The four young heroines in this 4-novella Christian historical romance collection embark on careers as backpack librarians in an era when women were expected to marry and raise children. Drawing upon the Works Project Administration's depression-era Pack Horse Library initiative, the stories feature women of faith, courage, determination, and kindness. As the stories unfold, each librarian delivers more than reading material to the rural patrons she serves. She delivers hope.

I’m not a big fan of romance, even Christian romance, but I really enjoyed this book. Well-developed, likeable characters drove each story. The Pack Horse Library initiative was new to me, and I enjoyed getting a sense of the challenges the women librarians faced. Though I liked all four stories, the last novella in the collection, "The Librarian and the Lawman" was my personal favorite--a little suspense kept me reading until well past my usual bedtime!

The Librarian’s Journey is a well written collection of historical novellas. I enjoyed each selection. They each have similar plots about a librarian on horseback. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

I have read other novels regarding the pack horse librarians. It is one of my favorite and most interesting topics. This book is a nice collection of four short stories regarding this subject. As is often the case I enjoyed them all but one more than the others. Each of these authors are very talented writers. I would highly recommend The Librarian's Journey if you enjoy historical romantic fiction. I would like to thank Barbour Books and NetGalleys for allowing me to read and review this great book. The opinions in my review are all my own.

The Librarian’s Journey is a compilation of four short stories featuring pack horse librarians. They deliver books back in the mountains where many do not have access to libraries following the depression.
Love’s Turning Page by Cynthia Hickey is set in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas in 1935. Jobs are still very scare and Grace Billings needs to help her family. She is an avid reader and visits the library regularly. Can it really lead a job for her? She meets the new teacher, Mr. Anthony Lawrence, and agrees to help him reach out to the families in the mountains. As they work together will a relationship neither expected develop?
For Such a Time by Patty Smith Hall is next with a story set in Pine Mountain, Georgia in 1936. Ruth Sims loved riding but will riding all day in the mountains be too much? She has returned to her home town after losing her nursing job in Atlanta and accepted the position as a pack horse librarian. She takes the job then find out her lost love is the one who will be training her. She soon learns her nursing skills may be needed right here in Pine Mountain but will she stay when offered a lucrative position in Atlanta? Will she and Will work out their differences and become friends again or more?
Book Lady of the Bayou by Marilyn Turk is set in Cypress, Mississippi in 1935. Lilly Bee works part time at the library mostly repairing books that are returned with some damage and keeping things neat. When the library gets the notice that the Works Project Administration is offering a position for a full-time pack horse librarian the head librarian thinks of Lilly first of all. Lilly takes the position and gets to know the Bayou people as she delivers books each week. She stops at each house she can, even those who may not be thrilled to see her such as recluse, Lamar Stewart. His daughter, Evie, on the other hand is glad to see Lilly. As Lilly brings books and visits with Evie and house keeper, Maude, Lamar’s heart softens a bit. When a hurricane strikes and Lilly might be caught in it he does all he can to find her. Then he finds himself helping the others in the community clean up and repair. Has he realized he and Evie may be ready to join the community instead of living in isolation?
The Librarian and the Lawman by Kathleen Y’Barbo is the story of love lost and maybe found again. It is set in Kenova, West Virginia in the year 1925. Family secrets must be kept by Lottie to keep her and her family safe. They moved to Kenova from Kentucky and share very little of their background with anyone. Are they hiding from the law? Is someone else trying to find them? Clay Turnbull has always wanted to avoid working in the mines and has promised his mother he never will after the death of his father. Throughout the school years he has enjoyed teasing Lottie. When she is 15 and he 17 he tell her he really cares for her and wants to court her. He father is not happy with this development but finally agrees with the promise they will never leave Kenova. That will mean breaking his promise to his mother. What will he choose? Law enforcement in Kentucky or the mines in West Virginia? After some misunderstandings he chooses Kentucky and life goes on for Lottie. Eventually she is offered a pack horse position in Kentucky and after much reluctance her father agrees she may accept it. When Clay shows up on an undercover investigation, he finds Lottie may be the key to unlocking the crime ring. Can he let her risk her life to help? Will they be able to talk through what happened years ago and find love again?
These stories are all great Christian reads that all readers of Christian fiction will enjoy. They intertwin the history of the depression and the work of the WPA along with fictional characters to create stories that you will not want to put down. I give this book 5 of 5 stars as it is well written and each story shows compassion for others along with doing an every day job.
I received an advance copy if this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve always been completely fascinated with stories about the mounted librarians it’s such a romantic and heartfelt period of history that I would’ve never known about otherwise. This is an omnibus of four novellas, each about a strong brave woman taking on the role of mounted librarian for the good of her community. Written across different locations and time periods, A Librarian’s Journey is a sweet and sincere book with Christian overtones that are not too forceful. The first story was my favourite, I loved how feisty the women were and each and every story in the collection is sweet and beautifully written.

