When Darcie and Walter Goodwin hear of a new cholera epidemic sweeping the area, they join the Shakers whose villages seem immune to the disease. It’s meant to be a temporary stay, but Walter is killed in a riverboat accident. With no family and no money, Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came … came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique–and lonely–position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness . . . and family?
Ann H. Gabhart returns to the enigmatic world of the Shakers in this emotional exploration of the power of love and the bond of family.
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I am constantly amazed that Ann Gabhart can envision romance in a story about a religious sect that does not believe in marriage. Attraction between the main characters grew slowly throughout the book, but mostly, I loved the other relationships—between Flynn and his father-in-law and between Darcie and her Shaker “sisters.” They kept the story interesting, full of warm moments and conflicts common to all close relationships. I got a little frustrated with the potential danger they allowed to hover over their family, but overall, it was a good read with a surprise twist near the end.
Thank you to Revell who supplied a free copy of the book. I was not required to write a review, and all opinions are my own.
Ann Gabhart’s deep understanding of the Shakers shines in this, her latest and arguably her best, Shaker novel. I highly recommend it.
The Refuge is a well-written novel that proceeds at a gentle pace. I could tell that Ann H. Gabhart has done her research into the Shakers. It was interesting to learn about the Shaker community and their beliefs. I was surprised to learn that the correct name for them is Believers in the Second Coming of Christ. It is outsiders who labeled them Shakers. It is not a religion that would suit every individual especially since men and women are kept separate and not allowed to raise their own children. They did have a strong work ethic and thriving villages. The characters were developed and realistic. I liked that there are characters who have differing viewpoints (those that embrace the Shakers and those that do not) and a variety of ages. I liked the friendships that developed between Darcie and her roommates. Faith is woven into the story making an integral part of The Refuge. The Shakers might have a different ideas, but they believe in God like all Christians. Leatrice was a delight. She was a precocious little girl who lit up the story along with the two babies. The Refuge is not a straightforward romance which I appreciated. There is intrigue, friendships, kittens, childhood drama, faith, a depressed horse, and love. The ending is sweet and heartwarming. There is one phrase from The Refuge I wanted to share. It is “take each day as it comes with the blessings and trials it brings, for the Lord only promises us this day”. The Refuge provides an insightful look into the Shakers and those who sought refuge with them.
An author who can grab your attention in the first sentence usually is skilled enough to keep it. I found this especially true of Ann H. Gabhart in The Refuge, her latest about a young widow, Darcie, in a Shaker village. ”You can’t cheat death.” Immediately, the reader wants to know why the narrator, Darcie, feels like this. While life in a Shaker village could be monotonous and dreary, devoid of family and marital relations, Gabhart managed to keep me eagerly reading to see what would befall
anxious Darcie. Her experiences in Harmony Hill as Gabhart recounts them are far from boring.
For the founders of communes such as this (and we had one similar in our community, set up in 1930 by a woman, where marriage was “wrong”), the Bible speaks plainly against this type of community. First, the Bible is clear that marriage is to be revered, sacred, and ENJOYED. Secondly, God clearly states that one should not add to His Word. Both in the case of the Shakers and our local commune, the leader’s ideas were considered equal, if not above, God’s Word. Of course, this community also died out.
Gabhart has a great cast of three-dimensional characters. Flynn struggles with how to raise his daughter, Leatrice. Silas struggles with how to help Flynn. The answers they choose have far-reaching consequences. I wished we could have seen more of wise Granny Hatchell.
“A body shouldn’t be trying to change other folks just to make things more convenient for her.”
Overarching themes I saw are learning to trust God day by day and not borrow tomorrow’s troubles; taking that step of faith as we see God leading; learning from others and living peaceably with them even not being in total agreement. How much richer Darcie’s life was for her time with Sisters Genna, Ellie, Helene, and even Eldress Maria.
