The Other Side of Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle
Publication Date: September 21, 2022
Fireship Press
Series: Love for Certain, Book 1
Genre: Historical Fiction
DESCRIPTION:
For the love of love…and books
Mattie Mobley planned to be a teacher, but when times grew tough during America’s Great Depression, and there were no teaching positions in her hometown of Asheville, NC, Mattie found work starting a school and helping the Pack Horse Librarians just over the mountains in the rural town of Certain, Kentucky. She’s not certain at all that this is a good situation, but she’s determined, and honestly, a little desperate. Of all the things that Mattie does have—money, comforts, a good name, she doesn’t have what matters most—friends, love, and a purpose of her own.
Daniel, “The Grizzly Bear,” Barrett had a lovely life for a little while. Overcoming his family’s bad name and worse reputation, he made a life for himself in Certain. He was married with children and a figure of respect in his church, but desperate times called for desperate measures and a terrible tragedy was the result. Now exiled with his children along the wily run of the Hell for Certain Creek, Daniel has gotten used to being the town pariah again. It’s in his blood after all. Right? Maybe not, but he’ll need the powerful influence of love not only to change his own mind about himself but to convince his estranged extended family and the whole town as well.
Can one librarian with a saddlebag full of books make people see the difference between fact and fiction? Mattie loves a good story, and this may be her best one yet. Fiction tells the best truths and the best truth of all is love.
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Praise
"As a fan of southern fiction, I had high expectations for The Other Side of Certain, and Amy Willoubhy-Burle exceeded them all. She weaves an inspiring story of redemption and finding home in a rough-around-the-edges town that both intrigues and entertains from page one. Simply put, the book is lovely! With thought-provoking dialogue, characters you can't help but cheer for, and poignant symbolism, Burle tackles the topic of hell on earth and in man-displaying God's grace and mercy throughout. The ending will leave readers with a smile on their faces and hope in their hearts." -Beth Pugh, award-winning author of The Valentine Proposal and The Santa Run"Welcome to Certain, where mountain legends sway minds and secrets rule hearts. The Other Side of Certain is richly grounded in research, taking the reader on a sweeping journey. In the midst of the Great Depression, Mattie and Daniel discover the power of hope and the beauty of second chances." -Rachel Scott McDaniel, award-winning author of The Mobster's Daughter
"Amy Willoughby-Burle's The Other Side of Certain is a heartwarming, enduring tale of how libraries in even the most remote, impoverished towns can change lives since books are 'so much more than little black words on a white page.' Reading opens up new worlds for those involved and learning to read helps them heal to love again. A smashed stained-glass window becomes a metaphor for broken things being restored in this small Kentucky locale where many things are uncertain. The author carefully reconnects the shattered, colorful pieces of her character's journeys and situations into a beautiful and memorable design." -Delores Topliff, author of Books Afloat, Christmas Tree Wars, and Wilderness Wife
MY THOUGHTS:
Author: Amy Willoughby-Burle
Series: Love for Certain, Book 1
Publisher: Fireship Press
Publisher: Fireship Press
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Kindle ARC
No. of Pages: 242
Date of Publication: September 21, 2022
My Rating: 4 Stars
No building. No desks. No textbooks. No students. Yet Mattie Mobley somehow plans on fulfilling her dreams to become a teacher. She left her home in North Carolina as the Great Depression left her few opportunities. She landed in the rural town of Certain, Kentucky. Things look bleak, but Mattie jumps into her new situation as best she can. Starting off as a librarian delivering books to residents, Mattie soon begins to sense her purpose.
One of the families she delivers books to has a family hit by a great wave of sadness. There are several children who have lost their mother, and their father, Daniel Barrett, named "The Grizzly Bear", has become the town's outcast. In fact, Daniel moved his family away from town due to the results a wave of sadness that hit all of them.
Mattie finds Daniel intriguing and almost from the start falls in love with his children. While her main focus is on setting up a school, she cannot help but be drawn to the quiet and mysterious man. It doesn't take Mattie long to see that Daniel just might feel the same way about her.
What a sweet, lovely story. The first book in a new historical fiction series, that has a wonderful romance, one where hope is reborn, is sure to resonate with readers who enjoy two lost souls finding their way to a warm and happy future. I definitely look forward to the next book in this series.
Many thanks to Fireship Press for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review as well -
BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE
Wednesday, September 21
Review & Excerpt at Books, Cooks, LooksThursday, September 22
Review at Pursuing Stacie
Review at McCombs on Main
Friday, September 23
Review at A Baker’s Perspective
Monday, September 26
Review at Reading is My SuperPower
Wednesday, September 28
Excerpt at Heidi Reads
Review at Novels Alive
Thursday, September 29
Excerpt at Novels Alive
Review at Books Less Travelled
Friday, September 30
Review at Bookworlder
Review at View from the Birdhouse
Monday, October 3
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Tuesday, October 4
Excerpt at What Is That Book About
Wednesday, October 5
Review at Tammy Reads
Thursday, October 6
Review at Older & Smarter
Saturday, October 8
Excerpt at Passages to the Past
Tuesday, October 11
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink
Review at Robin Loves Reading
Wednesday, October 12
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story
Friday, October 14
Review at Reading is My Remedy
GIVEAWAY
Enter to win this fun prize package including:
Tote Bag
Journal & Pens
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Paperback copy of The Other Side of Certain
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on October 14th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
The Other Side of Certain
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Visit her online at www.amywilloughbyburle.com. You can also Amy on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.
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