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De bibliotheek in de bergen
Tansy Calhoun reist als bibliothecaresse te paard door de Appalachen. Ze trotseert de ruige paden en het soms onstuimige weer om boeken rond te brengen bij de mensen van de berggemeenschap. Tansy verlangt ernaar liefde te vinden, zoals de hoofdpersonen in haar boeken. Als ze een charmante schrijver uit New York ontmoet, denkt ze dat ze hem misschien heeft gevonden - of is de ware dichterbij dan ze denkt? Pas door een zware storm, waarin mensenlevens op het spel staan, komt er een einde aan de tweestrijd van Tansy.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2023
55 people are currently reading
3306 people want to read
About the author
Ann H. Gabhart
49 books1,056 followersAnn H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. At the age of ten, she started dreaming of writing stories others would want to read. That dream has come true as she's published over thirty-five novels. She and her husband have three children married to three beautiful in-law children who have gifted her nine grandchildren. She still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dogs, reading, and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, was a best-seller and was followed up by two more stories about the Merritt sisters. She keeps her stories in Kentucky and has enjoyed going to the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains for some stories including These Healing Hills and Along a Storied Trail. And if you like mysteries, you can try her Hidden Springs Mysteries published under the author name, A.H. Gabhart. Visit Ann's website http://annhgabhart.com to find out more. There you can sign up for her newsletter where she does giveaways several times a year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
July 15, 2021
I always look forward to a new book by this author knowing I will read an informative historical book.
I have read most of her books over the years and have learned a lot about the customs of the people,their dialect,types of foods they eat,etc.
There have been quite a few books out about packhorse librarians in the past several years and this is the best I have read as far as feeling the authenticity of the situation.
The author's books are always very well researched, you feel as though you can place yourself in the setting she is writing about.
You can feel the despair these mountain people have but yet they keep going on, they are strong and have a strong faith that will bring them through their troubles.
This book was provided by Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews.
I have read most of her books over the years and have learned a lot about the customs of the people,their dialect,types of foods they eat,etc.
There have been quite a few books out about packhorse librarians in the past several years and this is the best I have read as far as feeling the authenticity of the situation.
The author's books are always very well researched, you feel as though you can place yourself in the setting she is writing about.
You can feel the despair these mountain people have but yet they keep going on, they are strong and have a strong faith that will bring them through their troubles.
This book was provided by Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews.
May 27, 2021
Ann Gabhart has such a winsome way with words as she captures the dialect of the mountain people of Kentucky.
Tansy Calhoun is a book woman who delivers books by horseback to people in the hills with no access to a library. Caleb is an honorable man trying to do right by his family and following his heart. “Caleb was someone you could depend on to do the right thing. The best thing.” I grew to love Caleb and Tansy in their struggles during the Depression. Tansy was maturing, securing a dream job as a packhorse librarian but finds her dreams may go farther than parceling out books to neighbors in the hills. “A day chin deep in words and stories seemed the next best thing to heaven to Tansy.”
My favorite character was Aunt Perdy. Even though she is prickly, I quickly warmed up to her quirky personality. And she is very wise: “Whilst you might be remembering your wrongs, the Good Lord has done sunk them down deep in the sea where they can’t never float back to the top.”
This was a story of hardship, steeped in faith, forgiveness and a bit of a quandary with excitement thrown in for good measure.
I don’t know how she could top her last book, but each book is uniquely wonderful. Ms. Gabhart cannot write a bad story. She is a natural storyteller. I highly recommend her books.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Tansy Calhoun is a book woman who delivers books by horseback to people in the hills with no access to a library. Caleb is an honorable man trying to do right by his family and following his heart. “Caleb was someone you could depend on to do the right thing. The best thing.” I grew to love Caleb and Tansy in their struggles during the Depression. Tansy was maturing, securing a dream job as a packhorse librarian but finds her dreams may go farther than parceling out books to neighbors in the hills. “A day chin deep in words and stories seemed the next best thing to heaven to Tansy.”
My favorite character was Aunt Perdy. Even though she is prickly, I quickly warmed up to her quirky personality. And she is very wise: “Whilst you might be remembering your wrongs, the Good Lord has done sunk them down deep in the sea where they can’t never float back to the top.”
This was a story of hardship, steeped in faith, forgiveness and a bit of a quandary with excitement thrown in for good measure.
I don’t know how she could top her last book, but each book is uniquely wonderful. Ms. Gabhart cannot write a bad story. She is a natural storyteller. I highly recommend her books.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
May 27, 2021
I had the honor of reading this for possible endorsement and absolutely loved it. Here's what I said: Fabulous! This beautifully written book brings a little-known part of American history to life with characters so real they leap off the pages into readers’ hearts and linger there long after the last page is turned. Along a Storied Trail is a story to savor, to ponder, and to read again and again.
December 28, 2021
I reviewed this book for Historical Novels Review Magazine, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. Per their policy, I cannot post the review until after it is posted on the HNS website on August 1st. I will update the review then.
June 1, 2021
'The way the Lord can bring blessings at hard times can confound a body for certain.'
The time is the Great Depression, the setting is Appalachia, and the story is full and rich. Tansy Calhoun is a WPA packhorse librarian (this was a real program) and she thoroughly enjoys bringing the richness of books to those up in the hills and other areas of her county. Folks that are barely surviving at times and they sure do love these books Tansy brings every few weeks. Tansy doesn't just drop books off; she visits and reads to them, listens to their problems and prays for them. She discovers that everyone has a story to tell, some painful and hard to hear. But she presses on.
I find it amazing that these women were willing to endure so much to bring books to folks in this remote area of Kentucky in such hard times. Being a book lover, this story is particularly interesting to me. I would have loved seeing a book woman ride up on a horse, bringing me a new book to read.
'Sometimes Tansy thought every prayer she'd ever thought to pray and some she hadn't thought up had been answered the day she got one of the book routes here in Owsley County.'
Ann Gabhart opens the door up to these people and their lives in Appalachia and we are able to feel what they feel and also experience their hurts. All because of her gift at story telling. She makes them come alive.
