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Appalachian Awakening
Facing yet another failed relationship and a full-blown identity crisis after losing her job in a corporate merger, unemployed executive Amber Shaw realizes she hasn’t been happy in a long time. Who is she if not a CEO, and if everything she’s worked for hasn’t made her happy, what will? Inspired after learning about the Appalachian Trail, Amber sets off in hopes of figuring it all out.
Leslie Brown lives life on her own terms with nothing to tie her down. She’s an experienced hiker and has one final trail left on her bucket list, the Appalachian Trail. Only problem, all her friends have settled down and started lives that don’t allow for seven months away from responsibilities. She’s out there alone.
Amber and Leslie assume they are polar opposites based on their first impressions of each other, but the more their paths cross, the more this hike of a lifetime begins to look like a love of a lifetime.
Leslie Brown lives life on her own terms with nothing to tie her down. She’s an experienced hiker and has one final trail left on her bucket list, the Appalachian Trail. Only problem, all her friends have settled down and started lives that don’t allow for seven months away from responsibilities. She’s out there alone.
Amber and Leslie assume they are polar opposites based on their first impressions of each other, but the more their paths cross, the more this hike of a lifetime begins to look like a love of a lifetime.
Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2024
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173 people want to read
About the author
Nance Sparks
8 books60 followersNance Sparks is a Goldie Award winning author of lesbian romance. She lives in south central Wisconsin with her spouse. Her passion for photography, homesteading, hiking, gardening and most anything outdoors comes through in her stories. When the sun is out and the sky is blue, especially during the golden hour, Nance can be found on the Wisconsin River with a camera in hand capturing shots of large birds in flight.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 25, 2024
Amber Shaw is fired and dumped all on the same day. It is then understandable when Amber faces a crisis of identity soon after. As a former CEO Amber has lived the corporate lifestyle of all work and no play. This brings her to the understanding of why her relationships have not worked out. Searching for the way forward in her life, Amber stumbles upon the lure of hiking the Appalachian Trail for six months. Researching every detail and buying top of the line equipment Amber begins her first ever hike. Fortunately she meets a seasoned hiker in Leslie Brown who shares her experience with Amber and opens her heart to possibilities.
Sparks’ superpower is embedding the reader into her settings through her vivid descriptions. I know that I easily fell down the rabbit hole to hike the trail alongside Amber and Leslie.
The combination of the physical with the mental struggles Amber faces is at the core of the novel. Hiking two thousand miles cannot help but change Amber in a variety of ways. This is what makes Appalachian Awakening a compelling read.
I received an advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sparks’ superpower is embedding the reader into her settings through her vivid descriptions. I know that I easily fell down the rabbit hole to hike the trail alongside Amber and Leslie.
The combination of the physical with the mental struggles Amber faces is at the core of the novel. Hiking two thousand miles cannot help but change Amber in a variety of ways. This is what makes Appalachian Awakening a compelling read.
I received an advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2024
After reading Appalachian Awakening by Nance Sparks, I have the urge to go on a long hike in the woods. At least until I look out the window and see all the piles of snow in my yard.
The author has created a beautiful adventure/romance that takes the reader on a trip across some of the most pristine and gorgeous areas of the country.
We see the story through the eyes of Amber Shaw, a high powered executive who loses both her CEO job, and her girlfriend on the same day. Realizing that she is not happy with her life and unsure of what to do with her future, she makes the daring decision to attempt to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail, which is over two thousand miles long!
On her way to the starting point in Georgia, she meets Leslie (Munch) Brown who is also hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. If Leslie completes this trip, she will have hiked all eleven National Scenic Trails, a feat only a few folks can claim. Despite the fact the two women have little in common, they end up traveling the trail together along with another couple nicknamed Cricket and Bobber. Along the way, they learn a lot about themselves and each other.
These characters became very real to me. I found myself cheering on their travels, Amber and Leslie’s budding romance, and finding their happy-ever-after. The author’s descriptions of the settings made me want to find my hiking boots even in the dead of winter. Ms. Sparks made me remember the beauty of some of the sights that I’ve personally seen of these mountains, even though it’s been years since I was there. Reading about these ladies finding happiness in their lives and with each other made me joyful too. This is truly a feel good story for everyone.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for allowing me the chance to read and review this novel.
The author has created a beautiful adventure/romance that takes the reader on a trip across some of the most pristine and gorgeous areas of the country.
We see the story through the eyes of Amber Shaw, a high powered executive who loses both her CEO job, and her girlfriend on the same day. Realizing that she is not happy with her life and unsure of what to do with her future, she makes the daring decision to attempt to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail, which is over two thousand miles long!
On her way to the starting point in Georgia, she meets Leslie (Munch) Brown who is also hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. If Leslie completes this trip, she will have hiked all eleven National Scenic Trails, a feat only a few folks can claim. Despite the fact the two women have little in common, they end up traveling the trail together along with another couple nicknamed Cricket and Bobber. Along the way, they learn a lot about themselves and each other.
These characters became very real to me. I found myself cheering on their travels, Amber and Leslie’s budding romance, and finding their happy-ever-after. The author’s descriptions of the settings made me want to find my hiking boots even in the dead of winter. Ms. Sparks made me remember the beauty of some of the sights that I’ve personally seen of these mountains, even though it’s been years since I was there. Reading about these ladies finding happiness in their lives and with each other made me joyful too. This is truly a feel good story for everyone.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for allowing me the chance to read and review this novel.
January 11, 2024
This is a story about CEO executive Amber Shaw. Amber is a type A over achievier and when she gets fired, she’s totally unsettled. She decides to go on a 6 month hike on the Appalachian Trail to figure out her life. She’s a hiking newbie and does her research to buy the top notch equipment and plan her route with resupplies. On her flight to Georgia to start her hike she meets Leslie Brown. Leslie is a professional hiker and has hiked all 10 of the most popular hiking trails in the US. Leslie has become a legion in the hiking world. Leslie is glad to help out Amber and give her advice and hike with her. Soon they realize their desires for each other. Everything goes well until they each need to figure out the rest of their lives.
I liked the hiking in this book, I’ve been to this area a few times myself and always enjoy reading about places I’m familiar with.
I don’t think it was very realistic how easy the hiking was for Amber having never hiked before. Overall this was a good story with good area descriptions and a hot love story.
Sparks does great writing about outdoor settings and I’ll continue to read the books she writes.
Thanks to BSB and Net Galley for giving me the chance to read and review this book.
I liked the hiking in this book, I’ve been to this area a few times myself and always enjoy reading about places I’m familiar with.
I don’t think it was very realistic how easy the hiking was for Amber having never hiked before. Overall this was a good story with good area descriptions and a hot love story.
Sparks does great writing about outdoor settings and I’ll continue to read the books she writes.
Thanks to BSB and Net Galley for giving me the chance to read and review this book.
January 11, 2024
Amber has it all figured out—until the rug is pulled out from under her and she realizes just how much she doesn't know about herself. A snap decision leads her to (for her) the unlikeliest of places—the Appalachian Trail.
I have wide but generally predictable reading tastes, and this was only ever going to be right up my alley—lesbian romance on the Appalachian Trail? Sign me up. Here, the heroines are near polar opposites: Amber has spent decades working her way up the career ladder, and her position as a wealthy and powerful CEO is all she's ever been told that she should want. Leslie, meanwhile, has spent roughly the same amount of time working whatever seasonal jobs will let her pursue her true passion, long-distance hiking.
The book stays in Amber's POV throughout, which is interesting—Leslie is the more relatable character to me, and since the author is (like Leslie, not so much like Amber) clearly well versed in hiking, I might have expected Leslie to take the reins on occasion...but staying in Amber's head keeps her more relatable, I suppose. Although she doesn't have experience in the woods, Amber does have research skills, and she avoids a lot (not all!) of the pitfalls that novice hikers stumble into. Better, she takes it all in stride—I'm not a huge fan of pratfalls and bumbling heroines, so I appreciate how willing Amber is to go outside her comfort zone and learn something so foreign to her.
