Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never … forgotten what Louis did for her. She’s determined to find a way to buy Louis’s freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she’ll face an uphill battle.
Based partly on a true story, Ann H. Gabhart’s latest historical novel is a tour de force. The vividly rendered town of Springfield and its citizens immerse readers in a story of courage, betrayal, and honor that will stick with them long after they turn the last page.
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River to Redemption will both capture your heart and bolster your spirits. Each of the well-drawn characters stepped off the pages and into my heart. A genuinely wonderful book.
Rich in historical detail, River to Redemption reveals the heartbreaking reality of slavery in the first half of the nineteenth century, one young girl’s dangerous quest to end it, and a slave’s strong faith in God’s timing and providence. You will fall in love with these unforgettable characters.
Sometimes a story is almost too wonderful to be true. Thankfully, the bit of history at the heart of Gabhart’s latest novel is absolutely true, providing the perfect platform for a tale of love and generosity that will restore the reader’s faith in humankind.
River to Redemption is a emotionally moving work of fiction by Ann H. Gabhart. This power story of a little girl that is orphaned in this epidemic cared for by a couple of slaves until she is taken in by a widow. Adria yearns to do what is right by those that have taken care of her. Even though it is still a time where slavery is still supported. She will fight to do what she knows in her heart is right. I was moved to tears by this power story that Ann H. Gabhart has written. I highly recommend River to Redemption.
The cholera epidemic of the 1830″s is the backdrop for this book, and the author is actually basing the story on a real slave who stayed to help when most people fled the town. He buried the 55 people who died, and helped those who were too sick to help themselves. Years later, the town thanked him by buying his freedom. Gabhart has crafted a sweet story around a real life man named Louis.
Worth the read!
River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart is a poignant and riveting story set in 1834 Kentucky during a time of the devastating cholera epidemic. Courage, betrayal, and honor with have readers turning pages as they follow Adria Starr and Louis, a slave who chose to save lives instead of gaining his freedom. Ms. Gabhart intertwines a true life story with fiction. What a powerful and compelling story of faith, hope and determination.
“I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
RIVER TO REDEMPTION by Ann H. Gabhart
When she was seven, Adria Starr’s whole world fell apart. Her mama, daddy, and little brother all fell victim to a cholera epidemic that struck their small Kentucky town. A local man (who fled the town at the first whisper of disease), owned a slave named Louis who stayed & did what he could for the survivors and buried all 53 of the dead.
Louis knew that he could not be responsible for Missy Adria, so he takes her to the school teacher’s residence, the teacher died, but his wife Ruth Harmon was alive, though grieving the loss of her beloved husband.
Ruth agreed to care for Adria, with Louis checking in regularly and doing odd jobs for the two ladies.
When Louis’ owner abruptly dies, his sons decide to sell all of their father’s belongings, including his slaves. Adria does not believe in slavery and makes it her mission to convince the town to purchase Louis and give him the freedom that he deserves, that all mankind deserves.
A thought-provoking book, well worth many readings.
I gratefully accepted a complimentary copy of #rivertoredemption from #LibraryThing with no obligation for a review.
River to Redemption is a Christian historical fiction novel set in the antebellum South.
When Adria was a little girl, cholera came to her hometown and killed nearly everyone, including her parents. But, although he could have run to freedom or caught the disease, a slave man named Louis stayed and helped the sick, including Adria, and buried the dead when no one else could. Now, when Adria is a young adult, the owners are planning to sell Louis in spite of the heroic work he did for the whole town.
This story was an interesting historical fiction. Set in the pre-Civil War South, slavery was very present in the story. The characters try to free Louis because of his heroism, which is fantastic. But because the Civil War was still decades in the future, the book realistically showed that he would be the only one of the many slaves in the area to be freed, and only because of his deeds. That was sad, but history is history. However, some of characters began to see slavery for the evil it really was, and if they were real, they would probably begin to work for an end to it in the following decades. And the base plot (not the personalities of the characters or the subplots) is based off of a real story of a man who did exactly as Louis did.
I enjoyed reading this book. The plot wasn’t fast and exciting, like a mystery or thriller might be. Rather, it was the story of a town living though horrific deaths and learning to survive, going about life with normal highs and lows, love and struggle, and choosing which side of the slavery issue they were going to stand on.
