Revell Review-The Innocent by Anne Gabhart

Hey everyone!!!! My grandparents are here but I'm actually pretty proud of myself...since they got here yesterday afternoon, I've read TWO whole books! Now, I wasn't going to mention that the second book is this one right here-the very one that needed to be reviewed by July 8th. Isn't today the 8th you ask? Why, yes, as a matter of fact it is. Also, I'm watching Julie & Julia at the same time. Sooo, maybe not such a good idea. Because I am falling in love with Julia Child and I might just skip this review and take up cooking. No, maybe not so good at all.

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*Summary*

She longs for peace--for her land and her heart--but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?
Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home. With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.

The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn, the Shaker life seems anything but simple. When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny. Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit?

Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart invites fans back to Harmony Hill for a story laced with intrigue, romance, and heart.

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*My Thoughts*

Unsure. That is an absolutely perfect, 190% accurate word to describe my feelings whenever I sign up for a book written by an author we rarely read in our house. Small Town girl by Anne Gabhart did appear wrapped under my tree a few years ago thanks to my wonderful mother. It was a delightful read. Except that it has absolutely nothing to do do with Shakers. And I've read absolutely NOTHING about shakers. So this...was a stretch.

I did like it. I did. But in my heart of hearts, I must admit I have mixed feelings. I love the aspect of learning about other beliefs from times that seem so very far away. The idea of the book was pretty fantastic. I will admit though, to being a bit bored. I wanted to love it because Civil War time periods are my very favorite. But it really did feel like a lot of facts. Also, I can absolutely admit to being incredibly frustrated at the shakers but that is just my way.

All of that aside, I absolutely, could NOT, well, not think about the book. I was constantly thinking about what Carlyn was up to. Whether Marshall was doing okay, if he was thinking about her. If Asher was happy or missing his owner. If the shaker community was up to no good.

Part of that reason, was the unexpected suspense that mingles in after the middle of the book. I can't even tell you for sure when it started. Suddenly, I was hooked. There was NO WAY I was going to leave that book on the shelf without putting together the puzzle. NO way. It wasn't amateurish either. It was 100% the real deal.

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*My overall thoughts*

The Innocent by Anne Gabhart is really a different story. Bottom line? If you're looking for a completely different read following the heartbreak of the civil war, Shaker lifestyles, and mystery rolled into one fascinating story of love, this is for you!

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*My Rating*

I give The Innocent by Anne Gabhart...

                                       

4 stars!! 

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 *Where to get it*

Amazon

Christianbook

Deepershopping

Barnes & Noble

Walmart

*I received this book from litfuse, the publisher, and the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.

Happy Reading,

Nicki