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Hymns of Blue Hollow: A 1940s Southern Appalachian Historical Romance and Family Saga
"The writing was absolutely nothing short of perfection." ★★★★★
In the Appalachian hills of 1941 Tennessee, where moonshining is a way of life, Esther Primm knows the rules.
Keep your head down. Survive and want nothing. Trust no one.
She has lived by them her entire life.
But there is one thing she has never survived.
Being seen.
When her world is swept away, Esther finds herself in a place she was always warned never to go.
There, she finds a secluded estate kept by an older Black woman who has always stayed on her side of the fence, and a brooding German man who carries a grief he can’t speak of, and who looks at her in a way no one ever has.
Her old life won’t stop chasing her.
An obsessed preacher refuses to give her up, hiding his darkness behind Sunday sermons, while the local sheriff watches everything and says nothing.
Each of them is hiding something.
And in Blue Hollows, secrets don’t stay buried. They come for you.
Lyrical, gritty, and devastatingly beautiful, this Southern historical romance is written in the tradition of Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, and Delia Owens.
For readers of The Giver of Stars, The Nightingale, and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.
A book club favorite, Hymns of Blue Hollow can be read as a standalone, but is best experienced as part of the ongoing series.
In the Appalachian hills of 1941 Tennessee, where moonshining is a way of life, Esther Primm knows the rules.
Keep your head down. Survive and want nothing. Trust no one.
She has lived by them her entire life.
But there is one thing she has never survived.
Being seen.
When her world is swept away, Esther finds herself in a place she was always warned never to go.
There, she finds a secluded estate kept by an older Black woman who has always stayed on her side of the fence, and a brooding German man who carries a grief he can’t speak of, and who looks at her in a way no one ever has.
Her old life won’t stop chasing her.
An obsessed preacher refuses to give her up, hiding his darkness behind Sunday sermons, while the local sheriff watches everything and says nothing.
Each of them is hiding something.
And in Blue Hollows, secrets don’t stay buried. They come for you.
Lyrical, gritty, and devastatingly beautiful, this Southern historical romance is written in the tradition of Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, and Delia Owens.
For readers of The Giver of Stars, The Nightingale, and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.
A book club favorite, Hymns of Blue Hollow can be read as a standalone, but is best experienced as part of the ongoing series.
460 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
About the author
Kemma MarShall
5 books26 followersAuthor of the best-selling and acclaimed Hymns of Blue Hollow series, an epic 1940s Southern historical romance, Kemma Marshall calls North Carolina home. With family roots in the Appalachian hills, the stories of her ancestors fuel her creative soul.
Growing up poor as one of nine children, Kemma writes with authenticity, painting with words to bring her characters to life. She knows what it feels like to be a young girl who goes unseen.
Inspired by the love of a good man and a lasting marriage, and shaped by her years as a mother, she has spent her life as an artist and researcher with a deep passion for history and bygone eras.
Her work has earned over 10 million Kindle Unlimited page reads and maintains a 4.5-star reader rating.
Growing up poor as one of nine children, Kemma writes with authenticity, painting with words to bring her characters to life. She knows what it feels like to be a young girl who goes unseen.
Inspired by the love of a good man and a lasting marriage, and shaped by her years as a mother, she has spent her life as an artist and researcher with a deep passion for history and bygone eras.
Her work has earned over 10 million Kindle Unlimited page reads and maintains a 4.5-star reader rating.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 15, 2025
Hymns of Blue Hollow
I chose this book from kindle unlimited because it was written about the mountains of Tennessee, my home. I was not familiar with the author, but enjoyed the book so much. It made me cry sometimes, feel anger other times, and even shock at what some are forced to bear in order to survive. I have bought the second book in the series and look forward to reading more about Ester and Ian's journey. I don't think it's your ordinary romance novel. It's more than that!
I chose this book from kindle unlimited because it was written about the mountains of Tennessee, my home. I was not familiar with the author, but enjoyed the book so much. It made me cry sometimes, feel anger other times, and even shock at what some are forced to bear in order to survive. I have bought the second book in the series and look forward to reading more about Ester and Ian's journey. I don't think it's your ordinary romance novel. It's more than that!
July 21, 2025
God tier book !!!
This book needs to be talked about EVERYWHERE. Right NOW! It needs to be at the top of everyone’s TBR right NOW !! The writing was absolutely nothing short of perfection, ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. The beginning of each chapter was like the beginning of a beautiful poem. This was one of the best love stories ever. I cannot wait to start the next book ! THIS is what all romance books should be like !
