The Red Ribbon (True Colors Series) by Pepper Basham

 

Title: The Red Ribbon (True Colors Series)

Author: Pepper Basham

Pages: 256

Release Date: October 1, 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     An Appalachian feud blows up in 1912.

     Step into True Colors — a new series of historical stories of romance and American crime.

     In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history. Ava Burcham isn’t your typical Blue Ridge Mountain girl. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned.

     The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.

My review:

     This is a marvelous fictional story of a true crime.

     I made one slight mistake at the very beginning. I read the cast of characters given before the story begins. I then found myself trying to remember each one. As soon as I realized that and let go of those details I was sucked into the story very quickly.

     I absolutely loved both Ava and Jeremiah. They are incredibly well developed and their history, individually and as friends, is slowly revealed. My heart broke for Ava and all the heartache she suffered as a girl. I was so glad she had Jeremiah, and others, as friends through all of it.

     All of the anger and violence that flows through the plot put me in mind of the old Hatfield-McCoy feud. It was entertaining to read but I definitely wouldn’t want to be around it.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*