A richly rewarding novel about family bonds, the power of words, and the resilience of mothers and daughters in 1930s Appalachia. The folks in the Kentucky Appalachians are scraping by. Coal mining and hardscrabble know-how are a way of life for these isolated people. But when Amanda Rye, a young widowed mother and traveling packhorse librarian, comes through a mountain community hit hard by the nation’s economic collapse, she brings with her hope, courage, and apple pie. Along the way, Amanda takes a shine to the MacInteer family, especially to the gentle Rai; her quick-study daughter, Sass; and Finn, the eldest son who’s easy to warm to. They remind Amanda of her childhood and her parents with whom she longs to be reconciled. Her connection with the MacInteers deepens, and Amanda shares with them a dangerous secret from her past. When that secret catches up with Amanda in the present…
Publisher: Lake Union (December 1, 2022); Pages: 271 pages; ISBN-10: 1542039924; ISBN-13: 978-1542039925; ASIN: B09QPL7XT5
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Author’s biography: Bonnie Blaylock – After 20 years of co-owning a veterinary practice while raising two kids, traveling extensively, and living on a few acres where she wrangles the bees, the garden, and various barnyard beasts, Bonnie focused on her first love of words and writing (and put that MA in creative writing from UT to use). It’s these experiences, as well as growing up in a large military family, from which she draws material for story ideas. She hosts a blog of personal essays, many of which have been re-published on various platforms. Light to the Hills won the 2021 Porch Prize in fiction award. Bonnie is currently at work on her third novel.