A Chance for Kallie Mae

by Ann H. Gabhart

Kallie Mae Bertram has harbored two dreams since childhood: to learn to read and to one day marry Quinn Spencer. But her first dream slipped away when her little sister died of a fever and her mother passed in childbirth. Kallie promised to care for the baby and her younger brother, which meant putting aside her own desires in order to keep her family together. But then a moonlight school for adults offers Kallie hope of finally fulfilling that dream.

After Kallie's father forbids her from seeing Quinn, her second dream seems impossible until her frantic search through the woods for her missing sister leads to an unexpected encounter with Quinn--their first meeting in six years. The love they shared as children burns stronger than ever, awakening hopes Kallie thought were forever buried. But with their families locked in a bitter feud, following her heart could cost Kallie everything she's worked to protect.

Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart brings history and romance from the Appalachian Mountains to life in her newest Southern fiction novel.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Christian, Romance

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. At the age of ten, she started dreaming of being a writer. That dream has come true as she's published over forty 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 visiting with family, walking her dog, reading, and, of course, writing.
She has a variety of historical fiction from stories about the Shakers that once had villages in Kentucky to stories inspired by her small town and her mother's memories to those set in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. She enjoys sharing the lovely areas and history of her home state of Kentucky. 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 follow her blog, One Writer's Journal and/or sign up for her newsletter where she often does giveaways.

Reviews

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely heart-tugging story set in the hills of Kentucky in 1911. A longtime feud between neighbors complicates a renewed friendship between two young adults with family obligations.

In the vein of Romeo and Juliet, the author sets the stage for a budding romance that seems to be doomed but adds a perspective of faith and moments of prayer to bring hope. Loved how the author showed the different viewpoints of characters and their dilemmas, especially sweet little Emmie Lou. The history of the Moonlight Schools was interesting, reaching out to so many adults who'd missed out on a chance to learn to read. Adding in a cameo of their founder, Cora Wilson Stewart, was a nice touch.

The descriptive writing using the local vernacular brought the mountain setting and its people to life. I loved Aunt Sudie and her wisdom, and the way she encouraged Emmie, Kallie and Quinn without being too interfering. She reminded me of my own Southern born grandma.
"Aunt Sudie believed the Lord would always give a person direction if only they would ask."

A remarkable tale that had me on the edge of my seat towards the end. Highly recommend for readers who like a well-told story with faith, tender romance and some real history. 5 stars!

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this book was like coming home. I’m a Kentuckian myself and even attended Morehead State University, that began as Morehead Normal School. But, the “home feeling” I’m referring to is more than a location, it’s carried within me.
Ann Gabhart perfected the mountain talk throughout the story and created characters I would love to bring home with me, and some I would love to give a piece of my mind. This book is rich in tradition (some good, some bad), friendship, and love. I will treasure this book. I will bring it out again and again when I need a comfort read, for it will, no doubt, soothe my soul.

#achanceforkalliemae #annhgabhart #christianhistoricalfiction #1911

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ll take your silence as yes and see you on Sunday.” “I can’t,” she started. “Shh.” He put his fingers over her lips. “The girl I used to know never said ‘can’t.’ “ “That girl is gone.” “I will never believe that. Don’t make me wrong.”

This is a fantastic second chance at love story with wonderful characters and an absolutely fantastic setting. There is faith, family, friendship, heartache, and romance. When I read a book by Ms. Gabhart I always feel like I have actually been dropped down in the Appalachian Mountains, the sights, the smells, the sounds; it all comes alive.

Kallie is caring, hard-working, and devoted to her siblings. I loved her friendship with Aunt Sudie and the deep connections she shared with Emmie and Whitt. I loved her strength and determination. Seeing her desire to learn to read and write realized was the icing on the cake. Quinn is sunny, caring, and completely in love with Kallie. His yearning for her and devotion to finding a way for them to be together was incredible. I loved how hard he worked to help his mother and the care and direction he gave Orly, Dora and Dicey. I loved his excitement to attend the Moonlight school. I loved the sweet moments and honest conversations Kallie and Quinn shared. I loved that even though they could see no possible way for them to have a life together they were still willing to dream. I loved that they committed to praying for God to provide them with a miracle. Their happily ever after didn’t come easily but God was faithful and gave them the miracle they prayed for.

