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What the Mountains Remember: A Novel
At this wondrous resort, secrets can easily be hidden in plain sight when the eye is trained on beauty. April 1913 —Belle Newbold hasn’t seen mountains for seven years—since her father died in a mining accident and her mother married Indiana gas magnate, Shipley Newbold. But when her stepfather’s friend, Henry Ford, invites the family on one of his famous Vagabonds camping tours, she is forced to face the hills once again—primarily in order to reunite with her future fiancé, owner of the land the Vagabonds are using for their campsite, a man she’s only met once before. It is a veritable arranged marriage, but she prefers it that way. Belle isn’t interested in love. She only wants a simple life—a family of her own and the stability of a wealthy man’s pockets. That’s what Worth Delafield has promised to give her and it’s worth facing the mountains again, the reminder of the past, and her poverty, to secure her future. But when the Vagabonds group is invited to tour the unfinished Grove Park Inn and Belle is unexpectedly thrust into a role researching and writing about the building of the inn—a construction the locals are calling The Eighth Wonder of the World—she quickly realizes that these mountains are no different from the ones she once called home. As Belle peels back the facade of Grove Park Inn, of Worth, of the society she’s come to claim as her own, and the truth of her heart, she begins to see that perhaps her part in Grove Park’s story isn’t a coincidence after all. Perhaps it is only by watching a wonder rise from ordinary hands and mountain stone that she can finally find the strength to piece together the long-destroyed path toward who she was meant to be. International bestselling author Joy Callaway returns with a story of the ordinary people behind extraordinary beauty—and the question of who gets to tell their stories.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2024
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April 29, 2024
What the Mountains Remember was the second book that I had the pleasure of reading by author, Joy Callaway. I was initially drawn to the beautiful cover and still am. Joy Callaway has a way of drawing her readers in with her eloquent prose and vivid descriptions of the local scenery which in this case was the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina. What the Mountains Remember explored the time period of the early 1900’s when Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and John Burroughs made their marks on history. It was during this time period that the exquisite Grove Park Inn was being constructed bringing with it the hopes of making Asheville a tourist destination that would be sought out by all. Joy Callaway’s research for this book was impeccable and quite impressive. I listened to the audiobook of What the Mountains Remember that was well narrated by Brittany Pressley.
Belle Newbold and her fairly newly married mother were harboring a secret that they desperately wanted to hide from their new family, friends and acquaintances. As a young girl, Belle, had grown up in the mountains of West Virginia where her father was tragically killed in a coal mining accident. When Belle’s mother met Shipley Newbold, her whole life changed. All she had to do was to bury her and Belle’s past and conceal how truly poor they had been. Being married to Shipley Newbold, the gasoline magnate, opened doors for Belle and her mother neither could have imagined. It had been seven whole years since her biological father had died but Belle still grieved for him inwardly.
In 1913, Henry Ford, a good friend of Belle’s stepfather, Shipley Newbold, invited them to one of his traditional Vagabonds camping tours. Belle was at the right age to marry so her stepfather arranged for a potential suitor, Worth Delafield, to be included on the guest list. Worth and Belle had met briefly once before. He was the owner of the land where the Vagabond campsite was located. Worth was in the business of buying and selling land. Not only was he quite wealthy but he was also very handsome.
The construction of the Grove Park Inn was the highlight of Belle’s and everyone’s trip. Belle was pleasantly surprised to experience such beauty and grandeur. She was in awe of the views that the Inn boasted and the high quality of the materials that were being used to build it. When it was suggested that a newspaper piece be written about the Grove Park Inn, Worth Delafield suggested that Belle be the person to write it. After some hesitation, Belle gladly accepted the challenge. She decided that she would interview the people that were actually building the Inn to understand what was really required to capture the essence of this huge undertaking. Belle was able to learn so much about the workers, their skills, the dangers they faced and the challenges of sticking to a strict timeline to complete it. Writing had always been a personal passion for Belle but she never pursued it until this opportunity was presented.
Worth insisted on accompanying Belle to the Inn as she conducted her interviews and gathered the information she sought. Both discovered that it was easy to talk to each other. It was comfortable and felt right. Both Belle and Worth admitted to wanting to marry and have children but neither wanted love to enter into the equation. Belle and Worth were both harboring secrets. They had both been hurt very badly and because of those hurt feelings they wanted to avoid love at all costs. Would Belle and Worth confess their secrets to each other? Would they marry? Would they allow feelings of love to surface?
What the Mountains Remember was another impressive book by Joy Callaway. Like I mentioned, her research for this book was impeccable. I enjoyed most of the characters in this book but my favorite characters were Belle and Worth. Joy Callaway masterfully told the story of the building of the Grove Park Inn and portrayed how tuberculosis impacted the lives of so many during that time without care of race or economic status. It was interesting to learn how many sanatoriums were built in Asheville to accommodate the infected. I appreciated learning about the granite that was mined right in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains for the construction of the Grove Park Inn. It was so interesting to discover and learn about the roles women were made to play during the early 1900’s and the limitations they faced during that time period. Both were so defined and unbending. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway and highly recommend it.
Thank you to HarperCollins Focus for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Belle Newbold and her fairly newly married mother were harboring a secret that they desperately wanted to hide from their new family, friends and acquaintances. As a young girl, Belle, had grown up in the mountains of West Virginia where her father was tragically killed in a coal mining accident. When Belle’s mother met Shipley Newbold, her whole life changed. All she had to do was to bury her and Belle’s past and conceal how truly poor they had been. Being married to Shipley Newbold, the gasoline magnate, opened doors for Belle and her mother neither could have imagined. It had been seven whole years since her biological father had died but Belle still grieved for him inwardly.
In 1913, Henry Ford, a good friend of Belle’s stepfather, Shipley Newbold, invited them to one of his traditional Vagabonds camping tours. Belle was at the right age to marry so her stepfather arranged for a potential suitor, Worth Delafield, to be included on the guest list. Worth and Belle had met briefly once before. He was the owner of the land where the Vagabond campsite was located. Worth was in the business of buying and selling land. Not only was he quite wealthy but he was also very handsome.
The construction of the Grove Park Inn was the highlight of Belle’s and everyone’s trip. Belle was pleasantly surprised to experience such beauty and grandeur. She was in awe of the views that the Inn boasted and the high quality of the materials that were being used to build it. When it was suggested that a newspaper piece be written about the Grove Park Inn, Worth Delafield suggested that Belle be the person to write it. After some hesitation, Belle gladly accepted the challenge. She decided that she would interview the people that were actually building the Inn to understand what was really required to capture the essence of this huge undertaking. Belle was able to learn so much about the workers, their skills, the dangers they faced and the challenges of sticking to a strict timeline to complete it. Writing had always been a personal passion for Belle but she never pursued it until this opportunity was presented.
