The novel “Cold Mountain” by Charles Frazier tells the story of Inman, a wounded Confederate soldier who deserts the army and begins a dangerous journey back to his home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Along the way, he faces threats and hardships, while Ada, the woman he loves, struggles to survive and transform her late father’s farm with the help of a resourceful drifter named Ruby. The book explores themes of love, survival, and the lasting effects of war.
Delia Owens wrote “Where the Crawdads Sing,” a novel about Kya, a young girl who grows up alone in the marshlands of North Carolina after being abandoned by her family. The story follows her struggles to survive, her connection to nature, and her isolation from the nearby town.
When a local man is found dead, Kya becomes a suspect, and the town’s prejudice against her deepens. The book moves between her childhood and the mystery surrounding the death, offering a glimpse into her life in the wild marshes.
“Look Homeward, Angel” by Thomas Wolfe tells the story of Eugene Gant, a young boy growing up in the fictional town of Altamont, North Carolina, which is based on Wolfe’s hometown of Asheville.
The novel follows Eugene as he experiences family struggles, loss, and a restless desire to find his place in the world. Through his journey, the book paints a vivid picture of small-town life in the early 20th century, shaped by its people, dreams, and hardships.
The book “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks tells the story of Noah and Allie, two young people from different social classes who share a powerful summer romance in North Carolina. Years later, their paths cross again, and they must confront the enduring pull of their first love.
Set against the backdrop of the coastal town of New Bern, the story explores love, passion, and the passage of time.
The book “At Home in Mitford” by Jan Karon takes you to a small, charming town in North Carolina. It follows Father Tim, a bachelor Episcopal priest, as he navigates the ups and downs of life in this tight-knit community.
From adopting an oversized dog to meeting his witty new neighbor Cynthia, the story is filled with warmth and relatable moments. Mitford feels like the sort of place where everyone knows each other, and life unfolds at its own pace.
“The Cove” by Ron Rash is set in the remote Appalachian wilderness of North Carolina during World War I. The story follows Laurel, a woman isolated in a shadowy cove due to superstitions about her being cursed.
Her life shifts when she meets Walter, a mute stranger with a mysterious past. Their connection grows against a backdrop of suspicion and war, as secrets threaten the fragile peace they’ve found in each other’s company.
The book “A Light in the Window” by Jan Karon follows the life of Father Tim, a small-town Episcopal priest in Mitford, North Carolina. As he navigates challenges in his personal and spiritual life, he finds himself drawn to his spirited neighbor, Cynthia.
The story explores his journey through faith, community, and the possibility of love, all while he continues to care for the quirky and endearing residents of Mitford.
The book “Serena” by Ron Rash takes place in the rugged mountains of North Carolina during the 1930s. It follows Serena and her husband, George Pemberton, as they build a timber empire. Serena is ambitious and ruthless, stopping at nothing to get what she wants.
The story explores greed, power, and betrayal, as Serena’s actions grow darker and more unforgiving. The harsh wilderness mirrors the tension between the characters, creating an intense and dramatic setting.
“A Walk to Remember” by Nicholas Sparks is a heartfelt story set in the small town of Beaufort, North Carolina.
The novel follows the unlikely romance between Landon Carter, a high school senior with a rebellious streak, and Jamie Sullivan, the kind-hearted daughter of a local minister.
As their relationship grows, Landon discovers the depth of Jamie’s character and the hidden challenges she faces, leading them both to moments of love and transformation. The setting and emotional journey make it a memorable read.
“Ellen Foster” by Kaye Gibbons tells the story of an 11-year-old girl named Ellen, who must navigate a harsh and often cruel world after the death of her mother and the neglect of her abusive father.
Determined to take control of her life, Ellen faces hardship while searching for a sense of family and a place to belong. Her voice is sharp and honest as she reflects on her struggles, her resilience shining through the pages.
The backdrop of rural North Carolina adds as much heartache as it does charm to Ellen’s journey.
The book “Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen is about the Waverley sisters, Claire and Sydney, who reconnect after years apart. Their family is known for having a magical connection to their garden, where an apple tree seems to influence people’s lives.
As they navigate family bonds and uncover secrets, they also discover how their unusual heritage shapes who they are.
