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The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow #2
Return to Boone's Hollow
With Pap hauled off to the state penitentiary, Bettina finally feels safe. Living with Nanny Fay Tucker, working as a packhorse librarian, and being courted by Shay Leeson is a life beyond anything she'd imagined. And it's only going to get better. Because soon she'll be an honorary auntie to her best friend Addie's baby, and--for sure not much longer--she'll exchange vows with Shay and become his wife. Things in Boone's Hollow couldn't be rosier...until she gets word that the governor suspended Pap's sentence and he'll be coming back sooner than she expected.
Shay wants to marry her real quick and take her out of Boone's Hollow. But how can she go with Nanny Fay needs her and Addie's baby isn't here yet? Pap's return creates a storm in her relationship with Shay. And then another storm--one brewing way overseas--stirs trouble all over Black Mountain.
Will Bettina's world fall apart again? Or will the lessons she's learned from Nanny Fay about holding tight to the One who can calm any storm take her to a place of peace?
Shay wants to marry her real quick and take her out of Boone's Hollow. But how can she go with Nanny Fay needs her and Addie's baby isn't here yet? Pap's return creates a storm in her relationship with Shay. And then another storm--one brewing way overseas--stirs trouble all over Black Mountain.
Will Bettina's world fall apart again? Or will the lessons she's learned from Nanny Fay about holding tight to the One who can calm any storm take her to a place of peace?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
60 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Kim Vogel Sawyer
79 books1,207 followersAward-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different languages. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 10, 2022
About this book:
“With Pap hauled off to the state penitentiary, Bettina finally feels safe. Living with Nanny Fay Tucker, working as a packhorse librarian, and being courted by Shay Leeson is a life beyond anything she'd imagined. And it's only going to get better. Because soon she'll be an honorary auntie to her best friend Addie's baby, and--for sure not much longer--she'll exchange vows with Shay and become his wife. Things in Boone's Hollow couldn't be rosier...until she gets word that the governor suspended Pap's sentence and he'll be coming back sooner than she expected.
Shay wants to marry her real quick and take her out of Boone's Hollow. But how can she go with Nanny Fay needs her and Addie's baby isn't here yet? Pap's return creates a storm in her relationship with Shay. And then another storm--one brewing way overseas--stirs trouble all over Black Mountain.
Will Bettina's world fall apart again? Or will the lessons she's learned from Nanny Fay about holding tight to the One who can calm any storm take her to a place of peace?”
Series: The sequel to “The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow”. Review Here!
Spiritual Content- Nahum 1:3b at the beginning; Many Scriptures are quoted, mentioned, remembered, thought over, & discussed; Many prayers; Church going, sermons, & hymns are sung; Many, many talks about God, Jesus, faiths, praying, listening to Him, & trusting Him; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Bettina wonders if God will ever talk to her like Him talks to Nanny Fay *Spoiler* ; Many mentions of God, listening to Him, trusting Him, & wanting to do His will; Many mentions of prayers, praying, answered prayers, & blessings over food; Many mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, those and events in the Bible; Many mentions of churches, church going, services, Bible studies, pastors, sermons, & hymns; Mentions of Heaven & not being afraid of dying; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; Mentions of miracles; A few mentions of Christmas & celebrating Christ’s birth; A few mentions of being baptized; A few mentions of angels;
*Note: Bettina has a learning disability that her father called a curse (she always felt stupid and embarrassed because of this); Mentions of superstitions (including one that it’s bad luck to have a pregnant woman at a wedding); Mentions of some people calling Nanny Fay a witch (see Book #1) and thinking she gave a “potion” to someone; A couple mentions of men with evil in their hearts creating wars that hurt so many others; A mention of someone saying that “War is hell”; A mention of Bettina’s father who “made her childhood a living hell”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: seven ‘stupid’s; A bit of sarcasm & eye rolling; Passing out & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Throwing up (barely-above-not-detailed); Grief & Mourning (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of wars, deaths, fighting, bombings, & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of Bettina’s father being a mean and violent drunk (including her fear of him and everyone’s concerns for her for when he returns, barely-above-not-detailed, *Spoiler* ); Mentions of a mother being beaten by her drunk husband & being killed by him (no details); Mentions of passing out, pain, & injuries; Mentions of prison & a prisoner; Mentions of alcohol (moonshine), drinking, drunks, being addicted to drinking, & bootlegging; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of soldiers having nightmares, being scared of loud noises, or becoming drunks after the war; A few mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of hunting; A couple mentions of throwing up; A mention of blood; A mention of a house burning down after a lighting strike; A mention of tobacco.
