My Old True Love

By: Sheila Kay Adams

Narrated by: Kate Forbes

The Stantons and the Nortons were families in the truest, oldest sense: extended networks of kin stretching across the mountains, everyone within hiking distance. They’d come from the British Isles and settled in the Appalachians of North Carolina during the 1700s, bringing with them their dearly loved songs and their clannish ways, their ties to the land ultimately becoming as strong as their ties to one another.

So when Larkin Stanton is left parentless at birth in the 1840s, he is taken in by his cousin Arty Norton and, true to the family way, starts singing before he starts talking. As Larkin grows up, he hungrily learns every song he can, as well as the subtleties of ballad singing: how the songs are about the joys and the horrors of life, and how the best singers can produce a song that will summon tears. Going head-to-head with Arty’s brother, Hackley, the cousins’ competitions to produce the finest song soon spill over into the wooing of the finest girl in the community, Mary.

When Hackley wins Mary and then leaves to fight in the Civil War, Larkin, still too young to enlist, finds himself uncontrollably drawn to the woman who’s held his heart for years. What he does about that love defies all he has learned about family and loyalty - and reminds us that these mournful ballads didn’t come just from the imagination, but from imperfections of the heart.

©2004 Sheila Kay Adams (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Loved it!

This book had me from start to finish. I laughed some, and cried some too. The author told this tale in a way that makes you picture everything. I felt like I could see each character, and it made me love them all. The narrator was phenomenal! I don't know if she's from the mountains, but she sure does sound like it! If you're thinking about buying this book, wait no longer. You won't regret this purchase!

lovely

I felt like my grandma was reading this book to me. The narration flowed and the singing was pleasing. A great story told.

Kate Forbes makes this book WONDERFUL!

great story about a mountain family, told from a third generation mother....Kate Forbes narration makes this so real!

Love this book

I can say truthfully that i have read a lot of books and this is the best book I’ve ever read. The stories, characters, honesty, and feel for life make it touching and wonderful and real.

authentic and entertaining

As a local Southern Appalachian woman, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The author portrays the era and culture respectfully and with authenticity. I read some criticism of the narrator but found her voice equally appropriate to the main character. She doesn't perform the music but instead sings the ballads as Arty would have done.

Well worth your time!!

I saw Sheila Kay Adams at the storytelling festivals several time. She is awesome and this book is just like hearing her tell stories. The songs are wonderful.

Kate Forbes can make any book!! Love this one!

First time listener of Shelia Adams but I will be looking 👀 for more from her! I really enjoyed this one, and the way Kate Forbes narrates you can just see the characters! Love the mountain talk and old saying she used, some I had heard others was new to me. This one I hated for it to end.

Excellent

I loved every bit of this complex and endearing story. I didn't put it down.

a wonderful book!

beautiful music! i love this book! (Except the ending is just too sad & unsatisfying)

My Old True Love

This story touched my heart and soul. Very different from all the Civil War books I have listen to. I really appreciate that. A much read !! I highly recommend.