This book is an absolute joy to read. It's a delightfully story about a traveling librarian that holds your attention from the first page. The author brought the story to life with her words; you can see the scenery and feel all the emotions. This is a faith-filled heartwarming book that you don't want to miss. If you like historical christian fiction you will love this book. This book would be wonderful for a book club, it has discussion questions at the end of the book. This book is a solid 5 stars! Thank you WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

An outstanding novel that teaches grace and biases in a way that appeals to readers hearts even more than their minds. Strong characters developed throughout the book and twists and turns in the plot made it hard to put down! The author has written another great book!

Ooh, this was so wonderful!

I read "The Librarian of Boone's Hollow" by Kim Vogel Sawyer now, since I recently read "A Strand of Hope" by Amanda Tero, and am reading the other books in the Librarians of Willow Hollow Series which has sparked a keen interest in the horseback librarians.

At a harsh time in history, The Great Depression impacted most of the world, and it is not something I have researched all that much, aside from a few books that mentioned it (yes, they normally ended up taking place during WWII as well...)

This novel has a strong message of how to treat others, I fell in love with the town of Boone's Hollow and the citizens' stories.

Mentions of physical abuse.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This is a Christian historical story set in the 1930s. Difficult topics, such as prejudices and stereotypes, are addressed, all in the shadow of the Great Depression.

Addie is a determined character who wants to do the right thing, no matter what. Her character development was inspiring. Key themes of family and forgiveness, as well as a faith element, are woven throughout. The characters show the importance of relying on God.

"Books, Addie, have the power to change people for the better."

I've never read or learned about the WPA program, so I found that angle interesting and educational. Sawyer's research was in-depth and the story showcases the spirit of the time. She crafted relatable and realistic characters who pull the reader in. If you're a fan of historical fiction, this is a book to add to your to-be-read pile.

This story takes place in a couple of neighboring mountain communities during the Great Depression. A WPA project has started a team of horseback librarians delivering books to local citizens. I loved seeing the growth of the characters throughout the book and how God was able to show His presence in many unexpected ways.

The title and the cover were intriguing enough, but what made me opt for this book was the description. It reminded me of "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes, and I was eager to see if Kim Vogel Sawyer had anything new to offer to the story.

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow talks of Addie, an upright city girl who ends up as a packhorse librarian during the economic slump caused by the Great Depression. As an outsider who seems to make rather unpopular choices, she is shunned by the community of Boone's Hollow. How she manages to make a place for herself and wins over their hearts with grace and love forms the rest of the story.

Unlike the Jojo Moyes book, the focus in this book is more on the people struggling during the depression rather than on the packhorse librarians. In that sense, it is an interesting read. But it has nothing extraordinary to offer and is quite predictable.

On a day when you want a nice casual book to relax with, this would be a good one to pick up. Don't look for anything out of the ordinary, and you'll enjoy it as it's a rather sweet story.

My rating: 3.75


With thanks to NetGalley and
WaterBrook & Multnomah Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received a free e-ARC of this book from Netgalley.
This is actually the 3rd book I've read lately about the library book delivering horsewomen in KY so I guess several authors got this idea at the the same time. I really did enjoy this one. It stands out for a number of reasons: main characters are likable, and sometimes more optimistic than seems natural, but their likability overrides this. This one has a Christian undertone so if you like clean books, this is for you. Addie has to leave college when her adopted parents can't pay for the rest of her semester, but she always seems to "pollyanna" her way out of every negative situation.

A lovely, sweet story set in the 1930s about a young woman touched by the Depression who finds a job as a packhorse librarian with the WPA. In the small rural community, she also discovers the power of prayer and how kindness can change attitudes.

I often avoid "Christian fiction" because the faith message often overpowers the plot and character development. I did not find that the case here. Sawyer writes of the power of faith and prayer and there are several Bible quotes and references to church attendance and participation. The story and the characters, however, stand out here and the message of grace and Christian kindness are important but not to the detriment of the story. Addie is a young woman with doubts and emotions that fit the time and story, as are the other main characters. The theme of kindness and understanding is key to the plot, and it would still be the message even without the Biblical references. Emmett is believable as the miner's son who now has a college degree, but still yearns for his father's approval. The backdrop is the story of the real WPA librarians who brought books and literacy to the hill folk.

One of my favorite genres is historical fiction, and this is a wonderful addition to the genre.. Yes, it's somewhat predictable (although there are a few surprises) and (of course) there's a happily ever after ending. Some will be put off by that and the religious references, but because it's a look at the very real issues of unemployment, long-held biases, and the costs of illiteracy and isolation, I would highly recommend this book

I wish to thank Net Galley and Waterbrook Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Set in the rural hills of Kentucky during the depression this is a charming story of a town with a library that sends librarians out on horseback to deliver reading materials to families way up in the hills. It is full of fun characters and hard times of the period. It is snapshot of family life and troubles for coal miners, bootleggers and town people. This is a book that has it all, love, jealousy, unlikely friendships and lost dreams. I highly recommend it as a fast read that I really enjoyed reading.

