The Librarian of Boone's Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer {book review}

Here's the book review I promised last week.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah and NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.

"These feuds an' fear gotta end."

That line resonated so loudly as I was reading this timely book.

This beautiful story touched my heart on multiple levels. Its exquisite depth and rich atmosphere immersed me into the quaint mountain town of Boone's Hollow, where I met a quirky cast of amazing characters that each wriggled their way into my heart.

Mrs. Sawyer once again created characters worth caring about. The depth to which she develops her cast is something to not only admire but also to study, if you're a writer like me. The way she captures a local way of speaking amazes me every time, and this talent of hers is one of the many reasons why her characters pop off the pages.

The glimpse at coal mining reminded me of Homer Hickam's true-life story in the movie October Sky. Another similarity between that film and this book was the difficult and sometimes heartrending father-son relationship.

What really made this book stand out among the 150+ books I've read this year is how a library was used to bring hope to families struggling through the Great Depression years. I had never before heard of packhorse librarians, but this story made me want to learn more. The way this novel was written -- filled with hope, love, and lots of grace -- kept me intrigued throughout, and I can hardly wait to read it again. It has moved itself into a tie with My Heart Remembers for my favorite KVS book -- and I wasn't sure that would happen after years and years of MHR reigning alone in that spot.

"What I want is for you to fully use the abilities God has given you."

The above quote really spoke truth into my soul. I'm not fully sure in how many ways God wants to fulfill this in my life, but I am eager to find out.

Surprise, Surprise

Hello, friends.

Some surprises are good, such as finding a new top-three favorite book of the year this past weekend: The Librarian of Boone's Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer. (Be on the lookout next week for my review of this book.)

Other surprises are not so good, such as having to ship my laptop in to get fixed because a hinge broke only ten months after I bought the thing (and I'm always gentle and respectful of my electronic devices).

One good thing about the negative surprise was that I was not on an editing or writing deadline at the time. Whew! That would have definitely have been a problem.

Another good thing about this is that I can take some time, while without a computer, to relook at my schedule and figure out what windows of time will work best for set-aside writing times for me during this season of life. I'm always experimenting with my schedule, because life shifts things around so often in one way or another.

While I'm awaiting the return of my laptop, I'll be pulling out a story to edit on paper. I had started editing it early this year, but I set it aside when two or three other stories leaped to the forefront of my mind to be first-drafted. It will be fun getting back to the young adult story that features skateboarders with funky nicknames, familial miscommunication, and a weighty bout of grief.

What has surprised you lately (good or bad)?

What silver linings are you finding in the midst of it?

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite authors, because with each new book she writes, she captures me once again with her storytelling abilities that keep me guessing until the very last page. Here's my latest review of one of her novels, her very newest: A Silken Thread.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.

Oh goodness! This one… this story… about friendships, choices, and integrity… I’m so blown away and happy and delighted. What a great addition to Mrs. Sawyer’s lengthy list of published novels! The trademark thread of hope kept me eager to keep reading every chapter. The complex plot is one of Mrs. Sawyer’s best. I love it when my favorite authors continue to find ways to surprise me time after time. My heart felt all gushy by the end, and I immediately wanted to purchase every possible version of this sweet novel. (Too bad my budget won’t allow that!)

Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer

I've been blessed to be on Kim Vogel Sawyer's street team again, this time for Beneath a Prairie Moon. I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I. Here's my honest review of this upcoming release.

A Lighthearted, Atypical Mail-Order Bride Story

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review, which was NOT required to be positive.

After reading Ms. Sawyer’s previous novel, Bringing Maggie Home, I wasn’t sure if I should expect another gut-wrenching story. Just a few pages into Beneath a Prairie Moon revealed that I was in for a delightful treat. While not a typical mail-order bride tale, it is filled with laughter, adventure, and unique characters that claim space in the reader’s heart.

It was really neat to see a sunburn featured through the story. That’s a different sort of aspect that I quite enjoyed. It brought back many memories of sunburns I’ve had, some more painful than others. This was a really creative thing to add into this wonderful book.

