Christmas at Harmony Hill

Shaker #5.5

by Ann H. Gabhart

An expectant young woman turned away by her family at Christmas is taken in by the Shakers at Harmony Hill.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Historical, Civil War

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2013

About the author

Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. At the age of ten, she started dreaming of writing stories others would want to read. That dream has come true as she's published over thirty-five novels. She and her husband have three children married to three beautiful in-law children who have gifted her nine grandchildren. She still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dogs, reading, and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, was a best-seller and was followed up by two more stories about the Merritt sisters. She keeps her stories in Kentucky and has enjoyed going to the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains for some stories including These Healing Hills and Along a Storied Trail. And if you like mysteries, you can try her Hidden Springs Mysteries published under the author name, A.H. Gabhart. Visit Ann's website http://annhgabhart.com to find out more. There you can sign up for her newsletter where she does giveaways several times a year.

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Tis the gift to be simple
'Tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be…

_ Shaker hymn by Elder Joseph Brackett, 1848

Christmas at Harmony Hill. It sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? But the year is 1864, and the states are anything but united. Heather defied her father’s wishes by marrying Yankee Gideon Worth; then she left her family to accompany her husband when he marched off to fight “the Rebs” in the South. She became a washerwoman in his army unit so that she could be near him. When the book begins, she is pregnant and soon must return home as her December delivery date draws near.

When Heather arrives at the family homestead, she is dismayed to learn that several family members have died, and her father still chooses to turn his back on her for marrying Gideon. Therefore, Heather turns to a great-aunt whom she has never met, Sophrena, a woman who lives in the Harmony Hill Shaker village. Sophrena has lived as a Shaker for many years but recently has begun to struggle in her beliefs. How will she respond to a kinswoman, a young pregnant woman of the world, who is basically a stranger, coming to her for help? In a colony where everyone is called “Sister” or “Brother,” and knowing of Sophrena’s doubts about her commitment to the Shaker life, will the elders allow her to care for her great-niece? How will Heather feel about the Shaker way of life where marriage is not permitted and celibacy is required? Where men and women live separately most of the time, and even children are raised apart from adults?

The narrative alternates between following Gideon and his fellow soldiers as they grind out the long days and nights of the Civil War and Heather’s new experiences with Sophrena and the Shakers as her due date draws nearer. Husband and wife miss each other terribly, but each has more immediate concerns. Gideon hopes to make it home alive and get back to the wife he adores and to his child. As Heather speaks with her aunt, they discuss forgiveness. Heather agonizes over the relationship with her father. Even if he cannot forgive her, can she forgive him?

This story is a work of historical fiction, and I learned some things about the Shaker way of life. Because I had been largely unaware of the Shaker traditions and beliefs prior to reading Christmas at Harmony Hill, it led me to look up more details when I was finished with the book. It seems that Ms. Gabhard did a fair amount of research to come to an understanding of the Shaker faith. Attraction, sex, marriage, and the ways of the world are sinful and are to be shunned. What I felt were distinct differences in the simplicity of the life led by the Shakers. On one hand, the way to redemption, as they see it, is clear and absolute. On the other hand, some of the characters portrayed in the book are judgmental and self-righteous. Young Heather, with her questions and observations, seems to truly have her heart and her spirit in the right place.

The story drags in the beginning, and the details tend to slow things down. I found myself arguing with the Shaker women about their beliefs, especially when Sophrena was constantly urged to confess every single thought that might be considered a “sin.” However, there were many positives about their lives as well – their sense of community, the value of hard work, the power of prayer. It occurred to me that some of the views, beliefs, and attitudes both the positive and negative – are timeless. It was difficult for me to get through the first half of the story, but when Sophrena’s inner thoughts and conflicts became more apparent, the narration felt much deeper and more human than merely a recital of events and details. The relationship between Heather and Sophrena began to feel like a real family connection.

And what about the rest of the family? Gideon? Does he survive the war? Does he make it home in time for the birth of his child? Heather’s father? Does he find a way to open his heart to her and her family?

There are many messages in these pages – and in the twilight of 2016, in a world in much need of forgiveness and peace – there is something to be said for simplicity and love for all.

