If you loved The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek, you will love The Librarian of Boone's Hollow. The story is set first in Lexington and then in Boone's Hollow, Kentucky in 1936. The country is still struggling following the stock market crash of '29, and Addie Cowherd's world has just come crashing down. Suddenly she finds herself dismissed from school with no place to go, and only a part time job. Emmett Tharp, a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky, the first from Boone's Hollow, unable to find a job in the city, returns to his hometown hoping to find something there. Boone's hollow is not a place that easily accepts strangers or those who leave and come back different. The mountain people have a code of their own, and Addie and Emmett must find a way to become part of the community and part of the healing.

The themes of this book are very timely for today. The story is both encouraging and entertaining. It allows one to escape to another time and place, but not run away from the challenges of the here and now. I am grateful to have received a copy of The Librarian of Boone's Hollow from Waterbrook via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow is a wonderful fast-paced read that pulls you in from the beginning. The characters are realistic, well-written, and depicts life in Kentucky during the Great Depression.

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow takes readers back in time during the days of the depression to Boone’s Hollow, a mining town in the hills of Kentucky. Addie Cowherd’s family has experienced financial difficulties that have forced her to leave her college classes as well as her beloved part-time job in the library. She has no choice but to find a full-time job but the only one available requires her to move to Boone’s Hollow to work for the horseback library delivery there. As a city girl, Addie finds life in the hills to be more difficult than she expected and learns more than she ever wanted to know about rivalries and feuds among the hill people. Only her determination and the Lord could help her succeed.

Emmett Tharp is the first resident of Boone’s Hollow to graduate from college but a degree has not been enough to secure him a job during such hard times. He is forced to return home, certain someone will have a job for him but only a job working underground for the mining company is available. Naturally Emmett and Addie crossed paths at some point and worked together to make the library system a success despite subtle attempts to sabotage their friendship and even more blatant attacks when those did not succeed.

Strong and lifelike characters populate the pages of this story. Not only are Emmett and Addie well-developed but other characters also come to life. I appreciated the way one particular unlovable and sometimes vindictive character was portrayed in a way that offered understanding and sympathy for the reason she acted the way she did. This wonderful tale presents a strong story of forgiveness and illustrates how showing the love of Christ can bring a divided community together.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A new aspect of history, the great depression in the hill country of Kentucky. Setting in the city with modern developments and then in a mining community in the hills with poverty. Fascinating as it explains the WPA program and the start of libraries getting the books out to the people in the rural hills. Loved feeling a part of history, the characters became like friends and a timely perspective on accepting others. Faith through the Word of God in the hearts and minds of the characters also made the book more enjoyable. I hope this book becomes a best seller and impacts the world with the perspective it brings. It is my favorite fiction book this year.

This is a book that I would recommend. I chose this book because of the beautiful cover and that it was written by Kim Vogel Sawyer.
Addie Cowherd was a typical college student until the day when she was summoned to the office of the dean. Her part-time job at the city library would not pay for her college tuition so she was forced to find another job since she could not continue her education. With the help of her friends at the city library, Addie was able to accept a position as a circuit-riding book delivery for the library in the hills of Kentucky.
Emmett Tharp, whom Addie chance met just before leaving college, graduated with a business degree and after pounding the pavement searching for employment went back to his hometown in the hills of Kentucky. After many frustrating attempts to find suitable employment, he finally settles on working with his father in the mines. Emmett finds that that job is ill-suited for him and he jumps at the chance to accept the position of the librarian in Boone’s Hollow.
This job comes with its own headaches and drama among the book delivery gals and the local superstitions of the people among the hills.
I was given a free copy of this book for review by Net Galley and the opinion is my own. #TheLibrarianofBoone’sHollow #KimVogelSawyer #NetGalley

I just knew I’d love this book – I like everything written by this superb author, and I found it a delightful read. Be sure to not start it too late in the day as you’ll be up all night wanting to finish it! The Packhorse Library system in Boone’s Hollow Kentucky in the 1930’s is the setting, and I loved the vivid descriptions of the hilly backwoods community and the unique, quirky characters that lived there. City girl Addie is put to work delivering books, on a sometimes contrary horse, up into these hills. Learning to live without city luxuries and figuring out how to become accepted by the community was a challenge to her. I loved the character development of Bettina, and was intrigued by Emmett’s transformation. But my favorite character was Nanny Fay, a woman with her own secrets who had been virtually alienated by the rest of the Boone’s Hollow.