Last Month of Reading Challenge

by Andrea Renee Cox

We've made it through five months of the Autumn 2017 Reading Challenge I've been hosting here on Writing to Inspire. Have you been making good progress toward your reading goals?

There's only one more month to go now. I have been rooting for you to enjoy and do well on this reading challenge over the past five months, and I'll still be rooting for you through December as well.

You can do it!

Name Reveal + Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

by Andrea Renee Cox


Two things have me really excited today.

1. Character names

2. Kim Vogel Sawyer's newest book

Hang in there with me today, because I've got a lot to say. Hopefully you're just as eager to hear it all as I am to tell you about it.


Let's tackle my own news first.


Last week, I asked for help naming three characters:

Father

tall, elderly, quirky, sense of humor, fading memory

Son

serious, too busy for love, trouble deciding what's best for dad

Stranger

quick wit, optimist, romantic, world traveler

Grace and the Preacher by Kim Vogel Sawyer

by Andrea Renee Cox

What an amazing story. It's going to be hard to narrow down my thoughts and not give anything away, but here goes...

The themes of this story really captured me more than anything else, though there was a ton more to love about this book. From vanity, greed, and fear, to trust, serving Jesus, Good Samaritan, and putting God first, this novel was filled to the gills with lessons that were thoughtfully woven into every detail. None of them seemed over the top or preachy to me; rather, they were subtle and sweet and brought just the right touch of grace to the story line.

My Soul Sings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

by Andrea Renee Cox

Do you believe in jinxes?

I don’t.

But there’s a fictional town that completely does, and a young woman is suffering because of their superstition.

Kim Vogel Sawyer’s My Soul Sings contains an incredible sweetness that I have come to expect and admire in her writing. I especially liked how she wove that in amongst trials such as disability, outcasts, superstitions, hermits, and prejudices. Not only that, but she laces the entire tale with a thread of humor that perfectly balances out the weighty topics. One thing more that I enjoyed was how she’s got such a wonderful ear for nuances of speech. That really comes through well on each page.

Favorite Books of 2016

by Andrea Renee Cox

Did you have a merry Christmas? My family certainly did. I chose to simply enjoy it rather than take pictures. In a social-media world, it's sometimes pleasant to slip away from technology for awhile and live in the moment instead of try to capture it.

Would you rather capture moments to savor for later or enjoy them as they come along?

This year was a huge reading year for me. I completed my thirty-fifth copyediting job in only three years, and on top of that, I read over ninety books in my spare time. These are a few of my favorite discoveries during 2016:

Be My Guest: Kim Vogel Sawyer (Plus a Giveaway)

by Andrea Renee Cox

Remember when I mentioned that there just might be a giveaway coming your way? Well, I think it just arrived. *wink, wink* But more about that in a minute.

Today my guest, Kim Vogel Sawyer, is sharing a couple of character reviews from her latest novel, Guide Me Home, which I absolutely adored (click to see my review). Y'all, this book impacted my heart with its sweetness, gumption, and treacherous situations. I hope each of you will be able to read it soon!

(Stay tuned until the very end of this article for details on the giveaway.)

Who are the Stars of Guide Me Home?

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

REBEKAH HARDIN

Brief physical description 

REBEKAH HARDIN is tall for a girl, with long brown hair and brown eyes, slender but strong from working in her daddy’s tobacco fields. 

Resembles… my niece Mallea, who appears on the cover of the book!

Guide Me Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

by Andrea Renee Cox

"A legacy is worth protecting."

~ Guide Me Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

A legacy is something a person works his or her whole life to build up, then hands it over to the next generation as an inheritance.

In her latest novel, Kim Vogel Sawyer explores different types of legacies. The approach she took was especially creative, since she presented four unique perspectives on the subject. It was neat to see how one person can help build up a family's legacy... or tear it apart. Or how someone who doesn't have children may still create a legacy to leave behind for other folks to enjoy.

What's On Your Summer Reading List?

by Andrea Renee Cox

What’s on your summer reading list?

