Publishers Weekly
08/10/2020
Basham (My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge) interweaves romance, adventure, and history in this enjoyable tale set against the backdrop of the Hillsville, Va., Courthouse Massacre of 1912. Nineteen year-old Ava Burcham dreams of writing about important things, but is only allowed to write about sewing for the local newspaper. Nevertheless, she spends her time snooping around Hillsville investigating the rampant illegal moonshining that led to the death of her father. Jeremiah Sutphin has been Ava’s best friend since childhood and dreams of marrying her. While Ava begins to see Jeremiah in a new light as he helps her investigations, she was raised by a mentally ill mother and worries she might also possess her same afflictions. Devout Jeremiah assures Ava that someday she’ll see herself as God and Jeremiah see her—and that he’ll be waiting. But tensions rise when the two help friends caught in the middle of a moonshining feud leave town, making them a mark for the outlaws. The stakes are high as the story moves toward the climactic shoot-out heavily foreshadowed throughout the narrative. Though the plotting is predictable, this is an exciting mix of love and adventure. Readers of Colleen Coble should take a look. (Oct.)
Midwest Book Review - James A. Cox
In her novel, "The Red Ribbon", author Pepper Bashman blends elements of romance, mystery, suspense, and Christianity into an inherently fascinating and impressively entertaining read from beginning to end.
From the Publisher
The tragic history of a little-known small-town is honored and infused with hope in The Red Ribbon. Pepper Basham’s inviting storytelling will challenge the way readers view mountain culture, clans, feuds, sparkin’, and kisses.” –Beth Erin, Faithfully Bookish
“Pepper Basham brings characters to life like few authors I know. She drew me in, made me care about her story and the characters living on the page.” -Mary Connealy, author of the bestselling Woman of Sunlight
“Every book from Pepper Basham gets better and better, and this gripping tale drew me in from the first page. Basham brings the Appalachian Mountains to life with authentic turns of phrase, heart-thumping danger, and a romance so sweet you may just swoon.” –Misty M. Beller, USA Today bestselling author of the Hearts of Montana Series
“It wouldn’t be a Basham book without a perfect mix of heart fluttering kisses and Appalachian shenanigans and The Red Ribbon delivers on both. With a clever and gutsy heroine, an industrious and devoted hero, a heap of scoundrels, and a mess of quirky characters, The Red Ribbon unravels the true story of the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre and will keep readers racing through the pages until they reach the thrilling conclusion.” –Lynn H. Blackburn, award-winning, bestselling author of the Dive Team Investigations series
“With red ribbons, Pepper Basham offers readers a gift of strong characters, vivid setting, and a plot that will engage. Step back to the turn of the century in Appalachia, when feuds were real and long-standing. Work with the heroine to bridge the divide between the factions while trying to stay alive and wrestle with her past. Reach for the future alongside her. . .and learn with her that kissing can be mighty fun. This book is filled with heart, hope, and history. Highly recommended to readers who love their historical romance with a layer of suspense.” –Cara Putman, bestselling and award-winning author