A few more quotes:
“I couldn’t have done it without Aunt Sudie. She always brought light when things were the darkest. She would know what I needed even when I didn’t know. Sometimes she talked about you. What you were doing. I needed that too. To know you were all right.”

“Go find her.” “When I do, I’m never giving her up again.” “I don’t reckon I’m gonna like it, but if’n that’s what she wants, I won’t stand in the way.” “And you will be happy for her?” “Can’t promise that, but she’ll still be welcome at my table.” “Thank you.”

✍🏽 Time. I thank the Lord for the time he’s given me. Time with Emmie and Whitt. Time with Quinn. The Lord has done good for me.

This book was provided by the author, @greatreadsbookpromo and the publisher @revellfiction. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann has given us another heartwarming & heart wrenching historical saga. This inspiring novel is set in 1911-12 in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. Starting as childhood friends & blossoming into young love, Kallie's and Quinn's reunion is thwarted by a vicious family feud of a previous generation that still burns with hatred between their families. Adding to the challenge is that Kallie promised her mom, who died at the childbirth of her sister, to care for her sister as her mom & also raise her younger brother. Kallie's mentor & friend Aunt Sudie is unflappable with her prayers and wisdom, holding the whole community together. Growing up without school has always been a great disappointment for Kallie and Quinn. An answered prayer is the Moonlight School that is started for illiterate adults. Intrigue, inspiration, friendship & love are interlaced throughout the book with a riveting and gripping conclusion. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion and I was under no obligation to give a positive review.

[Anne Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kallie Mae Bertram fell in love with neighbouring Quinn Spencer when they were both children who became friends despite their families hostile feud. As youngsters they both had hopes and dreams which for Kallie included learning to read. But then her little sister Laurel died of a fever and her mother dies giving birth to Kallie's youngest sister Emmie. Kallie's father forbids her from seeing Quinn, and she must suddenly step into the role of mother to Emmie, and pretty much to her younger brother Whitt too. Her dreams are shattered.

Six years later, searching for Emmie in the local woods, she meets Quinn again, and all those childhood feelings reawaken and intensify. And then, the new local schoolteacher announces that she is starting a 'moonlight school' for adults, held at night. Kallie can learn to read after all! Perhaps her other dreams can come to fruition too, she hopes, until her father announces he'd rather see her dead than married to a Spencer.

I enjoyed this mountain story from Ann H. Gabhart very much. The setting of the Appalachian Mountains is immersively described, as are the people who live there. Kallie and Quinn's love story is beautifully developed and believably written, and little Emmie is a wonderful character full of energy and joy. Both of which are challenged by the birthmark she carries on her face and the family feud which impacts her friendships. We are reminded to be careful about what we say when Emmie overhears careless comments about her birth causing her mother's death. Comments which she takes to heart, believing it was her fault her mother died.

Of all the characters in the story, I think I love Emmie the most. She deals with her own hopes, fears and disappointments in a way (mostly) mature for her years, and stands up for her sister and brother as well as she is able. She loves simply and transparently. At the other end of the age spectrum is the equally wonderful Aunt Sudie. Single and strongly independent, she yet provides an almost mother-figure to Kallie and her wisdom is respected. The ebbs and flow of this story are engaging, and the resolution(s!) is dramatic and absolutely feels true.

Another excellent, sensitive, and inspiring novel from an author who maintains her place on my 'must-read authors' list.

I read a pre-publication version supplied by the publisher. No review was required. All comments and opinions above are entirely my own.

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written story by Ann Gabhart and she is such a gifted writer. I always look forward to when she has a new book to be released. Set in the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky, my home state, her book makes you realize how we often take for granted things like being able to read, write and do basic math. Imagine being able to have to take peoples word that what they say is true if you can’t read the Bible or important documents-to be able to know if you are getting the right amount of money back when you make a purchase. Ann does an amazing job with the characters and the hardships they face, while still continuing to have faith. I cannot wait for the next book to come out to see what she has in store for us.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the author. All words are my own.

