Thursday, October 3, 2013

Beyond These Hills - Smoky Mountain Dreams 3 - Sandra Robbins

book title front

It’s 1934, and Laurel Jackson fears the life she’s always known is about to become a memory. The government is purchasing property to establish the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and nearly all the families in Cades Cove have decided to sell. Laurel is determined to save the land her family has lived on for a hundred years.
Andrew Brady, the son of a wealthy Virginia congressman, arrives in the Cove to convince the remaining landowners to sell. Sparks fly when he meets Laurel, the outspoken young woman who is determined to thwart his every effort. Will they ever be able to put aside their differences and accept what their hearts already know?

In the third and final book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, acclaimed author Sandra Robbins brings a dramatic conclusion to the story of the families of Cades Cove. (back cover copy)

My review:
This is an interesting story about change and trying to do what's right, even when you're being treated unfairly, all wrapped up in a love story!  I was impressed with how the Jackson family showed love and friendship to Andrew, even though he was representing the government who was taking away their home.  I appreciate that we have the national parks and have been to quite a few, but I never thought about the people who might have been forced off their land to make way for them, other than the Native Americans.  It saddens me that people were made to give up their homes by the government and it makes me wonder how often that's happened.  It was also sad to see the changes coming to this beautiful valley and to the Jackson family.  The romance is sweet, but moved somewhat quickly to me.  I liked catching up with this wonderful family since I had read book two, which was about Laurel's parents.  I loved the importance of faith and prayer and that the gospel message is presented so clearly.

I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

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