Setting: Kentucky in the 1930s, during the height of the Depression
If you grew up during the 1970s and enjoyed watching “The Walton’s”, this book is for you! It has the same “flavor” to it; all about life and survival in a backwoods mountain town during the Great Depression. It was a time when caring men and women went out of their way to distribute reading materials by horseback to the mountain people, in an effort to bring some pleasure and hope into the lives of those less fortunate.
I would highly recommend this to all readers of historical fiction!

Young Adelaide “Addie” Cowherd’s world falls apart when she’s suddenly dismissed from the University of Kentucky due to financial woes. Her adoptive family has lost its house and Addie has to find a job to help pay the bills. Fast. But jobs are hard to come by during the Great Depression.

Emmet Tharp is the first person in Boone’s Hollow to ever graduate from college. But his degree isn’t much good when no one’s hiring and coal mining or making moonshine are the town’s economic mainstays.
Disconnected and disappointed, both Emmet and Addie wind up in Boone’s Hollow, a tiny burg in the hills of Kentucky. Emmet goes home to the Hollow after graduating and can’t find a job. Desperate, he winds up in the in the nearby Lynch coal mine along with his Paw.

Addie worked part-time in the town library to help pay her college bills. But the library budget is tight and there’s no money for a full-time job. So Addie eventually signs on as a “packhorse librarian” in Boone’s Hollow, delivering books to isolated hill people by horseback.

Addie’s arrival at Boone’s Hollow is dismaying. The residents are desperately poor and distrustful of newcomers. The town “library” is a former smokehouse. Suspicious locals regard her as a high falutin “city gal” and an outsider. But Addie learned “Do unto others…” at her mother’s knee and is determined to treat everyone with kindness and respect, including those who are openly antagonistic and insolent.

But when Addie decides to board with Nanny Fay, a sweet elderly woman who’s the center of malicious gossip and an ancient feud, Addie must battle not only poverty and ignorance, but also jealousy and generations-old grudges.

Then the library director departs due to illness. Emmett quits the coal mine to the consternation of Paw and is hired to take on the directorship. After running into each other at and end-of-the-year bonfire at the University of Kentucky, both Emmet and Addie are surprised to reconnect in the Boone’s Hollow library. Can their budding romance survive petty jealousies and ancient feuds?

Meanwhile, something dark and sinister is brewing in the town. Violence simmers just beneath the surface. Hostility and malevolence drip off Boone’s Hollow like water from a leaky faucet. Another young packhorse librarian, Bettina, is at its center. Bettina has designs on marrying Emmett to escape her abusive father. And she’s not above scheming and conniving to do it, even if that means running Addie out of town. And who’s trying to destroy the library program?

Boone’s Hollow is a smoldering powder keg.

But as an aspiring author with rock-solid Christian faith, Addie knows books have the power to change people for the better. And so does God’s grace. Can kindness conquer hatred and distrust?

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow is superbly written and expertly paced. Chapters glide easily one after another. Dialogue is credible and sturdy. Characters are rich and full-bodied. The plot is a masterful blend of mystery, history, and romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page.. Rimming with rustic charm, this inspiring historical novel gently demonstrates that “Grace is what God does best.” That kindness matters. And that blueberry jam may indeed taste like happiness.

Indeed, this lively, uplifting story is reminiscent of Catherine Marshall’s “Christy.” Sure to become a classic in its own right, The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow is easily one of the season’s best. A delightful read!

#TheLibrarianofBoonesHollow
#NetGalley

'The Lord done real good when He crafted Miss Adelaide Cowherd.'

Kim Vogel Sawyer has written a book that goes way down deep and makes your heart smile. Based on the true stories of the packhorse librarians in Kentucky in the early twentieth century. Sawyer gives us a glimpse into the lives of the hill folk who are proud even though they are incredibly impoverished. She has created wonderfully memorable characters in Emmett, Addie and Nannie Fay, even Bettina. I was in tears near the ending. Filled me up. Highly recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.

You ever have that book that just falls in your hands at the perfect moment? Well, that was The Librarians of Boone's Hollow for me. I love giving books five stars, but usually there's just something in a book that knocks off a star for me--whether it is content, writing style, etc.

I honestly can't think of giving this one any less than five stars. It was just so beautifully done. I have loved reading Kim Vogel Sawyer's books for years now, and this is one of my favorites.

Maybe it's because I just finished researching the packhorse librarians for my own book or maybe it's because I'm a college student like Emmett and Addie. Or maybe it's just that I needed a good, solid, steady read right now. Regardless, this book was totally the perfect fit.

