"The Innocent" Audiobookby Ann H. Gabhart - Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

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!

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.





  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? 





Diana's Review Of THE INNOCENT By Ann H. Gabhart

The Innocent By Ann H. Gabhart
Revell, 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
5 stars~ (No spoilers!)

Intriguing Historical Fiction!



In the masterful prose she is so well known for, author Ann H. Gabhart has penned another fascinating story of the religious sect known as the Shakers during the post-Civil War era.

It has been two long, lonely years since Carlyn Kearney received news from the Union Army that her husband, Ambrose, was missing. In hopes that he might still be alive, Carlyn waits patiently—but finds herself penniless and at the mercy of the cruel and lascivious Curt Whitlow, the owner of her house. Curt arrives with Mitchell Brodie, the kind and handsome new sheriff in town, to force her from her home. With nowhere else to go Carlyn finds herself seeking refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.

Under the strict tutelage of Sister Edna, Carlyn learns the strange ways of the Shakers. Marriage and other worldly ties and possessions are forbidden and considered a sin, and instead of living a simple life stringent rules must be learned and obeyed. Soon mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the Shaker village and Mitchell is determined to find the person responsible. Mitchell and Carlyn fight their growing attraction for one another as she is still a married woman—or is she? Will her beloved Ambrose make his way back home to her awaiting arms? And when she finds herself in terrible danger, will either man arrive in time to rescue her from the dark clutches of death?

I have read all of Ann H. Gabhart's books regarding the Shakers and they are truly mesmerizing! From their strange worship dances and furious stomping to the separation of families and earthly possessions, Ms. Gabhart's research and vast knowledge of the Shaker religion is impeccable. Except for the fact that they were a very hard working, devout people who believed in living simply, the Shakers were very much unlike the Amish in that they followed the teachings of Mother Ann and total celibacy. The Innocent is a spellbinding page-turner with everything one could ask for in a novel – a bit of mystery, tenacious characters, a strong spiritual thread, and oh, I musn't forget the romance! A book you won't be able to put down until the climactic conclusion...be sure to order your copy today!

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 Spiral Staircase Designed And Built By The Shakers!

  This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstores.

Pics courtesy of author Ann H. Gabhart. Thank you, Ann!

Two staircases were built—one for men and one for women. They would be severely reprimanded if they even glanced at one another!







Centre house where Ann bases her fictional setting of her Shaker village in

Pleasant Hill Shaker Village in Kentucky.

GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of Ann's book to one blessed commenter! To be eligible be sure to leave your email addy using (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers. 







Marian's Favorite Novels for 2012

My favorite novels for 2012 in no particular order.

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The Wings of Morning
by Murray Pura

One of the biggest surprises of 2012 was to discover author Murray Pura's books. After reading The Face of Heaven I was sold and have also read his other 2012 releases: The Wings of Morning, A Bride's Flight from Virginia City, and all the volumes of The Rose of Lancaster series. All these titles are on my favorites list for 2012. 
The Wings of Morning has also released in Dutch.

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Love in Three-Quarter Time
by Dina Sleiman

The first book I read by Dina Sleiman was marvelous. I can't find the words to describe how much I enjoyed this book! I'm certainly going to read any other books Dina writes.

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The Tutor's Daughter
by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen's books are always something I look forward to reading. With her latest book she wrote her best book yet—in my opinion. And what a gorgeous cover!
This book will release in Dutch in 2013.

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Words Spoken True
by Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart has given me some pleasant reading hours with Words Spoken True.

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Central Park Rendezvous
by Ronie Kendig, Dineen Miller,
Kim Vogel Sawyer & MaryLu Tyndall

I'm a big fan of Ronie Kendig's writings. When I saw she wrote in this novella collection I had to get it. It was also great to get to know the other author's works as well. The novellas were very nicely woven together. A really original read!

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Gone to Ground
by Brandilyn Collins

I usually don't read books twice and certainly not twice in the same year. I have read Gone to Ground twice in 6 months time! This really is a page-turner and a must-read for suspense lovers. 
This book will release in Dutch in 2013.

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High Desert Haven
by Lynnette Bonner

Lynnette Bonner's books are amazing. 

High Desert Haven is the second book in The Shepherd's Heart Series which released in June 2012. Books 3 and 4 have also released this year, but I didn't have the chance to read them yet.

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Love's Reckoning
by Laura Frantz

Laura's books are always a feast to read and definitely worth the wait—but oh! why does a year take so long!

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Trauma Plan
by Candace Calvert

What a pleasant surprise it was to find Candace Calvert's book! Candace has found a new fan in the Netherlands. Trauma Plan is also releasing in Dutch next year. 

I surely hope our Dutch readers will enjoy the book as much as I did.

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Firethorn
by Ronie Kendig

With Firethorn Ronie Kendig ended an awesome series. How I miss those guys! 