It was an interesting book, and while I didn’t absolutely LOVE it, it was good and I would recommend it to others who like historical fiction novels. And now is a good time to read a book like this that talks about slavery in America in historical context.
I received a complementary copy of this book. I was not compensated for writing a review, and all opinions are expressly my own.
I enjoyed every page of this beautiful story. Ann Gabhart has a very fluid writing style that is easy to read, full of historical detail, lovable characters and peppered with humor when you least expect it.
The story centers around the true story of a slave named Louis who was unaffected by the cholera epidemic that hit his home town; Louis took care of the sick (black and white) and buried the dead. Many years later after his master died, the town bought his freedom and set him up in a blacksmith shop of his own.
I encourage you to read the authors notes at the end of the book. This man’s story, faith and dedication to God should be honored. May we all learn from Louis how to listen to the voice of God in any situation.
I loved the inspirational parts. I needed to hear that. “Pray believing.” I am afraid I am a control freak so I usually try to figure out how things will turn out. I didn’t this time. I recommend this book to those wondering if God has heard their prayers. I know He doesn’t always work like we want Him to. However, He does answer all prayers in the best way!
First note: Revell has this marketed as a historical romance. It’s not. It’s historical with a strong romantic element. There is a difference, so be aware if you’re picking this up expecting a formulaic romance. It’s not.
It’s better. The story dips into multiple points of view – not just the hero and heroine of the traditional romance – and it’s deeper and richer for it. As always, Ann Gabhart does a beautiful job fleshing out her characters and walking the reader alongside them.
The devastation of one town, the sole person who kept going through adversity such as most of us will never experience, and the way it impacted an entire town is truly amazing. A touching story based on a true historical event, you can’t go wrong picking up a copy of this book.
Ann Gabhart pens a painful look back at our past when not all were considered equal. To entertain the opposite thought, as a person of color could bring punishment or death; as a white, it could mean ostracization or physical danger as well.
Gabhart’s narrative begins in the summer of 1833 when a cholera epidemic ran rampant around much of the US. Seven-year-old Adria Starr watches as her father, mother, and brother all die from the disease. Louis, a slave whom she has never before seen, rescues her and helps Matilda nurse Adria back to health.
Louis is an amazing character. I love the way he trusts God, cares for others at risk to his own safety and does not seek the best in life for himself.
Matilda longs for freedom but also possesses a very strong faith. Over and over, her response to obstacles is the faith-filled refrain, “The Lord will provide.”
I love the way Adria, Ruth, Will, Carlton, and even Logan all show character development and great wrestling with life decisions. All have to decide what they will do with the question of slavery and how deeply will they get involved. What cost is each willing to pay to address the flowing tide that refuses to be ignored or dammed up? Who will find physical redemption and who will find redemption for his soul?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand some of the soul-searching times leading up to the Civil War. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. No positive review was required. All opinions are strictly my own.
“Maybe he’s got other plans for me, and if that be true, then who am I to say the Lord don’t have the best plans?”
A cholera epidemic hit the little town of Springfield, Kentucky in 1833, killing one tenth of its citizens; men, women and children succumbed to the disease; many of whom had been left behind to die by family members who fled their homes, hoping to escape the fatal illness. One man stayed, selflessly caring for the ill and burying the dead; an unlikely hero, a slave named Louis. This lovely story by Ann Gabhart fictionalizes history long enough to bring it back to life through the eyes of a little girl and her reluctant guardian.
Adria Starr was an orphan in dire need of a family. Nursed back to health by Louis and a hotel cook named Matilda Sims, it became obvious that Adria needed permanent placement after the epidemic subsided and folks began to return to Springfield. The widespread cholera outbreak had cost Ruth Harmon a beloved husband, along with her dreams for the future. Imagine her surprise when a young black man and a beautiful little girl arrive on her doorstep one day with a surprising proposal.
