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Shaker #1
The Outsider
She thought she was content--until a love from the outside world turned hers upside down.
Gabrielle Hope and her mother joined the Harmony Hill Shaker community in 1807. The community promised stability and devotion that Gabrielle wholeheartedly embraced. But when a local doctor must be brought into Harmony Hill from the outside, he sets into motion a chain of events that will challenge Gabrielle's loyalty to the Shakers.
As she falls deeper into a forbidden love for this man of the world, Gabrielle must make a choice. Can she experience true happiness in this simple and chaste community? Or will she abandon her brothers and sisters for a life of the unknown?
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
139 people are currently reading
1366 people want to read
About the author
Ann H. Gabhart
49 books1,057 followersAnn 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
August 31, 2010
This is my first book set in my Shaker Village of Harmony Hill and based on my research of the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in a neighboring county. This story is set in 1812 and besides my Shaker heroine, Gabrielle, also tells the story of a frontier doctor who goes to war with a Kentucky Militia group. I actually wrote this story a long time ago when I published my first historical romances but then I pulled it out and rewrote it for the inspirational market in 2007. Gabrielle's story has caught the interest of a lot of readers and was actually a finalist for Fiction Book of the Year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Associations. That was a WOW for me and shows that sometimes a writer shouldn't give up on a story.
August 9, 2008
A beautiful historical novel, set in the 1800's in a Shaker community located near Harrodsburg, Kentucky. The main character is a young Shaker woman who is completely happy living with her Shaker sisters and brethren, until an outsider intrudes on their lives and her thoughts. The Shaker culture and society are so realistic I felt like I was there, like I knew these people. There are a gazillion Amish novels out there, but this is the first Shaker book I've read and I really enjoyed it. (Read it in one sitting, and gladly gave up several hours' sleep to finish!)
August 26, 2018
I'm not exactly sure what it was, but this book left me feeling very uneasy. Maybe it was the portrayal of the Shaker community and their reliance on 'Mother Ann' rather than on Christ. Maybe it was the way that Brice and Gabrielle's relationship was formed. (Side note: in my opinion, what was described was not love, but merely attraction.) But, either way, though the writing was good, the book left me feeling cold, and I will not be finishing the series, though I might try another of the author's books that do not talk about the Shaker community.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
July 9, 2015
Quickly looking at The Outside’s, book cover, one might think this is a sweet Amish story, where people are wearing a little different kind of dress. The Shakers are not even close to the Amish religion—in any stretch of the imagination. I’d never heard about Shakers before reading this. The author, Ann H. Gabhart, lives just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village in Kentucky. She has walked the same paths her characters might have walked. Ann shares fascinating details woven into this compelling story..
Definition: “The Shakers, a religious sect, practiced celibacy and took pains to separate the sexes in their day-to-day activities as they concentrated their energy on perfecting their lives through work and worship.”
Through Gabrielle’s eye, you’ll get an inside look into the nitty-gritty of every day life of one Shaker community, in Kentucky. Gabrielle, the main character, who’s lived in this community since she was small, gives you a glimpse from the inside-out, through her experiences inside the community and how she viewed the outside world.
On the flip side through Brice Scott, the doctor who helps a hurting boy in their community; you get to experience what he learns about the Shakers from outsiders he runs across trying to learn about this sect. It was quite fascinating and in parts heart wrenching to see the whole scope of what the Shaker community was all about.
Sister Mercy had all the answers for Gabrielle when she questioned about the communities ways, she says,” You see, my child, the Believers have joined together in a family as a separate society from the world where all reasons for sin are removed from our lives. Everyone works for the good of all and without the strife of the individual marriage and family. But when someone comes among us from the world he brings evil thoughts and ideas with him. That evil can touch and disturb out inner calm!! I’ll bet it does!! Reading about the Shaker ways disturbed by inner calm for sure, it will rattle you too.
As I read through the pages, I saw the mind bending tactics the Elders in this sect used to keep people in the community. I realized, in a big way, it’s only with Gods Grace and Love revealed to us through our personal relationship with Him, that has the power to penetrate the doctrine Gabrielle faced.
The Shaker community is run by law and not grace or love. The bible says that the TRUTH will set you free—this passage had new meaning to me after reading this book. Also how I take God’s Love and Grace for granted. God loves me and died for me just as I am, flaws and all. What a relief for me to experience—something the Shakers could not experience because they were trying to become perfect here on earth. This book was an eye opener—I learned so much about the Shakers, God and myself. What a winning combination.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Definition: “The Shakers, a religious sect, practiced celibacy and took pains to separate the sexes in their day-to-day activities as they concentrated their energy on perfecting their lives through work and worship.”
Through Gabrielle’s eye, you’ll get an inside look into the nitty-gritty of every day life of one Shaker community, in Kentucky. Gabrielle, the main character, who’s lived in this community since she was small, gives you a glimpse from the inside-out, through her experiences inside the community and how she viewed the outside world.
On the flip side through Brice Scott, the doctor who helps a hurting boy in their community; you get to experience what he learns about the Shakers from outsiders he runs across trying to learn about this sect. It was quite fascinating and in parts heart wrenching to see the whole scope of what the Shaker community was all about.
Sister Mercy had all the answers for Gabrielle when she questioned about the communities ways, she says,” You see, my child, the Believers have joined together in a family as a separate society from the world where all reasons for sin are removed from our lives. Everyone works for the good of all and without the strife of the individual marriage and family. But when someone comes among us from the world he brings evil thoughts and ideas with him. That evil can touch and disturb out inner calm!! I’ll bet it does!! Reading about the Shaker ways disturbed by inner calm for sure, it will rattle you too.
As I read through the pages, I saw the mind bending tactics the Elders in this sect used to keep people in the community. I realized, in a big way, it’s only with Gods Grace and Love revealed to us through our personal relationship with Him, that has the power to penetrate the doctrine Gabrielle faced.
The Shaker community is run by law and not grace or love. The bible says that the TRUTH will set you free—this passage had new meaning to me after reading this book. Also how I take God’s Love and Grace for granted. God loves me and died for me just as I am, flaws and all. What a relief for me to experience—something the Shakers could not experience because they were trying to become perfect here on earth. This book was an eye opener—I learned so much about the Shakers, God and myself. What a winning combination.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
April 22, 2018
Before reading The Outsider the only thing I knew about the Shakers was their popular Shaker furniture. Since reading this book I have learned a lot more. In a few words the Shakers were a strange bunch. They did not believe in marriage and thought it was a sin to “commit matrimony.” So they remained celibate and practiced communal living. The only time the men and women were together was during meals and worship.
The name Shaker comes from their strange charismatic worship style. When the “spirit” came on them they were known to shake all over. Their founder Sister Ann Lee was worshipped as a deity. They believed she was “the second-coming of Christ in female form.” (Quote from the book.) Actually, Mother Ann was a woman trying to make sense of her suffering. Her mistaken conclusions are the basis of Shaker doctrine.
There is a difference of opinion about whether the Shakers, as a religion, is still practiced. The book’s introduction said the Shakers died out after the Civil War. The link below says there are a few practicing adherents in a village in Maine.
Apart from their worship everything else about their lifestyle was austere and strict to the letter. To their credit the Shakers were industrious, sincere, virtuous people who lived simply. Like the Quakers they were peace-loving and did not believe in keeping slaves. They also believed men and women were equals. However, as other cults they were works-based and their adherents were brainwashed. Although they claimed not to harm their follower believers, if this book is correct, they committed spiritual and emotional abuse.
As far as the book itself goes it is inspirational not Christian. There were also a couple points that deviated from scriptural truth. Perhaps that is what it means to be inspiration rather than Christian? I’m not sure. However, Ann Garhart has an amazing, diverse writing talent. I love her as an author.
http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/shakers/s...
The name Shaker comes from their strange charismatic worship style. When the “spirit” came on them they were known to shake all over. Their founder Sister Ann Lee was worshipped as a deity. They believed she was “the second-coming of Christ in female form.” (Quote from the book.) Actually, Mother Ann was a woman trying to make sense of her suffering. Her mistaken conclusions are the basis of Shaker doctrine.
There is a difference of opinion about whether the Shakers, as a religion, is still practiced. The book’s introduction said the Shakers died out after the Civil War. The link below says there are a few practicing adherents in a village in Maine.
Apart from their worship everything else about their lifestyle was austere and strict to the letter. To their credit the Shakers were industrious, sincere, virtuous people who lived simply. Like the Quakers they were peace-loving and did not believe in keeping slaves. They also believed men and women were equals. However, as other cults they were works-based and their adherents were brainwashed. Although they claimed not to harm their follower believers, if this book is correct, they committed spiritual and emotional abuse.
As far as the book itself goes it is inspirational not Christian. There were also a couple points that deviated from scriptural truth. Perhaps that is what it means to be inspiration rather than Christian? I’m not sure. However, Ann Garhart has an amazing, diverse writing talent. I love her as an author.
http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/shakers/s...
September 9, 2011
As much as I wanted to like this one, I feel compelled to give it only two stars, because I really couldn't recommend it unless it was a free or 99c ebook (I think I got it as a Kindle freebie).
On the plus side:
- The unique focus on the Shaker sect. The descriptions of the worship/prayer practices and day-to-day life were vivid and kept me reading to the end. The author treated this misunderstood faith community with respect, never devolving into a movie-of-the-week treatment. The emotional and spiritual impact of communal living were especially well done.
- The characters' beliefs and motivations were a key part of the story - their emotions and thought processes were entirely believable and compelling.
- The hero/heroine both were complex and conflicted, but still likeable. It was a love-at-first-sight scenario, but it wasn't the dopey lightning bolt version, and the happily-ever-after was hard-won after serious soul-searching and growth on both sides.
- Secondary characters were also a strong point, with great reciprocal impact between them and the main characters; the H/H were profoundly influenced by the people around them.
- The themes of faith vs trust and personal vs communal faith were woven seamlessly throughout the narrative, without a hit-you-over-the-head MORAL OF THE STORY, SEE WHAT I DID THERE? in the last chapter.
On the negative side:
- The names of the main characters. I'm not one to insist on Biblical names in inspirationals, and a quick googling shows that they were probably historically authentic, but Gabrielle and Brice were just WAY too YA/chick-lit for me. "Gabrielle" seems much more plantation belle than backwoods Kentucky, and "Brice" just triggers a mental vision of Animal House Frat Boy.
- The disjointed flow. This nearly killed it for me. I was invested enough in the story to finish, but it wasn't a smooth ride.
Much too often the tenets of Shaker theology were forced into the mouths of the elders. Yeah, I know that's what the elders are supposed to do. However, the elders frequently mentioned that the heroine was a long-time member (six years, ages 13-19) and well-versed in Shaker beliefs, and yet they lectured her like a newcomer simply to info-dump for the reader.
