River to Redemption

Ann Gabhart has written a book with a theme and the theme is believing prayer--believing that God will hear and answer, maybe not the answer you want, but the answer you need. I did get surprised by the book: it is a romance book, but it was not the romance I expected.  Nice redirect!  I loved the surprise element. 

This is based on a true story, and Ann did not change the names.  Louis Sanderson was a real man who did everything Ann described,  burying the bodies of all those who died from the cholera epidemic--over fifty bodies plus those of the slaves who died as well. 

Ann provides a great look into the lives of the slaves and those whose opinions run against slavery.  Her writing is impeccable and engaging.  It is so easy to get involved with the book and have a hard time putting it down.

Adria Starr is orphaned at about 5 years old when cholera comes through her town.  Louis Sanderson comes to her house and finds her as the only living member of her family, but she was sick too.  Louis takes her to Matilda, both of whom are owned by George Sanderson--the hotel owner.  Then Louis goes back to bury Adria's mother, father, and baby brother.  After Adria gets well, Louis has to find a place for her to live.  He takes her to Ruth, the widow of the school teacher. Ruth and Adria find family in each other. 

Some years later, when Adria was grown, George Sanderson died and his family plans to sell all of his slaves.  Adria is aghast that Louis is going to be sold, especially after all he did during the cholera epidemic. Louis had the opportunity to escape his slavery, but he chose to stay and do what the Lord told him to do.  He prayed long and often about getting his freedom, but he wasn't willing to break the law to get it.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a freedom day for everyone.

I received this galley from Revell Books through the NetGalley.com website. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review this book.