Worth insisted on accompanying Belle to the Inn as she conducted her interviews and gathered the information she sought. Both discovered that it was easy to talk to each other. It was comfortable and felt right. Both Belle and Worth admitted to wanting to marry and have children but neither wanted love to enter into the equation. Belle and Worth were both harboring secrets. They had both been hurt very badly and because of those hurt feelings they wanted to avoid love at all costs. Would Belle and Worth confess their secrets to each other? Would they marry? Would they allow feelings of love to surface?
What the Mountains Remember was another impressive book by Joy Callaway. Like I mentioned, her research for this book was impeccable. I enjoyed most of the characters in this book but my favorite characters were Belle and Worth. Joy Callaway masterfully told the story of the building of the Grove Park Inn and portrayed how tuberculosis impacted the lives of so many during that time without care of race or economic status. It was interesting to learn how many sanatoriums were built in Asheville to accommodate the infected. I appreciated learning about the granite that was mined right in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains for the construction of the Grove Park Inn. It was so interesting to discover and learn about the roles women were made to play during the early 1900’s and the limitations they faced during that time period. Both were so defined and unbending. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway and highly recommend it.
Thank you to HarperCollins Focus for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2024
The Vagabonds members, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and John Burroughs are going on one of their camping tours and this time it’s to the unfinished Grove Park Inn, in North Carolina. Belle Newbold and her parents are invited along for the glamping adventure, her step-father Shipley Newbold, is an Indiana gas magnate and friends with Henry Ford.
Belle’s future fiancé Worth Delafield owns the land being used for their campsite, she has only met him once before and she’s keen to spend more time with him. Both Worth and Belle are happy to enter an arranged marriage, they have been hurt in the past and this way it won’t happen again.
Belle discovers the Blue Ridge Mountains are no different from the ones she once called home, in West Virginia and brings back memories of the good times she spent with her birth father.
Belle is unexpectedly given the role of researching and writing a story for a newspaper about the building of the inn, over four hundred men are involved in construction. The building of the hotel is one of the most innovative of it’s time in 1913, from men cleaning the granite, to the stonemasons choosing the right piece to add to a wall, the clay tiles on the roof and the huge raked ceilings.
The nearby town of Asheville once a tourist destination is now used to house tuberculosis patients and in sanatoriums. Belle is horrified when she sees how many people have tuberculosis, she’s worried are the workers building the inn at risk?
I received a copy of What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway from HarperCollins Focus and Edelweiss plus in exchange for an honest review. I have read Ms. Callaway’s previous books All the Pretty Places and The Grand Design and I had high expectations for her new release.
I really liked Belle and Worth’s characters, but her cousin Marie Austen was rather annoying, I found her antics childish and I wish she wasn’t included in the narrative. I enjoyed the theme of overcoming adversity and situations that scare us, both Belle and Worth did this, the descriptions of building the Grove Park Inn, I felt Belle and Worth learnt a lot about themselves and opened their hearts to the possibility of love.
Three and a half stars from me, I did find the pace of the book slow and at times it dragged and I look forward to reading Joy Callaway’s next novel.
Belle’s future fiancé Worth Delafield owns the land being used for their campsite, she has only met him once before and she’s keen to spend more time with him. Both Worth and Belle are happy to enter an arranged marriage, they have been hurt in the past and this way it won’t happen again.
Belle discovers the Blue Ridge Mountains are no different from the ones she once called home, in West Virginia and brings back memories of the good times she spent with her birth father.
Belle is unexpectedly given the role of researching and writing a story for a newspaper about the building of the inn, over four hundred men are involved in construction. The building of the hotel is one of the most innovative of it’s time in 1913, from men cleaning the granite, to the stonemasons choosing the right piece to add to a wall, the clay tiles on the roof and the huge raked ceilings.
The nearby town of Asheville once a tourist destination is now used to house tuberculosis patients and in sanatoriums. Belle is horrified when she sees how many people have tuberculosis, she’s worried are the workers building the inn at risk?
I received a copy of What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway from HarperCollins Focus and Edelweiss plus in exchange for an honest review. I have read Ms. Callaway’s previous books All the Pretty Places and The Grand Design and I had high expectations for her new release.
I really liked Belle and Worth’s characters, but her cousin Marie Austen was rather annoying, I found her antics childish and I wish she wasn’t included in the narrative. I enjoyed the theme of overcoming adversity and situations that scare us, both Belle and Worth did this, the descriptions of building the Grove Park Inn, I felt Belle and Worth learnt a lot about themselves and opened their hearts to the possibility of love.
Three and a half stars from me, I did find the pace of the book slow and at times it dragged and I look forward to reading Joy Callaway’s next novel.
April 22, 2024
First, we have to pay homage to this gorgeous cover! Don’t you just want to jump right into it!?!
I have loved the way Calloway brings the beauty off the pages and alive before my eyes in her past two books I’ve read, and 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 transported me into another splendid and intriguing story.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
I flew through this book and could not get over the depth, research, and heart put into the story. Callaway vividly brought a little-known chapters of US history to life showcasing the building of Grove Park Inn, Henry Ford’s Vagabonds tour, and the effects of tuberculosis on the working/poor class.
I was absolutely captivated by every aspect of this story, but I of course could not get enough of Belle’s character and seeing her develop as a woman during a time when women were meant to be seen but not heard.
How was the romance?
Oh, the tension and frustration I went through! It was perfect! Belle and Worth complimented each other perfectly with their views on love and marriage, and I could not get enough of their budding romance. I also couldn’t help but lecture them and cheer for them at the same time.
Steam level: PG
Read if you like:
Found Family
Strong Female MC
Drama
Suspense
History
Romance
Heartwarming Story
How was the audiobook?
Brittany Pressley brought this book and each of the characters to life, and I felt like I was watching the story play out like a movie with her ability to capture the voices and styles of each character with their own idiosyncrasies.
How was the pace?
I could not stop listening to this fast paced and emotional story. I even found myself walking extra miles just to find out what was going to happen next!
Do you recommend this book?
Just an absolutely captivating and beautiful story full of so much heart! I will forever remember and recommend this immersive read to everyone. This is a touchingly woven story with moving characters that also shows us the power of love and grief, what we can endure, and how far we can go. Get this book and read or listen to it now!
