Ann Gabhart has written a book with a theme and the theme is believing prayer--believing that God will hear and answer, maybe not the answer you want, but the answer you need. I did get surprised by the book: it is a romance book, but it was not the romance I expected. Nice redirect! I loved the surprise element.

This is based on a true story, and Ann did not change the names. Louis Sanderson was a real man who did everything Ann described, burying the bodies of all those who died from the cholera epidemic--over fifty bodies plus those of the slaves who died as well.

Ann provides a great look into the lives of the slaves and those whose opinions run against slavery. Her writing is impeccable and engaging. It is so easy to get involved with the book and have a hard time putting it down.

Adria Starr is orphaned at about 5 years old when cholera comes through her town. Louis Sanderson comes to her house and finds her as the only living member of her family, but she was sick too. Louis takes her to Matilda, both of whom are owned by George Sanderson--the hotel owner. Then Louis goes back to bury Adria's mother, father, and baby brother. After Adria gets well, Louis has to find a place for her to live. He takes her to Ruth, the widow of the school teacher. Ruth and Adria find family in each other.

Some years later, when Adria was grown, George Sanderson died and his family plans to sell all of his slaves. Adria is aghast that Louis is going to be sold, especially after all he did during the cholera epidemic. Louis had the opportunity to escape his slavery, but he chose to stay and do what the Lord told him to do. He prayed long and often about getting his freedom, but he wasn't willing to break the law to get it.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a freedom day for everyone.

I received this galley from Revell Books through the NetGalley.com website. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review this book.

This story captured my heart from page one, and I bet it will capture yours too! So very moving and well written with vivid attention to detail. A story with romance, danger, and a whole lot of faith.

Set in Springfield Kentucky Miss Adria star was orphaned when the cholera epidemic came through town claiming her parents and little brother. Rescued by a slave named Louis and nursed back to health with the help of another slave named Aunt Tilda the bonds formed between them could not be broken.

At nineteen Adria has grown to be a very determined young lady, so when the chance to purchase Louis his freedom comes about she will stop at nothing to make it happen. After all he had saved her once. Freeing a slave during those times seemed almost impossible. Louis always told her to "Pray Believin" not only did this help Adria but others in the town.

So if your looking for an uplifting page turner this is the book for you!

Ann Gabhart has a wonderful way of telling this story about the people of Springfield, KY giving money to free a slave. This story is based on a true story that happened during the early 1800s. Louis, a slave and Matilda, another slave were known for helping others during a cholera outbreak. This man of God buried 55 souls and cared for many others. This is a story that is hard to put down. Highly recommend!

This was an enjoyable book but not riveting. It was a bit slow and I put the book down several times to read another book. I did not connect well with either main character. Ruth seemed almost indifferent to Adria when the young girl was growing up. Adria was a good character but also a bit flat. I just wanted more from this story.

Ann Gabhart's book River to Redemption is a good read. Historical fiction partly based on a true story starting during the cholera outbreak in 1833. A slave (Louis) rescues a little girl (Adria) whose family has died from cholera. He also takes care of much of the town and buries there dead. When she recovers he finds her a home with a women who also lost her husband. Forward to 1840s and Adria is now an independent thinker who believes in women's rights and freedom for all. She has two gentlemen who are interested in her. There is danger, romance and decisions to be made during a unsettled time in history.

I received this book from NetGalley/Revell and all opinions are my own.

4 stars

River to Redemption is a very touching book by Ann H. Gabhart as it is filled with faith, hope and love. I am not typically one who likes historical fiction, but this book is just incredible. Based on the true story of the cholera epidemic of 1832 and a slave named Louis, who chose to stay behind and run his masters hotel and bury the 50+ people who died in Springfield. Louis and another slave Matilda save a young white girl named Adria, whose entire family died from cholera. The duo help find a new home for her with the new school teacher.

This book sparked many emotions in me from joy to pain. I understood Adria’s frustration with the legality of owning slaves and the difficulty of wanting to have a voice, when as a woman it was not allowed at the time. I marveled at Louis’ faith in God even as he was going up for sale after his owner died. This was a very emotional book for me, especially as I realized it was a mostly true story. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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

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

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

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

A compelling story based on a bit of real history, set in antebellum Kentucky! An unlikely group of people are brought together because of a tragic event: the cholera epidemic of 1833. A young orphaned girl finds shelter and friendship with the help of slaves who come to her aid. Skipping ahead to 1845, the story picks up bringing to life a tale of courage and faith.

"One plus the Lord can do mighty things now and again."

This steady paced story drew me in as Adria had many difficult decisions to make, and her convictions to help Louis moved her into action. I liked Ruth and how her gentle yet firm guidance with growing faith influenced Adria. The additional character of Will, the struggling pastor, added a lot to the story, and brought up real questions of faith, like why would a good God allow terrible things to happen. The importance of prayer, especially "praying with believing" was an uplifting theme. It made me examine my own lack of faith at times in view of bleak circumstances, and served as a pertinent reminder that God can indeed work together all things for good, for those who love Him, as it says in Romans 8:28.

Recommend for readers who enjoy historical Christian fiction, with a little tender romance. 4.5 stars

This was a wonderfully written story set in the 1830-40’s. It grips your heart right from the very beginning, when you see Adria’s entire family die from Cholera. Louis comes to her rescue and kindly lays her family to rest along with the many others who died from the illness. The bond that is created between them is undeniable. So twelve years later when Louis’s owner passes away, it’s easy to see how desperately Adria wants to buy his freedom to prevent him from going to the auction block. There’s really no way for your heart to be left unaffected.

I really liked how the author was able to reveal the hearts of her characters based on their life experiences. It gave them each a level of depth that not only made their stories more believable, but made empathy for them unavoidable. Everyone experienced some level of heartbreak in their lives, and it leads them to where they are intricately placed in the story. When they are able to let go of their pain and lean on the Lord, they are able to find true healing. This was encouraging to read.

I also liked that the author didn’t minimize the pain that the characters went through, but instead showed how their pasts shaped their present. For example, Adria recognizes her pain in losing her family, but also realized that Ruth did her best in raising her despite her own flaws and pain. It was imperfect people helping and walking alongside other imperfect people. It was beautiful to see how the Lord could work through such a community.

The author’s note reveals that while the story itself is fictional, it is partially based on a true story. Louis was a man that existed in real life. A lot of his story as revealed in the book is actually based on the real Louis’s experiences. Although the other characters were the imagination of the author, you are still able to see how the town would rally to buy his freedom. This made my heart smile.

On a small note I also have to say that I LOVE the cover art for this book. I highly recommend this story! I was sucked in right from the beginning. It touched me emotionally and I’m very glad I read it. This wasn’t my first book by Ann H Gabhart, and it certainly won’t be my last 🙂

*I received a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and the author in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.