Book Review of
What the Mountains Remember

Lynn's Review

What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway is a historical fiction book set in North Carolina in 1913. 

It follows Belle, who loves the mountains but hasn’t seen them since her father died in a mining accident. After seven years, she is able to visit them again when camping with her mother and stepfather, a gas magnate. 

While in the mountains, she reunites with Worth, her future fiance, whom her stepfather arranged for her to marry. 

Neither Belle nor Worth wants love. They have both been too damaged by past events. However, they must overcome the past and face the truth about the future. 

I have mixed thoughts about Joy Callaway’s books. I loved All the Pretty Places, but I did not enjoy the liberties she took with history in The Grand Design. 

However, I loved What the Mountains Remember. It was the right book at just the right time. 

I enjoyed the mountain setting of this book. Joy Callaway did a great job describing the outdoors. I have never been to North Carolina or seen The Grove Park Inn, but I loved learning about what North Carolina and Grove Park Inn were like in 1913. 

I will say that this book was predictable. I also found Belle’s cousin a bit over the top and annoying, but besides that, I enjoyed the book. 

If you have enjoyed Joy Callaway’s other books, I think you will enjoy this What the Mountains Remember.