The Innocent Book Review

 

SUMMARY:  She longs for peace - for her land and her heart - but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?

      Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years bot knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing.  When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home.  With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.

     The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn, the Shaker life seems anything but simple.  When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny.  Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit?

REVIEW:  One of my favorite things about this book was Carlyn's dedication to her marriage.  Her husband was missing in action, which means she did not know if he was dead or alive.  So, when she feels an attraction to the new sheriff, she stays true to her vows, even if she never gets an answer.  Her commitment to her husband and her wedding vows was admiring and honorable. I also love Carlyn's dog, Asher.  The way he protects and comforts her is sweet.

     The parts set in the Shaker community seemed like an oxymoron.  They are supposed to be known for their charity to those in need, but, they seem almost rude and difficult when someone comes to them for help. When Carlyn is forced to leave her house and has nowhere else to go, she decides to join the Shaker village.  Even though they provide her shelter, food and clothing, the residents often seem harsh and distant, almost like they only wanted the land she donated when she joined.  The love you would think they would bestow, being a "Christian" community was not to be found.  

     This was an interesting book but, unfortunately, not one of my favorites like some of her others.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels - The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted - as well as Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Love Comes Home, Words Spoken True, and The Heart of Hollyhill series.  She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky.  Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Christmas at Harmony Hill Book Review

A Shaker Story

SUMMARY:  A Stirring Story of Healing, Hope, and Home at Christmas

    It is 1864 and the nation is torn apart by civil war when Heather Worth discovers she is with child.  With her husband at the front and nowhere else to turn, she seeks refuge in the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.  Amid the tumult of the times, Heather yearns for the peace she sees in this strange community.  But can this longing really be fulfilled amid these people with their peculiar beliefs about family?

     As Christmas approaches, the joy of new life and the love that is born of forgiveness may hold the answer.
     Join bestselling author Ann H. Gabhard for a peek into the world of the Shakers - and the world of the human heart.

REVIEW:   This is an interesting book.  Never having read much about the Shakers other than the little bit I learned in History class many years ago, I was curious to see what this book was about.  Even though they were basically isolationists, the Shakers did not turn away anyone in need.  I like how the author sets up the story by having Heather's Aunt Sophrena living in this commune.  Though they do not want you to contact family outside their community, Sophrena had corresponded with Susan, Heather's mom on occasion, paving the way for Heather's stay with the Shakers before her baby's birth.  While the community dynamics are strange to me, they are hard workers and take good care of Heather and her child.  I love the tenderness, affection and caring portrayed in this tome.  The community cares for Heather and the baby; Sophrena cares for Heather and the child, much to her angst.  Gideon loves his wife and wants to be with her.  Because of the love Beth has for her sister, she defies her dad to help a cold and hungry Heather. This is a good book and a fairly quick read.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels - The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted - as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True.  She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky.  Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.