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Shaker #5
The Gifted
By 1849, Jessamine Brady has been in the Shaker Village for half her 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?
The thousands of loyal fans of Gabhart's Shaker novels will love this entrancing story of learning to trust the gifts God gives us and let him guide us through life.
The thousands of loyal fans of Gabhart's Shaker novels will love this entrancing story of learning to trust the gifts God gives us and let him guide us through life.
436 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
49 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Ann H. Gabhart
49 books1,056 followersAnn H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. At the age of ten, she started dreaming of writing stories others would want to read. That dream has come true as she's published over thirty-five novels. She and her husband have three children married to three beautiful in-law children who have gifted her nine grandchildren. She still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dogs, reading, and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, was a best-seller and was followed up by two more stories about the Merritt sisters. She keeps her stories in Kentucky and has enjoyed going to the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains for some stories including These Healing Hills and Along a Storied Trail. And if you like mysteries, you can try her Hidden Springs Mysteries published under the author name, A.H. Gabhart. Visit Ann's website http://annhgabhart.com to find out more. There you can sign up for her newsletter where she does giveaways several times a year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 8, 2012
The Gifted is full of a lot of detail about the Shaker lifestyle and I found that very interesting. I learned quite a lot about it and that was very nice! However, the story seemed too long and drawn out. I think the book would have been more enjoyable to me had it been about 100 pages shorter. Some books can be over 400 pages and just fly by leaving you wanting more, while other ones can take forever to get through. This book definitely falls into the latter category, as it took me over a month and a half to read! I would start it and within about 15 pages or so begin to get so bored with it that I had to stop reading it. When this happened over the course of a week, I decided to set it aside for awhile and come back to it later, thinking that maybe reading a different book and then going back would make a difference - it didn't. So I kept reading it in 10-20 page increments (if I hadn't, my rating would have probably been lower and that would have been unfair to the author because the book is well written - it just was not connecting with me). After reaching the halfway point, I was able to read the rest almost straight through. The last 100 or so pages were very enjoyable, but the ending was just eh.
I enjoyed the way the story would switch from Jessamine's POV to Tristan's POV and then the occasional journal entry by Sister Sophrena - I loved those!
I liked Jessamine, she was such a lovable character. She reminded me a lot of Tammy from the movie Tammy and the Bachelor. Just like Tammy, Jessamine was very innocent/naive and trusting of people because she had led a very sheltered life - first being raised by her grandmother for the first 10 or so years of her life and then by the Shakers.
Tristan, on the other hand, I found very annoying because he seemed so weak willed. His mother wanted him to marry a woman from a wealthy family to help save the family's troubled business, but he wanted to marry for love. Instead of being firm about what he wanted, he kowtowed to his mother's wishes and courted Laura, while at the same time pining for Jessamine.
The people who lived in Harmony Hill were quite different from each other. Sister Sophrena was caring, she always seemed to want the best for Jessamine. Even when she had to bring up things that Jessamine did that were against their code, she did it with love and kindness. Sister Edna, on the other hand, was always quick to harp about every little thing she perceived Jessamine did wrong, while at times she was guilty of some of the same. Sometimes I just wanted to shake that Shaker! Edna was SO annoying!
The story seemed way too predictable to me. Even though the story tries to be vague about several things, I had a strong inkling who was behind the trouble and what the final outcome of the book was going to be (and I don't just mean what Jessamine was going to choose) - and for the most part I was correct. This might not have been such a big deal to me had it not seemed as though these things were supposed to be a surprise (or in some cases, a shock).
Though this book did not do it for me, I think people who love Shaker novels (and maybe even those that LOVE Amish books) will probably enjoy it.
“Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
I enjoyed the way the story would switch from Jessamine's POV to Tristan's POV and then the occasional journal entry by Sister Sophrena - I loved those!
I liked Jessamine, she was such a lovable character. She reminded me a lot of Tammy from the movie Tammy and the Bachelor. Just like Tammy, Jessamine was very innocent/naive and trusting of people because she had led a very sheltered life - first being raised by her grandmother for the first 10 or so years of her life and then by the Shakers.
Tristan, on the other hand, I found very annoying because he seemed so weak willed. His mother wanted him to marry a woman from a wealthy family to help save the family's troubled business, but he wanted to marry for love. Instead of being firm about what he wanted, he kowtowed to his mother's wishes and courted Laura, while at the same time pining for Jessamine.
The people who lived in Harmony Hill were quite different from each other. Sister Sophrena was caring, she always seemed to want the best for Jessamine. Even when she had to bring up things that Jessamine did that were against their code, she did it with love and kindness. Sister Edna, on the other hand, was always quick to harp about every little thing she perceived Jessamine did wrong, while at times she was guilty of some of the same. Sometimes I just wanted to shake that Shaker! Edna was SO annoying!
The story seemed way too predictable to me. Even though the story tries to be vague about several things, I had a strong inkling who was behind the trouble and what the final outcome of the book was going to be (and I don't just mean what Jessamine was going to choose) - and for the most part I was correct. This might not have been such a big deal to me had it not seemed as though these things were supposed to be a surprise (or in some cases, a shock).
Though this book did not do it for me, I think people who love Shaker novels (and maybe even those that LOVE Amish books) will probably enjoy it.
“Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
July 6, 2012
A book that comes with food for thought.
Jessamine is a young Shaker woman, who has seen little of the world outside the Shaker's little sect. She cannot help but question the many rules that she is forced to obey. Her thirst for knowledge of the world grows, and one day she happens upon a wounded young man in the forest. Will Jessamine stay with the gentle Shakers, or will she go into the outside world?
The Gifted is a fascinating tale, from which I learned so much about the Shakers. I had thought I knew a little about them when I began this book, but as I kept reading, I found out how little I actually knew! Though this was a sort of gentle story, it really gave me things to think about, and I couldn't help but feel terribly sad for the Shakers because they honestly believed that what they ascribed to, was the truth.
This book had a gentle pace to it, which I think was great to really get a feel for the simple Shaker way of life. Jessamine was a delightful character, and I loved watching her grow, and her curious spirit was refreshing. I really enjoyed being able to read about what was going on with Tristan and getting to see his side of his entanglement. I think the characters were well developed, but in a way different than I am used to which was actually really nice, because I felt more like I was watching them and I wasn't as able to make snap judgements about the characters, which I liked :)
Overall, this book had a nice gentle pace to it, that at times felt like it could have been faster, but definitely gave me things to think about! This is my first time reading anything from Ms. Gabhart's Shaker series, (and this one was quite stand-alone) and I can tell you that I will definitely be reading more! I enjoyed reading about Jessamine's journey, which could be described as Jessamine finding where she belonged, and also finding bits of herself. A lovely read.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Jessamine is a young Shaker woman, who has seen little of the world outside the Shaker's little sect. She cannot help but question the many rules that she is forced to obey. Her thirst for knowledge of the world grows, and one day she happens upon a wounded young man in the forest. Will Jessamine stay with the gentle Shakers, or will she go into the outside world?
The Gifted is a fascinating tale, from which I learned so much about the Shakers. I had thought I knew a little about them when I began this book, but as I kept reading, I found out how little I actually knew! Though this was a sort of gentle story, it really gave me things to think about, and I couldn't help but feel terribly sad for the Shakers because they honestly believed that what they ascribed to, was the truth.