Thank you, Harper Muse for this gifted copy and audiobook in exchange for my honest opinions.
I have loved the way Calloway brings the beauty off the pages and alive before my eyes in her past two books I’ve read, and 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 transported me into another splendid and intriguing story.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
I flew through this book and could not get over the depth, research, and heart put into the story. Callaway vividly brought a little-known chapters of US history to life showcasing the building of Grove Park Inn, Henry Ford’s Vagabonds tour, and the effects of tuberculosis on the working/poor class.
I was absolutely captivated by every aspect of this story, but I of course could not get enough of Belle’s character and seeing her develop as a woman during a time when women were meant to be seen but not heard.
How was the romance?
Oh, the tension and frustration I went through! It was perfect! Belle and Worth complimented each other perfectly with their views on love and marriage, and I could not get enough of their budding romance. I also couldn’t help but lecture them and cheer for them at the same time.
Steam level: PG
Read if you like:
Found Family
Strong Female MC
Drama
Suspense
History
Romance
Heartwarming Story
How was the audiobook?
Brittany Pressley brought this book and each of the characters to life, and I felt like I was watching the story play out like a movie with her ability to capture the voices and styles of each character with their own idiosyncrasies.
How was the pace?
I could not stop listening to this fast paced and emotional story. I even found myself walking extra miles just to find out what was going to happen next!
Do you recommend this book?
Just an absolutely captivating and beautiful story full of so much heart! I will forever remember and recommend this immersive read to everyone. This is a touchingly woven story with moving characters that also shows us the power of love and grief, what we can endure, and how far we can go. Get this book and read or listen to it now!
Thank you, Harper Muse for this gifted copy and audiobook in exchange for my honest opinions.
March 26, 2024
This was my first read by this author and I loved her writing style. I also found the history in this book fascinating! Grove Park Inn was fun to learn about. I really enjoyed Belle and Worth’s characters and their relationship. They are arranged to be married but they also are agreeable to this because they want to marry not for love. They have a fear of being in love. However, as they spend time together and share their secrets they find themselves growing close and love maybe involved after all. I liked how the author and character of Belle paid tribute to the individual workers of the Grove Park Inn. I did not like Marie Austen at all, she is horrible. There were a couple elements that I didn’t like but it’s more a personal preference issue. Overall, I thought this was a great story and well written.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: 7 uses of “D**n”, 1 sexually compromising position (mild), 1 sexually compromising position (off page), kiss that could have been leading to more but is interrupted right away, death by house fire
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley and the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: 7 uses of “D**n”, 1 sexually compromising position (mild), 1 sexually compromising position (off page), kiss that could have been leading to more but is interrupted right away, death by house fire
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley and the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 12, 2024
Joy Callaway's novels are always eloquent and lush and this book was her at her finest! Her love of history and of the Blue Ridge shines in the descriptions. The Grove Park Inn features beautifully in this story like the glowing hearth every heart longs to find at the end of a long journey--and your so happy her characters find their way. I was swept up and now all I can think about is making my own reservation and getting back to North Carolina!
December 7, 2023
This was a meticulously researched historical fiction book that follows a woman who visits the Grove Park Inn while she's visiting with The Vagabons (Ford, Firestone, Burroughs, and Edison's glamping adventures with reporters in tow). We get a sense of the massive undertaking the construction of the hotel was at a time when the skilled laborers who did the work were overlooked and financiers often got all the credit. We also get to see the town of Asheville before tourism, a time when it was a destination for tuberculosis patients. There's also an angst-ridden romantic subplot that keeps you guessing until the very end.
For anyone who has visited the Grove Park Inn, the highly-detailed scenes from the construction site are fascinating. The main character, Belle, is charged with writing an article about the hotel when the reporter in their group is kicked out for dallying with one of the young women. Belle grew up in a coal-mining town and appreciates the work behind the scenes to excavate and place granite at the site.
The romantic part of the story is a fun one - we have two wounded young people who have agreed to an arranged marriage. Worth Delafield, Belle's soon-t0-be finance is a wonderful character - kind, but clearly nursing deep wounds. He and Belle advance and retreat several times as they navigate their issues. Of course, they get their happily ever after and it is so satisfying after what they've been through.
Complicating almost every part of this story is Belle's cousin Marie Austen, who is a chaos agent of every sort. She flirts with the men she can't have, is terrible to the one she can, drinks too much, throws great tantrums, and is a spiteful, jealous snob. She's such a mess that I almost looked forward to her next attempt to stir all the pots.
For anyone who has visited the Grove Park Inn, the highly-detailed scenes from the construction site are fascinating. The main character, Belle, is charged with writing an article about the hotel when the reporter in their group is kicked out for dallying with one of the young women. Belle grew up in a coal-mining town and appreciates the work behind the scenes to excavate and place granite at the site.
The romantic part of the story is a fun one - we have two wounded young people who have agreed to an arranged marriage. Worth Delafield, Belle's soon-t0-be finance is a wonderful character - kind, but clearly nursing deep wounds. He and Belle advance and retreat several times as they navigate their issues. Of course, they get their happily ever after and it is so satisfying after what they've been through.
Complicating almost every part of this story is Belle's cousin Marie Austen, who is a chaos agent of every sort. She flirts with the men she can't have, is terrible to the one she can, drinks too much, throws great tantrums, and is a spiteful, jealous snob. She's such a mess that I almost looked forward to her next attempt to stir all the pots.
March 27, 2024
This was my first book by author Joy Callaway and I enjoyed the story from start to finish. I loved this historical fiction love story about purpose and worth. I learned all about the construction of the real life Grove Park Inn. Joy did a thorough job of researching that time in history. The setting took place in Asheville, North Carolina and the description of the mountains and animal life helped the story come alive for me. Lastly, I appreciated the author note at the end of the book. Be sure to pick this one up if you enjoy reading historical fiction mixed with family drama, secrets and finding love.
I received an advanced physical copy from author Joy Callaway. Thank you so much for the opportunity to preview this book for an honest review!
I received an advanced physical copy from author Joy Callaway. Thank you so much for the opportunity to preview this book for an honest review!
April 4, 2024
“Everyone — every person in front of us and everyone on earth — is living a grand story no matter how small it seems, and our greatest hope, I think, is that at some point it catches another’s eye and becomes their favorite.“
The seamless blend of history and fiction in What the Mountains Remember delighted me and made me not only want to visit the Grove Park Inn post haste but also to continue learning more about Asheville during that time period. I remember my heart being so impacted several years ago when I learned that there was a German internment camp in Asheville during World War 1, thanks to Pepper Basham’s The Thorn Healer, and reading about the tuberculosis outbreak and the building of the intricately crafted Grove Park Inn in Joy Callaway’s latest novel has piqued my interest the same way. The humanity that Callaway gives to her characters and the life she gives to the setting in What the Mountains Remember is equally compelling and seriously has me craving a long overdue trip to ‘my’ mountains.