As the years go by, Adria grows up into an attractive young woman and Ruth’s fresh grief matures into satisfactory contentment. Once again the town faces another seemingly insurmountable hurdle; following the demise of Louis’ owner, it appears that the town hero will be sold. Adria is determined not to let that happen, but is her faith strong enough to “pray believing” that “God will work all things together for good . . . according to his purpose” so that her beloved friend might cross over the “river to redemption”.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Although River to Redemption features Adria Starr, a child orphaned by the cholera epidemic and Ruth Harmon, widowed by the same epidemic and who raised Adria, the real story revolves around Louis, a slave in their town. Left by his owner to see to things during the epidemic, Louis had ample opportunity to flee and become a free man but felt led by the Lord to take care of the people affected by illness and death at great sacrifice to himself. Adria never forgot what Louis did for her and the town and a number of years later she decided to take action to repay him for his sacrificial and heroic actions.
Set in 1840s Kentucky, prior to the emancipation of slaves, even Christians turned a blind eye to the plight of the slaves. Attitudes in this story may be offensive to many of us today but are perfectly accurate in this historic setting. Adria’s ideals were unusual for the time period and is made obvious by how some citizens responded to her. Romance plays only a minor role in this story with Adria making some difficult decisions about two men who vie for her attention. Ruth, who has avoided male relationships since her husband’s death, has a surprise in store near the end.
River to Redemption may progress a bit slower than many such novels but it has a depth of detail that was enlightening to me. I loved finding out that this engaging book is based on a true story and real people. This book is a must for all lovers of American history. It’s not something you will find in the typical history book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell Reads, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
River to Redemption is yet another wonderful read from Ann H Gabhart. I loved the main character, Adria. She is a woman of strength, courage, and determination. She was a woman before her time. I admired her. The historical details are well written and so vivid that it was like I was right there living among those of the story.
I highly recommend River to Redemption. I give this powerful and inspirational story five plus stars.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
‘That’s all we can hope for, missy, when troubles comes our way, for the Lord to take whatever happens and help us to find some of those best things in the midst of it all.’
Adria Starr is orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833 and a slave named Louis feels the need to care for her and find her a home. Twelve years later, his owner dies and his family decides to sell him. Adria can’t bear the thought of that and has never forgotten what Louis did for her and what he still means to her. So she determines in her heart to find a way to buy Louis’s freedom. But this is Kentucky and not many people share her beliefs that it’s wrong for one person to own another.
Ann Gabhart writes such down home, grab your heart and make you want to stay books. She seems to just know each character, their feelings and shows the reader the heart of all involved in her stories. There is a bit of actual history in this book and this one will capture your heart, make you smile and cry at the same time.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.
Ann Gabhart writes heartwarming stories that turn tragedy into blessings, and despair into hope.
Based on a true story, River of Hope is set in Kentucky; the year is 1833. In 1832 – 1833, a cholera epidemic swept through the United States, killing some 250,000 Americans. Additionally, the disease killed millions worldwide from 1827 – 1835. Cholera is a disease of death; few survive. One might awake in the morning, feeling fine, and by nightfall, death occurs.
In 1833 Springfield, Kentucky it’s inhabitants were hit hard, losing over 50 people within days. There was a hotel in Springfield, owned by a white man, staffed by slaves. People fled the city, including the owner of the hotel; he left the keys with his slave, Louis. Louis, along with the hotel cook, Matilda, took care of the town, nursing those desperately ill with cholera. Surprisingly, neither became sick. Even more surprisingly, neither took the opportunity to run, to go across the river, seeking freedom. Louis dug 55 graves, burying the dead himself.
It is into this scenario that the author weaves a compelling story. Opening in June 1833, young Adria Starr takes care of her desperately ill mother and baby brother; at 7 years of age, she has become their nurse, even as she becomes ill herself. Her father, before his death from the horrid disease, urged Adria’s mother to take the children, escape. But it was too late.
When Adria awakens from a deep sleep only the very ill experience, she finds her mother and baby brother have succumbed. Startled by a loud knock on the front door, Adria is further alarmed when a very large black man steps into the house, offers her comfort and takes her to the hotel where he serves his days as a slave. The man is called Louis. Louis and Matilda care for Adria, nursing her back to health. Adria isn’t the only person in the hotel being cared for by these two compassionate slaves.
