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| The Innocent by Ann H. Gabhart, Recorded Books audiobook |
The Innocent By Ann H. Gabhart
Recorded Books, 2015
I listened to this book via an audible.com download. The narration was good and the story compelling. Ms. Gabhart has eight books available on audible.com. This is a historical Christian fiction book with strong romantic elements, it is not a Christian historical romance.
Carlyn Kearney hasn't given up hope that her husband, Ambrose, might yet return from the Civil War. A Union soldier, he's unaccounted for after a major battle. Waiting in a cabin in the woods, with her trusty dog, Carylyn is feisty and determined. But the horrid man, Mr. Whitlow, who holds the mortgage to her property is trying to compromise her. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie, new to town, suspects what Curt Whitlow is up to but when Carlyn disappears into Shaker village he has trouble getting information. Poor Caryln had to leave her trusty companion, too, and when the Shakers refuse her beloved pet she has the sheriff take him in.
Sister Edna, quickly becomes a bane to Carlyn. Nothing she does is good enough. The odd Shaker ways are arcane to her and don't fit with the teachings of Christianity she learned growing up with her strict minister family. But there are dark and mysterious goings on at the Shaker village, requiring the handsome sheriff to return. With each visit between Caryln and Mitchell, their feelings for one another grow. But is she still married? Caryln receives some news that changes her life.
The story culminates in a very dark and scary manner for Caryln. There is a death and subsequent grave difficulties for her. One cool thing I loved about this story was how God can use anyone or anything, including pets, to do His will. I've always been intrigued by the Biblical story of the donkey who talked and I have a manuscript that part of the arc was how God can use anything, anyone, any way He wishes and that part of Gabhart's story especially captured my heart!
The story culminates in a very dark and scary manner for Caryln. There is a death and subsequent grave difficulties for her. One cool thing I loved about this story was how God can use anyone or anything, including pets, to do His will. I've always been intrigued by the Biblical story of the donkey who talked and I have a manuscript that part of the arc was how God can use anything, anyone, any way He wishes and that part of Gabhart's story especially captured my heart!
I think you might be, as I was, creeped out by the teachings of "Mother Ann" of which I had no idea the Shakers believed. A real eye opener of a story!
Bibliotherapy: Loss of spouse, predators, loss of belongings, hope, restoration, and maintaining one's faith.
Bibliotherapy: Loss of spouse, predators, loss of belongings, hope, restoration, and maintaining one's faith.
This book may be purchased through Audible.com, Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstores. I recommend the audible version as it was well done.
GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of The innocent by Ann H. Gabhart. Answer this question: What do you know about "Mother Ann" of the Shakers and which of Ann H. Gabhart's books have you already read?
Loved your review, Carrie - thank you!! I found it interesting that Ann wrote books for young people for years before she was convinced to start writing about the Shakers(for which she is probably best known), and is now writing mysteries. Yes, the Shakers have some strange beliefs, however, I love visiting their settlement as often as I can. I live less than 1 1/2 hours from the settlement (Shaker Village), Ann lives very near it.
ReplyDeleteAnn always has a release party at her local library with each book release - they're always lots of fun with gift giveaways and goodies which Ann bakes herself. I think her next one is May 22nd - anyone interested can find more info on her website. She's a gifted writer, I have many of her books.
You're so kind, Bonnie, and such a blessing to many of us writers with your encouraging words and help spreading the word about our books via reposts. I am having the book party this year, but it's not at the library due to our library having renovations. I wasn't sure it would be open when I wanted to do the book launch. So instead I'm hosting the party at the Farm Bureau Offices on 127 ByPass. And I will bake some cookies or something. :)
DeleteThanks, Bonnie! Audiobooks are such a great way to read! It is hard to find many Christian fiction books on audio. so this was a blessing! That sounds so fun, having a book release party at the library! I'd not have thought of that. Best wishes ANN on your upcoming party and release!!!
DeleteI have read all of Ann's Shaker books and they are so fascinating! Thanks for the great review, Carrie!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Diana. I so appreciate you reading my books. And thanks to you too, Carrie. Interesting to hear a review of the audio book.
DeleteSince you loved Ann's Shaker books I thought I would, too, Diana!!! Hugs!
DeleteLoved your review,thank you Carrie. I have read all of Ann's Shakers books except for the one you have reviewed and the mysteries. I have visited a Shaker settlement as well and really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteDeanne P.
Cnnamongirl at aol dot com
Thanks for reading my books, Deanne. I do appreciate that. And looks like this giveaway is just right for you since this is one you haven't read. The Shaker village here in KY is a beautiful place that makes a fun day trip or is also a good place to spend some restful nights. The Shakers are no longer there, but it's interesting to see their lifestyle and crafts recreated by the Shaker re-enactors.
DeleteI couldn't locate our original winner, Deanne, so per random.org you are now the WINNER of The Innocent, a great book by Ann H. Gabhart!!! Glad you enjoyed the review!
DeleteGreat review Carrie. The story sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteI know a little bit about the Shakers, Ann and how they came about.
I have read two of Ann H. Gabhart: Words Spoken True and The Outsider #1 Shaker series.
Blessings,Tina
Hi, Mrs. Tina. The Shakers do have some interesting history. I think my book, The Believer has the most actual Shaker history and then The Seeker, had history of the Civil War and the effect on the Shakers. Thank you for reading some of my stories.
