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Angels of the Appalachians #1
Angels of the Appalachians
Librarian Note: Alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B00UCDKU7I.
Angels of the Appalachians is a fresh and endearing tale, filled with folksy phrases and amusing adages of the South. It's the story of two women who meet in 1980, gray-haired Erma telling her life story to Annie, a young college student living in Charleston, West Virginia. The tale she tells is also of two women, and their adventures beginning in the coalfields of Red Ash, growing up near Thurmond, and eventually finding their way to Charleston in 1915.
Strong mountain women, historical places, faith, and grief are themes explored in this account of a friendship that spans across decades.
You will find yourself wishing to call on the fine folks of the Appalachian Mountains, relax for a spell, and stumble upon the angels who made West Virginia so gloriously wild and wonderful.
Angels of the Appalachians is a fresh and endearing tale, filled with folksy phrases and amusing adages of the South. It's the story of two women who meet in 1980, gray-haired Erma telling her life story to Annie, a young college student living in Charleston, West Virginia. The tale she tells is also of two women, and their adventures beginning in the coalfields of Red Ash, growing up near Thurmond, and eventually finding their way to Charleston in 1915.
Strong mountain women, historical places, faith, and grief are themes explored in this account of a friendship that spans across decades.
You will find yourself wishing to call on the fine folks of the Appalachian Mountains, relax for a spell, and stumble upon the angels who made West Virginia so gloriously wild and wonderful.
89 pages, ebook
First published March 5, 2015
1200 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Edens
22 books62 followersDeanna Edens lives by a beautiful lake in Michigan, and is a native West Virginian. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty years. She teaches college classes in the areas of psychology and leadership. Deanna has several feline friends, and donates all proceeds from her book sales to her local Humane Society.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 10, 2019
The word I saw over and over while reading the reviews for this book was 'sweet' and that seems to be appropriate. It is the story of a woman who meets two charming elderly ladies and tells their stories of growing up in Appalachia in the early 1900's. One of the girls' father was killed in a coal mine disaster, which brought them to a home for people that had no where to go. This girl meets a girl from town and they become lifelong friends. Their story makes you wish you could have met them. It is a short story that can be read in one sitting.
August 1, 2015
Not what I expected from this book. I expected stories, but it is a delightful biography-memoir of Erma and Ida, unlikely lifelong friends from the time that Erma and her mother and brother left the coal mining camp and ended up at Mrs. Jones' farm. Annie, the narrator, is a doctoral student of Ida's and becomes a friend of Erma. AotA gives a compelling picture of life in the W Virginia Appalachians in the first half of the 20th century.
March 25, 2017
WONDERFUL!!!!!!
I am definitely going to read the next book. This book is SO well written. Descriptive enough to keep reader engaged. Very real, very warm, very wonderful read
I am definitely going to read the next book. This book is SO well written. Descriptive enough to keep reader engaged. Very real, very warm, very wonderful read
June 12, 2020
Down home stories
I truly enjoyed this story. The historical relevance and the reality of the characters was a treat. I felt transported back in time. I appreciated the balance of the tragedy at the beginning and then moving forward in a positive way. The friendships were special. We've always had strong women and I appreciated celebrating some of them. An excellent read.
I truly enjoyed this story. The historical relevance and the reality of the characters was a treat. I felt transported back in time. I appreciated the balance of the tragedy at the beginning and then moving forward in a positive way. The friendships were special. We've always had strong women and I appreciated celebrating some of them. An excellent read.
December 24, 2015
Awesome
This book is so with the read. Almost anyone would enjoy it but especially if you like history. Pick it up.
This book is so with the read. Almost anyone would enjoy it but especially if you like history. Pick it up.
September 2, 2016
Needs more stars!
I laughed and I cried. A great historical. I love the generational gap between the women and the bond they shared. This is a must read for any woman!
I laughed and I cried. A great historical. I love the generational gap between the women and the bond they shared. This is a must read for any woman!
