Review of The Seeker by Ann H Gabhart

Revell Books sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

Set during the 1860s, The Seeker introduces readers to Charlotte Vance, a pampered Kentucky gentlewoman who knows what she wants. But when the man she planned to marry joins the Shakers—a religious group that does not allow marriage—she is left dumbfounded. And when her father brings home a new wife who is young enough to be Charlotte’s sister, it is more than she can bear.

I was skeptical in reading this book as I shy away from any Amish-type books. This one was different in that it was a group of people called the Shakers, whose religion was very interesting to learn about. After the Civil War, the Shaker communities started dying out, but one still remains today in Maine.

What was also different about this book was that it wasn't about someone wanting to leave their religious community (as most Amish books write about), but someone who was wanting to join the community (with skewed intentions).

I thought the history lesson throughout this book was what made it shine. Especially about the Shaker community and their beliefs.

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.