I wish more writers would utilize this time period and the Mississippi River as a setting. This is a beautifully written novel about what it means to be a family. The river, the loss, the unexpected danger, and the love all combine into a mesmerizing story about love.

In the Shadow of the River was a lovely, clean romance. The action was believable, not cheesy, and it was a fun adventure, with interesting characters. I’ve never thought much about life on a river boat, so thanks for taking me on the ride!

In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart is a moving tale of lost love, friendship, redemption and forgiveness.

We meet Jacci Reed when she is five years old. Someone attempts to kidnap her, and throughout the rest of her life, the shadows of that day and what she had done linger in her dreams and in the back of her mind. Her mother, who was severely wounded, realizes that her father is on the showboat tied up beside her steamboat and, while badly bleeding, leaves custody of Jacci into his care.

As we fast-forward through the years of Jacci's life on a showboat, we meet an interesting cast of characters. Jacci's relationship with Kelly is odd yet endearing. How he came into her life is somewhat convoluted. But, the love both he and Duke have for Jacci is evident. They would do anything for her.

Gabe, whom she has always thought of as a brother, is suddenly seen in a different light. Gabe, for his part, has always loved Jacci and constantly reminds her that he is not her brother. However, the entire showboat cast and crew are like a family and protect each other. But, with each new season, different cast members are added to the showboat family, and not everyone is as loving as they may seem.

I love novels by Ann Gabhart. I know I will never be disappointed if I read one. I was, however, surprised that I needed tissues at the beginning of the book rather than the end. That was a twist I wasn't expecting. I was disappointed when this book ended, as I didn't want to let these characters go.

The "who-dunnit" aspect definitely had me guessing and surprised me. The themes of forgiveness and trusting in God, even when your prayers aren't answered the way you want, were strong.

I highly recommend In the Shadows of the River if you love historical fiction.

Adventure, drama, and romance await in this newest novel by Ann Gabhart.
Life on a river showboat in the late 1800's may sound fun and glamorous, but these characters work hard and experience a lot of drama along the way. There is some action, a bit of mystery and inspirational moments when the main characters face danger and search for the truth.
I liked Jacci's courageous and hard working character, and Gabe's kind friendship with her. They grow and learn a lot about each other and themselves through the situations that arise. Their honest prayers were a spotlight in the dark moments. An action-packed ending was worth the wait and a tender romance capped it off.
A satisfying read overall. I always enjoy this author's books and appreciate the research sprinkled into the story.
Recommend to readers who like historical tales with a tender romance and a sprinkling of faith. 4.5 stars

Ann H. Gabhart has written another entertaining tale set around Kentucky on the Ohio River. Gabhart writes in a way that pulled me into the time period and the setting. A peek into the life of showboat entertainers was interesting and exciting. At the heart of the story, Jacci Reed's secret goes deeper than she imagined as she grows up on the showboat along side her grandfather and her best friend, Gabe. As the story is told, the reader is drawn into the intrigue of Jacci's past as secrets unfold. This is a great historical read, with an interesting setting, and entertaining story. I received an early copy from Netgalley. My opinions are my own.

In the Shadow of the River is a book filled with intrigue, suspense, real life, and a strange mix of characters on a showboat. The reader follows the life of Jacci as she grows up on the showboat with secrets in her past. Mama always told her some things were secret things. But what happens when no one knows all the secrets and no one can tell Jacci all that she longs to know? The reader will wonder about where the danger lies, and the true source might be anyone on board the showboat. I enjoyed the story, and was guessing until near the end about who the villain of the story might actually be. I recommend this book to anyone needing a glimpse of the life of a showboat family, to anyone wanting a suspenseful story, and to anyone just wanting to escape into a good book.

I requested and received a copy of this book for review. The words and thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

Thank you to Revell and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
I was so happy when I was approved for this title. Ann H. Gabhart is one of my favorite historical authors. This is the story of Jacci Reed and her life on a Showboat. In 1881 Jacci's mother is killed by a man trying to kidnap Jacci. Her mother manages to get her to safety, aboard a Showboat where her grandfather is an entertainer. Jacci grows up on the Showboat and becomes an entertainer. It was fun to learn about the lives of the entertainers aboard the Showboat. The romance is also sweet. This is another good book by one of my favorite authors!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for the wonderful opportunity to read and review this delightful book! I adored it and could not put it down. This is the fifth book I have read by Ann Gabhart. I have enjoyed all her novels - she is a wonderful writer and the romance was lovely. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and will read it again and again - that is how much I enjoyed it. I heartily recommend this wonderful book!

I enjoyed this book well enough to finish it, but it didn’t grab me as some stories do. I think it was well-written and historically accurate as far as I could tell.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. 3-1/2 stars.

This is an excellent read!
Float down the river on a showboat and discover all sorts of fun, loss, drama, and love!
This storyline is engaging, full of suspense, danger, and mystery.
The characters are well developed. I felt such compassion for a five year old girl caught in a world of grownups secrets and threats.
You will enjoy this wonderful read!

In the Shadow of the River by master storyteller Ann Gabhart is a Christian historical fiction. Filled with mystery, intrigue, light romance, and Christian inspiration, this is a captivating novel. I found it to be different from any story I have read, and I loved it.

Author Gabhart has a sweet way of telling her stories. She gently sets the stage and lures readers in with her beautiful prose. I had no problem becoming invested in the story nor main character, Jacinth. The riverboat setting was something new. I really enjoyed picturing it in my mind along with the performances. The characters were eccentric and delightful, while a few were villainous. They were realistic along with their thoughtful conversations.

This is the story of Jacinth, from birth until adulthood. Her life has been complicated and dangerous. Of all the characters in the story with her, one of my favorites was a minor one. Aunt Tildy was the cook for the showboat and a strong Christian woman. She was a fierce prayer warrior. There are too many other favorites to name and I do not want to spoil the story.

I found this emotional tale filled with life and Christians lessons. The story progressed along at a nice pace. In fact, I had a difficult time putting the book down. I wanted to keep reading, but as I got near the end I did not want it to end. These characters and I had developed an attachment. I hated to say goodbye.

Everyone would enjoy this entertaining book. I highly recommend it. It gets a 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.

In the Shadow of the River
By Ann H. Gab hart
Pub date: May 9
Thanks to the author, Revell, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I like historical fiction so I highly recommend this book for others like myself who like Christian fiction.
Great pacing and mystery, with a satisfying ending.
4 stars

this was such a great book from Ann H. Gabhart, it had what I was looking for in a historical genre. I was interested from the description and it worked well overall. I enjoyed the use of the time-period and the story itself. The characters were what I was hoping for and enjoyed how good everything in this novel. I can't wait to read more from Ann H. Gabhart.

"They might not have escaped the night before if not for one of the cabin boys telling her someone had been asking about a dark-haired child of five. She had no idea how the man had found her or why anyone even would want to all these years later. The child was no danger to them now. To Griffith Giles. She had never been a danger to him. Only to Lisbeth if he found out, and they had been very careful not to let him find out."

In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart is a great historical fiction that has mystery, suspense, surprises, family, and romance.

I enjoyed this HF taking place towards the end of the 19th century. As much as I liked Jaci and the plot m, I also enjoyed reading about the steamboat, a “showboat” of sorts in some regards, the backdrop, culture, and lives of those working, entertaining, traveling, and living on the rivers. Living on the Ohio River myself, I have grown up the tourist attraction that steamboats or “ferries or sternwheelers” as we sometimes call them. So to put stories, people, and action with that experience, it really added to the book for me.

I liked the pacing, the mysteries sprinkled within, and I enjoyed the satisfying ending.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Revell for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/9/23.