Told in her signature style, Gabhart's cadence rolls sweetly along throughout the book. I found myself invested in their lives as I let myself be carried away with the flow. Such wonderful characters and powerful emotions they had! I was captivated! I can highly recommend this one. And, in my opinion, it'd make a most excellent movie. Well done!
My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not expected to leave a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.
The time is the Great Depression, the setting is Appalachia, and the story is full and rich. Tansy Calhoun is a WPA packhorse librarian (this was a real program) and she thoroughly enjoys bringing the richness of books to those up in the hills and other areas of her county. Folks that are barely surviving at times and they sure do love these books Tansy brings every few weeks. Tansy doesn't just drop books off; she visits and reads to them, listens to their problems and prays for them. She discovers that everyone has a story to tell, some painful and hard to hear. But she presses on.
I find it amazing that these women were willing to endure so much to bring books to folks in this remote area of Kentucky in such hard times. Being a book lover, this story is particularly interesting to me. I would have loved seeing a book woman ride up on a horse, bringing me a new book to read.
'Sometimes Tansy thought every prayer she'd ever thought to pray and some she hadn't thought up had been answered the day she got one of the book routes here in Owsley County.'
Ann Gabhart opens the door up to these people and their lives in Appalachia and we are able to feel what they feel and also experience their hurts. All because of her gift at story telling. She makes them come alive.
Told in her signature style, Gabhart's cadence rolls sweetly along throughout the book. I found myself invested in their lives as I let myself be carried away with the flow. Such wonderful characters and powerful emotions they had! I was captivated! I can highly recommend this one. And, in my opinion, it'd make a most excellent movie. Well done!
My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not expected to leave a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.
June 7, 2021
Set in the Kentucky hills during the depression, Tansy Calhoun is a packhorse librarian delivering books throughout the hills and hollows of Owsley County Kentucky. When an author is sent through the federal government's writing program to develop a tourist guide for the county, Tansy is assigned to show him around. As an avid reader, Tansy has always dreamed of having a prince fall in love with her. But will she find out that sometimes a scoundrel is hidden behind the looks of a prince and that true love may be closer than she knows.
There were so many things to like about this book. Gabhart does an excellent job of including the dialect and colloquialisms of the Kentucky hills. The way the families supported one another in hard times as food was short and men were off looking for jobs depicted how difficult the depression was especially for those in rural areas.
The creativity of the packhorse librarians was amazing: worn out magazine pictures were reused to create children's books, wives were encouraged to share recipes for a put together cookbook along with quilt patterns for another one, as well as books to help children continue to learn to read as there was no teacher for the school. Also no matter what the weather, the packhorse librarians rode their horses and/or mules every day to make sure those families had books available. They were definitely a role model for the families in their county during the hard times.
Well written, historical fiction that sheds an interesting light on this federal program during the Great Depression.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
There were so many things to like about this book. Gabhart does an excellent job of including the dialect and colloquialisms of the Kentucky hills. The way the families supported one another in hard times as food was short and men were off looking for jobs depicted how difficult the depression was especially for those in rural areas.
The creativity of the packhorse librarians was amazing: worn out magazine pictures were reused to create children's books, wives were encouraged to share recipes for a put together cookbook along with quilt patterns for another one, as well as books to help children continue to learn to read as there was no teacher for the school. Also no matter what the weather, the packhorse librarians rode their horses and/or mules every day to make sure those families had books available. They were definitely a role model for the families in their county during the hard times.
Well written, historical fiction that sheds an interesting light on this federal program during the Great Depression.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
June 29, 2021
A sweet romance set among the mountain people of 1930s Kentucky. The romantic couples must navigate misunderstandings and tragedies before they're allowed to be together. Along the way, we get to see how the tight-knit community comes together to love and support each other. This novel is more about story-lovers than about what the traveling book women did. Some characters tell stories, some collect stories, some read stories, some write stories. But all treasure the power of words. And the stories they share help them link the past to the present and face the future. A satisfying, worthwhile read.
May 2, 2021
Tansy is 20 and past the age that her family and friends think she should be married and having babies but Tansy is happy with her life. She's a horseback librarian. Not only does she love books but she also loves sharing books with people who wouldn't have had a chance to read unless she delivered books to them. Plus her father has left home to find work and the money she makes helps to feed her family. Perdita is an ornery old woman who has never married. No one knew her age but she was at least in her 80s. When her house burns down, she goes to live with Tansy's family along with a young pregnant girl who she took in. Tansy is interested in two men - one is an author who has come to town to write a travel book and listen to some of the old stories and the other is a friend from childhood who has just returned from working planting trees with the Civilian Conservation Corp. One man can take her out of the mountains to see places she has never seen. If she marries her old friend, she will remain in the hills of Kentucky. Should she choose a life that is similar to those that she's read about or stay at home and help to take care of the people she knows and loves?
This is a well written interesting book. I've read several books recently about the horseback librarians and there are some similarities in the books. This one gives us more of an insight into life through a young woman's eyes who loves her home and the people she is surrounded with. This is a story about love - both love of family and love of setting along with a look at love and marriage.
This is a well written interesting book. I've read several books recently about the horseback librarians and there are some similarities in the books. This one gives us more of an insight into life through a young woman's eyes who loves her home and the people she is surrounded with. This is a story about love - both love of family and love of setting along with a look at love and marriage.
June 10, 2021
This was a lovely story and so well written. I really liked Tansy and her love for books. I had heard about the people who delivered books during the Great Depression, but this story really brought that to life. I didn’t realize that they used materials to make books or that they delivered so many magazines.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book that bring the storyline to life. It had wonderful dialogue between the characters. The story seemed so realistic and true to its time period. There was quite a varied group of characters in the book all adding to a well written story.
I loved the faith theme in the book as well. It was intrinsic to the story and well written. Forgiveness, love, hope, and thankfulness were all woven so well into the plot. The dialogue of spiritual things was intriguing and added much to the novel.
A beautiful cast of characters, wonderful scene and era brought to life, and a realistic and interesting faith theme all made for a novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. This book will make it to my forever shelves-beautifully done!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book that bring the storyline to life. It had wonderful dialogue between the characters. The story seemed so realistic and true to its time period. There was quite a varied group of characters in the book all adding to a well written story.
