Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F GAB
Publication
Revell (2021), 368 pages
Description
"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 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, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose, but why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member written
This story is set in rural Kentucky during the Great Depression.
Tansy Calhoun gets a job as a pack horse librarian. Tansy has always had a love of books. Her father takes off looking for work leaving the rest of the family to make do on their small farm. Living like most "hill" people just barely
Life is hard and we meet a few of the families on Tansy's route struggling through life. The book moved rather slowly for me.
We have an older cranky woman living on her own until a young woman, pregnant and unwed shows up on her doorstep. Then the house burns down and they end up moving in with Tansy's family. A city boy shows up wanting to write stories of the hill people, so Tansy is asked to take him on her route. We have Caleb who moves back home and has always loved Tansy. A man they call Preacher is in the mix and the story revolves around mainly these people. Life is hard and the story moved slow.
Tansy Calhoun gets a job as a pack horse librarian. Tansy has always had a love of books. Her father takes off looking for work leaving the rest of the family to make do on their small farm. Living like most "hill" people just barely
Show More
surviving. Instead of getting help from the county these jobs were setup to get books in the hands of people living all over the back country and paying a wage to the pack horse librarians. Books were hard to come by with some of the librarians making books and writing stories to pass along.Life is hard and we meet a few of the families on Tansy's route struggling through life. The book moved rather slowly for me.
We have an older cranky woman living on her own until a young woman, pregnant and unwed shows up on her doorstep. Then the house burns down and they end up moving in with Tansy's family. A city boy shows up wanting to write stories of the hill people, so Tansy is asked to take him on her route. We have Caleb who moves back home and has always loved Tansy. A man they call Preacher is in the mix and the story revolves around mainly these people. Life is hard and the story moved slow.
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LibraryThing member Maydacat
Everyone struggled during the Great Depression, but it surely was especially bad for poor folk in mountain communities. Tansy’s father has left his family to look for work. Tansy is lucky to be hired to be a packhorse librarian, not only a job that she loves dearly, but one that means she can
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help support her mother and siblings. Taking books on horseback to people who clearly appreciate the opportunity to have new books gives her a purpose beyond just earning a living. At the age of 20, people think she should be married, but Tansy is in no hurry. Perdita, on the other hand, is old enough to be a grandmother, but says she is too ornery to marry. Life has a way of changing minds, though, in surprising ways. Tragedy is no stranger to this tight-knit community. Sometimes only time itself can heal broken hearts, and sometimes what seems like a disaster turns out to be a blessing. Author Ann Gabhart has penned a thoughtful and engrossing tale of survival, of endurance, of caring, and of love. The characters come alive on the page, in the descriptive setting and in the cadence of language. By the time readers finish this story, they will come to understand what life was like in the mountains of Kentucky during the depression, where even far flung neighbors look out for each other. These mountain people are fine examples of the best of humanity, gladly sharing what little they have. This is a story that should be read and not soon forgotten. Show Less
LibraryThing member susan0316
Tansy is 20 and past the age that her family and friends think she should be married and having babies but Tansy is happy with her life. She's a horseback librarian. Not only does she love books but she also loves sharing books with people who wouldn't have had a chance to read unless she delivered
This is a well written interesting book. I've read several books recently about the horseback librarians and there are some similarities in the books. This one gives us more of an insight into life through a young woman's eyes who loves her home and the people she is surrounded with. This is a story about love - both love of family and love of setting along with a look at love and marriage.
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books to them. Plus her father has left home to find work and the money she makes helps to feed her family. Perdita is an ornery old woman who has never married. No one knew her age but she was at least in her 80s. When her house burns down, she goes to live with Tansy's family along with a young pregnant girl who she took in. Tansy is interested in two men - one is an author who has come to town to write a travel book and listen to some of the old stories and the other is a friend from childhood who has just returned from working planting trees with the Civilian Conservation Corp. One man can take her out of the mountains to see places she has never seen. If she marries her old friend, she will remain in the hills of Kentucky. Should she choose a life that is similar to those that she's read about or stay at home and help to take care of the people she knows and loves?This is a well written interesting book. I've read several books recently about the horseback librarians and there are some similarities in the books. This one gives us more of an insight into life through a young woman's eyes who loves her home and the people she is surrounded with. This is a story about love - both love of family and love of setting along with a look at love and marriage.
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LibraryThing member HuberK
ALONG A STORIED TRAIL by Ann H. Gabhart
Imagine my excitement, when I found out that I was approved for this wonderful novel about a young woman's packhorse librarian adventures. I have read several other fictional books of this same genre, for I like to see the different author's sentiments on this
The packhorse library was instituted as a WPA, Works Progress Administration approved by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in getting the project going as a way to bring reading materials to isolated families in the Appalachia Mountains. By hiring mostly women to deliver the books on horseback or by mule also gave families hard hit by the depression a small income to help support their families.
This book joins my list of most favorite books, with mixed emotion, though I am happy to have received an advanced eBook that will expire, however, I will remedy that lack pretty soon, by purchasing my own print copy and it will have an honorary spot on my favorite book's shelf. Highly recommend.
