An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart
4 stars. Thanks to Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, for sending me this book to read and review.
Piper isn't getting younger. She has her debut/coming out in her hometown of Louisville, KY. She was "wooed" by a possible suitor, Braxton Crandall, who her father has shaken hands with in regard to marrying Piper. Piper, during the "coming out" ,although with Braxton, was constantly on the look out for her life long friend Jamie Russell. Little does she know Jamie was there, in the shadows, watching her on Braxton's arm.
Following the debut her mother and aunt host a well known woman, Mrs. Breckinridge, who has funded the Frontier Nursing Service (nurses from England and beyond who are knowledgeable in midwifery, and nursing care) and other charitable healthcare services, hospitals etc. The FNS serves those who live in the Appalachian mountains. The tea with Mrs. Brekinridge is a way she can call for charitable donations towards this effort from those of Louisville high society. She is also asking of more when she gives Piper the offer to come and be a Frontier Nursing courier for the summer. This is just the escape Piper is seeking because she is not ready to be married off to Braxton Crandall, especially when she can't stop thinking about Jamie.
I loved the FNS and the FN courier part of the story. I wish there could have been more focus on the FNS work. I enjoyed reading about the lives of the Appalachian people who were cared for by the FNS.
The story reminded me of Catherine Marshall's "Christy". It was a quick and easy read, perfect summer reading.