Along those lines, I related to Belle quite a bit more than I imagined I would. Like me, Appalachia and its mountains are in her blood, and she feels more alive in their presence than anywhere else. I also know the impact of losing a parent in a coal mining accident, as it’s how my grandfather (at the age of 19) lost his own father. So I immediately felt a kinship to Belle, and though that’s where our similarities ended I stayed invested in her story until the very end. She’s a wonderful heroine with a layered history and winsome personality. Not to be outdone, our hero Worth more than lives up to his name. Because he is a man of true character and integrity and compassion, and therefore worthy of being the man Belle should marry, to be sure. But also because the underlying theme of What the Mountains Remember is that all of us have inherent worth, no matter our station in life or our past or our family – or even if no one else bothers to acknowledge our contributions and talents – there are so small stories or valueless lives. Even the most odious character in this novel, Marie Austen Kipp, has value whether I could find any redeeming qualities in her or not lol.
Bottom Line: In What the Mountains Remember, Joy Callaway brings the mountains of North Carolina and Asheville’s compelling history to life with vivid characters and atmospheric prose. This is my first read by this author, and while it started out a little slow for me I soon came to really enjoy her writing voice and the story itself. I loved the mix of history and fiction, including getting to rub fictional elbows with the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone, and I found the construction of the Grove Park Inn amid a tuberculosis outbreak in Asheville to be particularly fascinating. The romance between Worth and Belle had me swooning and grinning and just altogether delighted, and the tenderness that accompanied the growing sparks between them was so well-written. A great choice for fans of Pepper Basham, Sarah Loudin Thomas, and Ann H. Gabhart.
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there are some occasional uses of a mild curse word in this novel.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
The seamless blend of history and fiction in What the Mountains Remember delighted me and made me not only want to visit the Grove Park Inn post haste but also to continue learning more about Asheville during that time period. I remember my heart being so impacted several years ago when I learned that there was a German internment camp in Asheville during World War 1, thanks to Pepper Basham’s The Thorn Healer, and reading about the tuberculosis outbreak and the building of the intricately crafted Grove Park Inn in Joy Callaway’s latest novel has piqued my interest the same way. The humanity that Callaway gives to her characters and the life she gives to the setting in What the Mountains Remember is equally compelling and seriously has me craving a long overdue trip to ‘my’ mountains.
Along those lines, I related to Belle quite a bit more than I imagined I would. Like me, Appalachia and its mountains are in her blood, and she feels more alive in their presence than anywhere else. I also know the impact of losing a parent in a coal mining accident, as it’s how my grandfather (at the age of 19) lost his own father. So I immediately felt a kinship to Belle, and though that’s where our similarities ended I stayed invested in her story until the very end. She’s a wonderful heroine with a layered history and winsome personality. Not to be outdone, our hero Worth more than lives up to his name. Because he is a man of true character and integrity and compassion, and therefore worthy of being the man Belle should marry, to be sure. But also because the underlying theme of What the Mountains Remember is that all of us have inherent worth, no matter our station in life or our past or our family – or even if no one else bothers to acknowledge our contributions and talents – there are so small stories or valueless lives. Even the most odious character in this novel, Marie Austen Kipp, has value whether I could find any redeeming qualities in her or not lol.
Bottom Line: In What the Mountains Remember, Joy Callaway brings the mountains of North Carolina and Asheville’s compelling history to life with vivid characters and atmospheric prose. This is my first read by this author, and while it started out a little slow for me I soon came to really enjoy her writing voice and the story itself. I loved the mix of history and fiction, including getting to rub fictional elbows with the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone, and I found the construction of the Grove Park Inn amid a tuberculosis outbreak in Asheville to be particularly fascinating. The romance between Worth and Belle had me swooning and grinning and just altogether delighted, and the tenderness that accompanied the growing sparks between them was so well-written. A great choice for fans of Pepper Basham, Sarah Loudin Thomas, and Ann H. Gabhart.
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there are some occasional uses of a mild curse word in this novel.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
April 18, 2024
WHAT THE MOUNTAINS REMEMBER by Joyce Callaway
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the audiobook of, What the Mountains Remember.
Narration by Brittany Pressley, whose readings are always well done and enjoyable. This is my first read by Joy Callaway and was captivated because of the Grove Park Inn, in the North Carolina mountains. It is a beautiful place to visit that is built on the slope of Sunset Mountain overlooking the tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known by locals as, the Eighth Wonder of the World. Joy Callaway brings to life the construction and the grandeur of the Grove Park Inn along with the struggles of the laborers tasked with the construction.
I loved the telling of the famed Vagabonds and their summer wilderness camping trips. In 1913, Belle Newbold, along with her family, are invited by Henry Ford to embark on this spectacular trip; primarily to reunite with her future fiancée, the owner of the land the Vagabonds are using for their campsite. This novel delves into the lives of historical figures like Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone which I found intriguing.
The group is invited to tour the Grove Park Inn and Belle finds herself thrust in the position of writing of the construction of the inn. Both Belle and her future fiancé are struggling to fit in society and finding who they are meant to be. A moving novel that explores memories from the past, forging a new future, and how hardships that have been endured can make us stronger. Touching upon hope, self-discovery, and love in this wonderfully researched novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the audiobook of, What the Mountains Remember.
Narration by Brittany Pressley, whose readings are always well done and enjoyable. This is my first read by Joy Callaway and was captivated because of the Grove Park Inn, in the North Carolina mountains. It is a beautiful place to visit that is built on the slope of Sunset Mountain overlooking the tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known by locals as, the Eighth Wonder of the World. Joy Callaway brings to life the construction and the grandeur of the Grove Park Inn along with the struggles of the laborers tasked with the construction.
I loved the telling of the famed Vagabonds and their summer wilderness camping trips. In 1913, Belle Newbold, along with her family, are invited by Henry Ford to embark on this spectacular trip; primarily to reunite with her future fiancée, the owner of the land the Vagabonds are using for their campsite. This novel delves into the lives of historical figures like Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone which I found intriguing.
The group is invited to tour the Grove Park Inn and Belle finds herself thrust in the position of writing of the construction of the inn. Both Belle and her future fiancé are struggling to fit in society and finding who they are meant to be. A moving novel that explores memories from the past, forging a new future, and how hardships that have been endured can make us stronger. Touching upon hope, self-discovery, and love in this wonderfully researched novel.