May 7, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because of the credibility of the story that brims with strong women, friendships, faith, wit, humor, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Annie, a doctoral student who is collecting stories of Appalachia to record the history of the region, makes friends with two elderly ladies, Ida and Erma, who have been lifelong friends. Their stories go all the way back to the beginning of the twentieth century, to the coal-mine disasters, to West Virginia, Kanawha County, and Thurmond. Annie first rooms with her ninety-year-old retired professor Ida, who asks her to deliver a dog named Hank to its owner. Through that experience, Annie gets to know Erma, a veterinary doctor, and through her friends she finds out how Erma’s father was killed during the Red Ash Mine explosion, leaving the family homeless, and how her mother took her to Mrs. Jones, a real character of the time, and how Erma met Ida.
The premise of the book centers around the friendship of women, but especially that of Ida and Erma, who as children made pinky vows and stayed loyal throughout their lives, with Erma letting go of a possible lover who was nasty to Ida. These two friends’ story continues into the 1980s.
What is so amazing is that every character in the story is multi-dimensional, fully developed and very believable. What is also amazing was the real existence of Mother Jones (Mrs. Mary Harris Jones) who in that time and place, crusaded against child labor and the conditions of the mines. In her farm, she also housed and took care of animals and people, mostly other women who were negatively affected by the hardships of the coal-mine life.
Then, what I admired is the research that must have gone into putting this book together and the expertise of Deanna Edens, a writer who never stoops to cliché knowledge. Mrs.Jones, Red Ash Mine explosions, and the flavor of the region with its changes through the decades are real and shows how much the writer respected every aspect of her story.
When any book in a series ends unfinished, I usually vow to never read from that author again. This book, however, does feel finished even though it is the first book in the series. This is because its shortness serves as a gateway and a frame to the other books that I assume will be filled in with more local and cultural stories, and for that reason, I am not disappointed at all, and I certainly would love to read the following books.
Annie, a doctoral student who is collecting stories of Appalachia to record the history of the region, makes friends with two elderly ladies, Ida and Erma, who have been lifelong friends. Their stories go all the way back to the beginning of the twentieth century, to the coal-mine disasters, to West Virginia, Kanawha County, and Thurmond. Annie first rooms with her ninety-year-old retired professor Ida, who asks her to deliver a dog named Hank to its owner. Through that experience, Annie gets to know Erma, a veterinary doctor, and through her friends she finds out how Erma’s father was killed during the Red Ash Mine explosion, leaving the family homeless, and how her mother took her to Mrs. Jones, a real character of the time, and how Erma met Ida.
The premise of the book centers around the friendship of women, but especially that of Ida and Erma, who as children made pinky vows and stayed loyal throughout their lives, with Erma letting go of a possible lover who was nasty to Ida. These two friends’ story continues into the 1980s.
What is so amazing is that every character in the story is multi-dimensional, fully developed and very believable. What is also amazing was the real existence of Mother Jones (Mrs. Mary Harris Jones) who in that time and place, crusaded against child labor and the conditions of the mines. In her farm, she also housed and took care of animals and people, mostly other women who were negatively affected by the hardships of the coal-mine life.
Then, what I admired is the research that must have gone into putting this book together and the expertise of Deanna Edens, a writer who never stoops to cliché knowledge. Mrs.Jones, Red Ash Mine explosions, and the flavor of the region with its changes through the decades are real and shows how much the writer respected every aspect of her story.
When any book in a series ends unfinished, I usually vow to never read from that author again. This book, however, does feel finished even though it is the first book in the series. This is because its shortness serves as a gateway and a frame to the other books that I assume will be filled in with more local and cultural stories, and for that reason, I am not disappointed at all, and I certainly would love to read the following books.
April 17, 2019
Very highly recommend
I read this short story straight through. It made me cry quite a few times. It's difficult to believe just how hard life was for some people back then, and how much we take for granted the things we have in our present-day lives. This short read really provides some much-needed perspective.
I read this short story straight through. It made me cry quite a few times. It's difficult to believe just how hard life was for some people back then, and how much we take for granted the things we have in our present-day lives. This short read really provides some much-needed perspective.