The Librarians Journey was an enjoyable Sunday afternoon read. I particularly appreciated learning about the history behind this initiative. It was of great interest to learn of American President Roosevelt's concern for the people in Appalachia who had no access to reading materials during the depression years. Through his Works Progress Administration, these packhorse librarians provided books to families in the rural, mountainous areas, providing them a much-needed income.

Each of the four romantic tales told was enjoyable, though I found the Book Lady of the Bayou, The Librarian and the Lawman particularly pleasing. I recommend this collection of novellas to anyone interested in American history and one of the first "bookmobile." My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC for this honest review.

Four novellas feature packhorse librarians taking books to mountain folk during the Great Depression. Grace Billings was relieved to get a job so she can help her. The new school teacher, Antony Lawrence, didn’t approve of women taking on the job.
Ruth lost her nursing job when the hospital laid off staff. She took the horseback librarian job in her former home, Pine Mountain, because nothing else is available. Paired with her former fiancé Will, she was more interested in assessing people’s health than sharing books.
Lily Bee delivered books to her community in Alabama. At a mansion that had seen better days, she met Evie, a young girl who delighted in receiving children’s books. Her widowed father was a reclusive concert pianist trying to find his way in life. A hurricane brings him out of his shell.
Charlotte wants a library job because it will pay her to read. Apparently, Charlotte and her parents are in a sort of witness protection program with the FBI. When she was 15, she thought she was in love with Clayton. Now, she’s assigned to the town where a criminal from her past lives, and Clayton is an undercover agent.
As a former librarian, I was disappointed that Ruth takes the library job only because she can’t find anything else and is eager to find another nursing job. Because these are novellas, they’re short and wrap up quickly. I would especially have liked a fuller story for Lily Bee.

Love's Turning Page - 2 stars
I wanted to like this little story, but I found that it was very predictable. Also, I understand that Grace and the schoolteacher will eventually get together, but the drama between them was mostly because Grace was being overdramatic and proud. I know in this time period that there was stigma associated with women working, but to have Grace and the schoolteacher fight every time it came up? I mean, the conflict only ended because the teacher finally learned to keep his mouth shut, not because Grace actually proved that she could handle herself.

For Such a Time - 3 stars and Book Lady of the Bayou - 3 stars
I admit that I skimmed these. The main characters were mostly forgettable and from what I gathered, any drama or conflict was mostly dramatic misunderstandings and pride. Definitely played out a lot more than I would have liked.

The Librarian and the Lawman - 3.5/4 stars
I found this last story to be the best of the bunch. While the first few chapters were annoying, once the time shifted forward seven years, I can see why Y'Barbo put down that foundation. It made more sense for the reader to experience the original history with Lottie and Clay than for us to be told. I like the use of the packhorse librarian in a different way and how there's a connection with something going on currently and something to Lottie's past. I don't quite understand why the FBI director was so adamant that Clay stay away from Lottie--it felt really like something contrived to keep them apart longer.

