The narrator of this story is Arty Norton who is the mother of ten children. Larkin Stanton's mother died at childbirth. Arty raised Larkin. Songs played a major role in their home. Larkin would hum along with his Granny.

As Arty gets older he and his cousin, Hackley, find they are rivals in ballad contests. This isn't the only place they are rivals. Both seem to like the same girl, Mary. However, it was Hackley who won Mary's heart. A short time later, Hackley finds himself off to fight in the Civil War. With Hackley gone off to war, Mary soon finds herself attracted to Larkin. What happens between these two?

The reader will not want this book to end. You will wish there were at least another hundred pages to read. The author does a wonderful job of storytelling by using an authentic mountain dialect for her characters and adding old-time ballads throughout the novel in a very special way. This book is almost like a song in itself and is one that is unforgettable. The author does an excellent job of describing the Appalachian lifestyle to the reader. Be sure to add this one to your reading list. It is one that you will thoroughly enjoy.

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON