The Other Side of Certain * A Love for Certain Novel
A place to call home…
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.
Unexpected “danger” along the route
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.
For the love of love…and books
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.
Kind Words
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
Oh y’all. I can’t adequately put into words how much I loved this book. Its cadence both washed over me and embraced me, and I quickly fell under its charm. Despite this being a fictional novel, the characters convinced me they are real people, and you cannot tell me otherwise. The fact that The Other Side of Certain is the first in a new series simply elates me because I need to spend more time in this community and with these characters.
— Carrie with Reading is My Superpower
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–as well as in man–displaying God’s grace and mercy throughout. The ending will leave readers with a smile on their face and hope in their heart.
-Beth Pugh–Award-winning author of The Valentine Proposal and The Santa Run
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 pages.” Reading opens up new worlds for those involved, and learning to read helps them heal to love again.
Delores Topliff – Author of Books Afloat, Christmas Tree Wars, and Wilderness Wife