I loved the faith theme in the book as well. It was intrinsic to the story and well written. Forgiveness, love, hope, and thankfulness were all woven so well into the plot. The dialogue of spiritual things was intriguing and added much to the novel.
A beautiful cast of characters, wonderful scene and era brought to life, and a realistic and interesting faith theme all made for a novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. This book will make it to my forever shelves-beautifully done!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
February 26, 2025
Found this book at a small bookstore.
This story is centered around the hills of Kentucky. My heart was with Tansy who loves books. She is also known as a Packhorse Librarian. She stops and talks to everyone and sends a helping hand to them.
A small community that comes together.
I enjoyed this book. ~
This story is centered around the hills of Kentucky. My heart was with Tansy who loves books. She is also known as a Packhorse Librarian. She stops and talks to everyone and sends a helping hand to them.
A small community that comes together.
I enjoyed this book. ~
March 12, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ While the main character of this book, Tansy, is a packhorse librarian, that aspect of her life plays a relatively minor role in the book’s plot. It focuses on all aspects of Tansy’s life and the lives of those living near her in the Kentucky hills. I enjoyed the story overall, but the events of the last several chapters seemed improbable. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, you are likely to enjoy the book, as long as you aren’t expecting significant time to be devoted to the packhorse librarian angle.
I don’t recommend the audiobook, however. The narrator is unaware of the pronunciation of “corps”, as in Army Corps of Engineers”. She pronounced it as “corpse”, which definitely would make for a different story!
I don’t recommend the audiobook, however. The narrator is unaware of the pronunciation of “corps”, as in Army Corps of Engineers”. She pronounced it as “corpse”, which definitely would make for a different story!
May 30, 2021
"Would that be how Tansy ended up? An old lady in a lonesome cabin . . .Youngsters then might be sharing Aunt Tansy stories. Could they already be talking about that crazy book woman, even though they were glad to see her coming."
That crazy book woman . . . they had the book woman part right, but crazy? Tansy Calhoun loved her job as a packhorse librarian, serving the mountain people of eastern Kentucky, her people . . . even if they did agree with her father that she was "thinking above herself". She was only twenty years old, for goodness sake, and "she had a horse, access to more books than she had time to read, and money to keep food on her mother's table". And she had absolutely not been heartbroken over "Jeremy marrying Jolene. Never was any truth to that rumor along the mountain gossip grapevine". But when Caleb Barton returns from his job in Tennessee where he had been working for the Civilian Conservation Corps? That's when Tansy's "I'm perfectly happy the way things are" begins to shift. It might come down to the outlier or the chestnut trees; not surprisingly, Aunt Perdie has her own opinion about that!
This mountain tale is filled to the brim with colorful characters, delightful banter, and generational wisdom. But don't be fooled, beneath it all run undercurrents of grief, regrets, tough decisions and "confounded contentment" . . . which blend together perfectly into quite a "storied trail".
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy.
That crazy book woman . . . they had the book woman part right, but crazy? Tansy Calhoun loved her job as a packhorse librarian, serving the mountain people of eastern Kentucky, her people . . . even if they did agree with her father that she was "thinking above herself". She was only twenty years old, for goodness sake, and "she had a horse, access to more books than she had time to read, and money to keep food on her mother's table". And she had absolutely not been heartbroken over "Jeremy marrying Jolene. Never was any truth to that rumor along the mountain gossip grapevine". But when Caleb Barton returns from his job in Tennessee where he had been working for the Civilian Conservation Corps? That's when Tansy's "I'm perfectly happy the way things are" begins to shift. It might come down to the outlier or the chestnut trees; not surprisingly, Aunt Perdie has her own opinion about that!
This mountain tale is filled to the brim with colorful characters, delightful banter, and generational wisdom. But don't be fooled, beneath it all run undercurrents of grief, regrets, tough decisions and "confounded contentment" . . . which blend together perfectly into quite a "storied trail".
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy.
July 21, 2021
A heaping slice of bookish deliciousness! Yum!!
Gabhart has an uncanny knack for creating living, breathing characters whose faith is reflected in the way they handle their struggles and losses...and hopes and dreams. And loves. Times are tough during the Depression but somehow these mountain folk find joy and satisfaction despite their hardscrabble life. Or maybe because of it.
Love the Appalachian setting and this era and Gabhart writes both so well. She creates an ambience that's easy for a reader to lose herself in. And these characters!!!! Not just our plucky heroine but all the secondary characters who bring even more vibrancy to Tansy's story. I especially adored Aunt Perdie! Cantankerous on the outside, heart of gold on the inside. Her biblical wisdom and wry observations brought so much to the story.
And you just can't go wrong with a plot based around the love of reading. Especially when it comes with packhorse librarians who deliver so much more than just books on their daily rounds. Loved all the little historical details about these ladies and the lengths they went to in order to meet the needs of everyone in their community. It made me realize how much this avid reader takes her easy access to books for granted.
Along a Storied Trail is the kind of feel-good comfort read that makes my bibliophile heart sing.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
Gabhart has an uncanny knack for creating living, breathing characters whose faith is reflected in the way they handle their struggles and losses...and hopes and dreams. And loves. Times are tough during the Depression but somehow these mountain folk find joy and satisfaction despite their hardscrabble life. Or maybe because of it.
Love the Appalachian setting and this era and Gabhart writes both so well. She creates an ambience that's easy for a reader to lose herself in. And these characters!!!! Not just our plucky heroine but all the secondary characters who bring even more vibrancy to Tansy's story. I especially adored Aunt Perdie! Cantankerous on the outside, heart of gold on the inside. Her biblical wisdom and wry observations brought so much to the story.
And you just can't go wrong with a plot based around the love of reading. Especially when it comes with packhorse librarians who deliver so much more than just books on their daily rounds. Loved all the little historical details about these ladies and the lengths they went to in order to meet the needs of everyone in their community. It made me realize how much this avid reader takes her easy access to books for granted.