For those who will feel the ending was rushed: I believe circumstances in times like those often made it so. We need to stay true to history over having a “more satisfying ending” as we would plan.
Quotes:
“Marriage causes stressful living and not the peace and unity we seek here in our village.”
~ Mother Ann- founder of Shakers
“You prayed when my heart was too discouraged to hope.” ~Genna on answered prayer, showing the power of intercessory prayer for others. May this be said of me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions, which are solely my own.
This new book by Ann H. Gabhart shares a lot of the history of the Shakers, a religious community that was prominent in Kentucky in the 1800s but best of all, she gives readers a wonderful love story. Yes, there is a hint of a romantic love that might develop but the true love story involves parental love. Much of the plot revolves around the influence that the Sisters and Brothers of the Shaker community have on Darcie Goodwin’s and Flynn Keller’s commitment to their children. Darcie’s love for her unborn baby and her determination to provide for it until she can find a real home after her husband’s sudden death exemplifies the ultimate mother/child bond. There is also the love that widower Flynn Keller has for his young daughter. Flynn and his father-in-law are trying to raise Leatrice as she should be raised but this young girl definitely needs a woman’s influence in her life. Choosing to join the Shakers may seem to to be answers for both of these parents but Darcie knows that she will never want to become a permanent member of this community; Flynn understands that Leatrice needs supervision but he also rejects the idea of choosing this way of life forever.
I really liked Darcie Goodwin and I enjoyed watching the friendship that developed between her and a few of the Sisters. I also liked how the author chose to share all of Darcie’s thoughts and readers can see how she grows in confidence and in her faith in God. Flynn Keller is a worthy hero and I found myself hoping that his daughter’s need for a mother would somehow lead to a relationship between him and Darcie.
The Refuge is a heartwarming story and it proves once again Gabhart’s expertise in understanding and explaining the Shakers. Yes, I find it hard to understand their belief in celibacy and their forbiddance of marriage that ultimately led to their extinction but I have to admire their commitment to helping those in need and their “hands to work, hearts to God” motto.
*I received a copy of this book from the author and the publisher. These thoughts are mine alone.
One of the amazing things about historical fiction is that it takes the reader to an entirely different place and time and gives them a glimpse of what life may have been like. Instead of discovering history through a textbook, you see it through the eyes of characters, giving it a more real and personal value. I only wish that the author would have shared some of her research in an author’s note to help separate some of the truth from fiction in this novel, but it was evident that she had a solid understanding of the ways of the Shakers and it flowed throughout the pages.
I have always been intrigued by the Shakers. I grew up a short distance away from a living history museum that allows you to walk through the village and take a peek inside the historical lives of people. There is one home they now have dedicated to teaching about the Shakers. Speaking with some of the reenactors awakened an interest to learn more, and so I knew that after reading the description of this novel it was one I would have to pick up. Not unsurprising, but I read it in a single day. Darcie was an easy character to connect with and continue to build a deeper bond with as the story progressed. Being able to concur with her mindset only made the story come to life more and the pages continue to turn.
I devoured every moment of this novel. I’m currently sitting in a book fog wondering why it had to come to an end because I’m not ready to exit their world and return to my own. I highly, highly recommend to historical fiction fans!
*I received a copy of this book from Revell. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
It has been awhile since I read one of Ann Gabhart’s books about the Shakers. I always enjoyed learning about their history and customs in her earlier books. I liked the way she always managed to point out the errors of their religious practices through the story and the experiences of her characters. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed her latest offering.
The Refuge features Darcie Goodwin who feels trapped at Harmony Hill when her husband dies in an accident. She and two other “sisters” share their hopes for being able to live in the outside world again in the future but make the best of things and work hard at the tasks they are given. Two new babies threaten to upset the peaceful life of the community but may actually soften the hearts of more than one leader. The story of Flynn Keller, his young daughter, and his father-in-law is also told as the book progresses and it is interesting to watch as both worlds intersect.