It would have worked much better to have those critical explanatory passages as dialogue between Gabrielle and Nathan, Gabrielle and Brice, or Gabrielle and an adolescent Sister, as they examine or explain their beliefs, or provide plot points with specific actions in which the theology would be applied.
In addition, numerous short flashbacks interrupted internal monologues, making for some forced and awkward transitions.
The bit about the porcupine was pretty funny, though :-) I need to look that up to see if it really happened....
On the fence-sitting I WANT MORE:
- Sister Helen was intriguing, because we ALL know someone like that , but she was oddly one-dimensional considering the depth of the other characters. Her backstory was hinted at, making me want more than the "bitter, envious spinster" angle, which was in danger of becoming a caricature.
- Or maybe I wanted less... The length seemed wrong somehow; it would have worked better as a shorter, tighter novella, or expanded to really build the H/H relationship even more. The angst level wasn't overwhelming, but more true drama would have provided some balance.
On the whole, not bad - worthwhile for the characters and especially the glimpse into the Shakers. But definitely not one I'd recommend to my literary-snob friends.
On the plus side:
- The unique focus on the Shaker sect. The descriptions of the worship/prayer practices and day-to-day life were vivid and kept me reading to the end. The author treated this misunderstood faith community with respect, never devolving into a movie-of-the-week treatment. The emotional and spiritual impact of communal living were especially well done.
- The characters' beliefs and motivations were a key part of the story - their emotions and thought processes were entirely believable and compelling.
- The hero/heroine both were complex and conflicted, but still likeable. It was a love-at-first-sight scenario, but it wasn't the dopey lightning bolt version, and the happily-ever-after was hard-won after serious soul-searching and growth on both sides.
- Secondary characters were also a strong point, with great reciprocal impact between them and the main characters; the H/H were profoundly influenced by the people around them.
- The themes of faith vs trust and personal vs communal faith were woven seamlessly throughout the narrative, without a hit-you-over-the-head MORAL OF THE STORY, SEE WHAT I DID THERE? in the last chapter.
On the negative side:
- The names of the main characters. I'm not one to insist on Biblical names in inspirationals, and a quick googling shows that they were probably historically authentic, but Gabrielle and Brice were just WAY too YA/chick-lit for me. "Gabrielle" seems much more plantation belle than backwoods Kentucky, and "Brice" just triggers a mental vision of Animal House Frat Boy.
- The disjointed flow. This nearly killed it for me. I was invested enough in the story to finish, but it wasn't a smooth ride.
Much too often the tenets of Shaker theology were forced into the mouths of the elders. Yeah, I know that's what the elders are supposed to do. However, the elders frequently mentioned that the heroine was a long-time member (six years, ages 13-19) and well-versed in Shaker beliefs, and yet they lectured her like a newcomer simply to info-dump for the reader.
It would have worked much better to have those critical explanatory passages as dialogue between Gabrielle and Nathan, Gabrielle and Brice, or Gabrielle and an adolescent Sister, as they examine or explain their beliefs, or provide plot points with specific actions in which the theology would be applied.
In addition, numerous short flashbacks interrupted internal monologues, making for some forced and awkward transitions.
The bit about the porcupine was pretty funny, though :-) I need to look that up to see if it really happened....
On the fence-sitting I WANT MORE:
- Sister Helen was intriguing, because we ALL know someone like that , but she was oddly one-dimensional considering the depth of the other characters. Her backstory was hinted at, making me want more than the "bitter, envious spinster" angle, which was in danger of becoming a caricature.
- Or maybe I wanted less... The length seemed wrong somehow; it would have worked better as a shorter, tighter novella, or expanded to really build the H/H relationship even more. The angst level wasn't overwhelming, but more true drama would have provided some balance.
On the whole, not bad - worthwhile for the characters and especially the glimpse into the Shakers. But definitely not one I'd recommend to my literary-snob friends.
June 1, 2020
Ugh!!! This was so lame and awful in its plot and writing!
Rating: 2 stars
Recommend: *i guess if you must * but #3 in the series is the bomb!
Warning: none
Read: (1)8/19-21/19
Rating: 2 stars
Recommend: *i guess if you must * but #3 in the series is the bomb!
Warning: none
Read: (1)8/19-21/19
January 6, 2024
I would actually give this - 3 1/2-4….. The Shaker life is so odd and infuriating to me- I feel badly towards those who in the past were drawn in and deceived.
May 10, 2011
Having joined the Shaker community of Harmony Hill as a child, Gabrielle has always felt content with her lifestyle and never questioned returning to the outside world. According to her Sisters and Brothers, Gabrielle has been blessed with the gift of visions, which often give her disturbing and chilling foresight into events that have yet to happen. When one of these visions helps her to locate a Brother who has been harmed in a barn fire, a doctor is required to visit the community on a regular basis to aid his recovery. Gabrielle's encounters with young local doctor, Brice Scott, call her to question the life she is living and whether it is truly God's plan for men and women to act as siblings. The community begin to doubt Gabrielle's loyalty to their faith, and when Brice is ripped away from her to tend to wounded soldiers on the battlefield, Gabrielle's commitment to her fellow Brothers and Sisters is tested as they place her under vigorous supervision. Will Brice return to rescue her, or will Gabrielle choose to remain in the life she has become used to?