Along a Storied Trail is the kind of feel-good comfort read that makes my bibliophile heart sing.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
June 8, 2022
This one was really good! I really enjoyed it! I had thought that it might be similar to The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher, but it was really different. I thinks fans of that book will enjoy this one. I really liked Tansy and Caleb. I even had a soft spot for Perdita. I almost wish that there was a little bit more to this story to finish wrapping things up. I would recommend this one for fans of historical fiction!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
June 15, 2021
Having lived in Eastern Ky, not too far from where this story takes place, for most of my life, I knew I had to read this story. I love reading about the Packhorse Librarians, and I enjoy this author's books. And once again, she didn't disappoint. She has such a lovely way of taking us right into the hills of Appalachia and giving us a glimpse of what these people lived through, both the good and the bad. I enjoyed the characters. I loved the dialogue and the banter. I highly recommend this book!
**Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.**
**Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.**
June 4, 2021
Ann H. Gabhart really knows how to write historical fiction with some romance mixed in the plot.
This book is loaded with many interesting characters. Tansy Calhoun is a packhorse librarian during the very difficult years of the Depression in Kentucky. Many folks do not have books to read or even look at the beautiful pictures. Tansy rides her borrowed horse through all kinds of weather and is very dedicated to delivering those books and/or magazines. Tansy must depend on the generosity of others to donate books or magazines. Because of this Tansy can only give 1 book per person.
Everyone calls Perdita Sweet "Aunt Perdie". She is not an aunt to the people of her county. She never married and is down to her last bit of food when to her surprise a young pregnant woman walks through a blizzard to find shelter with Aunt Perdie. Aunt Perdie takes this young woman in, but the next day her home burns to the ground. It is a good thing that Tansy comes by to check on Aunt Perdie and Coralee and Aunt Perdie goes to live with Tansy's Mom, sister, and brother.
Caleb Barton left the area to work for the CCC headed up by President Franklin Roosevelt. After a while, Caleb heads back home because of the untimely death of his brother, Rueben. Rueben leaves a widow and son and they are struggling to get over Rueben's death. Caleb's Mother wants him to marry the widow, but Caleb only has eyes for Tansy.
Preacher Hiram Rowlett is not an official preacher, but he is very knowledgeable about the Bible and loves the people of the county, and does what he can to help. Perdita Sweet has been in love with the preacher, but she never told him her intentions. She did write a letter practically asking Hiram to marry her, but never sent the letter. She put that letter in her Mother's Family Bible.
Tansy's mother, Eugenia, has a house full of people but enjoys having Perdita and Coralee plus Junie there with her family. Her husband left the area to find work. The Depression Era was really hard on families to survive.
I enjoyed the country feel of this book. The writing was superb and one could picture the area and the way people talked and what they did on a day-to-day basis. There was a lot of beautiful family life although some of it was very difficult because of circumstances. Some danger was added to this story towards the end of the book! All I can say is "Wow!" I have read a lot of Ann H. Gabhart's books and will continue to do so.
This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews.
This book is loaded with many interesting characters. Tansy Calhoun is a packhorse librarian during the very difficult years of the Depression in Kentucky. Many folks do not have books to read or even look at the beautiful pictures. Tansy rides her borrowed horse through all kinds of weather and is very dedicated to delivering those books and/or magazines. Tansy must depend on the generosity of others to donate books or magazines. Because of this Tansy can only give 1 book per person.
Everyone calls Perdita Sweet "Aunt Perdie". She is not an aunt to the people of her county. She never married and is down to her last bit of food when to her surprise a young pregnant woman walks through a blizzard to find shelter with Aunt Perdie. Aunt Perdie takes this young woman in, but the next day her home burns to the ground. It is a good thing that Tansy comes by to check on Aunt Perdie and Coralee and Aunt Perdie goes to live with Tansy's Mom, sister, and brother.
Caleb Barton left the area to work for the CCC headed up by President Franklin Roosevelt. After a while, Caleb heads back home because of the untimely death of his brother, Rueben. Rueben leaves a widow and son and they are struggling to get over Rueben's death. Caleb's Mother wants him to marry the widow, but Caleb only has eyes for Tansy.
Preacher Hiram Rowlett is not an official preacher, but he is very knowledgeable about the Bible and loves the people of the county, and does what he can to help. Perdita Sweet has been in love with the preacher, but she never told him her intentions. She did write a letter practically asking Hiram to marry her, but never sent the letter. She put that letter in her Mother's Family Bible.
Tansy's mother, Eugenia, has a house full of people but enjoys having Perdita and Coralee plus Junie there with her family. Her husband left the area to find work. The Depression Era was really hard on families to survive.
I enjoyed the country feel of this book. The writing was superb and one could picture the area and the way people talked and what they did on a day-to-day basis. There was a lot of beautiful family life although some of it was very difficult because of circumstances. Some danger was added to this story towards the end of the book! All I can say is "Wow!" I have read a lot of Ann H. Gabhart's books and will continue to do so.
This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews.
May 31, 2021
I love historical fiction, but I usually prefer a tale that is about more than just romance. A love story is fine; I just like it as a subplot rather than the main one. So, I hesitated a little to pick up ALONG A STORIED TRAIL since it seemed to be ALL romance. I worried I'd get bored with it. Was I right? Yes and no. The novel definitely lacks in action and conflict, which makes it drag at times. Tansy also lacks a tangible story goal, something that gives her a reason to take risks and give her all to a cause she's passionate about in spite of whatever might get in her way. She has her book deliveries, sure, but they're not something she really has to FIGHT for, you know? Likewise, she doesn't have to battle to win Caleb's love. She's already got it. All of this means that while I liked Tansy, I didn't become super invested in her story. I wanted good things for her, yes, but I also never doubted she would get them. What I would have liked to see is a little more conflict, struggle, and growth from Tansy. This would have made her story more gripping and unputdownable for me.