The side characters aren't quite as fleshed out as I'd prefer, and the dialogue gets stilted in places (you can take the woman out of the boardroom, but you can't take the boardroom out of the woman?), but you just can't go wrong with romance in the woods. A solid addition to my AT/CDT/PCT/etc (read: long hikes) shelf.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
I have wide but generally predictable reading tastes, and this was only ever going to be right up my alley—lesbian romance on the Appalachian Trail? Sign me up. Here, the heroines are near polar opposites: Amber has spent decades working her way up the career ladder, and her position as a wealthy and powerful CEO is all she's ever been told that she should want. Leslie, meanwhile, has spent roughly the same amount of time working whatever seasonal jobs will let her pursue her true passion, long-distance hiking.
The book stays in Amber's POV throughout, which is interesting—Leslie is the more relatable character to me, and since the author is (like Leslie, not so much like Amber) clearly well versed in hiking, I might have expected Leslie to take the reins on occasion...but staying in Amber's head keeps her more relatable, I suppose. Although she doesn't have experience in the woods, Amber does have research skills, and she avoids a lot (not all!) of the pitfalls that novice hikers stumble into. Better, she takes it all in stride—I'm not a huge fan of pratfalls and bumbling heroines, so I appreciate how willing Amber is to go outside her comfort zone and learn something so foreign to her.
The side characters aren't quite as fleshed out as I'd prefer, and the dialogue gets stilted in places (you can take the woman out of the boardroom, but you can't take the boardroom out of the woman?), but you just can't go wrong with romance in the woods. A solid addition to my AT/CDT/PCT/etc (read: long hikes) shelf.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
September 20, 2024
3.5
A charming, low-angst romance about discovering love and yourself in the most unexpected places. It was a pleasant read, though it didn’t quite have the pull that kept me glued to the pages.
A charming, low-angst romance about discovering love and yourself in the most unexpected places. It was a pleasant read, though it didn’t quite have the pull that kept me glued to the pages.
January 5, 2024
The first paragraph sets the character of one main. We meet the other main when she does.
The friendship or perhaps courtship takes place while they are on a track and we are on the track too. Funnily enough the barrier to them being together isn’t really discussed till more than half way through. Nor is it staring this reader in the face. However, when it is laid out it is a pretty substantial barrier because it is in the mind really.
I was a bit displeased by one’s main reaction to a late plot bump, but the author beautifully resolved this by her reaction when the plot bump was smoothed and she would have been willing to sacrifice location….. Trying to avoid spoilers!
This is the third book in a row that the blend plot has been stronger than romance. That seems an odd thing to say as I’m not sure this should count or is billed as romantic blend but the outdoors and overcoming or maybe even becoming is such a strong part of this book and separate from the romance. As I say, third in a row so it is possibly me rather than the romance that is a bit off. 2.5 for romance and a very comfortable 3 for the rest so a 3 all in.
The friendship or perhaps courtship takes place while they are on a track and we are on the track too. Funnily enough the barrier to them being together isn’t really discussed till more than half way through. Nor is it staring this reader in the face. However, when it is laid out it is a pretty substantial barrier because it is in the mind really.
I was a bit displeased by one’s main reaction to a late plot bump, but the author beautifully resolved this by her reaction when the plot bump was smoothed and she would have been willing to sacrifice location….. Trying to avoid spoilers!
This is the third book in a row that the blend plot has been stronger than romance. That seems an odd thing to say as I’m not sure this should count or is billed as romantic blend but the outdoors and overcoming or maybe even becoming is such a strong part of this book and separate from the romance. As I say, third in a row so it is possibly me rather than the romance that is a bit off. 2.5 for romance and a very comfortable 3 for the rest so a 3 all in.
December 25, 2023
Great read about a great hike
This book hooked me from the first page: I loved how Nance Sparks in a few sentences shows Amber‘s background and what corporate greed can be like. Brilliant. Amber an ambitious CEO with a conscience and great people skills is backstabbed by her board. And the classic move is of course to promote a mediocre guy. A hard pill to swallow for Amber and I deeply felt how it hurts to be escorted by security out of the building.
I love how Amber starts a new project: Hiking the Appalachian Trail and to see her commitment to find herself. The author deftly avoids the pitfalls of dwelling too much on the trope ‚city slicker in the woods‘ instead she introduces Leslie whose career has been hiking and who is a legend in ‚hiker-dom‘ for her achievements. I totally loved the reflections about their different lives and the commonalities they find.
The author does a great job of intertwining the outer and inner journeys of Amber and Lesley and I loved to follow them on their trailsl.
Another great thing about this book are the friends and family found - it makes the story even on rainy hiking days warmhearted. I loved the real and gritty descriptions of nature and strenuous hiking - no sugarcoating and great awe at the same time.
I was glued to the page until the end and didn‘t want to leave this wonderful story and the great crew.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
This book hooked me from the first page: I loved how Nance Sparks in a few sentences shows Amber‘s background and what corporate greed can be like. Brilliant. Amber an ambitious CEO with a conscience and great people skills is backstabbed by her board. And the classic move is of course to promote a mediocre guy. A hard pill to swallow for Amber and I deeply felt how it hurts to be escorted by security out of the building.
I love how Amber starts a new project: Hiking the Appalachian Trail and to see her commitment to find herself. The author deftly avoids the pitfalls of dwelling too much on the trope ‚city slicker in the woods‘ instead she introduces Leslie whose career has been hiking and who is a legend in ‚hiker-dom‘ for her achievements. I totally loved the reflections about their different lives and the commonalities they find.
The author does a great job of intertwining the outer and inner journeys of Amber and Lesley and I loved to follow them on their trailsl.
Another great thing about this book are the friends and family found - it makes the story even on rainy hiking days warmhearted. I loved the real and gritty descriptions of nature and strenuous hiking - no sugarcoating and great awe at the same time.
I was glued to the page until the end and didn‘t want to leave this wonderful story and the great crew.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
February 22, 2024
Is trail walking a sport? Good book with descriptive sections that painted the picture. Flowed well.
January 19, 2024
An opposites-attract romance. Having basically lost her job and her girlfriend in a day, Amber Shaw is very keen to do some deep soul searching and desperate to find some answers. She hope to do this by hiking through the Appalachian trail. She crossed path with Leslie brown, an experienced hiker who has her own motivation to complete the hike. Two ladies with very different backgrounds, could they find love on the trail?
This book captured my attention from the beginning. It went through in great detail about the life of a thru-hiker. It tells me that the author knew what hiking the Appalachian trail was all about. There were trail names, shelters, trail magic etc. It really painted the picture of what it is to hike the Appalachian trail.
Both main characters were so different. I really enjoyed finding out about their backgrounds and what their reason to hike was for. I really liked Amber and thought that she was very real. The secondary characters were also great; Sue, Cricket and Bobber.
Some of the things I like less; maybe that they fell into bed a bit too quickly. I also didn’t like it when Leslie didn’t understand that Amber had to complete a task midway and wished she was more supportive. It painted her slightly in the bad light.
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you like adventures and romance. This is certainly a book that I will read again.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book captured my attention from the beginning. It went through in great detail about the life of a thru-hiker. It tells me that the author knew what hiking the Appalachian trail was all about. There were trail names, shelters, trail magic etc. It really painted the picture of what it is to hike the Appalachian trail.
Both main characters were so different. I really enjoyed finding out about their backgrounds and what their reason to hike was for. I really liked Amber and thought that she was very real. The secondary characters were also great; Sue, Cricket and Bobber.
Some of the things I like less; maybe that they fell into bed a bit too quickly. I also didn’t like it when Leslie didn’t understand that Amber had to complete a task midway and wished she was more supportive. It painted her slightly in the bad light.
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you like adventures and romance. This is certainly a book that I will read again.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2024
Amber just got the rug pull from under her when she loses her job especially when she basically in my kept the business going. While spending time at home she realizes she wasn’t happy and this give her idea to get out of her comfort zone and do something different decides to hike Appalachian Trail while trying figure out what she wants out of life. Leslie is living her life they way she wants and is on her finale hiking trail on her bucket list she would like her friends to company her but they all have settle down so decide to go alone. Amber and Leslie meet by chance and even though both clash they decide to hike Appalachian Trail together since this Amber first time and Leslie being a pro hiker who been doing this for more then twenty years the conversation between Amber and Leslie is honest and open that felt real when they became intimate. I like the journey of walking the Appalachian Trail and the theme of friendship and even finding a found family and finding yourself.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
January 1, 2024
big thank you to netgalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for letting me have a digital arc of this one!
this one comes out January 16, 2024.
