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Highlights
- "Gabhart's skillful use of period details and the Appalachian landscape lend plenty of atmosphere to accompany the lessons of hope, compassion, and fortitude amid hardship.
- About the Author: Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels--The Refuge, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, These Healing Hills, River to Redemption, and An Appalachian Summer.
- 368 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
Description
About the Book
Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her mountain community during the Great Depression. Even the rough people--like ornery Perdita Sweet--have their charms. But can love bloom in such rocky soil?Book Synopsis
"Gabhart's skillful use of period details and the Appalachian landscape lend plenty of atmosphere to accompany the lessons of hope, compassion, and fortitude amid hardship. This is her best historical inspirational yet."--Publishers Weekly starred review"Gabhart crafts an absorbing story that deeply explores the rich tradition of storytelling."--Booklist
***
Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?
Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.
As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose. But why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?
Saddle up for a heartfelt story of love--love of family, love of place, and the love of a lifetime--from bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart.
From the Back Cover
"Along a Storied Trail might be Gabhart's best book yet."--Suzanne Woods Fisher, author of The Moonlight SchoolKentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in the books she loves. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?
Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long that she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.
As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself. Perdita knows who Tansy should choose, but why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?
"Fabulous! This beautifully written book brings a little-known part of American history to life with characters so real they linger long after the last page is turned."--Amanda Cabot, bestselling author of Dreams Rekindled
"A story of resilience that we so deeply need in our times."--Susie Finkbeiner, author of The Nature of Small Birds and Stories That Bind Us
About the Author
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels--The Refuge, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, These Healing Hills, River to Redemption, and An Appalachian Summer. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm's fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.Dimensions (Overall): 8.43 Inches (H) x 5.51 Inches (W) x 1.02 Inches (D)
Weight: .66 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 368
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Christian
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Format: Paperback
Author: Ann H Gabhart
Language: English
Street Date: June 1, 2021
TCIN: 82087649
UPC: 9780800737214
Item Number (DPCI): 247-29-9168
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Estimated ship dimensions: 1.02 inches length x 5.51 inches width x 8.43 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.66 pounds
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4.7 out of 5 stars with 12 ratings
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4.6 out of 5 stars with 12 reviews
100% would recommend
1 recommendations
Great Story
4 out of 5 stars
Deana - 4 years ago
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.
A Pleasure to Read
5 out of 5 stars
- 4 years ago
Author Ann H. Gabhart skillfully transports the reader to another place and time in her latest offering, Along a Storied Trail. Whether it's out in the rain or snow, inside a crowded cabin, on a horse, or in a car, Gabhart places the reader in the story. It is the same setting as in The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, but this story is quite different. Along a Storied Trail is a gentle, sweet story of people coming to a crossroads in their lives. Prayers are answered, words are spoken, and gifts are given that change the direction of their lives for the good. The characters are well-drawn, and the story draws the reader in. It was a pleasure to read this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Packhorse Librarian Historical Fiction
3 out of 5 stars
Cindy D - 4 years ago
I would describe this as a slow-build, slow read book. The book is well-written, the plot flows seamlessly, the characters are developed well, especially since you are following several. I was worried this would be similar to other recently published books as the general idea (delivering books to mountain areas) is the same, but Ann Gabhart weaves an incredibly unique story. She interweaves faith seamlessly and balances the reality of the depression, with the reality of living life in the mountains. Everyone needs a crusty old Aunt like Perdita. I love that she can get away with saying whatever she desires, like most women her age do. She is also the most changed character throughout the book. I loved her honest, heartfelt prayers and her words of wisdom. Tansy is a likable character, at times seeming older than she is, at other moments younger. Her obvious love of her job and her cheerful disposition add light moments to the story. I struggled with the lenghty descriptions. I prefer stories to either have a good balance between dialogue and descriptions or lean heavier on dialogue. This book leaned heavier on descriptions and it was hard for me to read them. This is totally personal preference, but in this case, making it a bit harder to get into and stay in the book. Once I was more than halfway through I started to enjoy the book more. The characters are quirky but relatable. I loved the banter between the characters and the doses of humor sprinkled throughout. I think the section of the story with the Bible in it was my favorite part. It brought chills. It was incredibly well-written. I would recommend Along a Storied Trail to fans of historical fiction. Thank you to Revell and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. ★★★.5/5