This book had a gentle pace to it, which I think was great to really get a feel for the simple Shaker way of life. Jessamine was a delightful character, and I loved watching her grow, and her curious spirit was refreshing. I really enjoyed being able to read about what was going on with Tristan and getting to see his side of his entanglement. I think the characters were well developed, but in a way different than I am used to which was actually really nice, because I felt more like I was watching them and I wasn't as able to make snap judgements about the characters, which I liked :)
Overall, this book had a nice gentle pace to it, that at times felt like it could have been faster, but definitely gave me things to think about! This is my first time reading anything from Ms. Gabhart's Shaker series, (and this one was quite stand-alone) and I can tell you that I will definitely be reading more! I enjoyed reading about Jessamine's journey, which could be described as Jessamine finding where she belonged, and also finding bits of herself. A lovely read.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
July 20, 2012
“Torn between duty and desire” is a hackneyed phrase, but there’s nothing hackneyed about Ann Gabhart’s newest Shaker novel, The Gifted. The compelling plot had me reading until I could no longer hold my eyes open.
Jessamine Brady has lived in a Shaker village since she was ten years old. She embraces their beliefs and ways of love, but as she approaches twenty-one, the age of decision, she longs to learn more about the world before she turns her back on it forever. Shakers believe in duty to God and one another, with no room for imagining or flights of fancy. Unfortunately, Jessamine’s mind is often filled with both.
When she and another Shaker sister find Tristan Cooper wounded in the woods near their village, Jessamine helps him onto his horse and the two girls take him to a doctor in the village. As he recuperates, Tristan is intrigued by Jessamine, the beautiful girl with the cornflower blue eyes. However, the time comes for him to return to his obligations in the world.
The conflict that fills both Jessamine and Tristan’s hearts makes for an absorbing story. They both have good reasons to remain apart forever. To say more would spoil the plot.
I enjoyed all the details about life in a Shaker village. Ann Gabhart is respectful and accurate in her recounting of a religious group that flowered in the mid-nineteenth century.
The Gifted is a book I’m happy to recommend.
My thanks to Revell for providing my review copy.
July 8, 2012
There is only one word to describe this book. Rich. Rich in history, rich in description, rich in story line. I have always been a fan of Ms. Gabhart's Shaker books but this one was especially outstanding. I love how she moved the story from the Shaker world to the outside world with such ease. I truly enjoyed this story. It kept me reading long into the night.
Jessamine Brady was taken to the Shakers upon the death of her Grandmother when she was 10 years old. She doesn't remember much of the outside world but she does remember her Grandmother and how she encouraged Jessamine to follow her dreams. Something very hard to do among the Shakers. Then one day an incident happens that changes everything. It comes in the form of Tristan Cooper. But that is just the beginning. There is another bigger surprise waiting for Jessamine just around the corner and the conflicting feelings and emotions she has make this a wonderful story. Comfortable in her Shaker world but wanting to experience the outside world, Jessamine has trouble living in both worlds. Will she experience everything her Grandmother told her about? Will she be able to exist outside the Shaker world if she has to?
This book, as with all Ms. Gabhart's Shaker books, was so well researched the reader gets a history lesson they didn't expect that is gently woven into a wonderfully realistic story. Although I love all of her Shaker books, this one is at the top of the list. Not to be missed and highly recommended.
Jessamine Brady was taken to the Shakers upon the death of her Grandmother when she was 10 years old. She doesn't remember much of the outside world but she does remember her Grandmother and how she encouraged Jessamine to follow her dreams. Something very hard to do among the Shakers. Then one day an incident happens that changes everything. It comes in the form of Tristan Cooper. But that is just the beginning. There is another bigger surprise waiting for Jessamine just around the corner and the conflicting feelings and emotions she has make this a wonderful story. Comfortable in her Shaker world but wanting to experience the outside world, Jessamine has trouble living in both worlds. Will she experience everything her Grandmother told her about? Will she be able to exist outside the Shaker world if she has to?
This book, as with all Ms. Gabhart's Shaker books, was so well researched the reader gets a history lesson they didn't expect that is gently woven into a wonderfully realistic story. Although I love all of her Shaker books, this one is at the top of the list. Not to be missed and highly recommended.
July 7, 2012
4.5 Stars
I always enjoy Ann H. Gabhart's Shaker novels, and this one is no exception. I may have liked this one even more than the others that I have read previously.
Jessamine was a great heroine, she definitely had her own mind even though she lived in the restricted Shaker community. I think this was very realistic because the Shaker lifestyle did have a lot of positives and benefits, which Jessamine acknowledged and appreciated. The Shakers took her in when she was only 10 and her grandmother passed away. Since then, she always had a great home, a roof over her head, and meals on the table. However, there were many drawbacks and restrictions to their lifestyle which she felt stifled her personal freedom. I think Jessamine's story could be a lot of real-life Shaker's stories.
I feel like the author explained the Shaker beliefs a lot more in this book than in her other novels. I liked reading the sayings and teachings that Jessamine had heard over the years, some good and some not so good. It really enriched the setting and helped me learn more about the Shakers and how they lived.
Overall, another great Shaker novel by this author.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
August 11, 2018
This is the fifth volume of Ann H. Gabhart's Shaker series, and I liked it just as much as I like the first four books. As I expected, this novel was well written, and the characters were well drawn and interesting. The historical setting among this short lived cult was also intriguing as well because I believe that if a novel also makes you think of what you believe and why as well as entertains, it is a bonus to a well written story.
July 1, 2019
Great book! From page 1 until the end
Loved this book and the series! Each book is well worth the time to read! From page 1 through the end. Ann H. Gabhart captured the lives of the Shakers and draws you into this private group of people who are located in Kentucky and famous for their dance worship. I couldn't put this one down!!
Loved this book and the series! Each book is well worth the time to read! From page 1 through the end. Ann H. Gabhart captured the lives of the Shakers and draws you into this private group of people who are located in Kentucky and famous for their dance worship. I couldn't put this one down!!
July 24, 2018
Six out of five stars! Couldn’t put it down!
February 8, 2020
an interesting book about the Shakers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
Gifted, The Gabhart, Ann* * 4 Hist.F orphaned girl grow up w/ Shakers decides to leave w/ her father. expects culture shock in "the world" finds person for herself & love 2013 8/14/2013
October 23, 2024
very good book
May 6, 2025
This was absolutely the best of the whole series. Lots of action and you never see the climax coming!
July 2, 2012
This is my first encounter with a novel based on Shaker life. The Shakers like the Amish hold a fascination with folks today because their beliefs and life styles are so vastly different from that which we are accustomed. I was vaguely familiar with the beliefs of the Shakers and their strict separation of men and women. But this book with it's authentically researched storyline was a true eye opener.
I found it difficult to read because of my feelings that it was just so wrong for people to give themselves so completely and without reservation to the Shaker belief system and life. It is little wonder to me that the Shaker beliefs and communities have died out. Now about this book.....
Jessamine Brady was taken to the Shaker village of Harmony Hill when she was but 10 years old because there was no where else for her to go and no one to care for her. She was well cared for and taught the Shaker religious beliefs and way of life by the senior Sisters. She struggled with memories of stories (make believe) that her Grandmother had told her and dreams of life outside of the Shaker village. However, make believe was a sin as was any thought of the outside world. Shaker community life consisted of work, prayer, food (in silence), sleep, and worship. Nothing else was allowed.
Their worship consisted of learned dance steps that they did as a group basically separated - men on one side of the room and women on the other. Stomping, fainting, whirling.
Jessamine was out in the woods with another Sister picking berries when they heard a gun and investigated. They found a man from the outside world unconscious and with a head wound. They took him back to Harmony Hill for care. Thus Tristan Cooper enters the scene. This opens the door to Jessamine to the outside world and the dreams from her past.
The book is lengthy (431 pages) and the internal struggles of Jessamine and descriptions of Shaker life are extensive. To me it was sad. I appreciated the dedication of the Shakers to their faith, but it was depressive to see such repression of thinking, expression, care. There was actually evil contention (in my opinion) by Sisters against Jessamine for perceived sins.