I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review; all opinions are my own.

I’m going to cut to the chase. Get this book. I read it in two sittings, only because I had to go to work. I was captivated from the first word.

Based on true events, author Kim Vogel Sawyer writes a fascinating story about traveling librarians in the hills of Kentucky, and the WPA program. That alone is interesting enough for those who enjoy history. But she created incredible characters with trials and tribulations, superstitions and celebrations. And does it in such a way that I wanted to pack my backs and head for the hills.

The descriptions in the story are incredible. You’ll learn about the living conditions, the terrain, and so much more. I promise you’ll feel placed right in Boone’s Hollow. To see the grit and fortitude that people had to have to live there will make you thankful for what you have.

If you enjoy Christian historical fiction with a light romance then run and get a copy of The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

This is a wonderful story of a young woman's struggle during the depression era. This is a wonderful story of faith and courage. This story gives the reader a good idea of what was like during this period of time; the hardships, what people had to give up in order to survive. A story of faith, when people were losing their faith.
Readers will enjoy the characters. Ms. Vogel has done an amazing job with this novel and her readers will not be disappointed.

The Librarian of Boone’s County penned by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a terrific historical novel set during the Great Depression. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey each of the characters took to make it through the trying times they faced, life was hard for most everyone in that time period and the author wrote of those hardships in such a way that it drew me into their lives. As a reader, that’s exactly what I wanted and that’s exactly what I got.

I found the storyline extremely interesting as I read about the librarians traveling through the rugged countryside by horseback or mule to deliver reading material to the community scattered across the mountains. It really was fascinating as is the story of the men and boys who worked in the mining industry even if they didn’t relish the idea but they did what they had to feed their families. Some of the situations the characters were in was heartbreaking but I really did admire and respect their determination and hard work.

Overall, I thought this novel was beautifully crafted with compelling characters. I also liked the pace and I got to know the characters which made for a wonderful read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

While I enjoyed The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, I definitely felt myself struggling at times. If I'm honest, I almost set it aside. Maybe it was me, maybe it was the way the story unfolded, it's hard to say. That being said, there were things I enjoyed, and I shared those over on my blog. (linked below)

I was so excited to get an advance copy of this book! It releases September 15, 2020.
Quick synopsis: Addie is attending college and happy about her future when she gets bad news. Her parents have hit financial trouble and have lost their home. It also means that Addie's school bill cannot be paid. She would do anything to help her parents and is thrilled when a job opportunity comes up to work in a library in Boone's Hollow, Kentucky. Addie loves books and she is eager to start her job so that she can begin to send money back to her parents.

Emmett is from Boone's Hollow, but knows Addie from college. They met briefly at a bonfire at school, but don't really know each other. Emmett graduated from the college and returned home. He has all about given up on his dream to have a career due to not being able to find a job in the area of his degree and so he decides to join his father in the coal mines.

Bettina has lived in Boone's Hollow her whole life but has never furthered her education. She is content to live in the small town and lead a simple life. She has her eyes set for Emmett and is ecstatic when he returns from college She also works for the library system delivering books by horseback to the less fortunate folks on the mountain. She is convinced she and Emmett can have a future together to include marriage.

Emmett is shocked to find Addie in Boone's Hollow and Bettina is not happy at all seeing that Emmett knows her. Trouble follows in the story, not only with personal relationships, but with someone who may just be trying to get rid of the library program. So much more happens and other characters are introduced but I don't want to give too much away. There are good lessons in here on not making snap judgments about how people live and to not make decisions about people without finding out about them on your own. It is dangerous to just listen to talk that may not be true.

This story is a nod to the Works Progress Administration which included REAL librarians on horseback. I find this fascinating as I am a huge book and library fan. You can read more about the real librarians here: Horse Riding Librarians.

