Suzanne Woods Fisher’s brand new novel The Moonlight School does not disappoint. Fisher is a brilliant and reliable author. Not only can you count on a fascinating story and historical accuracy, but also a daring to dabble in current issues and challenging cultural norms. In this novel education and literacy and the impact it has on independence and success is explored. I love that Fisher explores challenging concepts like this and laces them into historical context and a beautiful story. I find myself invested in the characters but also the injustices Fisher explores. This experience is not a first for me when it comes to the works for Suzanne Woods Fisher and it leaves me waiting with bated breath Fisher’s next publication. 
An education, she believed, was the great equlaizer, the answer to all of life’s injustices.
The only way to lift people is to teach them to lift themselves. Literacy is the only road to true freedom.
This story also dabbles in trauma and the impacts it can have on us, romance and societal norms, plus is filled with character development that I find subtle and captivating. Fisher’s characters never lack in depth, I find myself curious and impacted even by minor characters. In the prologue I was hooked, within pages Fisher had me engaged and flipping as fast as I could. Then I wanted to know about how Lucy’s life would turn out. As the story took that first unexpected turn I wondered what Lucy would do, learn, and how she would grow. As she encounters Brother Wyatt, “Fin” and the other inhabitants of the mountain trails I loved watching her evolve. I so appreciate the exploration of the history of literacy in America, don’t miss the interesting graphic below about “American Literacy Then and Now.”
“We are going to set them free…. by the light of the moon… so they can find their way.” – Cora Wilson Stewart
The power of literacy. I highly recommend the story and if you’d like to know more read the description and interview below. Be sure not to miss the giveaway at the end of this post!
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
1 Comment
As Phoebe works with her friends and family to stop a madman, she finds out that she doesn t have to change for God to love or use her and that a sense of purpose is better than a heart filled with bitterness and anger. Overall, I liked the story, but felt it dragged a bit in the middle. I also didn t like Phoebe s attitude at the beginning, but can totally understand why she acted the way she did. I did LOVE her bravery and how she wasn t afraid to lay her life down to save a friend. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars because of the cliffhanger ending and because I didn t care for parts of the story, but would recommend it for anyone who likes Christian Fiction mixed with a bit of super hero .