Hymns of Blue Hollow: A 1940s Southern Appalachian Historical Romance Series • A Book Club Favorite

by Kemma MarShall

God Tier Book!! “This belongs at the top of everyone’s TBR right NOW… A story that needs to be talked about EVERYWHERE.” – ★★★★★ Reader Review

Hymns of Blue Hollow, a historical fiction romance novel set in the rugged hills of 1940s Tennessee, where survival, love, and secrets burn beneath the surface.

Esther Primm has lived her life under her grandmother’s iron grip, bound to the dangerous world of moonshining. But when taken in by Clarissa Johnson, a Black woman with her own secrets, Esther must learn to survive in a new world—a place she was warned never to go. There she meets Ian Huggler, a brooding German man haunted by his past, whose quiet strength sparks a forbidden passion.

As their love grows, threats close in—a preacher with a twisted obsession, a sheriff who never stops watching, and a community where silence can be deadly. To survive, Esther must risk everything for the chance at the life she longs for.

For readers of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, The Nightingale, and The Giver of Stars, this sprawling Southern saga blends lyrical storytelling with the grit of resilience. A novel perfect for book clubs, Hymns of Blue Hollow is a historical fiction that will linger long after the last page.

Can be read as a standalone or as part of the ongoing Hymns of Blue Hollow series.

Claim your copy now and experience this slow-burn story of passion, peril, and suspense. The Blue Hollow Hills are calling!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Southern

460 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Author 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.

Reviews

[Charlotte Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[MlEaNnReAdS · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 !

[Lara McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!:)

[Megan Warwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jill Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rhonda Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Genevieve Scholl · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Breanna Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 !!!

[DONNA SWANGER · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[STEPHANIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Fernanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Lois Nuber · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Heidi Bernier · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Gidget · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Odette Driver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

The second I started reading this book I knew I had found something special. I was not disappointed! Thank you Kenya Marshall !

[Laura Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tracy Skinner-garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book with vivid characters and a surprising story line.

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Diana Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Keira Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

Great read never guessed on any of the surprises a real page turner will follow the series enjoyed this book

[jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Anna Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kim Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Pam Lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sean Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an EPIC storyline, as the title clearly suggests! Esther, a young woman in rural, early 20th-century Appalachia, is propelled forward into an incredible journey filled with danger and a budding romance with a German man. Her life isn’t her own as she tries to navigate what love is, what acceptance is, and her own sense of value amid it all. Think found family, slight age gap, forced proximity, interracial relationship, Southern Gothic, slow burn. I found it has a poetic, artistic quality that isn’t overdone. I enjoyed all the unexpected twists and suspense in this rich, character-driven novel.
I found myself waiting to review it, even though I read it quite a while ago and have been enjoying the rest of the books in the series. The delay wasn’t because it didn’t impact me, but quite the opposite. Truth be told, this novel was the reason I finally succumbed to a Goodreads account. I felt like this story needed to be heard. There aren’t enough stories about women like this—about resilience. There is just something so authentic about this storyline, her voice. Sometimes people had to survive, doing whatever they could, and that was a victory in itself. This author deserves to be read, and clearly her current ratings reflect that.
I look forward to her future work as well and can’t give her enough praise.

[Steed · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did this book even have an editor???

This book is terrible, and it’s a hot mess! Even though I’m a writer, I feel like some of the glaring composition errors of this book would bother anyone who read it.

The author clearly has a pet/crutch phrase: “the _______ between them.” About once per page, and in one case twice, the author overuses this line. “The air between them….” “The space between them…” the distance, the silence, the look… it was so damned irritating it was a distraction.

The rest of the writing is both dramatically flowery and weirdly punctuated. I swear no one edited this book, or even gave some helpful feedback.

The epilogue, 80 years later, randomly popped up two chapters before the end of the book, but by then I wasn’t surprised because the rest of it was such a mess.

The characters were cliche, and shallow.

I can’t recommend this book. It was terrible.