This was a great book! I had ever heard of these moonlight schools before. I love how the author brought out the point that literacy was so important to the people of the mountains, even though they didn't think they needed to learn. With the logging companies coming in and making deals with people who were illiterate, and ruining their land, it was truly imperative they learn to read.

The sub story of Charlotte's disappearance was okay, but not thrilling. In the end I'm not sure I agree with the decision that was made regarding that. The fact that the father re-married to a woman his daughter's age was disturbing to me. I'm not sure why the author chose to have the new wife be so young. For friction, I suppose?

I did love following Brother Wyatt's story, and would love to read more about him and his life. He is a humble character who loves the Lord, and served others without fanfare. I would like to know where he got his start.

I enjoyed the setting, and the realization by Lucy that the mountain people aren't missing anything by not having automobiles and electricity, etc. in their lives. It was a great story with good reminders for all of us.

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher
The Moonlight School is a good story. Set in the hollows of Kentucky, the book provides a close look at
the lives of those that lived with just enough to get by. These people were hardworking, self sufficient
and content. This book was set in 1911 when women were not accepted as equal to men. This
inspirational book is filled with life lessons. I really enjoyed reading this book. The words used in the
hollows did slow down my reading. I would recommend this book for Historical Christian fiction fans,
inspirational fiction fans, people who are interested in literacy, and people who want to know more
about timber harvesting. There is a little mystery and romance, too. This book was provided through
Celebrate Lit, the publisher and the author for my review. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts. #NetGalley #MoonlightSchool

This book was a slow read but as the story progressed, it became more interesting. It still was not a stellar story in my opinion.

I ❤️ that Suzanne Woods Fisher's Story, "The Moonlight School" is based on True Events of Cora Wilson Stewart. It's about the start of an Adult Literacy Program in 1911 eastern Kentucky. It's also about Lucy & Wyatt's Romance. I ❤️ how SWF masterfully weaves the contrasts into the Novel: rich vs. heart-wrenching poverty, fearful vs. confident, literate vs. illiterate, emotionally cared for vs. emotionally distant, God centered vs. self centered, a caring community vs. a community divided by classes, and victim vs. predictor. I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Engrossing, Historic, Christian Gem of a Story, to see if Lucy finally masters riding a horse!

With an easy style that fans have grown to love, Suzanne Woods Fisher explores the world of rural Kentucky of the early 1900s. Illiteracy is a curse for the people that inhabit the hills and hollers of Rowan County, but Cora Wilson Stewart is determined to change that as the first woman elected as education superintendent — at a time when women still did not have the right to vote! Fisher takes this remarkable woman’s life and weaves a fictional account of the advent of Moonlight Schools that helped to bring literacy to the state. I loved that Stewart is a central figure, but it is her fictional cousin, Lucy Wilson, who brings the reader into the story. The Moonlight School is full of wonderful characters, young and old, that bring the time and place to life. A long ago mystery haunts Lucy. She is stuck in the past. But her new found vocation opens her eyes to many things. There are life lessons for many of the characters, as well as spiritual truths that resonated with this reader. Sweet romance is in the air in true Woods fashion. Also the mystery is resolved, but in a surprising way. While I believe The Moonlight School is a standalone historical novel, I sure wish I could get a return visit to see how the Moonlight Schools fare and the characters grow. For those who want a little more, there’s a great note on fact and fiction in the novel.

Fisher does it again — humor, romance, and a message of hope awaits readers of The Moonlight School.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens to adults.

(Thanks to NetGalley and Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Get the book. Seriously, get this book. Author Suzanne Woods Fisher writes a story, based on true events, that kept me enthralled from the first page. I found the characters well developed and in fact, so true to life that I know they were talking to me. Which of course they do in a good book. I fell in love with several of them and was amazed at their strength. The descriptions of the hills, the homes there, the mountains, was all very well done.

If I had one disappointment it’s that the Moonlight Schools don’t come into play until quite late in the book. I would have liked to hear more about them and what went on in the classrooms.

All in all, this was a really good book and if you enjoy historical fiction full of twists, turns, and heart changes, then I highly recommend this one.

