I chose this book because it was written by a fellow Kentuckian and based on a true story. I found it to be beautifully written and an easy read. Adria story touches you from the very beginning. The detailed storylines allow you to walk with each character from the beginning not only enduring them to you, but also helps you to understand how their stories evolve.

The fact this book was based on a true story just adds to the charm. Ms. Gabhart does a wonderful job keeping the integrity of the truth while adding details to fill out the story. It prompts you to really think about what life was like for women in those days who were not allowed to voice their opinions or be their own person. It also does a wonderful job helping to view what life could have been like for slaves especially those so close to freedom yet so far away.

My heart is forever endured to Adria, Aunt Ruth, Louis, and Aunt Tilda! Beautiful and will long be one of my favorite books!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

River to Redemption is a unique, charming, and heart-hugging love story that begins during the early 1800s. It’s not only a romance, per-se, but reveals a loving bond between two unlikely souls. I was so touched by this story and won't soon forget the characters.

I’ve read several of Ms. Gabhart’s books and have enjoyed them all. She is a gifted storyteller who plants a tenderness in each of her stories. I would love to read more about Adria, Ruth, and Louis! Their relationships are truly inspiring and tug the heartstrings.

With themes of hope and faith, this story will appeal to many – especially those who enjoy Christian fiction and Women’s fiction. A great read.

5 Stars

Cover: Love
Title: Love
Pages: 336
Publisher: Revell
First Lines (chapter one): Adria Starr didn’t want her mother and brother to stop breathing the way her father had. She wanted to take care of them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and NetGalley.

I have truly enjoyed this author's writings. This one grabs you from the first and keeps holding your attention to the very end. What a moving story about a very sweet little girl. Her story is remarkable. It's very touching. You will love how the historical events give you an understanding of the life of many people of that time period. Each time period has it's own hardships and Cholera definitely was a frightening disease. The book is so good you won't be able to put it down.

I highly recommend this!

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

One of my favorite books I've read this year. I love a book that challenges me. How did this one challenge me? It had information about the cholera epidemic of 1833 which challenged me to look up more information about it. I love when a book does this. The author has evidently done her research on the historically rich book. Amazingly this book is based on true facts. Louis, the slave was an amazing person.

Totally selfless! Very impressed by this book.
Pub Date 03 Jul 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

River To Redemption is such a heart warming, heart touching, goose bump - yes you got that right - goose bumps - story. You ask, "how can it be a goose bump story?" Well no - it is not a thriller - you get your goose bumps when you see GOD move in the lives of these characters - when you see Faith move during such a disastrous time such as a Cholera - a killer of a disease killing off people in a small Kentucky town. Isn't that where our help comes from? The LORD? There is unjustness, wrongness, abandonment, righteousness and redemption die throughout the book. This is very moving - so very worth the read.

River to Redemption is a sweet story set in Springfield, KY during the 1830s. Adria is made an orphan when Cholera sweeps through the town. At the same time, Ruth loses her husband to the epidemic. Kindhearted slaves of the local hotel convince Ruth that she and Adria need each other. Ruth gains the advantage of Adria's family home, and Adria gains a guardian.

As the years pass, the two are happy together. Adria grows to become a strong woman who can't make up her mind about whether to settle down and marry or find another purpose in life. Meanwhile, Springfield, KY is blessed with a handsome new pastor named Will, who has been widowed for a few years. Will might possibly change Ruth's mind about remarrying. When the slave who helped her all those years ago is put up for sale, Adria feels she must do anything she can to save this man from being sold far away.

I liked the new book by Ann H. Gabhart. I was happy to learn that the main plot in the story is based on real events. I always like to learn a new part of history.

I am sorry to say this is the first book I have read by Ann H. Gabhart. I can promise you this will not be my last. This is one of my favorite books so far this year. At he end of this novel, I was surprised and blessed to learn that this was about a true event. I would suggest that you keep a box of Kleenex close by.