3.5 stars

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the writing in this story, but the story itself sometimes felt slow. It's not a long book, but I think it could have been shorter, since some of the character's thoughts and feelings seemed to repeat in several chapters.

I enjoyed the details about the Civil War, and Heather and Gideon's relationship, rather than her time at Harmony Hill. For being a supposedly peaceful people, many of the characters seemed quick to judge and holier-than-thou. I think perhaps they were supposed to come across that way, and I the ending was appropriately happy for the main characters involved.

Ann's writing style is compelling though, so I will most likely give more of her books a try in the future - more than likely not the Shaker novels though. ;)

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story of love, family’s love and new beginnings. This story is set in Kentucky during the civil war. A time that war tore our country apart. Heather is following her husband in the Union army camp, a laundress. After her and her husband discover they are to be parents, he sends her home. She doesn’t find the welcoming arms there that she expected. So she travels to a nearby Shaker settlement to meet her aunt. This is a very interesting look at the shaker lifestyle and a great ending.
Library book.

[Amber Lemus · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story set during the Civil War in a Shaker village. I enjoyed learning of the Shakers and their different culture.

It is a slow moving story, but that rather fits it. A sweet Christmas Story of love and family.

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Interest

My Mom first told me about the Shakers–well, their furniture and crafts, years ago. I’ve wanted to visit Pleasant Hill in Kentucky for years. Over the years I have watched a few documentaries and read the novel linked at the bottom of this post, as well. So, when I saw this story on Kindle Unlimited’s offerings, I grabbed it.


The Story

In the last year of the Civil War, to accompany husband, Gideon, a Union soldier, Heather Worth works as one of his company of soldiers’ washerwomen. When she becomes pregnant, though, Gideon sends Heather home to her parents to await the baby’s birth. Unfortunately, being from Kentucky, a boarder state (and home of the then First Lady, Mary Todd Lincoln’s equally divided family) Heather’s father’s sympathies lie with the Confederates. Arriving home to a very different family life [No Spoilers!] Heather instead goes to stay with her mother’s Aunt Sophrena at Harmony Hill, a Shaker community not far from her family’s home.

Heather is not interested in being a Shaker, who disavow marriage and children for the life of “brothers and sisters,” but she is welcomed by them as they minister to those in need. She discovers her Aunt is enduring a crisis of faith–faith in the Shaker’s beliefs. Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Gideon, is discovering faith thanks to his dearly missed wife and thanks to his comrade in arms, Jake.
My Thoughts

I rarely read Christian fiction for a variety of reasons–most related to the quality of the writing. I was happily surprised at how good this book was. The story was interesting and told a good deal about Shaker life–all of which matched what I knew of it. The crisis Sophrena is enduring was made more real to me because she was 50 and I could relate much more to it than to such a situation in a younger (or even newer) Shaker.

This book does talk a lot about Christian faith, but it does not preach and it does not take Bible verses out of context–two pet peeves of mine. The faith

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet Christmas novella set to show the Shaker world from an outside perspective. As Heather nears the time to give birth to her child, she can no longer follow her husband's regiment as a laundress during the Civil War. Her journey home takes an unexpected turn and she finds herself instead at a Shaker village, with their different traditions and worship styles. I appreciated how the book allowed for both Shakers and those "in the world" to be able to worship God in their own way and for neither to be incorrect. And for both Heather and Sister Sophrena to be able to learn from the other's way of life. This was a nice Christmas story to read at this season with a wonderful faith-filled story line with strong characters and a time in history when things were in chaos. I would recommend to fans of historical fiction!

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gift of Family

Gideon and Heather are in the Union army. Gideon is fighting the Confederates and Heather is a washerwoman. When it gets close to the time for Heather to have their baby, she returns home only to have her father throw her out for marrying a Union soldier. Heather has no place to go except for the Shaker village where her Aunt Sophena is living. In the meantime, Sophena is discontented with her life and is happy to help her great-niece. When Christmas arrives they recieve a wonderful gift of forgiveness and the love of family.

