Highly Recommended
Ann H. Gabhart's books never fail to provide a pleasurable reading experience. The Refuge revolves around a Shaker village in the mid-1800s. There were those living among the earnest Shakers who were there simply because they had no place else to go. Among those was a young widow, Sister Darcie, who had come with her husband to escape a cholera epidemic. After her husband was killed in an accident, Sister Darcie learned that she was with child. A deep longing to be mother rather than sister to her child weighed heavily on Darcie's heart and mind.
Leatrice, daughter of widower Flynn Keller, came to temporarily live among the Shakers in order to provide for her safety and education. Her father visited her often, and he couldn't help but ponder the situation Sister Darcie appeared to be in, that and her beautiful smile. Might there be a way to solve both of their problems?
I learned a great many things about the Shaker lifestyle and beliefs while reading this book. This added to the enjoyment of the story itself. It makes me want to plan a day trip to the Shaker village at Pleasant Hill near Lexington, Kentucky. I am sure Gabhart's characters will fill the walkways and staircases there, at least in my mind's eye.
I highly recommend The Refuge to fans of historical fiction. I appreciate having received a copy from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