Jessamine does get a taste of the world and the impact on her is difficult. She sees worldly beauty, but she also gets to thoroughly enjoy the birds singing and the beauty of flowers and woods and clouds and sky - a sin to enjoy such in the Shaker community.
Her heart is touched with emotions for Tristan that in Shaker life she must repress, but in the world she does not need to repress as a sin. Will she be able to conform for a lifetime of Shaker life and its separation from the world or will she embrace her heart's feelings and be able to live in the World?
CLICK HERE TO READ EXCERPT (PDF FORMAT)http://www.revellbooks.com/Media/Medi...
I enjoyed the book and the tender story. I would recommend the book to anyone who desires a sweet story, an authentically research insight into Shaker life and beliefs, and a well-written book.
Information about Shakers: http://www.shakerworkshops.com/resour...
About the author: Ann H. Gabhart lived near a restored Shaker village in Kentucky and has thoroughly research the material for this book in her Shaker life series.
DISCLOSURE: I was provide a complimentary copy of "The Gift" by Ann H. Gabart and Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for the purpose of rendering my honest review and opinion. No compensation was given.
I found it difficult to read because of my feelings that it was just so wrong for people to give themselves so completely and without reservation to the Shaker belief system and life. It is little wonder to me that the Shaker beliefs and communities have died out. Now about this book.....
Jessamine Brady was taken to the Shaker village of Harmony Hill when she was but 10 years old because there was no where else for her to go and no one to care for her. She was well cared for and taught the Shaker religious beliefs and way of life by the senior Sisters. She struggled with memories of stories (make believe) that her Grandmother had told her and dreams of life outside of the Shaker village. However, make believe was a sin as was any thought of the outside world. Shaker community life consisted of work, prayer, food (in silence), sleep, and worship. Nothing else was allowed.
Their worship consisted of learned dance steps that they did as a group basically separated - men on one side of the room and women on the other. Stomping, fainting, whirling.
Jessamine was out in the woods with another Sister picking berries when they heard a gun and investigated. They found a man from the outside world unconscious and with a head wound. They took him back to Harmony Hill for care. Thus Tristan Cooper enters the scene. This opens the door to Jessamine to the outside world and the dreams from her past.
The book is lengthy (431 pages) and the internal struggles of Jessamine and descriptions of Shaker life are extensive. To me it was sad. I appreciated the dedication of the Shakers to their faith, but it was depressive to see such repression of thinking, expression, care. There was actually evil contention (in my opinion) by Sisters against Jessamine for perceived sins.
Jessamine does get a taste of the world and the impact on her is difficult. She sees worldly beauty, but she also gets to thoroughly enjoy the birds singing and the beauty of flowers and woods and clouds and sky - a sin to enjoy such in the Shaker community.
Her heart is touched with emotions for Tristan that in Shaker life she must repress, but in the world she does not need to repress as a sin. Will she be able to conform for a lifetime of Shaker life and its separation from the world or will she embrace her heart's feelings and be able to live in the World?
CLICK HERE TO READ EXCERPT (PDF FORMAT)http://www.revellbooks.com/Media/Medi...
I enjoyed the book and the tender story. I would recommend the book to anyone who desires a sweet story, an authentically research insight into Shaker life and beliefs, and a well-written book.
Information about Shakers: http://www.shakerworkshops.com/resour...
About the author: Ann H. Gabhart lived near a restored Shaker village in Kentucky and has thoroughly research the material for this book in her Shaker life series.
DISCLOSURE: I was provide a complimentary copy of "The Gift" by Ann H. Gabart and Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for the purpose of rendering my honest review and opinion. No compensation was given.
July 2, 2012
Story Description:
Baker Publishing Group|July 1, 2012|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-8007-3455-8
By 1849, Jessamine Brady has been in the Shaker Village for half her 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? The thousands of loyal fans of Gabhart’s Shaker novels will love this entrancing story of learning to trust the gifts God gives us and let him guide us through life.
My Review:
Nineteen-year-old, Jessamine Brady has been part of the Shaker Village at Harmony Hill since she was ten-years-old after her grandmother died and there was no one left to care for her. Jessamine has difficulty conforming to the rules and regulations of the village and often dreams of the ‘outside’ world which gets her into trouble with the older sisters. She is known for not being the most sensible sister in their village.
Sister Jessamine and Sister Annie were given the task of berry picking in the woods. Of course, with Jessamine’s natural propensity for seeing the more curious and unknown things in life, wanders further and further into the woods. Sister Anne is beside herself with worry for she knew they’d wandered too far. Suddenly they heard gunshots and something crashing through the bushes. Frightened, they hid behind a tree expecting to see a bear and a man coming after it shooting. Jessamine peeks out and sees a horse with a saddle but no rider. She strokes the horses face and begins to walk back behind the hose where she finds an injured man with a large bleeding gash in his head and one of his arms is bent at an unusual angle, obviously broken. Sister Anne is terrified and now knows they are going to be in a heap of trouble when Sister Sophrena finds out how far they wandered and what they’ve stumbled upon. Sister Anne is so mad that she tells Jessamine she is never going berry picking in the woods with her again.
The two sisters struggle to get the stranger up onto his horse with Sister Jessamine riding in the saddle in front of him for support and they set off to find help at Harmony Hill. However, Sister Jessamine is going to be in a heap of trouble for the sins she has committed this day, especially sitting in a saddle with a man!
Back at Harmony Hill the man is doctored and bandaged and given medication to help him sleep in order to aid with his pain. Over the course of the three days he spends there, he and Jessamine realize they have a connection? A connection that is more than just friendly.
Will Jessamine, with her curiousness for the outside world leave this stranger for a whole new world, or will her teachings of God and the strict upbringing she’s had force her to stay at Harmony Hill?
Ann Gabhart’s THE GIFTED is a beautiful story of growing up, innocence, and learning to trust God and appreciating the gifts He gives to us. You won’t be able to put this one down.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
Baker Publishing Group|July 1, 2012|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-8007-3455-8
By 1849, Jessamine Brady has been in the Shaker Village for half her 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? The thousands of loyal fans of Gabhart’s Shaker novels will love this entrancing story of learning to trust the gifts God gives us and let him guide us through life.
My Review:
Nineteen-year-old, Jessamine Brady has been part of the Shaker Village at Harmony Hill since she was ten-years-old after her grandmother died and there was no one left to care for her. Jessamine has difficulty conforming to the rules and regulations of the village and often dreams of the ‘outside’ world which gets her into trouble with the older sisters. She is known for not being the most sensible sister in their village.
Sister Jessamine and Sister Annie were given the task of berry picking in the woods. Of course, with Jessamine’s natural propensity for seeing the more curious and unknown things in life, wanders further and further into the woods. Sister Anne is beside herself with worry for she knew they’d wandered too far. Suddenly they heard gunshots and something crashing through the bushes. Frightened, they hid behind a tree expecting to see a bear and a man coming after it shooting. Jessamine peeks out and sees a horse with a saddle but no rider. She strokes the horses face and begins to walk back behind the hose where she finds an injured man with a large bleeding gash in his head and one of his arms is bent at an unusual angle, obviously broken. Sister Anne is terrified and now knows they are going to be in a heap of trouble when Sister Sophrena finds out how far they wandered and what they’ve stumbled upon. Sister Anne is so mad that she tells Jessamine she is never going berry picking in the woods with her again.
The two sisters struggle to get the stranger up onto his horse with Sister Jessamine riding in the saddle in front of him for support and they set off to find help at Harmony Hill. However, Sister Jessamine is going to be in a heap of trouble for the sins she has committed this day, especially sitting in a saddle with a man!
Back at Harmony Hill the man is doctored and bandaged and given medication to help him sleep in order to aid with his pain. Over the course of the three days he spends there, he and Jessamine realize they have a connection? A connection that is more than just friendly.