Tansy Calhoun is a twenty-year-old young woman who has her dream job of carrying library book loans to the rural Appalachia community that she lives near. She rides a dependable rented horse. She has had a crush on Caleb Barton for years, but Caleb left the area a few years ago and went to work for the CCC in a different part of Kentucky. She always assumed he had a crush on her sister.
Caleb Barton has only ever loved Tansy Calhoun. When it looked like she might marry someone else, he skedaddled out of the area, with the excuse of working for the CCC to earn some money to send home to his mother, because his father had already passed on and there are no local jobs due to the depression. He is a thinker and likes to think about anything before he makes a decision.
Tansy Calhoun is approached by her boss, Mrs. Weston at the library to take Damien Felding, a writer who has taken a job with the Federal Writer's Project and needs to be introduced to some of the locals in the area who might be willing to tell Mr. Felding some of their life story's and interesting things about the area to be included in a book about Kentucky, that would be used for tourism. Tansy is awed by Mr. Felding. He's visiting all the way from New York City. He's handsome and cocky. She feels like she has been placed under his spell.
Who will Tansy end up with? Caleb a true friend, who is dependable, or Damien who is a city guy with his flashy ways? This book is so much more than a romance, you get to know all of the people in Tansy and Caleb's lives that make living in their rural Kentucky location a heartwarming adventure.
Thanks a million to #netgalley #revell #bakerbooks #annhgabhart for the complimentary copy of #alongastoriedtrail I was under no obligation to post a review.
Imagine my excitement, when I found out that I was approved for this wonderful novel about a young woman's packhorse librarian adventures. I have read several other fictional books of this same genre, for I like to see the different author's sentiments on this
Show More
important time in Kentucky's history. I find it intriguing that it was only instituted in Kentucky, not any of the other poor states at the time.The packhorse library was instituted as a WPA, Works Progress Administration approved by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in getting the project going as a way to bring reading materials to isolated families in the Appalachia Mountains. By hiring mostly women to deliver the books on horseback or by mule also gave families hard hit by the depression a small income to help support their families.
This book joins my list of most favorite books, with mixed emotion, though I am happy to have received an advanced eBook that will expire, however, I will remedy that lack pretty soon, by purchasing my own print copy and it will have an honorary spot on my favorite book's shelf. Highly recommend.
Tansy Calhoun is a twenty-year-old young woman who has her dream job of carrying library book loans to the rural Appalachia community that she lives near. She rides a dependable rented horse. She has had a crush on Caleb Barton for years, but Caleb left the area a few years ago and went to work for the CCC in a different part of Kentucky. She always assumed he had a crush on her sister.
Caleb Barton has only ever loved Tansy Calhoun. When it looked like she might marry someone else, he skedaddled out of the area, with the excuse of working for the CCC to earn some money to send home to his mother, because his father had already passed on and there are no local jobs due to the depression. He is a thinker and likes to think about anything before he makes a decision.
Tansy Calhoun is approached by her boss, Mrs. Weston at the library to take Damien Felding, a writer who has taken a job with the Federal Writer's Project and needs to be introduced to some of the locals in the area who might be willing to tell Mr. Felding some of their life story's and interesting things about the area to be included in a book about Kentucky, that would be used for tourism. Tansy is awed by Mr. Felding. He's visiting all the way from New York City. He's handsome and cocky. She feels like she has been placed under his spell.
Who will Tansy end up with? Caleb a true friend, who is dependable, or Damien who is a city guy with his flashy ways? This book is so much more than a romance, you get to know all of the people in Tansy and Caleb's lives that make living in their rural Kentucky location a heartwarming adventure.
Thanks a million to #netgalley #revell #bakerbooks #annhgabhart for the complimentary copy of #alongastoriedtrail I was under no obligation to post a review.
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LibraryThing member sallylou61
Tansy Calhoun, the central character of Along a Storied Trail, is a packhorse librarian who lends books to people in rural Eastern Kentucky during the Depression. The area that Tansy services lacks roads that cars can travel. Although Tracy is the main character of the novel, there are numerous
The book contains a fair amount of religion.
Two other books about packhorse librarians, The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, have been published recently. I have not read either of the books to see how Along a Storied Trail compares with them.
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supporting characters; the novel has several threads. There is a love triangle, and several couples trying to decide whether to marry. This love story is both about love between characters and of love of the land. It is a story of community, of people, no matter how poor, helping each other. Several governmental work programs are mentioned; the packhorse library project is a WPA project; Caleb Barton had just returned home from a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) project farther South; and Damien Fielding was an "outsider", a writer from New York City researching stories for a book in the American Guide Series.The book contains a fair amount of religion.
Two other books about packhorse librarians, The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, have been published recently. I have not read either of the books to see how Along a Storied Trail compares with them.
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LibraryThing member dianne47
Another book featuring the pack horse librarians of Kentucky. But the author concentrates more on the lives of the mountain folk that Tansy meets on her rounds. And on the romance, Tansy loves her job and loves being able to help support her family while her father is away looking for a job. She
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meets a reporter who seems to fulfill her fantasies of a knight in shining armor come to rescue her. But there is a also a mountain man lurking in the background who's been carrying a torch for Tansy. And her household is increased as a fire forces a distant relative to move in with her family and also a pregnant young woman. Fortunately everything is resolved in the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member alekee
When I saw a new book by Ann H. Gabhart I knew I was in for a treat, and she sure didn't disappoint.