That being said, ALONG A STORIED TRAIL really is a warm, uplifting story. The characters aren't overly original or memorable, but they're good, kind-hearted people. It's impossible NOT to like them. The Appalachian setting is vivid and colorful, a backdrop that feels authentic. As I mentioned, the novel doesn't have a lot of plot, so it does get a little dull here and there. There was enough going on in the tale to keep me reading, but it did take me a few days to get through this one (whereas I can speed through an engrossing thriller in a matter of hours). I don't always love Christian novels because they can get preachy and heavy-handed, but Gabhart handles the religious elements in ALONG A STORIED TRAIL well. She makes faith feel natural, as if it's just a normal, daily thing for the story's hill people. I love that! All these things considered, then, I ended up quite enjoying this novel. It's the first I've read by Gabhart, but it won't be the last. When I'm looking for another clean, uplifting historical novel, I'll definitely look for other titles by her.
If I could, I would give ALONG A STORIED TRAIL 3 1/2 stars. Since I can't, I'm rounding up.
That being said, ALONG A STORIED TRAIL really is a warm, uplifting story. The characters aren't overly original or memorable, but they're good, kind-hearted people. It's impossible NOT to like them. The Appalachian setting is vivid and colorful, a backdrop that feels authentic. As I mentioned, the novel doesn't have a lot of plot, so it does get a little dull here and there. There was enough going on in the tale to keep me reading, but it did take me a few days to get through this one (whereas I can speed through an engrossing thriller in a matter of hours). I don't always love Christian novels because they can get preachy and heavy-handed, but Gabhart handles the religious elements in ALONG A STORIED TRAIL well. She makes faith feel natural, as if it's just a normal, daily thing for the story's hill people. I love that! All these things considered, then, I ended up quite enjoying this novel. It's the first I've read by Gabhart, but it won't be the last. When I'm looking for another clean, uplifting historical novel, I'll definitely look for other titles by her.
If I could, I would give ALONG A STORIED TRAIL 3 1/2 stars. Since I can't, I'm rounding up.
May 14, 2021
When I saw a new book by Ann H. Gabhart I knew I was in for a treat, and she sure didn't disappoint.
Wasn't long and I was ridding with Tansy Calhoun bring much loved books to the remote mountain people. This is the time of the Great Depression and as part of getting people back to work the government has developed jobs, and and Tansy has one. She rides horse back up the Appalachians in Kentucky to bring books, and messages.
Now a young writer has come to let visitors to the area know about historic events, and our girl will be taking him up into the mountains to help him meet and gather stories.
Will our girls head be turned by this worldly fellow? Or will she see what is right before her eyes?
We meet so many folks and see their lives during this page-turning read, and some are so memorable, you won't want to leave, and yes, there is another book coming!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
Wasn't long and I was ridding with Tansy Calhoun bring much loved books to the remote mountain people. This is the time of the Great Depression and as part of getting people back to work the government has developed jobs, and and Tansy has one. She rides horse back up the Appalachians in Kentucky to bring books, and messages.
Now a young writer has come to let visitors to the area know about historic events, and our girl will be taking him up into the mountains to help him meet and gather stories.
Will our girls head be turned by this worldly fellow? Or will she see what is right before her eyes?
We meet so many folks and see their lives during this page-turning read, and some are so memorable, you won't want to leave, and yes, there is another book coming!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
June 23, 2021
Another Ann Gabhart classic tale of adventure and love in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. Ride along with Tansy Calhoun as she delivers books to those who live up in the hills as part of the Packhorse Librarians during the Great Depression.
The story is peppered with colorful characters like Perdy Sweet and "Preacher" Rowlett and even a "slicker" from the city. There's also a host of animal characters from an unpredictable cat to a troublesome hound pup to the leased horse Tansy rides on her routes.
The people of the Great Depression had little to survive on, and those in the hills had less than most, but what they did have was each other. Families came together - sometimes forming in ways other than bloodlines - to lend a helping hand where needed. Faith played a critical part, but also common sense and the willingness to work long and hard to make things happen. A truly inspiring story.
The story is peppered with colorful characters like Perdy Sweet and "Preacher" Rowlett and even a "slicker" from the city. There's also a host of animal characters from an unpredictable cat to a troublesome hound pup to the leased horse Tansy rides on her routes.
The people of the Great Depression had little to survive on, and those in the hills had less than most, but what they did have was each other. Families came together - sometimes forming in ways other than bloodlines - to lend a helping hand where needed. Faith played a critical part, but also common sense and the willingness to work long and hard to make things happen. A truly inspiring story.
July 5, 2021
Along a Storied Trail was one of those books that makes you feel like you are at home because it invites you so deeply into its world. It combined some of my favourite things- books, family, and the outdoors- to make a story that gently moved along and brought along some sweet and unexpected romance for the characters. As per usual with Gabhart’s books, the main characters (Tansy, Perdita, and Caleb) were people I wish I could sit a while with and have conversation- they’d have so many stories to tell! Once again, Gabhart wrote a well-crafted novel.
June 30, 2021
While this is not the first time I’ve heard about the packhorse librarians, it is the first book that I’ve read featuring them, and what a grand initiation! “Along a Storied Trail” may be a fictional tale, but Ann Gabhart incorporates the intrepid spirit of the women who promoted literacy among the Appalachian Mountain communities during the Great Depression while offering readers a glimpse into life in the hills. Women, both married and single, become the heroines as they accept paying jobs to follow the postal service’s creed to travel through all forms of inclement weather to keep to their schedules—an early bookmobile! “A packhorse librarian had to be tough and ready for anything,” Tansy Calhoun asserts. I was interested to learn that they received payment for this job, and that it was a full-time commitment that involved traveling to different areas daily, returning to each location every two weeks. I also love that these women had a weekly meeting at the Booneville Library to swap out books, choosing ones that they knew would suit their readers, and to repair books and use magazines to make their own books and write their own stories for the children on their routes.
Gabhart creates a satisfying cast of characters that provide a kaleidoscopic portrait of life in the Eastern Kentucky hills in 1937. Tansy Calhoun is a girl after my own heart, with her unabashed love of the written word and her dedication to bringing books to her neighbors in Owsley County. I can’t think of a more perfect occupation: “A day chin-deep in words and stories seemed the next thing to heaven to Tansy.” Being able to share, and in some cases introduce, literature to those who would otherwise go without it, and doing so on horseback through the mountains sounds like a dream come true to me, as well. I also felt a connection with Tansy in the way that she stood out from the majority of the mountain folk due to her pastimes, and just reading about the decline of the American chestnut saddened me while at the same time bringing a smile to my face, particularly given that she did share this interest with Caleb Barton. Gabhart does not give readers much detail about Caleb’s work with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) because the story begins after his time there, but that aspect drew me in also because my grandpap worked with the CCC in the 1930s, too.