The book “Keeping the Moon” by Sarah Dessen follows fifteen-year-old Colie, who spends a summer in the small beach town of Colby.
Sent to stay with her eccentric aunt Mira, Colie starts working at a local diner where she meets two waitresses, Morgan and Isabel, who become her unlikely friends.
Through their influence and the unique charm of Colby, Colie begins to confront her insecurities and discovers her own strength.
Christian Reid’s “Land of the Sky” is a romantic tale set in the mountains of North Carolina. The story follows a group of travelers exploring the region’s natural beauty, sharing adventures and forming connections along the way.
The book celebrates the charm of the Blue Ridge Mountains, showcasing the area’s landscapes and the lively characters who pass through them. It gives readers a glimpse into the culture and scenery of 19th-century North Carolina.
The book “Legendborn” by Tracy Deonn introduces Bree Matthews, a teenager who discovers a secret society while attending a college program in North Carolina. The group, connected to Arthurian legend, practices powerful magic and protects the world from dark forces.
As Bree uncovers more about her own family’s mysterious past, she learns about her connection to the society’s history and the supernatural threats they face.
Monique Truong’s “Bitter in the Mouth” follows Linda Hammerick, a young woman growing up in a small North Carolina town. Linda has synesthesia and tastes words, a condition that shapes how she experiences the world and her relationships.
The story weaves her journey of self-discovery, uncovering family secrets and exploring identity in a deeply personal way. The setting adds layers of complexity, reflecting small-town life and the hidden struggles within it.
“The Body Farm” by Patricia Cornwell is a crime novel that follows Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a forensic pathologist, as she investigates the murder of an eleven-year-old girl in rural North Carolina.
The story leads her to the Body Farm, a research facility for studying human decomposition, where she unravels unsettling truths about the case.
The novel mixes forensic science with the darker side of human nature, taking readers into the challenges of Scarpetta’s work and personal life.
The novel “Dovey Coe” by Frances O’Roark Dowell is about a young girl named Dovey, who grows up in the mountains of North Carolina in the 1920s. Dovey is outspoken and fiercely loyal to her deaf brother, Amos.
When a local man, who has a questionable reputation, ends up dead, Dovey is accused of murder. The story follows her as she faces the trial and fights to prove her innocence while standing firm in her beliefs.
Kathy Reichs wrote “Fatal Voyage,” a mystery featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. The story begins with Tempe investigating a plane crash in the mountains of North Carolina.
While examining the wreckage, she discovers a body part that doesn’t match the passenger list, hinting at something sinister. As she digs deeper, she uncovers secrets tied to the crash and faces danger as she gets closer to the truth.
Throughout the book, Reichs vividly captures the rugged setting and adds scientific detail to the twists of the case.
Patricia Cornwell’s “Hornet’s Nest” takes readers to Charlotte, North Carolina, where police chief Judy Hammer and reporter Andy Brazil confront crime and corruption.
The story explores the tangled relationships between law enforcement and the media, as they deal with a series of gruesome murders. The setting brings the city to life, from gritty crime scenes to the nuances of small-town politics.
“The House Behind the Cedars” by Charles W. Chesnutt tells the story of Rena and John Walden, siblings who are light-skinned enough to pass as white. John moves to a new town and starts a new life by passing for white, later bringing Rena to join him.
Their decision leads to struggles with identity, love, and the strict racial boundaries of the South during Reconstruction. The novel offers a look at societal pressures and personal sacrifices in a time when crossing such lines came with serious consequences.
The book “Jim the Boy” by Tony Earley tells the story of a young boy named Jim Glass growing up in a small North Carolina town during the Great Depression. Jim lives with his mother and three uncles, who guide him through life’s challenges and joys.
The story captures moments like Jim experiencing his first friendships and learning about his family’s past. Through his childhood, the book paints a vivid picture of both the struggles and the quiet beauty of life in a rural community.
“Kate Vaiden” by Reynolds Price tells the story of a woman recounting her life from adolescence to adulthood. Growing up in rural North Carolina, Kate faces loss and abandonment but navigates life with resilience.
