About this book
Harold Bell Wright's The Shepherd of the Hills transports listeners to the rugged Ozark Mountains, where an enigmatic stranger arrives seeking refuge from the complexities of city life. This beloved classic romance weaves together the pastoral beauty of rural Arkansas with an unforgettable tale of love, mystery, and redemption set in the fictional Mutton Hollow.
When the educated and refined Dad Howitt settles into the mountainous wilderness, he becomes known as "The Shepherd of the Hills"—a figure whose very presence transforms the tight-knit community around him. Against this backdrop of natural splendor, a tender romance blossoms between the spirited Sammy Lane and the young Matt Grant Matthews, while darker secrets from the shepherd's past threaten to unravel everything he's built.
Wright's adventurous narrative captures the dialect, customs, and values of Ozark mountain folk with remarkable authenticity, blending literary romance with genuine spiritual themes. The story explores redemption, belonging, and the possibility of finding peace through connection to both land and community. Originally published in 1907, this novel became one of America's most beloved works of regional fiction, later adapted into films and stage productions.
Perfect for audiobook listeners who appreciate classic American literature, historical romance, and stories celebrating rural heritage, The Shepherd of the Hills reminds us that sometimes the greatest journeys lead us away from civilization and toward our truest selves.