Being an avid fan of books about the Amish, I was intrigued when my Amish Fiction book club decided to read a novel about another Plain group - the Shakers. I'd never heard of these people before, and as I investigated further it appeared that they were very different from the Amish. I say "were" because the Shakers have nearly entirely died out, with only a few members remaining. While they believed, like the Amish, in coming closer to God through hard physical work and tending the land, the majority of the principles of their faith could not be more different. The Shakers believed that they should live a life of celibacy because marriage is a sin, men and women were entirely separated in their communities, and when families joined the children were taken away from their parents. This alone was enough to make me feel uncomfortable, and hope that Gabrielle would be able to escape the community. This is the main difference that I found between reading Amish and Shaker fiction - I always hope that the characters in Amish fiction will either convert or remain with their faith, whereas I felt that the Shakers were a cult and hoped that Brice would take Gabrielle away from her community.
Because of the limitations of her community, Gabrielle spent very little time alone with Brice, and due to this this their relationship felt quite shallow. I really wish that they'd spent more time together so that I could have felt entirely convinced of their love for each other. Since they spent so much time apart - especially after Brice left to go to war - I almost got the feeling that Gabrielle was attracted to Brice purely because he offered her a means of escape, and was a symbol of all that the outside world represented. Thus, I found myself wondering, is this actually a romance novel at all? In places it felt more like a historical novel, which I don't mind as I love historical fiction, but it was definitely marketed as a romance, so other readers might be a bit disappointed at the lack of contact between Gabrielle and Brice for a large portion of the book.
Another complaint would have to be the treatment of the Shaker worship and Gabrielle's visions. I felt that this aspect was very vague and I was never sure whether the author was suggesting that the songs, dances and visions that Gabrielle had been blessed with were fake or from Satan. If this was what she was trying to convey, I feel that it could be misleading and could make some people to believe that such things never come from God. While I think that a lot of what the Shakers believed was definitely not scriptural or from God, I do believe that he can speak to people through worship and visions, so I wish that the Gabhart had been more precise in the message she was trying to convey through the presentation of Gabrielle's gifts.
This was a fascinating read, and I learned a lot about the Shaker faith and the War of 1812. If you're a fan of historical fiction and want to read something slightly different, I'd definitely recommend this book. But don't be tricked into thinking that this is an Amish romance - the Shakers are very different from the Amish, and I personally felt that the romance aspect was very minimal. Despite that, this was a very compelling book and I plan to read the others in the series at some point in the future. 8/10
Being an avid fan of books about the Amish, I was intrigued when my Amish Fiction book club decided to read a novel about another Plain group - the Shakers. I'd never heard of these people before, and as I investigated further it appeared that they were very different from the Amish. I say "were" because the Shakers have nearly entirely died out, with only a few members remaining. While they believed, like the Amish, in coming closer to God through hard physical work and tending the land, the majority of the principles of their faith could not be more different. The Shakers believed that they should live a life of celibacy because marriage is a sin, men and women were entirely separated in their communities, and when families joined the children were taken away from their parents. This alone was enough to make me feel uncomfortable, and hope that Gabrielle would be able to escape the community. This is the main difference that I found between reading Amish and Shaker fiction - I always hope that the characters in Amish fiction will either convert or remain with their faith, whereas I felt that the Shakers were a cult and hoped that Brice would take Gabrielle away from her community.
Because of the limitations of her community, Gabrielle spent very little time alone with Brice, and due to this this their relationship felt quite shallow. I really wish that they'd spent more time together so that I could have felt entirely convinced of their love for each other. Since they spent so much time apart - especially after Brice left to go to war - I almost got the feeling that Gabrielle was attracted to Brice purely because he offered her a means of escape, and was a symbol of all that the outside world represented. Thus, I found myself wondering, is this actually a romance novel at all? In places it felt more like a historical novel, which I don't mind as I love historical fiction, but it was definitely marketed as a romance, so other readers might be a bit disappointed at the lack of contact between Gabrielle and Brice for a large portion of the book.
Another complaint would have to be the treatment of the Shaker worship and Gabrielle's visions. I felt that this aspect was very vague and I was never sure whether the author was suggesting that the songs, dances and visions that Gabrielle had been blessed with were fake or from Satan. If this was what she was trying to convey, I feel that it could be misleading and could make some people to believe that such things never come from God. While I think that a lot of what the Shakers believed was definitely not scriptural or from God, I do believe that he can speak to people through worship and visions, so I wish that the Gabhart had been more precise in the message she was trying to convey through the presentation of Gabrielle's gifts.
This was a fascinating read, and I learned a lot about the Shaker faith and the War of 1812. If you're a fan of historical fiction and want to read something slightly different, I'd definitely recommend this book. But don't be tricked into thinking that this is an Amish romance - the Shakers are very different from the Amish, and I personally felt that the romance aspect was very minimal. Despite that, this was a very compelling book and I plan to read the others in the series at some point in the future. 8/10
May 28, 2011
http://ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/2011...
The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart
I enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed it as much as Gabhart's other Shaker novels. Since I've reviewed her other Shaker books, I'm not going to go off on a tangent about my negative opinions about the cultic (although peaceful) traits of the Shakers.
Gabrielle has a prophetic gift of seeing events before they occur - she'll know when something has happened. This gift has been with her during her entire life and having this gift can prove to be unpleasant at times. After "losing" her father as a youngster Gabrielle and her mother make a new life for themselves at the Shaker village. The atmosphere of the village is strange since there is no romantic love between the members since matrimony is considered a sin - according to their founder, Mother Ann. However, when one of the male Shaker members is burned in a fire, the Shakers need to call upon the help of Brice, the local "worldly" doctor in town. While Brice nurses his young patient back to health, he finds himself smitten with young, beautiful Gabrielle - Gabrielle was chosen to assist the doctor in nursing his young male patient. Gabrielle finds that she has feelings for the doctor, feelings that she is not able to act upon if she wants to enjoy her salvation. Gabrielle struggles with her feelings because, according to the Shakers, if she marries, she'll give up her right to eternal life from her sin.
