Alice Wright agreed to marry Bennett Van Cleve and then moved from her home in England to live with him in Kentucky. She is surprised to find her new home in the mountains doesn’t resemble her dreams of living in a metropolis like New York City. But Alice is determined to make the best of her new home. When an opportunity to be useful arises, she jumps at the chance. Now she will traverse the mountains, delivering books and magazines to isolated farms. It’s a far cry from her life of luxury with her wealthy parents.

Moyes has taken on a little-known story of American history by writing about the Horseback Librarians who were founded as part of the WPA (Works Project Administration). Alice and her fellow librarians are a colorful group who are bold, determined and dedicated to delivering the much-needed reading materials that families living outside the towns would never have access to. Alice’s need to have a purpose and her developing bond with the other outspoken women, is not acceptable to the small-town folk of the 1930’s. This is a portrait of the plight of American women, even after the 19th Amendment gave them legal rights. Changing mindsets is shown to be an effort that can have hazardous consequences. There are dangers on the road and there are hostilities in the town itself. Many resent the librarians for daring to be outspoken and for taking a stand.

This new book from the ever-popular Moyes will add to her reputation as a writer who engages readers with her moving tales of characters who are true to their values and convictions. This shift to a story of America’s history is beautifully rendered. The brave horseback librarians are memorable characters who are inspiring and fascinating. A powerful book that will entrance readers.

What a beautiful book!! This one is very different from JoJo Moyes’s other books, but as a Southerner, I can tell you that she gets the dialect, the characters, and the description of the Kentucky mountains exactly right. The book is based on an actual WPA project, where women rode in horses and mules to deliver books to people in the Eastern Kentucky mountains. Beautifully written, excellent character development-I did not want this book to end. Please read it!!

Interesting part of history. Really admire the librarians who went to such great lengths to get books into the hands of readers. This fictional story had some good characters but overall the plot was weak, especially the last quarter of the book.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes is historical fiction at its very best! Set in 1939 Southern Kentucky, the lives of five strong female characters come together to form and operate the Packhorse Library, where they deliver by horseback, books, magazines and newspapers to those living in remote, rural areas.

One of the main characters, Alice, an Englishwoman, marries an American and is brought to Kentucky where she hopes to start a new, dazzling life with her husband. That is not to be the case. Alice finds living with her husband and her father-in-law to be stifling and oppressive. Alice gets involved in starting and operating the Packhorse Library with four other women and her life becomes fulfilled and has purpose. A murder is thrown into the mix, and the mystery aspect of the story keeps the reader guessing as to how the lives of the women will be affected.

Jojo Moyes’s past works of contemporary fiction (Me Before You, After You, Still Me) have been enjoyable reads for me. But The Giver of Stars is on another level and is my favorite novel of hers to date. The writing and development of the characters is phenomenal. The relationships that Moyes develops for each of her characters are deep and multi-faceted. This narrative will stay with you long after you have read the last page. If you are a lover of historical fiction, The Giver of Stars is for you. Additionally, it is a great novel for book groups as there is much content to discuss with many interesting characters and relationships.

The Giver of Stars was a historical fiction novel about the pack-horse librarians of Eastern Kentucky in the 1930's. It was also a romance of one of the pack-horse librarians. It additionally covered the hard life and mistreatment of coal miners of the area during that time period. It was an interesting book but was spoiled somewhat for me due to the surrounding controversy of possible plagiarism within this book. Another book "Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" by Kim Michele Richardson was written earlier about the pack-horse librarians of Eastern Kentucky and it has been alleged that there are scenes/conversations within JoJo Moyes book that are almost identical to Kim Michele Richardson's book. I have read both books and there were some strikingly similar parts. I do not know if these similarities are just coincidental or not but I did not enjoy the book as much due to being aware of that. Great subject though and glad that authors are writing about it.

This was a lovely piece of historical fiction with a fascinating setting, characters to root for, and hard-earned happy endings for each of them. Plus, packhorse librarians. I absolutely loved it.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

The WPA project of Librarians on Horseback proves that somethings never change. As a current librarian the saying that libraries are more than books could not ring more true. A overseas bride marries into a small Kentucky town and does not fit it, yet she volunteered to be one of the librarians for the new project. The only thing she knew was how to ride a horse. As an outsider she became an important part of the community serving some patrons who never left their remote cabins and soon became a part of the community lives.