I am a sucker for any story that talks about packhorse librarians. Blame it on my eastern Kentucky roots or my love of reading, but I will almost always want to read a book about these courageous people of our history. These four offerings all take place in different settings, which was fun!

“Love’s Turning Page” tells the story of Grace and Anthony. I loved how each caused the other to grow throughout the story, stretching their perspectives.

“In This Moment” tells Ruth and Will’s story, which was lovely. I enjoyed their interactions with each other as well as with the community. The shared history made for such a sweet story.

“Book Lady of the Bayou” is Lily Bee and Lamar’s story. I low-key loved this pairing AND this setting. Perhaps because I had just finished another book I loved that was set in Louisiana and my heart hadn’t quite left yet, but I wanted SO MUCH MORE of this story. I needed a full-length novel. I enjoyed what I was given, but man. I would have loved a slow, sweet development between Lamar and Lily Bee. I really enjoyed these characters and wanted to know more about them, especially Lamar and Evie and Maude and Mary and Joseph and the bayou people. There was just so much there to dive into and I felt a little robbed because we weren’t given the time to develop much depth. But this one was my favorite of the novellas for that very reason! It made me want more from the story.

“The Lawman and the Librarian” tells of Clay and Lottie’s story. I loved the setting and the idea of this novella. There was also a plot twist that I did not see coming, but I greatly appreciated!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed these stories! I recommend them for anyone who is fascinated by packhorse librarians or who enjoys shorter works of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All expressed opinions belong to me.

Enjoyable stories about the horseback librarians who delivered books in Appalachia during the depression. Each of these stories highlighted a "book woman" as she traveled delivering books and sometimes teaching the mountain people to read. These courageous women are to be applauded. Recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction.

This was a nice collection of short stories. All dealing with books and libraries. Like any collection of short stories some were more interesting and I wasn’t quite ready for them to end. It was an enjoyable book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I'm always interested in stories about the packhorse librarians, so this book appealed to me immediately. I thought it was a book of short stories, but actually there are four novellas with 12 or more chapters in each. The stories are interesting and well written. Even though they're fairly short, there is good character development and an exciting plot in each novella. I also appreciate the faith lessons that are woven in. They are good, clean stories and I will look for more books by these authors.

Love's Turning Page by Cynthia Hickey.

To say I enjoyed this this book would be an understatement. I loved every bit of it. The author did an amazing job. The story further strengthen the fact that books are an amazing way to living life. I loved how Grace and Anthony used books to change people's lives and open them up to endless opportunities.

For Such A Time by Patty Smith Hall.

This was a delight!

Love lost and love found again. Will and Ruthie's story was touching. I loved the restoration I read about and how books transform lives.

Book Lady Of The Bayou by Marilyn Turk

Lily Bee brought light into the lives of people through the books she took to them. Her's and Lamar's love story was a classic. They were brought together by the power of books of love of God that always prevails.

The Librarian And The Lawman by Kathleen Y'Barbo.

Exciting mystery and intrigue in this one. I liked how Lottie and Clay got to be together. Beautiful story.


Wonderful, heartwarming and inspiring stories.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

Three sweet, very quick stories about packhorse librarians in inventive locations, along with one more mysterious selection set in the more traditional setting for the WPA program. The first three were a little on the too quick and predictable side for me, but the last one had a little more spice and vigor that made it a great way to end this collection!
I would have to say Love’s Turning Page had the sweetest romance. It was also the most descriptive of the Great Depression. It would’ve made a great full-length novel.
In This Moment had some very interesting characters. I liked the angle of using the packhorse librarian position to show Ruth, a nurse, how she could help her community. Wrapped up too quickly, another 20 pages would’ve done wonders here.
Book Lady of the Bayou really focused on the job part, and the secondary characters are delicious! I loved Joseph and Mary. The only drawback is that because of those things, the romance was crazy rushed and contrived, even though the main characters were both great.
The Lawman and the Librarian was a fun change! I loved the premise! I do wish the intrigue was a tad more fleshed out, I got confused once or twice. I liked it though, I wanted to read it through from the moment I started.