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

“Oh, my stars and garters!” By the time I reached the 2nd chapter, my grin was firmly in place, stretching from ear-to-ear. Fisher recounts this remarkable tale of the real Cora Wilson Stewart, who campaigned for literacy in the Kentucky mountains, woven into fiction in a compelling, unforgettable novel. The Moonlight School is everything I’ve come to expect from Fisher and more. This is a tale of the triumph of faith, perseverance, and a love for one’s neighbor’s plight that motivates action. The end brings so many pieces together, with twists I wouldn't have seen coming.
Lucy is a very special heroine, changing from an inept, unconcerned city-girl to a caring, daring, and brave young woman, ready to fight for the rights of the mountain people.
Fisher creates a believable love triangle with Lucy and Andrew and Wyatt, then another with Lucy, Fin, and Angie. None of the characters are perfect, but some reach towards community betterment, while others reach only for what will benefit them. It is the ones who look out for the mountain folk who are “silent” that we learn to love. They share the following sentiment:
“The only way to lift people is to teach them to lift themselves. Literacy is the only road to true freedom... literacy gives a voice to the silent.”
I was amazed by the discovery that Cora makes through Miss Mollie that turns her educational philosophy upside down. I was also amazed by the natural teaching ability of Angie and her willingness to share with others when she is so antagonistic towards Lucy. I was proud of Lucy for tackling a job that she isn’t the best at, yet filling in because she is needed. The original pronunciations of the mountain folk make the book authentic, while the explanations of their need to hang on to their culture from the Old Country, caused me to think differently than I had before. A hearty five stars to this beautiful book from Suzanne Woods Fisher!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, as well as Library Thing. These are my own, unsolicited opinions.

Haunted by her sister's mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for her cousin, Cora Wilson Stewart, Superintendent of Education. Lucy reluctantly becomes a scribe for the mountain people and goes into the hills to write their dictated letters, for few of them can read and write. Slowly Lucy begins to grow close to the mountain people and to Brother Wyatt, a singing school master.

This is a very nice historical Christian romance that reminds me in many ways of Catherine Marshall's book "Christy." While not quite as gritty, realistic, and brutally honest as "Christy," this is still a very accurate look at the people of Appalachia in the early 1900s. The story is compelling and the true history of Cora Wilson Stewart is fascinating.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

I loved this story. It has to be one of my all time favorites by this author. I laughed and cried. I had never heard of Cora and how she helped the people from the hills of Kentucky to learn to read and write. I also loved the characters that were not actual people but that helped bring this story to life. Lucy learned some life lessons and Angie and Fin learned the benefits of an education. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Do you know what a moonlight school is? I had no idea until I read Suzanne Woods Fisher’s book. Now I want to learn more about them, and that’s how I know an author hooked me into their story.

The Moonlight School is a fictionalized version of how the moonlight schools in Appalachian Kentucky got their start, complete with true historical figures. Through Lucy Wilson’s eyes, readers learn about the people, traditions, superstitions, and struggles of these people.

While Finley and Angie’s antics had me chuckling throughout the entire book, it’s Lucy’s journey that shows the heart and hope for the people. Fisher reminds us that sometimes the most rewarding and fulfilling results come from taking a step of faith into the unknown and persevering through the hardships.



Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an amazing historical fiction book which features the real life Cora Wilson Stewart. It is well researched and brings you into the life of the first female superintendent of schools for Rowan County, Kentucky in 1911. Those who love this genre will appreciate the historical information provided at the start and conclusion of the book.

I loved every minute of it, and did not want it to end. Fisher creates a fictional second cousin to Cora, Lucy Wilson, to add to the story. Lucy is a city girl sent to help with what she thought was office work. Instead, it was actual work that requires her to travel the backwoods of Kentucky on a horse. Lucy had no idea how to ride a horse or much of the day-to-day sacrifices required by the Kentucky mountain individuals. But, with lots of help from others she soon is an integral part of Cora’s mission to give literacy to all. The wonderful and varied characters in this book will have your heart.

We are transported into life on the far outskirts of any city and into the mountains of Kentucky in 1911. The language of the Scottish-flavored Elizabethan English dialect is accurate. Fisher kindly provides a glossary, but you quickly acclimate and it is not needed. The real life heroism of Cora and her overarching mission is apparent. The mountain folk make sacrifices that remind you of the blessings you likely take for granted,

The mission of helping others and the fight for giving back at all costs was made real. Cora and Lucy were women of refinement who freely shared their knowledge without any expectation of return, but simply for the great gifts and opportunities they had been given, They took this mantra to heart and translated it into action. They not only did more than was expected; they also did it with an unfailing courage, a sense of determination, a warm heart, and a sense of humor.

