Wednesday, September 16, 2020

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 Kim Vogel Sawyer's newest historical fiction novel just released!  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy a couple of weeks ago and it is an amazing book that I wanted to share with you!



The Librarian of Boone's Hollow takes place in the state of Kentucky in the 1930's during the Great Depression.  Addie Cowherd is attending college and dreaming of becoming a novelist when she finds out that her father has lost his job and she cannot pay for her education.  After searching high and low for some kind of way to support herself she finds out about a full time position in a small coal mining town as a packhorse librarian.  Addie is very eager to make friends but the townspeople are very superstitious and distrusting of newcomers.

Emmet Tharp won a scholarship to college, worked very hard, and earned his degree.  But jobs are hard to find for everyone and there are not many opportunities in the town of Boone's Hollow.  Emmet's education makes him feel out of place among those he used to be good friends with.

Addie and Emmet are trying to figure out their places in the world when someone sets out to destroy the library program.  Will the culprit succeed in chasing Addie away?

 Kim Vogel Sawyer is my favorite author.  There is something about her books that just speaks to my heart.  Ms. Sawyer does an amazing job of transporting the reader to the time and place that her books take place.  The characters are real, believable, and easy for the reader to relate to.  Her books are uplifting with elements of faith and hope throughout.

In The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, the reader is taken back to the 1930's in Kentucky during the Depression.  Your heart is touched by the struggle that Addie faces when she is unable to finish college because of her father's lost job. At the same time you feel for Emmet who, even though he was able to finish his education, cannot find a job because businesses aren't hiring and he is considered over qualified for labor positions.  You feel the loneliness and faith of Nanny Fay, worry over Bettina, and marvel at the strength and tenacity of the packhorse librarians and the challenges they face.  

I love books and loved that Ms. Sawyer wrote this story about packhorse librarians, which was something I had little knowledge of.  This quote really spoke to me," I see the delivery of these books as something deeper, more important then a mere job.  A book takes one into another person's thoughts and emotions.  Books open up worlds beyond the view from one's own window.  Stories can stir compassion, can inspire integrity, can show different lifestyles and problem solving skills.  Books, Addie, have the power to change people for the better."

I love how the story reminds us to look for the blessings in life and that the Bible tells us that all things work for good for the believer.  I loved how Addie worked so hard on her ministry and found ways to help the people of the community. The romantic element made the story that much more special and the resolution was wonderful.  Reading it one time wasn't enough, I had to go back and read it again!

I highly recommend The Librarian of Boone's Hollow and other books by Kim Vogel Sawyer!

Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book for review purposes.  I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.

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