Another librarian has set off into Willow Hollow!
Today I’m reviewing book three in the Librarians of Willow Hollow series: Hearts on Lonely Mountain by A.M. Heath. This is the only romance in the series, and just like the books which came before it, it is a wonderful historical fiction tale of growth and bookishness.
My Review
I have to start this review by just saying that I love this book. I know, I’ve said that about each of the books in this series so far, but it’s true!
Ivory is quite a change from the previous two protagonists: where Lena and Lillian were shy and tended to retreat into themselves, Ivory is extremely outgoing. Not only does she want to be friends with everyone, she does everything she can to make it happen. This makes it even more heartbreaking to watch the townsfolk shun her without cause, and even more endearing to watch her fall in love.
Like other characters we’ve met in Willow Hollow, Ivory grows throughout the book – but her growth is different, too. Ivory faces a different kind of discrimination because of false things said about her, and then circumstances spiral out of control so that even more false things appear to be true. There was a point where I truly was afraid for the happy ending I expected, because there was so much going on and I didn’t see a way out. This speaks to the author’s talent: she made me feel what Ivory felt, and I didn’t even realize it until after the fact!
And, yes, we get some fun library-building scenes. My heart goes out to Ivory again for when she re-arranges the library without consulting with anyone. That is definitely something I would want to do, but that doesn’t make it right. We also see more interaction between the librarians, which is fun. Even if they do not always get along, it’s interesting to see the dynamic and understand parts of the background of each. There is one scene in Hearts on Lonely Monutain which was also entirely in I Love to Tell the Story, and reading it from another person’s perspective is so fun. I think I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it again: I love the way these stories fit together, unique yet cohesive, to build a multi-dimensional world which would not be possible without the different perspectives.
The Verdict
Four sparkling stars – occasionally Ivory’s personality grated on my nerves, so I can’t quite give it five stars, but I understand the importance of those parts of her personality. The romance is sweet, clean, and “aww”-worthy. The characters are vigorous and distinct. The setting builds on what we already know of the world (but still does not explain The Building to my complete satisfaction). Overall, it’s very enjoyable. I recommend it to fans of historical (clean) romance or anyone looking for a feisty yet respectful protagonist.
About the Book
Title: Hearts on Lonely Mountain (Librarians of Willow Hollow #3)
Author: A.M. Heath
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian, Clean Romance
Synopsis: When Ivory Bledsoe left the city to minister to the people of the rural mountain town of Willow Hollow, she never expected to be shunned rather than welcomed. Seeing the town as a lost cause, she’s eager to return home, but when the bridge leading out of town is washed away during a flood, she finds herself stranded in the last place she wants to be.
Ben Thrasher was content with his quiet life until he met the new librarian. He can’t help but be drawn to the friendly and lively Ivory Bledsoe, despite her being at the center of the town’s latest superstition. It’s only a matter of time until she captures his heart, turning his world upside down in the process.
Has Ivory gotten God’s plan for her all wrong or is there still a way she can serve these people? And can Ben ask her to stay in a place where so few are willing to embrace her?
Other Books by This Author Featured on Reviews From the Stacks: Project Scrooge ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Dance with Me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
About the Author
Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and a retired cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.
I’d love to hear from you. You can visit me online on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Bookbub, Pinterest, and my blog. *Note: I’m most active on Facebook and my blog.
Whether you’re on social media or not, you can ensure that you never miss one of my sales, giveaways, or new releases by signing up for my newsletter. I’ll send you a direct link to your email anytime something big happens. http://eepurl.com/dDbVNz
Bonus Blog Tour Content
Historical Audio Clip
Sometimes, a few Google clicks unsurfaces quite the gem! This is a 7 minute audio clip compiled from real people involved in the Pack Horse Librarian project. Trust me, it’s something you won’t want to miss!
Secret Code Word
Secret Code #12: alone.
Giveaway Info
Ebook Sales
Blog Tour Schedule
Tour Stops:
Aug. 31:
Becky @ Blossoms and Blessings: Review and Ivory’s Romantic Fiction Recommendations
Anne @ The Naptime Author: Review and Overview of the WPA
Sept. 1:
Amanda @ Amanda Tero Blog: Review and Character Interview: Curt Armstrong
Sept 2:
Nyla @ Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess: Review and More Horseback Librarian Reads
Julie @ Bizwings Blog: Review and Historical Note on the Horseback Librarians
Sept 3:
Tarissa @ In the Bookcase: Review and Common Great Depression Sandwiches
Sept 4:
Hannah: Nook of Grace: Review and Hearts on Lonely Mountain Inspiration Picture
Deana: Texas Book-aholic: Review and Ben’s Love Song to Ivory
Sept 5:
Kaitlyn: Maidens for Modesty: Review and My Inspiration for Ivory
Sept 6:
Debbie: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations: Review and Ivory’s Children’s Book Recommendations
Sept 7:
Tara @ Tower in the Plains: Review and More Great Depression and Appalachian Reads
Jana @ Reviews from the Stacks: Review and Authentic Horseback Librarian Audio Clip *You are here!
Sept 8:
Vicky @ Vicky Sluiter: Review and Character Interview: Gerrit Callon
Sept 9:
Connie @ Older and Smarter: Review and Interview with a REAL Mobile Librarian from Kentucky
Loretta @ Just Writing: Review and 1930’s Music
Sept 10:
A.M. Heath @ A.M. Heath Blog: 1930’s Slang
Abigail @ Read Review Rejoice: Review and Character Interview: Ivory Bledsoe
Sept 11:
Virginia: Bigreadersite: Review and Character Interview: Ben Thrasher
Karen: Karen Sue Hadley: Review and Common Great Depression Desserts
I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s post, especially the bonus content! There are only a few days left in the blog tour, so go enter the giveaway today!
Until the next chapter,
Jana
Reviews From the Stacks 