanced at Uncle Charles, her father's brother, who sat beside her on the leather seat of the buggy. Perspiration had cut meandering, dusty trails down his cheeks, but he didn't appear to notice. His attention was focused on trying to avoid the holes that dotted the road.
She wiped at her face once more before stuffing the handkerchief back in her pocket. It really didn't matter what she looked like. There was no one to see her. The only living creatures she'd seen all day were some white-tailed deer that had run across the road in front of them and a fox that had peered at her from his dusky hiding place beside the road. In front of them trees lined the long roadway that twisted and turned like a lazy snake slithering deeper into the mountain wilderness. She'd come a long way from the farm in Strawberry Plains.
A twinge of homesickness washed over her. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. The uneasy feeling lingered a moment, but with a determination she'd only recently acquired, she banished thoughts of those she'd left behind to the spot in her heart where her grief lay buried.
Just then the buggy hit a hole, and Anna grabbed the seat to keep from bouncing onto the floorboard. Uncle Charles flicked the reins across the horse's back and glanced at her, his spectacles resting on the bridge of his nose. Wispy gray hair stuck out from underneath a black hat.
"Hold on. These roads can be a little rough. We had a hard winter up here."
Anna nodded, straightening herself on the buggy seat and studying her uncle's profile. How many times had he ridden this way to take care of the mountain people he loved? He looked every bit the country doctor. His smooth hands, so unlike her father's work-roughened ones, gripped the reins tighter as he grinned at her.
The corner of his mouth curled downward when he smiled, just as her father's had always done. That was the only similarity she'd ever seen in them, though. Uncle Charles used to say he got the brains and Poppa got the brawn. When she was a little girl, she wondered what he meant. But she knew no matter what it implied, the two brothers shared a bond like few she'd ever seen. And they were the only ones who'd ever encouraged her to follow her dream of becoming a nurse.
Anna took a deep breath and inhaled the heavy, sweet smell that drifted from the forests on either side of the road. She turned to Uncle Charles. "I've been noticing those white flowers that look like shrubs growing along the road. What are they?"
"Those are our mountain rhododendron," said Uncle Charles. "There are also pink and purple ones. Sometimes in the summer you can stand on a ridge and look across the mountains at the rhododendrons blooming, and it looks like somebody took a paintbrush and colored the world. It's a mighty beautiful sight."
Anna swiveled in her seat again and looked at Uncle Charles. "Thank you for working out this trip for me."
A grin tugged at his mouth. "How many times would you say you've thanked me today?"
"Not enough yet."
A sudden breeze ruffled the straw hat her mother had given her, and Anna grabbed the wide brim. After a moment she released it and pulled the handkerchief from her pocket again. Grasping it with both hands, she twisted the cloth until it stretched taut between her fingers. "I hope I don't disappoint Mrs. Lawson."
He didn't take his eyes off the road but shrugged. "I wouldn't worry about that. She's been delivering babies in Cades Cove for a long time, and she's glad to have an extra pair of hands. It'll be good experience before you leave for nursing school in the fall."
The old anger rose in Anna's throat. "Only if Robert agrees." She spit out the barbed words as if they pierced the inside of her mouth. "Why does he have to be so selfish?" She clenched her fists tight together. Ever since their father's death Robert had assumed the role as head of the family, and he took his responsibilities seriously. Too seriously, if you asked Anna. He never missed an opportunity to tell her how their father wasn't around anymore to cater to her every whim. The first time he'd said that she felt as if he'd shattered her heart. The pieces had never mended as far as her relationship with him was concerned. But if things went as planned, she would soon be free of his authority.
"I don't want you to be angry with your brother, Anna. You may not understand his reasons, but he's trying his best to be the head of your family. He's still young and has a lot to learn, but he loves you and wants what's best for you."
Anna crossed her arms and scowled. "All he wants is for me to stay on the farm and marry somebody he thinks will make a good husband." Anna shook her head. "Well, that's not what I want. Poppa promised me I'd be able to go. Robert has no right to keep that money hostage."
"I know. Your father would have been so proud to know you've been accepted." Uncle Charles's shoulders drooped with the sigh that drifted from his mouth. "Try to see it from his perspective. You've led a sheltered life on the farm, and Robert feels like you aren't ready for what you'll see and have to deal with in a big hospital in New York. You think you'll be able to assist injured and dying people, but it's different when you're right there with somebody's life in your hands. If you find you can't do it, then Robert is out the money for your tuition, not to mention travel and living expenses." He cocked a bushy eyebrow at Anna. "And he doesn't need to be wasting money that can be put to good use on the farm."
"I know. He's told me often enough." Anna smoothed out her skirt and straightened in her seat. "I'm just thankful you came up with a plan that Robert agreed to. Spending the summer with Mrs. Lawson ought to prove I have the grit to handle New York."
"Remember you'll need a good report from Granny Lawson."
Anna smiled. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm going to listen to her and do everything she tells me, no matter how distasteful I think the task is." She clenched her fists in her lap. "When I board that train for New York in the fall, it will all be worth it."
Uncle Charles shook his head and chuckled. "I'll leave New York and all its hustle and bustle to you. I prefer to spend my time right here in these mountains."
Anna let her gaze rove over the trees on either side of the road. "Still, maybe you'll come visit me someday. I can show off the maternity ward!"
He flicked the reins across the horse's back. "I've read a lot about that ward. First one in the country. You'll be fortunate to work there. But don't forget you may see a lot of babies born this summer while you're at Granny's cabin. And there's not a better place in the world to learn about nursing. She can teach you things you would never learn at Bellevue. Listen to her and do what she says and you'll be fine."
Anna nodded. "I will." Her hat slipped to the side, and she reached up and straightened it. "I really can't thank you enough, Uncle Charles. Everything's coming together just the way I planned it, and nothing--not even Robert--is going to stand in my way."
Uncle Charles sucked in his breath and directed a frown at her. "Nothing? We can only follow the plan God has for us, Anna."
She settled back on the seat and cast her eyes over the hazy hills in front of them. "But that is God's plan for me."
"And how do you know?"
"Because it's what I've dreamed about all my life. God's never tried to change my mind."
"Maybe you've never listened to Him." Uncle Charles stared at her a moment. "Like I said, pay attention to what Granny says. She'll teach you how God uses those He's chosen to take care of the sick. It isn't all done with medicine, Anna. A lot of my medical successes--and Granny's as well--have come about after a lot of prayer."
The buggy hit another bump, and Anna bounced straight up. As far as she could see, the rippling Smoky Mountains stretched out toward the horizon. A plume of wispy fog hung over the valleys. A strange world awaited her out there.
Mrs. Johnson, the owner of the inn where they'd stayed in Pigeon Forge last night, had taken great pleasure in warning her of what she might face in Cades Cove this summer. Anna clasped her hands in her lap and glanced at Uncle Charles. "Mrs. Johnson said the folks who live in Cades Cove don't take to strangers."
Uncle Charles nodded. "That doesn't surprise me. What else did she say?"
Anna took a deep breath and brushed at the new layer of dust on her skirt. "Oh, not much. Just that everybody knows it's a closed society in the Cove, but it doesn't matter because no sensible person would want to live there anyway. She called the people there a strange lot."
Uncle Charles cocked an eyebrow and chuckled. "Is that right? I hope you didn't believe her. I know every family in the Cove, and some of them are my good friends." He hesitated a moment. "Of course you're going to find some who cause problems--just like you would anywhere else."
"Like the moonshiners?"
He turned to stare at her with wide eyes. "What did Mrs. Johnson tell you about moonshiners?"
"She said all the men were moonshiners. Are they?"
Uncle Charles threw back his head and laughed as if he'd just heard the funniest joke of his life. After a few seconds he shook his head. "Nothing could be further from the truth. There may be a few who give the Cove people a bad reputation, but most of the men work too hard to waste their time on such nonsense." He reached over and patted her hand. "I wouldn't leave you in a place where you weren't safe. Mrs. Johnson may run a good inn, but she's the worst gossip in these mountains."
Anna heaved a sigh of relief. "I guess I'm just a little nervous. I want everybody to like me."
"They will. Just be yourself and they'll all love you."
Uncle Charles meant well, but doubt still lingered in her mind. Would the people of the Cove accept a stranger into their small community? And if they didn't, what good could she possibly do in this place?
She had to succeed. Her future depended on it. She squared her shoulders. There was no turning back.
As the day wore on, they found themselves deeper in the hills. As they did, a slow awakening began to dawn in the deepest corner of her soul. She'd never seen anything as beautiful as the lush growth that covered the vast mountain range. The air now grew cooler, just as she'd expected it to be, and the sweet smell of mountain laurel mingled with the rhododendrons. As her uncle's horse, Toby, plodded along the rocky trail that grew steeper with each step, she saw the world through new eyes and stared in awe at the wonders of nature unfolding before her.
For the last hour she'd sat silent and watched the shallow river that flowed beside the road. The water bubbled over rocks like huge stepping-stones scattered across its bed, and the rippling sound had a lulling effect. She wished they could stop so she could pull off her shoes and wade in the cold mountain stream, but there was no time for such fun today. She turned her attention back to the steep hillside on the other side of the road.
"It's beautiful here."
Uncle Charles glanced at her. "We're just about to Wear's Valley. When we get there, we'll be close to Cades Cove."
Anna wondered if Uncle Charles was tired of her questions about the Cove. She hoped not. She settled in her seat and said, "Tell me more about Cades Cove, Uncle Charles."
He pushed his hat back on his head and stared straight ahead. "Well, if you've noticed, we've been following that stream as the road's climbed. Pretty soon now we're gonna reach a place where we turn away from it and head into a flat valley right in the middle of the mountains. That's Cades Cove. It's almost like God just took His giant hand and tucked a little piece of heaven right down in the Smokies. The land's fertile--not so many rocks you can't farm--and completely surrounded by mountains. You're gonna love it when you see it, Anna."
"How many people live there?"
He pursed his lips and squinted into the distance. "I'd say there are about two hundred fifty scattered throughout the Cove nowadays. Some left for town life--better work there, you know--but they'll never find a place that's as beautiful as these mountains."
"How far is it from Mrs. Lawson's house to where you live?"
He thought for a moment. "It's not that far as the crow flies, but it takes me almost three hours going around these roads."
A lump formed in her throat. Now that they were closer, she didn't want him to leave. She scooted a little closer to him on the bench of the buggy. "Will you stay at Mrs. Lawson's tonight?"
He shook his head. "No, I'll have enough daylight left to get home. But don't worry, I'll come to the Cove from time to time to check on you. Granny does a good job of taking care of the folks there, but she knows when it's serious enough to send for me."
Anna clasped her hands in her lap to keep him from seeing them tremble. The time had come to begin the test. She couldn't fail. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. She dredged up all the determination she could muster. No, she wouldn't fail.
"How long before we get there, Uncle Charles?"
"Not much longer. The entrance is up ahead."
~~~
This review is from: Angel of the Cove (Smoky Mountain Dreams) (Paperback)
***Special thanks to Ginger Chen of Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Robbins and her husband live in the small college town in Tennessee where she grew up. They count their four children and five grandchildren as the greatest blessings in their lives. Her published books include stories in historical romance and romantic suspense. When not writing or spending time with her family, Sandra enjoys reading, collecting flow blue china, and playing the piano.
Visit the author's website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Anna Prentiss wants to be a nurse, but first she has to spend a summer in Cades Cove apprenticing to the local midwife. Anna is determined to prove herself...but she never expected to fall in love with the Cove. Has God's plan for Anna changed? Or is she just starting to hear Him clearly?
Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736948848
ISBN-13: 978-0736948845
MY REVIEW:
Anna Prentiss has aspirations of being a nurse in the big city. What will the fresh air and mountain valley folk do to change the dreams of her heart? Or exemplify them? Angel of the Cove is the first book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series.
Anna took a deep breath and inhaled the heavy, sweet smell that drifted from the forests on either side of the road. --page 6, Angel of the Cove
I am in! I am so in, being the visual person I am. Just close your eyes and visualize the cool air and breathe it in! For our vision is with all our senses beyond all we can know. A gift. Just for us. Can't you just see the deep, deep green of the forest around you!
New things to learn and apply. Anna becomes an apprentice to Granny, the wise woman of the Cove, to match up to her name: A. Prentiss. Join in with her adventures as she finds the depths of her heart probed and stretched. Love hurts sometimes but grows us into who we are.
BACK COVER:
"God gives us lots of things we don't notice 'cause we're too busy lookin' in the wrong places. Sometimes He's got a blessing waitin' right under our noses."
It's 1894, and Anna Prentiss has never wanted to be anything but a nurse. But before she can start school in New York her brother sends her to Cades Cove, deep in the Smoky Mountains, to spend a summer apprenticing to the local midwife. Anna is determined to prove herself and then head to the big city.
But nothing could have prepared Anna for the beauty of the Cove, or the community and friendships she finds there. And she certainly wasn't prepared for Simon Martin, the handsome young minister, or the feelings he arouses in her. Has God's plan for Anna changed? Or is she just starting to hear Him clearly?
In the first book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, acclaimed author Sandra Robbins weaves a tale of love, loss, and God's faithfulness in every circumstance.
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Mountain air was supposed to be cool. At least that's what she'd always heard.
Anna Prentiss couldn't be sure because she'd never been this far into the mountains before. But if truth be told, they still had a fair piece to go before they reached the hills that rolled off into the distance.
The narrow dirt road that led them closer to those hills twisted and bumped its way along. The June heat had dried out the winter mud in this part of Tennessee and produced a dust that threatened to choke her, roiling up and around the buggy. Anna covered her mouth with the lace handkerchief her mother had tucked in her dress pocket and sneezed. The smudge left on the cloth made her wonder what her face must look like.
She glanced at Uncle Charles, her father's brother, who sat beside her on the leather seat of the buggy. Perspiration had cut meandering, dusty trails down his cheeks, but he didn't appear to notice. His attention was focused on trying to avoid the holes that dotted the road.
She wiped at her face once more before stuffing the handkerchief back in her pocket. It really didn't matter what she looked like. There was no one to see her. The only living creatures she'd seen all day were some white-tailed deer that had run across the road in front of them and a fox that had peered at her from his dusky hiding place beside the road. In front of them trees lined the long roadway that twisted and turned like a lazy snake slithering deeper into the mountain wilderness. She'd come a long way from the farm in Strawberry Plains.
A twinge of homesickness washed over her. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. The uneasy feeling lingered a moment, but with a determination she'd only recently acquired, she banished thoughts of those she'd left behind to the spot in her heart where her grief lay buried.
Just then the buggy hit a hole, and Anna grabbed the seat to keep from bouncing onto the floorboard. Uncle Charles flicked the reins across the horse's back and glanced at her, his spectacles resting on the bridge of his nose. Wispy gray hair stuck out from underneath a black hat.
"Hold on. These roads can be a little rough. We had a hard winter up here."
Anna nodded, straightening herself on the buggy seat and studying her uncle's profile. How many times had he ridden this way to take care of the mountain people he loved? He looked every bit the country doctor. His smooth hands, so unlike her father's work-roughened ones, gripped the reins tighter as he grinned at her.
The corner of his mouth curled downward when he smiled, just as her father's had always done. That was the only similarity she'd ever seen in them, though. Uncle Charles used to say he got the brains and Poppa got the brawn. When she was a little girl, she wondered what he meant. But she knew no matter what it implied, the two brothers shared a bond like few she'd ever seen. And they were the only ones who'd ever encouraged her to follow her dream of becoming a nurse.