May 13, 2019
Great read
If you like the good ole days then you have to read this book. It's fast moving you will laugh and you will cry. I'm off to read book 2. You will enjoy this book trust me.
If you like the good ole days then you have to read this book. It's fast moving you will laugh and you will cry. I'm off to read book 2. You will enjoy this book trust me.
August 11, 2018
Passing on Goodness
This is a wonderful.book.packing a big story into not so many pages. It tells of the life of a coal miner's family if they were killed at work. No benefits. And how a kind person took in the wife and kids and have them a future.
This is a wonderful.book.packing a big story into not so many pages. It tells of the life of a coal miner's family if they were killed at work. No benefits. And how a kind person took in the wife and kids and have them a future.
February 19, 2019
Historical novel of West Virgina
While a college student, Annie befriends two elderly ladies. Through knowing them, she learns of their childhood and their adult years. Using historical facts, spirituality, and humor, Deanna Edens created a moving novel of growing up in West Virginia from the early 1900's.
While a college student, Annie befriends two elderly ladies. Through knowing them, she learns of their childhood and their adult years. Using historical facts, spirituality, and humor, Deanna Edens created a moving novel of growing up in West Virginia from the early 1900's.
September 15, 2017
A very sweet story of life, love and endurance in rough times. Friendship and dreams are what life is all about
I found this book very enlightening, spiritual inspirational and at times funny. Well written and characters were believable and wholesome. A good read for a young woman looking for meaning in life.
I found this book very enlightening, spiritual inspirational and at times funny. Well written and characters were believable and wholesome. A good read for a young woman looking for meaning in life.
April 15, 2019
a fictional story woven with historical events surrounding the poverty and deadly working conditions of the coal mines of west virginia in the early 1900. we all have angels in out life, are we going to pay it forward and be an angel for others?
January 25, 2018
Enjoyed reading about a calmer, simpler time.
The characters made the story come alive to the reader as if I were there.
The story brought back memories of my own grandmothers and how they probably were as young women
The characters made the story come alive to the reader as if I were there.
The story brought back memories of my own grandmothers and how they probably were as young women
Read
September 21, 2018Nice easy read. Interesting story about early West Virginia.
Couldn't put it down.
Couldn't put it down.
May 15, 2019
Beautiful
This is a beautiful story of friendship, love, pain and joy. The characters are warm and richly developed. Although this is the first in a three book series, it can be read as a stand alone novel. Whatever you do, do not cheat yourself of the satisfaction of reading all three books. The characters become like family.
This is a beautiful story of friendship, love, pain and joy. The characters are warm and richly developed. Although this is the first in a three book series, it can be read as a stand alone novel. Whatever you do, do not cheat yourself of the satisfaction of reading all three books. The characters become like family.
October 12, 2018
A fun and relaxing read
I too am from the Appalachians and my Father was a coal miner. Many of the sayings and stories were familiar to me. Mountain folk are generally giving and kind. Many of my memories are centered around people doing kind acts for others.
I too am from the Appalachians and my Father was a coal miner. Many of the sayings and stories were familiar to me. Mountain folk are generally giving and kind. Many of my memories are centered around people doing kind acts for others.
October 12, 2018
Great story!
This story is about friendships, both new and old. Life was hard in the coal fields, but there was always "angels" there to bless those in need. I enjoyed this book!
This story is about friendships, both new and old. Life was hard in the coal fields, but there was always "angels" there to bless those in need. I enjoyed this book!
April 4, 2019
Wonderful storyteller and history lesson
The author is a skillful storyteller. She brings people of Appalachian West Virginia alive from multiple generations show hardship, joys and successes together in an enjoyable manner.
And includes with the history of the time, events and the people of the book.
The author is a skillful storyteller. She brings people of Appalachian West Virginia alive from multiple generations show hardship, joys and successes together in an enjoyable manner.
And includes with the history of the time, events and the people of the book.
February 7, 2020
One of the best historical novels I have read. Wonderful book.😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
January 31, 2020
Great historical and personal story.
I loved the historical setting and the way the friendships over generations impacted their lives. I look forward to reading book 2.
