It was fascinating to learn about the Works Progress Administration's (WPA) program that put people to work during the Great Depression. I was tickled to read about Addie Cowherd, her enthusiasm for this project and her passion for words. Addie and the WPA (nicknamed Pack Horse Librarians) hoped this would be a way to increase literacy and boost morale in the Appalachia area.

I googled this program and was surprised to learn that hundreds of Pack Horse Librarians traveled many miles a day with saddlebags jammed full of books, making deliveries through some of the county’s most impoverished and isolated communities in Kentucky. Just like Addie, these women had to know how to ride a horse and maneuver it with 25 pounds of books in tow. Addie had to deal with one more thing the other ladies did not have to contend with, and that was rejection. She was an “outsider” so therefor not to be trusted.

Emmett Tharp is shocked. He never expected to be rejected by his own. He was born and raised in Boone’s Hollow Kentucky for goodness sake. Just because he received a full scholarship to a University and went off to college to learn about business was no reason to be ignored. There was only one young lady pinning for Emmett this whole time and thrilled to welcome him home. Her name was Bettina. She acts like a crazy stalker fan. She has her mind set on marrying him and have him take her away to the big city. She knew there were no jobs in Boone Hollow for a college graduate like Emmett.

The authors passion for story shines through her characters as they all make the best of hard times. This story is written so the reader gets to see things through three characters POV. Addie, Emmett and Bettina. I liked that we got a well-rounded view of the situation in the community and how they responded to the pack horse librarians. We also get to see the living conditions, experience the terrain in which these girls traveled and get a sense of the heartbeat of the community.

The head librarian explains to Addie, “Education is key to changing the old mindsets ...Which is why I believe so strongly in this program…I see the delivery of these books as something deeper, more important than a mere job. A book takes one into another person’s thoughts and emotions. Books open up worlds beyond the view from one’s own window. Stories can stir compassion, can inspire integrity, can show different lifestyles and problem-solving skills. Books, Addie, have the power to change people for the better.”

Amen and Amen! this book does that and more. I learned so much through characters I adored and had compassion for their situations. This book would work well for your next book club pick. The author includes questions to help in your discussions. If you have not read a book by this author, you should. Her books are a delight. I enjoy learning about history through an entertaining novel like this one.

I also like the natural spiritual thread woven into the fabric of this story and characters. I appreciated how Nanny Fay – herbal lady (no one trusted) walked out her faith with people that shunned her. But she loved them and the people God put in her path. Addie and Emmett watched. They hoped to be like her one day. Me too!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

The Librarian of Boones Hollow
A good story that kept my interest from beginning to end. I wanted to read more!

Who doesn’t love a story about a book lover? I think this is my favorite book by Kim Vogel Sawyer! I read most of it in one sitting, it was that good. I loved Addie, Emmett, and Nanny Fay. I didn’t like Bettina throughout the whole book, but she wasn’t too bad by the end.



I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I find information regarding the Pack Horse Library Project of the WPA (Works Progress Administration) very interesting, and this book gives the reader a look into how much the remote mountain areas relied on this service. This book mainly focuses on the people of Boone's Hollow who are employed through the program, the difficult life they and their families have in this coal mining area, and how fragile relationships become amongst the fear of the unknown and the bigotry of the uneducated who don't know any better than what they have been taught in their small community. The strong Christian beliefs of the characters in this book give their stories another dimension as they struggle between right and wrong and ultimately acceptable behaviors. Following Addie Cowherd, Emmett Tharp, Bettina Weber and Nanny Fay through the pages and into the dilemmas they live with makes for a very interesting and captivating story. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Waterbrook and Multnoma in return for an honest review, which this has been. #TheLibrarianofBoone's Hollow #NetGalley

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a beautifully written historical novel taking place in the Appalachia mountains of Kentucky during the Depression era. I loved reading about the people from that area and era. They were a very proud people with their quirks and habits and their fear of “outsiders.” They also disdained education believing their was no need of it. This is a place where outsiders and different ways of living are regarded with suspicion. They work hard in the coal mines and it’s the only way of life they have ever known, hard work and poverty. Every character has a story of their own in the book.The characters that Sawyer created are colorful and interesting. A strong thread of faith is woven within the pages. I highly recommend this book to any fans of Christian and historical fiction. ….Thank you to Netgalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing me a copy of this book to review. The words are my own.