I really enjoyed this story and felt it went along very quickly. I was not only interested in what was happening to the characters, but I love any book that makes me look into a subject even more. Kim Vogel Sawyer did not disappoint. If you like books, libraries and learning more about historical subjects, this book is for you.

I really appreciate WaterBrook Multnomah for the advance copy and for this opportunity to read this fascinating story.

This book kept me up later reading it and I resumed reading it early this morning, finishing it within less than 24 hours. Now the long wait for the next title.
I have read almost all of this author's books and there are plenty of them because they are just that fabulous! She really puts her heart and soul into her books and I really love the research she puts into each and every book. It just makes them that much better.
In this one we are transported back to the hill country of Kentucky, this mining town was full of people in the boonies who are wary of strangers so this traveling librarian,Addie Cowherd didn't know if she'd ever be able to fulfill her dreaming of becoming a published novelist since she wasn't one of them.
It was interesting to read about the struggles during the Great Depression and my favorite character is Nanny Fay who was really not what the people thought she was but just a lonely old woman.
Heartwarming this will be one you'll remember!

Pub Date 15 Sep 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Kim Vogel Sawyer never disappoints, and this book was up to her usual fine standards. Set in the depression era when times were hard for everyone, but especially those living in the hills of Kentucky. Thanks to Roosevelt's WPA project, Boone's Hollow had a much needed, but very run down small library. Abbie Cowherd finds a job there when her parents' no longer have the money for her to continued her final year at the University of Kentucky. Her part time library job during college helped her land the job as a horseback librarian in Boone's Hollow where the mountain people don't have much use for outsiders.

Sawyer's portrayal of the mountain people, the town, their speech, their ways, and their disdain for outsiders was well done. The relationship between Abbie and Emmett was so sweet as professional as Emmett was trying to be. Bettina another of the book deliverers was conniving, deceitful, and obsessed with Emmett. But as the story unfolded, it was much clearer what was behind her behavior. I especially liked how Abbie's grace and love led to Bettina's life being changed for the better. I especially loved the role Nanny Fay played in Abbie's life and Bettina's as well as the change she effected in the town's attitude toward outsiders.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

A while back, some polls were taken of Christian fiction readers. Many said their favorite fiction book of all time was Catherine Marshall’s Christy. Now we are blessed with several Christy-like books on the market. Certainly, the Appalachia of times gone by has a nostalgic pull for readers.
Kim Vogel Sawyer’s depiction of the Kentucky hills and her proud, but superstitious people will sate some of the longings to know these people who lived by their own code of honor. It wasn’t enough to live in the hills, one needed to be born and bred in the hills, know the neighbors from birth, and adhere to the superstitions.
In 1936, Addie Cowherd and Emmett Tharp, near strangers, and separate of each other, leave college in Lexington, KY, and attempt to make their respective homes in Boone’s Hollow (pronounced ”Holler” by the mountain folk). Emmett is rejected because of his outside education; Addie, for being a total stranger to an area where being a stranger ”like to as not” can get you shot on sight.
Sawyer shows us throughout the story what life in the mountains could be like. Superstitions run high, distrust of strangers is learned early, family feuds are fed for generations, and anyone stepping off the mountain is seen as a traitor.
Stills hide in the trees, feeding addiction, which then, in turn, feeds abuse, yet neighbors refuse to break the ”code of honor.”
I couldn’t believe that at the end of the story, Ms. Sawyer had me loving the person she had shown unlovable. That’s talent! And those are characters- who can forgive that mightily! So much to learn, more than even reading, from the people of ”Boone Holler.”
My two favorite characters (who like to be too shy to take a bow) would be Emmett’s mother, Damaris, and Nanny Fay. They just might could be the backbone of the mountain.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. I also bought my own copy, to be sure I didn’t miss it. All opinions are my own, and no positive review was required.
Notable Quotables:
“...yawning during a sermon is most certainly a sin.”
“Just ’cause nobody else knows you done somethin’ extra special don’t mean it ain’t special.”
”She’d cracked that mirror herself so her soul could escape if the mirror captured it, but she didn’t want to take no chances by looking at herself too long.”