Ms. Gabhart has a wonderful way of telling historical stories that take place in small towns. There wasn't a lot know about many diseases in 1833.
When a cholera epidemic started in Springfield, Kentucky, people who could, left town. It was thought that this disease was spread through bad air. Later we would learn it is typically contracted through infected water
The story starts with Adria Starr, at age seven. She is lying on the floor next to her mother and baby brother, wondering what she can do to help them. She does not want them to stop breathing like her daddy did. She now too is sick and too weak to help them any longer. There is a knock on the front door and in walks Louis, our true hero. He is a man full of faith, love, and generosity. He was given the keys to the hotel by the owner, his boss and master, told to watch over it and take care of things. When Louis had a chance to gain his freedom, he stayed behind taking care of the sick and burying the dead. Before the pandemic was over, Louis buried fifty-eight people.
The author has a wonderful way of developing her characters, there are so many in this novel that you will fall in love with.
This was not an easy time in history and sometimes it was hard to read. Adria, understandably, had a hard time when twelve years later, this same man is being sold by his owner, despite all the things he did for the town. I loved the way Ms. Gabhart was able to pull light out of this darkness.

Louis was always encouraging Adria with scripture and a smile. There are so many wonderful quotes in this book. I thing my favorite is “You know what made me feel safest after my parents died?” ...“Adria stepped closer to him and took his hand. “I always knew I was safe when you were holding my hand.” His fingers curled around her hand. “You was the sweetest li'l child. When I first laid eyes on you that day a layin' there by your “mama's body and you looked up at me, your big brown eyes went straight to my heart. I knowed the Lord aimed for me to take care of you.” “Now he wants me to take care of you. The two of us, we'll pray the way you did for me when I was a little girl, and the Lord will show us a way.” I loved this book and would recommend it. It's one I may have to read a second time. I received this book from Revell Publishers through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Title: River to Redemption

Author: Ann H. Gabhart

Chapters: 36

Pages: 336

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Rating: 4 stars

After being orphaned by a cholera epidemic in 1833 Springfield Kentucky Adria Starr is first taken in by a slave named Louis and Tillie. They were one of the few people who stayed behind to tend the sick and dying when everyone fled. Louis single-handedly buried the 57 dead. Once word got out that people were returning to the town and the school teacher's widow would be taking over the school; Louis convinces her to take in Adria as it wouldn't be proper for him and Aunt Tillie to raise the her.

But Adria never forgot the kindness that Louis and Tillie showed her after her parents died in the epidemic. As a young woman she is determined to find a way to repay Louis. Her plan is simple find a way to buy Louis's freedom. This is something that isn't going to go over too well in 1840s Kentucky.

The Events of Adria's life have shaped her made her the woman that she is. If it hadn't been for Louis she wouldn't have lived, to her Louis and Tillie are like an loving uncle and aunt despite Adria having a different skin color than them. Blood and looking alike doesn't make you family love does.

In her historical novels Ann H Gabhart doesn't shy away from the hard stuff and River to Redemption is no different. That's what I love about her novels. That even in south central Kentucky in the 1840s there was a pocket of people who knew slavery to wrong and where willing to do something about it; no matter what it cost them. Though Adria Starr is a fictional character the story is based on real life events.

Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this novel. Everyone should read it as Louis's story deserves to be heard. But a fair warning it will make you cry.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

From the moment I began, to the very last page the author drew me in with this story. I was fully immersed and living in the period, and life was not easy, and then I read that although fiction, this story is based on fact and Louis was a real person.
The author gives a great look at life in the South during the period slavery in this country. Also, how a slave saves lives and selflessly takes care of the dead, doing what he feels God wants him to do.
Loved how the story circles around and with great loss comes gain, and more that could be imagined.
The only problem I had was that the book ended and I really wanted to continue. A really awesome read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

{3.5 stars}

I was pulled in by the first page, drawn into the sorrow of the losses during a Cholera outbreak, and taken through the journey of Adria and Ruth. It was a slower read, and while parts gripped me, I was able to set aside the book easily.

