The Librarian of Boone's Hollow

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by Kim Vogel Sawyer


  “Addie?”

  She released a little squeak of surprise. “Yes?”

  “How many stories do you think you’ve written so far?”

  She wouldn’t have chosen the topic of her memory collecting. They could talk about it anytime. Shouldn’t alone time be for something more personal? But at least he’d spoken. She shrugged. “Twelve so far. And thirty-eight more families are waiting their turns.”

  “So…” His tone sounded musing. “Two stories per month? Is that the pace you’re keeping?”

  Mathematically he was correct. She nodded. “Yes. I could probably get more covered if I was writing all day, but using only the evening hours slows me down.” Her own story writing had been set aside, but she didn’t regret it. These people’s histories were more important than her fictional characters’ tales.

  They broke through the trees into the clearing around Nanny Fay’s cabin. The familiar glow behind the windows and a curling line of smoke from the rock chimney beckoned Addie, but Emmett maintained a slow, leisurely pace. She matched it.

  “Would you like to do the writing full time?”

  She frowned up at him. “I can’t do that. I have to earn a wage.” Although she’d paid her college bill, Mother and Daddy would need her help in covering the expenses of their new little house. Daddy also wanted her to start a savings account, setting aside some funds with the hope of finishing her degree someday.

  He placed his hand on her spine and guided her to the porch, to the bench Eagle had built for Nanny Fay, and he sat. He patted the open spot, and she perched next to him, puzzled by the serious expression on his face. “Did you know that the WPA has hired photographers to make a pictorial account of the nation’s hardships?”

  She hadn’t heard, but she liked the idea. Someday, when things were easier, people would need to remember the hardworking folks who survived these difficult times. Pictures would personalize what they’d had to overcome.

  “Pictures are good, but they need words to go with them.” Emmett’s blue eyes, lit by the lamplight behind the glass, remained fixed on her face. “As well as you write, I think you should consider submitting some of your family stories to the committee in Washington. They might very well hire you to record the history of the folks living on Black Mountain. Then you could commit your full days to it, and when all was done, you’d have a publishing credit to your name.”

  Being paid to write these families’ histories stirred excitement in her chest. But at the same time, worry nibbled. “If I was hired, though, I’d have to give up working at the library. No more…working alongside you.” She swallowed. “Is that what you want?”

  “What I want is for you to fully use the abilities God has given you.” Fervency glowed in his eyes. “You have a special gift for words, Addie. You’re spending so many hours recording these stories, and it would be nice if you were recompensed for your effort. If you were writing full time, you could complete more than two a month. At the rate you’re going, it’ll be more than a year before you can write the one I really want to read.”

  “Which one is that?”

  His lips curved into a sweet smile. “Ours.”

  She drew back, raising her eyebrows. “Ours?”

  He nodded. “Think about it while you’re in Georgetown. And when you come back, I’ll ask you again about creating a you-and-me story.”

  Her heart pattered, and eagerness thrummed in her veins. “Why don’t you ask me now?”

  “It wouldn’t be fair. You haven’t been home with all the things the city offers. You need to know for sure that your story belongs here in these hills with me.” He reached through the folds of red velvet and took her hands. “Go home. Have time with your parents. Do a lot of praying and thinking. And when you come back, we’ll talk. All right?”

  Always the businessman, wanting to plan first and act later. She 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.

 

 

 


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