River to Redemption

Author: Ann H. Gabhart

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: July 3, 2018

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A story not only redemption but also of the courage and spirit it takes to do what you know is right even when you are alone in your thinking.

Adria Starr is on her own after her family dies in the cholera epidemic of 1833. She is found by a slave named Louis who is more faithful than anyone else in his position would ever be.  He has had plenty of opportunities to leave and find his freedom while his masters fled the epidemic and left him in charge of things.  Instead of running, Louis decided to stay around and help tend to the sick and bury the dead.  Twelve years go by and he is about to be sold and all his loyalty seems to matter to no one, except Adria who has never forgotten what he did for her and so many others.  Adria has always abhorred slavery and wants to try and buy Louis his freedom.  Being in Kentucky, she doesn’t have many that think like her but doesn’t let that stop her from following her heart and doing what she knows is right, no matter the cost.

Reading about this topic can be difficult, especially knowing that it is based on a true story. The story itself had several characters that stood out for me.  First was Adria showing what she stood for and refused to back down.  Then Louis, he is just a character that you can’t help but like.  And of course Matilda, even though she wasn’t in the story as much as some of the other characters she still made a big impact.  With these characters being able to touch the heart and the story being based on true events, readers will have a hard time not connecting and being fully immersed in every page.  I loved the way Gabhart made these connections and let the story flow.  This was different from her past novels I have read, but still a very enjoyable read.  I recommend this to fans of Gabhart and readers that enjoy historical fiction with a little romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.