I loved the historical setting and the way the friendships over generations impacted their lives. I look forward to reading book 2.
November 1, 2017
As a girl from Appalachia myself, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this story! Loved the characters of Erma and the real life activist "Mother" Jones! They truly reminded me of some of the strong mountain women I've been blessed to know. They knew what to do and when to do it, but always coming from a foundation of faith and the wisdom that it yields.
All of the women in this book are admirable, starting with Erma's mother who lost her husband in a tragic mining accident in the early 1900's. When the foreman tells her the only way she can continue living in the community is to send the then young Erma to work in the mines, she packs up her family and seeks a better life. From there, we meet other female characters who fight for each other, including Mary Harris "Mother" Jones who campaigned against child labor and the terrible condition of the West Virginia coal fields.
It's through Mother Jones that Irma meets a girl named Ida who becomes her pinky swearing best friend for life. Erma goes on to become a vet while Ida becomes a college professor and the book gives us glimpses into their experiences leading up to the 198o's. The parts set in that era are told in the first person voice of a young college student named Annie who finds her life forever impacted by knowing these two angels in their later years.
Humor, faith, friendship, strong women, and history -- they're all represented in this book and I appreciate that it captures cultural aspects of Appalachia without the backwards hillbilly stereotype that often gets attached to the many fine people who call this area home. My only real complaint is that the book is too short. I especially would have loved hearing more about the life experiences of Erma and Ida before they arrived at their golden years. It's still a really enjoyable read and I plan to check out more from this author.
All of the women in this book are admirable, starting with Erma's mother who lost her husband in a tragic mining accident in the early 1900's. When the foreman tells her the only way she can continue living in the community is to send the then young Erma to work in the mines, she packs up her family and seeks a better life. From there, we meet other female characters who fight for each other, including Mary Harris "Mother" Jones who campaigned against child labor and the terrible condition of the West Virginia coal fields.
It's through Mother Jones that Irma meets a girl named Ida who becomes her pinky swearing best friend for life. Erma goes on to become a vet while Ida becomes a college professor and the book gives us glimpses into their experiences leading up to the 198o's. The parts set in that era are told in the first person voice of a young college student named Annie who finds her life forever impacted by knowing these two angels in their later years.
Humor, faith, friendship, strong women, and history -- they're all represented in this book and I appreciate that it captures cultural aspects of Appalachia without the backwards hillbilly stereotype that often gets attached to the many fine people who call this area home. My only real complaint is that the book is too short. I especially would have loved hearing more about the life experiences of Erma and Ida before they arrived at their golden years. It's still a really enjoyable read and I plan to check out more from this author.
October 21, 2019
Angels of the Appalachians by Deanna Edens was the first book I encountered on my Kindle Unlimited subscription in January of 2018. This was the book that made me fall in love with Kindle Unlimited because I realized that there were treasures to be found – and Angels of the Appalachians is one of my favorites.
Set in West Virginia, this book reminded me of Fried Green Tomatoes. From the small-town setting to the quirky and memorable characters, Angels of the Appalachians was the perfect book for a few hours under a fluffy blanket with a cup of tea. This was a one-sitting read for me because I didn’t want to walk away from Erma or Will as they razzed one another or the tranquil setting – a place I longed to be.
Edens is flawless as she draws the reader in to Erma’s house and life, giving the reader a sense of being right at home. Her characters are comfortable and relatable, and their interactions never feel forced. The dynamic of family in this book sets a goal to aspire toward as the residents of the Appalachian town connect over shared passions, dreams, and histories.
Completely unpredictable, the plot was both relaxed and enticing. When I read this book, I was in a season of hurry and stress. Angels of the Appalachians drew me so completely into its world that I was forced to slow down, to take a moment to stabilize myself again and remind myself what truly matters: love and family, even if that family isn’t blood.
I highly-recommend Angels of the Appalachians for readers of all ages and walks of life. It’s a story that will make you take a closer look at the people and things you hold dear, and most certainly will remind you that the simple life is often the best life.
