Helpful Score: 2
It's about a young woman growing up in the society of the Shakers in the early 1800's in America. The Shakers had things in common with the Quakers in that they believed in a very simple life; growing there own food, dressing plainly to show no outward vanity, and men and women living separately, only coming together on Sundays for prayer meetings.
They had no contact and no use for the outside world except for trade or when they would shelter an outsider for the night.
But when a doctor comes to the village to save a young man who gets badly burned in a fire. The young woman (who's name is Gabrielle) begins to develop what are called otherwordly feelings for him, which among the Shakers is a sin.
It was interesting to read about a different sect of people and their beliefs. The emotional part for me was Gabrielle's struggle against what she thought was inheritently right, and her need to conform to the beliefs her Brother's and Sister's of the Shakers.
They had no contact and no use for the outside world except for trade or when they would shelter an outsider for the night.
But when a doctor comes to the village to save a young man who gets badly burned in a fire. The young woman (who's name is Gabrielle) begins to develop what are called otherwordly feelings for him, which among the Shakers is a sin.
It was interesting to read about a different sect of people and their beliefs. The emotional part for me was Gabrielle's struggle against what she thought was inheritently right, and her need to conform to the beliefs her Brother's and Sister's of the Shakers.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was better than I expected. I grabbed it while in a rush at the library, and was pleasantly surprised. It has a basic plot of romance, but not the sappy, mushy type of romance I don't care for - it was tasteful, well though out and beautifully described. It was a fascinating glimpse into a bit of religious history that we don't often have a chance to learn about. Overall, a great read.
Helpful Score: 2
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 Outsiders, 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. Gabharts 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.
Laurie Carlson
lauriehere
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 Outsiders, 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. Gabharts 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.
Laurie Carlson
lauriehere
Helpful Score: 1
This book was very interesting. There are a lot out there about the Amish, but I hadn't read any about the Shakers. I really enjoyed it.
Helpful Score: 1
Book was good . First time reading about shakers. interesting and informative. not my favorite but a good read.
I really enjoyed this story. I felt Gabrielle's pain in the heart-wrenching parts. The historical details were well written and true to life. Very romantic, but not gushy or too preachy.
Excellent book..it follows "The Believer" by the same author.
An interesting glimpse into the Shaker lifestyle. When Gabrielle joins the Shaker community, she experiences not only the special gifts of the spirit, but one of love. She is separated by the ones she loves through war, one of those being her true love. Her faith is tested by the Shaker community for the latter. Read the book to find out the ending of the story. A well-written book by Gabhart filled with emotion, drama and suspense.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was slightly similar to Amish fiction I've enjoyed, but then again, somewhat different, a pleasant change, by a new to me author. I'm now enjoying the 2nd in the series and looking forward to the 3rd, too!
