Waiting for news of her missing Union-soldier husband, Carlyn Kearney is managing to eek out a life--undefined as married or a widow. Two years have passed since the Civil War's end and still, no word on the status of her husband. Without means to keep her home, Carlyn relents and takes refuge in the nearby Shaker village of Harmony Hill for shelter, food and comfort--and protection.
However, Carlyn's past and need for protection follow her to the peacefulness of Harmony Hill. Intrigued by Carlyn's move to the Shaker village, sheriff Mitchell Brodie investigates some shady dealings in his town that begin to involve him and Carlyn in ways he--or she--hadn't planned...
Very intriguing! That is the bust summation I can put to Ann Gabhart's latest work, "The Innocent". I was completely hooked from the beginning. This is the first novel I've read that adds the society of the Shakers as an element in a novel. I've seen the Amish in several, but not Shakers. Very refreshing!
What I related to most was the similarities to the Shaker faith and my own Apostolic faith. There are glaring differences as well, don't get me wrong. But, I could very much relate to Carlyn's upbringing in the Christian faith and then being thrust into the Shaker faith and questioning practices that she was unfamiliar with. I had/have some of the same struggles myself.
Ms. Gabhart seems to really know her scripture as well. The book wasn't "preachy", but you can definitely tell that Carlyn's life was Christ-centered even if she didn't always realize it. This comes through in Carlyn's inner dialogue, memories and questioning of the Shaker faith.
Overall, I felt the book was very thought provoking. It also had some twists and turns that made for some late nights as well. The writing style reminded me of Laura Frantz's works. So, if there are any Laura Frantz fans out there, give this a try! I am definitely looking forward to getting more books from Ms. Gabhart.
Despite how much I enjoyed this book, I had two complaints...First, "Carlyn" at first glance, I kept wanting to read as "Carolyn". Then, I would also think of the comedian George Carlin--not a good mental image to have when trying to picture a young woman in Shaker attire...Second, the ending, which was OK, just seemed too abrupt. I can't really expound more on that because I may give some goodies away. I just wish the ending was more soft after coming of a climactic build. Long enough for me to get my breath back.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
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