Realistic Historical Christian Romance
5 out of 5 stars
Leonas Lines - 4 years ago
Book Review–“Along a Storied Trail” by Ann H. Gabhart “Along a Storied Trail” is a set in Kentucky in the Appalachian mountains during the time of the Great Depression. It is a story of the life of a packhorse librarian named Tansy Calhoun and her family and neighbors during this difficult time. Packhorse librarians were part of a government WPA program that paid people to deliver books to remote parts of the Appalachia and women were very involved in doing so. The women were called “book women” and they delivered books in all seasons and all kinds of weather. In this story, Tansy Calhoun loved her job as a “book woman” plus the money she earned supported her family during this time because there was no work in the area for her father so he had left to look for work elsewhere, thus leaving the family to try to survive as best as they could. The author did a wonderful job relating the life stories of the Appalachian people during these hard times and I especially enjoyed the realistic conversations in “mountain talk”, as she was able to create realistic characters by use of the speech and mannerisms of these dear mountain folk, who won my heart with their steadfast faith, and resilience. I recommend this book to all who love reading realistic historical Christian romance. The values, virtues, beliefs and standards found in this story are excellent and you will be enthralled with how the story progresses and ends. I received a copy of this book from Revell a division of Baker Book Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Along a Storied Trail
5 out of 5 stars
amybooksy - 4 years ago
Ann H Gabhart is among my favorite authors and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest release, Along a Storied Trail. I was far from being disappointed. It is among my favorites I have read by her to date. It was interesting to be transported back in time to the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression. I loved everything about this story: the setting, the characters, and storyline that kept me captivated from start to finish. It was great! Along a Storied Trail will be getting five plus stars from me. I believe readers who love clean historical romance will no doubt enjoy this one. As always, I will be looking forward to reading more by Ann H Gabhart in the future. I received a paperback copy of Along a Storied Trail from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Beautifully written story
5 out of 5 stars
VickleaW - 4 years ago
The story of Tansy Calhoun, a packhorse librarian in the hills of Kentucky, was wonderful to read and enjoy. Life is hard during the Great Depression, but the neighbors can depend on each other for help and can always depend on Tansy to bring by some books to entertain them. The characterization was realistic and the plot was captivating.
Delightful
5 out of 5 stars
ChritianFictionandMore - 4 years ago
Tansy Calhoun was blessed to be able to help her family with her paycheck as a packhorse librarian in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, especially after her dad took off looking for work. Most mountain girls her age were already married with a baby or two to care for, but Tansy figured there was no rush, after all she didn't even have a beau. Caleb Barton had left the mountain to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps after figuring Tansy was to marry another man. It wasn't until his brother's death brought him back to the mountain that he learned he'd figured wrong. The question the reader pursues the answer to is if and how will Caleb achieve his heart's desire with obstacles appearing all along his path. Secondary plot lines involving an unwed mother; a young widow; and a crotchety, old lady also spur the reader along. Gabhart does a wonderful job at including the culture of the place and time, valuing it and its differences from mainstream society. I am grateful to have received a copy of Along a Storied Trail from Revell via NetGalley without obligation, and am happy to recommend it to fans of historical fiction and tales of Appalachia. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Filled to the Brim with Colorful Characters!
4 out of 5 stars
Rebecca Maney - 4 years ago
"Would that be how Tansy ended up? An old lady in a lonesome cabin . . .Youngsters then might be sharing Aunt Tansy stories. Could they already be talking about that crazy book woman, even though they were glad to see her coming." That crazy book woman . . . they had the book woman part right, but crazy? Tansy Calhoun loved her job as a packhorse librarian, serving the mountain people of eastern Kentucky, her people . . . even if they did agree with her father that she was "thinking above herself". She was only twenty years old, for goodness sake, and "she had a horse, access to more books than she had time to read, and money to keep food on her mother's table". And she had absolutely not been heartbroken over "Jeremy marrying Jolene. Never was any truth to that rumor along the mountain gossip grapevine". But when Caleb Barton returns from his job in Tennessee where he had been working for the Civilian Conservation Corps? That's when Tansy's "I'm perfectly happy the way things are" begins to shift. It might come down to the outlier or the chestnut trees; not surprisingly, Aunt Perdie has her own opinion about that! This mountain tale is filled to the brim with colorful characters, delightful banter, and generational wisdom. But don't be fooled, beneath it all run undercurrents of grief, regrets, tough decisions and "confounded contentment" . . . which blend together perfectly into quite a "storied trail". I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy.
