I’ve read a few books on this subject that showed job challenges and how it was difficult to get people to use the packhorse library service. What makes this story different is how this gifted author has readers experience this challenging job though the eyes of a 20-year-old Tansy Calhoun who was raised in the hills, loves her job, has a passion for reading and shares that passion with others in her community. Tansy spends long hours in the Appalachian Mountains delivering books, and sometimes reading them to the children before she goes to her next stop. It was fun to learn how Tansy and her co-workers used the old torn donated magazines to make fun, colorful books for kids to read. Tansy was creative in making the books and sharing them with her patrons.

I was drawn into this story through believable characters like Tansy Calhoun, and Caleb Barton who both love their home, family, and the community they grew up in. The author reveals how they learned how to care for their neighbors as everyone was struggling, there was no shame in it. I also enjoyed other characters like Damien Feldings and the old cranky, prickly Perdita Sweet who give readers a good look at the community and an insight into their beliefs about love, marriage and how the town’s people felt about change. There were threads of faith and hope I enjoyed. I felt part of this group. I enjoyed these authors well times humor sprinkled throughout the novel, like this quote from cranky Perdita, “Perdie prays that God will bring her someone to care for. Soon, a young woman, beaten, bruised and cold, appears at her front door. She says, “A person needed to be careful what they prayed for.”

This story will tug at your heart and give you a peek at other jobs created during this time such as the writing project Damien was involved in, and where Caleb worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps where he planted trees. He learned about the chestnut trees. He was the first to noticed there was a problem with them. All this gave readers a well-rounded look at the struggles people endured and how they creatively worked together to make it through this touch patch.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

This is a wonderful book that gives us a glimpse into a time period where folks worked hard to survive. I really enjoyed getting to know Tansy. Her love of books makes her perfect as a packhorse librarian. It must have been hard taking books to people way up in the mountains during all kinds of weather. She loved doing it because it gave others enjoyment . Can you imagine the only was to get books was to rely on someone who came by horse? I thought it was sad that the books were not in good shape and outdated. It was interesting to read how much getting books has changed. It makes me appreciate libraries so much more.

There is much to love about the book as we find two men vying for the attention of Tansy. One is familiar to her and the other is a new addition to the town. I can see how Tansy’s head was turned by the new fellow. After all he is polished, full of adventure and nice to look at. However, sometimes looks can be deceiving.

The best character of the book for me was Aunt Perdie. She is one firecracker not to be messed with . She is full of stories that can keep you entertained for days. Her cat is not friendly and Aunt Perdie is definitely someone you want on your side. I liked how in the wake of a disaster she still finds something to be thankful for. As we get to know Perdie we can see the heartaches she has overcome and the wisdom she has gained. I loved following along the trail as tragedy, forgiveness and hope bring this story to a great ending.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads . The review is my own opinion.

Well written. It seemed a bit like so many other stories, not an original story line besides the setting. I would recommend to others.

I think I've read all the packhorse librarian stories out there. I'm a Kentucky girl and I love to read stories set in my state. Ann Gabhart's retelling of this time in our state's history stood out to me as the most authentic.

I loved that her characters were complex and not just poor, ignorant mountain people.
I loved that she allowed her heroine Tansy to reject the affections of the "man of aplomb" from out of town in favor of her hometown boy.
I loved that she threw in a reference to Mrs. Roosevelt's visit to Morgan County- my own home county. Of course, I wasn't alive to have experienced it, but it did make a lasting impact on those who were. There was even a huge spread in my middle school yearbook that honored the history of the building when we closed the school that Mrs. Roosevelt opened.

But I digress.

Despite a slow start, this book won me over with a rich story full of God's grace and redemption.
Thanks to Netgalley and Revell for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have always found it interesting learning about the librarians that went out on horseback and other means to take books to those who could not come and get them. It would be an interesting job to have as you would get to go and see all the neighbors, although the travel might be a bit much. Tansy Calhoun has such a job and while delivering her books often has time to daydream and one day thinks that her dreams have come true as a new man comes to town. She has to decide though what is best, what her heart, or head (and others) think as she continues down her path.

I received a copy to read, the review is mine.

It has been awhile since I was blessed to read a book by Ann Gabhart and every time I open a new one I remember just how much I like her novels. Along a Storied Trail is a perfectly delightful tale filled with the most wonderfully intriguing characters.

Tansy was a heroine with whom I could easily identify. She shared my love of books but that love pointed her to an entire world outside her beloved mountains that she wanted to see for herself. Meanwhile she has put her love of books into action by working as a packhorse librarian, taking books to neighbors hungry for them, sometimes during quite adverse weather conditions.

Besides colorful and sometimes quirky characters such as Perdita (you just have to read about her for yourself), the plot contains ample action and emotional scenes to satisfy most readers. A surprise romance also added to my enjoyment.

