I have to say I really love Pepper Basham’s historical fiction novels, and Hope Like Wildflowers is one of my favorites! It’s full of heart and hope, showing how God can redeem anyone’s past for good. Here’s the blurb from Goodreads for a few more details:
Return to the mountains of 1910s Appalachia with beloved author Pepper Basham to discover Kizzie McAdams’s story.
Kizzie McAdams spent her childhood longing to see beyond the mountains of home, but when her job as a servant in a landowner’s house results in an unplanned pregnancy, her world tips into uncertainty and heartbreak. Disowned by her father, she seeks comfort in the arms of the man who promises to take care of her, but his support is conditional and inconsistent. She finds acceptance in the home of a nearby family who not only offer Kizzie friendship but point her to a deeper understanding of God’s love.
Despite her change of heart, her status as a social outcast brings with it continued threats and alienation so she flees her past in hopes of starting over in a nearby town. But her new world carries many of the same prejudices as the old. It also brings the unexpected friendship of businessman Noah Lewis, a man who lives with the same desire as Kizzie for helping the marginalized.
Unfortunately, Kizzie and Noah’s attempts to help those in need pit them against Noah’s elder brother, a powerful mill owner who holds control of the family finances. Is Kizzie and Noah’s growing romance strong enough to battle family power, social expectations, and Kizzie’s past to capture their happy ending? And when Kizzie’s first love returns to claim her, which future will she choose?
Ratings for Hope Like Wildflowers
Story: 5/5
Worldview: 5/5
Hope Like Wildflowers is a bit slower-paced, but packed with beautiful character moments. From chapter one, we meet Kizzie, a troubled young woman searching for love and a future. Seeing her transform from clinging to a man’s promise to realize and embrace all the promises that God has for her was beautiful. Kizzie is a great character. She dedicates herself to her baby and she also cares to help others get back on their feet. She’s humble and kind and strong, and funny! Noah Lewis is another great character, along with his mother, Victoria. And even though this novel was slower-paced, there was a great thread of mystery in between!
The worldview was stunning in this novel. So many great quotes! From the very beginning, the themes are laid out on the pages, but it takes a while for them to sink in. I loved seeing so many little details come to fruition by the end. Here’s some great quotes from early on in the book: “God’s love is even bigger than that. What you’re craving, He can supply. The joy you’re looking for, He has. Because His love ain’t measured by your ability to love Him back. He loves because He loves.” and “But God ain’t so shortsighted to waste your past. Oh no, He’ll use it to shape you and your future. Always remember how valuable your soul is.”
Content notes: Kizzie is treated badly for having a child out of wedlock. A few times is referred to as a prostitute, kept woman, and whore in the first half of the book.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, I really loved Hope Like Wildflowers. I just noticed it’s a book in a series, so I hope to check out the other books soon! You can find them here on Goodreads.
If you’re looking for some slow-paced historical fiction, I highly recommend Tapestry of Grace, or if you’re looking for more high-stakes historical fiction with strong themes, you can check out Waves of Redemption.
