Thank you to Revell Fiction for my eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was first drawn to the book because of the stunning cover and because of the showboat setting. I thought it was a unique and exciting and was hoping it would give some "Showboat" musical vibes. There were hints of that but the story mostly focuses on Jacci and her past. This book is part mystery, part historical fiction, and part friends to more.

Unfortunately I was a little bored with the story and almost DNFed a few times. I wasn't really invested in Jacci and I definitely didn't feel any pull toward Gabe. I wish there had been a little more build up and history between the two of them.
I also thought the story point of view went back and forth too much. First Irena, then Jacci, Gabe, etc. I think it should have just been Irena and Jacci.
I also didn't love all the show business puns- "the next act", "the show must go on", etc. Obviously it was a story about entertainers but it felt cheesy when it kept happening.

If you are looking for a historical fiction, easy read with a smidge of romance and some mystery, this the book for you. But I just wanted more in most areas.

This story has many different aspects. An unwed mother looking for what is best for her unborn child in the 1800's. A woman looking to guard her daughter even at the cost of her life. And a young lady who was orphaned young and is being raised by her grandfather on a river boat. It was important to know all the background of Jacci to get to the Jacci as a grown women.

I did enjoy reading this book for the most part. It seemed to drag and repeat itself in places. It had some surprises in store by the end of the book.

I received this book from Revell Publishing House via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

First I want to say that I received an ARC of the book from Revell Reads through Netgalley. A positive review is not required and all thoughts are my own.

I asked to read and review this book for several reasons. First, I enjoy books by this author, Ann H Gabhart. Second, I enjoy Christian fiction, especially historical fiction. Third, the novel setting intrigued me.

This story is part mystery, part history, and a little bit of love story. The book was well-developed though not deep. It was an easy read. It kept my interest throughout. It was also definitely a Christian book without being preachy or pushy. It showed that a true Christian draws closer to God when times get rough. This book also looks at what is really a family. The characters were quite well developed though not deep. I figured out the bad character easily but not the motives.

If you like historical fiction that is clean without any vulgarity you will enjoy this book. I give it a strong 4 out of 5-star rating.

4.5 stars.

This book was fascinating- it gave me a glimpse into the history of show riverboats in early America, which I had known nothing about. This book very much reminded me of The Weight of Air. Both focus on the business of entertainment and the people that dedicate their lives to performing.

Another fascinating aspect of the book is that it highlights how messy family relationships can be, yet still gives space for the ideal family as well. This until-faceted mystery with a bit of suspense and romance is sure to please the wholesome reader.

Thank you to the author for the advance copy. All opinions are my own!

Ann H. Gabhart has written a perfect mixture of historical fiction, mystery, and just a touch of romance. As always her characters are unique and memorable. There are those readers will love and root for, and those they will hope are foiled in their efforts. Jacci Reed's life has been filled with secrets since her birth; secrets that she had tried to put behind her as a young child always seemed to hover around the edges of her awareness. Now at the age of twenty those secrets have placed her in danger, with no way of knowing from which way the danger would arise.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading In the Shadow of the River. Ann H. Gabhart is one of those authors whose work I try never to pass up. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

HIstorical fiction about a girl who grows up on a showboat in the early 1900s and uncovers danger, family secrets and love. I enjoyed the story, as well as learning more about showboats.

Here is another beautiful story written by one of my favorite authors, Ann H. Gabhart. I received my advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my unsolicited opinion about the book.
The author grabs the reader's attention right away. My heart was immediately captured by five-year-old Jacci and her mother, Irena. There is mystery here, deep sadness and such incredible love for one little girl who grows up followed by intrigue and danger.
As always, Gabhart has her characters tell the story. They are so well developed, from loveable to spoiled rotten. The "Duke/Grampus" is one of my favorites. I enjoyed learning about life on a showboat and the river. It's very interesting. The calliope is a fascinating thing.
In my opinion, this book is rich in characters and storyline.
One takeaway for me is that Jacci realizes she can lean on the Lord because He knew everything about her, He was unchanging.
This is a touching love story on different levels. I give this book a solid 4.5.

