Appalachian Awakening

This book was so good, I loved it!...I love stories about characters finding what they really want in life and figuring things out, add in the thru hiking setting and theme and I knew I had to read this one. And I am so glad I picked this one up as I really enjoyed it from start to finish.

Appalachian Awakening follows the story of Amber, who just lost both her job and her girlfriend. She has always striven to be the best at everything and has more money than she knows what to do with, but she still feels empty and like something missing. After losing her job and girlfriend in the same day she decided she wants to try hiking the Appalachian trail.

I have to admit I wasn't sure I was going to like Amber at first, something about her personality and attitude made it hard for me to like her at first, but the way it was written still had me curious to see what was next for her. Then once she realizes something is missing and actually sets out to find it and I quickly warmed up to her. I liked her dedication to try something so different from what she is used to and how she gave it her all by researching well beforehand. She's used to everything her money can buy and seeing her willingly set off and walk days on end without shower or restaurant meal was really interesting to see. And even more how she opens her heart and mind to find that what's missing in her life.

This is not only a story about Amber figuring out what she wants from life, it's also an awesome romantic story. The book also has a strong theme about friendship and I would even call it found family, as Amber's real family doesn't care about her, but she finds friends who do. And everyone has their own distinct personality, from Sue whose like a mother and best friend to Amber to the couple Cricket and Bobber who become good friends to Amber. And of course Leslie, the love interest.

I loved the way the romance was written. Amber and Leslie have something that connect and draws them together from the start, but it's their honest and raw talks that really forge a deep bond. And only later it turns physical and they fit well together in that way as well. I liked how open and honest they are with each other. There isn't a lot of drama and angst about their romance, even though they have things to deal with. When struggles or doubts pop up they actually talk about it and when something is pulling them apart their feelings are clear. I really liked reading about these two and while we don't get Leslie's point of view I felt like I got to know her almost as well as main character Amber. The epilogue was awesome and I really liked seeing where these two ended up.

The hiking journey was very well written, with the walk really coming to life and I was able to picture the scenes well. There's just something about the thru hiking setting that really works for me in a book, it's such an unique type of backdrop for a story. And the way it's such a change from Amber's normal life that it forces her to reconsider everything was great.

To summarize: I loved this book! This book was everything I hoped for and more. It has an awesome plot line about Amber who has to figure out what she wants from life and what is missing. As well as a heartfelt romance with two characters who are raw and honest with each other and connect through deep talks and only later physically as well. I liked how the romance was low on the drama and how these two talked things through. I appreciated how I felt like I got to know love interest Leslie almost as well as Amber. It also has a theme of found family and friendship as Amber has some great friends around her who each have a distinct personality. The hiking made for a great backdrop for the story and I enjoyed reading about the trail hiking. The epilogue was wonderful and I loved how the book ended.

Lola Verroen for Lola's Reviews via NetGalley

I’m an avid hiker and have hiked small sections of the Appalachian Trail so this one called to me immediately. A fun cast of characters makes this light read an enjoyable experience.

Cathie Williamson via NetGalley

Great story. Very inspirational and realistic. The characters are really sweet and warm.

I enjoyed all the descriptions of the necessary camping gear and how they had to use it.

There is one surprise near the end that solidified the main characters life decision. That made it very real for me even though it was a major life decision made in only a few months.
Nice story with a believable ending.

One suggestion to the publisher: it would have been fun to have the map of the trail and a dot indicating their progression at the beginning of the chapters.

Cheryl Shrock via NetGalley

Amber Shaw is fired and dumped all on the same day. It is then understandable when Amber faces a crisis of identity soon after. As a former CEO Amber has lived the corporate lifestyle of all work and no play. This brings her to the understanding of why her relationships have not worked out. Searching for the way forward in her life, Amber stumbles upon the lure of hiking the Appalachian Trail for six months. Researching every detail and buying top of the line equipment Amber begins her first ever hike. Fortunately she meets a seasoned hiker in Leslie Brown who shares her experience with Amber and opens her heart to possibilities.

Sparks’ superpower is embedding the reader into her settings through her vivid descriptions. I know that I easily fell down the rabbit hole to hike the trail alongside Amber and Leslie.

The combination of the physical with the mental struggles Amber faces is at the core of the novel. Hiking two thousand miles cannot help but change Amber in a variety of ways. This is what makes Appalachian Awakening a compelling read.

Della Baczyk via NetGalley

Great characters and story plot. I love the development of Amber’s character. I was drawn to her from the beginning. The author did such a good job with her personality. I think the Appalachian Trail even holds a unique place in the hearts of those of us who haven’t traversed it. Stories about the hikers and the trail bring out the adventurous nature in all of us. The more I read I felt as though the characters became a part of the trail—like family—connected to something larger than themselves.

I love the grittiness of the characters. They are not the typical, perfect-sized bodies either. They feel realistic, as do the situations and dialogue.

This story stirred many emotions as I read on. I could feel the betrayal Amber felt. The need to accomplish something and feel her self-worth. Friendship. Love. Sadness. Even a sense of triumph. And more. No, I never give spoilers...

AC M via NetGalley