Summer of Joy

Summer of Joy
Ann H. Gabhart
Revell Publishers
2014
Fiction

For Jocie Brooke, the summer of 1964 certainly was eventful, but it's nothing compared to what's coming to Hollyhill, Kentucky, and the Brooke family next. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy the relationships that everyone thought were so strong. Two people--one thought to be gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of--are making their way to the small town. And it promises trouble for everyone.

This complex and beautifully written story is the perfect conclusion to The Heart of Hollyhill series. With true-to-life family drama, refreshing humor, and characters readers have come to love like dear friends, "Summer of Joy" will delight Gabhart's fans.

I love the Hollyhill series. I read them back when they first came out in 2008 so I'm delighted they're out again. Gabhart writes with such light and ease in this series. Jocie is a hoot and incredibly likable. Her dad and his relationship with his significant other almost steal the story away. The mystery and intrigue in the book will keep your attention and you'll want to keep reading. A sweet, easy read with just enough sass to give it depth. Thanks Revell for republishing this series!

My thanks to Revell Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Christmas on Harmony Hill

Christmas on Harmony Hill
Ann H. Gabhart
Revell Publisher 
Fiction, Romance

It is 1864 and the nation is still torn apart by civil war when Heather Worth discovers she is with child. She has been working as a laundress with her husband's army unit, but when the army gets orders to march south to Tennessee, Gideon insists Heather go home to have their child under safer conditions. Heather agrees, but returns home to another kind of devastation--deaths in the family and a father who refuses to forgive her for marrying a Yankee. With nowhere else to turn, Heather seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, where her great aunt Sophrena lives. There, after many peaceful years at Harmony Hill, Sophrena is having doubts about her Shaker path. Both women are in need of love and forgiveness--whether given or received. With Christmas coming, can the miracle of new life fill their hearts with unexpected joy? 

Ann H. Gabhart's many fans will be thrilled to return to Harmony Hill at Christmastime for this stirring story of healing and hope.

I've read a number of Gabhart's books and she is an excellent author. The problem with that is high expectations, this book did not even come close to meeting my expectations. I kept hoping it would improve, it never did. The plot left a lot to work with and I was looking forward to the storyline. It was, sadly, a big yawn fest. There never was a crux, in fact, the story unraveled after chapter 2 and it never got back together again. I am a fan of this author so I will for sure be picking up more of her books. I will not, however, be keeping this book to read again. 

My thanks to Revell Publishers for providing me witha  free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

The Scent of Lilacs

The Scent of Lilacs
Ann Gabhart
Revel Publishing
Publication date: Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Before Ann H. Gabhart became well-known for her much-loved Shaker novels, she wrote three poignant novels centered on the loveable Jocie Brooke and her family, who lived in 1960s small-town Kentucky. Once named as one of "Booklist"'s Top Ten Christian Novels and now featuring a brand new cover, "Scent of Lilacs" is poised to capture the hearts of new readers everywhere. Life-changing events rarely happen here, and when they do, they are few and far between. But for Jocie Brooke and her family, they happen all at once. Jocie has questions that need answers. As she digs into her family's past, she finds a whirlwind of discoveries, and everything begins to change. In the end, will Jocie find the answers everyone so desperately needs, or will her questions lead to truths that were better left uncovered? 

Combining unforgettable characters, true-to-life struggles, and the perfect dose of humor and nostalgia, this riveting story takes readers through the universal experiences of true love, new life, and renewed faith. With a beautiful new cover, "Scent of Lilacs" is poised to capture the hearts of readers everywhere.

I'll admit I had a hard time getting into this one. It started out a little slow and clunky for me. However, I stuck with it and I'm glad I did. Gabhart is an excellent storyteller and her books have yet to disappoint me. Joice is a fun character and that you'll fall in love with almost immediately. Her dad has his own tragic air about him and I quickly found myself rooting for him as we'll. The  secrets are intense and the story will capture you as event begin to unfold. You'll enjoy the journey of discovery and healing so beautifully portrayed in this book. 

My thanks to Revell Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

The Gifted

The Gifted
Ann Gabhart
Revell
Historical Romance
Available July 2012

Jessamine Brady has been in the Shaker Village for half her young life, but in spite of how she loves her sisters there, she struggles to conform to the strict rules. Instead she entertains dreams of the world outside. When Tristan Cooper seems to step out of those dreams to entice her into the forbidden realm beyond the Shaker Village, her life turns upside down.

Will Jessamine be able to survive the storms of the world? Or will she retreat back to the peace of Harmony Hill?

Ann Gabhart is an author I always enjoy reading. She has a way of making history and different cultures come alive. I always find her Shaker books particularly intriguing. I was excited to dive into The Gifted.  Jessamime as a character has quite a lot of depth and as a reader I felt her very real struggle. Tristan lacks depth at the beginning but gains it as the story moves along.

For some reason this book wasn't a favorite of mine. There was a lot of Shaker theology in the book and it ended up making me a little uncomfortable. Hearing so much about "Mother Ann" seemed to take away from the story. I am definitely walking away with a much better understanding of the Shaker faith, I'm just not sure that's what I was looking for.

Either way Gabhart is an excellent story teller who will grip you right away. Her characters are real and well developed and the underlying story of Jesus throughout is always beautiful. The way the characters long for something more is so true of how God is always gently wooing his children.


I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest and real review.