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4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
i'm not a heavy romance reader but both my appalachian adjacency and my love for camping, climbing, and overall wilderness stories put this book on my radar.
if i were to describe this book, it would be if hallmark movie took place on the appalachian trail and if they allowed queer people in those movies. so we have: the big wig ceo who likes morning kale and strawberry smoothies and sharply tailored suits forced from the office. no, it wasn't her boss telling her she's a workaholic and she needs to discover the spirit of christmas - instead, amber shaw is edged out after a big, ceiling-busting merger in favor of a straight, white, cis man. this part rings pretty true, honestly.
amber takes her severance and spends a couple of weeks in her fancy penthouse thinking about the future. when she stumbles upon the movie wild she decides the thing that she needs to figure out her next move is to remove herself from the big city and find herself in the wilderness.
leslie "munch" brown is a hiking legend with one final trail left to hike to complete the scenic eleven - a list of eleven national trails. she's the real deal. she's also assigned a double-booked seat for an airline. when a businessman claims the seat first, amber overhears the conversation and offers leslie a first class upgrade, especially since they both seem to be carrying packs and heading on a months-long trek on the same trail. amber thinks that leslie needs direction. leslie thinks that amber is out of touch. with almost 2200 miles to go, they embark on a journey to discover that maybe what they're both looking for is the same thing.
i loved this. i loved reading about the hiking, the bears, the treks in mud and the rainstorms, how good real, hot food can feel after days subsisting on rehydrated curries and oatmeal. you can tell that the author has a real love affair for hiking and the outdoors and didn't just collect details from a cursory look on a wikipedia about hiking.
if i had any criticisms about this it's that i think that the quibbles leslie and amber had about money were resolved really quickly and i think i'd have loved if that had been explored more. ditto, conversations about their individual futures and finding their meanings in life, but i think desire is more because i'm typically a litfic girly and not a romance reader.
this though, this was fun and i had a great time with it. i can't wait to read more of nance sparks' work!
this one comes out January 16, 2024.
--
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
i'm not a heavy romance reader but both my appalachian adjacency and my love for camping, climbing, and overall wilderness stories put this book on my radar.
if i were to describe this book, it would be if hallmark movie took place on the appalachian trail and if they allowed queer people in those movies. so we have: the big wig ceo who likes morning kale and strawberry smoothies and sharply tailored suits forced from the office. no, it wasn't her boss telling her she's a workaholic and she needs to discover the spirit of christmas - instead, amber shaw is edged out after a big, ceiling-busting merger in favor of a straight, white, cis man. this part rings pretty true, honestly.
amber takes her severance and spends a couple of weeks in her fancy penthouse thinking about the future. when she stumbles upon the movie wild she decides the thing that she needs to figure out her next move is to remove herself from the big city and find herself in the wilderness.
leslie "munch" brown is a hiking legend with one final trail left to hike to complete the scenic eleven - a list of eleven national trails. she's the real deal. she's also assigned a double-booked seat for an airline. when a businessman claims the seat first, amber overhears the conversation and offers leslie a first class upgrade, especially since they both seem to be carrying packs and heading on a months-long trek on the same trail. amber thinks that leslie needs direction. leslie thinks that amber is out of touch. with almost 2200 miles to go, they embark on a journey to discover that maybe what they're both looking for is the same thing.
i loved this. i loved reading about the hiking, the bears, the treks in mud and the rainstorms, how good real, hot food can feel after days subsisting on rehydrated curries and oatmeal. you can tell that the author has a real love affair for hiking and the outdoors and didn't just collect details from a cursory look on a wikipedia about hiking.
if i had any criticisms about this it's that i think that the quibbles leslie and amber had about money were resolved really quickly and i think i'd have loved if that had been explored more. ditto, conversations about their individual futures and finding their meanings in life, but i think desire is more because i'm typically a litfic girly and not a romance reader.
this though, this was fun and i had a great time with it. i can't wait to read more of nance sparks' work!
December 27, 2023
Amber Shaw is escorted out of the company she has run for the last seven years after a large corporate merger. Her driven life has put her on the cover of Fortune but she isn’t really happy. She settles on hiking the Appalachian Trail as a way to find herself and give her a break from the world she knows. She is smart, does the research to avoid novice pitfalls and she is in shape. On the way to begin the trail she meets Leslie Brown. Leslie is a living legend in the hiking world and this is her eleventh major hiking trail. She has spent twenty years of her life hiking over 25,000 miles. They seem an unlikely pair but they enjoy each other’s company.
I’ve been on the trail in the Smoky Mountains and crossed it in other places. I love the trail setting and enjoyment of the natural beauty. I thought it was unrealistic how easily Amber adjusted to the difficulties of trail life. I was surprised how easily Amber and Leslie fit together because they have nothing in common. Everything is told from Amber’s POV so you get her anger and frustration. Leslie is the more interesting character, and you learn her background through conversations, but I never felt her emotions. I thought she was the most real in their first fight about money. But that seemingly isn’t an issue when it comes to the neat and predictable ending. I enjoyed the story but I didn’t connect emotionally as much as I wanted to. I also wasn’t convinced that the ending spot would fully satisfy Amber in the long term.
Nance Sparks is always an enjoyable author and I will look forward to her next writing adventure. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)
I’ve been on the trail in the Smoky Mountains and crossed it in other places. I love the trail setting and enjoyment of the natural beauty. I thought it was unrealistic how easily Amber adjusted to the difficulties of trail life. I was surprised how easily Amber and Leslie fit together because they have nothing in common. Everything is told from Amber’s POV so you get her anger and frustration. Leslie is the more interesting character, and you learn her background through conversations, but I never felt her emotions. I thought she was the most real in their first fight about money. But that seemingly isn’t an issue when it comes to the neat and predictable ending. I enjoyed the story but I didn’t connect emotionally as much as I wanted to. I also wasn’t convinced that the ending spot would fully satisfy Amber in the long term.
Nance Sparks is always an enjoyable author and I will look forward to her next writing adventure. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)
December 25, 2023
Great characters and story plot. I love the development of Amber’s character. I was drawn to her from the beginning. The author did such a good job with her personality. I think the Appalachian Trail even holds a unique place in the hearts of those of us who haven’t traversed it. Stories about the hikers and the trail bring out the adventurous nature in all of us. The more I read I felt as though the characters became a part of the trail—like family—connected to something larger than themselves.
I love the grittiness of the characters. They are not the typical, perfect-sized bodies either. They feel realistic, as do the situations and dialogue.
This story stirred many emotions as I read on. I could feel the betrayal Amber felt. The need to accomplish something and feel her self-worth. Friendship. Love. Sadness. Even a sense of triumph. And more. No, I never give spoilers.
My only criticism is I thought the ending was perhaps a bit cheesy, but it works. Just sayin’.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing this book for my review consideration—opinions here are mine and mine alone.
I love the grittiness of the characters. They are not the typical, perfect-sized bodies either. They feel realistic, as do the situations and dialogue.
This story stirred many emotions as I read on. I could feel the betrayal Amber felt. The need to accomplish something and feel her self-worth. Friendship. Love. Sadness. Even a sense of triumph. And more. No, I never give spoilers.
My only criticism is I thought the ending was perhaps a bit cheesy, but it works. Just sayin’.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing this book for my review consideration—opinions here are mine and mine alone.
August 1, 2024
3.5 Stars
January 19, 2024
Appalachian Awakening by Nance Sparks is a heartwarming and transformative journey of self-discovery and love set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Trail. The story revolves around Amber Shaw, a young woman yearning for personal fulfillment after losing her high-powered executive job and girlfriend. It shakes her to the core and makes her question who she is and what she wants from life. After a few drinks and a couple of rewinds through the movie Wild, she decides to mimic Cheryl Strayed and search for her own answers on the Appalachian Trail. As she begins her sojourn, she meets Leslie Brown, a seasoned hiker with her own story to tell. Despite their initial differences, they form a deep connection during their months-long journey. Their love story–filled with friendship and the glory of the great outdoors–is as delightful as it is compelling.