Wasn't long and I was ridding with Tansy Calhoun bring much loved books to the remote mountain people. This is the time of the Great Depression and as part of getting people back to work the
Now a young writer has come to let visitors to the area know about historic events, and our girl will be taking him up into the mountains to help him meet and gather stories.
Will our girls head be turned by this worldly fellow? Or will she see what is right before her eyes?
We meet so many folks and see their lives during this page-turning read, and some are so memorable, you won't want to leave, and yes, there is another book coming!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
Wasn't long and I was ridding with Tansy Calhoun bring much loved books to the remote mountain people. This is the time of the Great Depression and as part of getting people back to work the
Show More
government has developed jobs, and and Tansy has one. She rides horse back up the Appalachians in Kentucky to bring books, and messages.Now a young writer has come to let visitors to the area know about historic events, and our girl will be taking him up into the mountains to help him meet and gather stories.
Will our girls head be turned by this worldly fellow? Or will she see what is right before her eyes?
We meet so many folks and see their lives during this page-turning read, and some are so memorable, you won't want to leave, and yes, there is another book coming!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member medwards429
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing an advanced review copy through Library Thing. A positive review was not required or requested, all words are my own.
As someone who is now a slight (or moderate) fan of Historical Fiction, I don’t hesitate
And, one sub-genre I enjoy are stories based upon real life events – World War II (WWII); major events; in this case –> the packhorse librarians of Kentucky and the Appalachians.
The first I heard of them was a book called The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek. I saw an ARC on BookishFirst, but passed on it. What was interesting – it also talked about the “blue people”.
Another packhorse librarian story was JoJo Moyes’ The Giver of Stars. That I was lucky enough to win from the publisher. I haven’t read it yet, but it does look interesting.
This is now the third story I’ve run across regarding these mobile librarians.
As I’d read the author’s An Appalachian Summer last year, and loved it, I didn’t hesitate to read this one. The gorgeous and scenic cover drew me right in. This is a standalone read so readers don’t have to worry about reading any other books of a series.
The main POVs were Tansy, Caleb, and Perdita. However, the other characters – Coralee, Hiram (Preacher), and even Tansy’s mother were all well-written and very authentic to the time and region. The author goes so far as to use realistic terms and “accents”. Some readers might enjoy this, others may not.
Written in short chapters, Along a Storied Trail has a lot of heart to it. Gabhart’s vivid and descriptive writing delves into more than just the history of the packhorse librarians. She brings the readers back to the time to confront a different way of life that many of us might only remember through stories handed down by our great-grandparents or grandparents. At times this is heart-breaking and yet inspiring. There is a gritty realism to it.
There will be references to a teenage pregnancy which wasn’t uncommon for the time. The fact of the father running off, and it being outside of marriage is to be reviewed as a scandal due to the time this is set in. There are also references to Black Tuesday, depression, and suicide.
After her Pa leaves to find work, Tansy takes a “job” as a packhorse librarian. Her job is to distribute books in the hard to reach areas of Appalachia. At age 20, she is almost a spinster.
Caleb is returning to the area after his brother Reuben’s death. Caleb is with the Civilian Conservation Corps working with making trails. His brother died in a rare accident when a tree fell on him, leaving behind a widow and two kids.
The author sets up the Tansy/Caleb story quite quickly with regard to the background of him seemingly interested in her older sister. Yet, his mother has other plans for him – marry his widowed sister-in-law and be a father to the two kids.
Right of, it is clear he liked Tansy. Yet, Gabhart takes the reader on a long journey to get there. When he left, Tansy was with someone else, so Caleb is happy that she’s still single.
Of course, she doesn’t want to end up like “Aunt Perdie” who has her own ornery tale as to why she is a spinster. But, it isn’t long until her heart softens a bit when poor pregnant Coralee knocks on her door. Perdita instantly decides to take her in.
There is a lot of “narrative” to the story as opposed to dialogue. This was, at times, hard to put down; yet it was also hard to pick up. There is some repetition to a character’s death as well as a young boy’s “nickname”.
Another character enters the picture to not complicate matters, but it was clear that Damien, a writer from a government program, was sure to mix everything up. And, it was clear that he was sweet on Tansy. Tansy knows how she feels about Caleb, or does she? But, she doesn’t know how Caleb feels about her.
After taking in Coralee, Perdita suffers one calamity after another. After the last catastrophic one, she and Coralee are forced to move in with Tansy’s family. And, right off the reader will see a definitely romance brewing with Josh towards Coralee, but the author draws this one out slowly and sweetly.
Caleb doesn’t care for Damien and it has nothing to do with his reasons for being there.
The different dynamics that Gabhart had going on in it definitely made this an interesting and enjoyable read though there were times I didn’t know what to make of it.
Most of the book centers on the Tansy/Damien/Caleb “triangle” – or rather which one is better suited for her; Coralee’s situation; in addition to Jenny Sue & Caleb. There is some drama from Coralee’s dad as well. It seemed, at times, repetitious.