[Janeen Swart · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the plot had it's moments, the story moved too slowly with so many of the inward thoughts of the characters often being repeated. The story development was too predictable except the aunt's relationship with the doctor, which seemed to be working toward one outcome, but surprised me a little. I never felt any emotional attraction to the characters. Actually there seemed to be too much narrative and not enough dialog to identify with them. Even though the story lacked any twists of plot, I did enjoy learning a little about the Shaker beliefs and customs. It was a fast feel good read.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first saw the opportunity to review this Christmas story from Ann I was curious and uncertain, but jumped at the chance anyway. I have read some historicals by Ann and absolutely loved them page front to story end. However, I have not read any of her novels that have been set in a Shaker village, so I was a bit uncertain. According to Ann, while all of her Shaker books are set in Harmony Hill, they do read as stand alone novels very easily. She has an entire page dedicated to her Shaker books, where you can read more about them.

By the time that I was halfway through this book, I found myself still unsure of my opinion. Story-wise it is definitely interesting and I like the characters. I’m just really not sure how I feel about the Shaker faith. I guess I keep finding myself wanting to argue with their Sister Ann. So many things in their faith seem to go against what I believe the Bible says, and while I know that’s not fully what this book is suppose to be about, I found it to be a distraction for me. Yet, as I said… this is my first Shaker book.

While in the end, I am not finding myself desperately a fan of this book. I am a fan of Ann Gabhart, and will pick up other books by her in a heartbeat. One of her stand alone historicals, Words Spoken True is on my favorites list. Never were words spoken so true… *sigh* Is that not something that you just love, after reading a book that interruptions left you thirsting for more, where each page could not turn fast enough to bring what was next, but you wanted to take your time to soak it all in. Oh what a character I have found in Blake Garrett and while I was a fan of Adriane Darcy from page one, goodness what a great cast! So if you’re not in love with this book, know that there are others by her that I am in love with!

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...

[Cecelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2013/11/...

Heather is a washer woman for the Union. She took this job so that she could remain with her husband, Gideon, during the war. Heather is pregnant, and as she advances in her pregnancy, Gideon feels it’s no longer safe for her to remain with the troops. So he sends her father’s house – when she arrives, all sorts of calamaties await her arrival. As a result, she finds herself at the Shaker Village. Heather’s Aunt Sophronia is a Shaker, and she hopes the Shaker people will provide shelter for her while she awaits the birth of her baby.

Sophronia struggles with the feelings she has toward her niece. Shakers are not to have special feelings for worldly family. The Shakers are all brothers and sisters – living together – sadly trying to create heaven on earth as they shun marriage, pregnancy, sex, attraction – these things are sinful, and they can’t allow such worldly ways in their village. However, 50-year old Sophronia has romantic feelings toward the Shaker doctor. What can she do about her budding feelings toward the doctor, and the familial affection she has for her niece, such feelings are worldly and wrong.

This book was a good little Christmas story that shows you how life was for the Shakers. Like I’ve mentioned in other blog posts, the Shakers leave me feeling a bit unsettled, but overall, the story was enjoyable. Gives a great message about forgiveness.
- See more at: http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2013/11/...

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I have read Ann's other books in this story, and while she is an excellent writer, they just didn't stir me. I think it was more about the dislike of the Shaker's beliefs than anything else. HOWEVER, this book was a different story. I liked it from the first page to the ending. I know it was because of the aunt, Sophrena. It was a wonderful story, forgiveness being the theme, but also seeking truth would be another theme you could connect with this book. Over all I have to say this has been one of my favorite Christmas stories this year. Great job Ann!! Thank you Revell for allowing me to review this book. Definitely 5 stars from this reviewer!!
Available November 2013 from your favorite seller of Revell Books a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.

[Angelc · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This book is a difficult one to review. It was actually a difficult one to read, so much turmoil happens in the book, and there is an overall tone of melancholy. However, I found myself telling my fiance the entire plot of the book, so I think I must have enjoyed it more than I realized. The plot itself was quite exciting, and I found myself intrigued at the way that all of the pieces to the puzzle fit together by the end.

The end portion of the book really had me turning the pages as fast I could. That was when everything started to come together and all of the characters really learned about what it means to forgive.

