These Healing Hills

Francine Howard arrives in the Appalachian Mountains in 1945 to train as a frontier nurse-midwife after her fiancé marries another woman. She joins the Frontier Nursing Service in Kentucky, learning to deliver babies and provide medical care to isolated mountain families while navigating cultural differences between her city background and mountain ways. Ben Locke returns home to the mountains after fighting in World War II, resuming his role helping his mother care for his younger siblings. His path crosses with Francine's as she makes her rounds through the mountain community on horseback, attending to medical needs and emergencies in all weather conditions. The story follows Francine as she adapts to mountain life, builds relationships with local families, and gains confidence in her nursing abilities. Her growing connection with Ben develops against the backdrop of post-war changes and the timeless rhythms of life in the Kentucky mountains. The novel explores themes of healing - both physical and emotional - while examining how people find their true place in the world. Through its depiction of the Frontier Nursing Service, it illuminates a unique chapter in American healthcare history and the role of women in bringing modern medicine to rural communities.

Readers describe the book as a gentle historical romance that provides insight into the Frontier Nursing Service in 1940s Appalachia. Many note the detailed research into midwifery practices and mountain culture. What readers liked: - Authentic portrayal of mountain dialect and customs - Medical details and birthing scenes - Christian themes without being preachy - Historical accuracy and educational value What readers disliked: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Predictable romance elements - Some found the protagonist's adjustment to mountain life too easy - Minor characters needed more development Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (500+ ratings) Christian Book Distributors: 4.8/5 (100+ ratings) "The author captures the beauty and hardship of mountain life without stereotyping," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reviewer comments: "The medical scenes felt genuine but not overly graphic."

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson A female protagonist serves as a Pack Horse librarian in 1930s Kentucky, bringing books to remote Appalachian communities while navigating prejudice and mountain culture.

The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman A midwife in Depression-era West Virginia tends to mothers from all backgrounds while hiding from her own past and adapting to life in the mountains.

Christy by Catherine Marshall A young teacher moves to the Smoky Mountains in 1912 to educate children in an impoverished community and learns to embrace the local customs and challenges.

Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese A son guides his dying father through the wilderness while learning about healing practices and family connections in rural British Columbia.

The Granny Midwives of the South by Linda Janet Holmes Historical accounts follow the work of African American midwives who served remote Southern communities from the early 1900s through integration.

🌿 Author Ann H. Gabhart was inspired to write this book after learning about the real-life Frontier Nursing Service, founded by Mary Breckinridge in the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains in 1925. 🏔️ The novel accurately portrays how nurse-midwives would travel on horseback through treacherous mountain terrain to reach their patients, sometimes riding up to 50 miles in a single day. 🩺 The Frontier Nursing Service (featured in the book) trained locals to be midwives and healthcare providers, creating a sustainable healthcare system that dramatically reduced maternal and infant mortality rates in the region. 🌺 The main character's journey mirrors that of many actual young women who left their city lives to serve as nurse-midwives in the Appalachians after World War II. 📚 The novel weaves authentic mountain folklore, traditional remedies, and local dialect throughout the story, drawing from the author's own Kentucky heritage and extensive research of the region.