This book needs to be talked about EVERYWHERE. Right NOW! It needs to be at the top of everyone’s TBR right NOW !! The writing was absolutely nothing short of perfection, ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. The beginning of each chapter was like the beginning of a beautiful poem. This was one of the best love stories ever. I cannot wait to start the next book ! THIS is what all romance books should be like !
March 27, 2025
I went into reading this book feeling like I wouldn't find the time, and I didn't enjoy reading novels any more, and was so surprised as I was drawn rapidly into Esther's unique story so easily, as it is written in such a lyrical, and beautiful way! I feel like I could completely visualize her, and the other characters, and their lives. They became somewhat REAL in my imagination! There was a careful balance of joy, struggles, suspense, love, and hate. I experienced their emotions. I read this story quickly at any chance that I got. The story is one that lingers on in my heart and mind long after I finished reading it! I am now eagerly anticipating the 2nd book to be released soon so that I can continue enjoying Esther's intriguing story! I HIGHLY recommend this book! It is a very worthwhile read that will open one's heart to a poor, young girl's journey from a wretched life, to a better life that she deserves.
December 17, 2024
This book is incredibly well written, i’m obsessed with the story line of this book. There is so much detail yet I found myself looking forward to reading each and every page, unlike some books where I find myself wanting to skim over pages. I truly found myself immersed in this book and enjoying the many layers of depth. I find myself and I’m sure many others would find the main character Esther relatable, as even though this book is fiction it talks about very real situations, especially for the time period it’s written in. There is definitely some heart wrenching moments but there are also many moments in this book that will make you laugh and smile I 100% would recommend this to anyone!:)
February 25, 2025
This was a beautiful story of survival, pain, hope, and love! The author wrote an immersive story set in the age of moonshine and the dangers of the business. The story was captivating with characters I grew to love (and some I hated). This story had romance, but there were so many complexities that went into it. Even though there are heavy themes such as abuse, the author wrote them in a very tactful way. My heart was broken (several times) but was put back together by the end!
4.5 stars!
4.5 stars!
April 15, 2025
Beautiful as well as heartbreaking read.
Such a beautiful story of a young g woman rising from the ashes of hurt and pain. So many true stories such as this one took place I. These secluded mountain towns. Neighbors would mi d their own business when they should have stepped in to stop the abuse that was all around them. What a beautiful story and how she rose to be free and happy finally in her life.
Such a beautiful story of a young g woman rising from the ashes of hurt and pain. So many true stories such as this one took place I. These secluded mountain towns. Neighbors would mi d their own business when they should have stepped in to stop the abuse that was all around them. What a beautiful story and how she rose to be free and happy finally in her life.
July 20, 2025
I couldn't put this book down..
But yet, I didn't want to get to the ending, didn't want it to end. The horrible abuse that Easter suffered, for so many of her years. Pulled me right into the midst of this family. From the beginning to the end. From the horrible cruelty, poverty, and ignorance, of the back hills, to the love, caring, and decent living of her newly found family.
But yet, I didn't want to get to the ending, didn't want it to end. The horrible abuse that Easter suffered, for so many of her years. Pulled me right into the midst of this family. From the beginning to the end. From the horrible cruelty, poverty, and ignorance, of the back hills, to the love, caring, and decent living of her newly found family.
June 9, 2025
Hardship breathes love!
This book will tear at your heart. Make you feel like you are a part of the story. A young woman with much to bear and a young man who would go to the end of the earth to see her smile. A poiniant story you must read. Full of terror, pain, loss and redemption. A loving tribute to a southern family whose never ending strength lasted forever.
This book will tear at your heart. Make you feel like you are a part of the story. A young woman with much to bear and a young man who would go to the end of the earth to see her smile. A poiniant story you must read. Full of terror, pain, loss and redemption. A loving tribute to a southern family whose never ending strength lasted forever.
March 10, 2025
Oh my gosh I loved this book. The story behind it it gave you all the answers you were wanting it gave you a happy ending it made me cry and laugh and just very emotional possible I couldn’t stop reading every chapter was just as good as the the last one. Truly amazing writing !!!
July 5, 2025
What an awesome book!
A beautifully written book! From the first word to the last I was enthralled! A book of courage, willpower and love. I would have given this 10 stars if I could have. A story that will stay with me a long time!
A beautifully written book! From the first word to the last I was enthralled! A book of courage, willpower and love. I would have given this 10 stars if I could have. A story that will stay with me a long time!
August 20, 2025
wonderful!!
