River to Redemption

Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Genre: Historical Fiction/Inspirational

One young woman must stand up for freedom--and perhaps find her own in the process.

Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, 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 need all of the courage and strength she possesses--and more.

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Reviewer: Crystal P.

You know, normally a gorgeous book cover is what makes me think a certain book would be a great read. Not to say this book doesn't have one, but the synopsis is what got me this time. Slavery was a huge thing in the South, and a young abolitionist growing up surrounded by it really caught my eye.

The book stars Adria Starr, someone who lost her family to a cholera epidemic in 1833. I just can't imagine what it'd be like for that to happen to me, and at such a young age! There are two other point-of-views as well, them being Ruth's and Will's, and it was really interesting to see how everything would tie together.

Ruth was widowed from the cholera epidemic, and didn't believe she could ever love again. Throw in a little girl in need of home while struggling with being single at times ... Well, it was kind of fun seeing her attempt to convince herself years later that she wasn't in love with the new guy in town.

Will was pretty much going through the same things Ruth was, except for the fact he was a preacher and faking it too.

My favorite character was actually Louis. He was such a God-fearing man and showed his trust in the Lord in many ways. I was surprised to find in the author's note that he actually did exist and did tend to those infected. I have much more respect for him upon discovering this. 

What bothered me might be considered a minor detail for some. Every time the Lord was mentioned, the way he or him was said did not have any capitalization. I've always been raised to show God respect, and always capitalize the 'H' in him, etc. whenever he was referred to. This is probably something that won't exactly bother some people, and I don't wish to deter you from reading a wonderful book, but that was the main thing I had a harder time with this round.

That being said, the romance was done in a great way and didn't bother me a bit. I have had some bad experiences in the past with too much description or even scenes I never want to think about, but this was just right. Adria struggled with affections from two men, and did not make impulsive decisions, instead getting advice from trusted women. The worst it got was just being somewhat suggestive, but in a subtle way that wouldn't bother you unless romance is something you absolutely cannot handle.

This was my first time reading one of Ann H. Gabhart's books, and I am totally interested in checking out what other wonderful novels she published!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Gee Dixon
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This book is a heartwarming story that had me glued from the beginning.

The story begins with the cholera epidemic that swept through a small town in Kentucky and how a slave named Louis took care of burying the dead and taking care of the sick. One was a little girl named Adria who lost her own family. He found her a home where she was loved.

Even though this story was fictional, the book was true in regards to Louis. This book is well worth the read.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"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.​

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Reviewer: Nora St. Laurent

I was spellbound as my heart ached for seven-year-old Adria Starr when she comes to the realization her whole family has gone to glory. I felt for this little one who was terrified and alone until Louis rescues her. The year is 1833 a small town in Kentucky, is hit hard by the cholera epidemic. Readers could see and feel things through Aria’s eyes as Louis carries her sick body to the hotel he works at. There he and Matilda nurse her back to health.

I learned in author notes this story was based on real events which brought a warm feeling to my heart and put a smile on my face. The author says, “People fled the town, including the owner of the local hotel when word got out of a cholera outbreak; no one knew how it spread…. When the owner of the hotel fled he gave the hotel keys to his slave, Louis, and told him to continue running the business. Louis could have run to freedom but instead he did what the Lord put on his heart; and that was to help victims and bury the dead. He brought people to the hotel and Matilda Sims would take care of them. She was the cook and great at nursing people back to health.”

The author showed ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I love the heart of Louis and how he lives his life with the Lord. I loved the dialogue between Louis and Adria when they first meet. She asks him, “Are you rich Louis?”

“Not by this old world’s standards. Not at all. I ain’t got nothing. Don’t even belong to myself. What with how Massa George, he owns me. But I got them other kind of riches. Them kind the Lord hands out. You can have those too. Every livin’ soul can just for the askin.”

“I don’t understand” Adria says.

Louis replies, “You will when your older, missy. Til then, just you don’t worry your head about it and let the good Lord take care of you.”

That’s what happens in the first part of the book then twelve years pass. Adria is now 19. The whole community thinks she’s crazy because she hasn’t married the richest young man in town, who has been sweet on her for years.  Adria wants more from life than becoming a wife and mother. Besides, Carlton wants to change her, and Adria doesn’t know she can and/or wants to be changed.

Then Massa George suddenly dies. His children come to town to settle their father’s affaires. Louis and Matilda go up for sale.  Adria can’t believe it. Her and Ruth owe a lot to this man; the whole town did. Adria gets everyone involved in the set Louis free project.

The author takes her time in having the reader get to know the characters as they struggle with this unimaginable situation. It’s heart-wrenching, but hopeful as they work together in creating a new normal. Then near the end I couldn’t believe how many things happen all at once. In the mist of all the drama the author has golden treasures of faith, truth and love for readers to glean. Showing that God is able to do far more than we ever could imagine.

This is an inspirational; heartwarming read with a dose of romance, danger, suspense and something to think about.  This would make a great book club pick. There is so much to discuss.

​Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

I can always count on an Ann Gabhart book to be good. And River to Redemption lived up to my expectations and more.

What surprised me most about this book were the author comments at the end. It was based on a true story and so it makes the story all the more poignant. Set during the cholera epidemic of 1833, the story centers around Louis, a slave, who instead of sprinting for freedom when his owners left town to escape the epidemic, stayed behind to care for the sick and bury the dead. During this period he saves a little girl named Adria whose entire family dies during the epidemic. She clings to Louis and grows up to love him as family.

But Louis knows that he can't bring up a little white girl, so he prays. And Louis is big on prayer and believing that God will answer. When Louis meets Ruth Harmon, a young widow whose husband also perished during the epidemic, he proposes she take care of Adria and that is exactly what she does.

As is the case with all of Ms. Gabhart's books, she draws her readers in with well developed characters and a story that is inspirational. Yes, there is romance and danger and a valuable lesson on prayer. I stayed up late reading this one and you will too!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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