River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart - REVEIEWED

About the Book:
One young woman must stand up for freedom--and perhaps find her own in the process.
Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. 

Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll need all of the courage and strength she possesses--and more.

My Thoughts:

"But sometimes when fires is burnin' out of control, then a body has to do whatever he can to put 'em out.:  (p. 297)

When Louis spoke these words to Adria, several disastrous things had already taken place, and, at the moment, there seems to be nothing but trouble up ahead.  Things were changing rapidly, and Adria needs the wisdom only God can provide to make some very difficult decisions.

Oh, this book is amazing!  Reader, if you enjoy historical fiction with some romance tossed into the mix, then you will relish this book!  The prose will keep you interested, the characters will become familiar and dear to your heart, and you will find yourself torn between decisions facing the characters.  In the 1800's slavery made life difficult for everyone on both sides.  This book is written on the cusp of the Civil War, and slaves were already making their way to freedom any way that presented itself.  Adria's heart longs to help slaves to freedom, but Ruth and the town expect her to marry a man who can give her a secure future.  

Adria wrestles with societal norms of her day and the truth of what God has shown her in His word.  Ruth has her own issues to wrestle with when a new preacher comes to town with his own issues in tow.  There are many, many layers to this story, and I can highly recommend it to everyone!  There is much to love in this novel!

About the Author:

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--as well as Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Love Comes Home, Words Spoken True, and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Star Passage : Honor and Mercy by Clark Rich Burbidge - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Book Three continues the saga as the ancient relic directs our travelers on a new quest. Mike meets a struggling new patient during therapy. Ronnie Chen thinks his life is over but the relic has a plan. The expanding group of friends band together as the relic leads them through extraordinarily dangerous historic passages. But this time their quest is complicated by the escape to the present of the Tracker, Clynt. Is there any hope of stopping him from taking control of someone, stealing the relic and leading thousands of evil Trackers in changing history and destroying the world?


The Carsons and their friends must pull together to resist the Trackers at every turn while dealing with a possible traitor in their midst. With the Trackers closing in and the travelers ever more desperate is there any hope of escape? Find out in the thrilling third installment.

My Thoughts:
"...the star can open up understanding, uplift, and help.  But is also can take its owners into incredible danger."  Tim (p.319)

I have been a HUGE fan of this series since it was published!  You can read my reviews HERE and HERE!  This installment gets very real very quickly.  Since the tracker Clynt became a viable threat, I couldn't figure out how the author would deal with a realistic outcome without exacting a heavy price on the Carson family and the friends that journey with them as the travel throughout history. The story didn't disappoint!

This installment deals not only with history's impact on our present time, but, in a very real and subtle way touches upon the spiritual realm and believer's impact there as well.  This is by no means a tale about spiritual warfare, but, for this reader, I was able to pick up some truths that I found both uplifting and challenging.  I think Jack, Martie and Tim come away from this journey forever changed!  I really believe fans of this series will also be impacted at a heart level and feel closer to these characters than ever before!

I am always thrilled by the author's ability to bring me into these stories!  I feel as though I've traveled right along with the kids on their journey! This story brings a realistic dose of danger, and no one comes away unscathed! I'm super excited about the way he ended this tale, because I know I have more to look forward to!  I cannot recommend this series highly enough!  I'm very much a grown up, and I love them!  I'm super excited to know that this kind of quality is available to young readers!

About the Author:

Clark Rich Burbidge was born and raised in the high mountain valleys of the Rockies. He earned an MBA from the University of Southern California and a B.S. from the University of Utah. His business career included exciting adventures in investment banking and three stints as a chief financial officer. The past seven years have found him pursuing causes to strengthen and protect youth while authoring eight books, six of which have been recognized with international awards for excellence. Involvement in family, community, and church service spanning over four decades has kept him balanced. Burbidge and his sweetheart, Leah, live near Salt Lake City, Utah, where they enjoy outdoor activities including mountain biking, road biking, hiking, and travel involving scuba diving, adventure, and warm sandy beaches. However, most of all they treasure sharing their lives with their blended family of ten children and six grandchildren.