When You Look At Me - Reviewed by Pepper Basham

About the book:
Title: When You Look at Me
Author: Pepper Basham
Series: Pleasant Gap Book 2

An unexpected mother-to-be
A romance-leery composer
And a forgotten melody from the past that holds the keys to their futures.
When Julia Jenkins’ great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. Following her aunt’s cryptic journal, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart.
Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.
But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives?






About Pepper Basham:  I wrote my first story when I was a nine year- old, freckled-faced tomboy in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Coming from a long line of oral storytellers, weaving a good yarn seemed a typical part of my life.  It wasn’t until I finished college, had two children, and a full-time job before I began to study the ‘craft’ of writing (you know when I had plenty of time).
So…now I’m an older, freckled-faced mommy enjoying life, learning to write, and laughing often.  My mom says that I must have a small bit of insanity because I don’t realize how stressed I ought to be.
I’m also a speech-language pathologist who spends her time hanging out with kids who have Autism! It’s a challenge and a blessing – and constantly teaches me about the importance of thinking outside the box!
You can get to know me on my website, www.pepperdbasham.com, on my group blog, The Writer’s Alley, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.

My Thoughts:

Pepper Basham's new book When You Look at Me, book two in the Pleasant Gap series is wrapped with humor, swoon worthy romance, and a historical mystery.

One thing you can count on with a Pepper Basham novel is deep conversations, a cute couple, a closet kiss, humorous banter, but most of all a story that pulls you into the beauty and history of Appalachia.

The theme of being brave is the foundation of the story of Henry and Julia. Both are learning what bravery means and looks like in their life right now.

I was drawn into the book from page one and I found it hard to put down. This is a must read, and if you haven't read book one, Just the Way You Are, don't worry you can read this book and not be lost. You will however want to read book one.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author as part of a street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.