Tansy finds herself torn between the visiting author from the big city and her long-time friend Caleb who has recently returned to the mountain. I loved how the author portrayed both men in a positive manner while making it obvious whose strength of character was stronger.

Along a Storied Trail is a must read for book lovers as well as those who enjoy stories of mountain life. I encourage you to pick up a copy as soon as possible.

Set up high in Appalachia during the depression comes a heartwarming tale of love and family.

Tansy Calhoun has found her dream job supporting her family as packhorse librarian, sharing her love of reading with those in her community, as hard times draw them even closer. Caleb Barton is back to help his family after the death of his brother and years working with the CCC. In the past his feelings have been misinterpreted but do his hopes have a chance against his mother's solutions?

A pleasant and enjoyable read set in the beautiful Appalachians, during the Great Depression, which is one of my favorite places and times to read about. The story takes its time wending its way through the characters and their various situations, I especially liked sweet little Coralee, how she soothes the way for others, helping out where she can, and her friendship with Aunt Perdita.

Caleb is a responsible man, always ready to help out, but I also liked that he showed his backbone and put this foot down when people tried to push him too far.

Overall, this was a great read with a full cast of intriguing characters that I came to care for over the course of the book. The pacing was slower than I was used to, and there were times when I felt that the plot felt predictable, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I definitely could see where it was ultimately headed. I loved the slow build friendships and relationships, this was a heartwarming read of faith, family and friendship.

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

Ann Gabhart uses her marvelous gift of storytelling to craft a fine tale of a Kentucky packhorse librarian named Tansy Calhoun and the plights of her family and friends set during the Depression. The story includes much more than book learning—it’s an account of life itself and exploring and growing as the characters discover more about the world and about themselves, with which readers can easily identify. Heart-touching moments abound in this endearing novel as well as sacrifice and love. I think this is my favorite of all the author’s books. I loved it. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own. #AlongaStoriedTrail #NetGalley

Ann H. Gabhart never fails to write sweet, gentle stories that capture the setting and characters, and this book was no exception. It takes place in the Appalachian hills during the Great Depression and is the story of Tansy, a packhorse librarian who is waiting for a romance like in the books she reads, only to find out it was close to home all along. The love and support the family showed each other in hard times was truly inspirational, and the book has a wonderful message about preservation and waiting for things to happen in due time. I also loved the details she included about the packhorse project and the language of the characters. This is a very heart-warming book!

This cover does incredible justice to this book. I like how it pulls the reader in and shows the vastness of the mountains and shows Tansy with the great big wilderness all around her. This was a story about a mountain people with strong characters living their lives during the Great Depression. These were not people who were getting rich or were rich and lost everything. No, these were a people who were fairly poor in material wealth but were still affected by what was happening in the country.

They may have been poor, but they were certainly rich in their strong opinions and their neighborliness. I enjoyed their mountain gruffness and their strength. Especially the women. Tansy is a book girl or the more official name, a packhorse librarian. She carries the books and stories these people need to them. While doing this she can also check up on them, especially old spinster Perdie Sweet.

I really enjoyed everything about this story. The atmosphere, the characters, the time and the place. There were a few love stories to also make this story enjoyable and the way the characters reacted with one another was just a little bit different then now a days. This was a great trip to the Appalachian Mountains.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all of my views and opinions are my own.

This historical fiction story set in the 1930’s depression era in Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky is a masterful, picturesque, and winsome story. This fantastic story is filled with the dialect of the mountain people, history that is not well known with the packhorse librarians and the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Tansy Calhoun loved her job as a packhorse librarian and was clever in how she created new stories for the children along with other packhorse librarians. Caleb Barton had been away working for the Civilian Conservation Corps and was surprised to find Tansy unwed when he returned. The events for all the families had struggles, misunderstandings, but a desire to help their neighbors. All the characters jumped off of the pages to become friends and family throughout the story while wanting only the best for them. The creativity of this story is superb with a true glimpse of the mountain people during a difficult time in our history. There is a sweet inspirational message that lives can be changed no matter what the errors of their ways may have been in the past.

I have enjoyed reading Gabhart books and this one was a top notched one. I would like to see a continuation of these characters in another book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author, NetGalley and Revell publisher without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own personal thoughts.

A pleasant read well suited for fans of Catherine Marshall's "Christy," or the 90's TV show based on the book.
Tansy Calhoun is a pack horse librarian in Owsley County, Kentucky, in the 1930's. She takes books on horseback on a route from one cabin to another, helping her neighbors in rural Kentucky get just a little slice of the outside world that most of them might never experience. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Caleb has just returned from years of working with the CCC. Everyone thought he used to be sweet on Tansy's sister... but everyone was wrong.
Although Tansy is naturally drawn to Caleb, when a New York writer named Damien Felding shows up needing someone to guide him around the mountains, her head is turned. This love triangle wasn't terribly convincing, as Felding obviously never intends more than a flirtation.
Two other romances unfold amongst Tansy's family and friends, leading the plot to a harmonious and happy ending.
I thought it was a nice enough story but was only mildly invested in Tansy's story, as there was really only the one viable option. Being "the book woman" almost seemed incidental to the story and didn't play as big a role as I thought it would in her views and plans.