The writing of this book was really good and you have a great sense of what life was like in the Shaker village. I did find myself getting unnerved when reading about the cultic Shakers, but was glad that Gabrielle found herself rightfully questioning the Shaker beliefs.
I also enjoyed reading about the different tasks that this religious group performed to make their living. They made jams and jellies, picked berries, farmed, ran a school, worked in the kitchen - cooking food to be consumed in the biting room, etc. They show their love for the Lord through their "works" - the tasks outlined above. However, they seem to worship Mother Ann moreso than Jesus Christ. This is a good book to read, especially if you want to know more about the Shaker way of life and to learn more about the time period. I've enjoyed all of the books in this series, but I didn't read them in order. I believe this is the first one. I got it as a free Kindle download awhile ago.
~Cecelia Dowdy~
The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart
I enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed it as much as Gabhart's other Shaker novels. Since I've reviewed her other Shaker books, I'm not going to go off on a tangent about my negative opinions about the cultic (although peaceful) traits of the Shakers.
Gabrielle has a prophetic gift of seeing events before they occur - she'll know when something has happened. This gift has been with her during her entire life and having this gift can prove to be unpleasant at times. After "losing" her father as a youngster Gabrielle and her mother make a new life for themselves at the Shaker village. The atmosphere of the village is strange since there is no romantic love between the members since matrimony is considered a sin - according to their founder, Mother Ann. However, when one of the male Shaker members is burned in a fire, the Shakers need to call upon the help of Brice, the local "worldly" doctor in town. While Brice nurses his young patient back to health, he finds himself smitten with young, beautiful Gabrielle - Gabrielle was chosen to assist the doctor in nursing his young male patient. Gabrielle finds that she has feelings for the doctor, feelings that she is not able to act upon if she wants to enjoy her salvation. Gabrielle struggles with her feelings because, according to the Shakers, if she marries, she'll give up her right to eternal life from her sin.
The writing of this book was really good and you have a great sense of what life was like in the Shaker village. I did find myself getting unnerved when reading about the cultic Shakers, but was glad that Gabrielle found herself rightfully questioning the Shaker beliefs.
I also enjoyed reading about the different tasks that this religious group performed to make their living. They made jams and jellies, picked berries, farmed, ran a school, worked in the kitchen - cooking food to be consumed in the biting room, etc. They show their love for the Lord through their "works" - the tasks outlined above. However, they seem to worship Mother Ann moreso than Jesus Christ. This is a good book to read, especially if you want to know more about the Shaker way of life and to learn more about the time period. I've enjoyed all of the books in this series, but I didn't read them in order. I believe this is the first one. I got it as a free Kindle download awhile ago.
~Cecelia Dowdy~
May 4, 2012
3.5 Stars
Gabrielle is happy being a Shaker. She has a gift of seeing future events and one night she for see’s a friend getting hurt. Because of this accident she meets the local doctor Brice. She finds herself having feeling for him but that is a major sin in the Shakers way of life. She soon finders herself in a battle with both the Shakers and herself.
Brice does not understand the Shaker’s ideas on things but he tries to get along with them so he can help those who are sick. Once he meets Gabrielle he finds himself caring for her and wanting to free her from that way of life. Will he be able to and find true love in the process or with Gabrielle not be able to let go of the way of life she has come to know?
This book was very informative. I had heard of the Shakers but did not know a lot about them. They where very much a cult and I did not care for any of the characters except for Gabrielle from the community. I just wanted her to get out of there. One of the beliefs is family’s are separated from each other when they join the community. There is a side story of a mother and her daughter who don’t handle this separation well resulting in a very sad ending for them and it was just heart breaking.
Another topic that was talked about was the war of 1812. Brice joins up and quite a few chapters talk about his adventures. This was the slowest part of the book for me. It was interesting but I felt myself wanting to skip over parts if this story line. I wish the author instead had not rushed the ending and spend more time there instead of on the war.
Over all a good book and I hope to someday read the other books in this series.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2011/0...
Gabrielle is happy being a Shaker. She has a gift of seeing future events and one night she for see’s a friend getting hurt. Because of this accident she meets the local doctor Brice. She finds herself having feeling for him but that is a major sin in the Shakers way of life. She soon finders herself in a battle with both the Shakers and herself.
Brice does not understand the Shaker’s ideas on things but he tries to get along with them so he can help those who are sick. Once he meets Gabrielle he finds himself caring for her and wanting to free her from that way of life. Will he be able to and find true love in the process or with Gabrielle not be able to let go of the way of life she has come to know?
This book was very informative. I had heard of the Shakers but did not know a lot about them. They where very much a cult and I did not care for any of the characters except for Gabrielle from the community. I just wanted her to get out of there. One of the beliefs is family’s are separated from each other when they join the community. There is a side story of a mother and her daughter who don’t handle this separation well resulting in a very sad ending for them and it was just heart breaking.
Another topic that was talked about was the war of 1812. Brice joins up and quite a few chapters talk about his adventures. This was the slowest part of the book for me. It was interesting but I felt myself wanting to skip over parts if this story line. I wish the author instead had not rushed the ending and spend more time there instead of on the war.
Over all a good book and I hope to someday read the other books in this series.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2011/0...
August 27, 2011
The story of following your faith in matters of the heart creates the tale of "The Outsider."