Sparks does a fine job constructing this story. She nails down the seven critical elements of story writing like a pro. First and foremost, she creates a well-structured plot that’s developed around clear and solid story mapping. It facilitates an arc that consists of meaningful, relevant, and time-bound plot points, making the storytelling credible. Furthermore, the arc—coupled with Sparks’s well-planned story world—institutes physical challenges and tests of endurance that push introspection and reflection. It all leads to organic tension and true character growth, something that hooks readers until the end.
While Sparks’ story construction is noteworthy, her character development deserves appreciation as well. Amber and Leslie are relatable and multidimensional women with clear, understandable motivations. Readers understand these women; they care about them. Right from the beginning Sparks grabs readers’ emotions by scripting a strong opening and inciting moment, one that unveils both Amber and Leslie’s true desires and fears. Their misguided truths, things they’ve believed all of their adult lives, are slowly unraveled during this trek, making their transformation impactive with the readers.
Even though the main characters do the bulk of the work in Appalachian Awakening, the secondary characters need praise as well. Sparks uses them to create tension and balance within the storytelling. On top of that, these characters work to advance the sub-plot, even giving it a twist. Most importantly though, they provide depth and complexity to the storytelling, making the whole reading experience more memorable. This is especially true of Sue as she fulfills the role of “confidant” in the narrative. Her relationship with Amber–along with her distinct and unique personality traits–elevates the storytelling, making her one character readers won’t soon forget.
Construction and character development aside, Sparks also gets high marks for her style and literary choices. Her descriptive writing is simply enchanting; she skillfully captures the essence of the Appalachian Trail, captivating readers with all its grandeur and wonder. Her immersive prose evokes a strong sense of place with readers, so much so that it’s transportive. One can feel both the splendor and unyielding severity of the wilderness as Amber and Leslie put one foot in front of each other, conquering the 2,190 miles of trail together. Additionally, Sparks’ first-person point of view elevates the storytelling by lending insight into the characters’ thoughts and emotions, thus creating a connection between the readers and the narrative. Her style not only pulls readers into the story world but excites their imaginations, poking at their fantasies and making them wonder what it would be like to achieve what Amber and Leslie did.
Final remarks…
Appalachian Awakening is not just a story—it’s a celebration of the human spirit. Nance Sparks’ descriptive, well-constructed narrative explores the wild, untamed world of the Appalachian Mountains while immersing itself in themes of self-discovery and love, making this book a must-read for sapphic readers and nature lovers. Its rich and vivid portrayal of Amber and Leslie’s journey on the Appalachian Tail is curated with care. Their journey to self-fulfillment and love will leave a lasting impression long after the final page has been turned.
Strengths…
Well-written, descriptive prose
Immersive story world
Emotional and honest dialogue
Likable, investable characters
Heartwarming romance
4.5 stars
Sparks does a fine job constructing this story. She nails down the seven critical elements of story writing like a pro. First and foremost, she creates a well-structured plot that’s developed around clear and solid story mapping. It facilitates an arc that consists of meaningful, relevant, and time-bound plot points, making the storytelling credible. Furthermore, the arc—coupled with Sparks’s well-planned story world—institutes physical challenges and tests of endurance that push introspection and reflection. It all leads to organic tension and true character growth, something that hooks readers until the end.
While Sparks’ story construction is noteworthy, her character development deserves appreciation as well. Amber and Leslie are relatable and multidimensional women with clear, understandable motivations. Readers understand these women; they care about them. Right from the beginning Sparks grabs readers’ emotions by scripting a strong opening and inciting moment, one that unveils both Amber and Leslie’s true desires and fears. Their misguided truths, things they’ve believed all of their adult lives, are slowly unraveled during this trek, making their transformation impactive with the readers.
Even though the main characters do the bulk of the work in Appalachian Awakening, the secondary characters need praise as well. Sparks uses them to create tension and balance within the storytelling. On top of that, these characters work to advance the sub-plot, even giving it a twist. Most importantly though, they provide depth and complexity to the storytelling, making the whole reading experience more memorable. This is especially true of Sue as she fulfills the role of “confidant” in the narrative. Her relationship with Amber–along with her distinct and unique personality traits–elevates the storytelling, making her one character readers won’t soon forget.
Construction and character development aside, Sparks also gets high marks for her style and literary choices. Her descriptive writing is simply enchanting; she skillfully captures the essence of the Appalachian Trail, captivating readers with all its grandeur and wonder. Her immersive prose evokes a strong sense of place with readers, so much so that it’s transportive. One can feel both the splendor and unyielding severity of the wilderness as Amber and Leslie put one foot in front of each other, conquering the 2,190 miles of trail together. Additionally, Sparks’ first-person point of view elevates the storytelling by lending insight into the characters’ thoughts and emotions, thus creating a connection between the readers and the narrative. Her style not only pulls readers into the story world but excites their imaginations, poking at their fantasies and making them wonder what it would be like to achieve what Amber and Leslie did.
Final remarks…
Appalachian Awakening is not just a story—it’s a celebration of the human spirit. Nance Sparks’ descriptive, well-constructed narrative explores the wild, untamed world of the Appalachian Mountains while immersing itself in themes of self-discovery and love, making this book a must-read for sapphic readers and nature lovers. Its rich and vivid portrayal of Amber and Leslie’s journey on the Appalachian Tail is curated with care. Their journey to self-fulfillment and love will leave a lasting impression long after the final page has been turned.
Strengths…
Well-written, descriptive prose
Immersive story world
Emotional and honest dialogue
Likable, investable characters
Heartwarming romance
4.5 stars
Read
January 24, 2024Adventure of a lifetime
Amber a successful CEO who has just lost her job during a monumental merger in the company’s history realises she hasn’t been happy and isn’t sure what will. Inspired after learning about the Appalachian Trail, she meets Leslie when she is having a bad luck at the airport but she’d in luck when she finds out Leslie is an experienced hiker and they’ll be completing the same trail.
What a fantastic experience of a story! I’d never be as brave as Amber was, so it was great to get the opportunity to join her and Leslie on this adventure. They faced dangers and unpleasant conditions but the sense of achievement they were both going to get gave that spurring feeling to drive chapter after chapter of fun. They both had their quirks but Leslie was so infectious and seasoned in hiking she made Amber’s experience so much more than it would have been should she have done it alone. Leslie was the introduction to really hiking, and meeting colourful characters along the way that would really make Amber feel a part of something special.
I loved that it wasn’t all straightforward and came with drama that could have torn Amber and Leslie apart at times, but from the second they met there was a special connection you just knew wouldn’t be lost. It was so freeing, learning about Leslie’s past achievements and the playful nature that quickly developed between them because of their different lifestyles. What was especially lovely though, even as Leslie was teasing Amber about her corporate background, she welcomed her into her world and encouraged her by lending advice and guidance.
A special story, with lots of heart and soul, and a real feel good read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Amber a successful CEO who has just lost her job during a monumental merger in the company’s history realises she hasn’t been happy and isn’t sure what will. Inspired after learning about the Appalachian Trail, she meets Leslie when she is having a bad luck at the airport but she’d in luck when she finds out Leslie is an experienced hiker and they’ll be completing the same trail.
What a fantastic experience of a story! I’d never be as brave as Amber was, so it was great to get the opportunity to join her and Leslie on this adventure. They faced dangers and unpleasant conditions but the sense of achievement they were both going to get gave that spurring feeling to drive chapter after chapter of fun. They both had their quirks but Leslie was so infectious and seasoned in hiking she made Amber’s experience so much more than it would have been should she have done it alone. Leslie was the introduction to really hiking, and meeting colourful characters along the way that would really make Amber feel a part of something special.
