Review: River to Redemption by Ann H Gabhart

"Orphaned inn 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."

This is the first book I've ever read by Ann Gabhart. Turns out... instant favorite! I'm giving this book 5 stars! I couldn't put it down. I tried. Honestly, I did. I put it away to go to bed, tried to go to sleep, and wound up just turning the light back on and reading some more. The characters are really what makes this book what it is. The setting is nice. The words are nice. But the people.... I can't even begin to describe the feelings this book is giving me! I cried. Multiple times. It's been a while since a book made me cry! The story of little Adria and poor Ruth, a family by choice, yes, but at first a family by necessity. I love the way they just took their circumstances and ran with it. And of course Will and little, sweet Willie were heartthrobs. Matilda, a slave, still inspires Adria to enjoy her freedom. And Louis... well Louis takes the cake! Such a man of faith and of courage. Of fortitude and strength. And then to discover via the author's note at the end that Louis's real life story was the inspiration for this whole book, it made it that much better. The story is grounded on real life, however slightly, which gives such another dimension to the whole thing. Of course, Adria's suitors were the perfect antagonists. Not really evil, just annoying. But mostly, this book... is there a single page you can open to without seeing the word "pray".... I don't believe so. Speaking of believe, the theme of this book is truly "Pray Believing". I can't tell you how much this book got me! You'll must read it and see for yourself. And then the ending, while sad, had that sweet moment that I always look for in a book like this. That moment between Adria and Ruth. Oh gracious! Plus the cover is super beautiful. All in all, this book addresses a touchy time in history in the best way possible, and gives hope for better times to come!

My favorite line, said by Louis, "The Lord, he done good to me."

I received this book through the Revell Reading program.