Another great story by Ann H Gabhart. Her story delves into the life of a Quakers and you will love this story

It has been a long time since I read a book in a Shaker-community setting. I really enjoyed learning more about their unique beliefs and culture. Several times, I found myself looking up information from the book (the seed packet info was so interesting!) and even talking with other people about the book when they saw me reading it at various practices and ball games.

While the historical side of the story was original and engaging, there were some things I didn't like about the book. It bothered me that Darcie took advantage of the Shakers by living a relatively comfortable life in their community, yet all the while she was openly defiant against their rules and regulations. It's not that I agree with the Shakers -- they were definitely strict and even cultish in many ways -- but it is disrespectful to bite the hand that feeds you. Women in Darcie's situation were often without options, though, so I enjoyed learning about the different services the Shakers provided in the mid-1850s. I plan to continue reading this series.

Another masterpiece by Ann H Gabhart. Beautifully written. Endearing characters. Historical. Heart warming. Five stars.

An author who can grab your attention in the first sentence usually is skilled enough to keep it. I found this especially true of Ann H. Gabhart in The Refuge, her latest about a young widow, Darcie, in a Shaker village. “You can’t cheat death.” Immediately, the reader wants to know why the narrator, Darcie, feels like this. While life in a Shaker village could be monotonous and dreary, devoid of family and marital relations, Gabhart managed to keep me eagerly reading to see what would befall anxious Darcie. Her experiences in Harmony Hill as Gabhart recounts them are far from boring.
For the founders of communes such as this (and we had one similar in our community, set up in 1930 by a woman, where marriage was “wrong”), the Bible speaks plainly against this type of community. First, the Bible is clear that marriage is to be revered, sacred, and ENJOYED. Secondly, God clearly states that one should not add to His Word. Both in the case of the Shakers and our local commune, the leader’s ideas were considered equal, if not above, God’s Word. Of course, this community also died out.
Gabhart has a great cast of three-dimensional characters. Flynn struggles with how to raise his daughter, Leatrice. Silas struggles with how to help Flynn. The answers they choose have far-reaching consequences. I wished we could have seen more of wise Granny Hatchell.
“A body shouldn’t be trying to change other folks just to make things more convenient for her.”
Overarching themes I saw are learning to trust God day by day and not borrow tomorrow’s troubles; taking that step of faith as we see God leading, and learning from others and living peaceably with them even not being in total agreement. How much richer Darcie’s life was for her time with Sisters Genna, Ellie, Helene, and even Eldress Maria.
For those who will feel the ending was rushed: I believe circumstances in times like those often made it so. We need to stay true to history over having a “more satisfying ending” as we would plan.
Quotes:
“Marriage causes stressful living and not the peace and unity we seek here in our village.”
~ Mother Ann- founder of Shakers
“You prayed when my heart was too discouraged to hope.” ~Genna on answered prayer, showing the power of intercessory prayer for others. May this be said of me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions, which are solely my own.

I have visited the Shaker village in Kentucky and thought I’d like reading this story.. This author did a great job incorporating her research to make this a more personal view of the Shakers and what it must have been like to live among them. It’s an unusual story because they were an unusual group. The characters seemed true-to-life. Honestly, because I’m still quite puzzled by the Shakers’ beliefs, I had a hard time getting really involved in this story. But it’s still a good historical novel and the author did a good job presenting their way of life.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

An interesting book that gives a glimpse of the Shaker Community, from the point of view of a struggling outsider, young and pregnant widow Darcie who seeks refuge with the community after not having anywhere else to go. Well worth the read.