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, by Kim Vogel Sawyer, takes place during the Great Depression. Addie Cowherd is working hard on her college degree at the University of Kentucky when she suddenly learns that her tuition is no longer being covered. Her father has lost his job and can no longer make any payments. Addie must go out into the world and find a way to support herself!
When Addie's part-time job, at the college library, suddenly opens a full-time position at another library in Kentucky, she knows she must take it. It is not like any job Addie has held before. This job is not at a library in a building, rather Addie must hop into a saddle and ride a horse through the hills of rural Kentucky!

The citizens Addie must serve are not very welcoming to outsiders. Addie must find a way to overcome their suspicions. When Addie runs into Emmett Tharp (a former schoolmate) in Boone's Hollow, she feels relieved to see a familiar face. Emmett has returned home because even with a degree he is unable to land a paying position!

Watch as Addie and Emmett attempt to find their way in this backward world of rural Kentucky. You will be pleased to see the warmth and friendship they form along the way!

A love of books and a desperate need for work bring together outsider Addie and returned local Emmett in Boone's Hollow's library program, where books are taken out to the surrounding community on horseback. The two met briefly at college, so Addie is glad to see a familiar face when she arrives. But local girl Bettina, who also works at the library, is desperate too - desperate to escape her father's heavy hand - and has decided that Emmett is to marry her when he returns from college. As an outsider, Addie faces hostility from many of the villagers as well as from Bettina - will she be able to win through and help bring the benefits of books to Boone's Hollow?

I have found this a little hard to review and rate. I had high expectations based on past experience with this author, and was probably more disappointed in it than I would otherwise have been as a consequence. Though well written and a good story, it wasn't always great at holding my attention and I felt like the starting section was longer than necessary and dragged a bit, whereas the ending was quite abrupt. I'm probably exaggerating, but it felt like they took forever to get to Boone's Hollow and settle in, then everything developed at a good pace until the climax, after which everything was fixed almost with the snap of one's fingers. All in all, I hope to read more by the author but personally found this one somewhat disappointing in regard to pacing, though I did enjoy the character development.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last!!!
I adored this book!!! Last year I read two books that were similar about living in Kentucky and delivering books to those who couldn't get them but this one takes the cake!
I adored this book!
I loved the Great Depression setting and the characters in this book.
I will be recommending this book to everyone!

Thanks to Netgalley for my advanced ebook copy.

I adored this book and couldn’t put it down. I ended up reading within twenty four hours and enjoyed every minutes. So glad I came across it.

What a moving story! I really hope Kim Vogel Sawyer writes a follow up book to this! This book touches on so many current topics… how we treat people, prejudice, abuse and more! Hmmm maybe even a book about the families of Boone’s Hallow!!!! The author writes in a way the holds your attention and draws you in! Enjoy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Kim Vogel Sawyer’s newest book The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, portrays the juxtaposition of the depression era time-frame and the despair of the deep South in so very haunting a way. I was intrigued and fascinated with learning about this period of time in our nation’s history. Her writing pulls you into the story in a way that leaves you feeling as if you were there, too, experiencing everything the cast of characters experiences.

I have read many of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s books, but I think this is my favorite. The people are easy to love, and having lived the largest part of my life in the South, I can attest to the superstitions and old wives’ tales that used to run rampant (and in some areas still do) through its annals. Sawyer has done a wonderful job of capturing the desolation and isolation in the hills of Kentucky, and her superlative research shines throughout the story.

The Christian element runs compellingly through the book in the female protagonist, Addie Cowherd, who exemplifies her faith in steadfast, infallible ways. And, even though she is not accepted as she hoped she would be, she carries on, nonetheless. Sawyer’s ability to interweave convincing and effective scriptural truths without beating one over the head with it is much needed and refreshing.

I hated to leave Boone’s Hollow as each character became as real to me as possible. I would love to see a sequel to The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow.

I received The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow from Waterbrook through NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

A sweet story set in the 1930’s, coal-country Kentucky. A city girl goes to the KY mountains to be a librarian with the WPS program... talk about culture-shock...

Ok, I have to admit, this book really surprised me! I don't know what I expected from The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, but what I got was much more!

I haven't read many Depression era books, but the ones I have I've enjoyed and they've pulled on my heart strings. This one was no different.

My heart immediately went out to Addie as the story started. She gets quite a surprise and her world is turned upside down. Thankfully she works with ladies at the library who are kind a supportive. I enjoyed getting to know her co-worker, Griselda Ann. She was definitely quirky, but also very kind and giving.

At the same time, Addie has a quick run-in with Emmett Thorp. Actually, twice. The first time she's rather perturbed by him. Actually a pretty funny scene. And poor Emmett. He's the first in his little town to goto college and because of the Depression, he can't find a job so he tucks his tail between his legs and heads home hoping he can find something in the neighboring town.

As timing would have it, Addie ends up heading to Boone's Hollow where Emmett is from to become one of the WPA girls who delivers books to the residents of the town. Enter, Bettina. Oh my goodness, that girl is a firecracker. Super easy to dislike because she's downright sneaky. And Emmett has no idea what's coming when he gets home and she's there to greet him!

One of the facets I loved about this story is how we see people, but how God would have us see them. That's where the librarian, Lydia West, has such an impact on Addie and on me! Because she is also an outsider, she's able to guide Addie on what life is like there for the people and for the outsiders. They both experience first hand how people behave when they believe in superstitions.

Thankfully, both ladies know that Jesus would have them loving those around them, even when it's difficult. And difficult it is! Addie decides to live with Nanny Fay who everyone avoids because she'd been married to a Cherokee and was from Tuckett's Pass. The town folk also see Nanny Fay as a witch. Nanny Fay just gives grace upon grace to those around her.

There's a lot that happens in the story. Emmett trying to tighten his relationship with his father, a miner. He continues trying to find a job while keeping Bettina in check. Whew, that girl has a story! Addie gives being a packhorse librarian a good go and does everything she can to reach out and befriend the people in her town.

All throughout the story, you see or hear about God's hand moving. So many great truths about grace and mercy abound through the story and through the lives of the people.

Set during the Depression, Addie Cowherd had been living a fairly comfortable college life protected from the hardships of the times. She suddenly had to stop her studies and find a job.

Emmet Tharp had just graduated from college but couldn’t find a job in his field, so he returned home to Boone’s Hollow, in the hills of Kentucky. Addie ended up in Boone’s Hollow working as a packhorse librarian.

The story followed a cast of well-developed characters as Addie struggled to find her way and acceptance into a culture which was fraught with superstition and the residents were leery of outsiders. Emmet had his own struggles trying to make a life in the place where he grew up but didn’t fit in anymore.

Through the author’s descriptive writing, I felt transported to another time and place. The characters were real and the settings were vividly presented.

I received an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah Fiction Team and NetGalley for the purpose of review and the opinions are my own. I received no other compensation.

I could not put this wonderful book down. I loved all the characters. This story didn’t go too far into how the program for the women horseback librarians really worked but the story delved into other problems. There is romance and some intrigue. These characters learn to treat each other in better ways. I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook and Multnomah for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This story is set in 1936 in Kentucky, during the great depression. Addie is enjoying her junior year at college when she gets called to the office and told she is no longer a student. At the rally at the end of the year, which she was able to attend, she briefly meets Emmett. She agrees to take a job as a horseback librarian to deliver books up in the hills of Kentucky and accepts, looking forward to her new venture and making new friends in a new town. Little does she realize how small this town is and how challenging that will be. Emmett has just graduated, yet has no work to put his degree to work. Things are thrown in both their paths as they work through the challenges that are before them. We meet other librarians, Bettina, Glory and Alba, along with Miss West, as well as some townspeople including the Tharp family and Nanny Fay. Engaging story that draws you right in and wonderful characters.
A complimentary copy was provided by Waterbrook via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a beautifully written historical novel. The author captured the time-period and locale. I felt that the author transported me into the hills of Kentucky where working in the coal mines was the main occupation. There are some great characters in this story. Addie Cowherd was fortunate when she was adopted by Fern and Penrose Cowherd. They raised her to be resilient and to rely on God. Emmett Tharp is proud to have completed high school and college. He is a hard worker and a gentleman. Nanny Fay was my favorite character. She had such a cheery attitude despite how she is treated and the hardships she endures. Nanny Fay was a woman of strong faith. It was fascinating learning about the Kentucky Pack Horse Project. Eleanor Roosevelt wanted to feed people minds. Women worked long hours transporting reading materials by horseback or mule to remote farms. The point-of-view switches between Addie, Emmett, Nanny Fay, and Bettina (a horseback librarian from Boone’s Hollow). The author captured the mountain vernacular spoken by Bettina and the other mountain folk. I like how the Christian message was present through the whole book. It is wonderful that we are reminded to be kind to others and despite how one may be treated to “kill them with kindness” (a phrase my mother used with me when I was growing up). I also liked the Scripture passages used in the book that supported the various messages. The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow was a joy to read. There are references to physical abuse in the story which, unfortunately, was common. I like that the romance was not at the forefront. Some wonderful classic books are mentioned in the story. My favorite phrase came from Addie who loved books and said, “nothing more magical or as satisfying as a book.” If you like to read Christian historical novels, then you should read The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow. The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow is a special Christian tale with beloved books, a stubborn steed, a persistent person, a missing manuscript, surprising superstitions, and a gracious God.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah and NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.