Overall, the book isn't the typical holiday story, but the overall message of forgiveness is one we can learn from.


reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com

book sent by publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Love Prevail?

Christmas at Harmony Hill is another great read by this author. I was immediately drawn into the storyline from the beginning. My heart ached for both Gideon and Heather. I worried about their future. Would Gideon survive the war and would Heather survive being turned away from her family home in her time of need.

As this story goes back and forth between what is happening with Gideon and what is going on with Heather the reader begins to wonder if a happy ending is possible.

War is not pretty and being lonely is not the ideal situation either.

Decisions have to be made, lives have to change, love must carry on, forgiveness must be extended, and faith in God that everything will work out must be there.

I highly recommend this book!

[Christy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second Shaker book I have read and it will be my last. I have no trouble understanding how the Shaker religion died out. I find it most unsettling and actually quite ridiculous. The writing style of this author is quite drawn out; almost meandering and pondering way too long on almost everything except what is important. The first three chapters lured me in and then dropped me and I was not picked back up until the last chapter when everything finally happened and we were all free of the Shaker village. The cover was stunning. I just could not feel good about this Christmas read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella (#5.5) accompanying Ann H. Gabhart's Shaker series, and I liked it just as much as I like the first five books. As I expected, this novella was well written, and the characters were well drawn and interesting. The historical setting among this short lived cult was also intriguing as well because I believe that if a novel or novella also makes you think of what you believe and why as well as entertains, it is a bonus to a well written story. In all honesty, this sweet and satisfying novella has been my favorite edition to the series so far.

[Carolyn Tassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This simply told story of love, forgiveness, and helping hands during the struggles of the Civil War was an excellent read for after Christmas. Settling down after all the hustle and bustle, Christmas at Harmony Hill brought back the true spirit of Christmas. The rich characters of Heather and Sophrena are enhanced in the surroundings of the peaceful Shaker Village. I will definitely read more of Ann Gabhart's books.

[Sarahlynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even though I love reading about the Shakers, this book was not well written and was really more of a shallow romance. If you want to read a good book about the Shakers--which includes a romance, but is very well written--read The Believers by Janice Holt Giles instead of this book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most unusual book. I knew nothing about the Shakers and found this background interesting. Ann Gabhart is a very good novelist and her ability to tell a story made this story intriguing.

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting for this story is the Civil War. Heather Lou, a Kentuckian, has fallen in love and married Gideon Worth who is fighting for the Union. She follows the troops as a washerwoman in order to stay with Gideon and because her father has disowned her for marrying a Union soldier. With a baby soon to be born near Christmas and the troops on the move, Gideon sends her back home where her father turns her away. Her sister sends her to her Aunt Sophrena who is a Shaker.

This book left me very conflicted with things I liked and others that bothered me. The warm caring and support given by so many (Gideon, her sister, Aunt Sophrena, Brother Kenton) to Heather as she found her aunt and a place to live as well as during her pregnancy and delivery were sweet and tender.
The forgiveness that Heather, Aunt Sophrena, and Heather's dad all learned and that led to hope for the future. The relationship between jake and Gideon as they fought side by side displayed the strength of relationship between comrades in arms.

The Shaker beliefs and lifestyle really bothered me. First, the constant references to "Mother Ann" were much in the same vein as how the Mormons refer to Joseph Smith. A reverence that almost puts them above Jesus Christ and God. Second, the separation of men and women, no marriage, children immediately taken from the parents of those who join them withdrawing from the "world." Third, the confessional to the elders and the judgemental attitudes for any "worldly" thoughts. Finally, the belief that they could "dance" away their sins. It is obvious Gabhart has done her research into the Shaker tradition and it is also evident why it eventually died out.

This book is well written and I very much enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I would read others in this series taking into account the historical perspective but knowing that the Shaker belief system is not Biblically sound.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "Who says our prayers have to ask for likely things? Our Lord is a powerful God able to do might and wondrous things."

"Forgiveness requires a sacrifice of pride. A humbling of the spirit. An increase of selfless love. A time when you allow others' feelings to be more important than your own."