There are so many good books releasing this summer. The only thing that saddens me about that is that my schedule is keeping me too busy to enjoy all of them. Here are a few that I’m really excited about. Be sure to let me know in the comment section which books have you eager to read during these hot months of the year.

Be My Guest: Kim Vogel Sawyer

by Andrea Renee Cox

Have you ever wondered how much pain the human heart can take? My author-friend Kim Vogel Sawyer recently explored this very question when writing her latest novel. I hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at Room for Hope.

An Unselfish Choice

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Every June, The Hubs and I attend a Sawyer Family Reunion. It’s a great time of catching up, laughing, eating (of course), and otherwise enjoying ourselves. Two summers ago, one of The Hubs’ aunts (the one who set us up on a blind date in 1983...but that’s another story for another day) brought along a box of photographs and a print-out of family history which she shared with all of us.

Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer

by Andrea Renee Cox

Have you ever read a book that took a turn you didn't initially like ... but came to admire?

Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer was like that for me. Here I was, rooting for one thing to happen, and suddenly something completely different and unexpected happened. At first I was quite shocked and wasn't sure if I'd come to like the track the story took. Yet, as I continued reading, the characters burrowed deeper into my heart and the plot twists kept surprising me. Several times I found myself staring open-mouthed at the book, then quickly gobbling up the next few chapters to learn what would take place next.

New Year, Busy Schedule

by Andrea Renee Cox

Have you changed your calendars yet? Have you written the correct date today, or is that 5 sticking around?

As much as I would love to tell you that life will slow down in this new year, I am not seeing any proof of that in my schedule. My day job of tutoring begins again this afternoon, and as the state assessment tests are in spring, the work will be fast and furious this semester.

I'm continuing to study my memory verses, as the Siesta Scripture Memory Team (SSMT) conference is coming up this month. So excited for this bit of busyness! The Lord is working in interesting ways through my memory work, and I can hardly wait to see what He's got in store for that incredible conference weekend.

Copyediting jobs promise to keep my busy throughout 2016, for which I'm grateful. (Have you read any of Ashberry Lane's books yet? Check out ashberrylane.com for more information.) It's such a joy for me when I have the opportunity to work on other writers' manuscripts. The challenge to retain their voice while correcting typos, inconsistencies, and factual errors is one I meet gladly every day when I turn on my computer. They say writing is a lonely journey, but I beg to differ. There is such camaraderie and teamwork that take place through the process of publishing that there is a sense of support and encouragement even when you're facing the keyboard on your own. Gives me chills just thinking about it.

Giveaway! -- Through the Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer

By Andrea Renee Cox

A copy of Through the Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer is being given away by the Blogging for Books program. These giveaways are a new venture they're trying out. If it goes over well, I'm sure there will be more where this one came from. Won't you help support this fresh idea by signing up today?

Please visit this page for my review of the book, to see if it's one you'd be interested in reading.

Here's the Amazon summary of Through the Deep Waters:

A past filled with shame can be washed away with a love that conquers all. 
Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amidst the secrets held in every dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to escape, Dinah pursues her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn’t old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Eager to put everything behind her, Dinah feels more worthless than ever, based on a single horrible decision she made to survive.
 
The Clifton offers a life Dinah has never known, but blinded to the love around her, Dinah remains buried in the shame of her past. When a handsome chicken farmer named Amos Ackerman starts to show interest, Dinah withdraws further, convinced no one could want a sullied woman like her.  Despite his self-consciousness about his handicapped leg and her strange behavior, Amos resolves to show Dinah Christ’s love. But can she ever accept a gift she so desperately needs?

The contest starts on July 31, 2014 at 6:00am EST and ends on August 20th, 2014 at 11:59pm. One winner will be chosen at random on August 21st, 2014 and will be alerted by email.

In order to be entered into the contest, please fill out the form through this link.

Readers, what do you think of this new venture of Blogging for Books (offering giveaways)? I rather like it, but I'd like to hear your opinions.

Would you like to be my guest? Here's how to submit an article.

Do you need a proofreader? Here are the services I offer.