The Refuge by Ann H Gabhart is a work of historical fiction set in the late 1840s. The books on set in a Shaker Community. I loved the characters and the plot so much. The book held my interest from the beginning. I was intrigued by the Shaker life style and hope to read more about it. Thank you netgalley and Revell for gifting me the arc, the review is my honest opinion

"The Refuge" by Ann Gabhart is a historical fiction book. It is written during the cholera period in history. Walter and Darcie Goodwin heard about the cholera epidemic where they lived. They are concerned about the risk it will have on them. They move to the Shaker village hoping to stay away from the epidemic. Unfortunately, Walter gets killed by a riverboat accident. After He passed away Darcie realized she is pregnant . She had no money and had to stay with the Shaker community. Marital relationships are viewed as sinful in that community. Darcie struggled through her pregnancy in that community out of necessity. The Shaker Community will only allow the baby to stay with Darcie for a limited amount of time. What will become of Darcie in the future with her baby? Thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this wonderful story. I am not obligated to give a positive review.

Loved, loved, loved this story! I would give it more than five stars, if possible.
Darcie and her husband, Walter, go to a Shaker village to flee from the cholera epidemic. Shakers seem to escape the cholera, so it seemed a safe place to go. While they were safe, they were also separated as the Shakers believe matrimony to be a sin. While this distressed Darcie and Walter, they felt they had to abide by the rules until they were able to leave the village. Unfortunately, due to a horrific accident, Darcie is left a widow. A very young widow. How will she ever be able to leave now as she has no where to go. No one to turn to. Walter was her only family. Or was he? Then, Darcie realizes she is pregnant with a child she and Walter had conceived before arriving at the Shaker village. How will she ever be able to leave now? She must protect her child at all costs.
The child brings joy to Darcie, and even the staunch Shaker women who seem to seldom smile. Children are kept in the Children's House, separated from their parents. They become Sister and Brother, rather than a son or daughter. All the women are Sisters and the men, Brothers. It is the Shaker way. Darcie is allowed to keep her precious baby girl with her as she is nursing her. But, the day will come, all too soon, when she will be taken from Darcie to live in the Children's House. Darcie will no longer be allowed to 'mother' her own child. What heartbreak! Darcie prays constantly for a way to be made to keep her and her daughter together. For her to be able to leave with her baby girl.
We see that the Shakers are kind, in that they will take people into their village, even if a person is only there for a short time to escape other troubles, such as not being able to feed their family, or to escape the cholera as Darcie and Walter did.
Flynn brings his young daughter, Leatrice, to the Shakers as his home is no longer safe for her., due to circumstances beyond his control. He promises it will not be long until he brings her home again. Leatrice finds a friend in Darcie and loves helping her with the babies. Babies? Yes, for an infant boy was left in the Shaker Village. They say this is not all that unusual. People all seem to be aware that the Shakers will care for anyone in need. To remain, you must adhere to their rules. While claiming to be Christians, they most definitely are not. They live by many man-made, or woman-made rules. They are very legalistic in their beliefs. They also have Watchers making certain the men and women are kept separate. No wonder no one smiles much there!
I did enjoy learning about the Shakers. This was a great story and I highly recommend it.
I was given a free ecopy of this to read by the publisher, Revell, and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Title: The Refuge

Author: Ann H Gabhart

Chapters: 35 plus epilogue

Pages: 400

Genre: Christian Historical fiction

Rating: 4 stars

The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart is not my first by her, but it is my first Shaker book that I’ve read. Darcie and her husband end up at Harmony Hill the fictional Shaker village in Kentucky to ride out a Cholera epidemic when he’s killed in an accident. Leaving Darcie widowed and pregnant something that the Shaker’s don’t really know how to deal with. When she meets widower Flynn Keller and his daughter.

I’m not going to lie I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I don’t read Amish fiction and for some reason that’s how I was viewing fiction books about the Shakers the same way. I was surprised but in a good way. Ann gave her characters in this book the same depth that she gives all her characters.

Even though Harmony Hill is a fictional Shaker village it was easy to picture how it was set up because I’ve been to both Shaker villages in Kentucky. And I have a feeling that Ann based Harmony Hill on the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in central Kentucky. Ann brings life to her historical novels as well as the Kentucky setting, all of her books I’ve read have been set in Kentucky and I love that.

