Laurel’s Dream by Pepper Basham is one of the sweetest books I’ve ever read and is in my top ten of all-time favorite books. Pepper Basham has such an engaging writing style, utilizing humor, drama, and romance, which hooks a reader from the beginning.

What I Liked about Laurel’s Dream

Laurel’s Dream is the story of Laurel McAdams, an Appalachian young woman who has aspirations to go to college and return to her beloved mountains to teach children. She’s Appalachian through and through, but smart, tender, and kind. She’s encouraged to pursue not only a college education, but a writing career by the newly hired teacher Jonathan Taylor. Jonathan is very much like Laurel except he’s from England and thinks his stay in America is only temporary. After the two meet, it isn’t long until mutual admiration turns into something more.

There are laugh out loud moments and the Appalachian expressions will surely cause a chuckle or two. And there are tender moments, especially between Laurel and Jonathan and Laurel and her family. Finally, there are break your heart moments involving dreams – Laurel’s mother’s lost dreams and what seems like Laurel’s lost dreams.

For me great books invoke emotion and relatability. As I read this story, Laurel’s mother made me think of my grandmother. She wasn’t Appalachian, but she lived in the “country” almost her entire life. Her parents took her out of elementary school and put her to work in the fields, so her education was very limited. But she was a smart woman, who if given the right opportunities, could have done just about anything. I don’t know that she ever regretted how her life turned out, but I am sure she had dreams as a girl that didn’t come true.

What You’ll like about Laurel’s Dream

If you are a Pepper Basham fan, you will love this book. If you like just the right combination of humor, tenderness, and romance, you’ll love this book. And if you’re interested in learning about Appalachian history, you’ll find this a delightful look at mountain life.

Final Thoughts

Laurel’s Dream is a book I have enjoyed multiple times. The last time I listened to the audiobook and it’s well-done.

If years from now future readers come across it, I can’t imagine how they won’t fall in love with it like I have. It’s just lovely and for me a classic.

Coming July 1, 2022 – The Heart of the Mountains. This is a sequel to Laurel’s Dream that features Jeb McAdams, Laurel’s brother, and Cora Taylor, Jonathan’s sister. I’ll have a review soon about this fabulous book. You don’t want to miss it and can learn more about it here.

If you’d like to read more reviews, check out my blog.