Through the Deep Waters - A Story of Healing

By Andrea Renee Cox

Sin.

Sin is something we don’t often talk about. Why is that? It’s bleak, uncomfortable, intrusive, suffocating… The list could go on forever. To me, sin is an obstacle, a stumbling block in my path to righteousness. It’s something to cast off, to be forgiven for by God.

To Dinah Hubley, the lead character in Kim Vogel Sawyer’s latest novel Through the Deep Waters, sin is her haunting reality and nightly terror. Born to a prostitute and raised in a brothel, Dinah escapes to Florence, Kansas, where she intends to become a Harvey girl. The esteemed position of server in Mr. Harvey’s hotel dining room might be Dinah’s dream job, but her past might prove too strong to overcome. Will Dinah succumb to the black cloud her sin has created? Or will her new friends show her God’s healing love, extending an invitation she can’t refuse?

My heart shattered for Dinah as she began her journey in the darkest of circumstances. As I turned each page, I yearned for redemption, hope, and faith for the young lady. Each new chapter brought fresh struggles, which made it difficult to set the books aside to sleep or work. Though heart wrenching, Through the Deep Waters is an exquisite tale that is bound to help broken people find God’s healing touch. The theme of brokenness appeared early on and was reiterated when Dinah asked another character, “What… broke you?” She wasn’t the only one hurting, nor was she the only one in need of mending.

This story of redemption shares the author’s heart for the abused people of the world. Kim offers a ray of hope with the story of a harlot’s daughter seeking more than her past says she deserves. That hope for a bright future, even with a blackened past, is what salvation is all about. It’s why Jesus Christ came to Earth, lived a pure life, and died on the cross. It’s why He rose from the tomb and ascended into Heaven. He came to save the lost, heal the broken, rescue and revive the weary and downtrodden.

Are you in need of a Savior?

Consider this your invitation to the healing He offers.

In lieu of a question today, I offer this prayer:

Father in Heaven, thank You for allowing me to touch my readers’ lives today. Please bless each one in the ways You know they need. If they are brothers and sisters in the faith, I thank You and ask that You bring them ever closer to Your heart. If they have not yet discovered the freedom and healing You offer, I thank You for the opportunity to be Your witness. Please will You touch my readers’ hearts today? Will You draw them near to Your heart and plant that seed of faith? In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Kim, thank you for the complimentary copy of Through the Deep Waters. It’s a joy to be a member of your street team, Hope Harbingers. I appreciate the tenderness you poured upon the pages of Dinah’s story. Thank you for reaching out to the broken. Thank you for being one of God’s vessels.

Readers, if you would like to be a member of Kim Vogel Sawyer's street team for her next three books, please visit this page for more details on how you may request to join. Kim will be choosing her influencers soon, so don't delay!

Need a proofreader? Here's how to request my services.

Want to be my guest? Here's how to submit an article.

Influencer Time!

By Andrea Renee Cox

Hi Friends! While my own books are still tucked away in my computer—trust me, I’m working hard on them!—a friend of mine has some she’d like to share with you. Kim Vogel Sawyer is searching now for people just like you to join her street team. These newest novels will be contemporary fiction instead of her usual historical fiction. If I know Kim, they're sure to be wonderful tales of hope that will lift your spirits.

Do you enjoy reading fiction?

Do you like to share your latest book with all your friends?

Do you spend time on social media sites or write a blog?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, I encourage you to fill out the brief application at Kim Sawyer’s website. She’ll be choosing her street team soon. Hurry! You won’t want to miss this opportunity.

I’ve been a member of Kim’s influencer team through three novels now. It’s been quite a blessing. Not only have I gotten an early copy of three of Kim’s books (and a few little extra surprises), but I’ve also built great friendships with the other folks in the group. When tough times come around, we share our concerns with the group and everyone prays through the problem. Good news is shared, too, and the excitement bubbles around the group so quickly you can’t help but feel good about whatever situation you find yourself in! Good days or bad, we support each other with prayer and kind comments. And a bit of humor, too.

Wouldn’t you like to come join the fun?

Visit Kim Vogel Sawyer’s Street Team page for more details.

Have you ever been part of an influencer or street team for an author? What did you like about it? Anything you would improve, if given the chance?

Please share your stories in the comments section. They may help someone else decided if influencing is a good fit for them.

Need a proofreader? Take a look at the services I offer.

Want to be my guest? Here’s how to submit an article.

Trending: eShorts

A relatively new trend in Christian fiction caught my attention recently. Electronic short stories—or eShorts—are popping up everywhere you turn. The neat thing about these miniscule books is that their authors have discovered several different ways in which to use them.

Some writers pen novellas intended for eReaders. JoAnn Durgin’s Meet Me Under the Mistletoe and Starlight, Star Bright are great examples of this type.

Others choose to give their readers a bonus book to share more details about a supporting character the readers fell in love with in a full length novel. Roseanna M. White gave us a glimpse of Isaac Fairchild’s life beyond Ring of Secrets with her eShort, Fairchild’s Lady.

In an upcoming eShort, available for pre-order now at only 99 cents on Amazon.com, You Made Me Love You delivers the much anticipated (at least by me!) bonus story of what happened to Seth Rayner after Beth K. Vogt’s Wish You Were Here.

 

Another style in this growing trend took me by surprise, mostly for its uniqueness. Joanne Bischof’s Heartfelt Recipes is part cook book, part mini-story. Both accompany her Cadence of Grace series. She’s called it a cookbooklet, which I think is a cool term.

Then there’s a series of novellas written by different authors, all with similar themes. A prime example is the Year of Weddings series. It features authors such as Deborah Raney, Rachel Hauck, Katie Ganshert, and Denise Hunter, among others.

Still another type of eShort I’ve enjoyed is the stand-alone connector. Authors of this kind use them to connect two non-series books (a.k.a. stand-alone novels). Kim Vogel Sawyer released one recently, called Just As I Am, that fits between her novels What Once Was Lost and Echoes of Mercy.

With such variety in this new trend, I’m sure authors of all styles of writing will be able to find one that works for them. And I’m sure their readers will love getting their hands on these bonus books. I, for one, am eager for the next one to come across my Kindle!

Which of your favorite authors has tested the eShort waters? Are you a fan of this growing trend? What trends have you noticed lately?



Don't forget, I've recently updated my website here at Writing to Inspire. Now there's a page about the proofreading services I offer. Feel free to share it with your writer friends!

Echoes of Mercy

Neither Carrie Lang nor Ollie Moore are who they claim to be. Both work undercover in Dinsmore’s World-Famous Chocolates Factory, but with different motivations. When three young children come into some hard times, can Carrie and Ollie band together to help them, despite their opposing points of view? Or will their façades crack, revealing more than they’d like to let on? Once the truth comes out, will they still be willing to trust each other?

Author Kim Vogel Sawyer brings us yet another fabulous story. This one, Echoes of Mercy—releasing January 21, 2014—takes the reader deeper than any of the others she's written that I've read. It’s hard to put what I mean into words, but I can tell you it edged out my previous favorite Kim Sawyer book, My Heart Remembers. It was tough to see that one beat—and it was close—but I figured it would happen eventually. How could it not with Kim being such a gifted writer?

One thing I love about her books is there’s always a message of hope, always something to learn. This time, the line that leapt out at me was something Caroline “Carrie” Lang thought in chapter four: “Comfort could lead to carelessness. Carelessness could jeopardize the investigation.” I don’t think we should get to comfortable in life, either. If it leads to carelessness, that wouldn’t be too great, especially in serving God. I pray we may all strive to keep ourselves prepared for whatever opportunities the Lord sends our way.

Thank you, Kim, for my complimentary copy to review. Truly it was a pleasure to read. Keep those fabulous stories coming!

What does “comfort could lead to carelessness” mean to you? How may we stave off that carelessness?

Don’t forget to mark your calendars, folks! Echoes of Mercy comes out later this month (January 21st), and you won’t want to be the last one to read it.