Living life in the 1800's in a Shaker community, Gabrielle, a young believer, is blessed with the gift of seeing into the future. With these visions, she saves her good friend's life from a fire by guiding Dr. Brice Scott to him to save him in time. Spending time with the good dr., feelings start to develop and thoughts that the Shakers don't believe in, start to bring turmoil to this young woman's mind. Both struggle with these feelings and encounter many obstacles in their paths as they try to deny the love that is blossoming between them. Gabrielle tries to bury herself in her Shaker lifestyle and insists upon living faithfully to their beliefs. Dr. Scott turns his duty over to caring for the sick and wounded soldiers of the war that is raging in the North. But still, their thoughts and prayers are for each other, even when there is so much heartache and tragedy falling all around them. Follow their emotional journey as they finally find each other and are able to live their lives together with love and faith.
This was the first book that I have ever read about the Shaker lifestyle and found it to be very interesting. Ms. Gabhart gave alot of insight to their beliefs and did a wonderful job at portraying their everyday lives in great detail. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and the gambit of emotions that they each experienced.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a tender romance woven into the storyline.
This book was kindly provided to me by me and this is my honest review.
Living life in the 1800's in a Shaker community, Gabrielle, a young believer, is blessed with the gift of seeing into the future. With these visions, she saves her good friend's life from a fire by guiding Dr. Brice Scott to him to save him in time. Spending time with the good dr., feelings start to develop and thoughts that the Shakers don't believe in, start to bring turmoil to this young woman's mind. Both struggle with these feelings and encounter many obstacles in their paths as they try to deny the love that is blossoming between them. Gabrielle tries to bury herself in her Shaker lifestyle and insists upon living faithfully to their beliefs. Dr. Scott turns his duty over to caring for the sick and wounded soldiers of the war that is raging in the North. But still, their thoughts and prayers are for each other, even when there is so much heartache and tragedy falling all around them. Follow their emotional journey as they finally find each other and are able to live their lives together with love and faith.
This was the first book that I have ever read about the Shaker lifestyle and found it to be very interesting. Ms. Gabhart gave alot of insight to their beliefs and did a wonderful job at portraying their everyday lives in great detail. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and the gambit of emotions that they each experienced.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a tender romance woven into the storyline.
This book was kindly provided to me by me and this is my honest review.
January 31, 2011
The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart
This book is about the Shakers. It is about a young woman by the name of Gabrielle, is the main character, in the prime of her life at the young age of 20. She had no choice but to join the Shakers because her mother decided to join with her other daughter, Becca, age 7, after her husband who was missing was pronounced dead.
I also wanted to learn more about the Shakers since my knowledge of their religion was almost none. The most interesting thing I learned was the Kitchen is called the “Bitery”!
The Shakers families all live apart from each other, even if they are married. There is a building for adult women, men, girls, and boys. Even if they are married, they live apart in separate buildings, and the parents are away from each other and their children.
A Doctor who is an Outsider is needed by the community. Gabrielle, only supposed to be looking down at Outsider’s, made eye contact with the young doctor. This starts to put doubts in her mind as to whether or not she wants to remain a Shaker or not. She goes through quite an ordeal.
Ann H. Gabhart’s style of writing is so smooth, consistent, and easy to read, you become so immersed in her stories. This is one novel that is sure to stay with you.
This book is about the Shakers. It is about a young woman by the name of Gabrielle, is the main character, in the prime of her life at the young age of 20. She had no choice but to join the Shakers because her mother decided to join with her other daughter, Becca, age 7, after her husband who was missing was pronounced dead.
I also wanted to learn more about the Shakers since my knowledge of their religion was almost none. The most interesting thing I learned was the Kitchen is called the “Bitery”!
The Shakers families all live apart from each other, even if they are married. There is a building for adult women, men, girls, and boys. Even if they are married, they live apart in separate buildings, and the parents are away from each other and their children.
A Doctor who is an Outsider is needed by the community. Gabrielle, only supposed to be looking down at Outsider’s, made eye contact with the young doctor. This starts to put doubts in her mind as to whether or not she wants to remain a Shaker or not. She goes through quite an ordeal.
Ann H. Gabhart’s style of writing is so smooth, consistent, and easy to read, you become so immersed in her stories. This is one novel that is sure to stay with you.
December 31, 2011
I picked this up because it was free, and because I was interested in learning more about Shakers. The author starts off the book with an introduction that does give some historical information on the Shakers, but that also makes it clear that the author is writing about them as an oddity instead of as a legitimate religious group. She made almost all of the group leaders, male or female, dour and unkind, and implied that the heroine is the only one with any genuine spiritual gifts, which is why they are so interested in keeping her in the community. I think it is somehow dishonest to write a book that is obviously trying to tap into the interest in Amish and other secluded religious groups but that barely tries to show any sympathy or respect for the group that is being portrayed. There were some interesting historical tidbits that popped up from time to time, but there wasn't much tension in the plot, because it was clear from the beginning what the heroine's choice would be. It did make me want to look for an unbiased book on the Shakers, because I'm sure there is more going on here than the author chooses to portray.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2018
This book just did not know what it wanted to be. At first I thought it would be a faith story focusing on the Shaker life. But then there was the young shaker who saw visions. Ok, well, that kinda goes along with their beliefs..kinda. Then there was the doctor who fell in love wit the shaker girl, and some of his story. Then there was the war with the English and the Indians that the doctor and an ex-shaker boy went to where most everyone died but the doc. Then of course in the shaker story was really abuse and hateful behavior toward the young shaker girl by another, something that should have been seen and tended to. I figured a story set in Shaker life would show the good, but this focused on so much bad, heartache and showed more of how they weren't following the Bible than showing the love and support of the community. The violence and hate in this book was not what I was expecting. I got thru it, took a lot longer than it should have. Anyway, really not the best book if you want a faith based story, or an account of Shaker life. But it was ok.
