Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.

This one is a solid 4/5 rating. The beginning was attention-grabbing and the characters were definitely endearing. While the narration switches through a couple different characters, their POVs and narration styles are so different that it's easy to to separate them. The narration and dialogue stayed authentic to Appalachian slang, which really gave the book a unique touch. While the middle seemed to sag a little bit -- not as much forward movement as I would've liked to see in the storyline -- it was still an enjoyable read and definitely thought-provoking. I especially appreciated that the basis of the book was built on something that occurred historically (moonlight schools), which really adds some depth to the book if you keep that context in mind while you're reading. The characters were quite dimensional and seemed to hop easily from the pages; the descriptions were vivid, and the storyline was compelling. Definitely a good read for fans of historical fiction!

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find the audio version through my local library app.
I am so happy I was gifted this novel! I love the cover first off. Also I love that this novel is a Christian book. Usually I have found that christian novels are all the same and just boring. But this was great. There is a little bit of romance in it but is mostly about another issue. It is based historical events and people. Highly recommend.

It's difficult to imagine how life would be if you could not read and write, but in the early 1900's many people did not have the choice to attend school to learn. They worked to support their families as soon as they were old enough to perform simple chores. THE MOONLIGHT SCHOOL by Suzanne Woods Fisher tells the story of a small group of adults who were determined to teach reading and writing to anyone who wanted to learn. The belief was that ridding the rea of illiteracy would be a huge step towards helping them out of the extreme poverty and hardship that was everyday life in 1900's Kentucky mountain homes. This story is based on a true story and real life characters appear throughout the fictional tale. The author displays her considerable skills as she pulls the reader into the life and homes of these families. This is a stand alone book, but Ms Fisher has a considerable back library that I will now investigate. Recommended to any one who is interested in life as it was in Appalachian history. When you finish reading, you'll appreciate so much more those teachers and counselors who taught you to read.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found this book incredibly interesting the author really kept me hooked until the end. very well written I highly recommend.

Based on true events.

Lucy Wilson is sent to work alongside Cora Wilson Stewart in the mountains of Appalachia. There she sees the hardship and resilience of the mountain people, as well as a need for literacy. A well written read that brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the mountain people, and the birth of the Moonlight Schools.

An entertaining and heartwarming read, filled with compelling characters. Fin especially brought a smile to my face almost every time I got to his chapters. It was amazing to see how people's self confidence grew as their worlds opened up with the ability to read and write their own names.

I loved how the author brought Appalachia to life, showing the resilience, determination, kindness, and stubborn pride of the mountain folk, as well as their rich culture. An entertaining read, heartwarming and masterfully told. Definitely recommend!


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

Because I have enjoyed the historical fiction I have read by Suzanne Woods Fisher, I decided to request The Moonlight School for review. I was especially interested in it after I read several positive reviews of it. When I finally got around to reading it, I was certainly not disappointed! This was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Lucy needed something worthwhile to fill her life. Or, maybe it was just that her father wanted to get her away from home so he could enjoy his new young wife by himself. Whatever the reason, she found herself travelling into the backwards of Kentucky to where her cousin, Cora Wilson Stewart, was working. Her aunt needed a stenographer, and Lucy was excited about helping her. Then she found out what the job really consisted of. Going out into the mountains to filthy, smelly hovels, reading letters to illiterate adults, and writing down their replies, was not what Lucy had signed up for. How could she get out of it?

Cora was the superintendent of education in the county, and her focus, of course, was the children. Almost all the adults in the county were illiterate. What could be done to help them? Then, Cora got an idea! With help from Brother Wyatt, the local singing teacher, who had caught her vision as well, she set to work to wipe out illiteracy. Meanwhile, Lucy found some clues to what happened to her two-year-old sister, who went missing many years before. What should she do with the clues she found?

Though Lucy is a fictitious character, the story is based on fact. Cora Wilson Stewart was a real person, and she really did find ways to combat illiteracy.  I loved the way this answer took a historical event, and turned it into a memorable story. The Moonlight School really brings to life the importance of literacy. I loved watching Lucy mature during the course of the story. She learned a lot about what was really important in life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: One character uses heck frequently. Another one uses dang once. There are a couple of kisses mentioned.

I love this author and all the genres that she writes. And this book I love more than all the others. I love when authors take a piece of history and fictionalize it, bringing it to life. I fell in love with Lucy, and the whole region. I love how the author allowed me to experience firsthand the struggles, trials and triumphs of the story. This is one that was so deep, it’s hard to put into words except, you will be better for reading it!