My favorite character in the book wasn’t Darcie or Flynn instead it was Flynn’s young daughter whose headstrong nature reminded me a bit of myself at that age. To me she makes the whole book.

The Refuge is a book about leaving to trust God and his timing not our timing. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian historical fiction. As well as readers who like to read fictional stories based on real historic places.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

What a read! I loved being able to go back to Shaker times and step right into the lives of Darcie, Walter, Flynn, and Leatrice. Gabhart drew me in from the start and never let me go! My favorite part was the friendship of Darcie and little Leatrice. I love how the Shakers were willing to take anyone in and help them, but they were really messed up beyond that. I love when a book can take me on a journey of the Shaker and "the world" around them so I can feel apart of the characters (1st person parts make me feel that way especially). I didn't want to put it down. I received this book from Revell and Interviews and Reviews website. All thoughts and comments are my own.

Ann Gabhart goes back to the Shaker communities in her newest novel, The Refuge. And I’m here for it! I’ve reread The Outsider (the first about Shakers) so many times so I couldn’t wait to get into this book!

Ann’s writing has matured quite a bit as has the subject! The plot follows both Darcie, a pregnant widower Shaker woman and Flynn, a widowed horse tamer that lived near the Shaker village, and Flynn’s cute wild daughter, Leatrice. I went in expecting a romantic plot because of this, but let me be clear: this is very much not a romance book. It’s a book about family and friendship. About love in its many forms. I can’t tell more without spoiling but it’s sooo worth it!

At times the pace felt a bit slow, probably because Darcie kept thinking about how she had to leave the Shakers but didn’t know how. And yes, I felt a bit trapped with her, but there were also many blessings. She has 3 sisters who each have their own reason to be in the village, and who give her amazing support. The faults of the Shaker cult were also pointed out, and it shows us we’re all very human and that earth is very much not heaven as they would like to be. The historical details were very mind baffling to read about and the personal tragedies it created all too real.

I liked Flynn’s POV a bit less than Darcie’s, though the cute Leatrice made up a lot with all her insights and questions. I have no experience with children but I think she was written very well. But the antagonist was a bit too much a villain where all the other characters were really human. The ending suprised me though so that was good! However I’m not very happy with how the little bit of romance was handled, it felt a bit rushed.

All in all, it felt good coming back to the Shakers and this story was very entertaining yet thoughtful, so I adored it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me an e-arc!

Darcie and Walter Goodwin enter the Shaker community the same way a lot of people did, feeling as if they had no choice. There's a variety of reasons why someone would enter the community but the Shakers accept all even if they don't share their beliefs.
The cholera epidemic is sweeping their area so this couple joins the Shaker village.
I enjoyed reading about the Shaker culture,their beliefs and how their lifestyle differs so much from our modern way of life. This story really shines in it's original story full of fascinating facts.
I have read many of Ann H. Gabhart's Shaker books and was so pleased to see she has released another book taking place in this fascinating time period.
Pub Date: 30 Apr 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Refuge
by Ann H. Gabhart

Revell

Christian

Pub Date 30 Apr 2019




I am reviewing a copy of The Refugee through Revell and Netgalley:



This book transports us to 1849-1850 , where we meet Darcie and Walter Goodwin who join the Shaker community when a Cholera Epidemic sweeps the community they are in and they hear The Shaker Community seems immune to the disease it is meant to only be a temporary stay but when Walter is killed in a riverboat accident that changes. Darcie has no family or money so she must stay with the Shakers.



To make matters more complicated Darcie is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. In this community Marital relationships are considered sinful leaving Darcie in a unique and lonely position!



Will the arrival of the widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter give Darcie a chance at hope and happiness?



I found The Refugee to be a book that was hard to put down, it took me to a different place and time. I find it is worthy of five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Good writing. Good plot with great character development. My first book re Shakers not sure I would read more.