April 28, 2010
Usually, when you read a romance, you know exactly how it's going to turn out. This one managed to keep me guessing, as the author constantly put legitimate obstacles in the paths of the hero and heroine. And for an inspirational novel, I never felt the message beating me over the head. It never felt forced or as though the characters came to their faith too quickly or in an unlikely circumstance. The characters were real, and the harsh realities of life in early 19th century America were never glossed over. Many favorite characters are lost to violence or illness, and things often look grim for the protagonists, but the author never lets the reader lose hope, even when the characters do. There's just the right amount of tension in the plot and attention to historical detail to make the reader feel like they're living the story, rather than just reading it.
November 13, 2011
I read this book a while back and it got me interested in reading more about the Shakers, I had heard of them but didn't know a lot about their "religion". I found this way of life very strange.
Gabrielle was pretty much raised as a Believer, that is what they call themselves. Gabrielle always had visions which the community embraced, but she was afraid of, as they were not always happy visions. After one particular vision, they have to call in a 'worldly' doctor, he even has to stay in their community for a while. She finds herself attracted to him and he is attracted to her. Yes, eventually she has to decide weather to follow her heart or to stay in the world in which she was raised.
I would recommend this book, it is the first in the Shaker series. It will pull you to where you want to learn more about the Shakers.
Gabrielle was pretty much raised as a Believer, that is what they call themselves. Gabrielle always had visions which the community embraced, but she was afraid of, as they were not always happy visions. After one particular vision, they have to call in a 'worldly' doctor, he even has to stay in their community for a while. She finds herself attracted to him and he is attracted to her. Yes, eventually she has to decide weather to follow her heart or to stay in the world in which she was raised.
I would recommend this book, it is the first in the Shaker series. It will pull you to where you want to learn more about the Shakers.
August 4, 2012
I enjoyed this story on two levels. The insight and history of the Shakers was well done. I appreciated that Ann Gabhart portrayed them fairly, without demonizing or trivializing their beliefs. While decidedly odd to our modern way of thinking, and most certainly not a Christian sect, the Shakers had some redeeming qualities. It is nice that they were not portrayed as just another crazy cult.
The second level is the story itself and young Gabrielle's struggle to become the woman God would have her be. It was easy to sympathize with a heroine who wanted nothing more than to do the right thing. And it was easy to empathize with the struggle since the right thing is often only clearly visible in our rear view mirror.
An enjoyable read and suitable for any age. I highly recommend this one.
The second level is the story itself and young Gabrielle's struggle to become the woman God would have her be. It was easy to sympathize with a heroine who wanted nothing more than to do the right thing. And it was easy to empathize with the struggle since the right thing is often only clearly visible in our rear view mirror.
An enjoyable read and suitable for any age. I highly recommend this one.
November 1, 2010
I started out expecting something different from this novel, but after finishing it I grew to like it better. It was an interesting examination about religious faith and practice (early 1800's Shakers)and coming to doubt what you want to believe because deep in your core you know it isn't the truth. It gave me some insight into what people might feel when confronted with new religious ideas but are afraid to leave what they have been taught.
At times I felt the pace was slow and I was rushing through scenes to get to a movement in the plot, but other than that it was an okay read.
At times I felt the pace was slow and I was rushing through scenes to get to a movement in the plot, but other than that it was an okay read.
January 24, 2016
Thank the Eternal Father and Mother Ann it's over. The book is hundreds of pages too long. There are too many different story lines that have nothing to do with the romance between Gabrielle and Brice. There are too many coincidences and the dialogue was too repetitive. I began to know what Sister Helen or Sister Mercy or Elder Caleb would say before they said it, not because they were well developed characters but because they had already said the same thing two dozen times.
December 11, 2018
I don't know where to begin. I'm usually drawn to mysteries or historical fictions. But I wanted to check out this Shaker series because I've enjoyed Ann Gabhart's other books. I was far from disappointed. Despite starting it at my busiest time of the year, I finished in a matter of days. Gabrielle had me hooked from the beginning. This story was fast-paced, full of intrigue, historical references and strong faith-based characters. I'll be reading the rest of this series soon!
September 8, 2008
I've always been interested in Shakers & their communities. This work of fiction was interesting as it gave glimpses of life within a Shaker group & tied it into the War of 1812. An enjoyable (& quick read) while I'm in the midst of a heavier book.
August 24, 2012
I should have known better, but my curiosity got the better of me. This book was more about how christianity is the "right" religion and the shakers are crazy because they worship and imaginary lady-god. I mean really do you not see the irony here?
February 5, 2025
THIS is what religious fiction should be. At no point did I feel like the reader was being judged or preached to. The male lead being not having much faith wasn't presented as him being weak or evil. I never felt like anyone's beliefs were presented as "incorrect". I've read some religious novels that seem to think it's necessary to spend 3/4 of the page count talking about how great Jesus is, and it gets tiresome (surely if you're reading religious fiction you at least already know about Jesus?).
The romance has no spice to it - there's some kisses but nothing beyond that, if you're the type who frets about that kind of thing. The male lead even makes sure to have a chaperone when he's alone with the female lead at night.
I also really liked that while the narrative does present the male lead as sort of forward-thinking and different, it's not to an insane degree. The male lead thinks bleeding a fever isn't helpful, but he's not talking about medical theories that would be absolutely insanely unheard of for 1812.