These characters will become real to you, too. You will learn much, but more importantly be inspired by the strength of Cora (and the fictional Lucy). Despite their many challenges they found ways to defy the societal bounds to enact meaningful change. Cora was not looking for glory, just a chance to do something that was decent and worthwhile. What a legacy she left, you will be better after reading it. The strength, mission, and determination of Cora Wilson Stewart should be known by all.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Revell Group in exchange for my honest review from Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher has Lucy Wilson traveling to Rowan County, Kentucky to help her cousin, Cora for six months. Her father grew up in the area. Lucy is shocked when she learns that she is expected to travel by horse into the mountains to write and read letters for the mountain people. Lucy thought she would be working in an office. She is unprepared for the living conditions of the people and surprised that many of them cannot read. Lucy meets Brother Wyatt, the singing teacher, who helps her navigate her new environment. Cora comes up with the idea to hold night classes for the adults to teach them to read. The school would be held on moonlit nights so they can find their way to the schoolhouses. Lucy finds herself challenged and questioning everything she had been taught. She gets an opportunity to find a purpose and love. The Moonlight School is an intriguing historical novel. I thought it was well-written and researched. It is a gently paced novel with developed characters. The story is a slow starter, but I soon found myself engrossed. I thought the author captured the time-period, the area, and the mountain people. The authors writing allowed me to imagine the proud mountain people, their homes, and their accent. I enjoyed learning about Cora Wilson Stewart and the work she did to help educate the people in the Appalachian Mountains. I liked the author’s historical notes at the end of the book along with the fact and fiction section. There are also discussion questions and suggested reading to learn more about Cora. It was great learning about Cora Wilson Stewart who worked tirelessly to bring education to people who truly needed it. I would have loved an epilogue that went forward a few years to show us how Angie, Lucy, Fin, and Wyatt were faring. The Moonlight School is heartwarming and inspiring tale that will transport you to another time and place.

I had heard about the old singing schools and am familiar with shape notes, and I have read other books about Appalachia, but I had never heard of moonlight schools, which were created to help teach adults to read. This tale, based on a historical character, takes readers to the Kentucky hills more than 100 years ago. Cora Wilson Stewart, the first female school superintendent of education in the county, is determined to help all in her area become literate in order to forge a better life. When her cousin Lucy Wilson joins her for a six-month stint as her assistant, a shocking realization hits Lucy about the people there. The unfolding story awakens insights for the reader just as the experience does for Lucy and other characters. They all seem so real and truly make you care what happens. The author weaves an entangled plot highlighted with surprises and suspense. I enjoy heartwarming fiction such as this, which explores human nature and also makes you think. It even evoked some tears. This would make a wonderful book club selection as well as a great story for high school students to discuss. I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

With The Moonlight School, master storyteller Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers a captivating, thought-provoking read. Set in 1911, The Moonlight School is a fictional account of events in the real life of Cora Wilson Stewart, a pioneer in the field of adult literacy training. A favorite quote about Cora: “Cora was a traditional woman in a man’s world, using every tool she could—charm, knowledge, enthusiasm, determination—to bring the light of learning into people’s lives.” As a teacher, I can relate to this desire. Cora’s passion for education for all people resonated deeply with me. Ms. Woods’ attention to detail and vivid descriptions of the music, food, traditions, topography, superstition, dialect, and culture of the rural Kentucky setting made me feel I was there in the midst of the story. The amazing cast of fictional characters captured my heart. They are well-developed and genuine. I loved Lucy’s journey to find purpose in her life as her understanding of the mountain people grew. Wyatt was by far my favorite of the fictional characters with his quiet contentment, his selfless and forgiving spirit, and his resting “on the sovereignty of the All Mighty.” The plot and subplots flow smoothly and at a fitting pace. I figured out one major twist early on in the story, but enjoyed watching it play out. A bit of romance and humor added to the enjoyment of the read, and I would love to see Angie and Fin’s story continue. I especially appreciated the strong faith element woven throughout the story. The author’s historical notes were informative and interesting. This emotionally rich book is definitely a “keeper”, and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher and also purchased a paperback copy. All opinions are my own.

One thing I really liked about this story was that it was based on true events. I loved the history of going back to the time and Cora's idea of a school for the illiterate adults.
Lucy is thrust into the unknown. Coming from a place of past fears and her struggle to fit in, she gets more than what she bargained for but she also blooms in the midst of all this, she finds herself and grows into being more of the woman she wants to be.
This book was different in a good way. It gives you a lot to ponder on and be grateful for.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit for a blog tour. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

What if the Secret to Your Future Lies in the Past?
As a girl, one of my favorite books was Catherine Marshall’s book, Christy. One young woman’s determination to make a difference in the lives of people she saw as needing her and, in the process, learning just how much she could learn from them.

Well, The Moonlight School has some of the same elements of self-discovery, misguided intentions, and fierce determination. That said, this book isn’t the same–not by a long shot. Written with fierce attention to detail and laser-point focus on one element–education of the mountain folk of Kentucky–every element of the story, even the seemingly insignificant ones, all point to that focus. Literacy.

Something about Ms. Fisher’s writing felt a little different in this one–not better or worse, just different. I could smell the cabins, feel the gullywashers pouring down, hear the mispronounced words spoken in their lyrical twang. Not once did it feel exaggerated, contrived, or overdone. If you’ve ever read Mark Twain, you know how easy it is to do that!