The Refuge has a little of everything I love in a book – plenty of interaction between characters that is both positive and negative, a bit of drama and mystery, a strong emphasis on faith, and of course a bit of romance. I loved seeing their world through the eyes of Gabhart’s characters and found myself hoping for happy endings for all of them. I can truthfully say that I was quite pleased with how everything ended.
Ann H. Gabhart is a very skilled author who brings her characters to life amid vivid settings that spark my imagination. I also must mention the gorgeous cover. Revell’s artists outdid themselves on it. Readers who love historical fiction should pick up a copy, especially if they have not read a book by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I’m a huge fan of Ann Gabhart’s Shaker books. I’ve liked them all. This one, however, might be my favorite. Ann does a great job of making the Shakers real in her stories. It would be so easy to make them cartoonish with their odd beliefs and odder ways, but she handles them with dignity and delicacy while showcasing their stories realistically.
This is historical fiction – not historical romance – but there is an undercurrent of a romantic thread in it which is touching. The Shakers believed that marriage was a sin. Yeah, I know, but they did. So the romance is all the sweeter for that background.
I enjoyed the movement and flow of the different points of view, including the young girl, Leatrice. It takes talent and attention to detail to write a child’s point of view well. Ann does. Her characters aren’t perfect (but then, who is?), but they are so realistic that you’ll be comfortable with them in minutes and involved in their lives before you even realize it.
You don’t need to have read any of Ann’s other Shaker stories to enjoy this one. But you may want to read them after!
What an incredible book! Author Ann Gabhart paints a story full of both pain and hope with characters that are incredibly true to life. The plot was very interesting and kept me turning the pages.
Gabhart has researched her subject well and that makes a story I couldn’t put down. I was intrigued with learning about the Shaker lifestyle. There is much to learn from them as they cared so well for people and wanted to please God within a strong community. While they had a slanted view of the Bible, I still found it a very compelling read.
If you enjoy historical fiction, and enjoy learning about groups of people, then you’ll enjoy The Refuge.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Ann H. Gabhart’s book “The Refuge” is an inspirational heartwarming book.
You are taken back to 1850s at the Shakers Village of Harmony Hill. Darcie just lost her husband and has a child on its way. Some of the Shakers greeted her with open arms while others did not. Darcie finds the rules to be very strict and at times unwelcoming. According to the way they live she is full of sin.
Gabhart did her research. I learned things about the Shakers I never knew before. I would call myself a feminist and can’t stand knowing their women does all the household chores and have no say in anything. It sickens me know the women can’t tell their own children they were their mother. It is forbidden to be married. Men, women, and children all live in separate buildings. On the other hand, the Shakers community is always willing to help strangers in any way they can.
Darcie is very patient even when things aren’t looking good. She is always willing to work hard and support the community. Eldress Maria is something else, but I did find myself liking her at the end of the book. Sister Genna who is very particular about things. She is a no-nonsense person. She tells it like it is. Genna was the one who supports Darcie when she first arrives at the village. Sister Ellie is a lot like Darcie’s big sister. She seems to be the type of person you can sit down with her and tell her anything and she will support you.
Through this story, I have learned things about the Shakers’ culture. There are many things I don’t like how they run their families and religion, but Gabhart’s book kept my interest throughout the story. I didn’t read any of the Shakers book. I find this can be a stand-alone book, but it is always good to start at book 1. I am looking forward to reading the previous books and any of her upcoming books.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Blogger Program. This is my own opinion.
I love books written about Kentucky and this historical immediately swept me back to the fall of 1849 in Harmony Hill. This story centers around Darcie Goodwin who is a young woman that is on a journey of survival. She married her husband Walter 4 years ago, but with the growing threat of cholera in the area they made the decision to live with the Shakers until the threat was over. Their arrival was met with changes they didn’t know or hadn’t expected. For one the women and men were kept completely separate, so she and Walter were unable to live as husband and wife. She was raised in a christian home, but some of the Shaker beliefs were hard for her to accept. After 3 months of living with the Shakers Walter left one day never to return leaving Darcie a young widow and a baby on the way.
