Book description from Amazon:
“Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She’s determined to find a way to buy Louis’s freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she’ll face an uphill battle.
Based partly on a true story, Ann H. Gabhart’s latest historical novel is a tour de force. The vividly rendered town of Springfield and its citizens immerse readers in a story of courage, betrayal, and honor that will stick with them long after they turn the last page.”
| My Review:
I loved this book so much that it’s almost hard to write a review. But here goes: As I read the first few pages of this book, I was absorbed into this story. This is a very character-driven story, and Adria Starr, Louis, and Aunt Tilda completely owned my heart. Their story is compelling. It’s heart-rending and heart-warming. I love that the character of Louis is based on a true account of a slave that was well-loved and respected by a whole community for his faith, love, and wisdom. But it’s Adria’s personality that brings this story to life. Even when we first meet her as an orphaned seven year old girl, she’s brave and compassionate. She carries those same qualities into young adulthood. She’s willing to risk much to take care of those she loves, and is willing to take action because of her faithfulness to her friends and family. She shows herself faithful to those she loves even as we watch her grow into a woman with strong convictions. I would love to read a follow-up story to as to what happened next in Adria’s life, but this book is complete on its own. Always looking forward to the next book from Ann Gabhart. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own. |
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