I enjoyed the progression of the story halfway through...the relationship of Ruth and Adria was well done and I absolutely loved the preacher :) I could really understand his struggle with praying with belief, and trusting that the Lord knows best.

Then, something went a little stale for me. It mainly had to do with Adria's scenes...I never could fully sympathize with her interests. Once she goes to a tavern to raise money for something, and her reasoning for doing it is because the people there are people just like people who go to church. Okay, I can understand that, but she seemed to totally shrug off her testimony as a Christian. There were a couple other things like the phrase "Listen to your heart" Ruth used when Adria didn't know what to do, that frustrated me. I'm getting sick of that phrase, and the funny thing was that it wasn't even consistent in this book. Technically, if the character were to listen to their heart there was no need for them to pray (which, is totally wrong)! And then the last 1/4 of the book just kind of all seemed a haste end to something amazing, but didn't leave me with that full effect at all.

Spiritual content was spot on, and I loved all the Bible conversations Will and Ruth shared. Very in-depth. Also, the romance on Ruth's side of things was so sweet :) Adria's romances were tolerable (two guys vying for one girl really need to get old sometime), but I did like how things were concluded with her. Overall, there were a couple kisses, not detailed at all.

Louis saved the story for me. Every time he spoke, he was full of wisdom and brought a smile to my face. Maybe it was the absent of him toward the end that brought the extra disappointment. Overall, I still found this book enjoyable, and I would definitely recommend to historical readers.

River to Redemption is my first encounter with Ann Gabhart's writing, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story before me. Based on the true events of a slave, Louis, who placed his own desires for freedom aside in order to faithfully serve his master and his town, only to have the town rally to purchase Louis and give him that longed for freedom, Gabhart brought to life pre Civil War Kentucky, a time ripe with slavery and all the social ideas/limitations that came with it. Gabhart flooded her novel with expertly constructed characters who shone light into the time period and brought forth a message of praying with belief in a God who is able to do more than we can ever hope for or imagine.
I highly recommend this book. It will make you think, give you hope, and fill you with delight as you turn each page.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions in this review are my own.

When cholera sweeps the country in 1833, Springfield, Kentucky doesn't escape its grasp. Adria Starr's parents and brother die. The orphaned girl stays temporarily with Louis Sanderson, a slave who, after his owner gave him the keys to his hotel before fleeing the town, could have lit out for freedom in the north but instead stayed, carrying for the sick and burying the dead. When the danger has passed, Louis has buried 55 people--including the local schoolteacher. Looking for a home for Adria, Louis asks the teacher's widow, Ruth, to take the girl in. Ruth moves into Adria's home and cares for her as best she can.
Twelve years late, Adria is nineteen and well on her way to becoming an abolitionist. Although there are those in town who think that she should be happy to marry the son of a well-off family, Adria can't commit herself to that life when there's more burning in her heart. When Louis's owner passes away and she learns that his sons intend to sell him off, Adria is horrified. With Ruth's help as well as the help of the new minister--who connects with Ruth in a way no one since her late husband has--Adria just might be able to repay the man she owes so much.

Wow! This book did not play out how I thought from the first couple of chapters--I thought we'd see a lot more romance in Adria's life, but that's not what happened. Adria's story was more about finding her purpose in life, while Ruth's was about opening her heart again. I loved the message about "pray believing"--but also the true-to-life examples of when prayers both were and weren't answered the way the person praying had hoped. Louis's rock-solid faith was inspiring, but the more up-and-down (not inconsistent, just shaken sometimes) faith of others was also touching and I enjoyed seeing their struggles. This was a really enjoyable book. I'm hoping there's a sequel!
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

My favourite character in this story was Louis. He was a wonderful example of a godly man, his strong faith shone through the pages. He was willing to accept whatever plan God had for his life. What the town did for him in a time period where this went against the norm was amazing and made my heart feel good. I was astonished when I read the authors note and found out that his portion of the story was based on true events.