Marvelous story, loosely historically based, on female librarians delivering books by horseback in Kentucky mining country during the Depression. Good insight into living conditions and political reality in that time and setting, as well as the plight of women. Intertwined with compelling characters and personal stories. An appealing read.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Giver of Stars is about Alice, a young British woman who is just not fitting in to British society. She jumps at the chance to marry Bennett Van Cleve - a handsome American who was touring Europe with his wealthy, overbearing father. Once Alice arrives in America, she finds life little different from that in England. There are endless, boring social engagements made worse by Bennett's failure to touch her in bed or otherwise, and the older Mr. Van Cleve is a CONSTANT presence. It is no surprise that Alice jumps at the chance to sign up for the WPA (Works Progress Administration) packhorse librarian project. She soon learns that riding the English countryside has not prepared her for riding the Appalacians. The program, started by President Roosevelt and the unflappable Eleanor, calls for women to travel to the homes high in the hills, delivering books to those who can't make it to the library. Many of the people can't read at all. If they can read they are especially suspicious of books that aren't the Bible, as well as of Alice's British accent. Alice is trained by Margery, daughter of a notorious moonshiner. They are joined by Beth, only woman in a large family of men, and Izzy - daughter of Mrs. Brady, who organized the library program. The librarians and their mounts are often shot at, mosquito bitten, frozen, or sweating buckets but they truly believed in their work and slowly the horseback librarians began to prosper. The women become fast friends, supporting each other through many trials and successes. The library becomes so busy Margery asked Sophia to organize the books, keep track of the records. Sophia is perfect for the job - she worked at the Library in Kansas City - but the villagers wouldn't tolerate an African American woman working in their library. The women carry on until Alice enrages her father-in-law and he begins a quest to ruin the library, Alice and the rest of the librarians.

This was an excellent book, well-researched and entertaining. The descriptions of the land, the people and the times were very thorough and engaging. I enjoyed it very much. I'm a big fan of Jojo Moyes but have only read the Lou books. Giver of Stars was completely different, yet equally as good to read. I highly recommend Giver of Stars for anyone and everyone!

Alice leaves England to marry a handsome American, imagining she will be living in a big city. In reality, Alice is brought to a small town on the Kentucky hills, isolated and alone. When Alice teams up with Margery to start the WPA Packhorse librarians, delivering books to others isolated in hard to reach areas, Alice begins to develop confidence to face her fears and take charge of her life. Great historical background lends itself to the story, and Moyes again knows how to tear at our heartstrings. Highly recommended.

Many parts of this book are incredibly similar to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, which was published on May 7, 2019 - much too similar to be a coincidence. I cannot believe such obvious plagiarism has been published.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes is a story based in the 1930s about the Pack Horse Librarians. Pack Horse Librarians did exist and this is a story of a new branch, The Baileyville Pack Horse Library, Kentucky. The Pack Horse Libraries were part of the WPA, and Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt put her not inconsiderable influence behind the libraries. As such, each woman earned $28 per month. Wearing pants and riding a sure-footed horse or mule, the women rode up into the Kentucky mountains, bringing books and magazines and hope, to people living in deep poverty and deprivation. These women went out in all kinds of weather to deliver materials to their families. Often times, people were wary of them and the women have to take time to earn their trust. Other people in the township are against their endeavour as they don't want the people to learn to read and get ideas above their station.

Alice, from England, is married to Bennett, a mine owner's son. As their marriage falls apart, Alice becomes one of the staunchest Pack Horse Librarians. We meet Margery, who lives by no one's rules, Beth, tired of keeping house for her pa and brothers, curses and smokes like a man. Izzy, handicapped as a child, sings like an angel, and steps a long ways out of her comfort zone to deliver the books. Sophia, an African-American woman, the only trained librarian in the group, keeps the library organized and materials patched. We also meet Sven and Fred and the infamous Mr. Van Cleve, the mine owner.

Also out this summer is another title, "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek," by Kim Michele Richardson, written about the Pack Horse Librarians in Tennessee. For a factual account, read Kathi Appelt's book, "Down Cut Shin Creek: The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky."