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! What an interesting and inspriing story! I highly recommend!! I learned so much about the literacy challenges and the ways we learn to adapt to help people!

It was a great novel. Loved reading it and the writer is great. Would most likely read again and recommend to others.

First sentence (from the prologue): [January 1899] Lucy Wilson shifted on the wooden bench, hardly aware of the afternoon chill as she waited for Father to return to the station. She was halfway through Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, and she sensed a niggling worry about sister Beth’s fragile health.

First sentence (from chapter one: [March 1911] The train jerked and jolted as it rumbled out of the station. Lucy Wilson stared out the window, watching her neat and tidy world fade into the distance.

Do you love Christy by Catherine Marshall? Have you read Christy a hundred times? Have you ever wished for MORE books like Christy? The Moonlight School is the book you've been waiting years for.

Lucy Wilson is nervous but excited to be going to visit (so she thinks) her cousin, Cora Wilson Stewart. She'll be acting as her assistant. She envisions the position like a special secretary. She wasn't expecting to be making the rounds in the community acting as a scribe. Reading folks' letters aloud and taking down their replies and mailing them. Lucy didn't realize that nearly all the adults in this rural mountain community are illiterate. There are schools for the children--but not for the adults.

As Lucy makes a home for herself in Rowan County, she meets a lot of people and learns valuable lessons....

Cora Wilson Stewart was a real woman. She really did start MOONLIGHT SCHOOLS to teach adults how to read and write. School was held in the evening between 7PM and 9PM for six weeks at a time. (I believe around September?) Her program was a success. Her work made a difference and had an impact.

I don't know that it is a complaint so much as a "warning" of sorts to other readers: don't expect the moonlight school to make an appearance until the book is nearly over. Rest assured it will be coming. But it will be a while. Lucy has a lot of life lessons to learn before the book can turn to history and the community.

I did love the story. I loved the characters. I loved the community.

Quotes:

Cora put her pen down and leaned back in her chair. “It takes an effort of the imagination to put oneself in the place of the illiterate. To picture what life is like for one who must get all his information by ear. If a man cannot read or write or vote, he cannot speak. He is mute. He is forgotten. You might think it’s a pity they cannot read, but the real tragedy is they cannot speak.” She picked up her pen. “That, Lucy, is the real tragedy of the twentieth century.”

“Empty graves . . . are exactly why the Lord Jesus went to the cross and rose again. To offer each one of us a chance for an empty grave.” He tilted his head. “‘Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.’” He looked Lucy straight in the eyes. “Wherever your sister Charlotte may be, she is not alone. She’s never been alone. The Lord is with her.” He grinned. “Amen. Sermon over.”

This book is just amazing. It's based on history and moonlight schools. What's that? Something I heard of long ago. When you have to work during the day, but still need an education, well then there is "night school". This was the foundation for so much literacy. In Kentucky, with a full moon, so people could see, lives were transformed.

I am thrilled with this book! I loved the characters and the fact that this is Kentucky history, where people came and learned to read and write. The community grew and improved, and lives were changed in positive directions. It's just fantastic to read. The Moonlight schools spread, and Alabama and Mississipi and other states would come to do the same, all lead by Cora. While this book is fictional about Cora, it's based on the real Cora Stewart and it's faith-filled. This story is moving, emotional, and still relevant today. I really couldn't get enough of this story.

I have bought my own copy, but wish to thank Celebrate Lit for this copy. This review is mine, left of my own volition. A positive review wasn't required​.

Lucy Wilson's life is clouded by the kidnapping/disappearance of her younger sister, Charlotte. Finally in early early 20s, Lucy goes to stay with her Cousin Cora to help with a literacy project in Kentucky. The lumber business is one of the few industries in the area and Lucy's father happens to be a lumber baron. Her background in the city has not prepared her for the hardscrabble life of the mountain folks. They are leery of her, but give her a chance due to her ties to Cora. Two gentlemen enter the story - Andrew who works in the lumber business and Brother Wyatt a singing schoolmaster. Lucy needs this time away from her father and his new, young wife, in order to find her own place in the world, without the cloud of Charlotte hanging over her.
NOTE: Cora is based on a real life educator with a vision to bring literacy to the adults of Rowan County. I appreciated the historical tie.