I loved that it wasn’t all straightforward and came with drama that could have torn Amber and Leslie apart at times, but from the second they met there was a special connection you just knew wouldn’t be lost. It was so freeing, learning about Leslie’s past achievements and the playful nature that quickly developed between them because of their different lifestyles. What was especially lovely though, even as Leslie was teasing Amber about her corporate background, she welcomed her into her world and encouraged her by lending advice and guidance.
A special story, with lots of heart and soul, and a real feel good read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
January 8, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this brilliant book
trail walking at its best, backpacking with the best
amber shaw life as a ceo is about to come to an end in the most spectacular way and on that very same day she arrives home early to find her girlfriend leaving with her new girlfriend in tow
can ambers life get any more miserable than that, at her pity party she starts watching a documentary that inspires her and before long she has researched all she needs to know and plans her back packing adventure
leslie brown has one more trail left to do the Appalachian Trail and then her dream of completing all the trails will be over, its taken her 21 years to do
so when amber and leslie first meet they are poles apart in life skills but as they continue on their path could something work out between them
its a lively read and brings all the elements of the adventure to each page, even i got the taste for a bit of backpacking....
cant wait to see what comes next from this author
trail walking at its best, backpacking with the best
amber shaw life as a ceo is about to come to an end in the most spectacular way and on that very same day she arrives home early to find her girlfriend leaving with her new girlfriend in tow
can ambers life get any more miserable than that, at her pity party she starts watching a documentary that inspires her and before long she has researched all she needs to know and plans her back packing adventure
leslie brown has one more trail left to do the Appalachian Trail and then her dream of completing all the trails will be over, its taken her 21 years to do
so when amber and leslie first meet they are poles apart in life skills but as they continue on their path could something work out between them
its a lively read and brings all the elements of the adventure to each page, even i got the taste for a bit of backpacking....
cant wait to see what comes next from this author
June 12, 2024
This book really took me by surprise, it was super sweet and deeply emotional. I loved the dynamic between Amber and Leslie since the very beginning, as well as their friendship with Cricket and Bobber. Really, the sense of belonging and adventure was so nice it made me want to be friends with all of them and immediately go hiking. The depictions of nature were so beautiful and inspiring, and the romance was really warm and deep, I definitely recommend this one.
April 25, 2025
First Read Review:
This book was so good, I loved it! This book was exactly what I was hoping for and more when I spotted it on Netgalley. I love stories about characters finding what they really want in life and figuring things out, add in the thru hiking setting and theme and I knew I had to read this one. And I am so glad I picked this one up as I really enjoyed it from start to finish.
Appalachian Awakening follows the story of Amber, who just lost both her job and her girlfriend. She has always striven to be the best at everything and has more money than she knows what to do with, but she still feels empty and like something missing. After losing her job and girlfriend in the same day she decided she wants to try hiking the Appalachian trail.
I have to admit I wasn't sure I was going to like Amber at first, something about her personality and attitude made it hard for me to like her at first, but the way it was written still had me curious to see what was next for her. Then once she realizes something is missing and actually sets out to find it and I quickly warmed up to her. I liked her dedication to try something so different from what she is used to and how she gave it her all by researching well beforehand. She's used to everything her money can buy and seeing her willingly set off and walk days on end without shower or restaurant meal was really interesting to see. And even more how she opens her heart and mind to find that what's missing in her life.
This is not only a story about Amber figuring out what she wants from life, it's also an awesome romantic story. The book also has a strong theme about friendship and I would even call it found family, as Amber's real family doesn't care about her, but she finds friends who do. And everyone has their own distinct personality, from Sue whose like a mother and best friend to Amber to the couple Cricket and Bobber who become good friends to Amber. And ofcourse Leslie, the love interest.
I loved the way the romance was written. Amber and Leslie have something that connects and draws them together from the start, but it's their honest and raw talks that really forge a deep bond. And only later it turns physical and they fit well together in that way as well. I liked how open and honest they are with each other. There isn't a lot of drama and angst about their romance, even though they have things to deal with. When struggles or doubts pop up they actually talk about it and when something is pulling them apart their feelings are clear. I really liked reading about these two and while we don't get Leslie's point of view I felt like I got to know her almost as well as main character Amber. The epilogue was awesome and I really liked seeing where these two ended up.
The hiking journey was very well written, with the walk really coming to life and I was able to picture the scenes well. There's just something about the thru hiking setting that really works for me in a book, it's such an unique type of backdrop for a story. And the way it's such a change from Amber's normal life that it forces her to reconsider everything was great.
To summarize: I loved this book! This book was everything I hoped for and more. It has an awesome plot line about Amber who has to figure out what she wants from life and what is missing. As well as a heartfelt romance with two characters who are raw and honest with each other and connect through deep talks and only later physically as well. I liked how the romance was low on the drama and how these two talked things through. I appreciated how I felt like I got to know love interest Leslie almost as well as Amber. It also has a theme of found family and friendship as Amber has some great friends around her who each have a distinct personality. The hiking made for a great backdrop for the story and I enjoyed reading about the trail hiking. The epilogue was wonderful and I loved how the book ended.
Re-read Review
One of my goals for this year was to re-read more and then this month I suddenly knew which book I really wanted to re-read and it was this one. I loved it as much as the first time around and it was fun seeing Amber transformation knowing what was going to come. I did feel I wanted more of the hiking and nature descriptions this time. Even though my brain visualized it very vividly, I just wanted to bask in the nature netting and spend time with these characters. Seeing the ending play out and the hints along the way from pretty early on was super fun too and even the bit of conflict was easier to read knowing how it would all play out and how important it was for Amber to go through that. And I just love the hiking theme for the book and the finding yourself part. All in all I had an awesome time re-reading this one.
This book was so good, I loved it! This book was exactly what I was hoping for and more when I spotted it on Netgalley. I love stories about characters finding what they really want in life and figuring things out, add in the thru hiking setting and theme and I knew I had to read this one. And I am so glad I picked this one up as I really enjoyed it from start to finish.
Appalachian Awakening follows the story of Amber, who just lost both her job and her girlfriend. She has always striven to be the best at everything and has more money than she knows what to do with, but she still feels empty and like something missing. After losing her job and girlfriend in the same day she decided she wants to try hiking the Appalachian trail.
I have to admit I wasn't sure I was going to like Amber at first, something about her personality and attitude made it hard for me to like her at first, but the way it was written still had me curious to see what was next for her. Then once she realizes something is missing and actually sets out to find it and I quickly warmed up to her. I liked her dedication to try something so different from what she is used to and how she gave it her all by researching well beforehand. She's used to everything her money can buy and seeing her willingly set off and walk days on end without shower or restaurant meal was really interesting to see. And even more how she opens her heart and mind to find that what's missing in her life.
This is not only a story about Amber figuring out what she wants from life, it's also an awesome romantic story. The book also has a strong theme about friendship and I would even call it found family, as Amber's real family doesn't care about her, but she finds friends who do. And everyone has their own distinct personality, from Sue whose like a mother and best friend to Amber to the couple Cricket and Bobber who become good friends to Amber. And ofcourse Leslie, the love interest.
I loved the way the romance was written. Amber and Leslie have something that connects and draws them together from the start, but it's their honest and raw talks that really forge a deep bond. And only later it turns physical and they fit well together in that way as well. I liked how open and honest they are with each other. There isn't a lot of drama and angst about their romance, even though they have things to deal with. When struggles or doubts pop up they actually talk about it and when something is pulling them apart their feelings are clear. I really liked reading about these two and while we don't get Leslie's point of view I felt like I got to know her almost as well as main character Amber. The epilogue was awesome and I really liked seeing where these two ended up.
The hiking journey was very well written, with the walk really coming to life and I was able to picture the scenes well. There's just something about the thru hiking setting that really works for me in a book, it's such an unique type of backdrop for a story. And the way it's such a change from Amber's normal life that it forces her to reconsider everything was great.
To summarize: I loved this book! This book was everything I hoped for and more. It has an awesome plot line about Amber who has to figure out what she wants from life and what is missing. As well as a heartfelt romance with two characters who are raw and honest with each other and connect through deep talks and only later physically as well. I liked how the romance was low on the drama and how these two talked things through. I appreciated how I felt like I got to know love interest Leslie almost as well as Amber. It also has a theme of found family and friendship as Amber has some great friends around her who each have a distinct personality. The hiking made for a great backdrop for the story and I enjoyed reading about the trail hiking. The epilogue was wonderful and I loved how the book ended.
