For a chance to win a free copy of this book, keep reading.
Last weekend, tornadoes left a trail of destruction across six states, including my beloved Kentucky. I’m heartbroken for those who lost loved ones, pets, livestock, homes, and businesses. Please keep the storm victims in your prayers. My son lives within a half-mile of some of the worst destruction in Warren County. I am still lifting prayers of thanks that he and his sweet family are safe.
It was hard to watch the television news, so I escaped into Sarah LoudinThomas’s newest book, The Finder of Forgotten Things. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
In Finder of Forgotten Things, Sarah Thomas captures the people and the landscape of Depression-era Appalachia with as much skill as Dorothea Lange accomplished with her iconic photos. I flipped through a new book in the library last week featuring Ms. Lange’s work and was immediately reminded of Sarah’s writing.
One of my favorite characters was Sulley, even though he appeared to be a scoundrel, he charmed me. Our storm victims, who’ve had their personal belongings scattered from here to yonder, could use someone with his gift of finding things, including lost loved ones.
Sarah weaves a complex story of loss and desperation amid the backdrop of unimaginable poverty and greed. Although this is a work of fiction, sadly, the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel disaster was a real large-scale industrial disaster that led to the deaths of hundreds, maybe even a thousand, according to the New River Gorge: National Park and Preserve website. https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/the-hawks-nest-tunnel-disaster-summersville-wv.htm.
The main characters in the story are strong, with grit, yet kindhearted and caring. There is tenderness and hope as a love story unfolds between two middle-aged people, Gainey (Eugenia) and Jeremiah. I loved Gainey, who has spunk and is respected by all. Even though she’s a spinster, she is a woman who takes care of herself, her neighbors, and strangers. Jerimiah has met his match and he can’t keep himself from admiring her strength and strong character. But Gainey carries a secret, which she reveals to Jeremiah and Sulley.
More than one part of this story broke my heart, especially the poor men so desperate for work they lost their lives so they could feed their families.
Sulley is a favorite character: charming and clever. Still, my heart ached for him as his story unfolded.
When I read the last page, I felt hopeful for the future of all the characters. I highly recommend this book.
For a chance to win a free copy of this book, make a comment below before Monday, December 21, 2021. I’ll announce the winner in my next post.
I think I’ve only read one of Sarah’s books so far, but I do
Intend to read more. She takes her historical fiction details seriously. I might say she is not afraid of the gritty part if the story. I have no problem with that and will definitely be reading more if her novels.
Hi Perrianne,
Thanks for stopping by. I love your name. It’s so unique. I wonder if it might show up in one of Sarah’s books as she uses interesting names. I’ve read several of Sarah Thomas’s books and enjoyed them all, but her skill as a writer improve with each book.
Good luck in the drawing and Merry Christmas!
Shelia
I have not read any of her books yet but definitely looking forward to it! It will be my next book purchase.
Hi Caprice,
I think you will enjoy it. Good luck with the drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
I have read one of her books and loved it. She makes the characters so interesting. Her details in her writing are amazing. I’d love to win this book. Have a Merry Christmas 🎄.
Hi Tammie,
I agree with your comment about Sarah making her characters interesting. I love the unique names she comes up with.
Good luck in the drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
Look forward to reading her book. I’ve never read any of them before.
Hi Debbie,
I hope you and Ron are feeling better. It is a great book.
I hope you and Ron have a very Merry Christmas!
Warm regards,
Shelia
Not afraid of the gritty part–thanks for that! Thanks for reading!
I’ve read several books about the Depression Era Appalachia and can’t wait to read this book, too.
I have read one of her books and really enjoyed I love books that as you read the makes you fell like you watching movie her writing makes you see an fell you are there,
Hi Nell,
I hope you and all your family are safe from last week’s storm. Thanks for stopping by. I agree with your comment about Sarah’s writing. I too feel as though I’m in Appalachia.
Merry Christmas and Good Luck in the drawing.
Shelia
I love to travel by way of books, too!
This historical sounds captivating, memorable and a real treasure which depicts the heartbreaking reality of the depression for individuals and their families. So much adversity and misery which affected so many. Novels which are profound and unforgettable are books to be cherished since they are vital to understand how people suffered and had the strength to forge on. Thank you for your wonderful feature and giveaway.
Hi Anne,
Thank you! And, you are very welcome. Good luck with the drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
I have read all of Sarah Loudin Thomas’s books except for The Finder of Forgotten Things which I look forward to. All her books are excellent.
Merry Christmas!
Hi Ruth,
I’m sure it will lift Sarah’s heart to read your comment. Good luck in the drawing!
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
Well now that makes my day!!
I LOVED reading the Christmas Heirloom this past fall. (Yes, I was a little bit excited for the Christmas season to begin! so I started reading Christmas books early. You can read my review on Goodreads.
Hi Heidi,
I will check out your review. Thanks for stopping by! Good luck in the drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
I so very much appreciate author’s work who delve into the reality of a situation, emotionally and in reality, and can do it with authenticity. I have not yet read this book by Sarah. I have read other books from her and have found them excellent in every way. I would very much like to read this book too!
Hi Mary,
Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the drawing!
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
I hope you get to read it soon and enjoy it as much as the others!
I don’t think I have read any of her books but am looking forward to reading this one.
Hi Mary,
I think you’ll love Sara’s book. Good luck in the drawing!
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
I haven’t read any of Sarah’s book. I’m new so this author is new to me. Would love to read & review books in print format.
Merry Christmas
Hope I Win
Hi Crystal,
Another reader mentioned that Sarah’s books remind her of the Waltons. Good luck in the drawing.
Regards,
Shelia
Historical fiction is my favorite genre so this book really interests me. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of Sara’s book. Blessings!!
Hi Jan,
Thanks for stopping by I love historical fiction but read a little bit of everything. I also enjoy reading Ann Gabhart’s historical fiction. I never miss one of her books either.
Good luck with the drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
I have only read one of Sarah’s books so far. I love checking out upcoming authors and she makes her books so interesting. You feel them, if you know what I mean. She’s also from my neck of the woods. Been thinking about getting this book, so hope I can win it.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for stopping by. If you don’t win in the drawing, I’d suggest you ask your public library to order a copy. Most libraries will honor a patron request. They might already have a copy as Sarah is an award-winning author.
Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas!
Shelia
Are you a WV girl, too? Go Mountaineers!
Sarah’s books always take me back home.
Hi Joy,
Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
I live in West Virginia so I am always on the lookout for Appalachian books. I have read one of Sarah’s books previously and really related to the characters and the locations.
Hi Amy,
Thanks for stopping by. You live in a beautiful area of the world. Even if you don’t win, ask you public library to order a copy. They probably already have one as she is an award-winning author.
Good luck in the drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
The best place to go–so glad my stories take you there!
Shelia we also had kids nearby. We had three grandkids and a great grandchild under a mattress in the tub while the electricity connections was being ripped off the wall of their house in or around Benton KY
Hi Juanita,
I am heartbroken for all the devastation. I hope your family is all okay. They’ll probably never forget that night. It’s a miracle more lives were not lost. I’ve been to Benton. I lived in Murray, KY for about a year and worked for Hart Opthamology. It is a wonderful community.
Hugs and prayers,
Shelia
Shelia
I haven’t read any of her books but what I read in your email sounded very interesting.
Hi Jeannie,
Thanks for stopping by. It was a very interesting book. I’d never heard about the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel disaster. I’m so glad Sarah wrote about it.
Good luck in the drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
I haven’t read any books by her before but this one sounds really interesting. I’ve read other books set in the Appalachia Mountains and found them really good.
Hi Megan,
I think you’ll love this book. Even if you don’t win in the drawing, ask your public library to order a copy. They probably already have a copy as Sarah is an award-winning author.
Good luck in the drawing and Merry Christmas!
Shelia
I am looking forward to reading this book ! I am a retired library employee after 21 years of service ….my work there was a great life-experience .I have many cherished memories of patrons and co-workers . Merry Christmas !!
Hi Nancy,
All librarians are so nice. Thank you for your service. I think you’ll love this book.
Good luck in the drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
Librarians are my FAVORITE people. Thank you for being one!
I love historical fiction–my favorite way to learn history! This sounds like an important reminder of the Great Depression period of American history with a great story to grab our attention. I’d love to read it!
Hi Suzanne,
I’m so glad Sarah wrote this story. I’d never heard about this industrial disaster. Sarah writes the story with compassion.
Good luck in the drawing!
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
The Four Winds meets the Waltons!
I love historical fiction. Thanks for your thoughts on the book and the chance to win it.
Hi Janet,
I learn so much without trying when reading historical fiction. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Good luck in the drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
Those hit by the recent tornados are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Jan. So many people have responded. I see Jesus everywhere.
Good luck in the drawing and Merry Christmas!
Shelia
Sounds very interesting.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for stopping by. It’s a page-turner.
Good luck in the drawing!
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
This book sounds wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of Sara’s book.
Hi Emma,
Good luck in the drawing. It really is a wonderful book.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
The premise of this book, while not only based on a true event, sounds very moving and profound in its writing. I have not read any of Sarah’s books, so she would be a new author to me, but it sounds like a wonderful read! I was an elementary school librarian (now a teacher), so didn’t have the pleasure of hearing her name before … but you can be sure I’m excited to “check her out” now!! Happy Holidays to all!! Take care of yourselves out there as well!!
Hi Venetia,
I think you’ll love her book. Good luck in the Drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Shelia
Sarah is a fantastic writer who puts you right “there,” wherever and whenever her story takes place. Her work enlightens and inspires.
Hi Robin,
I agree! Merry Christmas to your sweet family!
Warm regards,
Shelia
I can’t wait to read this book!
Hi Alyssa,
Just in time for a chance to win! Good Luck!
SheliA
Hi Alyssa,
Congratulations! You are the winner of The Finder of Forgotten Things by Sarah Thomas. Please email me your shipping address to shelia@sheliastovall.com and I will mail you a copy of the book.
Thank you for being a subscriber to my blog/newsletter.
Best wishes for a very Happy New Year!
Warm regards,
Shelia