I enjoyed reading The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fischer. Lucy is sent to help her dad's cousin who is a female Superintendent of schools in Kentucky in the late 1800's. It's quite a change from the city to the country but eventually Lucy comes to love it and the people. The title is a tad misleading since the Moonlight School isn't mentioned until almost the end of the book but I do recommend the story as it's a good one!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

I absolutely love The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher! The Moonlight School is inspired by the life of Cora Wilson Stewart. Ms. Stewart was a school superintendent in Rowan County, Kentucky in the 1900s and her goal was to have a whole generation of mountain people to be able to read. Ms. Stewart came up with Moonlight Schools--schools that teach the mountain people to read during the evenings. These Moonlight Schools helped Ms. Stewart with her goal of literacy and many mountain people benefited from The Moonlight School The book is a fictional account of what really happened through the eyes of Ms. Stewart's cousin Lucy (Lucy is also fictional). I really loved this book and it reminded me of Christy by Catherine Marshall. I highly recommend this book! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. (This review is also on GoodReads.)

Classic Suzanne Woods Fisher. Authentic. Historial w/ a touch of realism. Beautifully written w/ real characterization. Highly recommended. Five stars.

I really enjoyed this novel by the talented Suzanne Woods Fisher. An inspiring tale, it focuses on adult illiteracy in 20th Century Kentucky. The "Moonlight Schools" were so-named because when these adults classes were devised, they had to be conducted on nights when the schoolhouses were empty and the moon was full enough for people to get there through the back woods.

Fisher drew me in with such well-drawn characters and great setting descriptions and historical details that I felt as if I had traveled back in time and lived through the story myself. I read this book weeks ago and am only getting to the review now, but I have not stopped thinking about it—it felt so real to me.

I enjoyed the character arc of the heroine, Lucy Wilson, who leaves behind her privileged life to help her cousin Cora (the real-life Cora Wilson Stewart) try to raise the literacy rate in rural Kentucky. Lucy starts out appalled by the primitive living conditions and afraid to venture into the woods on her own, but eventually rises to the challenges, comes to love and admire the people she meets, and proves her own strength and worth. There was a minor plot twist at the end (no spoilers here) that worked very well and tied things up neatly.

This was a clean, wholesome read that kept me turning pages. I appreciate that it introduced me to a part of the country and a piece of history I knew nothing about and will now never forget. Kudos to Suzanne Woods Fisher! Highly recommended.

The Moonlight School was a valuable story to read! It features the worthwhile deeds of Cora Wilson, the first superintendent in Rowan County Kentucky. 'The Moonlight School highlights the harsh conditions of Rowan County families in poverty, and the lengths Cora and Lucy went to make sure this community received worthwhile education. This was a worthwhile historical fiction tale with strong women. I loved reading about Lucy's journey from a reserved, refined young woman to one who overcomes her anxieties.

Thank you to Netgalley and Revell for the gifted digital copy!

While the writing was excellent, I found the story very slow going. Why? Because while the title and the book description had intrigued me with the promise of the moonlight schools, the school wasn't mentioned at all in the first half of the book.

So if the story isn’t about the moonlight schools, what is it about? It’s about Lucy Wilson, who leaves her home in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1911, to work as assistant to her father’s cousin, Cora Wilson Stewart, the first female Superintendent of Education in Rowan County.

Lucy initially finds the move from city to country life difficult, and I found her difficult to like. She seemed like a bit of a wet blanket, and I didn’t exactly find it believable that her upper-middle class upbringing hadn’t included riding lessons. However, I warmed to Lucy as she gradually got to know and appreciate the countryside and the people, and as she comes to appreciate the benefits of the less sophisticated way of life.

Lucy is also upset by the way the lumber companies—including her father’s company—are ruining the land. She realises one of the reasons is because the local people don’t understand the logging contracts they are signing, because they can’t read. This leads into conversations about literacy and the beliefs of the time: that adults can’t learn to read.

An unexpected meeting leads Cora to question that belief, and to develop the idea of the moonlight schools.

After that, I got into the story better and enjoyed it a lot more. Parts of the story were reminiscent of Christy by Catherine Marshall, including the innocent young girl barely out of school, the crusty older woman as the mentor, and the subtle and not-so-subtle attention of two very different men.

Overall, I think I would have enjoyed the book much more if it had been described as a coming-of-age story in the style of Christy, set against the backdrop of the changes logging brought to the Appalachians—good and bad—and the subsequent motivation to improve adult literacy. I think if I’d have known that before I read the story, I would have enjoyed it more.

As such, my reactions to this book show the importance of setting expectations as an author, then delivering on them. The book was excellent. But it wasn’t the book the title or book description promised.

Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

I loved The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher so much. I had no idea that Cora Wilson Stewart was a real person who did, in fact, start Moonlight Schools for the adults. I loved the characters. I really liked to see Lucy going from revulsion to the mountain people towards embracing them. I admired Wyatt because he lived his faith. Thank you to Netgalley and Revell for the copy. All opinions expressed are my own.