The story advanced at a slow pace, and other times the pace was quicker.
There was, given the time, a stunning moment between Caleb and his mother regarding Jenny Sue and what Ma Vesta wanted for Caleb. And, it is obvious who gets their way.
It wasn’t until the final two chapters that readers see a progression of Tansy and Caleb’s relationship.
I did wonder what happened to Damien and his book after the storm. It would’ve been interesting to see what happened. There is also another person in the story that is alluded to (someone to do with Coralee), and I would’ve liked some resolution to that as well.
There was a crack that Perdita made when asked how she was feeling. She answered “with my hands”, which is something my own mother has said for decades. In addition, our family also loves to use the word “idjit” (another form of idiot).
While this is a four (4) star read, I didn’t enjoy it near as much as I did An Appalachian Summer. There were a few too many loose ends for me personally. Fans of the author might enjoy this far more than I did.
As this is distributed by Revell; there will be references to God, themes of forgiveness, and second chanced. Prayers and references to bible stories are also in this book as well, and do play some role in the story at certain parts.
As of note:
Damien tells Caleb he isn’t a “revenuer” and that the moonshine stills are safe. The Bureau of Prohibition was established in 1920 and a unit of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. In 1927, it became an independent agency within the Department of Treasury. In 1930, it became a part of the Department of Justice, and in 1933 with the repeal – it became a part of the FBI.
As someone who is now a slight (or moderate) fan of Historical Fiction, I don’t hesitate
Show More
when I see the genre. And, one sub-genre I enjoy are stories based upon real life events – World War II (WWII); major events; in this case –> the packhorse librarians of Kentucky and the Appalachians.
The first I heard of them was a book called The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek. I saw an ARC on BookishFirst, but passed on it. What was interesting – it also talked about the “blue people”.
Another packhorse librarian story was JoJo Moyes’ The Giver of Stars. That I was lucky enough to win from the publisher. I haven’t read it yet, but it does look interesting.
This is now the third story I’ve run across regarding these mobile librarians.
As I’d read the author’s An Appalachian Summer last year, and loved it, I didn’t hesitate to read this one. The gorgeous and scenic cover drew me right in. This is a standalone read so readers don’t have to worry about reading any other books of a series.
The main POVs were Tansy, Caleb, and Perdita. However, the other characters – Coralee, Hiram (Preacher), and even Tansy’s mother were all well-written and very authentic to the time and region. The author goes so far as to use realistic terms and “accents”. Some readers might enjoy this, others may not.
Written in short chapters, Along a Storied Trail has a lot of heart to it. Gabhart’s vivid and descriptive writing delves into more than just the history of the packhorse librarians. She brings the readers back to the time to confront a different way of life that many of us might only remember through stories handed down by our great-grandparents or grandparents. At times this is heart-breaking and yet inspiring. There is a gritty realism to it.
There will be references to a teenage pregnancy which wasn’t uncommon for the time. The fact of the father running off, and it being outside of marriage is to be reviewed as a scandal due to the time this is set in. There are also references to Black Tuesday, depression, and suicide.
After her Pa leaves to find work, Tansy takes a “job” as a packhorse librarian. Her job is to distribute books in the hard to reach areas of Appalachia. At age 20, she is almost a spinster.
Caleb is returning to the area after his brother Reuben’s death. Caleb is with the Civilian Conservation Corps working with making trails. His brother died in a rare accident when a tree fell on him, leaving behind a widow and two kids.
The author sets up the Tansy/Caleb story quite quickly with regard to the background of him seemingly interested in her older sister. Yet, his mother has other plans for him – marry his widowed sister-in-law and be a father to the two kids.
Right of, it is clear he liked Tansy. Yet, Gabhart takes the reader on a long journey to get there. When he left, Tansy was with someone else, so Caleb is happy that she’s still single.
Of course, she doesn’t want to end up like “Aunt Perdie” who has her own ornery tale as to why she is a spinster. But, it isn’t long until her heart softens a bit when poor pregnant Coralee knocks on her door. Perdita instantly decides to take her in.
There is a lot of “narrative” to the story as opposed to dialogue. This was, at times, hard to put down; yet it was also hard to pick up. There is some repetition to a character’s death as well as a young boy’s “nickname”.
Another character enters the picture to not complicate matters, but it was clear that Damien, a writer from a government program, was sure to mix everything up. And, it was clear that he was sweet on Tansy. Tansy knows how she feels about Caleb, or does she? But, she doesn’t know how Caleb feels about her.
After taking in Coralee, Perdita suffers one calamity after another. After the last catastrophic one, she and Coralee are forced to move in with Tansy’s family. And, right off the reader will see a definitely romance brewing with Josh towards Coralee, but the author draws this one out slowly and sweetly.
Caleb doesn’t care for Damien and it has nothing to do with his reasons for being there.
The different dynamics that Gabhart had going on in it definitely made this an interesting and enjoyable read though there were times I didn’t know what to make of it.
Most of the book centers on the Tansy/Damien/Caleb “triangle” – or rather which one is better suited for her; Coralee’s situation; in addition to Jenny Sue & Caleb. There is some drama from Coralee’s dad as well. It seemed, at times, repetitious.