Re-read Review
One of my goals for this year was to re-read more and then this month I suddenly knew which book I really wanted to re-read and it was this one. I loved it as much as the first time around and it was fun seeing Amber transformation knowing what was going to come. I did feel I wanted more of the hiking and nature descriptions this time. Even though my brain visualized it very vividly, I just wanted to bask in the nature netting and spend time with these characters. Seeing the ending play out and the hints along the way from pretty early on was super fun too and even the bit of conflict was easier to read knowing how it would all play out and how important it was for Amber to go through that. And I just love the hiking theme for the book and the finding yourself part. All in all I had an awesome time re-reading this one.
August 6, 2024
I think this novel was perfect. Honestly, what else do you put into a review after that sentence???? I feel like I sound dramatic saying that, but I honestly can’t find any other way to describe it.
The writing was incredible. The imagery was vivid and compelling in a way that I don’t usually find. The descriptions of everything from the hiking experience to the campsite lifestyle was enthralling. Even though it was relatively mundane events that were being described, I was drawn in as though this was the most captivating thriller I have read. This entire novel was like a love-letter to the Appalachian trail and succeeded in a way that a hundred commercials and tourism campaigns couldn’t compare to. If this was guerrilla marketing by some Appalachian trail tourism board then someone needs to get a raise.
The plot was simple, but it was all that was needed. The storyline was carried on the back of some excellent characters, thoroughly enjoyable relationships and interactions, and very satisfying character growth. I loved how there was a romance subplot, which was very well done, but it wasn’t at all the main or more important part of the novel (in my opinion).
I don’t know what else to say, this was simply a really well done novel and I think everyone should read it.
The writing was incredible. The imagery was vivid and compelling in a way that I don’t usually find. The descriptions of everything from the hiking experience to the campsite lifestyle was enthralling. Even though it was relatively mundane events that were being described, I was drawn in as though this was the most captivating thriller I have read. This entire novel was like a love-letter to the Appalachian trail and succeeded in a way that a hundred commercials and tourism campaigns couldn’t compare to. If this was guerrilla marketing by some Appalachian trail tourism board then someone needs to get a raise.
The plot was simple, but it was all that was needed. The storyline was carried on the back of some excellent characters, thoroughly enjoyable relationships and interactions, and very satisfying character growth. I loved how there was a romance subplot, which was very well done, but it wasn’t at all the main or more important part of the novel (in my opinion).
I don’t know what else to say, this was simply a really well done novel and I think everyone should read it.
December 24, 2024
Ich liebe wandern. Pilgern. Mehrtageswanderungen. Wanderberichte generell. Also: das Buch hier wollte ich lesen! Und wenn auf dem Titel eine Frau im Rucksack abgebildet ist, bin ich eh neugierig.
Und gleich Vorschusslorbeeren vorab: cooles Buch, toller Roman, ich war gefesselt!
Kurz noch mal zum Inhalt; geschrieben ist der Roman aus der Ich-Perspektive von Amber, um die 40, hochbezahlte Finance-CEO-und Businesslady par excellence. Amber hat ihr Leben nichts anderes getan als die Karriereleiter hochzuschreiten, und der Rest des Lebens kam dabei immer entschieden zu kurz. Und jetzt der Wendepunkt: Auf dem Höhepunkt ihrer Karriere wird Amber gefeuert. Was macht man da, wenn man plötzlich auf der Sinnsuche ist und einem Cheryl Strayeds „Wild“ plötzlich überall begegnet? (Für alle nicht-Hiker: „Wild“ ist der mittlerweile legendäre Reisebericht von Ms Strayed und dem Pacific Crest Trail.....sehr empfehlenswert nebenbei bemerkt :-)). Amber jedenfalls ist inspiriert und beschließt eine Trailwanderung. Der Appalachian Trail ist in einem schlappen 3/4-Jahr machbar, also los geht’s.
Gleich zu Beginn trifft Amber auf Leslie, das komplette Gegenteil von ihr. Leslie ist etwa im selben Alter, aktuell auch gerade joblos, aber Leslies Leben besteht aus Wandern: der AT ist der letzte der „scenic 11“ Trails, den die USA zu bieten haben, und die Leslie in den letzten 20 Jahren schon bewandert hat. Wandern und Gelegenheitsjobs bestimmen ihr Leben.
Das Unwahrscheinliche passiert: Leslie und Amber mögen sich und wandern zusammen.....und jetzt spoilere ich, sie verlieben sich ineinander. Kann das gut gehen? Auf irgendeine Art und Weise funktionieren? Es wird spannend!
Mein Leseeindruck: hey, das war ein Buch nach meinem Geschmack :-)
Die Autorin kennt sich aus in Punkto Wandern und Outdoor-Leben, und das hat man gemerkt. Der Bericht war authentisch und interessant. Ich hab mich des öfteren gefragt, ob und wie weit Ms Sparks den AT selbst gelaufen ist, sie hat auf jeden Fall viel eigene Erfahrung in das Buch einfließen lassen.
Und jetzt zur Lovestory: die hat mich definitiv auch gecatched. Also, eigentlich wäre das voll die Klischee-Story, wenn das eine Hetero-Romance wäre. Millionär-CEO meets armes Mädchen. In der Mann-Frau-Konstellation hätte ich mich wohl hierbei komplett gelangweilt, aber die lesbische Variante, geschrieben aus Ambers Sicht, hat es mir merkwürdigerweise angetan. Ich kann nicht sagen, woran das liegt, aber irgendwie hat es einfach gepasst und mich emotional mitgenommen. Wahrscheinlich weil Amber auch eine ziemliche emotionale Entwicklung gemacht hat, die halt einfach authentisch und sympathisch rüberkam.
Egal wie, das Buch ist flüssig geschrieben, hat ein tolles Setting, eine tolle Cast (da gibt es durchaus noch mehr interessante Ladies zu entdecken, Amber und Leslie haben tolle Freundinnen!), und mir hat es Spaß gemacht, dabei zu sein!
Bitte lesen!
Und gleich Vorschusslorbeeren vorab: cooles Buch, toller Roman, ich war gefesselt!
Kurz noch mal zum Inhalt; geschrieben ist der Roman aus der Ich-Perspektive von Amber, um die 40, hochbezahlte Finance-CEO-und Businesslady par excellence. Amber hat ihr Leben nichts anderes getan als die Karriereleiter hochzuschreiten, und der Rest des Lebens kam dabei immer entschieden zu kurz. Und jetzt der Wendepunkt: Auf dem Höhepunkt ihrer Karriere wird Amber gefeuert. Was macht man da, wenn man plötzlich auf der Sinnsuche ist und einem Cheryl Strayeds „Wild“ plötzlich überall begegnet? (Für alle nicht-Hiker: „Wild“ ist der mittlerweile legendäre Reisebericht von Ms Strayed und dem Pacific Crest Trail.....sehr empfehlenswert nebenbei bemerkt :-)). Amber jedenfalls ist inspiriert und beschließt eine Trailwanderung. Der Appalachian Trail ist in einem schlappen 3/4-Jahr machbar, also los geht’s.
Gleich zu Beginn trifft Amber auf Leslie, das komplette Gegenteil von ihr. Leslie ist etwa im selben Alter, aktuell auch gerade joblos, aber Leslies Leben besteht aus Wandern: der AT ist der letzte der „scenic 11“ Trails, den die USA zu bieten haben, und die Leslie in den letzten 20 Jahren schon bewandert hat. Wandern und Gelegenheitsjobs bestimmen ihr Leben.
Das Unwahrscheinliche passiert: Leslie und Amber mögen sich und wandern zusammen.....und jetzt spoilere ich, sie verlieben sich ineinander. Kann das gut gehen? Auf irgendeine Art und Weise funktionieren? Es wird spannend!