[Nyla Kay]

Author Ann Gabhart is a talented storyteller. Readers will get wrapped up in her Southern tales and feel like they are living in the story right there with the characters. Her latest A Chance for Kallie Mae is a fabulous Christian historical romance. From the very beginning, I was invested in the story and its unique characters.

This award worthy novel is the story of Kallie Mae Bertram and Quinn Spencer. It is set in the rolling hills of Rowan County, Kentucky in 1910 during a bitter feud between two families. The grievance went back a couple of generations and is still going strong.

Author Gabhart knows the land and language of Kentucky’s hill country. I have family and in-laws from there and the characters sound just like they do. I couldn’t help but to smile as I read things that sounded familiar. All of the characters were meticulously crafted right down to their names. Not everyone was lovable. There were a few bad apples to dislike. I adored the pair of sweethearts. Their chemistry is undeniable. I found so many lessons of faith, love, family, and prayer in this beautiful tale.

I loved it and stayed up all night reading it. It has stuck with me, and I ruminate over so many dilemmas the characters had. The author did a perfect job telling this story. The writing is exceptional. The pace is steady, and there are a few twists and turns for those that enjoy a surprise.

I highly recommend this outstanding book. It receives a glowing 5 star rating from me. A complimentary copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest thoughts.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The realistic Appalachian setting in this novel and the fact that Kallie Mae really wanted to be literate touched my heart from the beginning. She had given up her chance at an education when her baby sister Emmie was born and her mom died after her birth. Kallie Mae was a child herself, raising another child as per her mom’s dying wish. Her father is a hard man who is bitter against life and who does not make it easy for his children to get an education. Kallie Mae is determined that little Emmie will learn her letters and numbers so sends her to the local country school. The theme of bullying and lack of acceptance was prevalent for both of Kallie Mae’s siblings. There was also a theme of a love story that never got to take root because the boy she loved with all her heart was from a neighborhood family against whom her father had a grudge. So in spite of the fact that Kallie Mae is a grown young woman and Quinn is more than ready to court her and marry her, her dad, Lije Bertram, presents one obstacle after another, blackmailing Kallie Mae into giving up her love for Quinn. The theme of the importance of family and an education are also important parts of the story. The tale of the Moonlight Schools where Kallie Mae and Quinn could go to learn was well researched and a riveting part of the story. I enjoyed the well-crafted and complex plot, with a lot of characters playing important roles in Kallie Mae’s choices. All of the characters were well-developed, and I felt as though I got to know Kallie Mae and sympathized with her yearning to have a family of her own as well as an education. I especially liked how the author presented the feud between the families and used it as a springboard to teach a lesson about forgiveness. This book and the characters are memorable and would lend itself to a great book club discussion.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I also preordered my own copy since the author is a favorite of mine and always presents stories that are thought-provoking and compassionate. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kallie Mae has run the family household since her mother passed right after giving birth to her little sister, Emmie Louise. Kallie had to learn to take care of this precious baby, with help from “Aunt Sudie”, and with no help from her father at all. Her mama had prayed for a school for Kallie, so she could learn to read and write. The school came but Kallie sure didn’t have time for school, now. Little Emmie is about 7 years old, a little later to start school, but Kallie is a little worried about how the other children will treat Emmie due to her birthmark on her face. Aunt Sudie gave Emmie a whistle to use if she ever needed help or got lost. I can’t wait for you to read about the times she uses it!

Kallie has loved Quinn Spencer since they met each other as children, but the Bertram’s and the Spencer’s can’t be caught together due to their generational feud. Pa says he’d rather see Kallie Mae dead than with a Spencer! Quinn is certain that he WILL marry Kallie without getting himself “kilt dead”. Get this book to find out what happens to these two young people’s future.

Cora Wilson Stewart is a real person who started “Moonlight Schools” for illiterate adults in Kentucky, and it spread throughout the country. I loved that the author included this portion of her story, with Kallie, Quinn, and even Aunt Sudie going to school and learning to read and write.
I can’t tell you much more without spoiling this wonderful story. I recommend this book to all. I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review of the same. 📕♥️

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Chance for Kallie Mae" is a Christian romance set in 1911 in the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky. The main characters were interesting, well-developed, and complex. I cared about what happened to them. Things started slow with each point-of-view character thinking about the past and how things got to this point, but then the characters had more interactions and things started moving forward.