The story advanced at a slow pace, and other times the pace was quicker.
There was, given the time, a stunning moment between Caleb and his mother regarding Jenny Sue and what Ma Vesta wanted for Caleb. And, it is obvious who gets their way.
It wasn’t until the final two chapters that readers see a progression of Tansy and Caleb’s relationship.
I did wonder what happened to Damien and his book after the storm. It would’ve been interesting to see what happened. There is also another person in the story that is alluded to (someone to do with Coralee), and I would’ve liked some resolution to that as well.
There was a crack that Perdita made when asked how she was feeling. She answered “with my hands”, which is something my own mother has said for decades. In addition, our family also loves to use the word “idjit” (another form of idiot).
While this is a four (4) star read, I didn’t enjoy it near as much as I did An Appalachian Summer. There were a few too many loose ends for me personally. Fans of the author might enjoy this far more than I did.
As this is distributed by Revell; there will be references to God, themes of forgiveness, and second chanced. Prayers and references to bible stories are also in this book as well, and do play some role in the story at certain parts.
As of note:
Damien tells Caleb he isn’t a “revenuer” and that the moonshine stills are safe. The Bureau of Prohibition was established in 1920 and a unit of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. In 1927, it became an independent agency within the Department of Treasury. In 1930, it became a part of the Department of Justice, and in 1933 with the repeal – it became a part of the FBI.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Virginia51
This was one of my favorite stories that talks about the packhorse Librarians that were used during the depression era in the mountains of Kentucky. This story really gets into many different peoples lives and how they each handle what is thrown at them as they go through their daily lives. My
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favorite character has to be Aunt Perdie. I also love the descriptions of the area and the emotions shown by each character. I think this has been one of my favorite books by this author. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. Show Less
LibraryThing member grammy57
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
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.
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
Show More
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.
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LibraryThing member lamb521
Title: Along A Storied Trail
Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Pages: 368
Year: 2021
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Along a Storied Trail takes audiences back to a time where books weren’t as easily available or accessible. The setting is the Kentucky mountains where day-to-day living was a harsh
The other main character is a man named Caleb who left the mountains to work but returned home after his brother’s sudden death. Now, he is helping provide for his mother and brother’s widow and children. When Caleb sees Tansy and hears of the work she is doing, he hopes his dreams of a future include her. That is unless a man who is working a government job comes to the mountain to gather stories in the hopes of drawing tourists to the area wins Tansy’s affection.
My favorite character in the story is Perdita Sweet. Her personality at first is prickly but her heart is very soft. The background to Perdita is slowly revealed and one cannot help but enjoy the way others are touched by her as she is them. There are many others in the book that captured my imagination but no one like Perdita, and I hope other readers enjoy her character too.
As I read, I became more thankful for living in a time where books are plentiful and accessible. The novel started off kind of slow for me as the focus was on building character background and such. However, after a bit, the story took off and I enjoyed the climactic ending.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Pages: 368
Year: 2021
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Along a Storied Trail takes audiences back to a time where books weren’t as easily available or accessible. The setting is the Kentucky mountains where day-to-day living was a harsh
Show More
reality and reliance on one’s neighbors essential during the Great Depression. The year is 1937, and the main character is Tansy Calhoun who becomes a packhorse librarian. Tansy travels several miles many days of the week to deliver as well as pick up books or magazines previously loaned out to folks. Tansy is a voracious reader herself and needs to help provide for her family since her father left home in search of work elsewhere.The other main character is a man named Caleb who left the mountains to work but returned home after his brother’s sudden death. Now, he is helping provide for his mother and brother’s widow and children. When Caleb sees Tansy and hears of the work she is doing, he hopes his dreams of a future include her. That is unless a man who is working a government job comes to the mountain to gather stories in the hopes of drawing tourists to the area wins Tansy’s affection.
My favorite character in the story is Perdita Sweet. Her personality at first is prickly but her heart is very soft. The background to Perdita is slowly revealed and one cannot help but enjoy the way others are touched by her as she is them. There are many others in the book that captured my imagination but no one like Perdita, and I hope other readers enjoy her character too.
As I read, I became more thankful for living in a time where books are plentiful and accessible. The novel started off kind of slow for me as the focus was on building character background and such. However, after a bit, the story took off and I enjoyed the climactic ending.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
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LibraryThing member ecataldi
This is my FOURTH packhorse librarian book and I definitely think it's beginning to emerge as a popular sub-genre! I really enjoyed this one because it discussed more than just the WPA packhorse librarian project that took place during the great depression - it also mentioned the Federal Writer's
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Project. Tansy Calhoun is grateful to have a job riding up and down the Kentucky mountains delivering books. Her pa left nearly a year ago for work and they haven't heard from him since. Her mother and three siblings depend on the money she brings in as a book lady. Tansy years for romance like all the heroines in the stories she reads, she has no idea she might soon be the object of attention for two young men. Damien Fields is an author who has come to write about their county and she has been elected his "our guide." She is immediately smitten with the attractive New York City transplant. But then there is Caleb, recently returned to the mountains to take care of his Ma, sister in law and niece an nephew after his brother's unfortunate death. She always thought of him as a friend, but he has always wanted so much more. With the meddling of an old grannie, an unwed pregnant sixteen year old and a preacher - things in the mountain are about to get interesting. Charming and well written. Show Less
LibraryThing member Christiana5
I received this book from the Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.
