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. 







Noela Nancarrow reviews TO WIN HER FAVOR by Tamera Alexander

To Win Her Favor

To Win Her Favor

by Tamera Alexander

Zondervan (May 12, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

 ‘To Win Her Favor’ has the reader racing through this story of hope, courage, and love, while negotiating obstacles such as bitter prejudice and hopelessness. Upon reaching the finish line, the reader reaps the reward of having read a tale that’s left an indelible imprint upon their heart and spirit.

Irishman Cullen McGrath departed England for a new beginning in Nashville. His aim was to buy land to farm and to stay as far as possible away from thoroughbred racing and the terrible scandal he left behind in England. If this trouble catches up with him, it could be life-shattering. However, with the Irish disparagingly looked upon as 'white Negroes' in post-civil war times, Cullen is finding it near impossible to purchase anything, let alone land. So when the aging Gilbert Linden makes him an enticing offer pertaining to his land and daughter, Cullen accepts the proposition, promising to always protect Gilbert's beloved daughter, Maggie.

Maggie would never have chosen Cullen as a husband. But left without a choice, she grudgingly goes along with this scheme. Maggie finds herself battling her own prejudices even as she is shocked by the severe bigotry from others. Feeling disheartened at being stuck in a loveless marriage with this foreigner, Maggie takes solace in racing her beloved horse Bourbon Belle and looks forward to entering her in the inaugural Peyton Stakes. But when Cullen finds out and puts an unyielding halt to her plans, she has to face giving up her dream. Where there seems to be no hope, and tragedy becomes all too frequent, will the lovely Maggie ever smile or dream again?

In this sizzling masterpiece of passion and heartache, author Tamera Alexander sets a fast and steady pace that engages the reader right to the exhilarating finale. Throughout, the plight of the Negroes and their sufferings were written with credibility and compassion, touching me deeply. Similarly, the appalling treatment of the Irish in these times was also thoughtfully reflected upon. Not all grave, ‘To Win Her Favor’ is lavishly tempered with charm, atmosphere, and a romance that will have you flipping open your southern fan! Highly recommended!

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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You can purchase this book at these places: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; and others!

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away TWO copies of To Win Her Favor this week!! Winner's choice of format. International winners - ebook unless available to you through Book Depository! Leave a comment to enter and your email if we don't know you!

Noela Reviews A BEAUTY SO RARE by Tamera Alexander

A Beauty So Rare

A Beauty So Rare
by Tamera Alexander
Bethany House Publishers (March 24, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
~5 Stars~ *****

A Rare Beauty!

To read Tamera Alexander’s novel ‘A Beauty So Rare’ is to step back into the pages of history to visit the luxurious Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee during the year of 1868... just a few years after the brutal civil war had officially ceased. The dreadful war images almost fade away as you take in the grandeur of the exquisite estate with its expansive lavish gardens and magnificent palatial home. It is there we meet the lady of Belmont Mansion, the beautiful although demanding and intimidating Adelicia Cheathum, known by many as the richest woman in America.

Eleanor Braddock, niece of Adelicia, is financially devastated due to the failing health of her father. After committing her father to an asylum, she arrives as arranged to her Aunt’s grand estate to stay until she gets back on her feet. Eleanor comes with a pre-determined practical and hardworking plan to support herself and to pay for her father’s care. But Adelicia has plans of her own for her niece. They include an engagement to a wealthy suitor and a more leisurely high society lifestyle in keeping with Adelicia’s social circles. Personality and ideals clash, because Eleanor is unable to shake the images of Nashville's destitute war widows whilst living in such luxury. But when Eleanor finds her own plans falling into pieces, she begins to seriously consider the wealthy acquaintance of her aunt.

Archduke Marcus Gottfriend aka Marcus Geoffrey, second in line to the throne in Austria, has come to Nashville anonymously to spend time living his life catering to his interests for a change, while also longing to leave his mark in America with his combined passions of nature and architecture. But he has responsibilities to his fiancé, family, and country, and knows he will soon have to return. Working in the enormous glass-walled conservatory in the Belmont grounds, he meets Eleanor and discovers her to be a breath of fresh air, a woman without pretences, and with a generous heart like none other. With all that binds them, they know the growing affection between them cannot be allowed to bloom. Will love find a way in the impossible? I loved seeing Proverbs 16:9 being played out… ‘A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

There was so much to love about this book: The fascinating history and impeccable research that has gone into this story; the multi-layered characters that invoke in you an intense longing for; and the smiles and chuckles the clever dialogue prompts to name just a few. Spiritually, I departed with the reminder of how intimately God cares for each of us, and that He will guide us to a better place than imagined when our trust is placed in Him. Tamera Alexander is an outstanding storyteller and has created a rare beauty with an excellence that should definitely be savoured!

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, or your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAYS: This week we are giving away a paperback and e-book copy of A Beauty So Rare, a Starbucks $10 Card, a pink surprise giveaway, AND Tamera is offering a signed copy, too!!

*Please leave a comment to enter and don't forget your email addy! If you'd like, share an instance with us of how you've seen God care for you intimately!

Diana Reviews "A Beauty So Rare" By Tamera Alexander

A Beauty So Rare

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander

Bethany House, 2014

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

5 stars*****

Historical Fiction At Its Finest!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The Civil War had finally come to an end—leaving in its wake the wealthy still pursuing their opulent lifestyles in their beauteous plantations with lush, manicured lawns and tea parties—and on the opposite end of the spectrum, the destitute war widows with starving families and a city in the midst of rebuilding.

Eleanor Braddock is plain and well past the years most women marry and resigns herself to the fact that she never will. Her father, once one of the most revered attorneys in Tennessee has taken ill, leaving Eleanor with no choice but to live with her wealthy Aunt Adelicia in her exquisite estate, Belmont. Aunt Adelicia soon endeavors to introduce Eleanor into high society and picks out a rich beau for her, neither of which holds any interest to Eleanor. Knowing her aunt will never approve, Eleanor's compassionate heart leans in another direction…building a home for the destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War.

It is here where she works closely with the handsome architect, Marcus Gottfried of Austria, who stirs her heart as no one ever has. However, Marcus harbors a deep secret which he refrains from telling Eleanor and the townsfolk of Nashville. Though his passionate kiss tells her otherwise, Marcus is hopelessly unavailable to Eleanor. Will her work with the war widows and a new man in her life be enough to sustain her while she suffers yet another heartbreaking loss in her life?

Tamera Alexander's books never disappoint and this one is no exception! While reading it I kept thinking "wow" and although not a very profound statement, this book totally "wowed" me! Rich in historical detail, this fascinating storyline depicts real life events and characters, and Tamera's research is impeccable. I really enjoy intriguing historical moments, but would much rather read about them in fiction form—thank you. J I absolutely fell in love with the realistic, fleshed out hero (he was one class act!) and heroine, and their humorous, playful, and flirtatious interactions one with another. If you treasure an awesome historical romance, A Beauty So Rare is a definite must read for you!



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

GIVEAWAYS: This week we are giving away a paperback and ebook copy of A Beauty So Rare, a Starbucks $10 card, a pink surprise giveaway, AND Tamera is offering a signed copy, too!!

*Please leave a comment and don't forget your email addy!