The Librarian of Boone's Hollow - Kim Vogel Sawyer Page 0,133

smiled. “All right. But, Emmett? You need to know that if I write a you-and-me story, it’ll be a fairy tale with a happily-ever-after ending.”

He leaned down slightly and touched his forehead to hers. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

1. Addie was looking forward to a carefree summer when a meeting with the dean of students pulled the rug from beneath her feet and changed the trajectory of her life. Was this happenstance or divine intervention? Has what you perceived as a negative situation ever resulted in a positive life change for you? How can we know whether unexpected events are merely circumstances or God’s means of sending us on a God-designed pathway?

2. Bettina suffered from an undiagnosed condition that prevented her from being able to read and write. How did she compensate for her inability to understand “book learnin’ ”? Did you find it strange that she set her sights on marrying someone who’d earned a college degree? Why do you think she was so determined to marry Emmett?

3. Emmett and Addie both had mothers who read to them, and they both liked books from an early age. Emmett’s love of reading created a rift between him and his father. In addition to Emmett’s studious nature, what distanced father and son? Do you think their relationship in the future will be better? Why or why not?

4. Nanny Fay had a difficult childhood and then a difficult adult life because of the superstitions and generational grudges held by people in Boone’s Hollow. How was she able to maintain a kind nature despite the many snubs? What do you think it meant to her when Addie chose to rent a room in her cabin?

5. Miss West told Addie, “A book takes one into another person’s thoughts and emotions….Stories can stir compassion, can inspire integrity, can show different lifestyles and problem-solving skills. Books, Addie, have the power to change people for the better.” Has a book ever influenced your view of a real-life person or situation? In what way?

6. Emmett fell in love with Addie, but he didn’t immediately ask her to marry him. For what reasons did he delay proposing? Did you find his decision wise or unwise? Why?

7. Addie decided to record the life stories of the people living in the hills around Boone’s Hollow and Tuckett’s Pass. What inspired this desire? What did she hope to accomplish? Have you ever written your life’s story? Would you consider doing so to pass your life lessons to the next generation?

In memory of Mom, who taught me to love books, to follow Jesus, and to always be kind (even to those who don’t “deserve” it)

Daddy and Connie—our trip to Black Mountain and the communities of Cumberland, Lynch, and Benham was such fun. I will always treasure the memories of our “traipsin’,” even though I was sure I would either sweat to death or plunge to my death on one of those winding mountain roads! You made my first research trip without Mom a time of laughter and pleasant moments to cherish. I love you both.

My Sunday school and Lit & Latte ladies—your prayers and support are so appreciated, and I know they bolstered me as I completed this story. You all are a blessing in my life. Thank you.

Shannon, Christina, Abby, Kathy, and the team at WaterBrook—thank you for your support, suggestions, and efforts to make this story the best it can be. I appreciate being part of your team.

Most importantly, God—how would I navigate this world without You? Thank You for taking my hard times and making them work for my good and Your glory. You are the author of my life, and I pray the words I pen always share Your love and truth. May any praise or glory be reflected directly back to You.

Books by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Unveiling the Past

A Silken Thread

Ours for a Season

Beneath a Prairie Moon

Bringing Maggie Home

Echoes of Mercy

Grace and the Preacher

Just As I Am

The Grace That Leads Us Home

Guide Me Home

Room for Hope

Through the Deep Waters

What Once Was Lost

When Grace Sings

When Love Returns

When Mercy Rains

In 1966, Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in libraries. That little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer’s Return. Since then, Kim has watched God expand her dream beyond her childhood imaginings. With more than fifty titles on library shelves and more than 1.5 million copies of her books in print worldwide, she enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim and her retired military husband, Don, are empty nesters living in a small town in Kansas, the setting of many of Kim’s novels. When she isn’t writing, Kim stays active serving in her church’s women’s and music ministries, crafting quilts, petting cats, and spoiling her quiverful of granddarlings. You can learn more about Kim’s writing at www.kimvogelsawyer.com.