May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Book Description:
Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and
long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great
Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a
charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the
perfect man actually closer than she thinks?
Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long she's nearly as rocky
as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but
when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped
giving too much of herself away to others.
As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see
what's best for oneself, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose. But why
would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?
My Review:
Ann H. Gabhart has a way of bringing the mountains of eastern Kentucky to life.
I enjoyed her story of packhorse librarian, Tansy Calhoun, as she traversed the
hollows and hills of the mountain. Tansy treasured her books more than
anything. So much so, she chose to be single until she found a love to measure
up against her stories. When an old friend returns home and a new fellow
arrives from New York City, Tansy has to sort through her idea of the man she’s
meant to marry. There are three romances in Along a Storied Trail, each
one charming and enjoyable. At first, I wasn’t sure about Perdita, but by the
end of the book I found her a delight. If you’d like to get lost in a great
story, read Along a Storied Trail. As a former library worker, I admire
the packhorse librarians and their tenacity and determination to deliver books
to all the folks on the mountain, no matter the weather. I received a
complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.
Today—remember the many men and women
who died in service.
Today—pray for the families and friends who have
lost loved ones in the fight.
Today—appreciate the freedom
our soldiers protect.
Saturday morning, the sun shone on the rows of graduates and
their teachers. Emily sat in the second row, ready to receive her high school
diploma. The superintendent and principal poured words of wisdom and encouragement
over the seniors. In a few short minutes, the young men and women would lift
their tassels and place them on the other side of their mortarboards as a
symbol of their future endeavors and freedom.
Several of the graduates would take jobs in the workforce (we certainly need them right now.) Many planned to head to college for more education and preparation, a few planned to head into the military. I applaud them all and pray for their futures.
Throughout my life, I’ve been privileged to work with books.
If I were to choose one earthly element, besides people, that I truly love and
couldn’t live without, it would be books (well, books and chocolate.) I’ve
worked in libraries, read out loud to hundreds of children, reviewed many
books, critiqued books for folks, and I write. As a follower of Jesus, I
believe he has called me to his work. He equipped me for a future that included
books, because he knew my heart and understood my love of the written word.
Where is God leading you? Who has he created you to be? Are
you listening? He’s offering his guidance.
Luke
10:38-42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a
woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called
Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But
Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to
him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the
work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha,
Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about
many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has
chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha or Mary.
I’ve heard
the question, “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” I may have even asked that myself.
But in seeking an answer to the inquiry, I think I missed the point of this
story.
Imagine
preparing for a visit from the one person on this earth who you’ve been waiting
for; that one man who came to save all people from sin. Let that sink in. Jesus
is coming to visit. The Messiah himself will be dining at your table.
Martha, the
obvious caregiver in the story, seeks to prepare her home for her guest. Yet,
her sister Mary, instead of mixing the bread dough or setting the table, sits
at Jesus’ feet to soak in his wisdom.
Again with
the question, “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” According to what Jesus says, it
doesn’t matter. Both women are valued and loved.
When Martha called
for Mary to help her, Jesus stopped her. You see, Jesus was a rabbi, a teacher.
He didn’t condemn Martha for her efforts to host him, instead he offered her an
invitation. He didn’t say don’t be like Martha, instead he reached out and
invited her to stop what she was doing and join him as he taught God’s truth.
He didn’t
condemn Martha, he invited her to join him. This is kind of a big deal. In
Jesus’ day women didn’t sit at a teacher’s feet and learn. But Jesus invited all
men, women, and children to hear God’s truth.
Jesus still
calls every one of us to read his word, share in his wisdom, believe in him,
and accept his grace.
Sit at Rabbi
Jesus’ feet and hear his truth.