As I was finishing this story I couldn’t wait to tell my daughter about it. This is what I wrote: “You have to read Kim Vogel Sawyer’s new book. It’s called The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow. It takes place in 1936 (the year my parents got married) in Kentucky. It’s about the Carnegie libraries and the WPA program (Works Progress Administration) that created jobs for people during the Great Depression.”

This story touched my heart. Some people in the story were nursing old grudges and superstitions. Others loved God and their neighbors and showed love no matter what they were faced with. It’s a lesson a lot of folks still need to learn in our day and time.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

What an amazing historical account of the packhorse librarians of rural Kentucky. It is very enlightening and carries a powerful faith filled message with characters that are well developed and each have a unique personality. Ms Sawyer has captured a vivid picture of these people that is both delightful and entertaining. I could identify with the clannish behavior as some of it still holds true today in the Appalachian Mountains. It is a story masterfully crafted and will leave you wanting more. I feel in love with Bettina even though I didn’t want to like her. She had me dabbing my eyes as I learned her story and is a perfect example of don’t judge a book by its cover. Everybody needs a Nannie Faye in their life to show them how to treat others. You will stay up late to finish but then be disappointed it is over. This will go on my favorites shelf along with all my other books by this author. I was thankful to receive a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

A Historical Fiction Novel set in the Kentucky Mountains during the Great Depression. While reading this book, I could tell that Sawyer had done a great deal of research. The book is beautifully written. The characters are well researched and likeable. Sawyer took time in learning the superstitions of the Mountain people and how they were passed down from one generation to the next.

Addie is a junior in college, when she finds out, that due to the Great Depression, she must drop out of school as her family has no way of paying the tuition. Though, she is scared, she takes a job through the WPA program. While, there she learns to accept God's graces. The mountain people are so different but showing God's love toward them, might just endure her to their heart.

Emmit left Boone's Hollow for college, thinking he would only visit for a short time, before finding a job in the city. The Great Depression makes that impossible, so he is stuck in the coal mines. Only good thing about that, is he gets closer to his dad.

I recommend this book. It is written well and as you read the words on the pages, you are transported back in time to the Kentucky Mountains.

Thanks to Netgalley for the Kindle version of this book for my honest opinion and thoughts.

I highly recommend this book. Addie Cowherd is an endearing young girl with a plan for her life that is turned upside down by the Great Depression. The strength of Christian character instilled in her by her parents, leads her to follow a path that she trusts God has prepared. The author has created a heartwarming, page turning read that will not disappoint. You will want to take a trip to Boone's Hollow to visit the characters that are so beautifully brought to life.

Prejudice runs deep, but can be overcome!

Promise you won’t let their actions dictate your reactions - Miss West, library director

For Addie Cowherd, life is made up of studying hard and working part-time at the library so that she can earn her degree. College is not available to everyone, and she knows how hard her adoptive parents are working to allow her this privilege. When their situation changes drastically, she must make her own way, so the job of packhorse librarian sounds like a gift from heaven. A different and unexpected world greets her when she arrives in Boone’s Hollow. Prejudice is rampant, money is scarce and it seems the only friend she has is the woman she boards with. Can she learn to keep her thoughts and feelings from showing on her face?

Emmett Tharp, formerly of Boone’s Hollow, had graduated from college and is ready to find that job that does not require him to spend long hours in the dark, breathing in coal dust. Returning to Boone’s Hollow is not part of that plan. The Lord, however, seems to have other plans for both Emmett and Addie. Will they be receptive to His will?

This ARC was received through WaterBrook and Random House. The thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

#The Librarian of Boone's Hollow# by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a historical fiction book. Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best selling author . This story takes place just after World War II. The economy is not good. It is a hard time to find employment. The main characters parents lost their home. Her father lost his job. It was difficult for her parents to start over and for her Dad to job hunt. There were many people out Thank you to the author, publisher, netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. I will post my review on Goodreads, netgalley, booksamillion, bookhub, Barnes and Noble, CBD.com , my blog , facebook,and with church staff.