Today’s book review features
The Librarian’s Journey: 4 historical romances by Darlene Franklin, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Marilyn Turk, Kathleen Y’Barbo.
Book Blurb
A brave fight for literacy during the Great Depression
Four women set out on horseback to bring the library to remote communities
Part of FDR’s New Deal was the Works Progress Administration, which funded the Pack Horse Library Initiative. Ride along with four book-loving women who bravely fight for literacy in remote communities during the Great Depression by carrying library books via horseback. Will their efforts be rewarded by finding love in the process?
Love’s Turning Page by Cynthia Hickey
1936, Ozark Mountains
Grace Billings jumped at the chance to be a traveling librarian, but she didn’t anticipate the long days of work, the intense poverty, or the handsome new schoolteacher whose love for the mountain people surpasses even her own.
In This Moment by Patty Smith Hall
1936, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Forced out of her nursing job due to budget cuts, Ruth Sims applies for a position with the Pack Horse Library incentive, only to discover she must go to the one place she swore never to return. The children instantly steal her heart with their thirst for books, and she’s happy in her post until she meets their teacher, Will Munroe—the man who broke her heart.
Book Lady of the Bayou by Marilyn Turk
1936, Mississippi
Forced out of her comfort zone, Lily Bee Davis travels by mule or boat taking books to remote areas. When she meets little Evie and her reclusive father at dilapidated plantation house, she is drawn by their losses and longs to draw them out into life again.
The Lawman and the Librarian by Kathleen Y’Barbo
1936, Kentucky
Lottie Trent connects with a backwoods bully’s wife by secretly carrying messages for her in exchange for books. FBI agent Clayton Turnbow is on the trail of a criminal gang and discovers the packhorse librarian maybe a key member.
From Goodreads
Danielle’s Review
The Librarian’s Journey is a collection of four historical novellas about the pack-horse librarians of 1936. Part of FDR’s campaign to lift America out of The Great Depression, he instituted this service to have mobile libraries go where cars and bookmobiles couldn’t go. Librarians filled their saddle packs and rode to families that could not or would not visit the library in town. These stories are about four such fictional women.
Love’s Turning Page by Cynthia Hickey is a delightful story about a librarian and a schoolteacher who team up to teach reading and deliver books to the community. I loved the danger aspect in this story, too.
In This Moment by Patty Smith Hall is a story of lost love and rekindled friendship. It was fascinating how nursing could work along side the librarian’s work.
Book Lady of the Bayou by Marilyn Turk is set in a formidable location. The librarian crosses the path of alligators and snakes to deliver her books. The path of a recluse with a daughter who loves to read, too.
The Lawman and the Librarian by Kathleen Y’Barbo is another story that wrapped danger into the life of a pack-horse librarian. The second half of the story had intrigue, rekindled relationship, and wonderful happy ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Retail Links
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