"The Seeker" by Ann Gabhart - Civil War History/Shaker Religion

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    What do you get when you combine politics, the beginning of the Civil War, the Shaker religion, a romance, and a family torn apart?

     This is The Seeker, a historical fiction account of one of the Shaker communities in the state of Kentucky.  This book opens with the hints and rumors of war - Civil War - between states, countrymen, and brothers.

     I've seen Shaker furniture before.  I've always noticed the simplicity and beauty found in the lines and lack of decoration in Shaker furniture.

     I must admit, however, that I didn't know anything about the Shaker people.  I had no idea that they were a religious group in the 1700s and 1800s.

     I enjoy learning new things while reading historical fiction, so this book drew me in with its rich details about Shaker life and communal living.  I didn't realize that the Shakers were an offshoot from the Quakers; the Shakers were aptly called by this name because they would often shake and tremor during church services.

     At first, the romance in this book centered on infatuation, something that I prefer not to read about.  I enjoy reading books which are more centered on courtship vs. infatuation.  However, as this book continued, I could clearly see that there was more depth to the relationships between the two main characters.

     I found the plot to be a bit predictable at times, but the story wasn't bogged down with incredibly lengthy explanation or rambling dialogue. 

     I never studied much about the Civil War in school, so I enjoyed reading a bit more about our United States history.

     I found this book to be a nice read about the spiritual walk of a man and a woman whose relationship builds from the letters they write in correspondence to one another.  The Seeker isn't preachy or judgmental even though much of the story has to do with religion of one type or another. 

     The author, Ann H. Gabhart, has been writing stories and books since she was ten years old.  That may inspire your children who enjoy writing a story now and then! 

     I enjoyed reading The Seeker.  It had enough questions, comments, and pondering that it also made me stop and ponder as I would finish a chapter.  I enjoy reading books that make me think!

     This is Mrs. Gabhart's third book about the Shakers, so if you read and enjoy this, you may want to try her other two Shaker books:

    The Seeker is available at your favorite bookseller - from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

  I received this book free of charge from Revell/Baker Publishers in exchange for an honest review of the book.  No other compensation was provided. 

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