Will Jessamine, with her curiousness for the outside world leave this stranger for a whole new world, or will her teachings of God and the strict upbringing she’s had force her to stay at Harmony Hill?
Ann Gabhart’s THE GIFTED is a beautiful story of growing up, innocence, and learning to trust God and appreciating the gifts He gives to us. You won’t be able to put this one down.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
August 15, 2012
I love to read novels about the Amish and Mennonites. I think it brings a sense of peace to me to share in the simple way of life that these two communities of people live. I had not read anything about the Shakers, however, until I read “The Gifted” by Ann H. Gabhart. My husband and I had visited Pleasant Hill, Kentucky for a week one night. Yes, that’s what I said and I meant it. The sidewalks rolled up at 6:00 pm. It wasn’t the most exciting trip we’d ever taken. I couldn’t wait to leave the place. I guess that was when I was much younger. Now I would relish spending some time in a simple, peaceful place such as Jessamine did in Harmony Hill.
“The Gift” is the story of a Shaker community. The Shakers were a people who simply wanted a very peaceful way of life. However their founder, Sister Ann Lee, evidently thought that everything worldly was a sin. Men and women were entirely separated, never to touch or to have any sort of relationship. The eyes of those bidden to watch for evil were everywhere. Young girls and young men were especially watched so that there was no fraternization at all. You might wonder how they thought to grow their community if there were no babies born. Orphaned children were often brought to the Shakers to raise and whole families often joined and in that way their communities grew, at least for a time. Their existence was only to labor for God and Sister Ann. Any transgressions of speech or actions were expected to be confessed to another Shaker. Sister Jessamine had been brought to the Shaker community upon the death of her great-grandmother. Her mother was dead; her father had left and not returned for her. Sister Jesssamine enjoyed God’s beautiful things on earth, which was frowned upon. One day, she and another Sister were out gathering berries when they happened upon a young man who had been shot and thrown from his horse. Against the Shaker way, instead of going for help, they brought the young man, Tristan Cooper, to their village to be tended to. Sister Jessamine was quite taken by this fair young man and could not help wondering what was so wrong about a love between a man and woman, which was forbidden by the community of Believers. This is the story of Jessamine, her desire to experience the world and her guilt in sinning against the Shaker rules by doing so.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I saw that it is possible that people who have been disillusioned or hurt by circumstances in their lives might want to live a peaceful existence such as the Shakers. Being the type of person that I am, I would never have been able to exist in such a rigid atmosphere. One was constantly being criticized and watched for signs that they were not fully attentive to the Shaker rules of Sister Ann and the Ministry. However, someone who is so desiring of a peaceful life might see the merit in living as a Shaker. You really need to read this book. It gives so much to think about even in the times in which we live today. I found myself trying to determine how I could make my life more peaceful and simple. ‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book for my honest review from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.
You can find my review on my blog:
http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com/...
“The Gift” is the story of a Shaker community. The Shakers were a people who simply wanted a very peaceful way of life. However their founder, Sister Ann Lee, evidently thought that everything worldly was a sin. Men and women were entirely separated, never to touch or to have any sort of relationship. The eyes of those bidden to watch for evil were everywhere. Young girls and young men were especially watched so that there was no fraternization at all. You might wonder how they thought to grow their community if there were no babies born. Orphaned children were often brought to the Shakers to raise and whole families often joined and in that way their communities grew, at least for a time. Their existence was only to labor for God and Sister Ann. Any transgressions of speech or actions were expected to be confessed to another Shaker. Sister Jessamine had been brought to the Shaker community upon the death of her great-grandmother. Her mother was dead; her father had left and not returned for her. Sister Jesssamine enjoyed God’s beautiful things on earth, which was frowned upon. One day, she and another Sister were out gathering berries when they happened upon a young man who had been shot and thrown from his horse. Against the Shaker way, instead of going for help, they brought the young man, Tristan Cooper, to their village to be tended to. Sister Jessamine was quite taken by this fair young man and could not help wondering what was so wrong about a love between a man and woman, which was forbidden by the community of Believers. This is the story of Jessamine, her desire to experience the world and her guilt in sinning against the Shaker rules by doing so.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I saw that it is possible that people who have been disillusioned or hurt by circumstances in their lives might want to live a peaceful existence such as the Shakers. Being the type of person that I am, I would never have been able to exist in such a rigid atmosphere. One was constantly being criticized and watched for signs that they were not fully attentive to the Shaker rules of Sister Ann and the Ministry. However, someone who is so desiring of a peaceful life might see the merit in living as a Shaker. You really need to read this book. It gives so much to think about even in the times in which we live today. I found myself trying to determine how I could make my life more peaceful and simple. ‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book for my honest review from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.
You can find my review on my blog:
http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com/...
July 9, 2012
The Gifted by Ann Gabhart is the fifth book in her popular Shaker series about the unusual religious group of the 19th century. Jessamine Brady is a true innocent in the world. The first half of her of life was spent living with her granny, isolated in the woods and listening to the old woman's fairy tales and stories about the Lord. The last half of her life has been spent among the Shakers. When Jessamine was just ten, her granny died, leaving her alone in the world, so she was taken in by the community. She loves working with her hands and worshiping the Lord, but poor Jessamine has never been able to completely follow all of the rules as set forth by the Shakers. She has stories and songs that fill her heart, but are forbidden as sinful, and she has a deep curiousity about the outside world, especially on this one day, parasols, which leads her deeper and deeper into the woods, hoping to encounter White Oak Springs, a fashionable spa where the ladies are known to carry them. Instead of seeing a parasol, Jessamine finds a man who appears to have fallen off of his horse after being shot at. He claims to have no memory of who he is, and Jessamine can't quite seem to keep her hand from touching his face and enjoying the feel of the stubble on his face. Tristan Cooper did indeed lose his memory at first and thought he had been discovered by an angel. Later when his memory returns, he decides to keep that knowledge hidden while he recovers in the Shaker community in order to find out just who would be shooting at him and why. Tristan and Jessamine can't seem to stop thinking about each other, so she is soon in trouble with the elders for breaking too many rules, and he is sent on his way back to the world. Gabhart is terrific at recreating the mysterious world and religion of the Shakers, and she manages to do so without being overly negative about some of their stranger practices. Jessamine is such an innocent that everyone (including readers) who meet her can't help but be drawn to her sweet nature and love of life. Tristan is more of a cipher, despite Gabhart's attempts, I couldn't quite get a grasp of just who he was, and I felt the same way about Sheldon Brady. Because I couldn't relate to either of them, this book didn't have the power for me of previous books in this series. Something was missing just a bit in this volume, so it isn't up the five star status of the other books, but it's still a fascinating read.
July 8, 2012
Jessamine was left with Granny when her mother died soon after childbirth. Raised the first ten years of her life in a secluded cabin in the woods, she was taken to the Shakers at Harmony Hill when Granny stopped breathing one day. At the beginning of the novel, she has been with them for nine years absorbing their teaching, but as she approaches the time to sign her Covenant, she has more questions of which the Shakers do not approve.
When she finds an injured man and brings him back to Harmony Hill for his wounds to be treated, she can't stop thinking about the handsome stranger. His presence only adds to her confusion regarding the teachings she has received. When he leaves the community, she thinks she will never see him again. But when Sister Sophrena finds the letter that was meant to be given to Jessamine on her 12th birthday, everything begins to change. Soon, Jessamine has to make a choice between the quiet, simple Shaker community and the world in which she has never lived.