As with any story from this era, “Along a Storied Trail” has its share of heartache and romance. Unexpected death, the loss of one’s home, unrequited love, and the challenges of everyday survival pepper the narrative. I appreciate that the author does not sugarcoat the lives of her characters, but instead portrays them as realistic individuals. Damien Felding represents the outsider who does not understand the mountain way of life but sees it as something to escape from, while Jenny Sue and Junie prove that grieving has no geographical or time limits. Nevertheless, Tansy sagely notes that “While there were some things a book couldn’t heal, a story could give you some minutes to escape from what was to what a person could imagine.” And it is through the pages of a fire-tested Bible that healing comes to these Appalachian hills.
Reminiscent of such beloved classics as “Christy” while also possessing its own unique Appalachian flair, Ann Gabhart’s “Along a Storied Trail” is a must-read for fans of the genre and for anyone who enjoys an inspiring story of love, books, and family—both the one we’re born into and the one we create for ourselves, or as Perdita Sweet would say, a “family born of need.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Gabhart creates a satisfying cast of characters that provide a kaleidoscopic portrait of life in the Eastern Kentucky hills in 1937. Tansy Calhoun is a girl after my own heart, with her unabashed love of the written word and her dedication to bringing books to her neighbors in Owsley County. I can’t think of a more perfect occupation: “A day chin-deep in words and stories seemed the next thing to heaven to Tansy.” Being able to share, and in some cases introduce, literature to those who would otherwise go without it, and doing so on horseback through the mountains sounds like a dream come true to me, as well. I also felt a connection with Tansy in the way that she stood out from the majority of the mountain folk due to her pastimes, and just reading about the decline of the American chestnut saddened me while at the same time bringing a smile to my face, particularly given that she did share this interest with Caleb Barton. Gabhart does not give readers much detail about Caleb’s work with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) because the story begins after his time there, but that aspect drew me in also because my grandpap worked with the CCC in the 1930s, too.
As with any story from this era, “Along a Storied Trail” has its share of heartache and romance. Unexpected death, the loss of one’s home, unrequited love, and the challenges of everyday survival pepper the narrative. I appreciate that the author does not sugarcoat the lives of her characters, but instead portrays them as realistic individuals. Damien Felding represents the outsider who does not understand the mountain way of life but sees it as something to escape from, while Jenny Sue and Junie prove that grieving has no geographical or time limits. Nevertheless, Tansy sagely notes that “While there were some things a book couldn’t heal, a story could give you some minutes to escape from what was to what a person could imagine.” And it is through the pages of a fire-tested Bible that healing comes to these Appalachian hills.
Reminiscent of such beloved classics as “Christy” while also possessing its own unique Appalachian flair, Ann Gabhart’s “Along a Storied Trail” is a must-read for fans of the genre and for anyone who enjoys an inspiring story of love, books, and family—both the one we’re born into and the one we create for ourselves, or as Perdita Sweet would say, a “family born of need.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2021
It's no secret that I have this fascination with the historical Appalachian mountain culture. Maybe it's because I live in the foothills of the Appalachia's. Maybe it's because I have always dreamt about what it would have been like to live such a hard life in the hills, but oh, how beautiful that life would be! I've often that felt that we lost a quintessential part of our American culture when we lost the mountain folk with their tales and their music and their quaint way of speaking, although some of that has trickled down to us southerners.
This book was a beautiful immersion in the culture of the Appalachia's. It was a slow moving tale of life in the hill country. It was beautiful descriptions of a world that is long past, and wonderful stories of times past. It was full of the phrases that are peculiar to mountain people, and I loved that Gabhart didn't always define what she was trying to say -- she let the words and phrases and descriptions speak for themselves.
I enjoyed the pace of this story. As I mentioned, it was slow. It moved along like a flowing stream, and was perfect in it's simplicity and charming in it's pacing. There were a few quicker moving parts, and those were nice -- but the slow pace was the perfect one for this book!
The characters were all well developed and it was nice to get to know them. Aunt Perdie's orneriness pretty much endeared her to me -- I love grumpy old women characters -- but I loved how the love of a family softened her up and melted her heart. I loved how the situation was handled with the unwed mother, and how Caleb is such a gentleman and weighs all his options, and how Josh is such a sweet guy and is so willing to take the consequences of what he feels that he needs to do. Coralee is a dear, sweet girl, who is so tender-hearted and lovable that she just about melts your heart, and then there's the spit fire of a girl, Tansy. Tansy, who helps her Ma keep the house running and keeps food on the table with her job in the Packhorse Library. Tansy, who meets a city feller and has you holding your breath for a long minute -- and then wanting to shake some sense into her. While I couldn't *really* relate all that well with her, she was still a dear part of the story, and I enjoyed her character.
And the children. All those dear, sweet, innocent children who all just want to learn and grow their knowledge of the world around them.
The clear Christian message contained in the pages and artfully woven throughout the book were sweet to read, and endeared the book to me even more.
This was a story I highly recommend! It was great -- the relationships were authentic feeling and emotional, and the old-world, mountain-lore feel was very present. In my opinion, this is one of the best books this author has written, although you can take that with a grain of salt, since I haven't read very many of her works =)
I am SO thankful for Revell for gifting me a copy of this book to read!! I really, REALLY enjoyed it!
This book was a beautiful immersion in the culture of the Appalachia's. It was a slow moving tale of life in the hill country. It was beautiful descriptions of a world that is long past, and wonderful stories of times past. It was full of the phrases that are peculiar to mountain people, and I loved that Gabhart didn't always define what she was trying to say -- she let the words and phrases and descriptions speak for themselves.
I enjoyed the pace of this story. As I mentioned, it was slow. It moved along like a flowing stream, and was perfect in it's simplicity and charming in it's pacing. There were a few quicker moving parts, and those were nice -- but the slow pace was the perfect one for this book!
The characters were all well developed and it was nice to get to know them. Aunt Perdie's orneriness pretty much endeared her to me -- I love grumpy old women characters -- but I loved how the love of a family softened her up and melted her heart. I loved how the situation was handled with the unwed mother, and how Caleb is such a gentleman and weighs all his options, and how Josh is such a sweet guy and is so willing to take the consequences of what he feels that he needs to do. Coralee is a dear, sweet girl, who is so tender-hearted and lovable that she just about melts your heart, and then there's the spit fire of a girl, Tansy. Tansy, who helps her Ma keep the house running and keeps food on the table with her job in the Packhorse Library. Tansy, who meets a city feller and has you holding your breath for a long minute -- and then wanting to shake some sense into her. While I couldn't *really* relate all that well with her, she was still a dear part of the story, and I enjoyed her character.
And the children. All those dear, sweet, innocent children who all just want to learn and grow their knowledge of the world around them.
The clear Christian message contained in the pages and artfully woven throughout the book were sweet to read, and endeared the book to me even more.
This was a story I highly recommend! It was great -- the relationships were authentic feeling and emotional, and the old-world, mountain-lore feel was very present. In my opinion, this is one of the best books this author has written, although you can take that with a grain of salt, since I haven't read very many of her works =)
I am SO thankful for Revell for gifting me a copy of this book to read!! I really, REALLY enjoyed it!
June 26, 2021
Wonderful storyteller Ann H. Gabhart brings to vivid life the Kentucky mountains of Appalachia during the Great Depression in "Along a Storied Trail". Tansy Calhoun had always loved to read, even if she did have to do it in secret. He father didn't approve of her books. Once he left the family home to find work outside the area, Tansy found a job of her own. Through a government work program, she became a "packhorse librarian", getting paid for sharing her love of books and reading with children and folks who would have no other access to books. At times, the weather made the treks through the woods and creeks, over the rough and rocky ground, and up and down the steep hills almost unmanageable, but determined Tansy forged on. At age twenty, Tansy was unattached--she had yet to find someone like the heroes in the romance books she read. When a writer comes to the area to create a perspective of the county for the government, Tansy is given the task of being his guide. Will the newcomer steal her heart, or will Tansy finally see the local man who has always loved her? Changing times, families facing hardship, and a devastating natural disaster will leave no one untouched. However, the mountains remain steadfast, and I dearly love my own Virginia mountains, which give me peace and remind me of my faith. "Along a Storied Trail" is beautifully written, with captivating characters and a genuine sense of time and place. I have read a number of works by Ann H. Gabhart, and I highly recommend her superlative storytelling.
Book Copy Gratis Revell Books
Book Copy Gratis Revell Books
June 26, 2021
A pleasant read well suited for fans of Catherine Marshall's "Christy," or the 90's TV show based on the book. And isn't that cover just gorgeous?
Tansy Calhoun is a pack horse librarian in Owsley County, Kentucky, in the 1930's. She takes books on horseback on a route from one cabin to another, helping her neighbors in rural Kentucky get just a little slice of the outside world that most of them might never experience. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Caleb has just returned from years of working with the CCC. Everyone thought he used to be sweet on Tansy's sister... but everyone was wrong.
Although Tansy is drawn to Caleb, when a New York writer named Damien Felding shows up needing someone to guide him around the mountains, her head is turned. This love triangle wasn't terribly convincing, as Felding obviously never intends more than a flirtation.
Two other romances unfold amongst Tansy's family and friends, leading the plot to a harmonious and happy ending.
I thought it was a nice enough story but was only mildly invested in Tansy's story, as there was really only the one viable option. Being "the book woman" almost seemed incidental to the story and didn't play as big a role as I thought it would in her views and plans.
Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for this digital review copy.
Tansy Calhoun is a pack horse librarian in Owsley County, Kentucky, in the 1930's. She takes books on horseback on a route from one cabin to another, helping her neighbors in rural Kentucky get just a little slice of the outside world that most of them might never experience. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Caleb has just returned from years of working with the CCC. Everyone thought he used to be sweet on Tansy's sister... but everyone was wrong.
Although Tansy is drawn to Caleb, when a New York writer named Damien Felding shows up needing someone to guide him around the mountains, her head is turned. This love triangle wasn't terribly convincing, as Felding obviously never intends more than a flirtation.
Two other romances unfold amongst Tansy's family and friends, leading the plot to a harmonious and happy ending.
I thought it was a nice enough story but was only mildly invested in Tansy's story, as there was really only the one viable option. Being "the book woman" almost seemed incidental to the story and didn't play as big a role as I thought it would in her views and plans.
Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for this digital review copy.
June 29, 2021
This is my second book by Ann H. Gabhart. I really enjoyed her last book Appalachian Summer so I was super excited to be able to review this book. . I love the style of Ms. Gabhart's writing. She has a such a fantastic way at painting a picture. I felt like I was in the Appalachian mountains along with Tansy, Perdita and the rest of the characters in this story. This takes place in the midst of the Great Depression. Tansy becomes a packhorse librarian not only because she needs the money to help her family but also because she loves books.
The author does a great job with these characters. They are believable and relatable. Tansy like mentioned, has a love of books so right away she becomes a kindred spirit to me. She loves the people of the mountain like family and provides them with a little distraction from daily life through books. Tansy does have a romance story but I won't divulge much as at times it feels like she may not end up with who you want her to be with! For me, Perdita stole the "show" so to speak. She is an ornery old woman but she definitely endears you throughout the story. She has some great nuggets of wisdom throughout the story that opens up the eyes of some of our characters for the better.
Overall I thought this was a great story. It moves a bit slow but it is totally worthwhile. There is a clear Christian message throughout which I definitely appreciate. If you are looking for a new read or a new author to add to your list I definitely recommend Ann H. Gabhart.
