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My Appalachian Summer.: An Appalachian story about faith, family and friendship.
My Appalachian SummerA Coming-of-Age Story of Faith, Family, and Finding Home
He was headed for trouble.
Growing up in Detroit, Hubert Goins knew how to survive—fast talking, quick fists, and always one step ahead of the consequences chasing him. But when one bad decision pushes him too far, his mother makes a choice that will change everything.
She sends him south.
To the hills of Appalachia.
To grandparents he barely knows.
To a life he doesn’t understand.
In a place where mornings start before sunrise and days are filled with hard work, quiet conversations, and the steady rhythm of faith, Hubert begins to encounter something unfamiliar—peace.
But peace doesn’t come easy.
It comes through early mornings in the barn, long days by the creek, friendships that challenge him, and a church that lives out its faith in ways he has never seen before.
And slowly, the boy who only knew how to fight begins to learn something
How to listen.
How to trust.
How to believe.
Set against the beauty of the Appalachian mountains, My Appalachian Summer is a powerful coming-of-age story about faith, family, and the kind of transformation that only happens when someone finally finds where they belong.
He was headed for trouble.
Growing up in Detroit, Hubert Goins knew how to survive—fast talking, quick fists, and always one step ahead of the consequences chasing him. But when one bad decision pushes him too far, his mother makes a choice that will change everything.
She sends him south.
To the hills of Appalachia.
To grandparents he barely knows.
To a life he doesn’t understand.
In a place where mornings start before sunrise and days are filled with hard work, quiet conversations, and the steady rhythm of faith, Hubert begins to encounter something unfamiliar—peace.
But peace doesn’t come easy.
It comes through early mornings in the barn, long days by the creek, friendships that challenge him, and a church that lives out its faith in ways he has never seen before.
And slowly, the boy who only knew how to fight begins to learn something
How to listen.
How to trust.
How to believe.
Set against the beauty of the Appalachian mountains, My Appalachian Summer is a powerful coming-of-age story about faith, family, and the kind of transformation that only happens when someone finally finds where they belong.
- GenresAmazon
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2026
About the author
Tim Jackson
67 books1 followerLibrarian Note: This profile contains multiple authors.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 15, 2026
I too was shipped off to a country farm in Southeastern Ohio to my Grandparents from the Detroit area in 1960. It was one of the happiest 3 weeks of my life, there I accepted the Lord as my Savior listening to a radio broadcast of a church service. I had to go back home even though I asked if I could stay with my Grandparents. This story resonated so much with me, sort of a retelling of my own story. The story is so precious, full of love and healing, it is a great read.
June 17, 2026
My Appalachian Summer by Tim Jackson appears to be a heartfelt coming of age Christian story centered on transformation, faith, and the slow rebuilding of a young life shaped by instability. Set against the quiet strength of the Appalachian mountains, the novel contrasts a troubled urban past with a slower, more grounded rural environment where change becomes possible.
What immediately stands out is Hubert Goins’ background. Growing up in Detroit and relying on survival instincts like quick thinking and physical toughness, he represents a young man shaped by instability and consequence avoidance. His forced relocation to Appalachia introduces a sharp emotional and cultural shift that becomes the foundation for his personal growth.
The decision by his mother to send him away functions as the turning point of the narrative. Rather than being framed as punishment alone, it becomes an unexpected opportunity for renewal. This shift in environment—from fast-paced urban survival to structured rural discipline—creates the conditions for reflection and change.
Appalachia itself plays a significant role in the story. The rhythms of early mornings, farm work, community relationships, and faith-centered living form a quiet but powerful contrast to Hubert’s previous life. The setting is not just background, but an active influence that gradually reshapes his worldview.
A central theme in the story is the gradual learning of trust. Hubert’s journey from defensive survivalism toward openness and emotional vulnerability is shown through relationships, responsibility, and exposure to a faith-driven community. The presence of grandparents he barely knows adds another layer of emotional distance that must be bridged over time.
Friendship and community also appear to be key drivers of his transformation. Through steady interaction with people who live out their values through action rather than words, Hubert begins to understand alternative ways of living ones rooted in patience, faith, and accountability rather than conflict.
Overall, My Appalachian Summer looks like a gentle but meaningful Christian coming of age story about redemption, identity, and belonging. It emphasizes that transformation is rarely sudden, but instead built through consistent relationships, faith, and exposure to a life lived with purpose.
What immediately stands out is Hubert Goins’ background. Growing up in Detroit and relying on survival instincts like quick thinking and physical toughness, he represents a young man shaped by instability and consequence avoidance. His forced relocation to Appalachia introduces a sharp emotional and cultural shift that becomes the foundation for his personal growth.