When this novel came up for review, I practically jumped through the laptop trying to get it. I have been fascinated by the Shakers ever since my childhood in Kentucky when we visited the Shaker Village at South Union. The market has not been flooded with fictional novels about the Shakers as it has been with the Amish, so this was exciting news. This was the first of Ms. Gabhart's novels that I have had the chance to read, but I loved it. Her knowledge of the Shakers is phenomenal. Occasionally the dialogue seemed a little uneven and stilted, but then again, 9 years with the Shakers might have caused a person to sound like that. It was a very well written novel and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or has enjoyed the Amish fiction but needs a break from that subject.
4 very happy stars
“Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
When she finds an injured man and brings him back to Harmony Hill for his wounds to be treated, she can't stop thinking about the handsome stranger. His presence only adds to her confusion regarding the teachings she has received. When he leaves the community, she thinks she will never see him again. But when Sister Sophrena finds the letter that was meant to be given to Jessamine on her 12th birthday, everything begins to change. Soon, Jessamine has to make a choice between the quiet, simple Shaker community and the world in which she has never lived.
When this novel came up for review, I practically jumped through the laptop trying to get it. I have been fascinated by the Shakers ever since my childhood in Kentucky when we visited the Shaker Village at South Union. The market has not been flooded with fictional novels about the Shakers as it has been with the Amish, so this was exciting news. This was the first of Ms. Gabhart's novels that I have had the chance to read, but I loved it. Her knowledge of the Shakers is phenomenal. Occasionally the dialogue seemed a little uneven and stilted, but then again, 9 years with the Shakers might have caused a person to sound like that. It was a very well written novel and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or has enjoyed the Amish fiction but needs a break from that subject.
4 very happy stars
“Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
September 10, 2012
"The Gifted" by Ann Gabhart
This is the last book if the Shakers, a group that chose to close the world out and live a celibate life- Hands to work and Hearts to God...
I loved the character Jessamine who always seem to be wanting to find out things and had not completly accepted the Shaker world. She had been brought to the community when just a young girl under 12 yrs of age. Granny had died and she had no family so a preacher man took her to the Shakers that lived nearby knowing she would have food and shelter and folks who would care about her...
The life of a Shaker was busyness from daybreak to nightfall. They had many duties and were expected to spend their day toiling. Silence at meals, silence as they walked from one duty to another -no frivolous chatting.
Jessamine and another young sister went berry picking far into the woods one day and heard a shot that began many days ahead that would be confusing to say the least. The sisters found a young man laying wounded on the ground and Jessamine felt the need to help although she knew her community would not like for these young girls to be in the company of a worldly man wounded or not. They took him back with them and the healer in their group worked to heal his wounds and he stayed with them some days because he did not know who he was "at first".
Jessamine was drawn to his difference and her thoughts strayed from her Shaker ways...
The Shakers had a letter that had been given to them not long after Jessamine had came to them but because she was so young they kept it many years -waiting till she was older-before it was opened and she was told that she had a worldly father who had loved her and wanted to share his life with her. Now she must make decisions...
Would she stay in her safe little world or open the door to another world by accepting this Father she had not known she had?
Reading the story of Jessamine -you will "feel" her thoughts tumbling one after another and the confusion she must pull into "order".
I am thankful Ann Gabhart chose to tell us the story of "The Shakers" , you will learm much from reading this story.
This is the last book if the Shakers, a group that chose to close the world out and live a celibate life- Hands to work and Hearts to God...
I loved the character Jessamine who always seem to be wanting to find out things and had not completly accepted the Shaker world. She had been brought to the community when just a young girl under 12 yrs of age. Granny had died and she had no family so a preacher man took her to the Shakers that lived nearby knowing she would have food and shelter and folks who would care about her...
The life of a Shaker was busyness from daybreak to nightfall. They had many duties and were expected to spend their day toiling. Silence at meals, silence as they walked from one duty to another -no frivolous chatting.
Jessamine and another young sister went berry picking far into the woods one day and heard a shot that began many days ahead that would be confusing to say the least. The sisters found a young man laying wounded on the ground and Jessamine felt the need to help although she knew her community would not like for these young girls to be in the company of a worldly man wounded or not. They took him back with them and the healer in their group worked to heal his wounds and he stayed with them some days because he did not know who he was "at first".
Jessamine was drawn to his difference and her thoughts strayed from her Shaker ways...
The Shakers had a letter that had been given to them not long after Jessamine had came to them but because she was so young they kept it many years -waiting till she was older-before it was opened and she was told that she had a worldly father who had loved her and wanted to share his life with her. Now she must make decisions...
Would she stay in her safe little world or open the door to another world by accepting this Father she had not known she had?
Reading the story of Jessamine -you will "feel" her thoughts tumbling one after another and the confusion she must pull into "order".
I am thankful Ann Gabhart chose to tell us the story of "The Shakers" , you will learm much from reading this story.
July 3, 2012
Jessamine Brady was brought to the Shaker village of Harmony Hill in central Kentucky at ten years of age when her grandmother died. The Shakers lived celibate lives and adhered to strict rules to keep them from worldly influences. In their village, she received love and care but struggled against the constraints on her free spirit and the squelching of her love of writing. Now in the year 1849 at age 20, she is approaching the time when she must decide if she will stay and take the covenant to join them for the rest of her life, giving up her dreams of the promised prince coming for her that she remembers from her grandmother’s tales.
While looking for berries in the woods, she and a Shaker friend rescue a “man of the world,” Travis Cooper, who has been shot and has lost his memory. They take him back to the village for medical treatment. Jessamine’s simple life is thrown into turmoil as she experiences feelings and longings forbidden in her Shaker world.
Her mentor, Sister Sophrena, recalls and finds a letter that was delivered for young Jessamine soon after she arrived at their village that was held for her until she was older. It further confuses her as she learns of her real father, who had left her in her granny’s care until she would reach age 12. At that time she was to be given the choice to join him in his life of adventure and storytelling. How was she now to find him, these many years later? And if she did, what should she choose – her father, her prince, or her Shaker life?
Ann Gabhart wove a captivating story, with the adventures, heartaches, and spiritual insights Jessamine experienced as she tried to discover her purpose in life. The interesting twists in the plot made it a hard book to put down. I was also intrigued as I learned much about the Shaker culture, along with some Kentucky history and geography of an area where I have family members living. The characters and story line were nicely developed and I highly recommend this book.
Suanne Shidler
While looking for berries in the woods, she and a Shaker friend rescue a “man of the world,” Travis Cooper, who has been shot and has lost his memory. They take him back to the village for medical treatment. Jessamine’s simple life is thrown into turmoil as she experiences feelings and longings forbidden in her Shaker world.
Her mentor, Sister Sophrena, recalls and finds a letter that was delivered for young Jessamine soon after she arrived at their village that was held for her until she was older. It further confuses her as she learns of her real father, who had left her in her granny’s care until she would reach age 12. At that time she was to be given the choice to join him in his life of adventure and storytelling. How was she now to find him, these many years later? And if she did, what should she choose – her father, her prince, or her Shaker life?
Ann Gabhart wove a captivating story, with the adventures, heartaches, and spiritual insights Jessamine experienced as she tried to discover her purpose in life. The interesting twists in the plot made it a hard book to put down. I was also intrigued as I learned much about the Shaker culture, along with some Kentucky history and geography of an area where I have family members living. The characters and story line were nicely developed and I highly recommend this book.
Suanne Shidler
July 9, 2012
The Gifted is a book that called to me to be read, because never before have I read a novel about the Shakers - and their beliefs are fascinating indeed! It is clear that Gabhart has done careful research into their simple ways of living, their beliefs against the "sin" of marriage, their manner of speech and dress. The novels has an air of authenticity, and I felt like I had been immersed back into time and truly entered a Shaker village. Jessamine's character is an original one, with her free nature constraining against the numerous rules of the Shaker community, her curious moments of wondering leading her into one predicament after another! Her longings to know a father's love and also to experience the romance that grows between a man and a woman both make for interesting story lines in a wonderful historical setting. My only fault with the book is that I felt that after the initial chapters, the book seemed to slow down quite a bit for the fist half, with a number of the chapters spent mostly in the memories or past of the characters without much action to move them forward. Consequently, I found this to be a less interesting read than Gabhart's last book, Words Spoken True, a book that I gave a very high rating.