Anna took a deep breath and inhaled the heavy, sweet smell that drifted from the forests on either side of the road. She turned to Uncle Charles. "I've been noticing those white flowers that look like shrubs growing along the road. What are they?"
"Those are our mountain rhododendron," said Uncle Charles. "There are also pink and purple ones. Sometimes in the summer you can stand on a ridge and look across the mountains at the rhododendrons blooming, and it looks like somebody took a paintbrush and colored the world. It's a mighty beautiful sight."
Anna swiveled in her seat again and looked at Uncle Charles. "Thank you for working out this trip for me."
A grin tugged at his mouth. "How many times would you say you've thanked me today?"
"Not enough yet."
A sudden breeze ruffled the straw hat her mother had given her, and Anna grabbed the wide brim. After a moment she released it and pulled the handkerchief from her pocket again. Grasping it with both hands, she twisted the cloth until it stretched taut between her fingers. "I hope I don't disappoint Mrs. Lawson."
He didn't take his eyes off the road but shrugged. "I wouldn't worry about that. She's been delivering babies in Cades Cove for a long time, and she's glad to have an extra pair of hands. It'll be good experience before you leave for nursing school in the fall."
The old anger rose in Anna's throat. "Only if Robert agrees." She spit out the barbed words as if they pierced the inside of her mouth. "Why does he have to be so selfish?" She clenched her fists tight together. Ever since their father's death Robert had assumed the role as head of the family, and he took his responsibilities seriously. Too seriously, if you asked Anna. He never missed an opportunity to tell her how their father wasn't around anymore to cater to her every whim. The first time he'd said that she felt as if he'd shattered her heart. The pieces had never mended as far as her relationship with him was concerned. But if things went as planned, she would soon be free of his authority.
"I don't want you to be angry with your brother, Anna. You may not understand his reasons, but he's trying his best to be the head of your family. He's still young and has a lot to learn, but he loves you and wants what's best for you."
Anna crossed her arms and scowled. "All he wants is for me to stay on the farm and marry somebody he thinks will make a good husband." Anna shook her head. "Well, that's not what I want. Poppa promised me I'd be able to go. Robert has no right to keep that money hostage."
"I know. Your father would have been so proud to know you've been accepted." Uncle Charles's shoulders drooped with the sigh that drifted from his mouth. "Try to see it from his perspective. You've led a sheltered life on the farm, and Robert feels like you aren't ready for what you'll see and have to deal with in a big hospital in New York. You think you'll be able to assist injured and dying people, but it's different when you're right there with somebody's life in your hands. If you find you can't do it, then Robert is out the money for your tuition, not to mention travel and living expenses." He cocked a bushy eyebrow at Anna. "And he doesn't need to be wasting money that can be put to good use on the farm."
"I know. He's told me often enough." Anna smoothed out her skirt and straightened in her seat. "I'm just thankful you came up with a plan that Robert agreed to. Spending the summer with Mrs. Lawson ought to prove I have the grit to handle New York."
"Remember you'll need a good report from Granny Lawson."
Anna smiled. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm going to listen to her and do everything she tells me, no matter how distasteful I think the task is." She clenched her fists in her lap. "When I board that train for New York in the fall, it will all be worth it."
Uncle Charles shook his head and chuckled. "I'll leave New York and all its hustle and bustle to you. I prefer to spend my time right here in these mountains."
Anna let her gaze rove over the trees on either side of the road. "Still, maybe you'll come visit me someday. I can show off the maternity ward!"
He flicked the reins across the horse's back. "I've read a lot about that ward. First one in the country. You'll be fortunate to work there. But don't forget you may see a lot of babies born this summer while you're at Granny's cabin. And there's not a better place in the world to learn about nursing. She can teach you things you would never learn at Bellevue. Listen to her and do what she says and you'll be fine."
Anna nodded. "I will." Her hat slipped to the side, and she reached up and straightened it. "I really can't thank you enough, Uncle Charles. Everything's coming together just the way I planned it, and nothing--not even Robert--is going to stand in my way."
Uncle Charles sucked in his breath and directed a frown at her. "Nothing? We can only follow the plan God has for us, Anna."
She settled back on the seat and cast her eyes over the hazy hills in front of them. "But that is God's plan for me."
"And how do you know?"
"Because it's what I've dreamed about all my life. God's never tried to change my mind."
"Maybe you've never listened to Him." Uncle Charles stared at her a moment. "Like I said, pay attention to what Granny says. She'll teach you how God uses those He's chosen to take care of the sick. It isn't all done with medicine, Anna. A lot of my medical successes--and Granny's as well--have come about after a lot of prayer."
The buggy hit another bump, and Anna bounced straight up. As far as she could see, the rippling Smoky Mountains stretched out toward the horizon. A plume of wispy fog hung over the valleys. A strange world awaited her out there.
Mrs. Johnson, the owner of the inn where they'd stayed in Pigeon Forge last night, had taken great pleasure in warning her of what she might face in Cades Cove this summer. Anna clasped her hands in her lap and glanced at Uncle Charles. "Mrs. Johnson said the folks who live in Cades Cove don't take to strangers."
Uncle Charles nodded. "That doesn't surprise me. What else did she say?"
Anna took a deep breath and brushed at the new layer of dust on her skirt. "Oh, not much. Just that everybody knows it's a closed society in the Cove, but it doesn't matter because no sensible person would want to live there anyway. She called the people there a strange lot."
Uncle Charles cocked an eyebrow and chuckled. "Is that right? I hope you didn't believe her. I know every family in the Cove, and some of them are my good friends." He hesitated a moment. "Of course you're going to find some who cause problems--just like you would anywhere else."
"Like the moonshiners?"
He turned to stare at her with wide eyes. "What did Mrs. Johnson tell you about moonshiners?"
"She said all the men were moonshiners. Are they?"
Uncle Charles threw back his head and laughed as if he'd just heard the funniest joke of his life. After a few seconds he shook his head. "Nothing could be further from the truth. There may be a few who give the Cove people a bad reputation, but most of the men work too hard to waste their time on such nonsense." He reached over and patted her hand. "I wouldn't leave you in a place where you weren't safe. Mrs. Johnson may run a good inn, but she's the worst gossip in these mountains."
Anna heaved a sigh of relief. "I guess I'm just a little nervous. I want everybody to like me."
"They will. Just be yourself and they'll all love you."
Uncle Charles meant well, but doubt still lingered in her mind. Would the people of the Cove accept a stranger into their small community? And if they didn't, what good could she possibly do in this place?
She had to succeed. Her future depended on it. She squared her shoulders. There was no turning back.
As the day wore on, they found themselves deeper in the hills. As they did, a slow awakening began to dawn in the deepest corner of her soul. She'd never seen anything as beautiful as the lush growth that covered the vast mountain range. The air now grew cooler, just as she'd expected it to be, and the sweet smell of mountain laurel mingled with the rhododendrons. As her uncle's horse, Toby, plodded along the rocky trail that grew steeper with each step, she saw the world through new eyes and stared in awe at the wonders of nature unfolding before her.
For the last hour she'd sat silent and watched the shallow river that flowed beside the road. The water bubbled over rocks like huge stepping-stones scattered across its bed, and the rippling sound had a lulling effect. She wished they could stop so she could pull off her shoes and wade in the cold mountain stream, but there was no time for such fun today. She turned her attention back to the steep hillside on the other side of the road.
"It's beautiful here."
Uncle Charles glanced at her. "We're just about to Wear's Valley. When we get there, we'll be close to Cades Cove."
Anna wondered if Uncle Charles was tired of her questions about the Cove. She hoped not. She settled in her seat and said, "Tell me more about Cades Cove, Uncle Charles."