Kallie and Quinn lived on land right next to each other, yet their fathers each held a deep grudge against the other's family. A brother of each couldn't go to school without finding a reason to fight, but their sisters liked playing together. Kallie and Quinn admired each other and want to marry, but they'd be disowned at best, forbidden to see family again. Each family depended on their labor to function. On the other hand, Kallie's father was pushing her to marry a crude, disrespectful man and her father was courting a widow, so things were going to change.

Kallie and Quinn prayed for a school when young, but it came too late for them. Now they finally had a chance to go to school when the Moonlight School for adults was offered by the new teacher. They saw each other at school and sneaked off to see each other at home, but neither was sure how to create a future together. An older neighbor lady encouraged them to seek God's help. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this nice historical romance.

I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another sweet historical novel by Ann Gabhart! Taking place in the Appalachian mountains in the early 1900s, this book highlights the beginnings of the literacy movement, the long-standing feuds of the mountain folk, and the hardships posed by living in the hills in those days. This story follows Kallie Mae, whose family has had a long-standing feud with the Spencer family, who happens to be the family of the boy her heart belongs to. And this book is about her life in the mountains and her impossible love. This tale had a solid faith thread and the importance of prayer was demonstrated throughout. I enjoyed Kallie's outlook on life and her sweet disposition and how she fiercely loved her sister the way a mother would. This book was predominantly character-driven. Though that is typically what Ms. Gabhart writes, there is generally enough mystery and plot for this plot-driven reader to forget that the story is more character-driven. This one, however, did not have much plot happening till the end of the story. While I still enjoyed the solid character development, I would have enjoyed more of a plot-line than what was there. This is a wonderful read for fans of character-driven stories, forbidden romance tropes, literacy themes and mountain stories. 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.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story of Kallie Mae suddenly stumbling on her friend from childhood at the big rock, the very place where they used to meet as young kids and enjoyed spending time together talking, wading in the creek, and just being together whenever they could meet there. That was before her baby sister Emmie was born and turned Kallie’s life upside down. Without Kallie, Emmie would not have lived since their mother died giving birth to her. Kallie gave up a lot for Emmie, but Emmie just may have opened some doors for Kallie that would have never opened otherwise. As the story unfolds, the author does a great job developing the characters, describing the setting, and taking the reader on a believable journey back into Appalachian history. I am certainly glad that I was born where I was rather than in the hills and hollers of Appalachia, but there were some really great folks back then who could take next to nothing and turn it into a decent livelihood. I have great admiration for people like Kallie, Aunt Sudie, Quinn, Rhea Carson, and even little Emmie. But a good story needs a villain. Jake Deaton heads up that list. Kallie’s pa and Quinn’s pa came close to making the list as well with their bull-headed determination to keep the feud going between the Bertrams and the Spencers. Each of them had their own version of what started the feud, and neither would back down. Somehow, feuds seem to take on a life of their own, usually resulting in more damage, anguish, and suffering than the original event. You need to read this story to see the huge impact that their meeting place had on several lives. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own. #RevellFiction

[Jocelyn]

A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann Gabhart is a Christian romance set in the Appalachian Mountains. Living in the mountains in 1911 many adults never learned to read or write. Families held grudges as bitter feuds fueled enemies. This story was a breath of fresh air.

Kallie Mae Bertram was left to care for her baby sister Emmie, and her brother Whitt when their mother died in childbirth. Kallie has been in love with Quinn Spencer since they were children. But his family was the other part of the grudge. Even though their families were enemies, their feelings for each other only grew. Aunt Sudie was a wonderful character and added so much to the mountain life.

