The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an excellent southern historical fiction that has it all: HF, strong female characters, based on true people and events, a little romance, and a strong/positive message and ending.

I love books that are inspired by history, and this book takes the fiery and wonderful Cora Wilson Stewart and her quest to help eliminate adult illiteracy in deep Appalachia, Rowan County, Kentucky, and add a wonderful side story and narrative to her implementation of the Moonlight schools. Being from Appalachia myself, I was initially drawn to this story of a fascinating woman in history that added an important piece of education to the early 1900s. I was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful story and additional characters created simultaneously to create a heartwarming story of compassion, passion, selflessness, community, purpose, faith, and the desire to be a part of something and to have a place to call home.

I love what the author did with Ms. Stewart and I think she did her justice with this book. I love the additional stories of Lucy, Finley James, Brother Wyatt, and the other cast of characters that the author so painstakingly created to go along perfect with the narrative. It all ran seamlessly and beautifully.

I also enjoyed the Author’s historical notes at the end and the Fact vs Fiction information. It all really added to the book.

5/5 stars enthusiastically

Thank you NetGalley and Revell Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/2/21.

Wow, I'm at a loss for words with this book. I'm not even sure how to describe it. I had to read this book when I had some quiet time, which was usually at night when the kids were asleep. I truly LOVE this story. I had never heard of Cora or her fight to end illiteracy throughout her county in Kentucky. I had to look her up! The way the story is layout grabbed me from the start. I always wanted to know what would happen next. The way the history is told through the characters of this story is gripping. Lucy is a great character and I love how she found her place in such a small town. I liked how she grew as a character and was strong. Brother Wyatt and Fin were great characters too. They each brought their own uniqueness to the story. I'm so glad I had the chance to read this story and found a great new author too! Happy reading my friends.