The Innocent

By: Ann H. Gabhart

Narrated by: Lynne McCollough

She longs for peace - for her land and her heart - but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?

Carlyn Kearney spends two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home. With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.

The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn the Shaker life seems anything but simple. When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny. Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit?

Best-selling author Ann H. Gabhart invites fans back to Harmony Hill for a story laced with intrigue, romance, and heart.

©2015 Ann H. Gabhart (P)2015 Recorded Books

Hmmmmm

I generally like this author, but this was not my favorite of her stories. Most of it was good, and it was well written, but I disliked too much time and detail about the Shakers' cultish beliefs. Particularly the references to Mother Ann made me shudder and feel disgusted. I always find it so sad that people don't realize how much Jesus loves them and how He cares and is able to make compassionate intercession for them! I liked when the main character challenged some of their beliefs, but I would have liked to have seen her be more firm about the gospel and the second coming of Christ. Experiencing in the story so much about the Shakers' practices put me in a place that I did not want to be! Aside from those parts, I liked the story very much.

When I listened to the sample, I knew that I did not like this narrator, but because I like the author, I decided to try it and hoped she would improve as she got into the story. Such was not the case! Her monotone, somewhat staccato delivery was disappointing and annoying. I had to work hard to overlook it and try to enjoy the story. She is not terrible, but does not act the parts well, either. Tolerable with some effort. The deep voices did not convey the younger ages of some of the characters. There was not much variety in her voices.

Words from God

Story line was well put together and followed thru with continuity of thoughts and plot