I love all of the characters. Emmett wasn't a perfect young man, but he was genuine. Addie was a total sweetheart. If she had a fault, it was perhaps in being a little too perfect at times. And then there was Bettina. Wow, that girl. She was one of the most unique characters and yet you couldn't help but feel sorry for her and understand her reason behind her actions. Nanny Fae was a beautiful picture of someone following Jesus even when it was hard.

The Christian message flowed steadily throughout the entire book, which is a huge plus for me. Especially in this day and age, we can all use the reminder to be kind to people--to "kill them with kindness," as Addie's parents admonished her. That was such a lovely theme, and to have it backed with Scripture was beautiful.

The romance was perfect for me. It was simmering throughout the entire story, but wasn't full of lustful wishes or thoughts. Rather, it was natural attraction in the flow of life. That, I can approve of. Those who wish for no romance might not want to read this, but honestly I would hand it to my 17 year-old sister without any qualms.

Reading this just left me satisfied and happy--which is a delightful feeling to have at the conclusion of a book.

*I received this from NetGalley and happily provided my honest review*

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow
A Novel
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
WaterBrook & Multnomah
You Are Auto-Approved
WaterBrook
Christian | Historical Fiction
Pub Date 15 Sep 2020 | Archive Date 31 Dec 2020

I have read many of Kim Vogel Sawyers's books and this one I could not resist. The great story of a traveling librarian and the people who loved books.
Thanks to NetGalley and WaterBrook and Multnomah for the ARC.

5star

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer had me hooked a few paragraphs in, when the story took a direction I did not expect. From that moment on, I read with a hunger for answers. I was drawn in to the story right along with Addie Cowherd, as she met and made friends and enemies. I was not able to puzzle out a few of the plot twists until they happened and that left me with pleasant surprise dancing inside of me.

My heart ached at the poverty and struggles the residents of Boone's Hollow experienced, as well as the abuse and injustice they suffered at the hands of each other and the mining companies. I also recognized the truth of their stories. I have visited a historic mining town in Kentucky and have seen and learned about the mining way of life in the same time frame that Addie entered Boone's Hollow. I wanted to see the people of Boone's Hollow overcome the superstitions of their past and recognize Addie's good heart ,as well as fall in love with Nanny Fay, as much as I did. We all could learn a lot from Nanny Fay! I felt like Nanny Fay could have had her own story and I would have benefited from the telling of it, as much as I was convicted by the life Nanny Fay led, and the grace she found to forgive. The amazing grace of Nanny Fay was seen in how she opened Addie's eyes to more than just the surface things other member's of Boone's Hollow allowed Addie to see. It changed how she viewed Bettina, a character I even struggled to reconcile with.. The book challenged me to look at assumptions and even the way others' superstitions and judgements can cloud my ability to see clearly.

The story unraveled at just the right pace to keep me hungry for more while unfolding in such a way that I felt I was one page away from figuring it all out. The characters fit with my knowledge of mining towns and left me aching to know more about some of them. There is so much room for additional stories to come out of the characters of Boone's Hollow!

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow was a pleasure to read! While it was definitely a feel good read MS Sawyer dealt with some issues that are very prominent today. Addie had to make decisions on how she would let her friend s and coworkers prejudice influence her friendship with Nancy Fay, Addie and her parents were confronted with economic challenges . Issues that Christian’s around the world are grappling with today. And as a book lover I loved the library theme.
I plan to post this review on Amazon closer to the publication date

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a Christian novel about the Pack Horse Library project in Kentucky in the 1930s. The Depression takes its toll on both Addie and Emmett. Addie’s father loses his job and home and eventually Addie must leave college before the end of her junior year. Determined to help her family and pay her back tuition, Addie takes a position in Boone’s Hollow as a bookbag lady. Emmett ends up back home with his family after graduation but cannot find a job—he’s overqualified for every position he applies for. Addie interacts positively with Nanny Fay—a mountain woman who is shunned by the rest of the Boone’s Hollow community. Overcoming suspicion and mistrust is the theme of this sweet story. Four stars!

3 1/2 stars rounded up. Addie Cowherd has a dream of becoming an author. While in college during the depression, her funds run out when her father loses his job. To support herself and her parents, she takes on a job as a horseback librarian. The backwoods town in Kentucky has a long history of superstition and prejudice. Addie has to find a way to overcome that prejudice and in the process fulfill her passion for writing. I enjoyed this book. It was a fairly simple story, but it had love, intrigue, jealousy and redemption. A nice, clean book with a nice, Christian undertone.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A good story and well written, but slow to start then hard to stay interested in. I think the concept is great, and characters have a lot of potential to be interesting, but both lack the depth I'd hoped for.

I quickly found myself immersed in this book. I really liked the characters and their stories. I liked the christian themes interwoven into the narrative.
I found the resolution a bit fast and was disappointed the book was over. Which, in a way, says much about how enjoyable the story was overall.