Gabhart tells the story of Tandy, a 20 year old packhorse librarian, or book woman, in Owsley County, Kentucky, during the Great Depression. While the story begins with a focus on Tandy's role as a book woman, it
I enjoyed the story, though I would have preferred a greater focus on Tandy's work as a book woman than on the romances. The story was reminiscent of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, but lacked the depth of that story in addressing prejudices. Still, an interesting read that immerses you in 1930's Appalachia.
Gabhart tells the story of Tandy, a 20 year old packhorse librarian, or book woman, in Owsley County, Kentucky, during the Great Depression. While the story begins with a focus on Tandy's role as a book woman, it
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quickly expands to become more of a coming of age/romance story. The numerous characters are mostly well drawn, especially Perdita, a single senior who took in a pregnant unwed teen, and Caleb, one of Tandy's love interests.I enjoyed the story, though I would have preferred a greater focus on Tandy's work as a book woman than on the romances. The story was reminiscent of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, but lacked the depth of that story in addressing prejudices. Still, an interesting read that immerses you in 1930's Appalachia.
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LibraryThing member gincam
Wonderful storyteller Ann H. Gabhart brings to vivid life the Kentucky mountains of Appalachia during the Great Depression in "Along a Storied Trail". Tansy Calhoun had always loved to read, even if she did have to do it in secret. He father didn't approve of her books. Once he left the family home
Book Copy Gratis Revell Books
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to find work outside the area, Tansy found a job of her own. Through a government work program, she became a "packhorse librarian", getting paid for sharing her love of books and reading with children and folks who would have no other access to books. At times, the weather made the treks through the woods and creeks, over the rough and rocky ground, and up and down the steep hills almost unmanageable, but determined Tansy forged on. At age twenty, Tansy was unattached--she had yet to find someone like the heroes in the romance books she read. When a writer comes to the area to create a perspective of the county for the government, Tansy is given the task of being his guide. Will the newcomer steal her heart, or will Tansy finally see the local man who has always loved her? Changing times, families facing hardship, and a devastating natural disaster will leave no one untouched. However, the mountains remain steadfast, and I dearly love my own Virginia mountains, which give me peace and remind me of my faith. "Along a Storied Trail" is beautifully written, with captivating characters and a genuine sense of time and place. I have read a number of works by Ann H. Gabhart, and I highly recommend her superlative storytelling.Book Copy Gratis Revell Books
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LibraryThing member polarmath
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
I received a copy to read, the review is mine.
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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.
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LibraryThing member Stardust_Fiddle
While this is not the first time I’ve heard about the packhorse librarians, it is the first book that I’ve read featuring them, and what a grand initiation! “Along a Storied Trail” may be a fictional tale, but Ann Gabhart incorporates the intrepid spirit of the women who promoted literacy
Gabhart creates a satisfying cast of characters that provide a kaleidoscopic portrait of life in the Eastern Kentucky hills in 1937. Tansy Calhoun is a girl after my own heart, with her unabashed love of the written word and her dedication to bringing books to her neighbors in Owsley County. I can’t think of a more perfect occupation: “A day chin-deep in words and stories seemed the next thing to heaven to Tansy.” Being able to share, and in some cases introduce, literature to those who would otherwise go without it, and doing so on horseback through the mountains sounds like a dream come true to me, as well. I also felt a connection with Tansy in the way that she stood out from the majority of the mountain folk due to her pastimes, and just reading about the decline of the American chestnut saddened me while at the same time bringing a smile to my face, particularly given that she did share this interest with Caleb Barton. Gabhart does not give readers much detail about Caleb’s work with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) because the story begins after his time there, but that aspect drew me in also because my grandpap worked with the CCC in the 1930s, too.
As with any story from this era, “Along a Storied Trail” has its share of heartache and romance. Unexpected death, the loss of one’s home, unrequited love, and the challenges of everyday survival pepper the narrative. I appreciate that the author does not sugarcoat the lives of her characters, but instead portrays them as realistic individuals. Damien Felding represents the outsider who does not understand the mountain way of life but sees it as something to escape from, while Jenny Sue and Junie prove that grieving has no geographical or time limits. Nevertheless, Tansy sagely notes that “While there were some things a book couldn’t heal, a story could give you some minutes to escape from what was to what a person could imagine.” And it is through the pages of a fire-tested Bible that healing comes to these Appalachian hills.