The novel dives into her relationships, family struggles, and the choices that shape her path. Kate’s voice carries the weight of her experiences, offering a thoughtful look at love and survival.
Charles W. Chesnutt’s “The Marrow of Tradition” is set in a fictional town based on Wilmington, North Carolina, during the late 19th century.
The story revolves around deep racial tensions following Reconstruction, weaving through the lives of characters from both Black and white communities.
The narrative touches on family secrets, power struggles, and the violent aftermath of a white supremacist coup, inspired by the historical Wilmington Massacre of 1898.
Robert Beatty’s “Serafina and the Splintered Heart” continues the story of a brave girl living at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. After an unexpected turn, Serafina finds herself in a strange and shadowy state.
She must uncover the truth about her circumstances and fight to save her home from a powerful enemy threatening everything she loves. The novel blends mystery and adventure, set against the rich historical backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Sheila Turnage’s “Three Times Lucky” is about a quirky girl named Mo LoBeau, who was washed into a small North Carolina town as a baby during a hurricane. She now helps run a café with the Colonel and Miss Lana, the two people who raised her.
When a murder shocks the town, Mo and her best friend Dale turn into amateur sleuths, determined to uncover the truth. The story is filled with secrets, humor, and the charm of a close-knit community.
Randall Kenan’s “A Visitation of Spirits” tells the story of Horace Cross, a young Black, gay teenager in a small Southern town, struggling with his identity and his place in his deeply religious community.
The book shifts between Horace’s perspective and that of his cousin, Reverend James, capturing both the weight of societal expectations and the personal battles within.
Through Horace’s journey, the story explores themes of family, desire, and spirituality in a rural North Carolina setting.
The novel “The Bondwoman’s Narrative” by Hannah Crafts tells the story of a young mixed-race woman escaping slavery in the South. The book follows her journey toward freedom, highlighting moments of danger and resilience as she flees her oppressors.
Set partly in North Carolina, it offers a window into the struggles and humanity of those living under slavery.
“Broken as Things Are” by Martha Witt tells the story of Morgan-Lee and her younger brother Ginx. They share a bond that feels unbreakable. Ginx, who is different from other children, speaks in a strange, poetic language that only Morgan-Lee seems to understand.
Set in North Carolina, the novel explores their relationship while Morgan-Lee struggles with growing up and navigating her family’s enigmatic dynamics. The story captures the tension between loyalty to someone you love and the desire to find your own path.
Jason Mott’s “Hell of a Book” follows a Black author on a chaotic book tour across America. While on the road, he encounters a mysterious child he calls The Kid and grapples with memories of his own past.
The story weaves in reflections on race and identity, using the interactions between the author and The Kid to explore deep personal and societal struggles.
The novel “Kiss the Girls” by James Patterson follows detective Alex Cross as he investigates the disappearance of his niece in North Carolina. The story leads him to two brutal killers, one operating as a twisted collector of women and the other as a copycat.
Cross races against time to uncover their secrets, encountering danger and dark minds.
William R. Forstchen’s “One Second After” is set in a small North Carolina town and follows the aftermath of an electromagnetic pulse attack that cripples the United States.
The story centers on John Matherson, a widowed father and college professor, as he struggles to keep his family and community alive in a world where modern technology has instantly vanished.
The book explores how people learn to confront hunger, disease, and societal breakdown while fighting to protect those they love. It paints a vivid picture of survival against overwhelming odds.
“Shine” by Lauren Myracle takes place in a small, close-knit North Carolina town shaken by a violent hate crime. The story follows Cat, a teenage girl who sets out to uncover who attacked her former best friend, Patrick.
Along the way, she faces the secrets and prejudices lurking in her community. The book paints a vivid portrait of life in a rural southern town, with characters and issues that feel raw and real.
The book “A Short History of a Small Place” by T. R. Pearson takes readers into the fictional small town of Neely, North Carolina. Told through the eyes of a young boy named Louis Benfield, it captures the quirks and tribulations of the town’s eccentric residents.
At its heart is the tale of Miss Myra Angelique Pettigrew, a reclusive woman whose life becomes the subject of local gossip after a dramatic public incident. The humor and warmth of the characters make the everyday lives in this Southern town feel larger than life.