When Alice Wright marries the handsome American, Bennett Van Cleve, who is visiting England on a European tour, she is eager to escape the confines of her uptight English home. It isn't until she arrives in rural Kentucky that she realizes she may have been to hasty. The home of Mr. Van Cleve is even more stifling than her parents, so when an announcement recruiting women to work as part of Eleanor Roosevelt's new traveling library's project is made, Alice happily volunteers to become a traveling librarian. As one of the new librarians Alice meets Margery O'Hare, the leader of the librarians, who is also a woman who lives by her own rules and who answers to no man. Alice and Margery and the others who join them will become great friends. They will suffer injustices and endure hardships but through their great friendship and love life in the wilds of the Kentucky mountains will be beautiful.

Alice Wright marries handsome Bennett Van Cleve, heir to a coal mining company, to escape her restrictive, suffocating life in England. However, Alice is unprepared as she trades one prison for another under the eyes of her overbearing father in law. To escape her gilded cage, she joins the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky to bring books and literature to the remote residents of the community. I did enjoy many parts of this story like the friendships the traveling librarians formed, the descriptions of the beauty and danger in the mountains of Kentucky and the power of books bringing joy to the families of the town. I did think there was a problem with the pacing of the book with some parts happening very quickly while others dragged out for too long. Although the book takes place in the 30's I found the small minded, small town attitudes to be very familiar, however, the relationship between Alice and Bennett really stretched the lines of believability. It was an interesting read, not one of the year's best but one I would recommend for someone to read and make their own decision on.
Special note: It wasn't until I was half way through this book when I found out about the allegations against JoJo Moyes for "The Giver of Stars" having alarming similarities to Kim Michele Richardson's book "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek". I have just started "Book Woman" and have already noticed some similarities however I will reserve my final judgement for after I finish "Book Woman".

Alice Wright thought that she was leaving a dull and conventional life in England for one filled with great adventures in America. Her new husband was not only successful but incredibly easy on the eyes. The future was bright and the world was wide open. What could ever be better than that?

Margery O’Hare grew up in Kentucky and knows from experience the toll that the hills can take on both body and soul. She made a promise to herself when she was a young girl that she would never surrender her independence to a man. And it’s a promise that she’s going to keep.

Separately, they are two women who seem to have nothing at all in common. Together, they form the very backbone of The Baileyville WPA Packhorse Library.

It’s this small group of women that delivers books and much needed hope to the rocky and unseen hollows of a place that time seems to have forgotten. They share in the joy, the disappointment, the life and the death of each of families that they visit.

And the bonds that they form along the way are strong enough to not only change lives but also the course of history.

“You know what’s really wonderful about those fireflies?” he said, finally, as if they had been having a whole other conversation. “Sure, they live for just a few weeks. Not much at all in the grand scheme of things. But while they’re there, the beauty of them, well, it takes your breath away.” He ran a thumb over the ridge of her knuckles. “You get to see the world in a whole new way. And then you have that beautiful picture burned onto the inside of your head. To carry it wherever you go. And never forget it.”
Before he had even said the next words Alice felt the tear begin to slide down her cheek.
“I worked it out sitting here. Maybe that’s the thing we need to understand, Alice. That some things are a gift, even if you don’t get to keep them.”
There was a silence before he spoke again.
“Maybe just to know that something this beautiful exists is all we can really ask for.”

With The Giver of Stars, Jojo Moyes shines her radiant light on the special kind of friendship that can only be shared between women. It’s the kind of connection that is powerful enough to give you the courage to stand against the world and fight for what is right and gentle enough to embrace someone for who they really are.

Rich in history and in tenderness, this book takes you on a poignant journey that is simply unforgettable. It's an absolute must read for book lovers everywhere…

This was a very intriguing look into the lives of packhorse librarians in the remote areas of Kentucky. The book is told from the point of view of a recent immigrant bride from England, and the culture of a Kentucky mining town is a far cry from her privileged life in England. When she cannot seem to fit in to the structure of her new life, she takes the bold step of becoming one of these librarians. There are multiple stories woven skillfully together, and I enjoyed how they came together in the end. It is mostly a historical novel, but also a mystery, courtroom drama, , and romance wrapped into one. There is a little something for everyone.

Horses! Librarians! The Great Depression! Any one of these three aspects would make me favorably disposed to pick up a book. When all three are present, I'm definitely going to read the book. Readers who enjoy historically based fiction with strong female characters will enjoy The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes.