Sexual Content- A fingers-to-lips touch, three hand/fingers kisses, a jaw kiss, six cheek kisses, four head/forehead kisses, two not-detailed kisses, and five barely-above-not-detailed kiss (about half of all these kisses are from married couples); Staring at someone’s lips (Shay to Bettina, which he says at one point that when he’s with her, he doesn’t want to think, so it would be best to put some distance between them); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Smelling (including a woman being pulled into her husband/fiancé’s lap twice, about half of all these are from married couples); Blushes; Shay mentions that his mother used to say that Bettina was looking for love and that he kind of took advantage of that for a while (Emmett tells him that he’s made amends with Bettina and shouldn’t waste time wallowing in what can’t be changed; later Shay thinks that him and Bettina shared many kisses but the ones after he decided he loved her were sweeter); Shay wants to touch Bettina’s hair (he’s done it before and she wears her hair down since he likes it) but tries to focus on something else; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss (Shay thinks that he likes kissing Bettina); A few mentions of a 13-year-old girl being forced to marry a 20-year-old man and having to be a “woman in every way” and having multiple children with him; A few mentions of men at a boarding house talking about buying a woman’s love (Shay thinks that he wants more than just temporary pleasure and wants “intimacy that way God planned it”; his father warned him about becoming too cozy with Bettina so that if that did part ways, he won’t regret giving the “most intimate part of himself to a gal that wasn’t his wife”); A couple mentions of couples in movies kissing and making up; A couple mentions of a married couple snuggling on the couch together; A couple mentions that rumors are going to spread after a man spends time in a woman’s cabin (not married, but she wasn’t there so he says that they know the truth and did nothing wrong); A mention of jealousy; Love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of the deaths of infants (said to have been stillborn, never drawn a breath, or didn’t live long after birth) & the mothers who passed away during labor; Mentions of being concerned about losing a baby; A mention of a woman’s monthly cycle.
-Bettina Webber
-Shay Leeson
P.O.V. switches between them, Damaris, & Addie
Set in 1941-1942
330 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Five Stars
{Please note the topic of abuse (though never detailed) and adjust the stars according to each girl in case of triggering content.}
Oh, my heart…that was so incredibly beautiful.
Bettina. We saw her in the last book and like I said then: if we didn’t see her story, we probably wouldn’t like her much. But in this book she’s doing much better, thanks to Nanny Fay and Jesus, in her words and that is so true.
These characters, I love them so. I think they’ve stuck with me (particularly Addie) more than any other character I’ve ever read. The amazing faiths shown and grown throughout this book and the prior. The touching friendship moments. I was nearly bawlin’ for the first fifty or so percent, but eventually I just ended up crying.
It’s not that this is a sad book—it’s definitely not—but as cheesy as it might sound—it touched me in so many ways. Their faiths just stopped me in the middle of reading to go “Wow” with such an awe and reverence. It was all so inspiring to see their faiths in action. It was all perfectly worked in just like it was a part of the characters themselves and their lives—because it was and I loved that.
I think that’s one reason (of many) I love this book and the prior so much: Yes, the romances are so sweet and adorable at times, but it gets to the heart of the matter that God should be our first love, not another human. Bettina really learns this in this sequel and it was so encouraging to see that message in a Christian Fiction book.
There were so many little details that were said almost nonchalantly, but if you pay attention, they’ll hit hard—but I can’t give an example because of spoilers!
“The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow” was already one of my very favorite books, but “Return to Boone’s Hollow” has joined it in the rankings.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.
“With Pap hauled off to the state penitentiary, Bettina finally feels safe. Living with Nanny Fay Tucker, working as a packhorse librarian, and being courted by Shay Leeson is a life beyond anything she'd imagined. And it's only going to get better. Because soon she'll be an honorary auntie to her best friend Addie's baby, and--for sure not much longer--she'll exchange vows with Shay and become his wife. Things in Boone's Hollow couldn't be rosier...until she gets word that the governor suspended Pap's sentence and he'll be coming back sooner than she expected.
Shay wants to marry her real quick and take her out of Boone's Hollow. But how can she go with Nanny Fay needs her and Addie's baby isn't here yet? Pap's return creates a storm in her relationship with Shay. And then another storm--one brewing way overseas--stirs trouble all over Black Mountain.
Will Bettina's world fall apart again? Or will the lessons she's learned from Nanny Fay about holding tight to the One who can calm any storm take her to a place of peace?”
Series: The sequel to “The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow”. Review Here!
Spiritual Content- Nahum 1:3b at the beginning; Many Scriptures are quoted, mentioned, remembered, thought over, & discussed; Many prayers; Church going, sermons, & hymns are sung; Many, many talks about God, Jesus, faiths, praying, listening to Him, & trusting Him; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Bettina wonders if God will ever talk to her like Him talks to Nanny Fay *Spoiler* ; Many mentions of God, listening to Him, trusting Him, & wanting to do His will; Many mentions of prayers, praying, answered prayers, & blessings over food; Many mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, those and events in the Bible; Many mentions of churches, church going, services, Bible studies, pastors, sermons, & hymns; Mentions of Heaven & not being afraid of dying; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; Mentions of miracles; A few mentions of Christmas & celebrating Christ’s birth; A few mentions of being baptized; A few mentions of angels;
*Note: Bettina has a learning disability that her father called a curse (she always felt stupid and embarrassed because of this); Mentions of superstitions (including one that it’s bad luck to have a pregnant woman at a wedding); Mentions of some people calling Nanny Fay a witch (see Book #1) and thinking she gave a “potion” to someone; A couple mentions of men with evil in their hearts creating wars that hurt so many others; A mention of someone saying that “War is hell”; A mention of Bettina’s father who “made her childhood a living hell”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: seven ‘stupid’s; A bit of sarcasm & eye rolling; Passing out & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Throwing up (barely-above-not-detailed); Grief & Mourning (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of wars, deaths, fighting, bombings, & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of Bettina’s father being a mean and violent drunk (including her fear of him and everyone’s concerns for her for when he returns, barely-above-not-detailed, *Spoiler* ); Mentions of a mother being beaten by her drunk husband & being killed by him (no details); Mentions of passing out, pain, & injuries; Mentions of prison & a prisoner; Mentions of alcohol (moonshine), drinking, drunks, being addicted to drinking, & bootlegging; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of soldiers having nightmares, being scared of loud noises, or becoming drunks after the war; A few mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of hunting; A couple mentions of throwing up; A mention of blood; A mention of a house burning down after a lighting strike; A mention of tobacco.
Sexual Content- A fingers-to-lips touch, three hand/fingers kisses, a jaw kiss, six cheek kisses, four head/forehead kisses, two not-detailed kisses, and five barely-above-not-detailed kiss (about half of all these kisses are from married couples); Staring at someone’s lips (Shay to Bettina, which he says at one point that when he’s with her, he doesn’t want to think, so it would be best to put some distance between them); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Smelling (including a woman being pulled into her husband/fiancé’s lap twice, about half of all these are from married couples); Blushes; Shay mentions that his mother used to say that Bettina was looking for love and that he kind of took advantage of that for a while (Emmett tells him that he’s made amends with Bettina and shouldn’t waste time wallowing in what can’t be changed; later Shay thinks that him and Bettina shared many kisses but the ones after he decided he loved her were sweeter); Shay wants to touch Bettina’s hair (he’s done it before and she wears her hair down since he likes it) but tries to focus on something else; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss (Shay thinks that he likes kissing Bettina); A few mentions of a 13-year-old girl being forced to marry a 20-year-old man and having to be a “woman in every way” and having multiple children with him; A few mentions of men at a boarding house talking about buying a woman’s love (Shay thinks that he wants more than just temporary pleasure and wants “intimacy that way God planned it”; his father warned him about becoming too cozy with Bettina so that if that did part ways, he won’t regret giving the “most intimate part of himself to a gal that wasn’t his wife”); A couple mentions of couples in movies kissing and making up; A couple mentions of a married couple snuggling on the couch together; A couple mentions that rumors are going to spread after a man spends time in a woman’s cabin (not married, but she wasn’t there so he says that they know the truth and did nothing wrong); A mention of jealousy; Love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of the deaths of infants (said to have been stillborn, never drawn a breath, or didn’t live long after birth) & the mothers who passed away during labor; Mentions of being concerned about losing a baby; A mention of a woman’s monthly cycle.
-Bettina Webber
-Shay Leeson
P.O.V. switches between them, Damaris, & Addie
Set in 1941-1942
330 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Five Stars
{Please note the topic of abuse (though never detailed) and adjust the stars according to each girl in case of triggering content.}
Oh, my heart…that was so incredibly beautiful.
Bettina. We saw her in the last book and like I said then: if we didn’t see her story, we probably wouldn’t like her much. But in this book she’s doing much better, thanks to Nanny Fay and Jesus, in her words and that is so true.
These characters, I love them so. I think they’ve stuck with me (particularly Addie) more than any other character I’ve ever read. The amazing faiths shown and grown throughout this book and the prior. The touching friendship moments. I was nearly bawlin’ for the first fifty or so percent, but eventually I just ended up crying.
It’s not that this is a sad book—it’s definitely not—but as cheesy as it might sound—it touched me in so many ways. Their faiths just stopped me in the middle of reading to go “Wow” with such an awe and reverence. It was all so inspiring to see their faiths in action. It was all perfectly worked in just like it was a part of the characters themselves and their lives—because it was and I loved that.
I think that’s one reason (of many) I love this book and the prior so much: Yes, the romances are so sweet and adorable at times, but it gets to the heart of the matter that God should be our first love, not another human. Bettina really learns this in this sequel and it was so encouraging to see that message in a Christian Fiction book.
There were so many little details that were said almost nonchalantly, but if you pay attention, they’ll hit hard—but I can’t give an example because of spoilers!
“The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow” was already one of my very favorite books, but “Return to Boone’s Hollow” has joined it in the rankings.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.
June 16, 2022
1941 Kentucky
What a wonderful sequel to The Librarian of Boone's Hollow. The novel picks up five years later with its great cast of characters. Bettina is the primary focus. I love her mountain vernacular. She is so stubborn, but has a heart of gold. The backdrop of the impending war adds historical context.
Heartwarming. Loved the ending.
What a wonderful sequel to The Librarian of Boone's Hollow. The novel picks up five years later with its great cast of characters. Bettina is the primary focus. I love her mountain vernacular. She is so stubborn, but has a heart of gold. The backdrop of the impending war adds historical context.
Heartwarming. Loved the ending.
January 9, 2023
Bettina was my favorite character from book 1 so I was super excited for this sequel. I personally would've liked it better though if it'd been Bettina and Shay's POVs only. But it was still good and I may have even shed a couple tears.
November 17, 2022
Really good book!! Would definitely recommend
July 11, 2022
Wow ya'll - if you have read The Librarian Of Boone's Hollow....this is a must read sequel! It was beautiful, heartwarming, faith filled, emotional and truly touched my heart. I cried multiple times throughout this story and am so thankful Kim Vogel Sawyer continued on with our Boone's Hollow family.
In this story, we follow Bettina's story as the main character, but we see the full cast of characters from the previous book throughout Boone's Hollow and follow their journeys. I won't write too much because I don't want to spoil anything, but the romances in the story are beautiful, the faith is encouraging -- we continue to be pointed back to Jesus and I loved it so much. The characters go through so much here, learning about patience, waiting on the Lord, forgiveness, praying about every situation and being there for each other.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited, but will be getting a physical copy, I loved it so much.
In this story, we follow Bettina's story as the main character, but we see the full cast of characters from the previous book throughout Boone's Hollow and follow their journeys. I won't write too much because I don't want to spoil anything, but the romances in the story are beautiful, the faith is encouraging -- we continue to be pointed back to Jesus and I loved it so much. The characters go through so much here, learning about patience, waiting on the Lord, forgiveness, praying about every situation and being there for each other.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited, but will be getting a physical copy, I loved it so much.
September 16, 2022
Age Appropriate For: 13 and up (romance and some veiled references to harder topics)
Best for Ages: 15 and up
It was so nice to return to the place and characters that I enjoyed so much in the first book of this series. It was fun to “catch up” with everyone and see where life had taken them.
While this book was just as rich and deep as the first one, I would say there was less heavy subject matter. I mean, they did deal with grief, forgiveness, and facing fears, but many of the heavier subjects that were present in the first book were still resolved.
I loved the gentler pace of this story. I still wanted to keep flipping pages, but it was because I was in love with the characters, not the action. I would call this book a slice of life. Is there romance? Yes. However, it is also about how the families of Boone’s Hollow deal with the news of the coming war, about forgiving the people who have hurt you in the past, about where people will move, who will care for the cabin while people are away. It is about the daily struggles of life.
While I would have loved to see this be an ongoing series, I did love how Sawyer gave us a wonderful look at the future of the characters with the epilogue and gave realistic but also happy endings for many of the characters.
I highly recommend this book to those who loved the first book, like historical fiction, and enjoy stories set in the Appalachians.
Best for Ages: 15 and up
It was so nice to return to the place and characters that I enjoyed so much in the first book of this series. It was fun to “catch up” with everyone and see where life had taken them.
While this book was just as rich and deep as the first one, I would say there was less heavy subject matter. I mean, they did deal with grief, forgiveness, and facing fears, but many of the heavier subjects that were present in the first book were still resolved.
I loved the gentler pace of this story. I still wanted to keep flipping pages, but it was because I was in love with the characters, not the action. I would call this book a slice of life. Is there romance? Yes. However, it is also about how the families of Boone’s Hollow deal with the news of the coming war, about forgiving the people who have hurt you in the past, about where people will move, who will care for the cabin while people are away. It is about the daily struggles of life.
While I would have loved to see this be an ongoing series, I did love how Sawyer gave us a wonderful look at the future of the characters with the epilogue and gave realistic but also happy endings for many of the characters.
I highly recommend this book to those who loved the first book, like historical fiction, and enjoy stories set in the Appalachians.
September 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book as much as the first book, visiting Boone's Hollow. I loved reading Bettina's story and seeing the town after the events of the first book. I don't know why it took me so long to return to this town.
I really loved the faith in this story, it held a prominent part of the story and in the character's lives. I also loved the little chapter at the end where we got to see what happened to the character's in the near future. Thank you to the author for adding that into the story, I would have been lost without knowing.😅
I really loved the faith in this story, it held a prominent part of the story and in the character's lives. I also loved the little chapter at the end where we got to see what happened to the character's in the near future. Thank you to the author for adding that into the story, I would have been lost without knowing.😅
January 7, 2023
I must say that I enjoyed the sequel even more than the first novel, which is extremely rare! Kim is such a talent when it comes to voice. I think this can be EXTREMELY lacking when it comes to multiple POVs. My preference is 1st person perspective, but it just speaks to her skill that each character felt distinctive. This novel deserves an A+ for that alone, but this story also has such a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption.
February 24, 2025
Winsome and folksy, "Return to Boone's Hollow" by Kim Vogel Sawyer plucks at the heartstrings with the deft skill of a seasoned banjo picker.
Fans of "Almost Home" by Valerie Fraser Luesse and "The Blackout Book Club" by Amy Lynn Green will be drawn to this novel's ensemble cast and depiction of life on the home-front in the 1940's as WWII loomed on the horizon.
If you love southern fiction full of homespun faith, you best Return to Boone's Hollow!
📚 Boone's Hollow Duology
📖 Book 1: The Librarian of Boone's Hollow
📖 Book 2: Return to Boone's Hollow
Fans of "Almost Home" by Valerie Fraser Luesse and "The Blackout Book Club" by Amy Lynn Green will be drawn to this novel's ensemble cast and depiction of life on the home-front in the 1940's as WWII loomed on the horizon.
If you love southern fiction full of homespun faith, you best Return to Boone's Hollow!
📚 Boone's Hollow Duology
📖 Book 1: The Librarian of Boone's Hollow
📖 Book 2: Return to Boone's Hollow
June 15, 2025
I fell in love with Boone’s Hollow💛
September 17, 2025
Wonderful book, i probably would have given this 5 stars but the virtual voice on the audiobook was not good.
December 30, 2022
I really enjoyed the community created within Boones Hollow. I love series where the main characters of the first book, remain main characters in the second. So I was very pleased that although this book focused more on Bettina, the characters from the first book were not pushed to the side.
This second book was a beautiful story of Bettina’s journey to a solid relationship with God. Strong faith based storyline. I felt like the ending was rushed, and was disappointed there wasn’t more storyline involving the baby. But it did wrap up nicely.
If you enjoyed the first book, I’d definitely suggest reading the second. The first book ties heavily into this second one, so you do need to read them in order.
Last note, I loved how in both books, the author created so many characters with depth, within a community with such deep roots. I really appreciated how everyone’s stories were so interconnected without there having to be excessive dialogue. I will absolutely be reading more from this author.
This second book was a beautiful story of Bettina’s journey to a solid relationship with God. Strong faith based storyline. I felt like the ending was rushed, and was disappointed there wasn’t more storyline involving the baby. But it did wrap up nicely.
If you enjoyed the first book, I’d definitely suggest reading the second. The first book ties heavily into this second one, so you do need to read them in order.
Last note, I loved how in both books, the author created so many characters with depth, within a community with such deep roots. I really appreciated how everyone’s stories were so interconnected without there having to be excessive dialogue. I will absolutely be reading more from this author.
July 20, 2022
Wow this book was so good!! It’s felt nice to be back to my favorite characters. What a emotional , heartfelt ending to such beloved characters!
January 24, 2024
This was such a sweet story! I knew that I would really like it because I had really enjoyed the first book in the series, but I had forgotten how much I loved those characters. It was so nice to be back in this world! I liked seeing more of Bettina and getting to know her a little bit better, and it was nice seeing what happened to Addie after the ending of the first book. I also loved Nanny Fay who was always there with kindness and wisdom. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors for historical Christian fiction. She writes them really well.
June 25, 2024
Rating 3.5
I enjoyed being back in Boone’s Hallow and seeing all the characters from the first book playing such an important role in the second book as well.
This story was filled with love, loss, forgiveness and reconciliation.
I would recommend reading book one before reading book two.
I listened to the audiobook on Audible.
I enjoyed being back in Boone’s Hallow and seeing all the characters from the first book playing such an important role in the second book as well.
This story was filled with love, loss, forgiveness and reconciliation.
I would recommend reading book one before reading book two.
I listened to the audiobook on Audible.
October 4, 2022
3 stars
I enjoyed the first book in this series a lot more. Bettina is the main character in “Return to Boones Hollow,” and because she was the antagonist in the first book, it feels kind of weird. I was really annoyed by her in the first book, and even though she’s a changed woman, I just didn’t relate to her or care very deeply about her. In addition to that, she seemed really simple in the first book. She thought Emmett was in love with her, even though he hadn’t given her anything to encourage that. She seems even more simple in this book, because you’re in her head.
Simple isn’t a bad thing, but it just doesn’t really make for the most interesting reading, in my opinion. It has nothing to do with her learning disability either. I know lots of people who learn differently, and they are whip smart.
Maybe the dialect that’s written into the dialogue plays a factor.
I did enjoy the snippets of Addie’s POV.
One thing that made this book less enjoyable for me was the lack of packhorse librarian content. It was what I liked most about the first book.
It seemed weird that Damaris was writing to Burke without her husband knowing. I see where her heart was, but it just seemed sneaky.
The best part in the whole book is the end scene with Burke and Bettina.
I could have skimmed this one and not felt like I was missing out on much. It’s cute. It’s simple. It’s unmemorable. If you lived the characters in the first book and want to finish their story, it’s a quick read, so I’d give it a chance.
I enjoyed the first book in this series a lot more. Bettina is the main character in “Return to Boones Hollow,” and because she was the antagonist in the first book, it feels kind of weird. I was really annoyed by her in the first book, and even though she’s a changed woman, I just didn’t relate to her or care very deeply about her. In addition to that, she seemed really simple in the first book. She thought Emmett was in love with her, even though he hadn’t given her anything to encourage that. She seems even more simple in this book, because you’re in her head.
Simple isn’t a bad thing, but it just doesn’t really make for the most interesting reading, in my opinion. It has nothing to do with her learning disability either. I know lots of people who learn differently, and they are whip smart.
Maybe the dialect that’s written into the dialogue plays a factor.
I did enjoy the snippets of Addie’s POV.
One thing that made this book less enjoyable for me was the lack of packhorse librarian content. It was what I liked most about the first book.
It seemed weird that Damaris was writing to Burke without her husband knowing. I see where her heart was, but it just seemed sneaky.
The best part in the whole book is the end scene with Burke and Bettina.
I could have skimmed this one and not felt like I was missing out on much. It’s cute. It’s simple. It’s unmemorable. If you lived the characters in the first book and want to finish their story, it’s a quick read, so I’d give it a chance.