"These feuds an' fear gotta end."

That line resonated so loudly as I was reading this timely book.

This beautiful story touched my heart on multiple levels. Its exquisite depth and rich atmosphere immersed me into the quaint mountain town of Boone's Hollow, where I met a quirky cast of amazing characters that each wriggled their way into my heart.

Mrs. Sawyer once again created characters worth caring about. The depth to which she develops her cast is something to not only admire but also to study, if you're a writer like me. The way she captures a local way of speaking amazes me every time, and this talent of hers is one of the many reasons why her characters pop off the pages.

The glimpse at coal mining reminded me of Homer Hickam's true-life story in the movie October Sky. Another similarity between that film and this book was the difficult and sometimes heartrending father-son relationship.

What really made this book stand out among the 150+ books I've read this year is how a library was used to bring hope to families struggling through the Great Depression years. I had never before heard of packhorse librarians, but this story made me want to learn more. The way this novel was written -- filled with hope, love, and lots of grace -- kept me intrigued throughout, and I can hardly wait to read it again. It has moved itself into a tie with My Heart Remembers for my favorite KVS book -- and I wasn't sure that would happen after years and years of MHR reigning alone in that spot.

"What I want is for you to fully use the abilities God has given you."

The above quote really spoke truth into my soul. I'm not fully sure in how many ways God wants to fulfill this in my life, but I am eager to find out.

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them.

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow is an amazing Christian fiction novel with engaging characters and a heartfelt plot. The pacing pulled me into the story from the first page to the last page. The book gave me a true sense of the backcountry of Kentucky.

Addie Cowherd’s character desperately needs a job after she learns she can no longer stay in college and finds out her parents have lost their home when her father lost his position at the bank. I loved her indominable spirit, even when faced with a new community that practically shuns her because she lives with an elderly woman that the superstitious folks of Boone's Hollow believe is a witch. My hearts went out to her when she is unable to do her job because of the townsfolk's distrust.

Emmett Tharp has finished his business degree but cannot find employment in such a depressed economy, so he ends up in Boone’s Hollow faced with taking a job in the mines with his father, something he didn’t want to do. To his surprise, he discovers the young woman he’d met at his school prior to his graduation. I enjoyed his easy acceptance of his situation as he faces what had to be a blow to his pride and ego. Then his hesitation when he at last obtains a position and the head librarian.

As with most clean and wholesome romances, the love story blossoms from the friendship that grows between Addie and Emmett as they end up working together at the library. Their affection is sweet and lovely, and I truly wanted them to find their way to each other.

If you enjoy sweet and tender romances with endearing characters and a fulfilling plot, then you will love The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow as much as I did. While this is not the first book I’ve read by Ms. Sawyer, it is one that touched me. Happy reading!

Words have power. It doesn’t matter if we’re speaking them, reading them, or writing them. Words can build up and destroy. They can inspire and deflate. They can start wars and end them. Would be writer Addie knows this. Words in books gave her an escape as a child, and now she wants to share them with others. But the absence of certain words spoken by her adoptive parents leads to a shock that upends her life. Then, after taking a job in Boone’s Hollow, she discovers that words can mean the difference between acceptance and exile. How can she turn things around so that words can be used for good?

Maybe it’s me, but it feels like Appalachia has been a popular setting for Christian historical fiction this year. I’ve reviewed a couple of titles, and this is the second I’ve read in as many months set during the time of the Great Depression. Kim Vogel Sawyer’s new novel takes readers into the hills, where poverty, prejudice, discrimination, and other hardships are considered normal, and where outsiders and different ways of living are regarded with suspicion. Every character has a story and depth to them: Addie was adopted, Emmett obtained a college degree and now feels alienated from his father, Bettina dreams of escaping her troubled home, and Nanny Fay’s behavior is a result of previous events in her life. Vogel Sawyer’s genius is in introducing characters in such a way that I formed an opinion before I got to know them and then had to revise that opinion: a perfect example of prejudice at work.

Kim Vogel Sawyer always writes good books and I think I’ve enjoyed almost each one I’ve read over the years. This is no exception. It made me think about how we treat others without being preachy about it. If I’ve one criticism, it’s that I wanted more. Secondary character Bettina, a young woman I disliked at first, is someone I’d enjoy reading more about. I feel she has more to tell, and I’d love for her to get her happy ever after. 4.5 stars.


Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, the words and opinions above are my own.