From the first meeting of Ruth and Adria I felt for both of them. They had lost so much during the cholera epidemic that I found myself hoping they had some happiness going forward. As I got further into the story and spent more time with the characters I found myself caring more about Ruth than Adria. While I agreed with Adria’s thoughts on owning salves and could understand the struggles she faced with wanting to speak out about it, but couldn’t because she was a woman. I just didn’t connect with her the same as I did Ruth. I was pleased with the way Ruth’s story ended but found myself unsatisfied with the ending for Adria.

I found this story hard to read, not because of the subject matter but rather because of the style of writing. I felt it moved slow and was easy for me to set aside. I don’t read a lot of historical stories set before the civil war, but if you are one who normally enjoys historical stories you may appreciate this more than I did.

I loved this story of Adria Starr's rescue as a child caught in the cholera epidemic of 1833 by two of her town's slave community, and her being raised by Ruth Harmon who was widowed during that same epidemic. I loved it even more after reading the author's note following the story. Learning which characters were the real people, the ones who lived through the cholera epidemic and around who the story was built, made me want to read it over again through the lens of that new information. I live not far from Springfield, Kentucky where the story is set, and hope to visit the memorial monument in honor of one of these true, historical characters, a person of great faith, courage and compassion.
The theme of River to Redemption is faith after great disappointment. Both Ruth Harmon and Reverend Will Robertson prayed for their critically ill spouses, standing on Scriptures about the power of prayer and God's faithfulness to answer prayer, but their spouses died anyway. With their faith rocked, they now stood on shaky ground longing for assurance. They must learn again how to “pray believing.”
I highly recommend this book to those who are also longing for the type of faith that brings assurance, to those who enjoy historical fiction that is well-researched and based on true events and people, and to those who love a story that is carried on by a sense of mounting tension. I thank NetGalley and Revell Publishing for providing me with a copy of River to Redemption in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

"River to Redemption" is an historical fiction book. It takes place in 1833. The book takes place during the time of the cholera epidemic. When the book starts Adria has just lost her parents and brother to cholera. There were many others who also lost their lives. Adria is only 7 years old and so young to suffer so much. She is taken care of immediately by Louis who is a slave. Louis works for George the Hotel owner. Louis ends up burying Louis and many of those who died of cholera. He was a very kind Christian man. Louis cared for Adria for as long as He could but He ended up having the former school teacher's wife care for her. She also had lost her husband and was grieving her loss. She did a wonderful job in raising Adria but also becomes the new town school teacher. She has such a heart for the children and Adria as well. Adria develops a really strong character and value system against slavery after all Louis did for the town. She developed principles and did all she could to save and help the slaves. What will become The f Louis after George dies and the slaves in his household are sold? What will Adria do for the slaves? Where is the river of redemption? This book was given by netgalley to be read for review purposes. This review will be shared on my blog, Christian book distributors, Amazon, Goodreads and to a friend who runs a library at her church. It is a highly recommended book and I am sure it will be a success!

The cholera brings together three lives: Loius, a black slave, who is untouched by the dread disease himself, but buries those of the town who succumb; Adria, a child orphaned by the disease; and Ruth, a woman widowed by it. Longing for a family, Adria goes to live with Ruth, but the latter seems almost unable to love again due to her grief. As time passes and Adria approaches womanhood, she grows more and more interested in abolition, but it is not a safe topic in the town - or with the man courting her. The arrival of a new pastor and the death of Louis' master change many things, though. The new pastor is young and single, and the inheritors of Louis and the other slaves plan to sell them all down the river to a still worse bondage. Can Adria mobilise the town to save Louis? And will love triumph over fear?