The decision by his mother to send him away functions as the turning point of the narrative. Rather than being framed as punishment alone, it becomes an unexpected opportunity for renewal. This shift in environment—from fast-paced urban survival to structured rural discipline—creates the conditions for reflection and change.
Appalachia itself plays a significant role in the story. The rhythms of early mornings, farm work, community relationships, and faith-centered living form a quiet but powerful contrast to Hubert’s previous life. The setting is not just background, but an active influence that gradually reshapes his worldview.
A central theme in the story is the gradual learning of trust. Hubert’s journey from defensive survivalism toward openness and emotional vulnerability is shown through relationships, responsibility, and exposure to a faith-driven community. The presence of grandparents he barely knows adds another layer of emotional distance that must be bridged over time.
Friendship and community also appear to be key drivers of his transformation. Through steady interaction with people who live out their values through action rather than words, Hubert begins to understand alternative ways of living ones rooted in patience, faith, and accountability rather than conflict.
Overall, My Appalachian Summer looks like a gentle but meaningful Christian coming of age story about redemption, identity, and belonging. It emphasizes that transformation is rarely sudden, but instead built through consistent relationships, faith, and exposure to a life lived with purpose.
May 24, 2026
What a delightful book!!!
Living in the Northwest the speech and sayings were new to me, but the awesome sense of peace and respect being taught through God's creation and everyday life was encouraging. Now as a 77 year old Grandma with my first great grandbaby, I wish I could instill those values her. Unfortunately, I'm in Montana and the are all in Florida. A long trek for an old lady!
Living in the Northwest the speech and sayings were new to me, but the awesome sense of peace and respect being taught through God's creation and everyday life was encouraging. Now as a 77 year old Grandma with my first great grandbaby, I wish I could instill those values her. Unfortunately, I'm in Montana and the are all in Florida. A long trek for an old lady!
June 7, 2026
Five stars
As someone who spent 30+ years in Detroit making bad decisions and found home in Arkansas in 2013, I really really love this book. I even lost some tears when his mom made the right choice even though, as a mom, I know how hard that was. I'm glad I came across this book.
As someone who spent 30+ years in Detroit making bad decisions and found home in Arkansas in 2013, I really really love this book. I even lost some tears when his mom made the right choice even though, as a mom, I know how hard that was. I'm glad I came across this book.
July 2, 2026
Testament of God's Teaching
A wonderful true story that you can almost see it being lived day by day.
I loved how his grandparents taught him, took him to church where he learned so much.
He learned to love the land and the animals and to respect not only them but people. His eyes were truly opened to new life and experiences.
A wonderful true story that you can almost see it being lived day by day.
I loved how his grandparents taught him, took him to church where he learned so much.
He learned to love the land and the animals and to respect not only them but people. His eyes were truly opened to new life and experiences.
July 6, 2026
My heritage also
Such a wonderful heartfelt book this was mine and my siblings up bringing to a tee l connected with it in a joyful bittersweet way could not stop reading then did not want it to be finished .Beautifully written felt like home back in the day, a must read for all especially for Appalachian folk.
Such a wonderful heartfelt book this was mine and my siblings up bringing to a tee l connected with it in a joyful bittersweet way could not stop reading then did not want it to be finished .Beautifully written felt like home back in the day, a must read for all especially for Appalachian folk.
June 8, 2026
Finding Yourself
I truly enjoyed the story and the characters and the writing as it made me feel like I was there. I liked the way Hubert was accepted and encouraged to become his best self. I liked the realness of the story.
I truly enjoyed the story and the characters and the writing as it made me feel like I was there. I liked the way Hubert was accepted and encouraged to become his best self. I liked the realness of the story.
June 17, 2026
A Boy's Story
Enjoyed the story being told in the style of a young boy. His viewpoint is different from the feminine style of most books. Easy to see the depth of maturity as it unfolds.
Enjoyed the story being told in the style of a young boy. His viewpoint is different from the feminine style of most books. Easy to see the depth of maturity as it unfolds.
June 30, 2026
Thought Provoking
Excellent read with common sense and good raising thrown in.
I highly recommend it to young people as well as adults.
That we all had a basis for life this book teaches
Excellent read with common sense and good raising thrown in.
I highly recommend it to young people as well as adults.
That we all had a basis for life this book teaches
May 25, 2026
A nice book.
June 4, 2026
Just a good book. Troubled city boy is sent to live with his grandparents in the country. His life there changes him. A pleasant read.
June 26, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this it reminded me of my grandparents and where they lived and how we were raised. It was a really good book
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews