A Strand of Hope (Librarians of Willow Hollow) by Amanda Tero

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lena Davis is the daughter her mom never wanted.

But she survived. Through stories. Because books didn’t judge. Books weren’t angry she was alive. Books never expected her to be anything but who she was.

As she grows up, her beloved library becomes her true home.

So when the library is designated part of President Roosevelt’s Packhorse Library Project, Lena is determined to get the job of bringing books to highlanders, believing she’ll finally be free of her mom forever.

But earning the trust of highlanders is harder than she imagined, and her passion for books might not be enough to free her from her chains.

MY THOUGHTS.....

I was especially eager to read this story because I am a retired librarian, I once drove our library bookmobile, and Packhorse Librarians are a part of the history of my home state of Kentucky. A Strand of Hope relates the fictional story of Lena Rose Davis, a young girl who takes a job, in 1936, to deliver books to the mountain areas of Kentucky. Her love of books, a precarious home life, and her extreme poverty certainly factor in her decision to take the job for $28 a month but Lena gains so much more with her choice to become a Packhorse Librarian, a "book lady on horseback". As she strives to earn the trust of these mountain people, Lena becomes friends with a special couple, Homer and Nora Reed, and witnesses what true love is. She finally learns that even if she isn't valued by her mother, she is precious to others and especially loved by God. Lena is able to move beyond the tears, the hurts, and the scars of her childhood and finally, she is able to truly forgive!

This is the first book that I've read by author Amanda Tero and I am very impressed with her writing style. Her memorable characters, the vivid portrayal of life in rural Kentucky during the Great Depression, and her wonderful faith message that is woven throughout this story make A Strand of Hope a great choice for anyone who enjoys historical Christian fiction. I truly enjoyed this book and I look forward to the other books in the Librarians of Willow Hollow.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a favorable review and these are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars






ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda Tero grew up attending a one room school with her eleven siblings—and loved it! She also fell in love with reading to the point her mom withheld her books to get her to do her chores. That love of reading turned into a love of writing YA fiction.

Amanda is a music teacher by day and a literary guide by night, creating stories that whisk readers off to new eras and introduce them to heroic but flawed characters that live out their faith in astonishing ways.

Learn more at her Website     Facebook     Twitter     Instagram

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