Mein Leseeindruck: hey, das war ein Buch nach meinem Geschmack :-)
Die Autorin kennt sich aus in Punkto Wandern und Outdoor-Leben, und das hat man gemerkt. Der Bericht war authentisch und interessant. Ich hab mich des öfteren gefragt, ob und wie weit Ms Sparks den AT selbst gelaufen ist, sie hat auf jeden Fall viel eigene Erfahrung in das Buch einfließen lassen.
Und jetzt zur Lovestory: die hat mich definitiv auch gecatched. Also, eigentlich wäre das voll die Klischee-Story, wenn das eine Hetero-Romance wäre. Millionär-CEO meets armes Mädchen. In der Mann-Frau-Konstellation hätte ich mich wohl hierbei komplett gelangweilt, aber die lesbische Variante, geschrieben aus Ambers Sicht, hat es mir merkwürdigerweise angetan. Ich kann nicht sagen, woran das liegt, aber irgendwie hat es einfach gepasst und mich emotional mitgenommen. Wahrscheinlich weil Amber auch eine ziemliche emotionale Entwicklung gemacht hat, die halt einfach authentisch und sympathisch rüberkam.
Egal wie, das Buch ist flüssig geschrieben, hat ein tolles Setting, eine tolle Cast (da gibt es durchaus noch mehr interessante Ladies zu entdecken, Amber und Leslie haben tolle Freundinnen!), und mir hat es Spaß gemacht, dabei zu sein!
Bitte lesen!
December 14, 2023
Cheryl Strayed move over! Hiking for miles and miles has never been so life changing and utterly romantic. This is a true rich girl- poor girl story to savor.
I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Amber Shaw is a hardass CEO. She built the company up until it skyrocketed into the Fortune 500. Her latest achievement is securing a major merger. How harsh is it then when the board of directors choose to go forward with another CEO. Ego bruised and battered she gets home early to find her girlfriend moving out. All the shitty things happening lead Amber to one question: who the hell is she if not a fancy millionaire CEO that lives for work? It is watching the movie Wild and learning about Cheryl Strayed’s story that she makes a decision. She will hike the Appalachian Trail and find what she’s looking for or at least find what she needs.
Leslie is better known for her trail name Munch. The hiker that has spent the last twenty years completing all eleven National Scenic Trails in the US. Living the hobo lifestyle. She saved the best for last: the Appalachian Trail or AT. That hike will conclude something her late mom was never able to. What she didn’t count on was the stunning newbie hiker she meets on the plane. One that becomes her trail buddy quickly and the one that steels her heart in the process and gives her a new purpose in life.
Hiking with Amber and Leslie through the pages is a wonderful experience. Sparks does an epic job in describing the wonders of nature and the joys, and sometimes horrors, of life on the trail. The story is told from Ambers perspective but because both she and Leslie open up to each other it is as if you get the same intense story from Leslie’s side. I love how their connection is built on mutual respect despite their differences.
The two become fast friends with a sapphic couple on the trail and the connection they build together is strong. The couple serves as the most important side characters, together with Amber’s old secretary/assistant Sue. The role Sue has played in Amber’s life is one of friend, confidant and a mom, because her real mom is horrendously lacking in the parental department. Sue’s support for Amber is heartwarming and Her hilarious sayings had me laughing out loud more than once.
I bet that after reading this book the Appalachian Trail will be flooded with lesbians looking for their own Leslie! But if you just want to enjoy it in the safe and warm comfort of a snuggly blanket on the couch and just go on a fictional hike, this is a great start of the trail!
I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Amber Shaw is a hardass CEO. She built the company up until it skyrocketed into the Fortune 500. Her latest achievement is securing a major merger. How harsh is it then when the board of directors choose to go forward with another CEO. Ego bruised and battered she gets home early to find her girlfriend moving out. All the shitty things happening lead Amber to one question: who the hell is she if not a fancy millionaire CEO that lives for work? It is watching the movie Wild and learning about Cheryl Strayed’s story that she makes a decision. She will hike the Appalachian Trail and find what she’s looking for or at least find what she needs.
Leslie is better known for her trail name Munch. The hiker that has spent the last twenty years completing all eleven National Scenic Trails in the US. Living the hobo lifestyle. She saved the best for last: the Appalachian Trail or AT. That hike will conclude something her late mom was never able to. What she didn’t count on was the stunning newbie hiker she meets on the plane. One that becomes her trail buddy quickly and the one that steels her heart in the process and gives her a new purpose in life.
Hiking with Amber and Leslie through the pages is a wonderful experience. Sparks does an epic job in describing the wonders of nature and the joys, and sometimes horrors, of life on the trail. The story is told from Ambers perspective but because both she and Leslie open up to each other it is as if you get the same intense story from Leslie’s side. I love how their connection is built on mutual respect despite their differences.
The two become fast friends with a sapphic couple on the trail and the connection they build together is strong. The couple serves as the most important side characters, together with Amber’s old secretary/assistant Sue. The role Sue has played in Amber’s life is one of friend, confidant and a mom, because her real mom is horrendously lacking in the parental department. Sue’s support for Amber is heartwarming and Her hilarious sayings had me laughing out loud more than once.
I bet that after reading this book the Appalachian Trail will be flooded with lesbians looking for their own Leslie! But if you just want to enjoy it in the safe and warm comfort of a snuggly blanket on the couch and just go on a fictional hike, this is a great start of the trail!
February 27, 2025
I will preface this by saying, please for the love of life, do NOT, read a book true or fiction about hiking and run to spend thousands of dollars on gear, hop on a plane, and solo a through hike. Not only is it dangerous, and you probably don't need most of the stuff they try to push on you so you're wasting money, nothing in books or movies is like actually hiking in real life. That being said, ABSOLUTELY go hiking. Do research, start on day hikes, and learn what you like and don't like, and what you need and don't need. The one thing books and movies have right is, nature is healing. Hiking is a form of meditation and therapy, and like the characters in this story, it helps you learn about yourself and gives you a new perspective on life. I picked this book because as an avid through hiker, I love hiking stories, and I love fiction. Considering there are very few fiction hiking books, I was excited to find this one. I admit that I was a little eh at the beginning of the story, I also admit that I'm judgmental like in the book lol, because reading "Wild" and Amber deciding to jump into hiking the AT made me roll my eyes. Leslie, being dramatic about what to do after the Scenic Eleven was odd to me, as all hikers know, there are so many more trails globally to do (I just did Annapurna in October, YAY ME). BUT! As the story goes on, you learn more about Amber and Leslie. Why Leslie had started the hiking goal of all Eleven, why the AT is so important to her, and why she is lost on what to do after. This story is actually so good as it goes on that in parts of it, I caught myself thinking "This is ridiculous", "this wouldn't happen", and "Seriously?" And then I remembered... it's fiction, of course, it's ridiculous! This is a really good thing, because for the most part the book, descriptions of people, life on the trail, and the trail itself were spot on. I would forget it wasn't a real account of hikers. Either Nance Sparks has hiked that trail or the amount of time and effort into research is top-notch and overly impressive. From, the shelters being overcrowded, to hikers legs and the rain and mud, it was spot on. My AT trips have never been as adventurous as Leslie and Ambers, and while I've met great people while hiking, nothing like in the story, sadly. lol But that is the great thing about fiction. I LOVE this book, it's going to be one I read again and again.
February 7, 2024
I have no idea if the author is a long distance hiker but I felt like I could have done a few miles after reading this and I’m a disabled old crock. It is filled with fresh air, tents, and trail names and I loved it. Having been made redundant, I fully empathised with Amber needing to get away and challenge herself. The need to ‘prove’ something. Amber is a successful CEO with a corner office and designer clothes. She travels first class.
Leslie is a through hiker with a bucket list. She’s done them all, apart from the Appalachian Trail. It’s a purpose and gives her life a direction. But, in many ways similar to Amber, she doesn’t know who she’ll be when she’s ticked it off.
The women have nothing in common but they keep each other company as they walk through the hundreds of miles. There are nice nods to Cheryl Strayed and hikers who think they have what it takes but obviously don’t. Everything I’ve read about long through hiking emphasises the mental strength needed to succeed and Amber has that in spades.
The ancillary characters are excellent, the sidebar story of Amber’s previous employers and her assistant Sue all add to the credibility of the narrative and I enjoyed the book immensely. I would love to read more about Amber and Leslie as they navigate their new life.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.