Historical in that the story is set on a showboat in the late 1800’s, but mostly mystery, this book captivated me with its fast-paced action and authentic details. I was captured from the first moment that little Jacci was introduced, only five years old and already facing being an orphan. She knows that there is a mystery surrounding her life even as she enthusiastically embraces her life as a performer on the showboat, but that is not at the forefront of her mind all the time. The romance between Gabe and Jacci is predictable and sweet, but it is not the center of the story either. The central focus of the story is secretive background that others are hiding from Jacci, her roots and her heritage that eventually she is determined to uncover. Ann H. Gabhart methodically tells the story in an addictive way, teasingly revealing details slowly and giving the plot multiple layers and great depth. The characters are realistic and relatable, with real tears falling from my eyes over little Jacci’s losses and her dilemma. As the story progresses, the characters change and grow, so they are dynamic and so believable. The plot is clever, with history and faith woven into the main story that is as complex as it is riveting. I learned a great deal about life on a showboat from this book and enjoyed my journey down the river with Jacci and Gabe. This is a satisfying, brilliantly written historical fiction with a compelling mystery in the center of it.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

BOOK REVIEW - In the Shadow of the River - Ann H. Gabhart - 4/5 Stars

I've been so sick for over a week and haven't felt well enough to concentrate on a book but today I finally got a review out! (Albeit a bit shorter than normal...)

THE STORY
Ann H Gabhart is one of those authors who's been on my TBR for ages and I've finally read one of her books. In the Shadow of the River was a nice pleasant and easy read with (mostly) lovable characters. The setting was so unique and one I haven't read before. The first chapter really draws you in with a whole lot of mystery and unanswered questions to pique your interest.

THE ROMANCE
Jacci and Gabe are a very cute couple. Friends to more is not a favourite trope of mine but for those who love it, this will be right up your alley.

THE TRUTHS
One of the characters has a near death experience and during it they hear the words 'It is not your time. Fight.' It got me thinking that if we're still alive on this earth, then we must be here for a purpose because it's not our time to go yet. Life gets hard at times, but we must fight and keep on keeping on. Until God calls us home, He needs us on this earth fighting the good fight. So don't give up! Keep fighting because God had a special purpose in this life just for you!

I really loved this historical romance. I loved that there is a little underlying intrigue in the story. I loved Jacci and Gabe. I really enjoyed finding out some stuff about how a showboat was run and how many of the cast began to feel like family. I loved how Jacci grew up and finally learned about who she really was. I laughed and cried. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

If you like historical romances that include showboats this is a story for you! This story was a great read. It starts right off with some action. It has a little bit of mystery thrown in which makes it more interesting. I really liked Jacci and Gabe’s relationship and how it went to brother-sister to romantic. I really enjoyed the back story of Jacci’s mom. I also liked Duke. Overall great story and definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

Content:knife stabbing, near drowning

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This was a good mystery in a fun setting - a river showboat. There are several nice twists and a sweet love story. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.

This is Christian fiction, containing a few discussions of faith.

Family friendly.

In the Shadow of the River is yet another awesome book I have read by Ann H Gabhart. I loved getting to know Jacci and seeing through her eyes of what it was like to be on a nineteenth century showboat. It was sweet to see her and Gabe together. I thought her story of mystery and suspense was one that kept me wanting to find out what were the past secrets to be revealed. I loved it.

In the Shadow of the River will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. As always I will be looking forward to more releases to come from Ann H Gabhart. I believe this one should not be missed.

