The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes

 Having read the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, I was interested to see how these novels would compare.  I found two very compelling storylines.  Book Woman focused more on the life of Cussy Mary and the history of the Blue People of the Appalachians.  Giver was a broader story of women who were "before their time":  fiercely independent, adventuresome, fighters for their rights, living life on their own terms.  The novel begins with English born Alice who moved to this traditional small Appalachian town with her new spouse, who was totally under his father's thumb.  Chafing under the strict expectations of the father-in-law,  she finds an opportunity to flee the house by joining the "Pack Women", a library program created by Eleanor Roosevelt (another great example of an independent spirit).

Moyes develops great characters who display amazing loyalty and encouragement to one another.  When their leader is thrown in jail for trumped up murder charges by a small town sheriff and little-minded men, the women persevere in their quest to bring education to the far flung areas of the mountains...and they solidify their friendship by accepting one another with their faults and strengths.  Moyes knows how to engage plot twists that bring an emotional response, as well as introducing themes that are relevant today.  Women's roles, racial tension, corrupt business practices, and supporting community were the underlying issues which drew these strong women together....and made this a 5 star read.