Ann Gabhart is truly a gifted writer. Her descriptions were well executed and the thoughts of the characters left you feeling like you knew them personally. This is a lovely story, centered around hope, forgiveness, a blooming romance and faith. Faithfully caring for family and sometimes heart breaking sacrifice. The story is inspired by Cora Wilson Stewart, the woman who founded the adult literacy education program. She started the Moonlight Schools, where illiterate adults were taught to read and write. Definitely a must read.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

Ann Gabhart’s love shows through for the Kentucky mountains and its people as she writes the tale of a story between two feuding mountain families in the early 1900s. Not all the family members agreed on the feud. Kallie Mae from the Bertram family and Quinn Spencer from the other family did not. In fact they had gradually fallen in love with each other over their growing up years and talked about how they each would have loved to go to school and learn to read and write if they had a school close enough to go to. When a school did come to the community they were both over school age and still could not attend, however, their smaller brothers and sisters were allowed to go. Eventually an adult night school was started and they both attended.
Kallie and Spencer would have loved to get married, but both their Pa’s were fully against it. As the story progresses events happen that puts the community and it’s people in extreme danger. Can the families put old grudges behind them to work together to help each other, or will they continue the fighting and will the love wither between the young couple?
Read “ A Chance For Kallie Mae” to enjoy this exciting story, I know I did.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a quilt and sit in the rocking chair on the porch and be swept away with a story that feels like it is being handed down from generation to generation. I absolutely loved this book as I could identify with the culture, the characters, and the mindset of the people. Kallie Mae is a strong young woman who has dealt with hardships and responsibilities that has a heart for family, but her greatest desire is to learn to read and write so she can pen the stories that dance around in her head. Quinn is her childhood friend who carries responsibilities also but misses his time with Kallie Mae and has the desire to read. I loved the historical aspect of the Moonlight Schools and the statistics of how many learned from this opportunity. I found the whole reading experience fascinating and did not want to put it down as it drew me in and kept me engrossed until the last page and then I still wanted more please. The children added so much to the story especially Emmie and the author handled writing about her birthmark with great sensitivity. I cried at times and smiled at others. An emotional and beautiful story of forgiveness, sweet romance, family, and determination. I found it gobsmacking good and will add it to my keeper shelves. I highly recommend.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ann Gabhart’s story, A Chance for Kallie Mae, which highlighted Appalachian history and the moonlight schools in Kentucky. Gabhart’s historical fiction, set in 1911, is inspired by Cora Wilson Stewart, the founder of adult literacy education in the USA. Stewart’s moonlight schools opened at night for adults and teachers volunteered to stay after the school day to teach. It’s one of these schools that offers Kallie Mae Bertram an opportunity to fulfill her dream of learning to read.

This is a compelling read about the cost of chasing a dream and the price of sacrifice. It celebrates the many forms of love and joy in reading. The main character shelves her dream of schooling because of their isolated home and because of a family tragedy. The journey to fulfilling her dream is filled with costly choices.

The teacher within loved this story! I was pulled in many different directions with Kallie’s plight and in awe of what she sacrificed for family. I’ll never take my schooling or ability to read for granted again.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Chance for Kallie Mae left me smiling at the conclusion. Ann H. Gabhart's writing is so descriptive that I felt I was right there on the mountain with Kallie Mae and her family. Kallie's mother died giving birth to Emmie when Kallie was thirteen. Kallie then became mother to Whitt and Emmie. Their older brother married and moved away and their father was present but emotionally distant from grief. Kallie had to give up thoughts of school, even though there was finally one close enough, and also her friendship with Quinn Spencer. There was a feud between their families dating back to their grandparents that their fathers still clung to. Now six years have passed and Kallie and Emmie meet Quinn and his twin little sisters in the woods one day. Quinn and Kallie's feelings are reawakened. Of course, nothing can come of it. But with their prayers and those of Aunt Sudie, plus some divine intervention, anything is possible. It's a very entertaining story getting to the conclusion. I enjoyed it so much and highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

[Sammy August]

A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H. Gabhart is a beautifully written and emotionally rich story that captures the quiet strength of sacrifice, love, and second chances. Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, the novel brings history and heartfelt storytelling together in a way that feels both authentic and deeply moving.
Kallie Mae is a compelling protagonist whose journey reflects resilience and devotion. Her sacrifices for her family add emotional weight to the story, while her desire to learn and rediscover love gives the narrative a hopeful and inspiring tone. The reawakening of her connection with Quinn Spencer is tenderly portrayed, layered with both longing and the tension of family conflict.
The author’s writing style is warm and immersive, drawing readers into a world where faith, perseverance, and love guide even the most difficult choices. This is a story that resonates long after the final page and will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy historical and inspirational romance.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a poignant story set in the Appalachian Mountains in 1911. Kallie Mae lost her chance for an education when her mother died birthing little sister Emma, and Kallie Mae has to take over mothering the baby and her brother Whitt. Seven years later, Emma is ready for school. Whitt hates school.

