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When she needed help the most, a slave, Louis, cared for orphaned Adria Starr. Now, years later, despite the good he has done, Louis is being sold—and Adria is desperate to help him in return.

Ann H. Gabhart’s River to Redemption is heartwrenching, yet heartwarming historical read. Character-driven and faith-filled, the story unfolds at a steady pace, keeping me easily captivated, and I loved it. I highly recommend it to fans of historical, inspirational fiction.

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a complimentary copy of River to Redemption and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

Have you ever thought about if an epidemic spread through your town and most of the residents died or were left to die because there was no one well enough to care for them? That is what happened in 1833 in Springfield, Kentucky. Cholera swept across like a ranging forest fire leaving most of the men, women and children dead in a short time. There was no hospital or special medications to heal or relieve suffering.
Adria Starr was only 7 years old when her entire family died right before her eyes. She was so sick; she can do nothing but remain in the house with her deceased loved ones. Louis, a slave left alone to care for his master’s home and business is somehow immune to the disease. He tirelessly cares for the sick and buries the dead. His faith in God is strong and deep. He finds Adria and takes her back to the hotel where he and Tilda an elderly slave were nursing the sick alone. Ruth Harmon and Pastor Will Robertson have had their faith shaken after both lost their spouses in spite of their belief and endless prayers. Where was God? Tragedy will bring all their lives together in an unexpected way.
This book was an eye-opening historically. We take so much for granted in our time and our how fortunate we are with modern medicine. The character that had the biggest impact on me was Louis. Oh to have faith in God as he did! Christ was his only focus otherwise he would not have blessed and saved 100’s of lives. I want to be like him! Not matter what the situation he found himself in, his only thought was what the Lord wanted. He could have fled and gained his freedom but he chose to remain. His and Tilda’s sayings and attitude toward hardship were incredible! I wanted to write them all down and remember them. (I may still do it!) Will and Ruth were faced with continuing on while struggling to understand why God had allowed this. Ms. Gabhart beautifully creates a beautiful story of true faith and how God can bring beauty from ashes. ( )

A dark story about the survivors moving on after the cholera epidemic in Springfield, Kentucky in the 1833. A child who loses her entire family, a newlywed who loses her husband and a slave who saves the town are the characters the reader will cone to love.
This was very well written. ( )

Wonderful storyteller Ann H. Gabhart merges facts with fiction to create a vividly poignant tale of life in early 19th-century Kentucky. "River to Redemption", set in Springfield, Kentucky, is a richly-told story of faith and courage in a time when disease and slavery reshaped and often controlled communities' way of life. Adria Starr, along with many others, loses her family in a devastating Cholera epidemic. Her care then comes from Louis. a slave who forsakes his own chance at personal freedom to aid the survivors and bury the dead. More than a decade later, it is now nineteen-year-old Adria's turn to help Louis as he is to be sold by his owners. Adria is determined to save Louis and ensure that he will have his own life--just as he helped her so many years ago. In the 1840's South, she will face an overwhelming battle--will she find the courage and the faith to stand by her friend and overcome the odds against them? "River to Redemption" is a thoughtfully-written, inspiring reminder of abiding faith and respect for all people.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via Library Thing ( )