A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H. Gabhart

 

Kallie Mae Bertram has harbored two dreams since childhood: to learn to read and to one day marry Quinn Spencer. But her first dream slipped away after her little sister died of a fever and her mother passed in childbirth. Kallie promised to care for the baby and her younger brother, which meant putting aside her own desires in order to keep her family together. But then a Moonlight School for adults offers Kallie hope of finally fulfilling that goal.

After Kallie's father forbids her from seeing Quinn, her second dream seems impossible. That is, until her frantic search for her missing sister leads to an unexpected encounter with Quinn in the woods--their first meeting in six years. The love they shared as children burns stronger than ever, awakening hopes Kallie thought were forever buried. But with their families locked in a bitter feud, following her heart could cost Kallie everything she's worked to protect. 

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About The Author

 

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. An award winning author, she's published many books for both adults and young adults. Her books cover several genres from historical to small town family stories to cozy mysteries (mysteries published with author name A.H. Gabhart). Her ideas are sparked by events in Kentucky history and by experiences in her own family. Her first Shaker novel, The Outsider, was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year. Love Comes Home won the Selah Book of the Year award, and These Healing Hills was the Faith, Hope & Love Readers' Choice Women's Fiction Book of the Year.

Ann lives on a Kentucky farm not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann enjoys hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. See more about her books at www.annhgabhart.com or join the conversation on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/anngabhart.

 

My Review

 Such a great read, a head on look at life in the Kentucky mountains in 1911. People who were never able to learn to read or do math, are given a chance to learn. What a gift Cora Wilson Stewart brought to these people, and the author uses this as part of this story.
Old grudges here, family hating other families, and children hating other children because of grudges. The author throws in a bit of romance, and along with the hardships that these people took in their stride. You will love Aunt Sudie!
This was a story to get lost in and become a member of this group of people, and in the end I would love to have stayed here.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.