He pushed his hat back on his head and stared straight ahead. "Well, if you've noticed, we've been following that stream as the road's climbed. Pretty soon now we're gonna reach a place where we turn away from it and head into a flat valley right in the middle of the mountains. That's Cades Cove. It's almost like God just took His giant hand and tucked a little piece of heaven right down in the Smokies. The land's fertile--not so many rocks you can't farm--and completely surrounded by mountains. You're gonna love it when you see it, Anna."
"How many people live there?"
He pursed his lips and squinted into the distance. "I'd say there are about two hundred fifty scattered throughout the Cove nowadays. Some left for town life--better work there, you know--but they'll never find a place that's as beautiful as these mountains."
"How far is it from Mrs. Lawson's house to where you live?"
He thought for a moment. "It's not that far as the crow flies, but it takes me almost three hours going around these roads."
A lump formed in her throat. Now that they were closer, she didn't want him to leave. She scooted a little closer to him on the bench of the buggy. "Will you stay at Mrs. Lawson's tonight?"
He shook his head. "No, I'll have enough daylight left to get home. But don't worry, I'll come to the Cove from time to time to check on you. Granny does a good job of taking care of the folks there, but she knows when it's serious enough to send for me."
Anna clasped her hands in her lap to keep him from seeing them tremble. The time had come to begin the test. She couldn't fail. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. She dredged up all the determination she could muster. No, she wouldn't fail.
"How long before we get there, Uncle Charles?"
"Not much longer. The entrance is up ahead."
~~~
June 26, 2021
Anna comes to Cade's Cove to work with Granny, the area's well known midwife, before going to New York to study nursing. While there, she meets the local pastor, and a friendship is made. They fall in love, but she is so sure she is meant to go to New York, she is convinced she must go.But then, her uncle convinces her to pray about what God's will is, and that is exactly what she does. Great clean story I enjoyed!
August 3, 2012
Anna Prentice has her life planned out, and is sure that those are God's plans too.
She has always wanted to be a nurse, and has been accepted into nursing school in Bellevue, New York. Her brother, Robert, sees this as a potential drain on the family's resources and is reluctant to let her go even though their father had approved. But he has died, and Robert is now head of the family and gets to make those decisions. Fortunately for Anna, Uncle Charles comes to her rescue with an opportunity to spend the summer working with Granny Lawson, the midwife in the remote Smoky Mountains settlement of Cades Cove. Robert has agreed that Anna can attend school if Mrs Lawson gives her a good report.
At Cades Cove, she meets Brother Simon Martin, a young man who grew up in the Cove and who is now the community minister, despite his own early dreams of being a pastor in a large city church and leading hundreds of people to Jesus. Simon is challenged by the instant attraction he feels towards Anna, and the attraction is mutual. But Anna and Simon will have to reconcile her desire to move to New York for nursing school with his place preaching in the Cove.
The beginning of Angel of the Cove is reminiscent of the plot of Christy, Catherine Marshall's famous novel that lends its name to the Christy awards for Christian fiction. It has the young woman going alone to work with the people of the Great Smoky Mountains, the older mentor and the handsome young minister, although it is missing the enigmatic doctor (in this case, the doctor is Anna's uncle, and there is no ‘other man’ to choose between).
Anna is a bit too good to be true. There is a suggestion at the beginning of the book that she is too concerned with her own plans, but apart from that, she is perfect. The children love her, and even the ones with a reputation for mischief like and obey her.
If only it were that easy! We never get told exactly how old Anna is, although I would guess late teens based on the fact that she is soon going to nursing school. Nor do we get told how old Simon is (beyond the fact that he has completed three years of college), nor do we ever find out exactly when the story is set (my guess is mid-1870’s, but it could be anywhere from 1873 to 1910). While these details are not vital, they do help the reader to understand the background to the story.
We might not know Anna’s physical age, but we get plenty of examples of her immaturity. Simon isn't much better. Although it is obvious that he has fallen for Anna, I never really understood why, beyond the immediate attraction of her pretty face and nice clothes. I would have hoped that the hero in a Christian novel was not so shallow, especially when he is a preacher.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad book. It just wasn’t that good. The opening didn’t capture my interest, I didn’t find the primary characters engaging, it took a long time to get going, the courtship was too fast and the ending was predictable, rushed and not quite believable.
Thanks to Harvest House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
She has always wanted to be a nurse, and has been accepted into nursing school in Bellevue, New York. Her brother, Robert, sees this as a potential drain on the family's resources and is reluctant to let her go even though their father had approved. But he has died, and Robert is now head of the family and gets to make those decisions. Fortunately for Anna, Uncle Charles comes to her rescue with an opportunity to spend the summer working with Granny Lawson, the midwife in the remote Smoky Mountains settlement of Cades Cove. Robert has agreed that Anna can attend school if Mrs Lawson gives her a good report.
At Cades Cove, she meets Brother Simon Martin, a young man who grew up in the Cove and who is now the community minister, despite his own early dreams of being a pastor in a large city church and leading hundreds of people to Jesus. Simon is challenged by the instant attraction he feels towards Anna, and the attraction is mutual. But Anna and Simon will have to reconcile her desire to move to New York for nursing school with his place preaching in the Cove.
The beginning of Angel of the Cove is reminiscent of the plot of Christy, Catherine Marshall's famous novel that lends its name to the Christy awards for Christian fiction. It has the young woman going alone to work with the people of the Great Smoky Mountains, the older mentor and the handsome young minister, although it is missing the enigmatic doctor (in this case, the doctor is Anna's uncle, and there is no ‘other man’ to choose between).
Anna is a bit too good to be true. There is a suggestion at the beginning of the book that she is too concerned with her own plans, but apart from that, she is perfect. The children love her, and even the ones with a reputation for mischief like and obey her.
If only it were that easy! We never get told exactly how old Anna is, although I would guess late teens based on the fact that she is soon going to nursing school. Nor do we get told how old Simon is (beyond the fact that he has completed three years of college), nor do we ever find out exactly when the story is set (my guess is mid-1870’s, but it could be anywhere from 1873 to 1910). While these details are not vital, they do help the reader to understand the background to the story.
We might not know Anna’s physical age, but we get plenty of examples of her immaturity. Simon isn't much better. Although it is obvious that he has fallen for Anna, I never really understood why, beyond the immediate attraction of her pretty face and nice clothes. I would have hoped that the hero in a Christian novel was not so shallow, especially when he is a preacher.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad book. It just wasn’t that good. The opening didn’t capture my interest, I didn’t find the primary characters engaging, it took a long time to get going, the courtship was too fast and the ending was predictable, rushed and not quite believable.
Thanks to Harvest House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
August 4, 2012
3.5 Stars
Anna has had one dream since she was a little girl and that was to be a nurse. The only thing standing in her way is her brother who took over as head of the family when her father died. He will allow her to go to nursing school only if she spends the summer in a small Smoky Mountain community called Cades Cove working with the local midwife. At first she feels like an outsider but slowly with the help of Granny(the midwife) and the cute preacher Simon she comes to love the Cove.
From the minute Simon laid eyes on Anna he knew she was someone special and maybe the one person he could love. Anna feels it too but is determined to prove to her brother that she is ready to be a nurse and does not want to let love get in the way of her dreams. Will she be able to listen to God to find out where he really wants her?
This was a sweet book set in the beautiful back drop of the Smoky Mountains.
What I liked: I really enjoyed the characters. Granny and Simon along with all the Cove people made me not want to leave their home. I also really liked the storyline of following Gods will for our lives and how its important to give our lives to him so we can know his plan.
What I did not like: This book was slow going at first and even a little boring at times. The plot just could have used a little more meat to make this book great.