November 5, 2023
I enjoyed the first book much better. The story line of this one was so slow that I contemplated closing the book for a DNF multiple times. The only thing that kept me reading until the end was wanting to know how everyone in Boone's Hollow faired in the end (although it's pretty easy to guess).
What I loved:
~ the faith displayed by the characters
What I did not love:
~ the pacing (so slow)
~ all the conversation about the same thing
~ nothing much happens until everything gets wrapped up in the last two chapters
---//---
Content
🔥 3/10 (mild kissing, mention of kissing, a male character stays at the house of a female character while she's not there and they mention that there may be gossip)
🤬 0/10
🔪 0/10
Heavy topics discussed:
~ domestic abuse (no graphic details)
~ alcoholism
~ miscarriages (no graphic details)
What I loved:
~ the faith displayed by the characters
What I did not love:
~ the pacing (so slow)
~ all the conversation about the same thing
~ nothing much happens until everything gets wrapped up in the last two chapters
---//---
Content
🔥 3/10 (mild kissing, mention of kissing, a male character stays at the house of a female character while she's not there and they mention that there may be gossip)
🤬 0/10
🔪 0/10
Heavy topics discussed:
~ domestic abuse (no graphic details)
~ alcoholism
~ miscarriages (no graphic details)
June 12, 2022
Actual rating - 4.5
I absolutely loved this book! The faith content in it is amazing and I really want more books to this series!
I absolutely loved this book! The faith content in it is amazing and I really want more books to this series!
June 25, 2022
This was a wonderful, wonderful sequel to The Librarian of Boone's Hollow. I was so excited to hear that the author, upon many requests by her readers, added another story involving the beloved characters of Boone's Hollow.
Bettina Webber was a character from the first book that you kind of didn't like in the first book, but deep down you ached for her and I think many readers wanted more of her story and more was what we all got! I loved Bettina's character growth throughout this story! How she learned to trust God through the different trials presented to her throughout this book was inspiring. Oh, and the ending!! It nearly made me cry (happy tears!) and made my reader's heart very happy!
The other characters that we see reappear in this story, Addie and Emmett (MC's from the first book), along with Nanny Fay (another favorite of mine!) and Damaris Tharp and Shay Leeson. It's all just so good. And I loved the epilogue! It gave excellent closure to everything. Overall, this book was just so satisfying. Kim Vogel Sawyer really knows how to create wonderful, yet flawed characters and takes us on their journey of growth in the Lord throughout the story. Thank you, Mrs. Sawyer! I will treasure my signed copy forever.
Bettina Webber was a character from the first book that you kind of didn't like in the first book, but deep down you ached for her and I think many readers wanted more of her story and more was what we all got! I loved Bettina's character growth throughout this story! How she learned to trust God through the different trials presented to her throughout this book was inspiring. Oh, and the ending!! It nearly made me cry (happy tears!) and made my reader's heart very happy!
The other characters that we see reappear in this story, Addie and Emmett (MC's from the first book), along with Nanny Fay (another favorite of mine!) and Damaris Tharp and Shay Leeson. It's all just so good. And I loved the epilogue! It gave excellent closure to everything. Overall, this book was just so satisfying. Kim Vogel Sawyer really knows how to create wonderful, yet flawed characters and takes us on their journey of growth in the Lord throughout the story. Thank you, Mrs. Sawyer! I will treasure my signed copy forever.
July 13, 2022
Gives insight into the wilderness life..
Set in the time of WW2, the focus is more on community and forgiveness. The horseback librarians played a role, in helping those in the hills to get knowledge. The sad part with the main character having a learning disability is something many will relate to.
Set in the time of WW2, the focus is more on community and forgiveness. The horseback librarians played a role, in helping those in the hills to get knowledge. The sad part with the main character having a learning disability is something many will relate to.
May 17, 2023
3.5⭐️
The first book (The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow) was excellent, and I was happy to there was a sequel of sorts.
Let’s start with what I did enjoy: I loved seeing many favorite characters from the last book and meeting some new ones! Shay was just mentioned in the last book, but he was an excellent leading guy—with so, so much patience! I also appreciated the reminder that the Lord will never leave us and the lessons on forgiveness. The time setting was super interesting. The coming of WW2 and what the people in rural areas would have felt like was especially personal, since my grandpa would have been about Dusty’s age and Damaris somewhat reminded me of what I have heard of my great grandma….
Now what I struggled with/didn’t like: In book one, the four point of views went together beautifully. I felt this one was more disjointed. Sometimes (NOT the whole time but more than once) it felt the story majored on the minors and minored on the majors…it just didn’t keep me riveted as much as the last.
POTENTIAL SPOIL: Ok, here was my biggest struggle…I was troubled that Damaris wrote letters to Bettina’s dad frequently in jail (she says the Lord led her), AND then she kept it from her husband. Letter writing was a common thing then. I understand that, but it was clear she thought her husband wouldn’t approve so she had the mail man promise secrecy. No. That is NOT ok. That also would have potentially caused gossip and appeared very wrong (don’t tell my husband I’m writing another man…🤯) It’s talked about multiple times, and she never tells her husband, though she says she needed to …that really bothered me. Ladies, that is not biblical at all. Let us not follow that wrong thinking. Honoring our husbands is part of honoring our Savior. “Lean not unto thine own understanding.” END OF SPOILER
Conclusion: As a whole this one was ok, and I did like hearing what happened to Addie and Emmet and the rest of the friends from Boone’s Hollow. I am not sure I’d reread this sequel, but I would definitely reread the first book.❤️
The first book (The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow) was excellent, and I was happy to there was a sequel of sorts.