Reminiscent of such beloved classics as “Christy” while also possessing its own unique Appalachian flair, Ann Gabhart’s “Along a Storied Trail” is a must-read for fans of the genre and for anyone who enjoys an inspiring story of love, books, and family—both the one we’re born into and the one we create for ourselves, or as Perdita Sweet would say, a “family born of need.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
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among the Appalachian Mountain communities during the Great Depression while offering readers a glimpse into life in the hills. Women, both married and single, become the heroines as they accept paying jobs to follow the postal service’s creed to travel through all forms of inclement weather to keep to their schedules—an early bookmobile! “A packhorse librarian had to be tough and ready for anything,” Tansy Calhoun asserts. I was interested to learn that they received payment for this job, and that it was a full-time commitment that involved traveling to different areas daily, returning to each location every two weeks. I also love that these women had a weekly meeting at the Booneville Library to swap out books, choosing ones that they knew would suit their readers, and to repair books and use magazines to make their own books and write their own stories for the children on their routes. Gabhart creates a satisfying cast of characters that provide a kaleidoscopic portrait of life in the Eastern Kentucky hills in 1937. Tansy Calhoun is a girl after my own heart, with her unabashed love of the written word and her dedication to bringing books to her neighbors in Owsley County. I can’t think of a more perfect occupation: “A day chin-deep in words and stories seemed the next thing to heaven to Tansy.” Being able to share, and in some cases introduce, literature to those who would otherwise go without it, and doing so on horseback through the mountains sounds like a dream come true to me, as well. I also felt a connection with Tansy in the way that she stood out from the majority of the mountain folk due to her pastimes, and just reading about the decline of the American chestnut saddened me while at the same time bringing a smile to my face, particularly given that she did share this interest with Caleb Barton. Gabhart does not give readers much detail about Caleb’s work with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) because the story begins after his time there, but that aspect drew me in also because my grandpap worked with the CCC in the 1930s, too.
As with any story from this era, “Along a Storied Trail” has its share of heartache and romance. Unexpected death, the loss of one’s home, unrequited love, and the challenges of everyday survival pepper the narrative. I appreciate that the author does not sugarcoat the lives of her characters, but instead portrays them as realistic individuals. Damien Felding represents the outsider who does not understand the mountain way of life but sees it as something to escape from, while Jenny Sue and Junie prove that grieving has no geographical or time limits. Nevertheless, Tansy sagely notes that “While there were some things a book couldn’t heal, a story could give you some minutes to escape from what was to what a person could imagine.” And it is through the pages of a fire-tested Bible that healing comes to these Appalachian hills.
Reminiscent of such beloved classics as “Christy” while also possessing its own unique Appalachian flair, Ann Gabhart’s “Along a Storied Trail” is a must-read for fans of the genre and for anyone who enjoys an inspiring story of love, books, and family—both the one we’re born into and the one we create for ourselves, or as Perdita Sweet would say, a “family born of need.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member Harley0326
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member lifeofliterature
The gorgeous cover is a great introduction to a story full of rich history and characters. I liked the unique background of this novel and I learned a lot about the culture and history of the setting in this novel. The beautiful setting was indeed easy to picture with the vivid descriptions. The
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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characters were endearing and likeable. I enjoyed the lessons and growth learned by the characters throughout the novel. I thought the writing drew me into the story easily and allowed me to immerse myself into the book. There were slow moments in the novel, but overall, I did enjoy it. I look forward to more by this talented author. I recommend this novel to those who love historical fiction!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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LibraryThing member ladyharris
I always look forward to reading each and every story penned by Ann H. Gabhart. The timeline of this one is during the Great Depression set in an Appalachian Mountain community called Booneville in Kentucky about the packhorse librarians. A book was never better titled than this one as you really
Tansy Calhoun, one of the packhorse librarians, is our main character who has a passion for reading and sharing that passion with others. This is a dream job to her, as she truly loves taking the books to the readers on her route. The packhorse librarians creed is similar to that of the postal service except due to safety concerns not only for themselves but for their mule or horse were home by dark. Nothing ever went to waste as magazines and books that were damaged beyond repair were cut up and made into reading/teaching stories for children. Recipes and quilt patterns were collected by the librarians from women on the librarian’s routes and made into small pamphlets to be passed around from home to home.
The banter between the characters was some of the best I have ever read. I laughed out loud and cried too. One of my favorites was Aunt Perdie praying to God “But it would be nice to have somebody to sit with me by the fire.” A few moments later a young pregnant woman, beaten, bruised, and 1/2 frozen knocks on her door. After Aunt Perdie gets her settled by the fire she remembers “Hiram used to tell her a person needed to be careful what they prayed for.”
Cannot rave enough about the character development in this story from beginning to end. Everyone always asks me who is my favorite. Hands down it is Perdita Sweet aka Aunt Perdie even though she was actually nobodies aunt and to most people not sweet. However things can happen both bad and good to change a person’s outlook on life. I recommend you read this wonderful story and you will see why I chose Aunt Perdie as my favorite.
Bless you Ann H. Gabhart for writing this story, allowing us to ride with Tansy along her book route, meet all of the wonderful people who live around the community of Booneville and view the beautiful mountain scenery.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell via NetGalley for Interviews & Reviews. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
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do get to ride along a storied trail as you join Tansy on her book route. Tansy Calhoun, one of the packhorse librarians, is our main character who has a passion for reading and sharing that passion with others. This is a dream job to her, as she truly loves taking the books to the readers on her route. The packhorse librarians creed is similar to that of the postal service except due to safety concerns not only for themselves but for their mule or horse were home by dark. Nothing ever went to waste as magazines and books that were damaged beyond repair were cut up and made into reading/teaching stories for children. Recipes and quilt patterns were collected by the librarians from women on the librarian’s routes and made into small pamphlets to be passed around from home to home.