I received a copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The author does a great job with these characters. They are believable and relatable. Tansy like mentioned, has a love of books so right away she becomes a kindred spirit to me. She loves the people of the mountain like family and provides them with a little distraction from daily life through books. Tansy does have a romance story but I won't divulge much as at times it feels like she may not end up with who you want her to be with! For me, Perdita stole the "show" so to speak. She is an ornery old woman but she definitely endears you throughout the story. She has some great nuggets of wisdom throughout the story that opens up the eyes of some of our characters for the better.
Overall I thought this was a great story. It moves a bit slow but it is totally worthwhile. There is a clear Christian message throughout which I definitely appreciate. If you are looking for a new read or a new author to add to your list I definitely recommend Ann H. Gabhart.
I received a copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
June 29, 2021
This historical fiction story set in the 1930’s depression era in Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky is a masterful, picturesque, and winsome story. This fantastic story is filled with the dialect of the mountain people, history that is not well known with the packhorse librarians and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Tansy Calhoun loved her job as a packhorse librarian and was clever in how she created new stories for the children along with other packhorse librarians. Caleb Barton had been away working for the Civilian Conservation Corps and was surprised to find Tansy unwed when he returned. The events for all the families had struggles, misunderstandings, but a desire to help their neighbors. All the characters jumped off of the pages to become friends and family throughout the story while wanting only the best for them. The creativity of this story is superb with a true glimpse of the mountain people during a difficult time in our history. There is a sweet inspirational message that lives can be changed no matter what the errors of their ways may have been in the past.
I have enjoyed reading Gabhart books and this one was a top notched one. I would like to see a continuation of these characters in another book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author, NetGalley and Revell publisher without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own personal thoughts.
Tansy Calhoun loved her job as a packhorse librarian and was clever in how she created new stories for the children along with other packhorse librarians. Caleb Barton had been away working for the Civilian Conservation Corps and was surprised to find Tansy unwed when he returned. The events for all the families had struggles, misunderstandings, but a desire to help their neighbors. All the characters jumped off of the pages to become friends and family throughout the story while wanting only the best for them. The creativity of this story is superb with a true glimpse of the mountain people during a difficult time in our history. There is a sweet inspirational message that lives can be changed no matter what the errors of their ways may have been in the past.
I have enjoyed reading Gabhart books and this one was a top notched one. I would like to see a continuation of these characters in another book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author, NetGalley and Revell publisher without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own personal thoughts.
May 8, 2025
I fell in love with this story right away. I enjoyed learning about the WPA packhorse librarians of Appalachia. Tansy was such a powerful character and dedicated to her position within the community she served. Set during the 1930s depression, it gave me a view of the hardship and resilience of the people.
The setting of the community and how some pulled together in times of need, and others felt the need for prideful abandon. Tansy reached out to help others many times without a thought of herself. Perdita's life changed forever when she reached out to love another and stopped being stubborn. I laughed at her cat, Prissy, and its contrary ways.
The story had me laughing, almost in tears, and smiling as the characters looked to God for strength and answers. The happy ending wrapped up everything nicely.
I won the book in a giveaway. All opinions are my own.
The setting of the community and how some pulled together in times of need, and others felt the need for prideful abandon. Tansy reached out to help others many times without a thought of herself. Perdita's life changed forever when she reached out to love another and stopped being stubborn. I laughed at her cat, Prissy, and its contrary ways.
The story had me laughing, almost in tears, and smiling as the characters looked to God for strength and answers. The happy ending wrapped up everything nicely.
I won the book in a giveaway. All opinions are my own.
September 6, 2021
What a book. Hours after finishing I am still thinking about it.
The characters were engaging and felt like real people I could go out and talk to. There were so many sayings that reminded me of my mama and grandparents that I had to stop and take a breath and look around. It felt like they were right next to me.
As other reviewers have mentioned, there have been many books in the last few years centered around packhorse librarians but this story was fresh. Not as dark and twisty as some.
Gabhart has a way of drawing the reader in with her characters that you lose all sense of time and location. I even listened to the audiobook and the narrator was enchanting.
A clean read with no language, sex, or violence.
The characters were engaging and felt like real people I could go out and talk to. There were so many sayings that reminded me of my mama and grandparents that I had to stop and take a breath and look around. It felt like they were right next to me.
As other reviewers have mentioned, there have been many books in the last few years centered around packhorse librarians but this story was fresh. Not as dark and twisty as some.
Gabhart has a way of drawing the reader in with her characters that you lose all sense of time and location. I even listened to the audiobook and the narrator was enchanting.
A clean read with no language, sex, or violence.
May 19, 2021
Ann Gabhart always writes lovely tales that take place in her home State of Kentucky. Having married a Kentucky man, I appreciate learning more about the State's history and get a good dose of that from Gabhart's books. This book takes place in the hills of Eastern Kentucky after the Great Depression. The book's main character, Tansy Calhoun, is a packhorse librarian or a "book woman" as the mountain folk call her, meaning she takes books from the library donations and delivers them via horseback to those in the hills that can't get to town for a book. This was a fascinating occupation to me and one I'd not encountered before. In addition to learning about the folks that Tansy encounters in her travels, we see what life was like in the mountains during those times and the trials of life both in that time and that place. The character development in this book was spot on. There was a sweet romance (or 2 or 3!), as well as a solid faith thread. I loved how God answered the prayers of "Aunt Perdie" throughout the book. I enjoy that pets tend to have a decent-sized role in most of Ms. Gabhart's books and this one had lots of fun pet characters - from Prissy the cat to Rusty the dog to Ebenezer the mule and all manner of horses and hounds. There were fun moments and sentimental moments and a rather happy ending for most everyone. If you enjoy inspirational historical romances in rural mountain areas, this is one I'd strongly recommend! Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
June 5, 2021
This is an absolutely beautiful story! A rich setting in the Kentucky Appalachian mountains during the Great Depression surrounded by a love story and a librarian determined to put books in the hands of the community she dearly loves. Tansy wants nothing more than to find love herself. If you loved The Four Winds, I highly recommend this story. It’s authentic, rich in detail and emotions! A must for for historic fiction fans!
Thanks to Revell Books for my gifted copy!
Thanks to Revell Books for my gifted copy!
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