About the book: She stared up at the Shaker buildings. They took in those in need. That was why she was riding into their village. But she couldn't stay here. Not forever. They divided families. She'd heard her grandmother speak harshly of the way Shakers didn't believe in marriage and had special houses where children were kept from their parents.
Heather put a hand over the swell of her baby inside her. Surely they wouldn't take a newborn from his mother's bosom. Heather's mother couldn't have imagined that happening or she'd have never told her to come . . .
A stirring story of healing, hope, and home at Christmas
It is 1864 and the nation is torn apart by civil war when Heather Worth discovers she is with child. With her husband at the front and nowhere else to turn, she seeks refuge in the Shaker village of Harmony Hill. Amid the tumult of the times, Heather yearns for the peace she sees in this strange community. But can this longing really be fulfilled amid these people with their peculiar beliefs about family?
As Christmas approaches, the joy of new life and the love that is born of forgiveness may hold the answer.
Join bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart for a peek into the world of the Shakers--and the world of the human heart.
My review: This was an interesting, well-written story set during the Civil War that takes place in a community I wasn't very familiar with. I liked Heather and her courage and strength to do what needs to be done and to protect her baby. She goes to her great-aunt in the Shaker village and I liked seeing her perspective on having lived there for so many years, but also starting to question her place there. I learned a lot about Shaker beliefs and I have a hard time understanding how people thought this was the way to God. I don't like unnecessary rules and restrictions, so I felt frustrated with those and some of the people's attitudes in the community. The discussions between Heather, a Christian, and her great-aunt were interesting and respectful of each other, and I liked the ending, but was also disappointed in part of it. I would recommend it if you like Amish, historical, or Christmas stories.
I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.
Available November 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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