Mammoth Cave from a different perspective

I loved visiting Mammoth Cave with my hubby just before we had baby #3, so I was thrilled to stumble upon a novel about the Mammoth Cave area.  Guide Me Home, written by Kim Vogel Sawyer, is a delightful novel set in the early 1900s.  It's a great look at the culture of the times, from family ties to family responsibilities, to the dichotomy between rich/poor and educated/uneducated, to gender roles. It delves into the issues of guilt, forgiveness,  independence, rebellion, faith, hope and salvation.  I judged the book by it's cover, which wasn't very appealing, and almost set it aside. But I was immediately drawn into the story when I started reading. Very well-developed characters, beautiful descriptions of the cave/grounds, well thought-out plot, just enjoyable all the way around.  I also appreciate Sawyer's well-researched descriptions of the cave and it's surroundings - it makes me want to visit again and learn more about the cave!

From the publisher:  "Working as a guide in Mammoth Cave might allow Rebekah the chance to bring joy back to her family. But will the cave claim more than it gives? After tragedy leaves its mark on Rebekah Hardin’s family, she plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her beloved brother’s memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system. Kentucky’s renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities for hardworking, capable men. But Rebekah is determined and if it means presenting herself as a himself, then she’s up to the job.  Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sanford, “Reb” begins to learn the complexities of the cave. The two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale. The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels—not to fall for a girl in disguise. Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin’s ambitious plans and free Reb from the weight of her past?"    

This is the first book of Sawyer's that I have read, and I look forward to reading more!

Thanks to the publisher for inviting me to be a reviewer of this book.  I appreciate sharing my honest review.