Over all this was a good book and the ending was predictable but well written. I just felt the middle of the book could have used a little more excitement. I am looking forward to coming back to the Cove with the future books of this series.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
Anna has had one dream since she was a little girl and that was to be a nurse. The only thing standing in her way is her brother who took over as head of the family when her father died. He will allow her to go to nursing school only if she spends the summer in a small Smoky Mountain community called Cades Cove working with the local midwife. At first she feels like an outsider but slowly with the help of Granny(the midwife) and the cute preacher Simon she comes to love the Cove.
From the minute Simon laid eyes on Anna he knew she was someone special and maybe the one person he could love. Anna feels it too but is determined to prove to her brother that she is ready to be a nurse and does not want to let love get in the way of her dreams. Will she be able to listen to God to find out where he really wants her?
This was a sweet book set in the beautiful back drop of the Smoky Mountains.
What I liked: I really enjoyed the characters. Granny and Simon along with all the Cove people made me not want to leave their home. I also really liked the storyline of following Gods will for our lives and how its important to give our lives to him so we can know his plan.
What I did not like: This book was slow going at first and even a little boring at times. The plot just could have used a little more meat to make this book great.
Over all this was a good book and the ending was predictable but well written. I just felt the middle of the book could have used a little more excitement. I am looking forward to coming back to the Cove with the future books of this series.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
August 17, 2012
I was anxious to read Angel of the Cove because I am a historical fiction buff, especially interested in midwifery and the1800's. While the book was good, I continually found myself distracted by the eerie similarities between this book and "Christy". Having owned the dvd series of Christy and watching it MANY times, it seemed like every chapter I read, I found myself making comparisons between the stories.
The main character Anna, is very similar to Christy Huddleston, as they are both young single women, working in "the cove" in Tennessee, near the Smoky Mountains. Granny Lawson reminded me of Alice Henderson as they were both older women, taking a young, single woman under their wings and showing them how to adapt to life in the cove.
Granny like Alice, offers wisdom and guidance as Anna struggles to understand the stand-offish nature of the people of the cove.
Simon Martin, the young preacher in this story had similar traits of David, the young pastor in Cutter Gap. I just could NOT stop making comparisons, and enjoy this book for what it was. Being such a fan of Catherine Marshall's book and the dvd series, this book paled in comparison and I just couldn't get away from comparing the two.
The main character Anna, is very similar to Christy Huddleston, as they are both young single women, working in "the cove" in Tennessee, near the Smoky Mountains. Granny Lawson reminded me of Alice Henderson as they were both older women, taking a young, single woman under their wings and showing them how to adapt to life in the cove.
Granny like Alice, offers wisdom and guidance as Anna struggles to understand the stand-offish nature of the people of the cove.
Simon Martin, the young preacher in this story had similar traits of David, the young pastor in Cutter Gap. I just could NOT stop making comparisons, and enjoy this book for what it was. Being such a fan of Catherine Marshall's book and the dvd series, this book paled in comparison and I just couldn't get away from comparing the two.
March 23, 2014
This is the first of three books set in Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains . It follows the story of Anna Prentiss who comes to the mountains in the early 1900s to apprentice to the older midwife in the Cades Cove valley. This was in the time period where it took days to get back into the cove, and life was harsh in relation to our modern times … but the people living in Robbins' story were warm, hardworking, and full of character. I loved how Anna struggled to redefine her goals … and Robbins made all the characters come to warm life. As one who lives near the Smokies and has studied a a lot about its history … I can confirm the accuracy of Robbins' book … and, more so, tell you that you will quickly be wrapped up in the charm of this mountain tale. … Amazon writes: "In the first book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, acclaimed author Sandra Robbins weaves a tale of love, loss, and God's faithfulness in every circumstance." … That is a good quick description … and I really liked this book.
January 25, 2018
As someone who's very familiar with Cades Cove and the history there, I was excited to read this book. The story was tender, touching and heartwarming, but also very predictable and had many comparisons to Catherine Marshall's Christy. From the first few chapters, I already knew how the story would end. There were no surprises in my opinion and no true struggle, for the struggles that were mentioned seemed to be resolved within a chapter...The main character, Anna, had moments where I felt she was a little on the immature side, but since her age isn't mentioned in the book, I'm assuming she was still in her teens. About 1/3 of the way through, I started losing interest but kept on reading in hopes the story would become deeper. Unfortunately it didn't and it looks me weeks to finish the book. The only reason I did was because I don't like to leave things unfinished.
On the up side, I believe the author portrayed life in the mountains at that time very well, especially if you don't mind reading Appalachian dialect (I struggled a bit with that personally however). If you're looking for a feel-good story, this is one for you!
On the up side, I believe the author portrayed life in the mountains at that time very well, especially if you don't mind reading Appalachian dialect (I struggled a bit with that personally however). If you're looking for a feel-good story, this is one for you!
June 14, 2013
My Favorite Scene:
He motioned for Anna. "Follow me."
They walked a short distance up the creek bank until they came to a spot where the limestone formations branched out into the water. The trail climbed at this point across the rocks, and Anna viewed the path with uncertainty.
Simon reached his hand out toward Anna. "Come on. There's a great view of the creek from up here."
Anna hesitated. "It's too steep. I don't think I can make it."
He continued to hold his hand out to her. "I'll pull you up, but be careful. The moss on the rocks makes it slippery.
She grabbed his hand, and he gripped her fingers. With careful steps he guided her to the top of the outcropping until they stood looking down to the water eight feet below. He released her as she looked around, her eyes wide.
"It feels like we're alone in the world, doesn't it?"
He stared at her, unable to make himself look away. "I wanted to bring you here to see this, Anna." She tilted her head and looked into his eyes. He swallowed. "I told you about my parents the day you were at John and Martha's, how my grandfather didn't want my mother to stay in the Cove. She wanted to stay, but she hated to defy her father. My father brought her here to see Abram's Creek. He thought if she fell in love with the beauty of the cove, she'd never leave him.
Anna let her gaze drift over the rocks and the tumbling water below them. "It worked because you and John are still here."
"Yes, we're still here."
She turned to him. "Thank you for bringing me to a place so special to your parents. I think this is my favorite place in the Cove too. I'll never forget it."
He'd failed again. He thought maybe the magic that Abram's Creek had worked on his mother would also work on Anna, but it hadn't. His chest tightened at the thought the he would probably never be here with her again. He had nothing left to convince her to stay.
"We'd better go," He said.
She nodded and turned to leave. Without warning her foot slipped on the wet rock and she lurched forward. He grabbed her and jerked her back before she toppled over the edge to the creek below.
He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her shaking body. His heart pounded in his chest and he tighted the embrace. Her cheek lay next to his mouth, and he whispered in her ear. "You scared me."
Her shaking arms went up to encircle his neck. "Thank you, Simon. I would have gone over if you hadn't caught me."
He pulled back from her and gazed down into her face. She returned his stare with unblinking eyes. Suddenly he didn't care if she was leaving or not. This was the woman he loved, and he wanted her to return his love.
"Anna, I've tried to just be your friend, but I don't think I can."
Her lips trembled. "Simon..."
He tightened his arms around her. "Anna, you belong here in Cades Cove with me. I can't believe God brought you hear without there being a purpose in it."
Tears stood in her eyes. "Simon..."
He clenched his teeth. "You don't want to go to New York, and you know it. You're commited to something you decided when you were a child. Well, you're a woman now. You can make your own decisions, Anna."
She closed her eyes and a tear trickled out of the side. Then she took a deep breath and stared up at him. Her arms tightened around his neck.
His eyes went to her mouth, and his lips descended toward hers. She lifted her head, welcoming his kiss.
Meet The Characters:
Anna Prentiss: A dreamer since childhood, Anna has always wanted to become a nurse. Her determination to make it happen is obvious to everyone around her. She is a strong woman and takes on every challenge that comes her way. As tough as life is in the Cove, Anna proves she is tougher. A woman of faith, Anna only needs to learn to hear God and let him guide her in His plan for her instead of trying to make her own way.
