Along a Storied Trail by Ann Gabhart ~ Book Review

 

About the Book

Book: Along a Storied Trail

Author: Ann H. Gabhart

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: June 1, 2021

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.

My Thoughts

This is my second book by Ann H. Gabhart. I really enjoyed her last book Appalachian Summer so I was super excited to be able to review this book. . I love the style of Ms. Gabhart's writing. She has a such a fantastic way at painting a picture. I felt like I was in the Appalachian mountains along with Tansy, Perdita and the rest of the characters in this story. This takes place in the midst of the Great Depression. Tansy becomes a packhorse librarian not only because she needs the money to help her family but also because she loves books. 

The author does a great job with these characters. They are believable and relatable. Tansy like mentioned, has a love of books so right away she becomes a kindred spirit to me. She loves the people of the mountain like family and provides them with a little distraction from daily life through books. Tansy does have a romance story but I won't divulge much as at times it feels like she may not end up with who you want her to be with! For me, Perdita stole the "show" so to speak. She is an ornery old woman but she definitely endears you throughout the story. She has some great nuggets of wisdom throughout the story that opens up the eyes of some of our characters for the better. 

Overall I thought this was a great story. It moves a bit slow but it is totally worthwhile. There is a clear Christian message throughout which I definitely appreciate. If you are looking for a new read or a new author to add to your list I definitely recommend Ann H. Gabhart. 

My Rating: 4 stars ~ Really Enjoyed it!!

I received a copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

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About the Author

Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. At the age of ten, she started dreaming of writing stories others would want to read. That dream has come true as she's published over thirty-five novels. She and her husband have three children married to three beautiful in-law children who have gifted her nine grandchildren. She still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dogs, reading, and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, was a best-seller and was followed up by two more stories about the Merritt sisters. She keeps her stories in Kentucky and has enjoyed going to the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains for some stories including These Healing Hills and Along a Storied Trail. And if you like mysteries, you can try her Hidden Springs Mysteries published under the author name, A.H. Gabhart. Visit Ann's website http://annhgabhart.com to find out more. There you can sign up for her newsletter where she does giveaways several times a year.