After fleshing out my thoughts, I think I could’ve enjoyed all these stories a lot more if the authors had each been given just a couple extra chapters. I usually can give a lot of leeway to novellas with rushing and cramming, but it was a little much in these.

I enjoyed reading this book. Novella's about packhorse Librarian's. Each book tells its story about their journey as they made the trails delivering books to the mountain people who did not get to the library. This is a great historical Fiction book telling the story that FDR set up as WPA programs. Thanks NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this great 4 Novella's.

Traveling through rough terrain, encountering all types of people: friendly, lonely, courageous, and even some unscrupulous, these women librarians’ stories show how extraordinary they were. Each novella was unique in showing strong, wonderful women who saw a need beyond themselves. They combined their love for books and people to risk their own safety to help those they served. I enjoyed the relational element that each story told of the people the librarians befriended and the men who came to love them. After reading these interesting novellas I thought it would have been an amazing job and ministry for those rural librarians who served during the Great Depression.

The story that I liked the most was Book Lady of the Bayou. Lily Bee helps bring the reclusive widower Lamar Davis back to life, much like the story of the Velveteen Rabbit that Lily Bee gives to his daughter, Evie. This is a sweet, tender love story that gives the gift of hope where it was desperately needed.

I enjoyed the collection of novellas. I recommend reading this if you like wholesome and uplifting Christian stories similar to Christy by Catherine Marshall. Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an advanced reader’s copy; a positive review was not required.

This collection of four stories was an enjoyable read. It held my attention and the stories were well developed. If you are looking for historical fiction that reflects what really happened when librarians on horse back were a reality, then there will be things that may grate against your knowledge. If you are looking for stories that are loosely inspired by that time period then you will enjoy reading sweet tales from well known Christian authors.

3.5 stars

Love’s Turning Page by Cynthia Hickey

Living in the Ozark Mountains during the Depression was tough. So when Grace Billings gets the chance to work as a traveling librarian she jumped at the chance. So what if the handsome new teacher Anthony Lawrence thinks it's a job better suited for a man?
This was a sweet story showing how the love of books and storyteller can be the catalyst to unite people. It also showed there are some people who are always willing to take advantage of others inspire of the circumstances.
I liked how the romance between Anthony and Grace unfolded as they served their community. Readers will be reminded that God is always with them working things out for their good.

For Such a Time by Patty Smith Hall
When Ruth Sims lost her job as a nurse in an Atlanta hospital and has to return home, she doesn't understand why. Especially she has to work with Will Munroe, the man who had broken her heart six years earlier.
As a traveling librarian, Ruth finds ways to use her skills as a nurse to serve her small mountain community. Working with her, Will is also able to use his gifts to serve the children of Pine Mountain.
The banter between Ruth and Will was fun and both of them had to make adjustments as they accommodated for the gifting and choices of the other person.
This second-chance romance was a reminder that God's timing is perfect and that His plan doesn't always align with ours.

Book Lady of the Bayou by Marilyn Turk
When Lily Bee Davis is offered the job as traveling librarian, she jumps at the chance. As someone who lived books, she was excited for the chance to share that opportunity with others.
Lamar Stewart is a former concert pianist who had become reclusive after his wife died.
It was obvious that Lily Bee loved her job and the people were receptive of the service that she provided as a traveling librarian.
I liked watching Lily Bee's international with the people on her route and with Evie but didn't really feel that there was enough contact between herself and Lamar to justify a romance.
Still, this was a clean, sweet read that will remind readers that God is always listening and always has a plan.
The Librarian and the Lawman
When Clay confesses his love for Lottie at age seventeen and expresses a desire to court her, she knew things wouldn't work out. Her family had secrets that could destroy everything. When they meet again ten years later, things are different but will these two have a second chance?


I liked Lottie's determination to not let fear rule her life and her willingness to believe that God would protect her. Clay's passing for his job and his desire to protect Lottie were sweet.