April 12, 2024
4.5 stars
I love the Edwardian era. I love the hats, the dresses, and the history! There aren’t that many books set during that time period so when I see one come up for review, I usually jump on it! This particular author is a new to me author and while I have heard of some of her books, I haven’t read any of them yet! So when I saw this book up for review, I was eager for the time period/setting and because I love discovering new to me authors!
To be honest though, this setting didn’t really appeal to me—a new hotel, the Grove Park Inn in the North Carolina mountains, seemed a little basic and uninspiring. However when I started reading about the hotel, the setting grew on me. The Blue Ridge Mountains feel more rugged and robust to me so when I started reading this book I was thinking it would be more like roughing it camping rather than ‘glamping’. Ultimately I ended up really enjoying the setting which was surprising! I thought it added an interesting change for readers!
If you are a historical fiction fan, I hope this one is on your radar! It’s a lovely novel and I think readers will find something refreshing in the pages! I know I did! I am now eager to read more books by this author! I know she has written a number of other historical fiction books set during similar time periods with promising stories that offer new and untold narratives! I cannot wait to check out some of her other books as this one was wonderful!
One of the things that really stands out to me with this novel is the meticulous historical research! I didn’t really know much about the Grove Park Inn, in fact I thought it was a fictional place until I read this book and went down a rabbit hole of research. If you live on the east coast you will likely know this resort but I didn’t know anything about it so discovering the Inn was a big treat for me! I don’t know if I was living under a rock or what but I just didn’t know anything about this place! It was really interesting to learn more about the whole process of building the hotel and how that impacted the town. It is very clear that the author takes time to tell the story not only of the characters but of that time in history. It was very interesting and I loved going down a rabbit hole to find out more about the Inn and how it came to be. That to me was one of the stand out things about this book. Historical fiction fans will surly fall in love with the time and attention to detail this book has!
Not only is the historical part well researched and interesting, but the characters are well developed and likable. I especially loved getting to know Belle. She was a developed character with likable qualities that readers will instantly connect with. I especially loved watching her romance evolve and grow throughout the story. It had an epic feel to it without feeling like it took too long to evolve. Worth, Belle’s fiancé, was a caring and complex character which matched with Belle really well! They both complimented each other so well and I fully bought into their romance. It came full circle in the end and I was satisfied with how things played out. If you love character driven books this is a very good options for you!
This book was such a delight for me to read and I am so glad I said ‘yes’ to this one. I downloaded two of Joy Callaway’s books and I cannot wait to check them out this summer. I loved her historical research and attention to detail as well as he commitment to writing interesting characters and a ‘will they or won’t they’ romance. I was fully invested early on in the book and loved researching more about the Inn which was sort of like its own character in the book! If you want a historical fiction book that is well written with substance that you can sink your teeth into, then I think you definitely need to get this one! I can’t wait for my next Joy Callaway book!
I love the Edwardian era. I love the hats, the dresses, and the history! There aren’t that many books set during that time period so when I see one come up for review, I usually jump on it! This particular author is a new to me author and while I have heard of some of her books, I haven’t read any of them yet! So when I saw this book up for review, I was eager for the time period/setting and because I love discovering new to me authors!
To be honest though, this setting didn’t really appeal to me—a new hotel, the Grove Park Inn in the North Carolina mountains, seemed a little basic and uninspiring. However when I started reading about the hotel, the setting grew on me. The Blue Ridge Mountains feel more rugged and robust to me so when I started reading this book I was thinking it would be more like roughing it camping rather than ‘glamping’. Ultimately I ended up really enjoying the setting which was surprising! I thought it added an interesting change for readers!
If you are a historical fiction fan, I hope this one is on your radar! It’s a lovely novel and I think readers will find something refreshing in the pages! I know I did! I am now eager to read more books by this author! I know she has written a number of other historical fiction books set during similar time periods with promising stories that offer new and untold narratives! I cannot wait to check out some of her other books as this one was wonderful!
One of the things that really stands out to me with this novel is the meticulous historical research! I didn’t really know much about the Grove Park Inn, in fact I thought it was a fictional place until I read this book and went down a rabbit hole of research. If you live on the east coast you will likely know this resort but I didn’t know anything about it so discovering the Inn was a big treat for me! I don’t know if I was living under a rock or what but I just didn’t know anything about this place! It was really interesting to learn more about the whole process of building the hotel and how that impacted the town. It is very clear that the author takes time to tell the story not only of the characters but of that time in history. It was very interesting and I loved going down a rabbit hole to find out more about the Inn and how it came to be. That to me was one of the stand out things about this book. Historical fiction fans will surly fall in love with the time and attention to detail this book has!
Not only is the historical part well researched and interesting, but the characters are well developed and likable. I especially loved getting to know Belle. She was a developed character with likable qualities that readers will instantly connect with. I especially loved watching her romance evolve and grow throughout the story. It had an epic feel to it without feeling like it took too long to evolve. Worth, Belle’s fiancé, was a caring and complex character which matched with Belle really well! They both complimented each other so well and I fully bought into their romance. It came full circle in the end and I was satisfied with how things played out. If you love character driven books this is a very good options for you!
This book was such a delight for me to read and I am so glad I said ‘yes’ to this one. I downloaded two of Joy Callaway’s books and I cannot wait to check them out this summer. I loved her historical research and attention to detail as well as he commitment to writing interesting characters and a ‘will they or won’t they’ romance. I was fully invested early on in the book and loved researching more about the Inn which was sort of like its own character in the book! If you want a historical fiction book that is well written with substance that you can sink your teeth into, then I think you definitely need to get this one! I can’t wait for my next Joy Callaway book!
January 16, 2024
History, romance and drama all rolled into one. Set in the early 1900s Callaway tells the story of Belle, the step daughter of a rich gas magnate, who is keeping a secret about her past. Since she is promised to marry a prominent businessman she is more desperate to keep her secret.
When the story opens, Belle's family is setting off to spend a week with The Vagabonds, an actual group in history that includes men like Harvey Firestone, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison, who began taking yearly "glamping" trips. In this particular incident, this group is headed to the Asheville area where the magnificent Grove Park Inn is being constructed. Belle's story is intertwined with facts from the building of the Inn and a fictitious love story . The characters are well developed, especially the main character, The Grove Park Inn. Step back into time with this beautifully written account of what was referred to as "the eighth wonder of the world."
