Along a Storied Trail

 Title: Along a Storied Trail

Author: Ann H. Gabhart

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian Fiction

My Review:

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 lengthy 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

Synopsis:

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.