Set in West Virginia, this book reminded me of Fried Green Tomatoes. From the small-town setting to the quirky and memorable characters, Angels of the Appalachians was the perfect book for a few hours under a fluffy blanket with a cup of tea. This was a one-sitting read for me because I didn’t want to walk away from Erma or Will as they razzed one another or the tranquil setting – a place I longed to be.
Edens is flawless as she draws the reader in to Erma’s house and life, giving the reader a sense of being right at home. Her characters are comfortable and relatable, and their interactions never feel forced. The dynamic of family in this book sets a goal to aspire toward as the residents of the Appalachian town connect over shared passions, dreams, and histories.
Completely unpredictable, the plot was both relaxed and enticing. When I read this book, I was in a season of hurry and stress. Angels of the Appalachians drew me so completely into its world that I was forced to slow down, to take a moment to stabilize myself again and remind myself what truly matters: love and family, even if that family isn’t blood.
I highly-recommend Angels of the Appalachians for readers of all ages and walks of life. It’s a story that will make you take a closer look at the people and things you hold dear, and most certainly will remind you that the simple life is often the best life.
November 3, 2016
Angels of the Appalachians by Deanna Edens
Annie lived with ninety-year-old Ida in Charleston, West Virginia while she completed her dissertation on West Virginia history and profiles of the Appalachian people.
While delivering a slobbering hound dog to its owner, Annie came to know Ida’s elderly friend, Erma. As easy-going mountain people do, Erma and Ida loved to reminisce and Annie listened carefully to their stories rich in Appalachian history.
Erma’s daddy had worked in Red Ash Mine in the community of Red Ash, West Virginia. After the explosion deep in the mine in 1905 her daddy was buried next to her Uncle John.
Mine foreman, JR, informed Erma’s mamma they couldn’t live in the company camp housing unless she allowed little Erma to work in the mine since her husband couldn’t anymore. Mamma and Erma (carrying her little brother) walked miles to Mrs. Jones’ home for widows who needed a fresh start. Erma began a life-long friendship with another young resident, who remained her closest friend, Ida.
Erma and Ida learned self-confidence as Mrs. Jones gave them encouraging compliments, exposed them to new adventures, and allowed them the freedom to grow into mature young ladies.
Ida and Erma are excellent sources for Annie to record the history of areas in Appalachia because they lived it.
Edens paints a rich picture of the way it used to be.
Annie lived with ninety-year-old Ida in Charleston, West Virginia while she completed her dissertation on West Virginia history and profiles of the Appalachian people.
While delivering a slobbering hound dog to its owner, Annie came to know Ida’s elderly friend, Erma. As easy-going mountain people do, Erma and Ida loved to reminisce and Annie listened carefully to their stories rich in Appalachian history.
Erma’s daddy had worked in Red Ash Mine in the community of Red Ash, West Virginia. After the explosion deep in the mine in 1905 her daddy was buried next to her Uncle John.
Mine foreman, JR, informed Erma’s mamma they couldn’t live in the company camp housing unless she allowed little Erma to work in the mine since her husband couldn’t anymore. Mamma and Erma (carrying her little brother) walked miles to Mrs. Jones’ home for widows who needed a fresh start. Erma began a life-long friendship with another young resident, who remained her closest friend, Ida.
Erma and Ida learned self-confidence as Mrs. Jones gave them encouraging compliments, exposed them to new adventures, and allowed them the freedom to grow into mature young ladies.
Ida and Erma are excellent sources for Annie to record the history of areas in Appalachia because they lived it.
Edens paints a rich picture of the way it used to be.
June 14, 2019
2019 Book Hoarders Challenge: Novella
Reminiscent of Fanny Flagg's Fried Green Tomatoes, a doctoral student befriends and is befriended by two older ladies who have been lifetime friends. The story flashes back from 1903 and the coal mining disasters of the New River Gorge area to present day. The horrors of a coal miner's family after his death to the help they received and to how they (widow and two children) receive help from an unlikely source to 1980s Kanawha County and the ending days of two girls who created a change of their own.
Part of the reason the story resonated with me is I know the areas, from the New River region, the town of Thurmond, the dark history of early days mining disasters; I also know 1980s Kanawha County. The sweet voice touched me because I understood, as an insider, what it was then and now.