I'm definitely going to read this series again! Anything Ronie writes is worth the read.

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The River
by Michael Neale

The River was an amazing and emotional ride!

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Injustice for All
by Robin Caroll

Robin Caroll has been on my favorite authors list for a couple of years now. She writes original and fast-paced suspense novels. I really enjoyed this first book in her latest series. The second book in this series also released this year and was an awesome book as well.

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Glamorous Illusions
by Lisa T. Bergren

Lisa T. Bergren started a new Young Adult series with Glamorous Illusions. 

I loved reading every page of this book. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next books in this series.

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A Change of Fortune
by Jen Turano

Jen Turano had me laughing out loud with her entertaining novel A Change of Fortune. This certainly is a fun read!

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Veil of Pearls
by MaryLu Tyndall

This book was so good! Definitely my favorite MaryLu Tyndall book so far. The story had me crying and smiling—so beautiful it was! 

Top 10 Spring Break Reading Picks 2012

Our TOP PICK from new releases (since October): Julie Klassen's The Maid of Fairbourne Manor  (January, 2012)

Our favorites, in no particular order:

Song of  My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer (February, 2012)

The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson  (November, 2011)

Brandilyn Collins – Gone to Ground (March, 2012)

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden (January, 2012)

Ann H. Gabhart – Words Spoken True (February, 2012)

Novellas:

Laurie Alice Eakes, Pamela Griffin, Gina Welborn, and Jennifer Hudson Taylor - Highland Crossings (February, 2012)

Audio release:

Vannetta Chapman's Falling to Pieces, A Quilt Shop Mystery (October, 2011)


Our two top picks If you haven't read yet, from before October:

 Julie Lessman's series, most recent book - A Heart Revealed (September, 2011) 

Laura Frantz's The Colonel's Lady (August, 2011), or her previous books (Frontiersman's Daughter and Courting Morrow Little)

FIRST GIVEAWAY:  We are giving away a copy of The Colonel's Lady, paperback, to a lucky reader today!  
What are your favorites from October, 2011, till now?  What about from June, 2011 till now?


Second and Third GIVEAWAYS by Tired Old Mommy: By Saturday we will have ALSO given away a copy of a book by Julie Klassman (OOPS!!! I mean Julie Klassen) and one by Julie Lessman.  I am so glad these two are forgiving (and like a laugh!)  Sorry, Julie!

Diana's Corner - The Blessed by Ann H. Gabhart

The Blessed 

by Ann H. Gabhart

Book Review by Diana Flowers

4 1/2 stars~

Fascinating Read!

Ann H. Gabhart takes us on a fascinating journey into the world of the Shakers, a religious sect in the 1800s, who believed in a utopian type of life-style, communal living, visitations from angelic beings, and no marriage or family ties. Lacey Bishop agrees to marry her widowed preacher, almost twice her age, to help her take care of Rachel, a child who was left on her porch as a baby, but one Lacey loves as much as if she had given birth to her. Immediately, Lacey realizes her mistake, but knows she must keep her vows to the elderly man, even if those vows take her to a nearby Shaker village. There Lacey encounters a strange, but hardworking group of people, with stringent rules and ritualistic type worship. Rachel is immediately taken from her, and she is separated from her husband also, as Shakers did not believe in family ties, and regarded marriage as a sin.

Isaac Kingston, a widower and a victim of circumstance as well, finds himself in the Shaker village also, but only to put food in his stomach and a roof over his head. Isaac carries around a burden of guilt over the death of his young wife, and only when he meets the lovely Lacey, does the sun begin to shine in his life again. But for him, it is a futile attraction, for not only is Lacey married, but all interaction between the Shaker men and women are strictly forbidden. 

As Lacey and Isaac live amongst the Shakers, dark, hidden secrets begin to unfurl, and they both must find their way to the one true God, a God of grace and not of rules, a loving God who ordained the sanctity of marriage and family. Who is Sister Aurelia, who supposedly receives visitations from the angels, and what does she have against Lacey? What dark secrets are exposed in this seemingly peaceful, loving community? What does the future hold for Isaac and the very married Lacey, when to leave the Shaker village behind means leaving her beloved little Rachel?

I was totally fascinated with this book...the 4th Shaker novel written by Ann Gabhart. It is not a series and can be read as a stand alone novel without reading the first three, although I highly recommend those as well. Ann stayed true to the reality of a Shaker's life and therefore the romance was downplayed between Lacey and Isaac, and centered more on the drama of living in a Shaker's world. Beautifully and realistically written, Ann has given us a fair look at the Shaker lifestyle, the good and the bad. 


Beautifully done, Ann!


Giveaway: Leave a comment either here on Diana's review or on Carrie's interview with Ann (previous post) for a chance to win a copy of one of Ann's books (your choice in either Kindle or paperback!)