Still, while I myself have not had the pleasure of reading Gabhart's previous Shaker novels, I have no doubt that fans of her prior books will find this a delightful read. The last part of the book moved along quickly, containing plenty of action-packed drama, romance, and a wonderful conclusion. The beliefs of the Shakers, misguided as they are, also contain an attractive call to simpler living. Their beliefs make an interesting backdrop for this story, providing a contrast that proves God's true plans for our lives to be all the sweeter indeed.
I give this book a rating of 3.5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Still, while I myself have not had the pleasure of reading Gabhart's previous Shaker novels, I have no doubt that fans of her prior books will find this a delightful read. The last part of the book moved along quickly, containing plenty of action-packed drama, romance, and a wonderful conclusion. The beliefs of the Shakers, misguided as they are, also contain an attractive call to simpler living. Their beliefs make an interesting backdrop for this story, providing a contrast that proves God's true plans for our lives to be all the sweeter indeed.
I give this book a rating of 3.5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
August 1, 2012
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
Ann Gabhart has done another fabulous job with the fourth book in her Shaker Series, The Gifted. I've only read one other book from the series, The Blessed, and while that one was good, I enjoyed The Gifted even more. And I never expected the bit of suspense and action that happened near the end—nice bonus that kept me glued to the pages.
Dear, sweet Jessamine was such a beautiful character—both inwardly and outwardly. She had such an innocence and complete joy about her, I easily feel in love with her. Her quiet submission to the Shakers and her desire to obey God above all was so admirable. And seeing the world through her eyes, when she leaves the Shakers, gives you a different, new perspective of things we take for granted.
I can’t imagine being a Shaker. From Jessamine’s exuberant point-of-view, you really saw how they took the joy out of God’s creation. They never marveled at the beauty He has created. To me, that was just as bad as their strict celibacy rule. The Shakers beliefs are so…out there! I mean, I kept marveling how the Shakers (false) doctrine was based on one woman who ‘claimed’ she had a vision from the Lord.
And talk about no privacy and a plethora of talebearers! As I read along about Jessamine’s life among them, I was beginning to feel smothered by them! Needless to say, I wouldn’t last 5 minutes as a Shaker. But it is still very interesting to read about. Gabhart goes into such detail about their life and beleifs! Her writing style is nice and puts you in the moment, though she does have a way of going down "rabbit trails", so to speak, which was a bit tedious at times. I confess to even skimming a few pages. But besides this fact, everything about the book was enjoyable—from the characters, to the plot, to the romance. Loved it all!
Ann Gabhart has done another fabulous job with the fourth book in her Shaker Series, The Gifted. I've only read one other book from the series, The Blessed, and while that one was good, I enjoyed The Gifted even more. And I never expected the bit of suspense and action that happened near the end—nice bonus that kept me glued to the pages.
Dear, sweet Jessamine was such a beautiful character—both inwardly and outwardly. She had such an innocence and complete joy about her, I easily feel in love with her. Her quiet submission to the Shakers and her desire to obey God above all was so admirable. And seeing the world through her eyes, when she leaves the Shakers, gives you a different, new perspective of things we take for granted.
I can’t imagine being a Shaker. From Jessamine’s exuberant point-of-view, you really saw how they took the joy out of God’s creation. They never marveled at the beauty He has created. To me, that was just as bad as their strict celibacy rule. The Shakers beliefs are so…out there! I mean, I kept marveling how the Shakers (false) doctrine was based on one woman who ‘claimed’ she had a vision from the Lord.
And talk about no privacy and a plethora of talebearers! As I read along about Jessamine’s life among them, I was beginning to feel smothered by them! Needless to say, I wouldn’t last 5 minutes as a Shaker. But it is still very interesting to read about. Gabhart goes into such detail about their life and beleifs! Her writing style is nice and puts you in the moment, though she does have a way of going down "rabbit trails", so to speak, which was a bit tedious at times. I confess to even skimming a few pages. But besides this fact, everything about the book was enjoyable—from the characters, to the plot, to the romance. Loved it all!
July 3, 2012
This recent book I received for review is the next book written by famous author, Ann Gabhart. I have to admit, The Gifted gave me a lot of information about the Shaker religion. Needless to say, makes me very glad I am not a member of the Shakers!
The plot of this book was pretty interesting. A young girl whose father takes off and her mother dies at childbirth so she is given to the grandmother to raise. Through some different circumstances she is not given a letter from her father and when the grandmother dies, she is taken to a Shaker community. She is then raised by the Shakers for many years, all the while she has a hard time obeying their rules and directions. Then she is out picking berries with one of the other sisters and hears a gunshot. She finds a man who has been shot and then helps him, even though it is against the rules of the Shakers. The story takes a lot of turns at this point.
One thing I really found interesting was the beliefs of the Shakers. It is amazing what false doctrine is out there and how people think that their religion is all based on following the visions of a woman. This religion believes there are no marriages allowed as it is sin. I don't know how they think their religion will continue to flourish without marriage? Totally false beliefs and very interesting to read about.
Overall this was a good book. Neat to read about a different religion but I don't know if I will read another one. Just kind of weird. If you are into that type of thing, this book was very good otherwise. I liked the story of Tristan and Jessamine and the romance was pretty good. Good history as well.
Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
The plot of this book was pretty interesting. A young girl whose father takes off and her mother dies at childbirth so she is given to the grandmother to raise. Through some different circumstances she is not given a letter from her father and when the grandmother dies, she is taken to a Shaker community. She is then raised by the Shakers for many years, all the while she has a hard time obeying their rules and directions. Then she is out picking berries with one of the other sisters and hears a gunshot. She finds a man who has been shot and then helps him, even though it is against the rules of the Shakers. The story takes a lot of turns at this point.
One thing I really found interesting was the beliefs of the Shakers. It is amazing what false doctrine is out there and how people think that their religion is all based on following the visions of a woman. This religion believes there are no marriages allowed as it is sin. I don't know how they think their religion will continue to flourish without marriage? Totally false beliefs and very interesting to read about.
Overall this was a good book. Neat to read about a different religion but I don't know if I will read another one. Just kind of weird. If you are into that type of thing, this book was very good otherwise. I liked the story of Tristan and Jessamine and the romance was pretty good. Good history as well.
Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
July 5, 2012
Jessamine lived her first 10 years 'in the World" with her Christian grandmother. When her Grandmother dies, the town has no choice but to leave Jessamine in the care of the Shakers, a simple religious group, set apart from the world.
Jessamine has a gift for words and story telling, hearing fairy tales and stories by her grandmother's side. She desires to write down her stories and words, but it is not allowed by the Shakers. She must learn to abide by their rules.
Her curiosity leads her beyond the Shaker community in search of a Spa on the otherside, simply to see a Parasol! Instead they find an injured, unconscious man that they are able to help by bringing back to the village on his horse. Jessamine feels an attraction for this man- Tristan. Sinful in the Shaker way as they live celibate as brothers and sisters.
Memories of her Grandmother speaking of the Lord along with Tristan's distant memory of his own faith and how it differs from the Shakers, leads them to doubt the Shaker path.
I live near a restored Shaker village and was excited to learn about the Shakers in this book prior to my visit to the village. I enjoy learning about history and love when historical fiction can make history come alive. I enjoyed Ann Gabharts subtle ways of showing us how our Christian faith is different than the rule driven Shaker path.