It didn’t take much for me to fall in love with the characters, laugh and cry with them, and dream dreams with Kallie Mae as she reconnects with a good friend from before who also lost his chance to go to school. A feud between the two families makes everything more complicated. Gabhart does a masterful job of bringing the times to life and weaving laughter and sorrow in the same scenes. I had a hard time putting the book down in order to cook meals and fulfill other responsibilities.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #AChanceForKallieMae #NetGalley

[Daniellehullreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart. A Chance for Kallie Mae is another heartwarming story by Ann Gabhart. I just love her characters and their seemingly simple lives. Those who like fast-paced stories might not like these, but I just love the easy flow of a time when life was simpler, though harder, in many ways.

With a focus on family, friendship, community and forgiveness, there's heartbreak and mending. There's a sweet romance. There's a factual historical basis about literacy coming to the mountains of Kentucky.

This story touched my heart, as I was reminded how difficult it must have been to be a Christian when you couldn't read or didn't own a Bible. How often do I take my Bible for granted? And they didn't even get preaching on a regular basis, maybe once a month, if they were fortunate!

I love the several novels I have read by Ann Gabhart and highly recommend her!

I received an early copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

[Arleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this beautifully written story, Ann Gabhart brings living in the mountains of Kentucky in the early 1900’s to life for readers. As this story unfolds, you’ll get to know the main characters & find them very likable. Kallie May is a tender hearted young woman who has dealt with many hardships and has proven herself loyal and resilient. Her faith in God, along with the wise counsel of a loving mentor, gives her the courage to dream. In this book Ann Gabhart has written another excellent story that pulls you in and tugs at your heart strings. I highly recommend A Chance for Kallie May to others who enjoy books about living in the Appalachian Mountains, and overcoming obstacles with hope, through the power of prayer. I was given this book with no expectations of a good review. The opinions expressed are mine.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read, a head on look at life in the Kentucky mountains in 1911. People who were never able to learn to read or do math, are given a chance to learn. What a gift Cora Wilson Stewart brought to these people, and the author uses this as part of this story.
Old grudges here, family hating other families, and children hating other children because of grudges. The author throws in a bit of romance, and along with the hardships that these people took in their stride. You will love Aunt Sudie!
This was a story to get lost in and become a member of this group of people, and in the end I would love to have stayed here.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Una · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann H. Gabhart’s stories set in the Appalachian Mountains make me think of the book Christy by Catherine Marshall.
A Chance for Kallie Mae is character driven. While reading I could imagine the characters on how they looked, felt and spoke. I like reading about the history of the moonlight schools that started in the Appalachian Mountains. The book was full of inspiration, friendship and tradition.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion and I was under no obligation to give a positive review.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful book is about an Appalachian community in the mountains that experienced the blessing of learning when the Moonlight School came to them. The author did a wonderful job capturing the heart of the mountain people, and the desire of many of them to learn to read and write.
The book also tells stories of family history in that community, and how things can change that you aren't sure ever could, and prayer can change things most of all.
I absolutely loved this story.

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the inspirational and amazing story. When Kallie's mom dies, Kallie needs to take care of the baby and her brother, Witt, and can't meet with her special friend, Quinn, anymore until a chance meeting years later. Even though Quinn and Kallie's families are enemies, their feelings for each other have only grown stronger. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read romance story.

[Ola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about two feuding families. Kallie Mae and Quinn happened to meet each other in the woods of Kentucky as children and ended up falling in love. Their dearest dream was that a school would open and they could learn to read and write. But things happened that kept them both at home until they were grown. So they were delighted when the school superintendent started a Moonlight school at night for adults. I won't spoil the ending but it was very satisfying.

[Rebecca Trump · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H. Gabhart was such a well-formed and lovely story. There were trials, especially the feud between the Bertrams and the Spencers and a threat of fire that could wipe out a whole community. Yet, such love and kindness lingered at the fringes showing God’s mercy. I loved the author’s storytelling.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely! Fantastic! Full review will be posted soon, God willing.