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The Mountain Song Legacy #1
A Distant Music
In the first book of the Mountain Song Legacy series readers step into a small Kentucky coal mining town in the late 1800's where hope is found in the hearts of two young girls the vibrant, red-headed Maggie MacAuley and her fragile friend Summer Rankin.
When Jonathan Stuart, the latest in a succession of educators, actually wants to continue teaching in the one-room schoolhouse, then Maggie and Summer know that he is special. So when Jonathan's cherished flute is stolen, the girls try to find a way to restore music to his life.
Sorrow and joy follow in the days to come, and through it all Maggie, Jonathan, and a community rediscover the gifts of faith, friendship, and unwavering love.
255 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
47 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Hoff
51 books147 followersBJ Hoff’s writing is known for her historical settings, her unforgettable characters, and her lyrical prose. She is the bestselling author of numerous historical fiction series, including the Riverhaven Years, the Mountain Song Legacy, the Song of Erin saga, the American Anthem series, An Emerald Ballad series, and her newest book Harp on the Willow.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 17, 2021
While this book is somewhat dark, it has a happy ending. It is about finding hope. The author is a wonderful storyteller.
June 28, 2018
Slow. That is how I would describe this book. While it provides a very good picture of a dedicated teacher and his involvement with his students, much of the book plods along with description. The last third of the book gets going with the student's project for the teacher. There are some good insights into the minds of the children in this coal mining town. Don't think I will read the other two books in the series.
February 26, 2019
I loved every page and detail of "A Distant Music." Music is a magical healer and sometimes we loose our hope, faith and trust and then like magic God will place people, friends and situations in our life that will draw us closer to Him. The many sounds of music is medicine for the soul and lifts spirits higher and higher. Music is also a form of worship and to be able to sing and play for our Savior is a blessing to Him, as well for us that love and know Him...….
January 27, 2025
Each time I read another B. j. Hoff book, I’m inspired.
Once again, the use of a quote at the beginning of each chapter reflects the tone of the story.
This story’s setting, in the coal mining town in America, in the late 1800s, gives us insight into the daily lives, the hardships, the poverty, and one room school.
Their teacher, Mr Stuart, has dedicated himself to the students. His values and principles encourage Maggie, one of the main characters.
I would read this again, so 4.2 stars!
Once again, the use of a quote at the beginning of each chapter reflects the tone of the story.
This story’s setting, in the coal mining town in America, in the late 1800s, gives us insight into the daily lives, the hardships, the poverty, and one room school.
Their teacher, Mr Stuart, has dedicated himself to the students. His values and principles encourage Maggie, one of the main characters.
I would read this again, so 4.2 stars!
December 4, 2020
I would give this book a 10 if it were offered. It was the best book I have read this year. The characters were brought to life, the way the suspense parts were explained was very unique and the message of faith and hope were so uplifting. I laughed and I cried. I don't ever remember doing both in a single book before. Can't wait to read #2.
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October 11, 2022An incredible book that I read in one day. It is about love, family, a small coal mining town in Kentucky where life, and hope, deep friendship, and love revolved around a one room school house and the amazing Christian man who was the teacher to all the town children. His faith was literally, miraculous and death defying!!
March 3, 2019
A sweet story of a godly teacher, his special students and a struggling coal-mining community, as told by 12 year old Maggie MacAuley. This is a story about hope lost and restored. It is the first in the series The Mountain Song Legacy.
May 20, 2017
I usually find books like this somewhat boring, but this one kept my attention all the way through. I read it in one day!
perhaps
April 4, 2021The story sounds like it could be good, but my main reason for adding this is that stock-photo redhead. This is at least the third book cover I've seen her on.
June 29, 2022
A little different take on the usual romance story or western life either one. Kept me guessing for awhile. Enjoyed it.
June 23, 2024
Excellent Read!!
August 18, 2025
Just an absolutely beautiful story. Emotional, spiritual and compelling. Couldn’t put it down. Makes your heart feel lighter even though there are very dark parts to the lives they led back then.
April 28, 2017
I loved this book. This story. She understands grief. She understands how music restores the soul. How illness drags the spirit. I see these characters. No, more than that. I know these people. I'd award "A Distant Music" 6 stars if I could. B.J. Hoff ~~ you touched me and let me see "a new song".
May 12, 2018
B. J. Hoff has the gift of bringing her characters to life. This book, set in a Kentucky coal mining town, is a prime example of her talent. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the Mountain Song Legacy trilogy!
March 24, 2016
First off, a list of things I did like:
1. The characters were relatable and authentic.
2. I could really feel the setting and see everything going on.
3. Summer. I really liked her, although her storyline was no surprise.
4. And of course the teacher. He's the one who made the book so worthwhile.
5. It had a good Biblical message to it.
My thoughts:
This book didn't have anything necessarily wrong with it, but it just kinda fell flat for me. I read it for the musical factor, and yet it only seemed like the first chapter or two and the last two or three chapters mentioned music much at all.
It was a sweet read and I did get tears in my eyes at one point, so maybe it seems strange that I'm only giving it three stars, but it really felt like a solid plot was lacking. The story meandered all around and felt more like I was following someone's real life instead of a story with a plot and momentum. Also, while the writing style was beautiful and detailed, it wasn't tight. I'm currently working on tightening up my own writing, so that really stuck out to me.
The story is set in a mining village a little over a hundred years ago. It's told from multiple perspectives, including both children and adults. It's was an interesting combo, but it worked. There were a few things that felt off to me, but overall it felt realistic.