I think the ending could've been improved a bit. The second-to-last page just being him telling the female lead something we the readers already knew happened that wasn't even related to their love for each other was kind of disappointing. But overall the book was a nice, sweet romance with some sad twists, and I'd recommend it.
The romance has no spice to it - there's some kisses but nothing beyond that, if you're the type who frets about that kind of thing. The male lead even makes sure to have a chaperone when he's alone with the female lead at night.
I also really liked that while the narrative does present the male lead as sort of forward-thinking and different, it's not to an insane degree. The male lead thinks bleeding a fever isn't helpful, but he's not talking about medical theories that would be absolutely insanely unheard of for 1812.
I think the ending could've been improved a bit. The second-to-last page just being him telling the female lead something we the readers already knew happened that wasn't even related to their love for each other was kind of disappointing. But overall the book was a nice, sweet romance with some sad twists, and I'd recommend it.
December 16, 2017
The Outsider, by Ann H. Gabhart, takes place in the 1800s in a small town of kentucky. Having joined the Shaker community of Harmony Hill as a child, Gabrielle has always felt content with her lifestyle and never questioned returning to the outside world. According to her Sisters and Brothers, Gabrielle has been blessed with the gift of knowing, or having visions, but even though her community tells her its a blessing, she says that the gift is “not so kind”, because she could also see future tragedies. When one of these visions helps her to locate a Brother who has been harmed in a barn fire, a doctor is needed to visit the community on a regular basis to help with the recovery. Gabrielle's encounters with young local doctor, Brice Scott, call her to question the life she is living and whether it is truly God's plan for men and women to act as siblings. The community begin to doubt Gabrielle's loyalty to their faith, and when Brice leaves to tend to men on the battlefield, Gabrielle's commitment to her community is tested when she is put onto constant supervision for a period of months. Will she stay loyal to the harmony hill community? Or will she leave with Brice to discover a new life?
September 13, 2023
Wow, I was not expecting to like this book that much! I have immediately started the second book in the series. 😍
Follow Bryce, a doctor in 1805, and Gabrielle, a member of the Shaker community.
I LOVE books about cults. I find them extremely fascinating, whether fiction or nonfiction. When you look at the cover of this book, your mind immediately screams "Amish", but this couldn't be further from the truth. The Shakers believed that matrimony was a sin and even separated whole family units. 🤯 I had never even heard of the Shakers before reading this book and now I am fascinated.
The only thing I didn't really care for in this book was that the ending seemed a bit fast. But, that didn't take away from what I believe to be a quality story. There are a couple of absolutely heartbreaking moments throughout this book, that only added to the story in my opinion. One of the best books I've read so far this year!
Follow Bryce, a doctor in 1805, and Gabrielle, a member of the Shaker community.
I LOVE books about cults. I find them extremely fascinating, whether fiction or nonfiction. When you look at the cover of this book, your mind immediately screams "Amish", but this couldn't be further from the truth. The Shakers believed that matrimony was a sin and even separated whole family units. 🤯 I had never even heard of the Shakers before reading this book and now I am fascinated.
The only thing I didn't really care for in this book was that the ending seemed a bit fast. But, that didn't take away from what I believe to be a quality story. There are a couple of absolutely heartbreaking moments throughout this book, that only added to the story in my opinion. One of the best books I've read so far this year!
February 11, 2019
Gabrielle loved her life in the Shaker village until an outside doctor came to heal one of her "brothers". As she slowly becomes acquainted and learned to love him she began to doubt the beliefs of the cult that she was in. This caused her lots of agony because of the punishment she faced for her "worldly" behavior and thoughts. She also desperately missed Bryce when he went off to war and worried that he might have died. Of course she would never admit it because such thoughts would have been considered wicked for those who believed that a life of celibacy was one of purity. No other life was acceptable. Despite my disgust at the Shaker beliefs I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was eager to know what would make Gabrielle willing to leave the cult. In the end it was a combination of many things and I was thankful for her departure.
September 1, 2017
This is about Gabrielle Hope a member of the Harmony Hill Shaker community in 1807. When her mother brought her into the Shaker life, she tried to become a loyal member of their society. When a doctor from the outside is brought in to treat a boy who has been badly burned, she begins to have doubts about whether she belongs here or out in the worldly area with the good doctor. There's a lot of information about the ways of the Shaker community and their beliefs. To say the least, it's a different way of life. A decent read!
September 10, 2017
My second book by Ann H Gabhart although very different from A Murder At The Courthouse! I enjoyed this rich view of history into the early 1800's. I fell in love with the 2 main characters. I definitely learned a lot about the Shakers of which I knew nothing before reading this book. Also after reading the sad stories of the soldiers fighting back the English soldiers and the Indians, it makes you very thankful for the freedoms we have and gives me a deeper understanding of our early American history.
March 21, 2023
I had never heard of the religious sect Shakers before I read this book. It's always sad to me how people make up religious beliefs that are so harsh and legalistic when the truth of God's word is so simple and full of love.
I enjoy the author's writing style. Her books draw me in so I feel like I'm living in the midst of the story instead of just reading black words on white pages.
This story shows the harsh realities of war and living in a group that could easily be called a cult. But then love and truth shone through and were finally embraced.
I enjoy the author's writing style. Her books draw me in so I feel like I'm living in the midst of the story instead of just reading black words on white pages.
This story shows the harsh realities of war and living in a group that could easily be called a cult. But then love and truth shone through and were finally embraced.
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