Leslie is a through hiker with a bucket list. She’s done them all, apart from the Appalachian Trail. It’s a purpose and gives her life a direction. But, in many ways similar to Amber, she doesn’t know who she’ll be when she’s ticked it off.
The women have nothing in common but they keep each other company as they walk through the hundreds of miles. There are nice nods to Cheryl Strayed and hikers who think they have what it takes but obviously don’t. Everything I’ve read about long through hiking emphasises the mental strength needed to succeed and Amber has that in spades.
The ancillary characters are excellent, the sidebar story of Amber’s previous employers and her assistant Sue all add to the credibility of the narrative and I enjoyed the book immensely. I would love to read more about Amber and Leslie as they navigate their new life.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.
January 14, 2024
"I hope I find what I'm looking for, else, I hope I find what I need."
"Appalachian Awakening" by Nance Sparks was everything I wanted it to be and more. It's a great story for those seeking a heartwarming and transformative journey of self-discovery and love, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Appalachian Trail. While I'm no high-powered executive or thru-hike veteran, I strongly identified with the desire to escape everyday life and coexist with nature and all its adventures.
MCs Amber and Leslie are from two very different worlds, but find themselves embarking on a thru-hike of the AT at just the right time. While I continue to struggle with my desire to leave the field of education over the desire to have financial and healthcare stability, this book, its themes and characters, spoke to me on both an emotional and intellectual level. It's worth every bit of my five star rating. This was my first book by Nance Sparks, but it certainly won't be my last. Thank you so much NetGalley and Boldstrokes Books for the ARC.
"I need to do this. I need answers. There's an emptiness inside me that no amount of success has filled."
"Appalachian Awakening" by Nance Sparks was everything I wanted it to be and more. It's a great story for those seeking a heartwarming and transformative journey of self-discovery and love, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Appalachian Trail. While I'm no high-powered executive or thru-hike veteran, I strongly identified with the desire to escape everyday life and coexist with nature and all its adventures.
MCs Amber and Leslie are from two very different worlds, but find themselves embarking on a thru-hike of the AT at just the right time. While I continue to struggle with my desire to leave the field of education over the desire to have financial and healthcare stability, this book, its themes and characters, spoke to me on both an emotional and intellectual level. It's worth every bit of my five star rating. This was my first book by Nance Sparks, but it certainly won't be my last. Thank you so much NetGalley and Boldstrokes Books for the ARC.
"I need to do this. I need answers. There's an emptiness inside me that no amount of success has filled."
December 26, 2023
I absolutely loved the setting of this book on the Appalachian Trail. I would love to see more stories in such gorgeous and challenging settings. In face, the setting was my favorite character. The scene where they were hiking in pissing down rain for three days was brilliant. I felt cold and drenched to the bone reading it.
I'm not a big fan of first person as I feel an imbalance of knowing everything the main character in first person is thinking and not nearly enough of the one who isn't. Writing characters in different points of view is a challenge. I adjusted pretty quickly and didn't feel the imbalance as much until one of the main characters leaves the AT promising to come back to meet the other and finish the through hike. We get to read thoroughly what the character in first person is thinking and feeling in this time. Yet I felt like I didn't get as much insight into the other character and wanted to know what was going through her head from her. Overall, it was a great story and I hope to read more in such fantastic settings.
I'm not a big fan of first person as I feel an imbalance of knowing everything the main character in first person is thinking and not nearly enough of the one who isn't. Writing characters in different points of view is a challenge. I adjusted pretty quickly and didn't feel the imbalance as much until one of the main characters leaves the AT promising to come back to meet the other and finish the through hike. We get to read thoroughly what the character in first person is thinking and feeling in this time. Yet I felt like I didn't get as much insight into the other character and wanted to know what was going through her head from her. Overall, it was a great story and I hope to read more in such fantastic settings.
January 4, 2024
This made me want to hike the Appalachian Trail and as I do like to hike and be outdoors, that would be a lot even though Sparks had me aching with all the feels for this book.
Amber Shaw is a big time CEO worth a ton of money, living her best life, but it all comes crashing down when she let go unexpectedly and ends up deciding to go hiking for 6 months. As a city woman, this is a massive change, but Amber needs to find herself and what she really wants out of life. I loved seeing the progression and the inner monologue of Amber finding the true meaning of life and what's expected. It was beautifully written even before Leslie entered the picture.
Leslie is hiking the final trail of the big eleven and feels like she doesn't compare to Amber and that she can't offer Amber anything as she's been focused on this one goal for the last twenty years. Yet, when they meet, they clash, but then they find what they've been looking for in each other and on the trail.
I absolutely loved this book. The writing was amazing and the detail made me feel like I was there with them. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend this book to everyone.
I received and ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amber Shaw is a big time CEO worth a ton of money, living her best life, but it all comes crashing down when she let go unexpectedly and ends up deciding to go hiking for 6 months. As a city woman, this is a massive change, but Amber needs to find herself and what she really wants out of life. I loved seeing the progression and the inner monologue of Amber finding the true meaning of life and what's expected. It was beautifully written even before Leslie entered the picture.
Leslie is hiking the final trail of the big eleven and feels like she doesn't compare to Amber and that she can't offer Amber anything as she's been focused on this one goal for the last twenty years. Yet, when they meet, they clash, but then they find what they've been looking for in each other and on the trail.
I absolutely loved this book. The writing was amazing and the detail made me feel like I was there with them. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend this book to everyone.
I received and ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2023
I really did enjoy this story. I felt like the author took us on a journey with both women and added friends. You get to see Amber do some self reflecting on the way she sees herself but also the way she’s made others see her. I really liked her inner monologue and how she worked to build herself up and enjoy freedom. Leslie was definitely a fun character in the story. She certainly had her own things to work with considering she’s lived most of her life to fulfill someone else’s dream. Finding her sense of purpose was delightful to read. Reading about the various acts of trail magic, meeting new friends on the trail and various laugh out loud moments of people who absolutely underestimated the hike was a great part to read. Overall, I really did like this story and would love to see more of the characters in continuation stories.
January 1, 2024
I like the outdoors and romance, so I must like this book, right?
Turns out, this novel kind of fulfills this expectation. It is a sweet enough
love story that slowly burns between the two main characters as they hike along the
Appalachian Trail, albeit with relatively little character development.
What turned me off (and made it three stars for me)
was that it in parts also is a cross-over of romance
and travel description, with the sound track of a self-help book. There
are a lot of repetitive hiking facts, like a direct write-up of a Google-fest,
especially in the first couple of chapters and in the Epilogue.
But I really liked the hiking, seemingly written by someone who did it herself!
(based on a free ARC from NetGalley)
Turns out, this novel kind of fulfills this expectation. It is a sweet enough
love story that slowly burns between the two main characters as they hike along the
Appalachian Trail, albeit with relatively little character development.
What turned me off (and made it three stars for me)
was that it in parts also is a cross-over of romance
and travel description, with the sound track of a self-help book. There
are a lot of repetitive hiking facts, like a direct write-up of a Google-fest,
especially in the first couple of chapters and in the Epilogue.
But I really liked the hiking, seemingly written by someone who did it herself!
(based on a free ARC from NetGalley)
January 26, 2025
I know there are many good reviews for this book but I just found the leads' relationship far too unrealistic. Both Leslie and Amber explicitly mention their issues with commitment and declaring love, yet they have sex one night soon after meeting and not long after, they're supposedly incredibly into each other and planning to run a business together.
I'm fine with instalove, I can quite like it in fact, but I just didn't feel a deep enough connection between Leslie and Amber to be compelled by their relationship.
Also, the sort of twist at the end was just icky to me, and undermined the entire journey Amber had been on. I'm happy this book resonated with so many people, but it really wasn't for me.
I'm fine with instalove, I can quite like it in fact, but I just didn't feel a deep enough connection between Leslie and Amber to be compelled by their relationship.
Also, the sort of twist at the end was just icky to me, and undermined the entire journey Amber had been on. I'm happy this book resonated with so many people, but it really wasn't for me.
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