I'm giving "A Distant Music" 3 out of 5 stars or 5 out of 10 stars and would be interested in reading other books by the same author.
1. The characters were relatable and authentic.
2. I could really feel the setting and see everything going on.
3. Summer. I really liked her, although her storyline was no surprise.
4. And of course the teacher. He's the one who made the book so worthwhile.
5. It had a good Biblical message to it.
My thoughts:
This book didn't have anything necessarily wrong with it, but it just kinda fell flat for me. I read it for the musical factor, and yet it only seemed like the first chapter or two and the last two or three chapters mentioned music much at all.
It was a sweet read and I did get tears in my eyes at one point, so maybe it seems strange that I'm only giving it three stars, but it really felt like a solid plot was lacking. The story meandered all around and felt more like I was following someone's real life instead of a story with a plot and momentum. Also, while the writing style was beautiful and detailed, it wasn't tight. I'm currently working on tightening up my own writing, so that really stuck out to me.
The story is set in a mining village a little over a hundred years ago. It's told from multiple perspectives, including both children and adults. It's was an interesting combo, but it worked. There were a few things that felt off to me, but overall it felt realistic.
I'm giving "A Distant Music" 3 out of 5 stars or 5 out of 10 stars and would be interested in reading other books by the same author.
February 1, 2008
This story, based off the B. J. Hoff novella The Penny Whistle, is a story of hope amid darkness. Jonathan Stuart, a young school teacher in a Kentucky coal mining town, cannot find his flute, and he fears that one of his students may have stolen it. Maggie MacAuley decides to take a donation from the students and their families and surprise Mr. Stuart with a new flute. But the townspeople are hard up, and it seems they will never come up with enough money. Maggie's best friend, Summer, is failing rapidly, Mr. Stuart looks weaker by the moment, and on top of that there are neighbors in dire need of money. Then, bullies start picking on Maggie. Unlikely heroes spring up, but can they act before something terrible happens? And will music ever come alive in Mr. Stuart's heart again?
December 22, 2012
This is a story that takes place in the late 1800's in a small coal mining town in Kentucky. The story is very old fashioned but has good lessons for anyone who reads it. A small group of children who live in the mining community decide that their teacher has lost his zest for life because of the loss of his flute. As they try to replace the flute, life steps in and bad things happen to good people. Of course, in the end, two childhood friends have an idea that saves the day. I could see this as a Lifetime movie.
March 31, 2012
A Distant Music is a very touching story of childhood and gives great insight into the hardships faced by miners. The story centers around Maggie and her Irish family. It gave me great insight into the struggles of coal mining families and G J Hoff makes the characters os real you feel like you know each one. I was sorry when it ended and looked forward to reading the next chapter of Maggie's life.
September 20, 2014
This book describes the struggles of a mountain coal mine town. A young girl was determined to raise funds to replace a flute stolen from the teacher of the one room school. We learn about Penny Whistles, common to mountain music, family and community hardships, and Depression Era life. I think it portrays accurate descriptions of the trials and dangers people in coal mine communities endured. I highly recommend this Book One of The Mountain Song Legacy.
January 24, 2017
This story reads at a much slower pace than many of the books I've read in recent months but that is not a bad thing. It may, however, diminished my enjoyment of this book a slight bit. I discovered many quotes worth remembering in this book, especially on the theme of hope. The author paints a very poignant picture of a small coal mining community in Kentucky before the turn of the twentieth century... it's quite the setting for discourse on the topic of hope.
March 3, 2011
A Distant Music is the 1st of 3 books that are a take off from The Penny Whistle written by B.J. Hoff. She expanded on The Penny Whistle in A Distant Music, details about the characters really let you get to know them. I am anxiously waiting book two, The Wind Harp, to get here from the Library this afternoon. These books are The Mountain Song Legacy with book three being The Song Weaver.
August 9, 2017
music
Music does so much for the soul. It keeps a song in our heart and within the pages of this book it brings life, joy, and hope. The Holy Bible tells us the that joy is connected to our strength . David danced sang and played the harp to refreshment and brighten the day. Try it...music that is ....and see if your step doesn't become lighter.
Music does so much for the soul. It keeps a song in our heart and within the pages of this book it brings life, joy, and hope. The Holy Bible tells us the that joy is connected to our strength . David danced sang and played the harp to refreshment and brighten the day. Try it...music that is ....and see if your step doesn't become lighter.
April 30, 2022
Wind Harp, The: Mountain Song Legacy 1 Hoff, B J 3 Hist.F rom 1)1904 teacher at Hill house comes home to hills of Ky to help her family after her father's accident, brother's fighting, sister's secret abuse.she helps abused child find peace & finds love with teacher had crush on as child 8/23/2016 8/21/2016
April 26, 2010
Interesting, but not compelling.
Read
July 18, 2010amazing story about how much we gain from giving to others, and how God creates music within us, and through us.
June 1, 2011
I really like this book. I could not put it down.
June 27, 2011
Definitely a 3.75 stars.
October 13, 2011
Maggie is a remarkable twelve year old with maturity beyond her years. What a sweet girl. Set in a mining community, this book depicts all the hardships and poverty of a small community in 1894.
November 12, 2011
A little slow to begin with, but overall a good book. This is definitely a feel-good book.
July 13, 2013
I enjoyed this book, it was not earth shattering, but it was a thoughtful book with a good message.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews