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
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.....
During the Great Depression, a federal program was developed to provide books for people who lived in the 'hollers of Kentucky' and young women were given the chance to deliver these books. If you've ever experienced the thrill of having a bookmobile come to your home during the summer months, you have an inkling of the joy that these mountain families felt when 'that book woman' came into view, and she was riding a horse! The Other Side of Certain tells the story of Mattie Mobley's decision to take a temporary job as a packhorse librarian and it's truly a feast of words and emotions! Author Amy Willoughby-Burle shares a tale that I won't soon forget, and she's created characters that I want as friends. I loved Mattie Mobley and Daniel Barrett and I was totally invested in their growing awareness of each other. Mattie is anxious to learn more about this reclusive 'grizzly bear' but he's determined to keep her at arm's length. Will Mattie uncover the secrets that seem to haunt him?
Willoughby-Burle totally captures the poverty, the varying emotions, and the strength and fortitude that were prevalent during this time and place. I was deeply touched by The Other Side of Certain and I consider it to be historical romantic fiction at its best! It's definitely a book that I will read again!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Visit her online at www.amywilloughbyburle.com. You can also Amy on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.
Review & Excerpt at Books, Cooks, Looks
Thursday, 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
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
During the Great Depression, a federal program was developed to provide books for people who lived in the 'hollers of Kentucky' and young women were given the chance to deliver these books. If you've ever experienced the thrill of having a bookmobile come to your home during the summer months, you have an inkling of the joy that these mountain families felt when 'that book woman' came into view, and she was riding a horse! The Other Side of Certain tells the story of Mattie Mobley's decision to take a temporary job as a packhorse librarian and it's truly a feast of words and emotions! Author Amy Willoughby-Burle shares a tale that I won't soon forget, and she's created characters that I want as friends. I loved Mattie Mobley and Daniel Barrett and I was totally invested in their growing awareness of each other. Mattie is anxious to learn more about this reclusive 'grizzly bear' but he's determined to keep her at arm's length. Will Mattie uncover the secrets that seem to haunt him?
Willoughby-Burle totally captures the poverty, the varying emotions, and the strength and fortitude that were prevalent during this time and place. I was deeply touched by The Other Side of Certain and I consider it to be historical romantic fiction at its best! It's definitely a book that I will read again!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
About the Author
Amy Willoughby-Burle grew up in the small coastal town of Kure Beach, NC, and now lives in Asheville, NC with her husband and four children. She teaches creative writing and works as a freelance editor when not working on her own fiction. She is also the director of Wildacres Writers Workshop. She is the author of the novels The Lemonade Year and The Year of Thorns and Honey. Her award-winning short fiction has been published in numerous journals and in her collection, Out Across the Nowhere. Her fiction focuses on the importance of family and friends and centers on the themes of forgiveness, second chances, and finding beauty in the world around us. She likes to write about the wonder and mystery of everyday life.
Visit her online at www.amywilloughbyburle.com. You can also Amy on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.
Blog Tour Schedule
Wednesday, September 21Review & Excerpt at Books, Cooks, Looks
Thursday, 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
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
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