When the story opens, Belle's family is setting off to spend a week with The Vagabonds, an actual group in history that includes men like Harvey Firestone, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison, who began taking yearly "glamping" trips. In this particular incident, this group is headed to the Asheville area where the magnificent Grove Park Inn is being constructed. Belle's story is intertwined with facts from the building of the Inn and a fictitious love story . The characters are well developed, especially the main character, The Grove Park Inn. Step back into time with this beautifully written account of what was referred to as "the eighth wonder of the world."
May 7, 2024
4.5 stars This was fascinating historical fiction with a noble purpose: shining a light on the people whose skills, strength and genius are employed to create magnificent and historic buildings for public and private use, whose stories are generally untold, whose names are rarely associated with the final works in the way the financiers are - and whose quality of life, limbs, health and lifespan are often compromised in their creation. The story was well told through likable characters, the romance was earnest and while it was clear where it was headed, the internal turmoil the main characters had to overcome were not overly contrived and served the overall narrative.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this beautifully narrated audiobook.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this beautifully narrated audiobook.
April 9, 2024
Belle Newbold knows she walks a precarious line, and it has never been more obvious until now. Her stepfather Shipley has been invited by friend Henry Ford on one of his famous vagabond weekends camping, or rather “glamping” in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Having been raised in the mountains of West Virginia as a small child she hasn’t seen a peak in seven years, since her father’s mining days. And her heart aches being back in nature where she feels most like herself.
When her biological father died in an accident her mother fell into a deep depression and fought her way out of it and out of that life. With a few white lies, Belle’s mother moved them into a new life with Shipley in Gas City. In this life, Belle is well educated and pampered. Shipley has even helped arrange a marriage between her and Worth Delafield, which is pretty astounding considering his fortune will be left to his biological son and a small pension for Belle’s mother, and not a penny will follow Belle.
When a reporter on the the Vagabond camping trip is thrown out, Belle is unexpectedly thrusted into the roll of reporting on the new Grove Park Inn. A role recommended for her by Worth after he boasted of her writing abilities he’s seen displayed through their correspondence. She prefers researching and interviewing the workers at Grove Inn rather than tromping around participating in Ford’s made-up contests in their camp.
This trip aides Belle in realizing how fragile her future is, and what she really wants in life. With her stepfather’s friend’s a stone’s throw from the workers of Grove Park Inn, Belle sees their circumstances in sharp contrast and does what she can to shed light on blue collar America in her article.
Joy Callaway has obviously taken great care with her historical research, especially the information pertaining to the spread of consumption, and building construction of the time period. Belle is an easy character to admire, but I found her cousin irritating every time she appeared on the page. Though I enjoyed the story, parts of it did lag a little for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and the author Joy Callaway for the advanced copy of the book. What the Mountains Remember is out now. All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
When her biological father died in an accident her mother fell into a deep depression and fought her way out of it and out of that life. With a few white lies, Belle’s mother moved them into a new life with Shipley in Gas City. In this life, Belle is well educated and pampered. Shipley has even helped arrange a marriage between her and Worth Delafield, which is pretty astounding considering his fortune will be left to his biological son and a small pension for Belle’s mother, and not a penny will follow Belle.
When a reporter on the the Vagabond camping trip is thrown out, Belle is unexpectedly thrusted into the roll of reporting on the new Grove Park Inn. A role recommended for her by Worth after he boasted of her writing abilities he’s seen displayed through their correspondence. She prefers researching and interviewing the workers at Grove Inn rather than tromping around participating in Ford’s made-up contests in their camp.
This trip aides Belle in realizing how fragile her future is, and what she really wants in life. With her stepfather’s friend’s a stone’s throw from the workers of Grove Park Inn, Belle sees their circumstances in sharp contrast and does what she can to shed light on blue collar America in her article.
Joy Callaway has obviously taken great care with her historical research, especially the information pertaining to the spread of consumption, and building construction of the time period. Belle is an easy character to admire, but I found her cousin irritating every time she appeared on the page. Though I enjoyed the story, parts of it did lag a little for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and the author Joy Callaway for the advanced copy of the book. What the Mountains Remember is out now. All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
May 27, 2024
Joy Calloway's love for the history of the Grove Park Inn shines in the meticulous detail she has woven into this story of its construction. While the main characters are fictional, many of the supporting cast are historical. I have long been entranced by the history of the area around Asheville. Throw in the history of an iconic hotel and I an hooked. Calloway's vivid prose brings the setting to life.
Belle hoped to remain inconspicuous while vacationing with family to the mountains of North Carolina. Tasked with writing an article about the construction of the hotel, she chooses to focus on the ordinary people and their stories. While struck by the magnificence of the undertaking, she recognizes that it takes many ordinary people to accomplish something extraordinary.
Readers will be entranced by this young woman's journey of finding healing, a sense of purpose and love.
Content warning: use of mild curse words
****I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Belle hoped to remain inconspicuous while vacationing with family to the mountains of North Carolina. Tasked with writing an article about the construction of the hotel, she chooses to focus on the ordinary people and their stories. While struck by the magnificence of the undertaking, she recognizes that it takes many ordinary people to accomplish something extraordinary.
Readers will be entranced by this young woman's journey of finding healing, a sense of purpose and love.
Content warning: use of mild curse words
****I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 10, 2024
“I hadn’t bargained for the way my heart startled and buckled at the sight of the spring-green hills cloaked in cloudy smoke, the way my soul seemed to scream and fall to its knees at the smell of the earthy-sweet smell of home.”
I haven't read anything by this author before so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was immediately enamored with her beautiful and lyrical style of writing, and by this heartfelt story.
Her characters felt so real, and her vivid descriptions had me feeling like I was seeing and feeling the same things that Belle was.
I loved how Belle and Worth gave each other unconditional love and could see who the other person really was. They had both experienced heartbreak, and it was heartwarming how they found healing.
The inclusion of real life historical figures was a great touch, and obviously well researched.
I really loved the way the author honored seemingly ordinary people, and the theme of how everyone makes a difference and has an impact on others.
This was a beautiful story of love and loss, but ultimately of healing and finding joy and peace. I loved it!
Many thanks to Harper Muse Books and Austenprose PR for a gifted paperback!
I haven't read anything by this author before so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was immediately enamored with her beautiful and lyrical style of writing, and by this heartfelt story.
Her characters felt so real, and her vivid descriptions had me feeling like I was seeing and feeling the same things that Belle was.
I loved how Belle and Worth gave each other unconditional love and could see who the other person really was. They had both experienced heartbreak, and it was heartwarming how they found healing.
The inclusion of real life historical figures was a great touch, and obviously well researched.
I really loved the way the author honored seemingly ordinary people, and the theme of how everyone makes a difference and has an impact on others.
This was a beautiful story of love and loss, but ultimately of healing and finding joy and peace. I loved it!
Many thanks to Harper Muse Books and Austenprose PR for a gifted paperback!
March 23, 2024
Set in 1913, this was a really interesting look at the construction the fantastic North Carolina, Grove Park Inn, dubbed the Eighth wonder of the world. I enjoyed how the author focused on the stories of the men and women who helped build the Inn and not just the wealthy elite who funded it. I knew nothing about this place that competed with tuberculosis sanatoriums in the surrounding town as that disease was running rampant at the time. Featuring a strong woman, trying to find her place in the world, a complicated arranged marriage love story and great on audio narrated by one of my favs, Brittany Pressley. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review. I went into this blindly and was pleasantly surprised!
April 3, 2024
TITLE: WHAT THE MOUNTAINS REMEMBER
AUTHOR: Joy Callaway
PUB DATE: 04.02.2024
I just love the beauty of nature and to be honest the mountains are a respite for me - I love the view, the air, and the climb. Joy Callaway in this historical fiction novel brings the beauty of nature front center and what it means in our lives. I have once visited the legendary Grove Park Inn in Asheville NC and how stunning it was - I am glad to have read this book and learned about its construction and historical significance. I found this the perfect backdrop for Belle Newbold’s story as she travels with the Vagabonds and writes about the Inn - along with the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, John Burroughs, and Harvey Firestone, I found this fascinating. I love learning about the historical time period and as a nurse, about the sanitariums in Asheville for the tuberculosis patients.
I loved the eloquent writing and the themes of the book about overcoming grief and adversity, while finding love along the way.
AUTHOR: Joy Callaway
PUB DATE: 04.02.2024
I just love the beauty of nature and to be honest the mountains are a respite for me - I love the view, the air, and the climb. Joy Callaway in this historical fiction novel brings the beauty of nature front center and what it means in our lives. I have once visited the legendary Grove Park Inn in Asheville NC and how stunning it was - I am glad to have read this book and learned about its construction and historical significance. I found this the perfect backdrop for Belle Newbold’s story as she travels with the Vagabonds and writes about the Inn - along with the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, John Burroughs, and Harvey Firestone, I found this fascinating. I love learning about the historical time period and as a nurse, about the sanitariums in Asheville for the tuberculosis patients.
I loved the eloquent writing and the themes of the book about overcoming grief and adversity, while finding love along the way.
May 4, 2024
Without a dowry Belle Newbold must determine her own worth.
Audiobook Narrated by my favorite Narrator Britany Pressley. She does all voices male and female regardless of age. She is extremely talented.
No Dowry, no family and your Bestfriend /Cousin is a mess. Belle is having trouble finding her way in a world she has never known. Growing up in poverty in a happy loving home her new life is filled with secrets she must keep from everyone. Fear of living in poverty again has caused Belle to lose herself along the way. What The Mountains remember will take you on a journey through the coal mining hills filled with Tuberculosis and greed of 1913. When Belle is introduced to Worth Delafield he helps bring her back to life and let her be her authentic self.
This book is full of big names in business for that era. Joy Callaway is truly gifted at vividly describing sights, sounds and emotion. You imagine you are
Can I have just 1 night in the Hotel described as the “Eighth wonder of the world”.
Audiobook Narrated by my favorite Narrator Britany Pressley. She does all voices male and female regardless of age. She is extremely talented.
No Dowry, no family and your Bestfriend /Cousin is a mess. Belle is having trouble finding her way in a world she has never known. Growing up in poverty in a happy loving home her new life is filled with secrets she must keep from everyone. Fear of living in poverty again has caused Belle to lose herself along the way. What The Mountains remember will take you on a journey through the coal mining hills filled with Tuberculosis and greed of 1913. When Belle is introduced to Worth Delafield he helps bring her back to life and let her be her authentic self.
This book is full of big names in business for that era. Joy Callaway is truly gifted at vividly describing sights, sounds and emotion. You imagine you are
Can I have just 1 night in the Hotel described as the “Eighth wonder of the world”.
April 20, 2024
This book is one of those that seems deceptively simple, but by the end it’s drawn you in and hooked you. This story is based in past events (as the best stories often are), but it tells the tales of people mostly forgotten by history.
Joy Callaway weaves intricate, yet relatable, plots - fear of abandonment, desperate hope for the future - together to create a story that reminds us that we are all important. She writes in her Author’s Note: “There are no small lives. There are no small stories.” If nothing else, read this book to remind yourself of how awesome YOU are, and how much your tale deserves to be told.
Aside from that, the characters are just remarkable. Each one is lovable in their own way, and each one helps develop the others. Not to mention, every girl hopes they’ll find a man like Worth Delafield!
Now, I’m off to research Grove Park Inn and see how much the nightly fee is. I could use a vacation!
Joy Callaway weaves intricate, yet relatable, plots - fear of abandonment, desperate hope for the future - together to create a story that reminds us that we are all important. She writes in her Author’s Note: “There are no small lives. There are no small stories.” If nothing else, read this book to remind yourself of how awesome YOU are, and how much your tale deserves to be told.
Aside from that, the characters are just remarkable. Each one is lovable in their own way, and each one helps develop the others. Not to mention, every girl hopes they’ll find a man like Worth Delafield!
Now, I’m off to research Grove Park Inn and see how much the nightly fee is. I could use a vacation!
December 2, 2024
4.5 ⭐️s! I loved this book written by a local charlotte author! Set in 1913 Asheville, the construction of the Grove Park Inn is underway. The story follows Belle Newbold, a high society young woman, who has secrets from her past that if found out could ruin her and her mother. When the journalist who is covering the construction of Grove Park Inn is dismissed of his services, Belle gets the opportunity to use her writing skills to tell the story. She sets out to learn all about the Grove Park Inn and the special trade men who are behind the construction. This story and the way it is written is so beautiful! You’ve got drama, romance, emotion, secrets, and history… exactly what I want in a historical fiction! It also highlighted the resilience of Asheville and the surrounding areas due to a tuberculosis outbreak, and it really hit home with the resiliency the area has shown and will continue to show after Helene. Living in Charlotte and loving the Grove Park Inn, I enjoyed this story so much. Recommend picking up if you do too!
