Light to the Hills

A Novel

By: Bonnie Blaylock

Narrated by: Shannon McManus

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

A richly rewarding novel about family bonds, the power of words, and the resilience of mothers and daughters in 1930s Appalachia.

The folks in the Kentucky Appalachians are scraping by. Coal mining and hardscrabble know-how are a way of life for these isolated people. But when Amanda Rye, a young widowed mother and traveling packhorse librarian, comes through a mountain community hit hard by the nation’s economic collapse, she brings with her hope, courage, and apple pie. Along the way, Amanda takes a shine to the MacInteer family, especially to the gentle Rai; her quick-study daughter, Sass; and Finn, the eldest son who’s easy to warm to. They remind Amanda of her childhood and her parents with whom she longs to be reconciled.

Her connection with the MacInteers deepens, and Amanda shares with them a dangerous secret from her past. When that secret catches up with Amanda in the present, she, Rai, Sass, and Finn find their lives intersecting—and threatened—in the most unexpected ways. Now they must come together as the truth lights a path toward survival, mountain justice, forgiveness, and hope.

©2022 Bonnie Blaylock (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“This moving tale of family bonds and the resilience of mothers and daughters is filled with rich period details, regional dialect, and fascinating local customs and foods…Readers of Kim Michele Richardson, Ann H. Gabhart, and Kim Vogel Sawyer will also enjoy this engaging historical novel.”—Booklist

“A gorgeously written and well-layered novel that immediately transports us to the Appalachian Mountains of the 1930s. The ways, superstitions, folklore, and justice of the mountain people are woven deeply into the story. Rich in color, tradition, and character, this mountain saga will hold you spellbound.”—Historical Novels Review

“A bright and vibrant debut. Light to the Hills is a touching meditation on motherhood and the importance of community, especially during difficult times. Bonnie Blaylock will be one to watch in the realm of historical fiction.”—Olivia Hawker, bestselling author of One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow

I love this story!

I especially loved all the attention to detail about the flora and fauna and language and attitudes of the region! It was easy to get lost in this world. And the characters were strong and nuanced and treated with great respect. Finally, the plot moved along nicely and made me long for these characters to have more adventures that we could share!

Enjoyed it very much

When a book seems like it ended to quickly for me it’s a good thing . I enjoyed this story.

Well written!

The writing in this book is so vivid. It is like poetry. The phrasing and imagery is wonderful! I loved the twists and surprises in it too.

Historically Enlightening

I enjoyed the book for it’s portrayal of the cultural background of children I once taught.

Great !!

Awesome book about women and young girls as well as young men finding power and freedom both in the written and spoke word !

Very enjoyable

Loved the descriptions of nature and the Kentucky traditions. The characters were well developed and the plot was extremely riveting and satisfying at the end!

Excellent!

Great narrator and a wonderful tale. At times it broke my heart and made me cry. At times I feared for the characters. But this is a story of relationships and family and nature and love. The twist near the end was something I did not see coming and it made me laugh. Don’t miss it!

Wonderful to listen to

The southern voices of the presenters was so enchanting. Loved the story and the details of nature and country people. Precious

Wonderful!

A most excellent story, with very good narration. The characters were so beautifully rendered, as was the Kentucky I know and love.

Loved it.

Loved the theme and plot. However, what I loved was the character development. My first novel by this author. I will seek out another.