Appalachia: Eagles for Anna/Afterglow/The Perfect Wife/Come Home to My Heart

by Irene Brand, JoAnn A. Grote, Gina Fields

The mist-covered mountains are a haven for four women, but when faith starts to heal their hearts, can these women hide from the reach of romantic love?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian Romance, Anthologies, Christian

464 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2005

About the author

In a writing career spanning three decades, Irene has won numerous awards and published 45 books that have sold more than two million copies. Irene primarily writes inspirational romances, but she has also published nonfiction books, devotional materials, and magazine articles. Before she became a full-time writer, Irene taught for 23 years in public schools. Her other passions include traveling (she has visited all 50 states and 35 foreign countries) and history (she holds a Master’s Degree in the subject). Her published titles include Where Morning Dawns, Listen to Your Heart, and the Kentucky Brides collection. Irene is an active member of her church and is affiliated with several writing organizations. She is a lifelong resident of West Virginia, where she lives with her husband, Rod.

Reviews

[Kelli Santistevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s what this book is about:”The mist-covered mountains are a haven for four women, but when faith starts to heal their hearts, can these women hide from the reach of romantic love?”

I didn’t have an audiobook for this book of short stories so I read it in the physical format. I don’t read short story collections very often but I enjoyed reading these stories. I like that all of these stories are set in mountain towns and that they’re all Christian. These stories were cute and sweet. These stories made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I would recommend this book if you like short story collections and if you like books that are in the Christian Romance genre.

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am seriously not used to this genre. Romance, yes. Christian romance, no fucking way. I don't think I can count the number of times my eyes rolled into the back of my head.

(Someone left this lying out with a "free" sticky on it, this is how I acquired it. Starting to regret my free acquisitions at this point.)

4 stories, all Christian romances, all gag-inducing. It's bad enough when "traditional" romances have people falling in love and getting married in two weeks, but I really cannot stand the fact that the ONLY reason anyone finds anyone else "worthy" of being loved is because of their belief system. Hey, I guess I get it; but seriously. Fucking compromise anyone? It being the sole and completely ONLY reason that loving someone is worth it... *vomits*

Absolutely not my cup of tea. At all. Don't even care if they stories are well written. Not worth it.

[Granny · Rating 2 out of 5]

None of these stories really gave me a strong sense of the mountains, they are just love stories pasted on to Appalachia. This was really disappointing to me since several of the authors are from Appalachia. I expected the mountains to have a stronger presence within the stories. The presence of Christianity was more powerful, and not interesting to me. There is barely a whiff of mountain culture (I'm from Appalachia and lived up in the hollers for years). There is nothing on the cover descriptions of the book which lets you know that these stories have an evangelical streak.

Reading this was a waste of my time, not enjoyable at all.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not usually a fan of multiple authors per book, but these stories were ok. I do like reading about the Appalachia region. Sounds beautiful.

[Kathy Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish each story would have been a whole book!

[Cathy Ouellette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed some light reading but I have to say most of the stories were a let down. Glad to finally finish.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had only read “Still Waters” this would be a 5 star review. The other stories are ok, however Eagles for Anna was my least favorite

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kinda flat for me. I did enjoy the stories but, most of them were the same. This book is about love and forgiveness . I had read this book back in the 90's and seemed to forget a few of the stories.

[EThayer3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining but unrealistic. Four Christian romance novels which I didn't realize at the time I picked this up at a library book sale. But I like this kind of stuff because it usually ends happy. I'm not one who is into Harlequin (sp?) romances but I imagine they are similar to the stories in this book, but the Harlequins probably have a bit more "skin." Though one of the stories is full of corny things such as "His touch spawned a giddy flutter in the pit of her stomach. That same peculiar sensation had visited her often over ther past three days -- every time Hal was close enough for her to inhale his pleasant outdoor scent or feel the heat emanating from his body. Like he was now."

I want to give it two stars but I'll give it three because of the Christian side.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these four inspirational novellas placed in Appalachian towns. I have always enjoyed reading about and visiting this area of the country and these stories place our characters in different parts of the mountains. All four have different themes and situations. All have a love story and struggles in relationships. Beautifully written by four different authors.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of 4 short stories by 4 authors all taking place in the Appalachia area of our country. I really enjoyed the stories but my favorite was about Amy Jordan, a pediatric doctor, who lost a patient and lost herself in the process. All of the stories are about love, healing and finding or returning to the cross.

[LInda L · Rating 1 out of 5]

So-called "Christian romances". Well, they're Christian, but not such great romances. I just read COME HOME TO MY HEART, and the story was moderately interesting, but very very very preachy. Quite unrealistic.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complicated love stories from Appalachia. Actually I rather liked them. The stories of four women who have been bruised by the pace of the modern world while the gentle strength of the mountain people lull them back to a perspective of peace and faith.

[Erin Thrash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Insperational Christian Romance for me. Four different stories focusing on having Faith in God.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't realize that I picked up a religious book, which are not my favorite. The stories were
"good feeling" stories. Simple, but nice.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

four mountain novellas

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed all the stories.. Very refreshing.

[Tessa Small · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not a great fan of short stories these are beautifully told.

[Darcy Marwick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't realize it was a religious book until it was too late. character development U'd give 5 stars, but plot was slow and setting not descriptive enough like someone else revealed.

[Carla Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read...

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 short stories!

[Katie Faulk]

very good.