The Librarian and the Lawman is a second-chance romance that has a hint of mystery. The focus of the story was more on uncovering the mystery than showcasing the romance but you'll still get a sense of how the characters felt about each other.
Readers will be reminded that Gid has a plan for their lives but it will unfold in His timing and not theirs.


Overall review
It was interesting to learn about these brave women who traveled into the potentially dangerous  hill country to deliver books to those who wouldn't have had access otherwise.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

I enjoy reading about the women who carried books into the mountains to help their communities. They traversed rough terrain, sometimes on a horse, others on a mule. These four stories give us a snapshot of what they went through while entertaining us with a romantic tale. I enjoyed the stories set in the Appalachian Mountains so much. The story set in Mississippi made me shiver when Lily Bee goes into the swamplands to deliver books. All four stories feature a strong female character who is determined to help with the literacy of her community. I particularly liked The Lawman and the Librarian. Lottie and Clayton have a certain chemistry that made me want to read more. If you enjoy historical romance and stories of brave women, you'll enjoy The Librarian's Journey. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Librarian's Journey
4 Historical Romances
by Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Marilyn Turk, Kathleen Y'Barbo
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Rating: 3
Back of the Book: “A brave fight for literacy during the Great Depression four women set out on horseback to bring the library to remote communities
Part of FDR’s New Deal was the Works Progress Administration, which funded the Pack Horse Library Initiative. Ride along with four book-loving women who bravely fight for literacy in remote communities during the Great Depression by carrying library books via horseback. Will their efforts be rewarded by finding love in the process?
Love’s Turning Page by Cynthia Hickey
1936, Ozark Mountains
Grace Billings jumped at the chance to be a traveling librarian, but she didn’t anticipate the long days of work, the intense poverty, or the handsome new schoolteacher whose love for the mountain people surpasses even her own.
In This Moment by Patty Smith Hall
1936, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Forced out of her nursing job due to budget cuts, Ruth Sims applies for a position with the Pack Horse Library incentive, only to discover she must go to the one place she swore never to return. The children instantly steal her heart with their thirst for books, and she’s happy in her post until she meets their teacher, Will Munroe—the man who broke her heart.
Book Lady of the Bayou by Marilyn Turk
1936, Mississippi
Forced out of her comfort zone, Lily Bee Davis travels by mule or boat taking books to remote areas. When she meets little Evie and her reclusive father at a dilapidated plantation house, she is drawn by their losses and longs to draw them out into life again.
The Lawman and the Librarian by Kathleen Y’Barbo
1936, Kentucky
Lottie Trent connects with a backwoods bully’s wife by secretly carrying messages for her in exchange for books. FBI agent Clayton Turnbow is on the trail of a criminal gang and discovers the packhorse librarian maybe a key member.
My Thoughts: As this is four different authors and stories, I will comment on them each.
Love’s Turning Page- The romance in this story was a little too quick for me. The characters were still trying to get to know one another and just like that Anthony was calling Grace “darlin” and “sweetheart.” It felt too swift of a romance for me when the characters had no prior history together. I also didn’t care for this statement from Anthony, “There’s nothing wrong with enjoying each other’s company and seeing what happens.” For context, they had just shared a kiss so it was confusing as to what their relationship meant to him. I believe kisses are more special than, “let’s see what happens.”
In This Moment- This was a sweet inspirational romance.
Book Lady of the Bayou- I did not care for this story and ended up skimming through it. I didn’t care for the characters. The story felt boring, there was no sparks.
The Lawman and the Librarian- This was the best story in this collection. I enjoyed the characters, plot, and suspense. It had a good backstory to make the shortness of the novella work.
Inspirational Thoughts: “‘How can I trust God any more than I already do?’ The older woman’s hand covered hers. ‘Instead of worrying about a job, ask Him (Jesus) for direction. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this life, it’s that God has a greater plan for me than I ever imagined. He’ll provide your needs.’”
I received an ARC copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for my honest review shared here.