Simon Martin: Even though Simon is a man of strong faith he struggles with self doubts. He questions God about His plan for the life he seems to be called to live, even though his dreams are leading him in another direction. Simon is loyal, trustworthy and always there for the community of Cades Cove.
Granny: The local midwife of Cades Cove, Granny is held in very high esteem by the members of the community. Her skills as a midwife is well known and her talent for teaching is respected by Anna. Granny is struggling with secrets of her own and relies on God to provide whatever she may need to survive daily life in the Cove.
My Thoughts:
This is a story I really looked forward to reading because it is set in the Great Smokey Mountains, practically my favorite place in the world. I fell in love with them when I was a child and that love has only grown since that time. I remember the ramshackle cabins dotting the beautiful hillsides that never seemed to end. Sandra Robbins captured that perfectly in Angel Of The Cove. The detail she used to describe the birthing process in the 1800's was very informative. I learned alot about midwifery that I never knew and it gave me a new respect for both the midwife and the mother.
The love story between Anna and Simon was beautiful but, often times, repetitive. They would draw close and then Anna would push them apart. I wanted to shout at her to "Give in already!" but, of course, I couldn't. The one thing that slowed down my reading time was the "slang of the cove". There was such a pronounced accent in the writing style that I found myself picking my way through sentences slowly. This may not bother some but it was a tiny snag in things for me. Other than that, I found the story to be enjoyable. I will be reading the other books in this series later on so that says something for the quality of the book. I did like this book and, if you want a good story for some summer reading, I recommend it.
He motioned for Anna. "Follow me."
They walked a short distance up the creek bank until they came to a spot where the limestone formations branched out into the water. The trail climbed at this point across the rocks, and Anna viewed the path with uncertainty.
Simon reached his hand out toward Anna. "Come on. There's a great view of the creek from up here."
Anna hesitated. "It's too steep. I don't think I can make it."
He continued to hold his hand out to her. "I'll pull you up, but be careful. The moss on the rocks makes it slippery.
She grabbed his hand, and he gripped her fingers. With careful steps he guided her to the top of the outcropping until they stood looking down to the water eight feet below. He released her as she looked around, her eyes wide.
"It feels like we're alone in the world, doesn't it?"
He stared at her, unable to make himself look away. "I wanted to bring you here to see this, Anna." She tilted her head and looked into his eyes. He swallowed. "I told you about my parents the day you were at John and Martha's, how my grandfather didn't want my mother to stay in the Cove. She wanted to stay, but she hated to defy her father. My father brought her here to see Abram's Creek. He thought if she fell in love with the beauty of the cove, she'd never leave him.
Anna let her gaze drift over the rocks and the tumbling water below them. "It worked because you and John are still here."
"Yes, we're still here."
She turned to him. "Thank you for bringing me to a place so special to your parents. I think this is my favorite place in the Cove too. I'll never forget it."
He'd failed again. He thought maybe the magic that Abram's Creek had worked on his mother would also work on Anna, but it hadn't. His chest tightened at the thought the he would probably never be here with her again. He had nothing left to convince her to stay.
"We'd better go," He said.
She nodded and turned to leave. Without warning her foot slipped on the wet rock and she lurched forward. He grabbed her and jerked her back before she toppled over the edge to the creek below.
He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her shaking body. His heart pounded in his chest and he tighted the embrace. Her cheek lay next to his mouth, and he whispered in her ear. "You scared me."
Her shaking arms went up to encircle his neck. "Thank you, Simon. I would have gone over if you hadn't caught me."
He pulled back from her and gazed down into her face. She returned his stare with unblinking eyes. Suddenly he didn't care if she was leaving or not. This was the woman he loved, and he wanted her to return his love.
"Anna, I've tried to just be your friend, but I don't think I can."
Her lips trembled. "Simon..."
He tightened his arms around her. "Anna, you belong here in Cades Cove with me. I can't believe God brought you hear without there being a purpose in it."
Tears stood in her eyes. "Simon..."
He clenched his teeth. "You don't want to go to New York, and you know it. You're commited to something you decided when you were a child. Well, you're a woman now. You can make your own decisions, Anna."
She closed her eyes and a tear trickled out of the side. Then she took a deep breath and stared up at him. Her arms tightened around his neck.
His eyes went to her mouth, and his lips descended toward hers. She lifted her head, welcoming his kiss.
Meet The Characters:
Anna Prentiss: A dreamer since childhood, Anna has always wanted to become a nurse. Her determination to make it happen is obvious to everyone around her. She is a strong woman and takes on every challenge that comes her way. As tough as life is in the Cove, Anna proves she is tougher. A woman of faith, Anna only needs to learn to hear God and let him guide her in His plan for her instead of trying to make her own way.
Simon Martin: Even though Simon is a man of strong faith he struggles with self doubts. He questions God about His plan for the life he seems to be called to live, even though his dreams are leading him in another direction. Simon is loyal, trustworthy and always there for the community of Cades Cove.
Granny: The local midwife of Cades Cove, Granny is held in very high esteem by the members of the community. Her skills as a midwife is well known and her talent for teaching is respected by Anna. Granny is struggling with secrets of her own and relies on God to provide whatever she may need to survive daily life in the Cove.
My Thoughts:
This is a story I really looked forward to reading because it is set in the Great Smokey Mountains, practically my favorite place in the world. I fell in love with them when I was a child and that love has only grown since that time. I remember the ramshackle cabins dotting the beautiful hillsides that never seemed to end. Sandra Robbins captured that perfectly in Angel Of The Cove. The detail she used to describe the birthing process in the 1800's was very informative. I learned alot about midwifery that I never knew and it gave me a new respect for both the midwife and the mother.
The love story between Anna and Simon was beautiful but, often times, repetitive. They would draw close and then Anna would push them apart. I wanted to shout at her to "Give in already!" but, of course, I couldn't. The one thing that slowed down my reading time was the "slang of the cove". There was such a pronounced accent in the writing style that I found myself picking my way through sentences slowly. This may not bother some but it was a tiny snag in things for me. Other than that, I found the story to be enjoyable. I will be reading the other books in this series later on so that says something for the quality of the book. I did like this book and, if you want a good story for some summer reading, I recommend it.
June 14, 2025
It's 1894 and Anna Prentiss is determined to fulfill a dream she has had for as long as she can remember-study nursing at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. But first she must prove to her brother that she has the mettle to become a nurse. She spends the summer in Cades Cove learning midwifery under the experienced midwife known as Granny. I enjoyed this book for so many reasons. There are several midwife experiences in the book. Sandra Robbins did a fantastic job portraying the midwife profession. Very well done! I fell in love with the community of hardscrabble mountain folks. I thought the characters of Simon and Anna were very human and well developed. I've never been to Cades Cove and now I want to go!
December 29, 2021
Great story wrapped in history
Since Cades Cove is one of my favorite places, I scooped this book up as soon as I found it. The author has magnificently wrapped a beautiful story of its people in the rich history and culture of one of the most beautiful places I've visited. She paints a picture of a once established village whose inhabitants were strong and independent, yet relied on each other and supported each other through what was often a harsh life, in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Anna and Simon's story is the first in a series, and I can't wait to read the rest. I have a feeling this one will land on my read again list.
Since Cades Cove is one of my favorite places, I scooped this book up as soon as I found it. The author has magnificently wrapped a beautiful story of its people in the rich history and culture of one of the most beautiful places I've visited. She paints a picture of a once established village whose inhabitants were strong and independent, yet relied on each other and supported each other through what was often a harsh life, in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Anna and Simon's story is the first in a series, and I can't wait to read the rest. I have a feeling this one will land on my read again list.