But the characters… oh, how I loved (and hated) the characters. Her cousin, Cora, had a bit of “Miss Alice” of Christy fame in her, but she had more spit and vinegar to her, too. Lucy had a beautiful character arc growth that gnawed at my heart and made me want to cheer at the same time. But Finley… oh, that boy. I so wanted to grab him, shake him, and beg him to allow himself to be a boy for the short while he had to be. Still, I knew that he needed to be the man he saw himself as, too.

And Wyatt… ahh… Wyatt.
My beloved “Titus” from another book has a rival for my literary hero affections. Wyatt wasn’t perfect, but how he handled his own imperfections made him perfect… And that was perfect, too.

Wyatt is also responsible for the richness and depth of spiritual content in the book. I found myself convicted by his admonition to really look at the world the Lord had made. He urged her not to take it for granted. To love people and give what they truly needed instead of what “seems right for the moment.” Furthermore, Wyatt challenges Lucy to see her past. Through that exercise, only then can she see what the Lord might have in store for her.

Recommended for lovers of historical fiction, well-written books, and Suzanne Woods Fisher. Also, if you were intrigued by the idea of the True Colors Crime Series but didn’t like the crime aspect, this might be an alternate idea.

Five-star read all the way. I’m thrilled that I requested that review copy, and am pleased that I loved it as much as I did. Not only that it’s fighting for position as favorite book of the year so far. I suspect it will win.

I enjoy reading Suzanne Woods Fisher's books because they are so descriptive and full of substance.
I have learned a lot while reading this book. I have read many books on the Appalachia area but none this detailed in descriptions of the characters,beliefs,superstitions,mannerisms and language.
This is based on a true story that will captivate you with not only it's history but there is a mystery we are following here as well.
Illiteracy and poverty are no stranger to the folks of the hollers and hills of rural Rowan County, Kentucky in 1911 and the author really brings to life the legacy of Cora Wilson Stewart's life through her diligent historical research.
Combating adult illiteracy isn't easy, the moonlight schools were opened but would anyone come to them?
Fascinating! This is my favorite book by this author to date.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own

The Moonlight School is a new historical fiction novel written by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Thank you @netgalley and @revell for the complimentary eARC. This story follows the true events of the "Moonlight Schools," which was an amazing effort to teach the illiterate and semi-literate adults of the hills of Kentucky to read. Set in 1911, Fisher created a fictional character named Lucy Wilson to compliment the real life "Moonlight-School Lady" Cora Wilson Stewart. Cora was the first female superintendent of education and an obvious force to be reckoned with. The Moonlight School not only focuses on the subject of literacy, which is obviously near and dear to any reader's heart, but exposes the disadvantage the mountain people were under as their land was scalded by lumber companies. There is also a sweet romance tucked into the story, as well as some great humor from characters Angie and Fin.

I found myself talking my husband's ear off about this book. Reading over 100 a books a year makes it about impossible to tell him about every one, so it has become a bit of a gauge for me to see which ones seem interesting enough to chat about and this one made the cut. The story was told in a way that was not only interesting, but also was palatable for a sensitive reader. I know that there were probably lots of details and subplots that could have been added to make this more shocking, but I appreciated that I was able to read without fear of nightmares 😂🙈 And not only that, but this is Christian fiction and it was enjoyable to read such a fascinating story that glorified God, too! All around, a great job!

This was a delight to read. I expected it to be a much heavier story that would need concentration and frequent breaks, but although it wasn’t a fast paced novel, the writing was beautiful. The characters were expertly brought to life and an area of history I knew nothing about was also explained. The description of the time, scenery and people of the area was really vivid. The only aspect that I felt was a little too heavy for me towards the last third was the constant reference to God. Whilst I realise this was a fundamental aspect of the life of people at that time I felt it was a little heavy handed towards the end and took away from the sheer joy of the story’s educational achievements..
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read a copy of this book.

I think that Suzanne Woods Fisher hit it out of the park with this one! I've loved all of the books that this author's previously written and although this book was different than the other ones I've read, I really enjoyed it!! The cover is stunning, the storyline is engaging, the characters are relatable and story is written in such a way that you'll feel like you've traveled back in time once you've finished! I really liked all of the historical details that she included and I especially loved how she wrote and spelled the mountain folks way of talking. Overall, although there's no suspense or action in the story, I found this book incredibly hard to put down, so I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for anyone and everyone who likes historical fiction.Special thanks to Suzanne Woods Fisher, Celebrate Lit, Net Galley and Revell for allowing me to read and review this book — all opinions are my own.