DeleteHey Tina, Thanks! I think you'd enjoy this and I'd recommend the audio. It might be good for one of your road trips!
DeleteI do not know anything about Mother Ann. I have not read any of Ann Gabharts books yet.
ReplyDeleteThen maybe if you win the giveaway you can give my story a try and find out more about the Shakers at the same time, Jan.
DeleteAnn's thoughts are exactly mine, Jan! If you win you'll get to read Ann's lovely book! Blessings!
DeleteI have never read any of Ann's books to my knowledge. I really don't know anything about Shakers or Mother Ann, so this book sounds most interesting.
ReplyDeletebettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
Glad Carrie's review makes you interested in the book and learning more about the Shakers, Betti. If you win the giveaway, you may have a chance to give my book a try.
DeleteBetti, I think this book would really pique your interest to know more about the Shakers! Blessings!
DeleteI need to get into audio. I have a bad memory. I'd need to see which books I have read.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I enjoy listening to audio books, Mary. I haven't listened to this one of mine, but when I did listen to one of my books one time, it was an interesting experience. I kept thinking, "Huh, that doesn't sound so bad." LOL
DeleteMary, I can't remember the titles of books I've read either, lol! I usually just enjoy them and remember more about the characters and the plots! Audio is a great way to listen. I love it! ANN, you are funny about your comment!!! It has to be weird hearing somebody read your book aloud, with character narration, and it not sounding like your own voices that your heard in your head while writing!
DeleteI've read some of her books and loved them. I have reviews to prove it. The Shakers are interesting to read about. It would be hard to live like that.
ReplyDeleteI do appreciate any review I get. Well, the nice reviews are easier on the writer's ego, of course. :) So glad you've enjoyed some of my stories, Gail. I appreciate that. And yes, most people did struggle to live the Shaker life. However, for others it was good with the work shared and always a "sister" or "brother" ready to help you.
DeleteHey Gail! I echo Ann's sentiments that reviews are appreciated. Authors know that reading and then writing a review takes time, energy, and commitment! What a blessing that you do that! Thanks for coming by! I couldn't live like the Shakers, for sure!
DeleteThank you so much for this review Carrie! You really caught my attention with this story! Really looking forward to reading(or hearing it)! Thanks Ann for writing this story. It sounds like a standout story among Christian Fiction novels.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynne. I appreciate your kind words and hope if you read the story it will live up to expectations.
DeleteLynne, that is a great way to put it -- the story stands out and is unique and fresh, which can be hard to find sometimes in CBA market. Hugs!
DeleteI haven't had the chance to read any of her books yet, but this sounds very interesting. I don't know much about the shakers either.
ReplyDeleteSally
Seadon, I don't know a lot about Shakers either but Ann's books explain a lot about them in a way that is natural to the story.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI do not know anything about Mother Ann. I haven't read any of Ann Gabharts books yet.
ReplyDeleteMother Ann worship is what it sounds like, for the Shakers, rather than the true worship of our Lord God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit Three in one Trinity. Thanks for coming by Brenda!
DeleteHi, Seadon and Brenda. Hope it you get a chance to read The Innocent or any of my books, that you'll enjoy the stories. The Shakers were unique people.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, ANN, for your compelling story, and for coming by to visit with our guests here on the OWG blog! Blessings!
DeleteI love Ann's books, as she is a gifted writer. Thank you for the chance. Happy Mothers Day.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Ann H. Gabhart is a gifted author!!! Hope you had a happy Mother's Day, too, Lucy!
DeleteSo kind of you to say, Lucy. And you too, Carrie. I'm always happy when somebody gives one of my stories a try.
DeleteI have heard that they are. :)
ReplyDeleteSally
Interesting story-line Ann, it has grabbed my attention and I really hope to get a chance to read it! Always fascinating to learn more about the Shakers too. Thanks for the review, Carrie!!
ReplyDeleteHey Noela, thank for coming by Aussie Angel! I always appreciate your wonderful reviews!!! blessings!
DeleteGlad the story-line grabbed your attention, Noela. I sort of sneaked a little mystery into this Shaker story.
DeleteNice review. Hadn't had a chance to read her books yet!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim!
DeleteHope if you give one of my books a try, you'll be glad you did, Kim. That's what is great about reviews. They let you glimpse into a book you might have missed otherwise.
DeleteThank you, Carrie, for your wonderful review and insight into this new book of Ann's. I have read several of her books: The Believer, The Seeker, The Outsider and The Blessed (I think). I loved all of them and learned a lot about the Shakers and their lifestyle and learned about Sister Ann in one of those books. My favorite book was about a woman who sought shelter with her little girl in the Shaker community. My short memory eludes the title though. I would so welcome winning this audible book by Ann. It sounds really good. flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Sr. Mary Lou, and I didn't realize you were an Ann H. Gabhart fan, that is cool! Do any of the other sisters also read Ann's books? The giveaway is a paperback with that lovely cover, Sister Mary Lou! Best wishes!
DeleteThank you so much, Mary Lou, for reading some of my books. The book you're thinking of is probably The Blessed, but then in The Believer, sisters and a brother took refuge in the village. So could have been that one too. Thank you for your kind words.
Delete