Let’s start with what I did enjoy: I loved seeing many favorite characters from the last book and meeting some new ones! Shay was just mentioned in the last book, but he was an excellent leading guy—with so, so much patience! I also appreciated the reminder that the Lord will never leave us and the lessons on forgiveness. The time setting was super interesting. The coming of WW2 and what the people in rural areas would have felt like was especially personal, since my grandpa would have been about Dusty’s age and Damaris somewhat reminded me of what I have heard of my great grandma….
Now what I struggled with/didn’t like: In book one, the four point of views went together beautifully. I felt this one was more disjointed. Sometimes (NOT the whole time but more than once) it felt the story majored on the minors and minored on the majors…it just didn’t keep me riveted as much as the last.
POTENTIAL SPOIL: Ok, here was my biggest struggle…I was troubled that Damaris wrote letters to Bettina’s dad frequently in jail (she says the Lord led her), AND then she kept it from her husband. Letter writing was a common thing then. I understand that, but it was clear she thought her husband wouldn’t approve so she had the mail man promise secrecy. No. That is NOT ok. That also would have potentially caused gossip and appeared very wrong (don’t tell my husband I’m writing another man…🤯) It’s talked about multiple times, and she never tells her husband, though she says she needed to …that really bothered me. Ladies, that is not biblical at all. Let us not follow that wrong thinking. Honoring our husbands is part of honoring our Savior. “Lean not unto thine own understanding.” END OF SPOILER
Conclusion: As a whole this one was ok, and I did like hearing what happened to Addie and Emmet and the rest of the friends from Boone’s Hollow. I am not sure I’d reread this sequel, but I would definitely reread the first book.❤️
Read
April 17, 2023Story: 3.5 out of 5
Worldview: 5 out of 5
The first book (The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow) introduced Bettina Webber as a complex character. Instead of being a shallow rival for one character’s affections, Bettina was shown to be a girl desperate for love and affection—something her alcoholic father never demonstrated. This sequel explored Bettina’s growth over four years and her turmoil at the threat of her Pap returning to Boone’s Hollow.
Considering the plot, I think this book had great elements of tension. Between the threat of Bettina’s father, homelessness, and World War II, I found myself racing to the end. This novel was very slow in parts, however, with many characters having the same conversations over and over again. I think that’s why the ending felt so sudden, even though it was definitely the right fit. I almost expected the setup for a third book, but an epilogue closed that door. :(
The characters consistently sought God for every problem, which is a great example. I know I am still learning to seek God for direction, and sometimes that direction comes by waiting and trusting God’s timing. It was a bit of a letdown that the waiting in the book was more slow than engaging, but it’s an accurate reflection of life, I think.
In any case, this was a good read. I love Sawyer’s books, and I definitely recommend checking them out for their strong messages of hope, redemption, and salvation!
Worldview: 5 out of 5
The first book (The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow) introduced Bettina Webber as a complex character. Instead of being a shallow rival for one character’s affections, Bettina was shown to be a girl desperate for love and affection—something her alcoholic father never demonstrated. This sequel explored Bettina’s growth over four years and her turmoil at the threat of her Pap returning to Boone’s Hollow.
Considering the plot, I think this book had great elements of tension. Between the threat of Bettina’s father, homelessness, and World War II, I found myself racing to the end. This novel was very slow in parts, however, with many characters having the same conversations over and over again. I think that’s why the ending felt so sudden, even though it was definitely the right fit. I almost expected the setup for a third book, but an epilogue closed that door. :(
The characters consistently sought God for every problem, which is a great example. I know I am still learning to seek God for direction, and sometimes that direction comes by waiting and trusting God’s timing. It was a bit of a letdown that the waiting in the book was more slow than engaging, but it’s an accurate reflection of life, I think.
In any case, this was a good read. I love Sawyer’s books, and I definitely recommend checking them out for their strong messages of hope, redemption, and salvation!
September 1, 2022
Having read, and loving, the first book in this series I had to get this one and hear more of the people I'd met in Boone's Hollow. I became quickly engrossed in the continuation of their lives. I loved the multi-generational aspect of the book; to me it speaks of how we interact with our children, parents, grandparents and neighbors if we are blessed to have them in our lives. No one really lives in a vacuum even if we feel alone at times. I was reminded over and over that we can look for good examples of character and BE a good example to others.
Another theme that ran through the story, and which I loved as well, was the beginning of our faith in Christ and how we are changed as we grow up into our faith. Here too, we are called to live in community, to share our burdens with others and to help others bear their loads. And historically, these people dealt with the burgeoning menace of WWII as well. That, and other smaller complications of life led to a real page-turner and I am sorry to have to close the book and say goodbye to them!!
Another theme that ran through the story, and which I loved as well, was the beginning of our faith in Christ and how we are changed as we grow up into our faith. Here too, we are called to live in community, to share our burdens with others and to help others bear their loads. And historically, these people dealt with the burgeoning menace of WWII as well. That, and other smaller complications of life led to a real page-turner and I am sorry to have to close the book and say goodbye to them!!
April 15, 2024
2.5 stars
I was happy to return to Boone's Hollow, yet I was disappointed to learn that this one is mainly from Bettina's view. I was hoping for Addie and Emmett like the first book. A few chapters in, my disappointment turned to relief; personally, I felt the representation of Addie and Emmett's relationship was a little too much. How many times does the reader need to know they rubbed backs, kissed temples, snuggled, etc.? The overkill of affection was more mushy than romantic. And mentioning Addie's missed cycle and Shay's hiding a burp behind his hand was TMI. The writing seemed less polished than the first book, which I enjoyed. This one's plot also did not hold my interest as much. Overall, just ok. If one is curious to see where all the characters eventually end up in life, then I would recommend this one. Otherwise, I would advise sticking with just the first one.
I was happy to return to Boone's Hollow, yet I was disappointed to learn that this one is mainly from Bettina's view. I was hoping for Addie and Emmett like the first book. A few chapters in, my disappointment turned to relief; personally, I felt the representation of Addie and Emmett's relationship was a little too much. How many times does the reader need to know they rubbed backs, kissed temples, snuggled, etc.? The overkill of affection was more mushy than romantic. And mentioning Addie's missed cycle and Shay's hiding a burp behind his hand was TMI. The writing seemed less polished than the first book, which I enjoyed. This one's plot also did not hold my interest as much. Overall, just ok. If one is curious to see where all the characters eventually end up in life, then I would recommend this one. Otherwise, I would advise sticking with just the first one.
September 13, 2024
This sequel was very sweet. I was glad for the change and redemption of Bettina’s father. Bettina being able to forgive him showed how much her character grew. Also I smiled when I heard the tidbit about one of her grown children having a doctorate in learning disabilities and all of them going to college. She feared her children would have the same struggles she did with learning. If they did, that part was evidence that they weren’t held back in life because of it. Neither was Bettina, actually. She had a career as a librarian. My opinion is that the librarian of Boone’s Hollow is Bettina. At first I thought it was meant to be Addie. But no, it was Bettina.
These are 2 great stories I would recommend. Not less than 4 stars.
These are 2 great stories I would recommend. Not less than 4 stars.
June 2, 2022
Having read The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, it was fun to return in this book, which begins several years after the first. Bettina has settled into living with Nanny Fay as she continues with her job as a packhorse librarian. She receives an unwelcome letter that reveals her father will be released from prison earlier than expected. The anticpation of his return causes many problems. I really like the characters in this book and the way the author gives us their points of view. The "rest of the story" was also a very welcome addition to the book as it wrapped up things neatly. This author's books are always faith based, done in a very natural way. I really enjoyed Return to Boone's Hollow.
February 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that we got to see more of Bettina's growth as she listened to the words of those who loved her, of those who knew Jesus and wanted to share Him with her.
I also liked that we had the viewpoints of Shay, Addie, Emmett, and Emmett's mother, Damaris. Those additional views helped shape a more complete picture of the events discussed.
Though I was glad to see Bettina finally 'coming into her own' as it were, my favourite parts of the book were when Bettina's heart and mind finally understood what it meant when Nanny Fay told her that Jesus would always be with her.
4.5 stars
I also liked that we had the viewpoints of Shay, Addie, Emmett, and Emmett's mother, Damaris. Those additional views helped shape a more complete picture of the events discussed.
Though I was glad to see Bettina finally 'coming into her own' as it were, my favourite parts of the book were when Bettina's heart and mind finally understood what it meant when Nanny Fay told her that Jesus would always be with her.
4.5 stars
June 15, 2025
I recommend reading the first book, The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, before this one so that you know all the backstory on the places and people. This book starts 5 years after the first book, and carries on with the stories of the main characters in that book. The beginnings of World War II play a big part in the plot, and I like the way Sawyer shows the various reactions to the war through the eyes of the characters. There's some good insights into how different people deal with grief and grow through it. I look forward to reading more by this author.
May 21, 2022
Having read The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, this sequel was like walking into a place filled with family and friends. I was drawn in from page one! The continuing story of the people of Boone's Hollow unfolds with love and faith, as the characters each deal with the changing world around them. Kim Vogel Sawyer never fails to leave me with hope and a deeper love for the God Who works out all things in our lives.
January 5, 2023
Missing the characters
Kim writes a story that feels real. Life's struggles as well as life's joys intertwine into a believable, Faith filled story. Kim also shows how historical times could have affected the lives of those living on the mountain and other rural areas as well. I enjoyed the first book in the series but I liked this one even better. I'm going to miss these characters and wonder how they're doing in the years that followed. Thanks Kim!
Kim writes a story that feels real. Life's struggles as well as life's joys intertwine into a believable, Faith filled story. Kim also shows how historical times could have affected the lives of those living on the mountain and other rural areas as well. I enjoyed the first book in the series but I liked this one even better. I'm going to miss these characters and wonder how they're doing in the years that followed. Thanks Kim!
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