The Giver of Stars focuses on two main characters, Alice and Margery, who are polar opposites in upbringing and background. Alice grew up in England and ended up in the hills and hollers of eastern Kentucky while Margery hales from the area. The daughter of a scalawag, Margery continuously battles against her upbringing and the baggage associated with her last name. Alice battles quite different situations while trying to find her place in her new community. These two disparate characters and several others bond as pack horse librarians. Although Alice and Margery are the main characters, each of the women overcomes a variety of circumstances as well.

Moyes does a good job of depicting the conflict between the various elements of community the librarians serve. The conflict between the well-to-do and downtrodden and the powerful and powerless are highlighted. The powerful and well-to-do attempt to be seen as the keepers of morality and Christianity when in reality they are preserving their power and way of life. Moyes effectively shows how life and attitudes were changing in this time period and how access to books and resources was a key aspect of these changes.

Being a librarian and enjoying history and horses, The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes completely caught my attention from the description. Particularly as I had recently enjoyed The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek I wanted to read more about this period of time. While there are some similarities between the books, they are definitely unique stories. The similarities are unavoidable simply because of the similar setting and the need to retain some historical accuracy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Giver of Stars via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Set in depression era Kentucky “The Giver of Stars” chronicles the creation of the WPA pack horse library. Books, horses, and complex inspiring women. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy!! An intriguing, fun, endearing read!

**I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and unbiased review of this book.

I think the full truth of the matter is that had the controversy around this book and it's similarities to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek not become widely circulated at about the same time I was reading this, I would have ended up enjoying it more. As it was, having read the previously published book, I found that it was hard to miss the comparable elements. The story in this book is intriguing and I found the characters to be interesting and memorable. Controversy not withstanding, this is still not my personal new favorite of Moyes's books (I think I've found in general that I prefer her contemporary works to her historical fiction).

Literally as I was about to compose this review, one of my coworkers told me about the controversy regarding this book and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, which I also reviewed. So part of me is afraid that will color my review, but on the other hand, I just really have a hard time picturing a bestselling author plagiarizing from another. They make out like her jump from "romance" (I'd disagree with this term) to historical fiction was a damning factor, completely discounting books like The Ship of Brides and one of my favorites, The Girl You Left Behind.

And, I'm sorry to say, I liked Moyes's book better anyway. Like Richardson's librarian, Moyes's is an outsider—an Englishwoman, rather than a blue-skinned Kentuckian. She is having trouble fitting into her new life and finds a place with the packhorse librarians. (In that way, it reminds me of another recent read, A Single Thread.) Most colorful among these is Margery, who refuses to bow to societal conventions, living on her own, choosing not to get married, determinedly bringing books (including some to make her patrons blush) to the people of the mountains. (Clearly, she was my favorite character.) There were a lot of side characters whose stories contributed greatly to the picture of 1930s small-town Kentucky, from the "crippled" girl to the mine owner to the unemployed (and amputated) black mine worker's sister.

Again, I hate to compare but it's nearly impossible not to. While Richardson's book felt like it was trying to do too much, Moyes's did a lot without feeling like it was. She managed to cover the challenges of problems in married love in a practically puritan era, poor business practices of large scale mining operations, a touch of women's rights and racism, the criminal justice system, the value of women's lives and friendships... I think it worked better because it mostly took place in a town (the home base of the librarians) with trips into the mountains, so all the variety of plot made sense. And (still hating to be this person), the small romantic plot fit the plot without feeling forced and irritating me. Perhaps one shortfall here was that due to the focus on the town and the mine, the actual hill-people patrons get minimal attention, so I don't think Moyes conveys how important the packhorse librarians were to these isolated communities as well as Richardson does. She almost makes up for it with all of the references to Eleanor Roosevelt and Lena Nofcier out of their acolyte Mrs. Brady's mouth!

A lovely book and a definite must read for historical fiction fans and librarians. Truly, it can't hurt to read both this book and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, because how can more books on such an interesting subject be a bad thing?

Oh, and just in the interest of full disclosure, I am a longtime reader of Jojo Moyes and had the absolutely delightful experience of meeting her at ALA in June, where the first thing she said to me was "I love your accent." Needless to say, I was charmed!