Saturday, September 1, 2018

RIVER TO REDEMPTION by Ann. H. Gabhart, review by Paula Shreckhise


This is a story of finding your way in a broken world. I would give it more stars, if I could.

Seven year old Adria Starr is orphaned in the great cholera epidemic of 1833. She is nursed in the nearly abandoned town by two black servants, Louis and Tilda. Then a young widow, Ann Hanson, takes over her care. Louis has been entrusted with the keys to the hotel when his master flees the disease. Unaffected by cholera, Louis also tends to and buries many dead.

Ann Gabhart takes a real story of an incident during the cholera outbreak of 1833 and works her magic to tell a heartfelt tale of faith at work in lives of faithful people in Springfield, Kentucky. Get a tissue box ready for this one.
Ann aptly captures the thoughts and actions of seven year old Adria and gives older Adria the spark of enthusiasm for the abolitionist movement.
 


Her narrative flows smoothly and immerses the reader in the story. She builds characters with real, tragic problems and gives them a reliance on God that sustains them through the tough seasons of life. The phrase “pray, believing “ resonates throughout the book. River to Redemption has a theme of realizing true freedom and peace with God, through Christ, no matter what your outward circumstances dictate.
The book is not without romance. Ann and the new preacher, Will, are navigating life after each loses a spouse. But they begin to release their grief and there is a promise of new love. Meanwhile, Adria is torn between two suitors.

Ann is one of my favorite authors and I knew I would love this book. She did not disappoint. Her prose is just lyrical. I recommend this for lovers of historical fiction. It is a quality read.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 


Backcover Blurb:
Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll face an uphill battle.

Based partly on a true story, Ann H. Gabhart's latest historical novel is a tour de force. The vividly rendered town of Springfield and its citizens immerse readers in a story of courage, betrayal, and honor that will stick with them long after they turn the last page.


BUY River to Redemption at Amazon
BUY River to Redemption at Christianbook.com

3 comments:

  1. I Definitely want to read this story. It will stay on my radar until I get it! I'm SOLD! Thanks Paula! I admit that meeting Ann in person has a lot to do with my high expectations! She just have that super story teller vibe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like that, Debra. A super story teller vibe! I'm hoping that will be true when I start my nest book. :)

      Delete
    2. Uh, next book. Not nest book, but that has an interesting sound. Maybe I can hatch a story.

      Delete

Share This Post

How Our Giveaways Work: The Official Rules

We, the ladies of Inkwell Inspirations, would love to give free stuff to everybody. Since we can't, we will often have a giveaway in conjunction with a specific post. Unless otherwise stated, one winner will be drawn from comments left on that post between the date it was published and the end of the giveaway as determined in the post. Entries must be accompanied by a valid email address. This address is used only to contact the commenter in the event that he/she is the winner, and will not be sold, distributed, or used in any other fashion. The odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. NO PURCHASE, PLEDGE, OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Pinterest