November 29, 2017
Anna the dream of being a nurse, was all she had thought of since a child. With out financial help, she had to prove to her brother it wouldn't be a waste. To the mountains she goes for the summer to help Granny the midwife and to learn more than just being a nurse. The open beauty of the land and one preacher man, Simon, seem to call her in a way she never knew. A beautiful story of a young girl maturing and letting God direct her to where she belonged and was needed.
August 5, 2018
This one is likely meant to hearken back to Marshall's Christy, which I've wanted to reread for a while. The story itself was okay, and the message (God's plans aren't always our plans; we need to follow his will.) was a good one. I felt like a lot of the conversations, however, were rather stilted, and much of the story was simply intended to hammer home the moralistic point.
January 23, 2018
Tears of Happiness
I chose the high score for this book because I cried tears of sadness and happiness I laughed out loud . I love everything about this book. This is a good Christian book I'd recommend it to anyone that lives good Christian romance.
I chose the high score for this book because I cried tears of sadness and happiness I laughed out loud . I love everything about this book. This is a good Christian book I'd recommend it to anyone that lives good Christian romance.
April 19, 2020
Great book! I chose to read this seroes because the Smokies is my favorite place on Earth. I thought the author captured it pretty well (I disagree with time of travel between different places mention but the point is minute).
September 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this book!
I thought it was going to be a bit slow but it didn't take long to capture my interest.
I love the Wears Valley TN area which only added to my enjoyment of this book.
Loved the characters and the strong faith that was shown throughout.
Great read!
I thought it was going to be a bit slow but it didn't take long to capture my interest.
I love the Wears Valley TN area which only added to my enjoyment of this book.
Loved the characters and the strong faith that was shown throughout.
Great read!
September 30, 2020
Another book that I read to Diana. We can't do much anymore after her stroke, so I read to her to spend time together. Diana has always loved to have someone to read to her - and I like to do just that
May 27, 2018
Touching & captivating
A beautiful story of God's sovereignty and how He reveals the plans He has for our lives. Inspiring, loving, moving.
A beautiful story of God's sovereignty and how He reveals the plans He has for our lives. Inspiring, loving, moving.
April 22, 2020
loved this book about a girl that wanted to be a nurse all her life but found her calling and her love in hills
October 31, 2023
God's plan
Great read. The love story was very good. I love Cade cove we go there every year. It is a geart place to visit.
Great read. The love story was very good. I love Cade cove we go there every year. It is a geart place to visit.
May 28, 2017
I really liked this book. Can't wait for the next one!
May 27, 2013
As a child my parents took us on a vacation to Tennessee. One of the things we got to do was go on a driving tour of Cades Cove. You drive around a loop and stop at different houses or trails. It is something that I will always remember. Since this book was about the families of Cades Cove, I knew I had to read it!
The story opens up with Anna, a young woman who wants to go to nursing school in New York and become a nurse in a big city hospital. It's all she can remember. Her father encourages her and even sets aside money for her to go. Her father ends up passing away before she gets the chance to go. Her brother takes over and decides she does not have what it takes to be a nurse. So her Uncle, who is a doctor in the cove, gets her a placement with the cove midwife. Her brother tells her if she goes for the summer and gets a good recommendation, then he will send her off to nursing school. She goes and falls in love with the place, the work, and a man: the preacher. Can she give up a childhood dream for all these news things God is placing in her reach or will she go on to nursing school? You'll have to read the book to find out what she decides.
I really loved all the detail that the author included in this book about the place. She describes the barns in the area and how they were different than most barns. I remembered seeing these when visiting Cades Cove so it was neat to hear these details. I also enjoyed the details about mountain life and the mountain families who had such a hard life. One thing that stands out in my mind is whey Granny, the midwife, teaches Anna to make cough syrup out of the flowers of clovers. I also loved the details of life for a mountain midwife and the joys and struggles of the job.
A lot of reviews I read said they got bored with the book especially in the middle and some could not finish it. I did not find this to be true. I loved the book and it kept me up late in the night to finish. I did however, find it to be a lot like the book,Christy. But this book was about a nurse and not a teacher.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series!
The story opens up with Anna, a young woman who wants to go to nursing school in New York and become a nurse in a big city hospital. It's all she can remember. Her father encourages her and even sets aside money for her to go. Her father ends up passing away before she gets the chance to go. Her brother takes over and decides she does not have what it takes to be a nurse. So her Uncle, who is a doctor in the cove, gets her a placement with the cove midwife. Her brother tells her if she goes for the summer and gets a good recommendation, then he will send her off to nursing school. She goes and falls in love with the place, the work, and a man: the preacher. Can she give up a childhood dream for all these news things God is placing in her reach or will she go on to nursing school? You'll have to read the book to find out what she decides.
I really loved all the detail that the author included in this book about the place. She describes the barns in the area and how they were different than most barns. I remembered seeing these when visiting Cades Cove so it was neat to hear these details. I also enjoyed the details about mountain life and the mountain families who had such a hard life. One thing that stands out in my mind is whey Granny, the midwife, teaches Anna to make cough syrup out of the flowers of clovers. I also loved the details of life for a mountain midwife and the joys and struggles of the job.
A lot of reviews I read said they got bored with the book especially in the middle and some could not finish it. I did not find this to be true. I loved the book and it kept me up late in the night to finish. I did however, find it to be a lot like the book,Christy. But this book was about a nurse and not a teacher.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series!
March 7, 2012
Angel of the cove by Sandra Robbins
The description of what this book is about first struke me as one I had to read. Reminds me of
Mary Ellen of the Waltons and how she wanted to get on her horse and visit all the mountain people
as they had no means to get to town to see a doctor.
Anna is on her way to her a midwifes home, Uncle Charles the country doctor in his buggy are taking her
to the Cove where Granny Lawsom lives.
The descriptions of the flowers along the way sound beautiful.
She's only going to be on the mountain til the fall when nursing school starts. Or if God has another
path for her to follow.
Such a simple life, self sustaining and you trade food with others for the food they have.
Granny knows enough about the plants and how to use them to make medicine.
Ah love the explanation of a honeymoon cabin, barn raisings, like to learn new things with each book I read.
Lot of praying to God, inspiritational moments and bible scriptures.
Simon the preacher has also taking a liking to Anna and hopes she will stay at the cove and not go to NY.
Anna doubted she could do nursing after a wounded man comes to Granny's to get stitched up. She left the area and sneeked back into her bedroom, she just couldn't face them.
The man's son the next day brought a loaf of bread in lieu of payment.
The lessons in herbs and what they could do to make a person feel better was a tremendous help to Anna.
God provided the plants to grown.
Bible stories are told to the children who are in Anna's care after their mother gave birth and the father travel to get the mothers sister to help out.
After birth the baby is wrapped in the fathers shirt, what a legend/tradition, 4th of July pitching silver dollars.
Carefree lifestyle but when work needed to be done there was no whining, everybody pitched in.
When Simon kissed her she sent him away and they rarely now met at others houses.
She's got the healing hands as she breathes life back into a lifeless body, an angel they call her.
The description of what this book is about first struke me as one I had to read. Reminds me of
Mary Ellen of the Waltons and how she wanted to get on her horse and visit all the mountain people
as they had no means to get to town to see a doctor.
Anna is on her way to her a midwifes home, Uncle Charles the country doctor in his buggy are taking her
to the Cove where Granny Lawsom lives.
The descriptions of the flowers along the way sound beautiful.
She's only going to be on the mountain til the fall when nursing school starts. Or if God has another
path for her to follow.
Such a simple life, self sustaining and you trade food with others for the food they have.
Granny knows enough about the plants and how to use them to make medicine.
Ah love the explanation of a honeymoon cabin, barn raisings, like to learn new things with each book I read.
Lot of praying to God, inspiritational moments and bible scriptures.
Simon the preacher has also taking a liking to Anna and hopes she will stay at the cove and not go to NY.
Anna doubted she could do nursing after a wounded man comes to Granny's to get stitched up. She left the area and sneeked back into her bedroom, she just couldn't face them.