HE REFUGE by Ann H. Gabhart is the first novel I've read set in a Shaker community. When cholera swept the rural area Darcie and Walter Goodwin lived, they decided to flee their small farm and seek shelter in the Shaker village which seemed to be unaffected by the disease. If you know the history and basic beliefs of the Shaker communities, you realize that they lived as brothers and sisters, sharing in all the work and blessings. Marriage was not allowed, and even previously married couples like Darcie and Walter were expected to live separately while with the group.
Both Darcie and her husband know they will never be able to fully accept the beliefs of this group and abandon their loving marriage. Then Walter is killed in a freak accident, Darcie finds herself pregnant, and without money or another home, forcing her to continue at Harmony Hill.
Meanwhile, Flynn Keller realizes he and his aging father-in-law cannot handle his rambunctious young daughter alone after his wife's death. He knows that others have sent their children to the Shaker village for schooling, but it would mean leaving her there for weeks or months. Can he do that? Will she feel she has been rejected by those who love her most?

Ann H. Gabbart's characters are always so well developed. Years after reading, ANGEL SISTER and the other novels that followed in that series, the books remain among my favorites, simply because I remember the characters. Since I am not a huge fan of the Amish/Mennonite style romances, I was not too sure about this novel. But the relationships between the "sisters" of the group was so well drawn that I soon found myself fully drawn into the story. As I finished the book, I realized there are enough loose ends left with minor characters that their stories will shine in future Harmony Hill books. Plus I just realized that this book is book 8 of her Shaker stories, not book one. I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley. All opinions are mine.

NOTE: I HAVE ALSO POSTED REVIEWS ON AMAZON, BN, AND CHRISTIAN BOOKS. THEY ARE WAITING TO BE ACCEPTED AND SHOULD BE LIVE WITHIN A FEW HOURS.

The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart begins in October of 1849 in Harmony Hill, Kentucky. Darcie and Walter Goodwin joined the Shaker community to evade cholera which is sweeping through the area. The Shakers have been fortunate not to have been affected by the horrible disease. It was supposed to be a temporary stay for them since they are unable to live as husband and wife. Unfortunately, Walter dies when a steamboat explodes. Since Darcie has no other alternatives, she stays with the Shakers even though she does not embrace their beliefs. Darcie is pregnant which unnerves the Shakers since they find marriage to be sinful and believe it creates disharmony. Darcie makes friends with the other ladies in her room and they form a close bond. Darcie prays for a solution to her dilemma because she knows that her baby will not be allowed to stay with her once it is weaned.

Flynn Keller lives his headstrong daughter, Leatrice on his father-in-law’s (Silas Cox) farm. Both men lost their wives in recent years, leaving them to raise Leatrice. They are worried about Leatrice who seems to rush headlong into danger just like her mother. Silas suggests Flynn join the Shakers for a time to provide structure for Leatrice, but Flynn knows he will not be able to keep his daughter with him at Harmony Hill. Flynn encounters Darcie while working with a horse for the Shakers. He is captivated by the beautiful woman and Leatrice takes to Darcie right away. But then Silas makes an impulsive decision that endangers them all. What does God have in store for Darcie, Flynn, Silas and Leatrice?

The Refuge is a well-written novel that proceeds at a gentle pace. I could tell that Ann H. Gabhart has done her research into the Shakers. It was interesting to learn about the Shaker community and their beliefs. I was surprised to learn that the correct name for them is Believers in the Second Coming of Christ. It is outsiders who labeled them Shakers. It is not a religion that would suit every individual especially since men and women are kept separate and not allowed to raise their own children. They did have a strong work ethic and thriving villages. The characters were developed and realistic. I liked that there are characters who have differing viewpoints (those that embrace the Shakers and those that do not) and a variety of ages. I liked the friendships that developed between Darcie and her roommates. Faith is woven into the story making an integral part of The Refuge. The Shakers might have a different ideas, but they believe in God like all Christians. Leatrice was a delight. She was a precocious little girl who lit up the story along with the two babies. The Refuge is not a straightforward romance which I appreciated. There is intrigue, friendships, kittens, childhood drama, faith, a depressed horse, and love. The ending is sweet and heartwarming. There is one phrase from The Refuge I wanted to share. It is “take each day as it comes with the blessings and trials it brings, for the Lord only promises us this day”. The Refuge provides an insightful look into the Shakers and those who sought refuge with them.

