River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart is quickly becoming a  go-to author for engaging, historical fiction that doesn't blend in with the commonalities of its genre. Once again, in River to Redemption Gabhart has picked a fascinating part of history, in this case the  city of Springfield Kentucky after a devastating cholera epidemic, the story of a slave freed by his own town, and added a host of honest characters led by young Adira Starr to both inform and delight readers.

I love when a historical fiction can inform and inspire readers to more study and Gabhart seems to have a knack for this type of writing. I was amazed to hear the foundational information of the cholera as well as Louis' unusual method of obtaining his freedom were both based on actual occurrences within Kentucky. This historical base always seems to add an extra level of depth or scope to a story when capitalized on and Gabhart provides a story filled with characters who leap off the  page.

And the characters ...

Can I just say the characterization of our two leading ladies made me do a happy dance? There was much dancing over the thrown-together family of Ruth Harmon and Adira Starr as they are the most relatable pairing of women I've read in a historical fiction this year. I loved the way Gabhart explored Ruth's grief at loosing Peter but also the  awareness of her vulnerable and unique state being an unmarried widow for so long in her environment. Whereas Adira's obvious confusion about her future and the two men vying for her attention was such a refreshing change over the usual fall in love in a chapter regardless of past or future plans. It makes both woman stronger characters as their struggles don't seem as glossed over or mere points of convenience for the plot.

As for the plot, Gabhart  effortless weaves faith throughout her fiction. I loved watching her characters actually wrestle with their faith in real ways following painful loss about how their faith fits and works with their new reality. Gabhart writes such honest questions through Ruth and  Will's narratives about grief and faith while simultaneously looking at the importance of the abolitionists  through Adira and Louis handling heavy topics with grace  that had me taking a break from my book to reflect on the greater message (and if you've been around  here  much you know what it takes for me to put a book down).  Yes, there are some sermon moments but when one of the major characters is a pastor I think that's less awkward writing and more writing your character which is certainly how Pastor Will comes across. 

Ann Gabheart knows how to tell a story but her ability to blend history  with characters who don't mind asking the hard questions and allowing their plans to shift as their faith and situations change is making  her one of my authors to follow.

4.5 stars out of 5.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Revell and Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest and uninfluenced review. All opinions are my own"

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago.
Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling–yet enticing. (quote from back of book) 

Mary Connealy is an author with many strengths. I personally have always been caught by her ability to paint a setting. The Accidental Guardian is no exception as her characters take readers through the High Sierra Mountains even sneaking in a quick visit to lake Tahoe.

I also appreciate that her characters are often anchored in history. Here, both Trace and Deborah have concrete reasons and experiences that are  driving them at  the beginning of the book. I love these histories as they help the plot take on new dimensions rather than a compartmentalized experience.

That said, the main relationship in this novel bothered me. Between Deborah's harsh experience with her father/recent trauma of the wagon train massacre and Trace's utter isolation from woman as well as his guilty saviour complex in his identity as the Guardian, I found the relationship unbelievable. I would far rather have seen the story unfold over the winter season while their individual traumas were addressed in some reasonable manner and the relationship had less of a saviour/victim feel to it. I think this felt even more pronounced as Connealy took the time to explain their backstory without taking the same attention to the present plot's timing.

3 out of 5 stars.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

The Return by Lacey Sturm

In The Return, bestselling author Lacey Sturm offers a collection of thoughts on how Jesus helps us see the world with new eyes and makes the mundane things in life beautiful. It’s a guidebook from a fellow traveler on how grace helps us–to overcome darkness, to release our empty rituals, to shine with his light. Not so God will love us more but because we long to love him back. And a life lived loving God back is a life that shines with heaven’s glory.

(Excerpt from back of book)

Although I listened to Sturm's band Flyleaf  in college this was my first introduction to Sturm as an author. Overall, I was pleased with the book but there were a few points of concern.

First the style, this is not your typical novel length book and I loved the eclectic and artistic format. Each chapter included Scripture verses, prayers, recipes, and song lyrics set up as though reading the author's journal, actual journal entries were published along side Strum's poetry, and exposition summing up the chapters theme wrapped up each section. 

The strength of this format allowed for increased interest as heavy chapters were broken up by artwork and poetry appealing to those who connect with different forms of written word. The material connected on different levels as concepts were discussed in traditional exposition and artistic venues, and the wide range of materials included helped bring the author and her heart forward in what felt like a more intimate and more vulnerable way.

I also appreciate the way the material covered the author's lifetime. Topics  ranged from mental health, motherhood, performing, marriage, etc.. . Readers "watch" the author grow in her journal entries and see how perceptions change and season pass which I think can be a helpful reminder in hard seasons. 

That said, there were times, that although the author commented how her decisions did not reflect on another person's choices, at times felt harsh and noninclusive of those who differed from her. There also  wasn't a lot of room for differing personalities. I know and love a lot of analytical people. I know a lot of  people who believe without having the overwhelming emotional connection the author does and at many points it felt as though the author felt that this lack of emotion meant their faith was lesser or not genuine. For that reason alone, I couldn't recommend this book to a large portion of my community.

3.5 stars out of 5 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."