Along a Storied Trail opens in 1937 in Robins Ridge which is in the eastern Kentucky hills. Tansy Calhoun's father has left the family to search for work and her income is what is keeping her family going. Her love of books led to her becoming a "packhorse librarian". She travels the hills lending books to those who otherwise would not have access to them. No matter what the weather, she honors her commitment. She wonders what life would be like if she left the hills. The unexpected appearance of a writer from the city gives her a hint of this and perhaps the opportunity for new experiences. To further complicate her life, the man she calls friend, Caleb Barton, returns to the hills and he makes it clear he wants to be more than friends. Tansy has some decisions to make.

This character driven story is set in a community where people help each other. Poverty is the norm, but they do what they have to do to get by as the narrative details. Tansy is a fascinating woman. She understands and embraces her environment and those she shares them with. Logical and realistic, she is a woman with keen observations. Will this help determine her future?

The story is populated with an intriguing and unique cast of characters and they add much to the story. Their lives are entwined, sometimes when least expected. Filled with heart, emotions and faith, this beautifully told story is well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Title: Along a Storied Trail
Author: Ann H. Gabhart

Ch: 37

Pg: 362

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell



Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart is my favorite book I’ve read about the pack horse librarians. It’s also the only one I’ve read that seems to be the most truthful to history and the pack horse librarians. Which I knew I could count on with Mrs. Gahbart all of her Kentucky novels ring true to Kentucky history.


I loved Tansy’s spunk determination and love of books. And Caleb was such a dashing hero. And the secondary characters just added to the story especially Perdita Sweet and her cat. As well as the pack horse librarians even though they weren’t the focus as much as Tansy’s story but it’s nice to see that all the librarians were local women. In staying true to history.


Along a Storied Trail also brings to life the mountain people who benefited and had a chance at literacy which was one of the points of the pack horse librarians as well as to give women in Eastern Kentucky jobs and I love that this novel highlighted that and brought one of my favorite parts of my states history to life.



I received a complimentary copy from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

With a beautifully-designed cover and an intricately woven storyline, Ann Gabhart crafted a compelling tale that will take readers to the vivid landscape and people of Depression Era life in the mountains of Kentucky. In particular, introductions to federal pack horse librarians, an area guide writer and former trail marker blend with the highlanders enduring difficult and tragic times. Gabhart expertly leads through tough life lessons and strong people of a scattered community. This is well worth your time and attention.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

"Along a Storied Trail" is a Christian romance set in 1937 in the Appalachian mountains in Kentucky. The story followed Tansy, Caleb, and Perdita as they dealt with hardships. Perdita never married after the man she loved ended up marrying someone else. Now she's older and having trouble supporting herself as winter approaches. She prays to God for some help and maybe some family (as she only has distant kin left to help her), and God answers in a clear but unexpected way. Perdita figures she ought to be grateful and continues to wonder and grow as she sees how God provides for her above and beyond what she asked for (and in very unexpected ways). She's quite a character, and I wondered if she was based off of a real person.

Tansy loves sharing books through her job as a packhorse librarian and hopes for a romantic hero to come into her life. When a dashing city man comes to gather local stories, she's asked to show him around. He flirts with her...is he the one? But she's not comfortable around him like she is with a dependable neighbor man--who shares her interests, cares for others, and finally confesses that he's long wanted to marry her.

All of the characters seemed like real, complex people, and I cared about what happened to them. Historical and setting details were woven into the story and brought the story vividly alive in my imagination. There were several romances, and Tansy learned what to value in a life partner. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable tale.

This book was sent to me on Kindle by Netgalley for review. The protagonist delivers books by horseback in Kentucky. This reminds me of the book about the Blue people and the librarians on horseback that was so popular last year. The characters are real characters and when reading, I felt as if I was in the middle of this story. It is slow moving at times, but I enjoyed this book. I would give it four and half stars if possible. Can’t wait to read more from this author. She is wonderful.

I reviewed this book for Historical Novels Review Magazine, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. Per their policy, I cannot post the review until after it is posted on the HNS website on August 1st. I will update the review then.

I enjoyed this book very much. Ann Gabhart's books are very popular at our library, so I was glad to be given the chance to read her new one. The writing was excellent, as was the character development.

Having lived in Eastern Ky, not too far from where this story takes place, for most of my life, I knew I had to read this story. I love reading about the Packhorse Librarians, and I enjoy this author's books. And once again, she didn't disappoint. She has such a lovely way of taking us right into the hills of Appalachia and giving us a glimpse of what these people lived through, both the good and the bad. I enjoyed the characters. I loved the dialogue and the banter. I highly recommend this book!