Jessamine is a strong character who so wants to do the right thing, but her curiosity is a constantly being reprimanded. The light inside her, ignited by her grandmother and prayers to the one true God, needs to be explored and searched out.
Detailed, rich history of the Shakers in an easy to read novel. I did get bogged down a little when there wasn't much action going on, but not overly so. Jessamine was so likeable that I wanted to see what happened to her at the end of the story.
Jessamine has a gift for words and story telling, hearing fairy tales and stories by her grandmother's side. She desires to write down her stories and words, but it is not allowed by the Shakers. She must learn to abide by their rules.
Her curiosity leads her beyond the Shaker community in search of a Spa on the otherside, simply to see a Parasol! Instead they find an injured, unconscious man that they are able to help by bringing back to the village on his horse. Jessamine feels an attraction for this man- Tristan. Sinful in the Shaker way as they live celibate as brothers and sisters.
Memories of her Grandmother speaking of the Lord along with Tristan's distant memory of his own faith and how it differs from the Shakers, leads them to doubt the Shaker path.
I live near a restored Shaker village and was excited to learn about the Shakers in this book prior to my visit to the village. I enjoy learning about history and love when historical fiction can make history come alive. I enjoyed Ann Gabharts subtle ways of showing us how our Christian faith is different than the rule driven Shaker path.
Jessamine is a strong character who so wants to do the right thing, but her curiosity is a constantly being reprimanded. The light inside her, ignited by her grandmother and prayers to the one true God, needs to be explored and searched out.
Detailed, rich history of the Shakers in an easy to read novel. I did get bogged down a little when there wasn't much action going on, but not overly so. Jessamine was so likeable that I wanted to see what happened to her at the end of the story.
July 4, 2012
Jessamine Brady has spent the majority of her life in the quiet Shaker village. Her natural curiosity about life and the things of the world are considered sinful. When she happens to save the life of a man of the world, her entire foundation is questioned. Tristan Cooper is running from a future he's not sure of when he wakes up in the Shaker village. Drawn by their quiet ways, he uses the time to think about his life and the direction it's taking. A startling revelation from a forgotten letter set events into motion that Jessamine is helpless to stop. Will she find the love and happiness that she longs for or will she learn to be content in the village where she's grown up in?
I have never read anything by Ann Gabhart before or about the Shakers. While I did have some trouble wrapping my head around some of the Shaker beliefs, I allowed myself to get immersed into the story. Jessamine's curiosity about the world parallels Tristan's search for answers. They both long to be free. She to use her imagination and he to live his own life. There is a refrain that the Shakers sing at their meetings that is the biggest theme of the book - the gift to be free and the gift to be simple. Both Jessamine and Tristan come to understand those gifts in their own way. I especially loved the secondary character of Sister Sophrena and her journal entries. Through her we see the struggle that Jessamine goes through. Overall this was a very good book and I'll probably try to find the others in the series to read.
I received this book for free from Revell publishers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Gifted is available in July, 2012 from your favorite bookseller courtesy of Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Rating - 4 stars
I have never read anything by Ann Gabhart before or about the Shakers. While I did have some trouble wrapping my head around some of the Shaker beliefs, I allowed myself to get immersed into the story. Jessamine's curiosity about the world parallels Tristan's search for answers. They both long to be free. She to use her imagination and he to live his own life. There is a refrain that the Shakers sing at their meetings that is the biggest theme of the book - the gift to be free and the gift to be simple. Both Jessamine and Tristan come to understand those gifts in their own way. I especially loved the secondary character of Sister Sophrena and her journal entries. Through her we see the struggle that Jessamine goes through. Overall this was a very good book and I'll probably try to find the others in the series to read.
I received this book for free from Revell publishers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Gifted is available in July, 2012 from your favorite bookseller courtesy of Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Rating - 4 stars
August 13, 2012
Jessamine Brady tries to be a good Shaker. She really does, but she often misses the mark, as questions constantly tug at her. Obedience among believers at Harmony Hill is expected, and curiosity, particularly about the outside world, is discouraged. There are, after all, many dangers in 1849 to pull believers from the right path. Yet Jessamine aches for a glimpse of the forbidden life. Unable to quell her interest, she stretches for a peek, thinking it might satisfy her restless heart.
Tristan Cooper cannot remember his name, or why someone shot him in the woods near Harmony Hill. He does recall, however, the beautiful young woman who came to his rescue. While recovering at the Village, his memory returns, but he wrestles with a decision. Should he stay sequestered among the Shakers, or return to society and fulfill family responsibilities?
Jessamine’s and Tristan’s worlds collide in an unlikely way; neither can forget their encounter. Jessamine has nowhere else to go, and has resigned to a life with the believers. Tristan longs for a purpose of his own, but is obligated to his widowed mother. Both go through the motions of accepting the life set before them. Will they continue on the paths others have chosen for them? Or will they step out on to another?
Ann Gabhart stirs a strong combination of personalities in her latest Shaker adventure. The Gifted transports readers to a different world, one where secrets and surprises await. Jessamine’s rocky journey to find her purpose tests her limits and shows her who she really is.
This engaging story will entertain, challenge, and perhaps even pull at your heartstrings a bit. I love historical fiction, and in my opinion, Ann has it down pat. Her books deliver every time.
Tristan Cooper cannot remember his name, or why someone shot him in the woods near Harmony Hill. He does recall, however, the beautiful young woman who came to his rescue. While recovering at the Village, his memory returns, but he wrestles with a decision. Should he stay sequestered among the Shakers, or return to society and fulfill family responsibilities?
Jessamine’s and Tristan’s worlds collide in an unlikely way; neither can forget their encounter. Jessamine has nowhere else to go, and has resigned to a life with the believers. Tristan longs for a purpose of his own, but is obligated to his widowed mother. Both go through the motions of accepting the life set before them. Will they continue on the paths others have chosen for them? Or will they step out on to another?
Ann Gabhart stirs a strong combination of personalities in her latest Shaker adventure. The Gifted transports readers to a different world, one where secrets and surprises await. Jessamine’s rocky journey to find her purpose tests her limits and shows her who she really is.
This engaging story will entertain, challenge, and perhaps even pull at your heartstrings a bit. I love historical fiction, and in my opinion, Ann has it down pat. Her books deliver every time.
August 22, 2012
Ann Gabhart delivers another beautifully written story. The Gifted tells the story of Jessamine, a young woman who was sent to live in a Shaker community at the age of 10 after the grandmother who had raised her died. Jessamine's vivid imagination and curiosity about the world outside the Shaker community are a continual source of problems. The strict rules of the community and the Shaker belief that the world is sinful contradict the early teachings of Jessamine's grandmother who told her stories of God's love as well as romantic love. After finding a wounded stranger in the woods Jessamine finds herself being tempted by the world even more.
The Shakers separated themselves from society much like the Amish. Each member in their society worked for the greater good of all. I found myself shocked by the way Jessamine was treated. The Shakers had members who watched to make sure their rules were followed and reported every infraction to those in authority. I couldn't help feeling that most of their members had joined after unhappy marriages or bad family lives. A religion that basically forbids love and emotion felt cold and empty to me. The Shakers claimed they loved all their brothers and sisters equally but I found them to be judgemental with very little real concern for others.
I have found a new favorite author in Ann Gabhart. She has a gift of drawing her readers into the stories she weaves and The Gifted is a perfect example of her ability to bring realism to the characters in her books. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, Christian fiction, or Christian romance.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a free Kindle copy of The Gifted through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of the book.
