Along a Storied Trail

Gabhart (An Appalachian Summer) introduces two strong women who persevere without the help of men in 1930s Appalachia. As a packhorse librarian, Tansy Calhoun delivers books, magazines, and newspapers to townsfolk living across the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains. When Damien Felding arrives as part of the Federal Writers’ Project, Tansy and Damien strike up a friendship, and Tansy begins to wonder if she’s met the hero of her own love story. Caleb Barton has been in love with Tansy since they were young—despite the fact everyone thinks he had his heart set on Tansy’s now-married sister. As Caleb tries to muster up the courage to tell Tansy how he really feels, he fears he may have missed the opportunity. Tansy’s elderly cousin, Perdita Sweet, who believes she lost her one chance at happiness when the man she loved chose someone else, is skeptical of newcomer Damien and doesn’t want to see Tansy make the same mistake. But meddling doesn’t always work, and Tansy must to her own conclusions. While the faith elements are subtle, Gabhart’s skillful use of period details and the Appalachian landscape lend plenty of atmosphere to accompany the lessons of hope, compassion, and fortitude amid hardship. This is her best historical inspirational yet. (June)