"I will pray that the Lord reveals my path and that it will be a path I can step upon with joy."

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heather married and went as a camp follower with her new husband Gideon who is in the Union Army. Heather is estranged from her family as her father and brother are Confederaate supporters and her brother was killed in the war. Heather is a washer woman for the army but finds herself pregnant and her husband going into battle so he sends her home. Heather expects to find her bother there and her mother would have been happy to see her but finds instead that her mother has died and her father has disowned her. Heather's sister helps Heather to find her way to a Shaker village where a great Aunt lives. The Shaker people take her in but Heather knows this is a temp situation and after many years of being a Shaker her Aunt has had some misgivings in her faith. Heather has her baby and the Shakers treat her well but eventually Gideon comes home and they all make amends with Heather's family.

[Melody Kitchens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical fiction of this book. It really put into perspective "brother fighting brother" during the civil war. Heather's husband joined the North while her own brother went to fight for the South. It just shows that there were really no "winners" in this war. I felt for Heather as her family was split in half. She had to be loyal to her husband, which meant having to betray her family. Then returning home to find her mother and two brothers dead as well as her father unwelcoming, despite her being very pregnant. Her only option was to turn to her Shaker aunt. I didn't know much about the Shaker religion, so that was kind of interesting to learn a little about. I also enjoyed how the book switched among different character perspectives. Feeling like you're actually there during the war when Gideon was narrating was fascinating, although heart breaking. The book did have a happy ending though where all the family ended up back together.

[Sarah A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set during the civil war, Heather is returning home as she nears the end of her pregnancy. Her husband is serving in the union army, her brother was serving in the confederates. Despite her being Heavily pregnant, her father turns her away in his grief at the deaths of her mother and brothers. Heather turns to a long-lost aunt who she has never met, who lives as part of a shaker community.
The Shakers are an interesting community but this author clearly doesn’t like them much! She tries to explore their beliefs but always in a negative way.
The story is simple and probably fairly similar to some real tales from the time. It’s easy to read and flows nicely. Wasn’t sure about one of the twists at the end and didn’t feel she gave the Shakers a fair explanation so 2*.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting Christian story set during the Civil War. Heather and Gideon had married and she went with him to be a laundress with his Yankee Army unit. When she discovers she is pregnant, Gideon has her go back home. Unfortunately her father wants nothing to do with her since he felt she had betrayed him by marrying a Yankee plus he is mourning the death of his wife and 2 of his sons, one of the sons dying in the war. Heather's sister gives her a letter her mother had written before she died and she told her that she had an aunt who was a Shaker and she would help her. Her aunt Sophrena had started having doubts about her Shaker faith and both women need forgiveness and love both given and received. Christmas brings a joyous conclusion as Heather and Gideon are reunited.

[Hope Swartzlander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story that could really be read any time of year. Ann takes you back in time to the Civil War era and gives you a look into that time from a soldier's point of view and also takes you into the lives of the Shakers and their way of life. This story does touch on Christmas and is thought provoking about how Mary might have felt as she carried and delivered Jesus. A great read that I highly recommend.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me imagine what it was like to live in Civil War torn Kentucky, where families split between fighting for the north and the south.
"Strange how both sides looked at free from different eyes. And how free was just a word that meant nothing when shells started exploding. On a battlefield, nobody was free."

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Shaker book I have ever read. I found this book to be very educational as it was set during the civil war and based on the Shaker religion. It was full of love, forgiveness, prayer, worship and family; many of the things we think of especially at Christmas. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters especially Heather. And absolutely loved the ending!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since this is part of a series, maybe I should've read the beginning of the series first to get more insight into the story. It was a very slow moving, but yet comfy Christmas story. A lot of information about the religious group Shakers is included. Ms Gabhartt definitely done her research in that area. Sweet ending to an emotionally rough book.

[Saundra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas story. It details troubles of both the soldiers and those left at home during the Civil War, and provides i sights into the life of the Shakers. Overall, it his a good, easy, peaceable Christmas read.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book to read at Christmas time!

[Lynda Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read!

I do recommend this book. I have never read this author before but I will be on the lookout for more by this author.