I received a paperback copy of In the Shadow of the River from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Wow! This deserves more than 5 stars in my opinion! An amazing story with fabulous characters! This book is set on a showboat that travels the river. This is a story of a mother's true love and the sacrifices made for that love. Irena is the epitome of the self sacrificing mother who puts the welfare of her child first. Jacinth grows into a strong young woman but she is shadowed by a mystery. The love story in the book is sweet and romantic! Gabe is amazing! A true white knight! There are so many great characters that make this book fantastic! A definite must read!
I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ann H. Gabhart has really done a marvelous job with this story.
I think it will be my favorite by her
I loved everything this book had to offer. It was the bombs! I loved every minute of it.
This book here, y'all! It shows that Ms. Gabhart can write anything and make it come out good!
I was fascinated with showboat life from the moment I opened this book.
Gabhart has made me feel like I was right there on that boat! Just wow!
My heart went out to young Jacci.
I loved following her and Grandpus Duke. Now, there's a name that tickled me pink! I giggled at that name.
Let me call my own grandpa that. He went off when I called him gramps!
All the characters were wonderful! I made friends with the majority of them and didn't want to say goodbye when my cruise on the river was over. I don't like goodbyes.
There was one scene in the book that made me very nearly cry. I don't like scenes like that!.
Gabe's mom is certainly full of wisdom and advice. I felt like she was my own mother!
The cover is absolutely gorgeous!
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend it!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a wonderful work of historical fiction! This book had a bit of everything going for it. Set in the late 1800s on the Ohio River, this book took a lesser known part of history - the entertainment of showboats - and brought it to life. This book follows Jacci, who ends up on the showboat where her grandfather lives and works as a result of an unexpected tragedy. With a natural born talent for song, dance and acting, she takes to life on the showboat and becomes part of the showboat family. This book had some action and adventure, some romance, a bit of a coming of age story as Jacci grows up and a charming look at a unique element in history. The characters were richly developed, humanly flawed, but overall likable. The plot-line was wonderful and kept me turning pages. There was a mystery surrounding who Jacci actually is and why tragedy struck her when she was young. There was also some mystery/suspense towards the end as well, and that made the story that much more enjoyable. The romance element was very sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed it as the relationship developed well over time. There were some faith elements throughout as characters prayed and developed a relationship with God. And themes of mercy and grace were prevalent as well. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable historical novel with a lot of twists and turns and wonderful character development. I would definitely recommend to fans of historical fiction. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

"In the Shadow of the River" is a Christian historical romance with a mystery. The first part was set in 1881, when Jacci's five years old and her mother prevented an unknown man from kidnapping her. No one's quite sure who the man was or what he intended to do with Jacci, but her mother hid her with Jacci's grandfather on a showboat. The story jumped to 1896, when Jacci's twenty years old and an actress on the showboat. Her best friend, a man whom she's long thought of as a brother, wanted her to see him as a possible husband. He's always been there to help cheer her up, protect her, or make her feel cared for and loved. When another actress made a move on him, Jacci finally started seeing him as a man. The threat from the past isn't completely gone, though. As Jacci learned more about her complex past, she felt confused about who she is. And someone wants to harm her, but who, exactly?

The main characters were engaging, complex, well-developed, and acted realistically. Historical details about the time and life on a showboat were woven into the story and brought it alive in my imagination. The main characters prayed and grew in their faith in God. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical.

Ann Gabhart hits it out of the park as readers enjoy a front row seat on a showboat in all its glory. She skillfully blends the best aspects of the showboat way of life with evidence that the performances are a family affair. Ann illustrates how everything is done for the benefit of the theatrical production and how they let people know that an awesome musical has come to their town.

I enjoyed this showboat adventure with its mystery, drama, intrigue, and puzzle to solve as Jacci’s past and present converge. She is a brave young woman who immediately won me over. This is a delightful and engrossing read as readers will try to figure out who and why someone would do Jacci harm. If you love historical fiction, showboats, and a behind the scenes look at the show. This is the book for you and your book club.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

4.5⭐I highly recommend In the Shadows of the River if you love historical fiction, to anyone needing a glimpse of the life of a showboat family and entertainers having the Mississippi River as a setting, and to anyone wanting a suspenseful story. Excellent Read! full of adventure, sweet romance, and intrigue. A beautifully written story about what it means to be a family.

In 1881, Jacci Reed is only five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her from the steamboat her mother, Irena, works on. Badly wounded during the confrontation, Irena takes Jacci aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat tied up beside them. There, Jacci's actor grandfather tends to her mother and Jacci gets a first taste of the life she will come to lead.

I received a complimentary copy, All opinions are my own.

A different premise for a story than what I am used to reading. It's a good different! Any of you who love historical romance with a dash of mystery will love this one! Good characters; interesting, fast-moving story.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.