I really enjoyed this book!! The plot immediately pulled me in. I enjoyed reading about the Shakers and must admit I was shocked at some of their beliefs. I could tell the author had researched this topic well. The engaging,secondary characters are well integrated into the story. Darcie is both kind and sweet, but she shows a survivor instinct throughout the story. Flynn Keller is a widow and the father of an inquisitive, young daughter. He’s not ready to move on with his life in a romantic sense, but he knows he needs to put his daughters needs first. The author adds an artful touch to the story by adding a small mystery into the plot. It was not something I expected, but enjoyed because it enriched the story.
This captivating story has elements of faith, second chances, quirky characters, romantic tension, and love.
This is a book I would recommend to anyone.
**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the author’s 8th book set with the Shakers I believe, it never fails to amaze me how she comes up with a unique story of how to marry off one of the ladies in a celibate community! This is one of my favorites. The ending even reminds me of my fave book by this author, Angel Sister which shows how a child doesn’t have to be blood kin to be loved! If you haven’t read Angel Sister, I suggest you do, and also the other books in that series!
The Refuge is a great read. I loved this historical involving The Shaker Village of Harmony Hill. I was heartbroken for Darcie when she lost her husband. Especially, when she was learning of her expecting a little one. When I was introduced to Flynn and his daughter, Leatrice, I instantly loved them both. Leatrice is such a cute and smart little girl. So sad she lost her mother at such an early age. When Flynn fears for her life, he turns to the Shakers for help.
I give The Refuge a very well deserved five plus stars. This is overall a beautiful story of forgiveness, second chances, faith and hope.
Highly recommended!
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart is a stand alone novel about the Shakers in the 1850’s.
Reading a novel by Ann Gabhart is like sitting and talking to a treasured friend. I love the quiet way her words creep into my soul.
I knew next to nothing about the Shakers except that I have long admired the simple lines of their furniture. Ms. Gabhart has opened my eyes to the often strange customs of the Shakers. I learned the reasons behind some of their actions and attitudes.
The Shaker community of Harmony Hill seems quiet and orderly, but trouble can come to any place.
When Darcie Goodwin seeks refuge from cholera with her husband, Walter, she never thinks she would be there forever. She is given no choice but to stay at Harmony Hill when he tragically dies. She is obedient to the strange rules but has no real desire to stay there permanently. She prays God would direct her steps. What does God have in store for Darcie?
The characters in this book are truly living out their faith however diverse they may be.
This is a beautifully written story. Listen to the words of Silas Cox: “ Home.That’s a fine word, but I’ve been wondering lately if home maybe has more to do with the people you love than with a place.”
Ann Gabhart’s writing always calms me and causes me to ponder lots of things. To me that is a sign of a great writer. I have been a fan since I first read one of her books.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was under no obligation to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Darcie and Walter move to a Shaker community when a cholera epidemic spreads across there community. The Shakers are strict and husband and wives do not live together. When a accident happens Darcie is left pregnant and unsure what to do. She does not believe in the Shakers way of children being taken from there Mothers. She knows she has to do something so that this does not happen. A widower Flynn Keller brings his daughter there to get schooling. Darcie meets him and they become close? Will Darcie leave the Shakers? Will Flynn find love again? This book gives great details about the Shaker life’s and their beliefs. It really gives you great details of how the Shakers live. It was a very enjoyable book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The pace is relaxed – it didn’t leave me exhausted with my stomach in knots as some other books have done recently. It still moves fast enough that I didn’t lose interest in the story. The characters are well-drawn, so that even if some had attitudes and traits I didn’t like, I still could understand why they acted the way they did. The description of life in a Shaker village is treated with respect, and yet with honesty that shows some of the problems outsiders encountered. The spiritual content is also handled well, with characters learning and growing in their relationship with the Lord.
