The Moonlight School by award winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christian historical novel set in Kentucky. Beginning in Louisville and Lexington the story travels to Morehead and Rowan County. This early 1900 tale is based on the life of Cora Wilson Stewart, the first woman elected school superintendent in Rowan County.

This is also about Lucy Wilson. She travels from Lexington, Kentucky to Morehead to be Cora’s assistant and stenographer. Her experiences are delightful as city girl meets the hill people. It is heartwarming to watch Lucy’s transformation. We also meet Brother Wyatt, a quiet man that holds church outdoors and teaches singing classes. It is impossible to read this extraordinary novel and not fall in love with the characters and their stories.

I was immediately captivated by the story and characters. This book is definitely my favorite one written by author Fisher so far. It is steeped with folklore, mountain traditions, and rich lessons of faith. It is obvious the author has done her research with the colloquialisms, mountain dialect, and characters, some of whom are real.

Author Fisher is a talented storyteller. She took me back in time and away to the hollers of Rowan County, Kentucky. I could almost smell the aroma of the Kentucky country and hear the sounds of the farms and nature. Her characters jumped off of the pages and into my heart. They were well described and believable.

I learned so much from this book. It was encouraging and inspiring. There is so much to love tucked into its pages. I read turning page after page, riveted to the story. There were twists and turns, life lessons, spiritual messages, mystery, romance, and much more.

At the end of the book is a plethora of information that you won’t want to miss. There is a section entitled “So What Happened Next” that tell more details about Miss Cora and the Moonlight School. Following that is “Fact or Fiction” which explains some of the things and people. The next page has a list of “Recommended Reading on Cora’s Life” for those wanting to continue learning about this wonderful lady. Closing up the book are “Discussion  Questions” to help individuals or groups.

I highly recommend this exemplary book. It is fabulous. It would make a wonderful book for any historical reader. School teachers will love this. Book clubs will have so much fun in their discussions. This is a book for everyone. I give it a 6 out of 5 stars. (I wish I could, so 5 will have to suffice.) A copy was provided by the publisher but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book:  The Moonlight School

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 2, 2021

Haunted by her sister’s mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn’t expected: love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California.

More from Suzanne

I’m Suzanne Woods Fisher, the author of The Moonlight School. This historical fiction will release on February 2, 2021, and is based on a true story featuring Cora Wilson Stewart, a Kentucky educator way ahead of her times. In 1911, Cora had a crazy idea—to open rural one-room schoolhouses in her county on moonlit nights to teach illiterate adults how to read and write.

So what happened next? Well, it’s so astonishing that you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Instead, I hope you’ll read the book and find out for yourself.

In the meantime, this infographic provides a fascinating look at illiteracy THEN…and NOW. Makes you want to thank your teachers, doesn’t it?

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, January 30

Batya’s Bits, January 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 30

CarpeDiem, January 31

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 31

A Novel Pursuit, January 31

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 31

The Avid Reader, February 1

Bliss Books & Jewels, February 1

lakesidelivngsite, February 1

Connie’s History Classroom, February 1

She Lives To Read, February 2

For the Love of Literature, February 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 3

Through the Fire Blogs, February 3

Texas Book-aholic, February 3

Inspiration Clothesline, February 3

Fiction Book Lover, February 4 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 4

Blogging With Carol, February 4

Lis Loves Reading, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

HookMeInABook, February 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 6

Artistic Nobody, February 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

For Him and My Family, February 7

EmpowerMoms, February 7

The Write Escape , February 7

Mary Hake, February 7

Older & Smarter?, February 8

deb’s Book Review, February 8

Splashes of Joy, February 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 9

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 9

Beauty in the Binding, February 9

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Remembrancy, February 10

Bigreadersite, February 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10

By The Book, February 11

Wishful Endings, February 11

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Pause for Tales, February 11

Spoken from the Heart, February 12

Hallie Reads, February 12

To Everything There Is A Season, February 12

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1068d/the-moonlight-school-celebration-tour-giveaway