A well written story! Hard to put down! Beautiful and painfully written! Kept you on the edge of your seat! So glad she wrote another one was not ready to leave the blue hills!
A well written story! Hard to put down! Beautiful and painfully written! Kept you on the edge of your seat! So glad she wrote another one was not ready to leave the blue hills!
September 8, 2025
Set in the 1940s. This story is so sweet. I love that the author doesn't rush anything. its a very well developed stroy overall. Please read this story and give this author a chance! You'll fall in love with Hymns of Blue Hollow!
January 22, 2025
Hymns of Blue Hollow
I could not put this book down until I read the very last page. This story will stay with me for a very long time, A great story well told.
I could not put this book down until I read the very last page. This story will stay with me for a very long time, A great story well told.
February 6, 2025
Fantastic read
I absolutely loved this book. Genuine characters that are mace real and the storyline is captivating. I had it read in two days. Highly recommend it.
I absolutely loved this book. Genuine characters that are mace real and the storyline is captivating. I had it read in two days. Highly recommend it.
February 28, 2025
Good story
Really enjoyed this.book. and I like happy endings. Great characters. Sometimes the story line was predictable, but it is a book I enjoyed.
Really enjoyed this.book. and I like happy endings. Great characters. Sometimes the story line was predictable, but it is a book I enjoyed.
March 9, 2025
Hymns of Blue Hollow
This book is so thrilling and intense. Surprises all the way until the end answers you don’t expect. A very good read.
This book is so thrilling and intense. Surprises all the way until the end answers you don’t expect. A very good read.
March 12, 2025
Wonderful book
The second I started reading this book I knew I had found something special. I was not disappointed! Thank you Kenya Marshall !
The second I started reading this book I knew I had found something special. I was not disappointed! Thank you Kenya Marshall !
May 8, 2025
Excellent story
Well written and engaging, the story unfolds naturally. The imagery is stunning in it's simplicity, capturing the ethics of mid-centuey Appalachia.
Well written and engaging, the story unfolds naturally. The imagery is stunning in it's simplicity, capturing the ethics of mid-centuey Appalachia.
May 28, 2025
Hymns of Blue Hollow
One of those rare books you just can't stop reading. And when you reach the last page...you wish there were more.
One of those rare books you just can't stop reading. And when you reach the last page...you wish there were more.
June 1, 2025
Fascinating book with vivid characters and a surprising story line.
June 29, 2025
Wonderful Book.
This book was an enchanting story of a family’s history and struggles to find the truth. How with love and prayer anything is possible.
This book was an enchanting story of a family’s history and struggles to find the truth. How with love and prayer anything is possible.
August 6, 2025
Great Story!
I didn’t want to set the book down. All the descriptions made me feel as if I was there with the characters.
I didn’t want to set the book down. All the descriptions made me feel as if I was there with the characters.
October 1, 2025
This book brought me back to reading daily.
The words are so descriptive. They are filled with love.
I will be reading and enjoying more of her books.
The words are so descriptive. They are filled with love.
I will be reading and enjoying more of her books.
April 10, 2025
great book
Great read never guessed on any of the surprises a real page turner will follow the series enjoyed this book
Great read never guessed on any of the surprises a real page turner will follow the series enjoyed this book
April 25, 2026
excellent read
Such a descriptive, well developed story. Being from Appalachia myself, I believe it to be a fairly accurate portrayal of the poverty and isolation during that time period.
Such a descriptive, well developed story. Being from Appalachia myself, I believe it to be a fairly accurate portrayal of the poverty and isolation during that time period.
December 22, 2025
The triumph of family
I felt so close to the characters, yet longing for my own. Everyone should read this book. I'm starting the next one with a smile.
I felt so close to the characters, yet longing for my own. Everyone should read this book. I'm starting the next one with a smile.
August 3, 2025
Hymns of Blue Hollow
Absolutely loved this book and the story of Hymns of Blue Hollow. I would recommend it to anyone that likes down home reading.
Absolutely loved this book and the story of Hymns of Blue Hollow. I would recommend it to anyone that likes down home reading.
February 27, 2025
It was a very difficult read at times with heavy, disturbing topics but overall a good story of survival in a near impossible place and time.
March 28, 2026
Old Southern hill People
A Thrilling love story with mystery and murder. Chapter by chapter the surprising turns of Esters life kept me turning page after page. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Thrilling love story with mystery and murder. Chapter by chapter the surprising turns of Esters life kept me turning page after page. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
November 29, 2025
This was a good read and kept you turning the pages! So sad for Esther and her life and then to find happiness and chaos when her new life involves Ian.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews