A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H. Gabhart is a piece of historical fiction focusing on the people of eastern Kentucky. The story follows Kallie Mae, a young adult who has shouldered many burdens in her life. The author covers a great many topics including resentment, bitterness, grief, forgiveness, and cultural proprieties. One’s heart just aches for Kallie Mae and all that she must face.
The story itself is a bit of a slow read, but it also matches the lifestyle lived by its characters. It is interesting to learn about efforts to help educate adults through the Moonlight Schools. Readers will enjoy living vicariously in a simpler time. Even simpler times have fascinating and intriguing stories to tell.
Kallie Mae and her relationships with her brother, sister, and father capture the reader, sometimes in a not so happy way and at other points in a very touching way. Then comes the most amazing romance: Quinn Spencer and his “alike” sisters. Hearts are hurt, hearts are healed, and romance is allowed to blossom…although perhaps in surprising ways.
Review of an Advance Reader’s Copy Provided by the Publisher
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: References to a past incident where it is assumed someone pushed another person off of a cliff to her death; several fist fights resulting in blood and bruises; injury due to a fall.
Sex/Nudity: Characters kiss and embrace.
Mature Subject Matter:
Death of a family member, grudges.
Drug/Alcohol Use:
Reference to moonshine.
