The Librarian of Boone's Hollow

A Novel

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Pub Date Sep 15 2020 | Archive Date Dec 31 2020

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Description

A traveling librarian ventures into the mining towns of Kentucky on horseback—and learns to trust the One who truly pens her story—in this powerful novel from the best-selling author of A Silken Thread.
 
During the Great Depression, city-dweller Addie Cowherd dreams of becoming a novelist and offering readers the escape that books had given her during her tragic childhood. When her father loses his job, she is forced to take the only employment she can find—delivering books on horseback to poor coal-mining families in the hills of Kentucky.
 
But turning a new page will be nearly impossible in Boone's Hollow, where residents are steeped in superstitions and deeply suspicious of outsiders. Even local Emmett Tharp feels the sting of rejection after returning to the tiny mountain hamlet as the first in his family to graduate college. And as the crippled economy leaves many men jobless, he fears his degree won’t be worth much in a place where most men either work the coal mine or run moonshine.
 
As Addie also struggles to find her place, she’ll unearth the truth about a decades-old rivalry. But when someone sets out to sabotage the town’s library program, will the culprit chase Addie away or straight into the arms of the only person who can help her put a broken community back together?
A traveling librarian ventures into the mining towns of Kentucky on horseback—and learns to trust the One who truly pens her story—in this powerful novel from the best-selling author of A Silken...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780525653721
PRICE $17.00 (USD)
PAGES 368

Average rating from 226 members


Featured Reviews

I loved this book. As a librarian, I liked the premise of a library in the time during The Great Depression, but it was the characters that I loved most. They were well-developed, likable, authentic. Although there was romance in the book, it wasn't a traditional romance as the town and its eccentric characters were the focus of the novel.
The story went at an easy but quick pace. I was sucked into the story and finished the book in one day.

I recommend this book to any historical fiction fan. I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.

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This was the first book I have read by Ms. Sawyer and I will be looking for more by her. This title was rich in history and character development and I would love to read a sequel but felt satisfied by the conclusion. Our main character unexpectedly is in need of a job and finds what she thinks is the perfect job. The community and her co-workers are less than welcoming but she digs deep and meets the challenges with creative solutions. She also meets a young man and the chemistry between them is perfect. I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction and clean romance! I look forward to reading Ms. Sawyer's previous titles and can't wait for new ones.

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I can never resist a book about books, libraries or librarians. This is a charming, historical novel about a traveling librarian and it did not disappoint. This book is cozy and heartwarming, but also filled with faith. I loved the main character Addie. I really identified with her.

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Another jewel from Kim Vogel Sawyer! Set in coal country in rural eastern Kentucky in 1936, this heartwarming, inspiring read combines jealousy, prejudice, ignorance, superstition, distrust, grudges, and abuse tempered with love, forgiveness, compassion, family bonds, and a little romance. This book caught my attention from the beginning and held it to the end. The plot flows at a steady pace with a few surprises here and there! The characters are engaging and believable. Although I enjoyed the main characters, Addie and Emmett, my favorite ones were Nanny Fay and Damarias with their strength, advice, and encouragement. I also loved the strong faith element that permeates the story especially how Addie lives out the Golden Rule. Ms. Sawyer’s research and descriptions of the historic WPA Packhorse Library Project and the people it helped, expressively reflect the spirit of the Great Depression Era. I thoroughly enjoyed this well-researched, well-crafted story and highly recommend it. I would love to see a sequel showcasing a spiritual journey and romance for Bettina.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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I've read several books by Kim Vogel Sawyer and this is my favorite so far! It describes people who love books in a way that the booklover in me can totally identify with.

Addie Cowherd has to table her plans to complete college and become an author in order to help support her parents. It is the middle of the depression and work is hard to find. Recent college graduate, Emmett Tharp is finding the same problem. Even with a degree, he ends up back home considering working in the mines with his father. Both Addie and Emmett end up in the backwoods of the Appalachians (it is Emmett's hometown).
I can't say much more without giving away the story, but they work together to solve problems and help the citizens of Boone's Hollow.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from the publisher. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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I will never pass up the opportunity to read a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer! I have read the other packhorse librarian books that have been published in the past year and I've enjoyed all of them. This one was was great too! Kim always draws you right into her stories and I was immediately rooting for Addie and Emmett. The side characters of Nanny Fay, Bettina (Addie's co-worker) and Emmett's little brother Dusty also help make this a book you won't forget!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.

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