Along A Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart

 

There are few authors whose book releases are marked in my calendar, Ann Gabhart is one of them. Honestly, I've been counting down for the release of Along a Storied Trail since the beginning of the year and wasn't disappointed in the least.

Along a Storied Trail is set in 1937 Kentucky and, as usual, Gabhart makes her setting come alive to readers through her attention to detail, her wonderful characters, and her ability to focus in on unique points in history like the packhorse librarian. Tansy Calhoun, our heroine is one such librarian and readers will journey with her as she follows her library route and her heart.

I love this about Gabhart's books, she introduces me to so many fascinating aspects of recent(ish) history. Her stories are filled with couriers, midwives on horseback, and now, travelling librarians. Tansy is exactly what I expect from a Gabhart heroine, she's relatable mix of confidence and question, sweet and sass. 

While I would consider Along a Storied Trail more firmly in the romance category as Tansy seeks to find her way with two suitors (not to mention a few other romances that pop up for others at home along the way). Gabhart doesn't shy away from the harder realities of life for her characters. There are mentions of family loss and separation through illness, birth, and poverty. The characters wrestle with the realities of staying afloat during the great depression and through the loss of the chestnut trees. Not only does this help ground and round out the characters but Gabhart really utilizes these elements well to peer into historical realities.

Another reality I really enjoyed was Gabhart's treatment of disability in this particular novel. Both Tansy's mom Eugenia and Aunt Perdie both had noticeable disabilities in this book, Eugenia's from a birthing injury and Perdie's from age. As someone with a disability, I love how Gabhart wove these naturally into the story, the little details about sitting for tasks, sleeping issues, etc. . . it was written to be real not inspirational drivel. I loved that these were carefully woven into the characters in a way that made sense and not blatantly shouted for an awkward diversity quota. 

I really can't recommend this or any of Gabhart's books enough for readers who like solid Appalachian romance in the not so distant past. I can't wait to see where Gabhart takes us next.

4.5 out 5 stars

I received this as part of the RevellReads #AlongAStoriedTrail book tour. The opinions are my own.