A very interesting story of a group and time period that I don't often read about. It's entertaining and educational at the same time, and kept me fascinated. Highly recommended!

This novel captured me from the beginning. I was unaware of the “Shakers” and their role during the civil war, and this book makes me want to know more. Stevens did a phenomenal amount of research and wove the facts into her story. Thank you NetGalley and Ms. Stevens for a galley of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I received an electronic copy of Kindly Welcome by Linda Stevens through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This novel seems to be very well researched, and it enlightened me on much about the lives of those both within and surrounding the Shakertown community, including the interactions between the Shakers and both Union and Confederate Armies, slaves and slaveholders, and people of the outside world. However, I found myself yearning for a plot line that would grab me and make want to return to read the next chapter. Unfortunately, it just didn't flow well for me, and almost felt like reading a history text rather than a novel. I'd give it 2 stars for readability, but bumped it up to 3 stars for the historical content.

This is a heart-touching story that has provided me with a better understanding of the Shakers and their ways. Portrayed during years of the Civil War, it describes in detail some of the many hardships faced and it also reflects the calm and accepting ways of the Shakers in dealing with their fate during that period of time. I was especially impressed by the characters Austin Innes, Harry Littlebourne, and Amos Anger, how they met and became friends, and were able to sustain their friendship during happy times, separations, as well as during the many sorrowful moments that were forced upon them.

In 1922, Amos Anger packed up James Littlebourne's Bible. Like other members of the Shaker Society, he was forced to move from South Union when their land was sold and belongings auctioned off. The Shakers were meticulous record keepers. Documentation of Shaker life during the Civil War was recorded by Eldress Nancy E. Moore and Elder Harvey L. Eades. Although "Kindly Welcome: A Novel of the Shakers in the Civil War" is a work of historical fiction, Shakers were known for their generous welcoming nature and helping anyone in need.

Believers shared what they had. "Winter Shakers" arrived during cold weather requesting food and a warm bed. They stayed for the season while "True Believers" confessed their sins and signed the covenant turning over all their worldly possessions. Believers were unwilling to bear arms. The Shaker community of South Union in Kentucky ministered to both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Equal treatment was provided to slaves and slaveholders alike. The taking of human life was unconscionable.

Austin Innes worked as a shipman. His philosophy when ashore was to never sleep alone or sleep in the same bed twice. He was quite the womanizer! Too drunk to board his boat on time, his life changed when given a lift on a Shaker flatboat. Harry Littlebourne lived with his father James, a severe, uncommunicative Quaker. Upon his death, Harry left the farm with the clothes on his back, his horse and his father's Bible. Harry, a teenager of few words was excellent at farming Shaker land. The Anger family arrived at South Union but soon abandoned son, Amos. Amos became a much loved member of the Shaker community. But, how did James Littlebourne's Bible become Amos Anger's prize possession?

"Kindly Welcome" by Linda Stevens is an excellent narrative of the Shaker way of life during the Civil War. The Shakers considered neither the Union or Confederate leaning populace to be enemies. Journals indicate that they worked tirelessly providing food and comfort to all in need. An informative,detailed, well written read.

Thank you BookBaby and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Kindly Welcome".