Saturday, 30 November 2013

Book Review: Christmas At Harmony Hill

Cover Art 

 ISBN# 978 0 8007 1982 1

 She stared up at the Shaker buildings. They took in those in need. That was why she was riding into their village. But she couldn't stay here. Not forever. They divided families. She'd heard her grandmother speak harshly of the way Shakers didn't believe in marriage and had special houses where children were kept from their parents.

Heather put a hand over the swell of her baby inside her. Surely they wouldn't take a newborn from his mother's bosom. Heather's mother couldn't have imagined that happening or she'd have never told her to come . . .




My Reflections:

Ann Gabhart has opened my eyes to the intriguing Shaker village, of Harmony Hill. Set in 1864, in the midst of the Civil war, this story takes place when nations are torn apart by the devastation of war and unrest.

Heather a young wife who is following the army as a washerwoman to be with her solder husband, is heavy with child and must leave his side to go home to her family to deliver her baby in a safer environment. Although upon arriving home home she is not met with open arms and is forced to flee to her relative who happens to be a Shaker, residing in a peaceful and segregated community.

This author never disappoints when it comes to the depth and life she breaths into her novels. You are able to truly grasp the lives and emotions of the characters Gabhart so aptly pens.  I was wholly fascinated reading this enlightening story about a community I knew very little about. It encouraged me to do more research into the Shakers and find out what they believe. What I discovered just lead to more questions; I spent quite some time looking at pictures, videos and documentation, and still my questions are not fully answered.

This book was a leisurely, relaxing read that captivated me. It encouraged me to ponder what I believe and how to reach out to others who have differing views.

This book is a wonderful Christmas story with threads of forgiveness, faith and fortitude of the human spirit. If you are looking for that Christmas gift for the avid reader in your life this would make a delightful gift!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group". Thank you Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin!





About The Author:

Ann H. Gabhart

  1.  
    Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and...
    Continue reading about Ann H. Gabhart

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