December 27, 2025
This was great! I was challenged to read a book set in the mountains and this is where my Google search took me. I was not disappointed! I loved Belle and Worth so much. This book felt like a movie I was watching, loved every little detail that was included. I was fascinated with the building of Grove Park Inn and when I looked it up, it's just fascinating what was accomplished. I never realized Tuberculosis was also called consumption, so keep that in mind when reading, and it was eye opening to see how many people came to Asheville for climate therapy as a cure, and how Grove Park Inn was such a huge turning point for Ashville and it's reputation for TB. Definitely excited to read more of Joy Callaway's Books!
April 26, 2024
The setting is the building of the magnificent Grove Park Inn, located in Asheville, NC. The Vagabonds, Ford's camping experience for wealthy competitors and friends (complete with all the luxuries that would make today's glamping roughing it!) is happening nearby and allows for the characters to become a witness to the building details. Reading about the Vagabonds made me cringe at the wealthy "experiencing" real life skills. I was fortunate to have stayed at Grove Park, and it is as amazing as the book's description, I am glad others will learn of this feat of architecture and beauty.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for an audio.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for an audio.
June 2, 2024
I truly enjoyed this book. I have been to the Grove Park several times and her descriptions were spot on. Loved hearing how it was built and had no idea about Asheville and the tuberculosis sanatoriums. The story of the 2 main characters was good as well. Each character grew and dealt with heavy issues. I enjoyed the time period and imagining what is was like being a Ford, Firestone or any one of the families on the Vagabond tour. If you enjoy historical fiction you will enjoy this book.
September 16, 2024
This book makes me want to plan a trip to Asheville NC and stay at the Grove Park Inn.
May 16, 2025
I loved this one!!
June 4, 2024
What the Mountains Remember is a fascinating, setting-as-a-character historical fiction story with roots in real-life places and people. This is the first novel I’ve read by Joy Callaway, and I’m impressed with her style and immersive prose transporting the reader to the rugged Appalachians. The story encompasses an empowering, engaging heroine���s tale with relatable struggles, a spot-on depiction of grief’s impact, and a reluctant and hopeful romance.
The romance thread is my favorite aspect of the story (imagine that!) as it is integral to Belle’s arc and growth as she asserts a new role for herself as a writer and recorder of people’s stories. The love interest himself is an observant, perceptive, and caring beta hero. For the two of them, a convenient betrothal grows to genuine care, albeit reluctant on both sides (they are adorable little fools for a good portion of the story). Instead of frustrating the reader, the reluctance and avoidance of love, on Belle’s part, is endearing and something you want her to completely work through.
What the Mountains Remember is the kind of story that makes me want to learn more about the places and real-life people in its pages. I found myself down a Google rabbit hole learning more about the now-Omni Grove Park Inn and the Henry Ford vagabonds trips.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance ebook copy. And thanks to my library for the audiobook copy I also utilized for part of my reading. This is my honest review.
The romance thread is my favorite aspect of the story (imagine that!) as it is integral to Belle’s arc and growth as she asserts a new role for herself as a writer and recorder of people’s stories. The love interest himself is an observant, perceptive, and caring beta hero. For the two of them, a convenient betrothal grows to genuine care, albeit reluctant on both sides (they are adorable little fools for a good portion of the story). Instead of frustrating the reader, the reluctance and avoidance of love, on Belle’s part, is endearing and something you want her to completely work through.
What the Mountains Remember is the kind of story that makes me want to learn more about the places and real-life people in its pages. I found myself down a Google rabbit hole learning more about the now-Omni Grove Park Inn and the Henry Ford vagabonds trips.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance ebook copy. And thanks to my library for the audiobook copy I also utilized for part of my reading. This is my honest review.
December 8, 2023
Oh my goodness what a gorgeous book!!! From the breathtaking cover to every single word written inside Joy Callaway has penned a masterpiece.
The construction of the Grove Park Inn in Asheville in the early 1900s is the setting for the story of Belle Newbold. She is a woman that has a fire inside of her to be more than just a ‘high society’ lady as expected of her. She is “promised” to Worth Delafield and their story is beautiful.
The research that Joy put into this book is evident as Joy’s descriptions and details transport you to that time and place.
Highly highly recommend this gorgeous story!!!
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for the chance to read and review this amazing story!!!
The construction of the Grove Park Inn in Asheville in the early 1900s is the setting for the story of Belle Newbold. She is a woman that has a fire inside of her to be more than just a ‘high society’ lady as expected of her. She is “promised” to Worth Delafield and their story is beautiful.
The research that Joy put into this book is evident as Joy’s descriptions and details transport you to that time and place.
Highly highly recommend this gorgeous story!!!
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for the chance to read and review this amazing story!!!
March 23, 2024
I live pretty close to Asheville and typically visit at least once a year, but have never been to The Grove Park Inn. I need to remedy this soon and especially after reading Joy Callaway’s latest book. The novel is rich with immersive setting details and description. I truly felt transported to 1913 Asheville amidst an interesting group of movers and shakers making history.
Main character Belle is a character you can root for as she faces important decisions, deals with family drama, and stands up for her convictions. This book has a little bit of everything I love in historical fiction- immersive setting, historical facts brought to life, romance, and a spot of mystery in the form of secrets revealed. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Harper Muse and Austenprose for a gifted copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Main character Belle is a character you can root for as she faces important decisions, deals with family drama, and stands up for her convictions. This book has a little bit of everything I love in historical fiction- immersive setting, historical facts brought to life, romance, and a spot of mystery in the form of secrets revealed. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Harper Muse and Austenprose for a gifted copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 12, 2024
If Joy Callaway is penning a book, I am reading it!!! This one is Joy at her absolute finest!!! Highly recommend!!!
The setting is Asheville, NC in 1913. The Grove Park Inn is being built and Belle Newbold has returned to the mountains. She has been through a lot and a marriage with Worth Delafield has been arranged. Neither is looking for love but there is always that possibility!!
There must have been a tremendous amount of research put into this book as there are so many details that brightly shine through!! The workers who are building this beautiful Inn are very important to this story!!
This book will be out on 4/2/24 from Harper Muse and I highly recommend you preorder!!! Thank you for an early digital copy.,
The setting is Asheville, NC in 1913. The Grove Park Inn is being built and Belle Newbold has returned to the mountains. She has been through a lot and a marriage with Worth Delafield has been arranged. Neither is looking for love but there is always that possibility!!
There must have been a tremendous amount of research put into this book as there are so many details that brightly shine through!! The workers who are building this beautiful Inn are very important to this story!!
This book will be out on 4/2/24 from Harper Muse and I highly recommend you preorder!!! Thank you for an early digital copy.,
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