The man's son the next day brought a loaf of bread in lieu of payment.
The lessons in herbs and what they could do to make a person feel better was a tremendous help to Anna.
God provided the plants to grown.
Bible stories are told to the children who are in Anna's care after their mother gave birth and the father travel to get the mothers sister to help out.
After birth the baby is wrapped in the fathers shirt, what a legend/tradition, 4th of July pitching silver dollars.
Carefree lifestyle but when work needed to be done there was no whining, everybody pitched in.
When Simon kissed her she sent him away and they rarely now met at others houses.
She's got the healing hands as she breathes life back into a lifeless body, an angel they call her.
April 30, 2012
In the first book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, acclaimed author Sandra Robbins weaves a tale of love, loss, and God’s faithfulness in every circumstance.
Anna Prentiss has never wanted to be anything but a nurse. Before she can start school in New York, however, her brother sends her to Cades Cove, deep in the Smoky Mountains, to spend a summer apprenticing to the local midwife. Anna is determined to prove herself and then head to the big city.
But nothing could have prepared Anna for the beauty of the Cove, or the community and friendships she finds there. And she certainly wasn’t prepared for Simon Martin, the handsome young minister, or the feelings he arouses in her. Has God’s plan for Anna changed? Or is she just starting to hear Him clearly?
Alright, now here's my honest part of my review. I didn't finish this book. Ouch. The story line grabbed me and I was really excited to dive in but I quickly got bogged down in mediocre writing that seemed rather amateur. The premise was good but the delivery was poor. At about 30% of the way through I quit. I might go back someday and try again but I don't have high hopes. Robbins is apparently an acclaimed author and yet this is the first I have read by her. I'm not sure I'll be looking for more by her. There's my honesty for you. Here's hoping Robbins will grow and mature in her writing ability over time.
Thanks to netgalley and Harvest House Publishers for providing me with a free digital copy of this book for my honest review.
Anna Prentiss has never wanted to be anything but a nurse. Before she can start school in New York, however, her brother sends her to Cades Cove, deep in the Smoky Mountains, to spend a summer apprenticing to the local midwife. Anna is determined to prove herself and then head to the big city.
But nothing could have prepared Anna for the beauty of the Cove, or the community and friendships she finds there. And she certainly wasn’t prepared for Simon Martin, the handsome young minister, or the feelings he arouses in her. Has God’s plan for Anna changed? Or is she just starting to hear Him clearly?
Alright, now here's my honest part of my review. I didn't finish this book. Ouch. The story line grabbed me and I was really excited to dive in but I quickly got bogged down in mediocre writing that seemed rather amateur. The premise was good but the delivery was poor. At about 30% of the way through I quit. I might go back someday and try again but I don't have high hopes. Robbins is apparently an acclaimed author and yet this is the first I have read by her. I'm not sure I'll be looking for more by her. There's my honesty for you. Here's hoping Robbins will grow and mature in her writing ability over time.
Thanks to netgalley and Harvest House Publishers for providing me with a free digital copy of this book for my honest review.
August 16, 2012
We begin this book with Anna Prentiss and her Uncle Charley heading into the Smokey Mountains to the Community of Cades Cove, TN. Nothing has prepared Anna for the beauty she is experiencing...she is heading her to fulfill her reluctant commitment to her brother. Since her Dad has passed her brother Robert is in charge of the families finances.
Anna has been accepted into the new Nursing Program at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. In order for her to be able to attend she must get a good report to her brother from Granny...Mrs Lawson.
The description of the area sounds so wonderful and made me think of where the Walton's lived! When she arrives Granny and the Preacher Simon are at the house to greet her. She is so afraid she is going to fail. You will fall in love with these Mountain people! They are reserved and leery of strangers, but soon warm up to Anna. I really enjoyed how she interacted with these people, and came to understand their ways.
You find God's Hand on these delightful people, and you find Anna trying to do her own will, and not God's. She has been so blessed with Healing Hands, and I adored her interaction with the children. You will wonder to the end how things are going to turn out...and I mean to the very last pages of this great book.
Don't miss this sweet book to get lost into!
I received this book from First Wildcard Blog Tours and the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Anna has been accepted into the new Nursing Program at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. In order for her to be able to attend she must get a good report to her brother from Granny...Mrs Lawson.
The description of the area sounds so wonderful and made me think of where the Walton's lived! When she arrives Granny and the Preacher Simon are at the house to greet her. She is so afraid she is going to fail. You will fall in love with these Mountain people! They are reserved and leery of strangers, but soon warm up to Anna. I really enjoyed how she interacted with these people, and came to understand their ways.
You find God's Hand on these delightful people, and you find Anna trying to do her own will, and not God's. She has been so blessed with Healing Hands, and I adored her interaction with the children. You will wonder to the end how things are going to turn out...and I mean to the very last pages of this great book.
Don't miss this sweet book to get lost into!
I received this book from First Wildcard Blog Tours and the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 17, 2012
A sweet mountain romance.
This was a sweet relaxing read. I enjoyed the author's gentle style of writing, which was perfect for such a sweet tale.
My favorite character was Simon, because I thought that he was very well written, from the very first time he popped onto the scene I felt that I understood him.
I admired Anna's determination to prove herself to her brother, especially since she chose a remote mountain community to do it!
I thought that this story had a great message about trusting your future to God--something that we all know is hard to do!
Overall, this was a book with many characters and a nice community feel to it. There were times when I felt that the book moved a bit slow for my taste, but I thought that it was very well written. I liked the way that Simon and Anna's relationship moved along, and a loved how looks weren't the only thing that made the first impression :) I book that is great for lovers of sweet romance, who like a few things to think about :)
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
This was a sweet relaxing read. I enjoyed the author's gentle style of writing, which was perfect for such a sweet tale.
My favorite character was Simon, because I thought that he was very well written, from the very first time he popped onto the scene I felt that I understood him.
I admired Anna's determination to prove herself to her brother, especially since she chose a remote mountain community to do it!
I thought that this story had a great message about trusting your future to God--something that we all know is hard to do!
Overall, this was a book with many characters and a nice community feel to it. There were times when I felt that the book moved a bit slow for my taste, but I thought that it was very well written. I liked the way that Simon and Anna's relationship moved along, and a loved how looks weren't the only thing that made the first impression :) I book that is great for lovers of sweet romance, who like a few things to think about :)
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
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January 22, 2013Anna's headed for nurse's training at Bellevue in New York City. Before she leaves, her brother insists she spend the summer apprenticed to a midwife in the Smoky Mountains. She doesn't plan on falling in love with the people, the place, or the preacher.
I've been thinking a lot about dreams and following God, so Angel in the Cove touched on an important issue for me. I also enjoyed the medical information. Too often the remedies of folk healers and midwives were dismissed by those with formal medical education, so it was good to see Granny Lawson working with the local physician. And summer in the Smokies is a welcome respite from winter in Nebraska!
I've been thinking a lot about dreams and following God, so Angel in the Cove touched on an important issue for me. I also enjoyed the medical information. Too often the remedies of folk healers and midwives were dismissed by those with formal medical education, so it was good to see Granny Lawson working with the local physician. And summer in the Smokies is a welcome respite from winter in Nebraska!
June 14, 2013
Angel of the Cove is a great reminder of how people lived in those days in the mountains. I felt a connection with the characters. I even found myself tear up a few times. I really enjoyed Angel of the Cove. Actually, I enjoyed it so much, I ordered the second book in the series. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2013
Though this book is much like the beloved book "Christy" by Catherine Marshall. There are still things that set this book apart.
I look forward to reading the second and third book in this series as well as reading this one again sometime. Because it was an enjoyable read.
I look forward to reading the second and third book in this series as well as reading this one again sometime. Because it was an enjoyable read.
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