Character interview of Brooke Hollen of Desolate Paths by Erin Unger

Hi everyone! Brooke Hollen here! I’m the star of Desolate Paths.Thanks so much for having me today, Carrie! I’m excited to talk to you.

Hello, Brooke. Tell us about yourself. How did you get into Erin Unger’s novel?

Ha-ha, funny story—well really a scary one—I got into trouble and the best help I could get was in rehab. But, man, I didn’t expect all the drama there. And I should’ve read the website closer. I didn’t know what I was in for when I arrived. Erin knew I’d make some interesting choices and liven up her story once I got to the rehab center.

Why did you choose Carrick Living Museum and Rehabilitation Center to help you through your addiction?

I saw the promise of authentic help and rest and relaxation. I didn’t read all of the details because all I wanted was to rest my way through rehab. Little did I know relaxation only happened the first few days. I should’ve picked up on all the pictures of people wearing period clothing on the website. Authentic is an understatement about Carrick rehab. But God knew exactly where I needed to be.

Oh, dear. What’s different about the center?

It’s a center where all residents work throughout their rehab. Cory and Dara Carrick believe in the importance of learning how to be a valuable member of society while rehabilitating. All residents have to wear period clothing and must do all chores and cooking the way people would’ve in the early 1800s. 

What’s so scary about your stay at the center?

Who would’ve guessed I’d be in danger at the center when it’s supposed to be a safe environment? There is a serial killer living amongst us.

Oh, that’s terrible. How are you handling it?

I’m trying to stay out of trouble and rely on my new faith, but I’m really scared. Kyle Reston, the person I want to trust, could be responsible for all the women disappearing.

Maybe you should rethink hanging out with him. Do you have anyone else you can trust?

I have a new friend, Willa, who has been trying to keep me straight. She’s a lot further in her journey to recovery. Hopefully, together we’ll make it out of the center alive.

Well, I hope you stay safe. Thanks for talking to us.

With God, all things are possible. And because of my new faith, I’ll rely on Him to get me through this dangerous time. It was fun talking to you, Carrie.

Brooke is putting her trust in God through a very difficult time. What circumstance have you been in this year where you could only rely on God for the answer? Comment below to win an eBook of Desolate Paths or a paperback of Desolate Paths.

Thank you to Erin Unger

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Short Bio: Erin Unger was raised in the hills of Virginia, exploring abandoned houses and reading the scariest books she could find. After marrying so young it would make a great romance novel, she has enjoyed an exciting life with her hubby.But her fast-paced life sometimes rivals the suspense in her books thanks to all her mostly grown children and a couple grandkids.

Review & Giveaway of My Heart Belongs in The Blue Ridge by Pepper Basham

My Heart Belongs in The Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream by Pepper Basham

(Barbour, January 2019)

   Journey into the Blue Ridge Mountains of 1918 where Laurel McAdams endures the challenges of a hard life while dreaming things can eventually improve. But trouble arrives in the form of an outsider. Having failed his British father again, Jonathan Taylor joins is uncle’s missionary endeavors as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse. Laurel feels compelled to protect the tenderhearted teacher from the harsh realities of Appalachian life, even while his stories of life outside the mountains pull at Laurel’s imagination. Faced with angry parents over teaching methods, Laurel’s father’s drunken rages, and bad news from England, will Jonathan leave and never return, or will he stay and let love bloom?

 Andrea's thoughts.

This beautiful book wrapped itself around my heart and stayed there. From the first page to the last, I could not help loving Laurel McAdams and Jonathan Taylor. She has such a sweet, strong spirit despite the hardships of daily living in the rural Blue Ridge Mountains.  He has a special kindness about him.

Jonathan is set to prove he isn't the “useless invalid” his father believes him to be. He learns to see things in a different way, with a new idea of what happiness and beauty truly are.

They share a love of books too, as described while looking over the globe in the schoolroom; “The world is a fascinating place.”... “Well, I ain't seen a whole lot of it, but I sure like visiting through books.” “One of the best ways to travel.”  

The friendship that develops between Laurel and Jonathan is very memorable. I loved how protective Laurel was of “Teacher” as Jonathan is called. She knows he will be good for the children. I also loved how he came to care for and learn from the mountain people.

Pepper Basham has a wonderful way of describing her beloved Blue Ridge Mountains and the people that live there, I felt as if I was sitting on the hillside watching their lives unfold in front of me.  The message of trusting God's love is gently woven throughout the book, leaving a warm spot on this readers heart.

I hope everyone will pick up this book and visit 1918's Maple Springs. Jonathan's introduction to life in the mountains is not to be missed. You also don't want to miss the Autumn leaf rainbow or the corn shuckin'.  It's a whole lot of fun!

I have highlighted so many things in this book it has become its own rainbow.

 I'll leave you with these words of wisdom from Laurel's mama...

”Regret don't do nothin' but steal your joy and cloud your eyes from seein' the blessings.”

*I purchased a copy of this book after reading the first few pages of the e-book provided to me by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. I was so excited the day it came, I sat and read it from cover to cover.

Check out ALL the My Heart Belongs series books from Barbour! (click here)

Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of My Heart Belongs in The Blue Ridge