The Innocent by Ann H. Gabhart

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: July 7, 2015

Number of pages: 400

Genre: Christian Fiction

Synopsis

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. The war ends without further word. Now penniless, in debt, and forced from her home, Carlyn seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, only to discover that they will not allow her to keep her beloved dog, an animal that has been her faithful companion since her husband went off to war. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie has pity on the lovely young woman and agrees to take the dog. Carlyn is just settling into life as a sister in the Shaker village when she receives a devastating letter confirming her worst fears. As she wrestles with whether to commit herself fully to the Shaker life, mysterious deaths begin to occur, and Carlyn comes under suspicion. Can Sheriff Mitchell help her expose the true culprit?

What did I think about the story

I thought this was a very nice story set in one of my favorite time periods to read about. I like how there is a mystery involved in this story but did not like that Carlyn was a suspect. She had so much going on already then for this to be put upon her. Carlyn was a strong woman to endure all of this. There is also a little romance in this story but it is not overwhelming. A good mix of both the mystery and romance to keep the story flowing and you do not want to put the book down. The author did a good job developing all of the characters as well as setting the scenes so you felt as if you were really a part of the story. 

What did I think about the cover

I liked the cover. I think the simple cover fits the Quaker story and I like how it seems as if she is in thought while taking a walk

My rating

4

About the author

Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. By the time she was ten she knew she wanted to be a writer. She's published over twenty novels. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. She still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dog, reading and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, will be followed by Small Town Girl. Visit Ann's website http://annhgabhart.com or her two blogs, One Writer's Journal, www.annhgabhart.blogspot.com, and the Hollyhill Book of the Strange,www.hollyhillbookofthestrange.blogspo.... Giveaways several times a year.