Hannah Fowler

Janice Holt Giles is one of the few authors whose books I collect. If you’ve ever felt connected to the early pioneers in this country, this is a story I think women, young and old would enjoy. A book I hope my adult daughters and teenage granddaughters alike would read and cherish. A story of a woman like our ancestors, who is strong, independent, and resourceful. I reread this book every couple of years and enjoy every time. It is one of three books in the series, but it is absolutely a stand alone read.

As an English teacher, and a lover of historic fiction, I am surprised that Giles does not rank with Willa Cather and Larry McMurtry. Perhaps she should have chosen another publisher when she was first writing her multi-book series that starts in Kentucky and ends in Denver with her novel Six Horse Hitch. At any rate, Hannah Fowler, in my opinion her best, is a wonderful read. I know. I have read it many times.

Enduring? This book has been around since 1956 and is still in print, now that's enduring! I first read Hannah Fowler over twenty years ago and I also "re read" it every couple of years. It is my most favorite work of fiction. An incredibly simple and beautiful work of art, Giles weaves regional lore with a touching love story. Since I first read this book Janice Holt Giles has become my favorite author, she writes with an honesty and wisdom that draws you to her characters. If anyone is remotely interested in Hannah Fowler, please read it, you won't be disappointed. I especially recommend it to teenagers.

I've read most of Janice Holt Giles' books but this one (my first) has got to be my favorite. It certainly isn't your conventional love story; but then, Hannah isn't your conventional heroine. Nor are she and Tice a conventional couple (she asked HIM to marry HER) but they don't seem to be any less happy for it. Giles' beloved Kentucky hills are the perfect setting for the story, and her writing style is wonderful in its simplicity.By the way, the best subtle reference to sex I've ever found is in this book. When Tice says, "Let's try out that new shuck tick of your'n" and gives Hannah a gentle shove in that direction... and the rest is left to the imagination.

I first read this book over 15 years ago. I have since gone back and read it over about every year or two. The writer has created such real characters and a story line that is just as readable as it was when it was first written. I can not recommend this books strongly enough.

As a native of the area described in Hannah Fowler, I am in tune with the feelings and hopes of the people. This book so clearly and accurately describes those feelings that I could read only a little at a time. No book has ever been so intense for me. Tears came with each chapter. Having married a person from a different section of the US where attitudes and ideals are different, I had long sought some way to explain the differences - this book is the way.