The banter between the characters was some of the best I have ever read. I laughed out loud and cried too. One of my favorites was Aunt Perdie praying to God “But it would be nice to have somebody to sit with me by the fire.” A few moments later a young pregnant woman, beaten, bruised, and 1/2 frozen knocks on her door. After Aunt Perdie gets her settled by the fire she remembers “Hiram used to tell her a person needed to be careful what they prayed for.”
Cannot rave enough about the character development in this story from beginning to end. Everyone always asks me who is my favorite. Hands down it is Perdita Sweet aka Aunt Perdie even though she was actually nobodies aunt and to most people not sweet. However things can happen both bad and good to change a person’s outlook on life. I recommend you read this wonderful story and you will see why I chose Aunt Perdie as my favorite.
Bless you Ann H. Gabhart for writing this story, allowing us to ride with Tansy along her book route, meet all of the wonderful people who live around the community of Booneville and view the beautiful mountain scenery.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell via NetGalley for Interviews & Reviews. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member RobbyeFaye
I've always been ensorcelled and captivated by stories about packhorse librarians, and Ann Gabhart's book, Along a Storied Trail, is no exception.
Tansy Calhoun, a packhorse librarian during the Great Depression, not only tenderly cares for the books she carries, but also for the people to whom she
Several people make up the story's cast of characters. One of my favorite characters is "Aunt" Perdita. Her aunt title is honorary, as she appears to be the honorary aunt to everyone, despite the fact that she’s seemingly not a true aunt to anyone.
I was thrilled to read and learn about the Federal Writers' Project and the Civilian Conservation Corps, which were both New Deal projects during the Great Depression. Look into the programs and the packhorse librarians if you have the opportunity. It's an intriguing period in American history.
Gabhart's books are consistently enjoyable to read. I appreciate her research and commixture of faith with scriptural truths. She has a rare talent of being able to write across multiple genres, and each book is unique and gratifying to read.
Along a Storied Trail is a wonderful story of community, faith and friendship.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Tansy Calhoun, a packhorse librarian during the Great Depression, not only tenderly cares for the books she carries, but also for the people to whom she
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distributes.Several people make up the story's cast of characters. One of my favorite characters is "Aunt" Perdita. Her aunt title is honorary, as she appears to be the honorary aunt to everyone, despite the fact that she’s seemingly not a true aunt to anyone.
I was thrilled to read and learn about the Federal Writers' Project and the Civilian Conservation Corps, which were both New Deal projects during the Great Depression. Look into the programs and the packhorse librarians if you have the opportunity. It's an intriguing period in American history.
Gabhart's books are consistently enjoyable to read. I appreciate her research and commixture of faith with scriptural truths. She has a rare talent of being able to write across multiple genres, and each book is unique and gratifying to read.
Along a Storied Trail is a wonderful story of community, faith and friendship.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
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LibraryThing member LadyoftheLodge
This book appealed to me because it is about pack horse librarians. This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. The Kentucky setting also drew me in. I have read other historical books about the pack horse librarians and this one was a great addition to my collection. The role of these
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courageous individuals cannot be overlooked in their attention to the literacy needs of people in hard to reach locations. This literacy need still exists today. Show Less
LibraryThing member lorimarie
I truly loved this book. The characters were all so well developed. The idea of people so isolated finally getting a new book to read is a genuine wonder to me. I think the writing was honest and heartfelt. Tancy took a little getting used to, but in the end I loved her too.
LibraryThing member nancynova
ARC from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Tansy is a "bookwoman" in the Eastern Kentucky hills. This book focuses more on Tansy and a few other families, the slick city writer who comes to town and Tansy's childhood friend, Caleb, who wants to be more than a friend. The school shut
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down when the teacher left, so the families love Tansy delivering the books, and she looks in on the hill-folk and makes sure they are getting the neighborly services that they need, such as having a full woodpile for the winter and enough food to eat. Aunt Pertie, who is an old maid living alone until she accidently burns down her cabin after giving an unwed pregnant girl shelter is funny in her crochety old way. I liked the ending. Show Less
LibraryThing member Sonja.Hoeke.Nish7358
If you enjoy historical fiction then this book should be high on your TBR pile! In some ways it reminds me of a book I recently read by Suzanne Woods Fisher entitled "The Moonlight School" yet very different. So if you loved this book, you will also love this one, as well!
In this new book by Ann H.
I found this to be a very interesting and thought provoking book. This was a book of historical life that you rarely, if ever, hear about. I loved this book and highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.
In this new book by Ann H.
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Gabhart you will find Tansy Calhoun who travels through all kinds of weather, on horseback, to deliver library books to those living far into the hills of Kentucky. It is an amazing story, which details the hardships she endured in her job and the hardships of the mountain people she diligently serves. And she serves in more ways than simply delivering books, she truly ministers to them.I found this to be a very interesting and thought provoking book. This was a book of historical life that you rarely, if ever, hear about. I loved this book and highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.
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Language
Physical description
8.5 inches
ISBN
0800737210 / 9780800737214