As historical fiction, this book provides a snapshot of life in the South before abolition. Based on actual events as regards Louis (as per the historical note), it smoothly blends fact and fiction to form a tale with elements of romance, adventure, pathos and suspense. Overall, the writing is good, the content clean, the message helpful and the characters well-drawn. The book is good, but I found it a bit too easy to put down. A good solid 4-star book, but not quite a 5-star for me.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Fans of historical fiction will fall in love with Ann Gabhart’s newest story, River to Redemption. It will bring you a faith filled promise of God’s unfailing love and have you hoping for the best for all of the people you meet along the way.
When the cholera epidemic hits Springfield, Kentucky, Adria Starr loses her entire family to the disease. Alone and afraid in her house with the dead, she waits to die herself. Then Louis arrives to take care of her. A slave who belongs to the local hotel owner, Louis has been helping the sick and burying the dead, even though he could have run free when his owner left in fear of the cholera. He and “Aunt Matilda”, another slave at the hotel, nurse Adria back to health and help bring healing to her heart as well. When Ruth, a young widowed school teacher’s wife, returns to the area, she and Adria have a mutual need. Adria needs a family and Ruth needs a home and someone to love. The two forge their way into the future together. Twelve years later they have found their way, although Adria remained close to Louis and Matilda. When the hotel owner dies, his sons come to take care of his affairs and decide to sell everything, including the slaves. Although Matilda has passed on, Louis is to be sold. Adria is shocked and hurt and vows to help in any way she can. She can’t believe they would sell someone who has done so much for their town. Enter the new preacher Will, a lonely man struggling with his faith after his wife’s untimely death. Will Adria, Ruth, and Will be able to find a way to bring freedom to Louis? And how much will Adria be forever changed by the events that take place?
This story touched me so much! I love Louis’ words when he is talking to Adria. He says, “Pray believing!” I really took those two words to heart, because so often in life we pray but maybe we don’t hold on to the belief that things will work out. I was touched by Adria’s compassion and her desire to do something good and right. I would actually love to hear what happens next in the story, although it ended beautifully. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves faith based historical romance. It is well worth the read and the time! I loved it!
I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest review and all opinions are expressly my own.

River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart is a poignant and touching story set in 1834 Kentucky during a time of the devastating cholera epidemic. Courage, betrayal, and honor with suspense and danger will have readers turning pages as they follow Adria Starr a young girl of seven years who lost her parents and younger brother to the horrible epidemic.  Louis, a slave who chose to stay behind and help the sick and bury the dead instead of slipping away to freedom...... Ms. Gabhart intertwines a true life story with fiction. This deals with slavery and gives insight as to what slaves had to face during this time in our history. What a powerful and compelling story of faith, hope and determination. Well written and with vivid detail as Gabhart does in all her books.
        I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however,  these are my own words.

I was really excited to read a new historical fiction book, River to Redemption by Ann Gabhart. I read this book in two days and did not want to put it down. The characters were compelling and they made me want to keep reading to know more of their story. It is set in 1833 during a time where individuals were starting to question slavery. It was fascinating to read this partly true story.
If you enjoying reading historical fiction then this book will capture your attention and have you not wanting the story to end. I was blessed to receive an electronic copy via Baker Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.

Ann Gabhart is renown for heartfelt stories from small-town America and this one is no different. This book takes place in a small town of Springfield, KY in the early to mid 1800s, starting with the Cholera epidemic that swept through the world in 1833. It's then that we meet young Adria Starr, who loses her parents and baby brother to the epidemic. She's found in a very sickly state by a slave named Louis, who was left behind when his owner fled town to avoid the epidemic and left Louis in charge of his hotel. Louis takes young Adria back to the hotel where he and another slave, Matilda, nurse her back to health. Once folks begin to drift back into town, they find a new home for Adria. This sets the stage for our story that then jumps ahead 12 years. As a young adult, Adria chafes against social norms. She doesn't really want to be a proper lady and due to her love and affection for the slaves who saved her life, she has some very unpopular opinions about abolishing slavery. This book addresses a lot of difficult topics - about love, freedom, being true to oneself, seeking and waiting on the perfect will of God, and redemption. It does so in a very heartfelt and beautiful way. If you enjoy good historical fiction (in reading the author's note, there is a lot more of this story that is fact than you might initially think) that pulls your heart-strings and really makes you think about what life was like in that time and place, this is one I would strongly recommend. While this story has closure, I do hope this is the beginning of a series as I'd love to see what happens in the next chapters of these characters' lives.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Revell for allowing me and advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to post a review and the thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.