The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham

Releases October 1, 2020

Pepper Basham is one of my favorite story tellers. I’ve enjoyed her books for years, and when I heard about The Red Ribbon, which is part of the True Colors crime series, I wasn’t sure what to think. Romantic suspense? How could this be? Well, I can tell you, she knocked it out of the park.

First, even though the subject matter is definitely darker, she still retained the voice she uses to tell her delightful stories. This book, while fiction, is inspired by true events that took place in 1912 in what is known as the Hillsville Courthouse Massacre. The names for many of the characters were the actual names of the people involved in this Appalachian feud, so readers are exposed to some history.

Second, Ava Burcham and Jeremiah Sutphin are characters you will fall in love with. They were so well developed and portrayed so vividly. Ava is a bit headstrong and wants to make it as a journalist in what is a male-dominated world in 1912. Jeremiah is a carpenter who loves Ava and supports her in living out her dreams. Doesn’t every woman want to find a man who will do that? Oh my word, I loved Jeremiah. One of my favorite quotes sums up their relationship: “Of all the people to fall in love with, he had to go and pick the half-crazy, strong-willed one, didn’t he.” You’ll appreciate this more when you see some of the crazy things Ava does.

Third, I loved the Appalachian setting and Granny Burcham. My people were country people like Granny, so her expressions made me laugh because they made me think of some of the things my grandmothers used to say. And, more than that, you could see the wisdom Granny provided even though she might not have a big education. We need more people like Granny Burcham to guide us.

Finally, I enjoyed the faith element. Both Ava and Jeremiah have had tragic lives, and each dealt with the tragedies differently. Jeremiah is the one strong in faith, while Ava’s faith has wavered. Part of the love Jeremiah shows Ava, really made me think of the love Jesus shows us – the patience, tenderness, and desire to heal our wounds.

The Red Ribbon is a story that will reel you in and keep you involved until the last page is turned.

Have you read The Red Ribbon?

What did you like about it?

Did it surprise you that Pepper Basham had written a romantic suspense?

Did you love Jeremiah?