I received a free review copy from the author; all opinions are my own.
Author Ann Gabhart has a gift for story-telling. The Refuge is both entertaining and heartbreaking. Readers are taken back to the village of Harmony Hill and the Shakers, who, in my opinion, had some very peculiar ideas. Their dedication to making ‘heaven on earth’, however, gave them compassion for those who found themselves in situations with very little hope, which is right where Darcie Goodwin finds herself. Being a recent young widow and expecting a baby with no place to go she has no other choice but to stay with the Shakers. Will Darcie be allowed to care for and nurture her baby? Will her faith sustain her? Ann Gabhart does thorough research giving the reader a glimpse into this very different culture. I enjoyed going back to Harmony Hill. Don’t miss this one!
I received a copy from the publisher. The opinions are my own.
Darcie and her husband Walter take refuge at Harmony Hill, a Shaker village, to avoid a cholera epidemic. For some reason, cholera didn’t seem to strike there. Though Darcie and Walter didn’t embrace the Shaker beliefs, they did have to follow the rules, which required them to live apart. Marriage was considered sinful to the Shakers. An experienced riverman, Walter went with some of the Shaker men on a trip and was killed when the boat boilers exploded. Though their stay at Harmony Hill was meant to be temporary, Darcie has no where else to go, especially after she discovers she is pregnant. She appreciates the shelter and companionship of the “sisters” she lives and works with, but doesn’t agree with many of the Shaker beliefs, especially the ones that dictate children live separately from their parents, and husbands from wives. She befriended a young girl, Leatrice, who was also there temporarily for school and began to look forward to seeing Flynn, the girl’s father, when he visited. I had sympathy for Darcie and her situation and for a couple of her “sisters” who also did not embrace the Shaker beliefs. Darcie had to learn to trust God to make a way for her. I enjoyed the rhythm of the story that alternated between Darcie’s first person and third person from the perspective of Flynn or Leatrice. Ann H. Gabhart is such a talented storyteller. Her books are a delight to read.
I did receive a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
I didn’t realize how strict the Shakers were until I read this book. It was forbidden to be married which seems like it goes against what the Bible says. Darcie lost her husband in an accident and is taken in by the Shakers, I know she was unsure if she belonged there. What would they say when it was discovered she was with child? The sins kept building up for Darcie but she prayed they would allow her to stay. She had no one and was desperate for a place to lay her head at night. How hard would it be for you to stay somewhere you felt uncomfortable so you would have shelter and food? I’m not sure everyone was happy with her being there. Some seemed unwelcoming and was very strict about rules.
Flynn and his daughter are in a bad position when they run out of food. Flynn knows the Shakers are near by and strikes up a deal with them for food. Maybe Flynn and Darcie can make some kind of agreement to help each other out. Is it possible for them to trust each other? The author gives us details about Shaker life that I enjoyed reading about. I didn’t know some of the rules they followed and how the women and children stayed to themselves a lot. The women did all the household chores including watching any children. I hurt for the women who couldn’t tell their own children that they were their mother.
The work to keep their community going was hard, but I did find good in many of the characters. They were always willing to help strangers and never turned anyone away. I wonder if they hoped the people would stay and be part of them? I loved reading how the characters were faithful and how they knew they would need to leave at some point. It was refreshing to see how much Darcie knew about the Bible and how much God loved her. It’s a great story of trust, protecting your children and standing up for what you believe in.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Blogger Program. The review is my own opinion.
This is one of those books where I wish I could give more than five stars. I learned a lot about the Shakers in this story. It was one of those religions where you wonder how it expected to survive with the types of rules it had. Darcie , Flynn, Leatrice and Mona were great characters. I also loved the “sisters” in the Shaker village. I did not want to put this book down but I also did not want it to end. I wanted to keep being a part of all these people’s lives. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.