Along a Storied Trail
5 out of 5 stars
Pam K - 4 years ago
Even had I not known that Ann Gabhart writes delightful books, I would have been enticed by Along a Storied Trail's beautiful cover. In the hills of eastern Kentucky in 1937, Tansy Calhoun has a job with the WPA as a packhorse librarian. Along her various routes, she is known as the "book woman." When her longtime friend Caleb Barton returns after several years and a charming writer for the Federal Writer's Project from New York shows her attention, Tansy must learn about her own heart and what is most important. Romance is in the air for other couples too, quite unexpectedly. There are some other very interesting characters in the book, including Aunt Perdie who was a grouchy old woman until a special young woman, a series of hardships, and a miracle come into her life. Ann Gabhart writes in such a way that I felt I was right there with Tansy listening to one of Aunt Perdie's stories, absorbing her faith and wisdom. I highly recommend Along a Storied Trail. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Historical Fiction
4 out of 5 stars
grammy - 4 years ago
I have enjoyed every book by Ann H. Gabhart and I enjoyed this one also. The book is about workers during the depression and this job was to be a traveling library in the hills of eastern Kentucky. The characters were very well developed and very believable. The story flowed well and kept my interest. It felt like you were visiting these people. The book I received was an ARC version so the editing wasn't faultless but all in all, it was very good. I would recommend this book to any who enjoys historical Christian fiction. This is truly a God-honoring story with characters that seemed to truly love God. I give this book a 4 out of a 5-star review.
CONFOUNDEDLY CONTENT IN THE APPALACHIANS
5 out of 5 stars
Connywithay - 4 years ago
“Maybe she was destined to be another Aunt Perdie with nothing but maybes or might-have-beens,” Tansy ponders in Ann H. Gabhart’s novel, Along a Storied Trail. ~ What ~ This three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page paperback targets those interested in a tale of finding love and contentment in a small rural community. With no profanity, topics of abuse, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes two chapters of another book by the author, acknowledgments, biography, and advertisements. In this story based in the Kentucky mountains during the Depression, unmarried twenty-year-old Tansy takes her job seriously as a packhorse librarian who delivers books to remote homes. Being a lover of words, she wonders if she will find true love, especially when an outlier from New York appears, wanting her to show him the history of the area. As she visits from house to house passing out books, many of the residents visited must make decisions that alter lives and she must decide what she truly wants. ~ Why ~ This is a fast read that sucks the reader in as Tansy goes from house to house delivering books to the young and old. A local boy who has always had his eye on one girl, an old woman who finds peace, a young girl in need, and a woman who is seeking answers focus on trusting the Lord to find happiness. I deeply appreciate how the Word of God was naturally intertwined among the residents’ lives. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not like tales about the Depression, heartbreak, or losing loved ones may want to pass on this read. Non-believers may not care for its religious content, yet it is core to living life. Others may not prefer its many characters, but the writer does an excellent job describing their different personalities, problems, and hopes. ~ Wish With many Bible verses added, it would have been nice to have the eternal plan of salvation clearly stated. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. ~ Want ~ If you like reading a story of learning to be confoundedly content, this is an engaging read about sparking romances in the beautiful mountains full of chestnut trees in the Appalachians. Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
Great Read
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Thoughtsofareader - 4 years ago
Along a Storied Trail is the first book I have read by Ann H. Gabhart even though she has written quite a few. The author does an excellent job with character development. There are characters who are born and bred in Kentucky, and then there’s Damien Felding who comes from New York City to learn all he can from the mountain people. There are those characters who the reader grows to love and those you definitely dislike. Tansy Calhoun is one of the main characters and one of several strong willed women who work as a packhorse librarian who shares her love of books with others. Can you imagine riding through the mountains of Kentucky going from one house to another carrying a satchel of books on a regular basis no matter the weather conditions? This book was hard to put down. It is definitely a book worth reading especially for those who share a love for reading! Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.