With the end of the epidemic in Springfield, people begin to return to their homes; including the owner of the hotel. Seeing a way to make money, the owner begins to charge people for the use of the rooms. For Adria, now an orphan, unless Louis and Matilda can find her a new home, she will be sent to a family where she will likely become labor, rather than a cherished member of the family.
Throughout this story is an undergirding of the power of “believing” prayer; believing God will answer. After praying over Adria’s situation, Louis and Matilda approach the widow of the town school teacher. She agrees to to take Matilda in, raise her in the midst of her own blinding grief and anguish.
This is just a brief synopsis of the first few chapters of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I think you will too. I highly recommend it.
River To Redemption is such a heart warming, heart touching, goose bump – yes you got that right – goose bumps – story. You ask, “how can it be a goose bump story?” Well no – it is not a thriller – you get your goose bumps when you see GOD move in the lives of these characters – when you see Faith move during such a disastrous time such as a Cholera – a killer of a disease killing off people in a small Kentucky town. Isn’t that where our help comes from? The LORD? There is unjustness, wrongness, abandonment, righteousness and redemption die throughout the book. This is very moving – so very worth the read. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
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From the moment I began, to the very last page the author drew me in with this story. I was fully immersed and living in the period, and life was not easy, and then I read that although fiction, this story is based on fact and Louis was a real person.
The author gives a great look at life in the South during the period slavery in this country. Also, how a slave saves lives and selflessly takes care of the dead, doing what he feels God wants him to do.
Loved how the story circles around and with great loss comes gain, and more that could be imagined.
The only problem I had was that the book ended and I really wanted to continue. A really awesome read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
I love it when an author reads a historical fact and decides to create a story around it. This is what Ann H. Gabhart has done in River to Redemption. From the first page I was caught up in the lives of Adria, Louis, Matilda and Ruth in my home state of Kentucky. It is 1833 when the cholera epidemic starts to claim lives in Springfield, Kentucky and families are changed forever. Seven year old Adria Starr loses her mother, father and baby brother to this dreaded disease and in a matter of days she becomes an orphan. The scene when a “black giant” finds her with her dead mother and baby brother will forever remain in my mind. Her fear of this man and her reluctance to leave her mommy and baby Eddie change when he carries her from her house and “away from the bad air” and takes her to his friend Matilda Sims. It is here that Adria finds love and healing and she would have been content to stay with Matilda and Louis forever but they are both black and Louis knows Springfield society will never accept this. He asks the widow of the recently deceased school teacher if she will give Adria a home and we see a family being born.
The characters in this story are very well developed. Adria is like most children and she sees people with her heart and not her eyes. The color of Matilda and Louis’s skin has no affect on her love for them. Matilda wants Louis to cross the Ohio River and seek freedom but he feels obligated to remain with his master. Louis is a wise man who often quotes the Bible and he feels that God had a reason to keep him from being one of the few who didn’t develop cholera. Kind, caring and faithful, Louis is based on a real person and he is reminds me of some older black gentlemen that I knew in my childhood. At first the character Ruth Harmon feels inferior to care for Adria but we see a bond develop and grow between them. Sometimes we all just to need to trust God and let Him do the rest!
River to Redemption spans the years between 1833 and 1845 and readers see how Kentucky was affected by the cholera epidemic that ravaged the area in 1833. A few miles from my own home there is a cemetery where the majority of the graves were for cholera victims. This story allows us to also witness slavery and the beginning of abolition. We watch Adria as she takes up Matilda’s efforts in encouraging Louis to seek freedom and the beginning of her secretive support of the abolitionist movement. We rejoice in the strong family unit that was the result of Louis’s rescue of seven year old Adria Starr and his wise decision to seek Ruth Harmon’s help. And when we read the Author’s Note we can feel pride in the citizens of Springfield, Kentucky and their efforts to purchase the real Louis’s freedom from slavery.
This book has tragedy and loss but it is also filled with love, faith, hope and the reminder that families are not always created by birth. I appreciate the many references to Bible scripture throughout the book and I especially love that “pray believing” is the cental thought woven throughout this story
Ann H. Gabhart is a Kentucky author and she has written an outstanding book about our state. I recommend River to Redemption for anyone who enjoys historical Christian fiction and I wish that I could give it more than the five stars available!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but I wasn’t obligated to post a review. All opinions are my own.