The Shakers separated themselves from society much like the Amish. Each member in their society worked for the greater good of all. I found myself shocked by the way Jessamine was treated. The Shakers had members who watched to make sure their rules were followed and reported every infraction to those in authority. I couldn't help feeling that most of their members had joined after unhappy marriages or bad family lives. A religion that basically forbids love and emotion felt cold and empty to me. The Shakers claimed they loved all their brothers and sisters equally but I found them to be judgemental with very little real concern for others.
I have found a new favorite author in Ann Gabhart. She has a gift of drawing her readers into the stories she weaves and The Gifted is a perfect example of her ability to bring realism to the characters in her books. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, Christian fiction, or Christian romance.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a free Kindle copy of The Gifted through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of the book.
July 6, 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.
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.
July 8, 2012
Jessamine Brady has lived in Harmony Hill Village. Although, she loves her Amish brothers and sisters, Jessamine has never felt like she really belonged. Jessamine's world gets turned upside down when she and Sister Annie go marching through the woods for berries. They hear a gun shot and then they see a man lying in the road. The man has amensia and is an outsider. Jessamine convinces Sister Annie to allow them to bring back the man to their world. AS time passes, Jessamine becomes attracted to Tristan. THis will come at a high price as Jessamine will have to decide if she wants to stay or leave.
Ever since reading Angel Sister by Ann, I have been a fan of hers. I have since read several other books by her. This is my second Amish themed book. I have been fascinated by the Amish and always thought they made for good reading.
While, I did like this book, I did feel like the pressure that Jessamine had on her to stay and become a Shaker was a bit too much. It turned me off some from the book. Jessamine had a nice personality however, it was easy to see that she did not belong in the Amish world with her sisters and brothers. I like that she was respectable to the ways and did try. Although, I did like Jessamine and Tristan. As if dating is hard enough. I can not imagine doing it the Amish way. The romance between Jessamine and Tristan was a sweet one. Ann really did a good job of detailing the Amish way and the world. The diary entries I did like reading. Overall, not a bad book. Just wanted a little less details and this book read longer then it needed to be.
Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Ever since reading Angel Sister by Ann, I have been a fan of hers. I have since read several other books by her. This is my second Amish themed book. I have been fascinated by the Amish and always thought they made for good reading.
While, I did like this book, I did feel like the pressure that Jessamine had on her to stay and become a Shaker was a bit too much. It turned me off some from the book. Jessamine had a nice personality however, it was easy to see that she did not belong in the Amish world with her sisters and brothers. I like that she was respectable to the ways and did try. Although, I did like Jessamine and Tristan. As if dating is hard enough. I can not imagine doing it the Amish way. The romance between Jessamine and Tristan was a sweet one. Ann really did a good job of detailing the Amish way and the world. The diary entries I did like reading. Overall, not a bad book. Just wanted a little less details and this book read longer then it needed to be.
Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
July 14, 2015
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Imagine growing up in a world where you can see God’s beauty all around you and follow your heart. Now imagine that world is crushed by the death of a loved one. Jessamine Brady lived in that world with her grandmother until the age of 10. When her grandmother died the Shaker community took her in. This is where I really had to pay attention. I’d heard of the Shakers but really didn’t know anything about them. I thought they were like the Amish. Boy was I wrong. I felt their beliefs were way out there, especially their belief about remaining celibate. Men and women were equal in all ways. They stayed separate. They considered marriage and procreation a sin. I kept wondering how a people could get so messed up. Jessamine remembers her life outside of the Shakers. When she and her sister find a man in the woods and bring him back because he is injured, things change. They are immediately drawn to each other. Tristan had lost his memory. When he gets it back he tells no one hoping to find out who tried to kill him. However, the closer he and Jessamine get the more the Shakers are ready to send him packing. That is exactly what happens and Jessamine goes with him. Tristin’s parents have made a marriage arrangement to save their finances. Will Tristin and Jessamine stay together? If he leaves will she stay in this world or go back to the Shaker world? If you want these answers you will definitely need to read the book for yourself. It was definitely a different take on religion. The author did an excellent job of presenting the history of that time period.
Imagine growing up in a world where you can see God’s beauty all around you and follow your heart. Now imagine that world is crushed by the death of a loved one. Jessamine Brady lived in that world with her grandmother until the age of 10. When her grandmother died the Shaker community took her in. This is where I really had to pay attention. I’d heard of the Shakers but really didn’t know anything about them. I thought they were like the Amish. Boy was I wrong. I felt their beliefs were way out there, especially their belief about remaining celibate. Men and women were equal in all ways. They stayed separate. They considered marriage and procreation a sin. I kept wondering how a people could get so messed up. Jessamine remembers her life outside of the Shakers. When she and her sister find a man in the woods and bring him back because he is injured, things change. They are immediately drawn to each other. Tristan had lost his memory. When he gets it back he tells no one hoping to find out who tried to kill him. However, the closer he and Jessamine get the more the Shakers are ready to send him packing. That is exactly what happens and Jessamine goes with him. Tristin’s parents have made a marriage arrangement to save their finances. Will Tristin and Jessamine stay together? If he leaves will she stay in this world or go back to the Shaker world? If you want these answers you will definitely need to read the book for yourself. It was definitely a different take on religion. The author did an excellent job of presenting the history of that time period.
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July 1, 2012Title: THE GIFTED
Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell
July 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3455-8
Genre: Inspirational/Historical romance
Jassamine Brady has lived with the Shakers for over half of her life, but even though she loves her "sisters" there, she is intrigued by the the idea of the world. She struggles to obey the strict rules, and her curiosity often gets her into trouble.
When sent into the woods to pick wild raspberries, Jassamine keeps leading her "sister" Annie deeper into the woods, in search of civilization, because Jassamine wonders what a parasol looks like. When in the woods, they hear a gunshot, and then find a spooked horse without a rider. Annie is all for running home, but Jassamine goes looking for the unseated rider -- Tristan Cooper.
Tristan is unable to remember his name, and he's convinced that Jassamine and Annie are angels. Jassamine believes Tristan is her knight in shining armor. And both of them have their lives turned upside down.
THE GIFTED is the fifth book in Ms. Gabhart's Shaker series but it easily stands alone. Full of rich detail about the lives of this reclusive religious group, it is fascinating reading for anyone curious about the Shakers, or anyone who is a fan of reading about the Plain people, though not necessarily Amish.
Jassamine is curious and realistic, and Tristan, while confused and a bit stiff and sarcastic at times, is a true hero. Readers will love THE GIFTED and of the other books in this series (The Outside, The Believer, The Seeker, and The Blessed). $14.99. 436 pages.
Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell
July 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3455-8
Genre: Inspirational/Historical romance
Jassamine Brady has lived with the Shakers for over half of her life, but even though she loves her "sisters" there, she is intrigued by the the idea of the world. She struggles to obey the strict rules, and her curiosity often gets her into trouble.
When sent into the woods to pick wild raspberries, Jassamine keeps leading her "sister" Annie deeper into the woods, in search of civilization, because Jassamine wonders what a parasol looks like. When in the woods, they hear a gunshot, and then find a spooked horse without a rider. Annie is all for running home, but Jassamine goes looking for the unseated rider -- Tristan Cooper.
Tristan is unable to remember his name, and he's convinced that Jassamine and Annie are angels. Jassamine believes Tristan is her knight in shining armor. And both of them have their lives turned upside down.
THE GIFTED is the fifth book in Ms. Gabhart's Shaker series but it easily stands alone. Full of rich detail about the lives of this reclusive religious group, it is fascinating reading for anyone curious about the Shakers, or anyone who is a fan of reading about the Plain people, though not necessarily Amish.
Jassamine is curious and realistic, and Tristan, while confused and a bit stiff and sarcastic at times, is a true hero. Readers will love THE GIFTED and of the other books in this series (The Outside, The Believer, The Seeker, and The Blessed). $14.99. 436 pages.
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