The Refuge

Written by Ann H. Gabhart

Narrated by Stina Nielsen

When Darcie and Walter Goodwin hear of a new cholera epidemic sweeping the area, they join the Shakers whose villages seem immune to the disease. It's meant to be a temporary stay, but Walter is killed in a riverboat accident. With no family and no money, Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique--and lonely--position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness . . . and family? Ann H. Gabhart returns to the enigmatic world of the Shakers in this emotional exploration of the power of love and the bond of family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781980034001

Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of many novels, including In the Shadow of the River, When the Meadow Blooms, Along a Storied Trail, An Appalachian Summer, River to Redemption, These Healing Hills, and Angel Sister. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm's fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. Learn more at AnnHGabhart.com.

Reviews for The Refuge

[kevin shumway · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an absolutely magnificent story line in this book to enjoy!

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Experience life among the Shakers with Ann H. Gabhart’s The Refuge.In need of refuge from cholera, Darcie Goodwin and her husband, Walter, join the Shakers of Harmony Hill. When he dies in an accident, she is left alone—and pregnant—in this strange community. Still, she is not without hope as the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his young, vibrant daughter bring unexpected promise for the future.I have no experience with the Shakers beyond Gabhart’s books, but she describes their world in vivid, fascinating detail. I could not help but be captivated by Darcie’s story with its interesting, emotional turns. I bet it will equally captivate other readers of historical fiction; I recommend it.I received a complimentary copy of this book 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.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An author who can grab your attention in the first sentence usually is skilled enough to keep it. I found this especially true of Ann H. Gabhart in The Refuge, her latest about a young widow, Darcie, in a Shaker village. ”You can’t cheat death.” Immediately, the reader wants to know why the narrator, Darcie, feels like this. While life in a Shaker village could be monotonous and dreary, devoid of family and marital relations, Gabhart managed to keep me eagerly reading to see what would befallanxious Darcie. Her experiences in Harmony Hill as Gabhart recounts them are far from boring. For the founders of communes such as this (and we had one similar in our community, set up in 1930 by a woman, where marriage was “wrong”), the Bible speaks plainly against this type of community. First, the Bible is clear that marriage is to be revered, sacred, and ENJOYED. Secondly, God clearly states that one should not add to His Word. Both in the case of the Shakers and our local commune, the leader’s ideas were considered equal, if not above, God’s Word. Of course, this community also died out. Gabhart has a great cast of three-dimensional characters. Flynn struggles with how to raise his daughter, Leatrice. Silas struggles with how to help Flynn. The answers they choose have far-reaching consequences. I wished we could have seen more of wise Granny Hatchell.“A body shouldn’t be trying to change other folks just to make things more convenient for her.”Overarching themes I saw are learning to trust God day by day and not borrow tomorrow’s troubles; taking that step of faith as we see God leading; learning from others and living peaceably with them even not being in total agreement. How much richer Darcie’s life was for her time with Sisters Genna, Ellie, Helene, and even Eldress Maria.For those who will feel the ending was rushed: I believe circumstances in times like those often made it so. We need to stay true to history over having a “more satisfying ending” like we would plan. Quotes:“Marriage causes stressful living and not the peace and unity we seek here in our village.”~ Mother Ann- founder of Shakers “You prayed when my heart was too discouraged to hope.” ~Genna on answered prayer, showing the power of intercessory prayer for others. May this be said of me!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions, which are solely my own.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This new book by Ann H. Gabhart shares a lot of the history of the Shakers, a religious community that was prominent in Kentucky in the 1800s but best of all, she gives readers a wonderful love story. Yes, there is a hint of a romantic love that might develop but the true love story involves parental love. Much of the plot revolves around the influence that the Sisters and Brothers of the Shaker community have on Darcie Goodwin's and Flynn Keller's commitment to their children. Darcie's love for her unborn baby and her determination to provide for it until she can find a real home after her husband's sudden death exemplifies the ultimate mother/child bond. There is also the love that widower Flynn Keller has for his young daughter. Flynn and his father-in-law are trying to raise Leatrice as she should be raised but this young girl definitely needs a woman's influence in her life. Choosing to join the Shakers may seem to to be answers for both of these parents but Darcie knows that she will never want to become a permanent member of this community; Flynn understands that Leatrice needs supervision but he also rejects the idea of choosing this way of life forever. I really liked Darcie Goodwin and I enjoyed watching the friendship that developed between her and a few of the Sisters. I also liked how the author chose to share all of Darcie's thoughts and readers can see how she grows in confidence and in her faith in God. Flynn Keller is a worthy hero and I found myself hoping that his daughter's need for a mother would somehow lead to a relationship between him and Darcie. The Refuge is a heartwarming story and it proves once again Gabhart's expertise in understanding and explaining the Shakers. Yes, I find it hard to understand their belief in celibacy and their forbiddance of marriage that ultimately led to their extinction but I have to admire their commitment to helping those in need and their "hands to work, hearts to God" motto. *I received a copy of this book from the author and the publisher. These thoughts are mine alone.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Refuge is a well-written novel that proceeds at a gentle pace. I could tell that Ann H. Gabhart has done her research into the Shakers. It was interesting to learn about the Shaker community and their beliefs. I was surprised to learn that the correct name for them is Believers in the Second Coming of Christ. It is outsiders who labeled them Shakers. It is not a religion that would suit every individual especially since men and women are kept separate and not allowed to raise their own children. They did have a strong work ethic and thriving villages. The characters were developed and realistic. I liked that there are characters who have differing viewpoints (those that embrace the Shakers and those that do not) and a variety of ages. I liked the friendships that developed between Darcie and her roommates. Faith is woven into the story making an integral part of The Refuge. The Shakers might have a different ideas, but they believe in God like all Christians. Leatrice was a delight. She was a precocious little girl who lit up the story along with the two babies. The Refuge is not a straightforward romance which I appreciated. There is intrigue, friendships, kittens, childhood drama, faith, a depressed horse, and love. The ending is sweet and heartwarming. There is one phrase from The Refuge I wanted to share. It is “take each day as it comes with the blessings and trials it brings, for the Lord only promises us this day”. The Refuge provides an insightful look into the Shakers and those who sought refuge with them.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I have read several books by this author. One of the things I like about this author and her books is the Amish lifestyle that some of the books are focused around. Thus the reason that I wanted to read this book. Darcie was fine. In fact, she is probably the one I enjoyed the most. The location is also another good aspect about this book. Yet, everything else did not impress me. The other characters as well as the storyline. I struggled right away to find my footing with this book. It moved slowly and it was made only worse by the fact that I was not connecting with the other characters. My reading style with this book was more of a skimming method. While, I was not such a fan of this book, I would read another one by this author.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Refuge tells the tale of two people who fled to a Shaker village in the hopes of outrunning the cholera epidemic. Even though they wouldn’t be allowed to live together as man and wife, Darcie and Walter believe this is the only option they have to live. However, what they hadn’t counted on was an accident that changed their lives on the cusp of learning a babe is on the way.Darcie is frightened and feeling very alone while facing an unknown future. The Shakers allow her to remain with them. She is given what she needs as she works the various chores assigned. However, Darcie isn’t planning on remaining in the Shaker village as she doesn’t want to be separated from her baby once it is born.Flynn has been a widower for almost three years, raising his daughter without a mother, and now even a grandmother. Leatrice is a precocious little girl but a dear child none the less. However, Flynn knows she needs a woman to influence and guide her into her future, but can Flynn love again?Ann H. Gabhart has written a very touching tale that includes themes of friendship, faith, community, loss, hope and love. The way it is written seemed to draw me into the pages time and time again. I loved seeing how Leatrice grew in personality and her interactions with others. Reading how Darcie prayed and waited on the Lord even when she had to take a step of faith without knowing the outcome was beautifully depicted in the book.I hope readers enjoy this story as much as I did and will share it with their friends and family!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I didn’t realize how strict the Shakers were until I read this book. It was forbidden to be married which seems like it goes against what the Bible says. Darcie lost her husband in an accident and is taken in by the Shakers, I know she was unsure if she belonged there. What would they say when it was discovered she was with child? The sins kept building up for Darcie but she prayed they would allow her to stay. She had no one and was desperate for a place to lay her head at night. How hard would it be for you to stay somewhere you felt uncomfortable so you would have shelter and food? I’m not sure everyone was happy with her being there. Some seemed unwelcoming and was very strict about rules.Flynn and his daughter are in a bad position when they run out of food. Flynn knows the Shakers are near by and strikes up a deal with them for food. Maybe Flynn and Darcie can make some kind of agreement to help each other out. Is it possible for them to trust each other? The author gives us details about Shaker life that I enjoyed reading about. I didn’t know some of the rules they followed and how the women and children stayed to themselves a lot. The women did all the household chores including watching any children. I hurt for the women who couldn’t tell their own children that they were their mother.The work to keep their community going was hard, but I did find good in many of the characters. They were always willing to help strangers and never turned anyone away. I wonder if they hoped the people would stay and be part of them? I loved reading how the characters were faithful and how they knew they would need to leave at some point. It was refreshing to see how much Darcie knew about the Bible and how much God loved her. It’s a great story of trust, protecting your children and standing up for what you believe in.I received a copy of this book from Revell Blogger Program. The review is my own opinion.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of those books where I wish I could give more than five stars. I learned a lot about the Shakers in this story. It was one of those religions where you wonder how it expected to survive with the types of rules it had. Darcie , Flynn, Leatrice and Mona were great characters. I also loved the “sisters” in the Shaker village. I did not want to put this book down but I also did not want it to end. I wanted to keep being a part of all these people’s lives. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The setting of this book is the 1850’s and at the Shakers Village of Harmony Hill. I like reading about this group of believers, although they were destined to fail, they had to depend on new joiners.While some of this book does focus on the loss of a spouse, we have hope with the arrival of new babies, but the setting for nurturing is less than ideal. A rather sterile way, where the adults live in separate buildings from the children, and of course, men and woman are living apart.Through the words of the author we put faces to these people, and while I felt I knew how things would turn out, there are a few surprises that we find here.I for one would be happy to journey for a longer time here, and this one kept my attention and the pages flew.I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.