First sentence: You can't cheat death. We thought we could. At least we hoped we could. That was why I was in a blue Shaker dress, staring across a narrow table at Eldress Maria in her like garb as she told me about Walter.

Premise/plot: Walter and Darcie Goodwin joined the Shaker community hoping to escape a cholera outbreak. It was meant to be temporary. Neither Walter nor Darcie wanted to give up traditional marriage in favor of the Shaker lifestyle of celibacy. (As is evident by the fact that Darcie is with child when the novel opens.) But Walter is killed in an accident leaving Darcie little choice but to remain--again temporarily--with the Shakers. Darcie fears that she will be "trapped" there forever and ultimately lose her child. (Parents are not allowed to raise their own children. This is done communally.) Will she find a way out?

Flynn Keller is still mourning the loss of his wife. He struggles at times to take care of his young daughter, Leatrice. He has NO intentions of leaving his daughter with the Shakers permanently. Far from it. But he is seriously considering leaving her there for a few months so that she can attend their school. That would give him time to make some much needed repairs on his new home and make it fit for them both to live.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. The plot is much more complex than I shared in the above summary. (I didn't want to give too many details away after all.) I really liked getting to know the hero and heroine of this one. Their encounters with one another were necessarily brief and infrequent. In some ways, there isn't much "romance" to this one. It is a very good thing that I love historical fiction just as much as historical romance.

What I liked best about this one were the relationships between the women. Sister Darcie lives with the Shaker women for months--perhaps even a year or a little more. During this time she becomes close with several other women. Some of them have chosen the Shaker lifestyle wholeheartedly. Others are there because of limited options for women. I came to care for quite a few of these women and children.

A note on the cover...I do find it intriguing that the first sentence says the Shakers all dress in BLUE and there is a woman with a RED dress on the cover. But I didn't even notice this discrepancy until I'd finished the book and began writing my review.

The Refuge is an enticing story of a couple that goes to live in a shaker village to escape cholera. While there, the husband dies in a tragic accident. A nearby neighbor to the village takes his daughter to the village for her own safety, and meets the woman, Darcy,, and they develop a friendship. The shakers do not recognize marriages, and do not allow marriages. The young daughter becomes close friends with Darcy while she is in the care of the community.. A nice, clean story that I enjoyed reading!

I enjoyed reading “The Refuge” by Ann H. Gabhart and was a little familiar with the Shaker communities because we spent a week there one night. Shakertown in Kentucky is near Bardstown and we thought it would be fun to spend a few days there. Not really. From my experience being there and learning about their living habits, the strictness, living by bells every day, the silence, the no fraternization rules just were not my cup of tea. We left and spent the rest of our vacation in Louisville.

Ok, now to the novel. I thought the premise for joining the Shakers to try to stay away from a cholera epidemic was a little unusual. Being married and living apart and changing their way of life did not seem very smart.

After Darcie’s husband Walter was killed while on an errand for the community, she was not interested in learning the Shaker ways, but went along so as not to be asked to leave. Learning she was pregnant with Walter’s child was difficult because as much as she longed to leave, she had nowhere else to go. When widower Flynn Keller with a very willful little girl chooses to leave his daughter with the Shakers for a short so that she would be taught “to read and cipher”, his interest in Darcie and hers to him shone a little sunlight into Darcie’s life. The situation at the Keller home is less than desirable. Eventually, all works out for many. The main characters and minor characters interactions provide an interesting story.