I will read the next story, and most likely the rest of Eden's Angels stories.
Reminiscent of Fanny Flagg's Fried Green Tomatoes, a doctoral student befriends and is befriended by two older ladies who have been lifetime friends. The story flashes back from 1903 and the coal mining disasters of the New River Gorge area to present day. The horrors of a coal miner's family after his death to the help they received and to how they (widow and two children) receive help from an unlikely source to 1980s Kanawha County and the ending days of two girls who created a change of their own.
Part of the reason the story resonated with me is I know the areas, from the New River region, the town of Thurmond, the dark history of early days mining disasters; I also know 1980s Kanawha County. The sweet voice touched me because I understood, as an insider, what it was then and now.
I will read the next story, and most likely the rest of Eden's Angels stories.
March 11, 2019
This book caught my eye because I live in the mountains of Virginia, and I thought there may be some familiar place names mentioned in the book. The setting of the book is West Virginia, and there were several mentions of the New River which both states share. As a kid I lived less than a mile from the New which flows north (yes, north!) into West Virginia.
The facts within the setting: coal mining, mine explosions, child labor laws, etc; were meticulously researched to provide a framework for the fictitious stories woven together to make up this delightful book. The author is not only adept at fine story telling, but she also gives her characters life and dimension.
It seems Angels of the Appalachians is part of a series, and by starting with this book I have read out of turn. There is a note at the end of the book that you can pick right up with the same characters with no ill effects if you happen to get out of sync. That's just what I intend to do!
The facts within the setting: coal mining, mine explosions, child labor laws, etc; were meticulously researched to provide a framework for the fictitious stories woven together to make up this delightful book. The author is not only adept at fine story telling, but she also gives her characters life and dimension.
It seems Angels of the Appalachians is part of a series, and by starting with this book I have read out of turn. There is a note at the end of the book that you can pick right up with the same characters with no ill effects if you happen to get out of sync. That's just what I intend to do!
June 20, 2020
Update: A mere year from when I originally read Angels, I picked it up once again in June 2020, because who doesn't need a good story right now as our nation reels over race relations that just can't be figured out while our world is in the middle of a global pandemic. This is a jem! A quick read with resilience, love and generational appreciation.
A great little "filler" book I came across to transition into my next "deep" read. Nice stories, good folk, and of course a geographical area of our United States that has it's own unique place in American history. I have already purchased the 2nd and 3rd books for future reading.
A great little "filler" book I came across to transition into my next "deep" read. Nice stories, good folk, and of course a geographical area of our United States that has it's own unique place in American history. I have already purchased the 2nd and 3rd books for future reading.
December 11, 2016
This story about two young girls who made "pinky vows" in the 1900's showed us a life-long commitment to pursue their goals together. I loved their determination to move from rural life to productive work in the city. I also loved how Mrs. Jones used her farm to help mountain people escape coal mine life. Erma and Ida were very believable, and I am anxious to read the back-stories in "Erma's Attic."
June 29, 2017
Very eye opening story of the coal mining industry.
This story really opened my eyes to see how hard this life had been for families. The story is amazing and tells the history of how these mines were truly run. I was aware of some of the facts. I had no idea children worked the mines when a parent was lost, in order to keep their homes. Some of our history is sad to see yet it is a part of our country that we need to know about even today.
This story really opened my eyes to see how hard this life had been for families. The story is amazing and tells the history of how these mines were truly run. I was aware of some of the facts. I had no idea children worked the mines when a parent was lost, in order to keep their homes. Some of our history is sad to see yet it is a part of our country that we need to know about even today.
December 23, 2017
I have visited Thurmont, I have taken the raft trip down the New River, I have worked with the park service to find the lost cemeterys in the Gorge. This book is a treasure of those days and a celebration of the lives of those mountain people.
A wonderful book. I will definitely read the next.
If you get a chance please visit this fine park many even an abandoned mine.
A wonderful book. I will definitely read the next.
If you get a chance please visit this fine park many even an abandoned mine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews