| Title | : | In the Shadow of the River |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0800741722 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780800741723 |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published May 9, 2023 |
Fifteen years later, Jacci is an actress aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, and largely contented with her adopted family of actors, singers, and dancers. Especially Gabe, who has always supported her, and the gruff grandfather she has come to know and love. Jacci's mother has been gone for years, but the memory of the altercation that ultimately took her life--and the cryptic things Jacci has overheard about her past--is always there, lurking in the back of her mind.
When someone on the showboat tries to kill Jacci, it's clear her questions demand answers. But secrets have a way of staying in the shadows, and the answers she craves will not come easily. Gabe only hopes they come in time for him and Jacci to have a future together.
In the Shadow of the River Reviews
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About this book:
“If all the world's a stage, Jacci will play her part. She only hopes her story does not turn out to be a tragedy.
In 1881, Jacci Reed is only five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her from the steamboat her mother, Irena, works on. Badly wounded during the confrontation, Irena takes Jacci aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat tied up beside them. There, Jacci's actor grandfather tends to her mother, and Jacci gets a first taste of the life she will come to lead.
Fifteen years later, Jacci is an actress aboard that same showboat and largely contented with her adopted family of actors, singers, and dancers. Especially Gabe, who has always supported her, and the gruff grandfather she has come to know and love. Jacci's mother has been gone for years, but the memory of the altercation that ultimately took her life--and the cryptic things Jacci has overheard about her past--is always there, lurking in the back of her mind.
When someone on the showboat tries to kill Jacci, it's clear her questions demand answers. But secrets have a way of staying in the shadows . . . and the answers she craves will not come easily.”
Series: As of now, no, a stand-alone.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are mentioned, remembered, & quoted; Prayers; When Jacci asks Gabe if he prays, he replies not as much as his mother thinks he should, and Jacci says “but don’t you think that’s something you have to decide to do for yourself? Not something that your mother wants you to” (he responds “I guess” and asks why she’s thinking about prayer); A woman suggests for Jacci to ask God for a sign on a decision; Talks about God, His love, trusting Him, believing Him, & praying; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God & being forgiven; Mentions of prayers, praying, answered prayers, & thanking God; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of a church, a sermon, & preachers; Mentions of miracles; Mentions of blessings; A few mentions of Bibles; A mention of a baby being abandoned at a church; A mention of church music; A mention of someone believing that God could have sent an angel to help someone; A mention of the sin of “conceiving a child out of the legal bonds of marriage”;
*Note: Jacci thinks a loved one who passed away helped her in a hard moment (as if the person was right there, encouraging her); A mention of someone passing away being in Heaven with the angels; A couple mentions of a woman claiming an item is demon possessed (teasing); A mention of a place being as hit as Hades; A mention of “demons of the unknown” in someone’s mind.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘freaking fishworms’ (said as a response to a shocking event), a ‘shut up’, two forms of ‘idiot’, and two ‘stupid’s; A bit of sarcasm; Being held at gunpoint, Being pushes, & almost drowning (semi-detailed); Pain, Blood/Bleeding, Injuries, & Passing out (up to semi-detailed); The death of a loved one & Grief (for a mother, up to semi-detailed); Panicking about a loved one possibly drowning (up to semi-detailed); Seeing someone shot & Blood/Bleeding (up to semi-detailed); A child aims a gun & shoots someone (in self-defense, recalling it as well, barely-above-not-detailed); Jacci wonders at one point if it would be easier to drown (than to go through something); Many mentions of lies, lying, & deceit; Mentions of an explosion & deaths; Mentions of a gun, shooting someone, someone being stabbed, a death, pain, passing out, injuries, & blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of threats of someone being a hanged (for criminal actions); Mentions of kidnappings & attempts; Mentions of threats & a child possibly being harmed; Mentions of possible fires, explosions, & drownings; Mentions of deaths & grief (for a lover, a wife, a mother, & a daughter); Mentions of gambling & a gambler (he calls himself a “honest gambler” and gambles often, a woman says that “we’re all gamblers in this game called life”); Mentions of drinking & a tavern; Mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of a suicide & someone planning a murder to look like a suicide; A few mentions of a dead body floating in the river or being caught on something (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of rumors & gossip; A couple mentions of throwing up; A mention of woman hoping her life would end after the death of her lover; A mention of someone threatening to shoot another; A mention of jail; A mention of a possible divorce; A mention of smoking;
*Note: *Big Spoiler* ; Mentions of fathers being in and out for their children’s lives (one says “only when it suited us and didn’t interfere with what we wanted to do”).
Sexual Content- A fingers-to-lips touch, a hand kiss, two cheek kisses, three head/forehead kisses, an almost kiss, a border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss, and a semi-detailed kiss; Recalling kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, & Nearness (including unwanted/forward ones); Noticing; *Spoiler* ; Mentions of a child born out of wedlock & illegitimate children being blamed for their parents’ sins (the mother’s friend snaps at her about getting pregnant, but the mother of the child says that “when you fall in love, you’ll understand how such feelings can attack you and cause you to stumble”, that she doesn’t “regret the love that made this baby”, and that the baby is innocent; Later, it’s said that the couple “succumbed to the joys of love with no thoughts to the consequences” and that “their love had already been planted…she was with child”); Mentions of kisses, kissing, & embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of reputations; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of a crush; A few mentions of “fallen” women; A few mentions of “love scenes” in a play; A couple mentions of a man “embracing” a woman (when it’s desired by her); A couple mentions of blushes; A mention of a man saying that “the way to parenthood, that two becoming one, is a treasured part of marriage”; A mention of a woman allowing a man into her bedroom & another thinking that it’s “little wonder” why she’s pregnant if she does that; A mention of a man taking responsibility if he gets a woman in the family way & protecting the baby; A mention of a marriage of convenience couple sharing a bed or not; A mention of an affair; A mention of shapely teenager getting wolf whistles; A mention of two men fighting over a girl; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of a labor, the mother having a hard time (including her wondering if it would be better to die), & breastfeeding/nursing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of young children dressing up as the opposite gender for a play (done purely for pretend).
-Jacci Reed, age 20
-Gabe Kingston, age 28
P.O.V. switches between them & Irena
Set in 1896 (The first eleven chapters are set in 1881)
342 pages
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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
This was my first historical book by this author (I read a mystery by her years ago) and I’ll be honest and say it wasn’t my favorite. It felt super slow and the back-cover blurb gave away a lot of the book. 100 pages for the events in the first paragraph, 150 pages for the next, and the final paragraph being covered in the last 80. Plus, we’re told the same events from three different people at three different times.
Jacci and Gabe were cute together in the last 80 or so pages. But I will say that there was a part that made me a bit uncomfortable and that was when Gabe is recalling first started to love Jacci, when he was 13 and she was 5. He admits to being too young then to know what love was and was waiting for her to grow up, but cares for her now—but not like a brother like she’s always thought. She says she’s loved him since she was five, but that falling in love was different.
Overall, this book was on the cleaner side (especially considering the amount of mentions of a child conceived out of wedlock), but there were a few suggestive comments about intimacies.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review. -
You know, I'm not a fan of water. I have some little sensory issues going on, and I just don't like to get in it, or splashed by it, or anything. But a river? Those intrigue me. I'm not sure what it is about them, but rivers are fascinating. Always moving, never seeing the same thing twice.
Maybe that's why this book got my attention when I first saw it: the fact that the river is almost a main character. Then, you see this gorgeous cover. I've always wanted to go on a big riverboat, and haven't had the opportunity. After reading this book, now I feel like I have.
The story inside is as beautiful as the cover and as fascinating as the river. It grabbed me from the very beginning and did not. let. go. Mystery, intrigue, adventure, a little romance, and a river. Always moving, always changing.
Phenomenal book.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Revell through Interviews & Reviews. No positive review was required, and all opinions were my own. -
Delving into In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart was like taking a riverboat trip down a lazy, slow, river, with stops at towns, where patrons would board to see actors at their trade, just as the story portrays. It was a book I didn't want to put down, one to read on a lazy, light, spring or summer day, when laying sprawled on a blanket, outside, surrounded by the fragrant floral smells that bring your senses to a lull. Unfortunately, for me, it's early spring in Ohio and here that means it is not nice weather, unlike the early years of my youth (when it was). The best I can do for that type of pleasure, is bring books like this into my bathroom, and tub, light a candle, and try to bring the essence of those delightful days, somewhere else.
The story begins at the end of the 1800s when a rich woman, promised by her father to marry a man with future political aspirations falls in love with another who, sadly, the father does not approve of. And, before the two are able to convince him to let her marry this poor man, the man of the rich woman’s heart dies. But, it is not before she has become pregnant with his child. Knowing that her father would never accept this child, the times as they are and all then, also, her fiance and his political aspirations, cause fear as to what he may do to the child, the rich woman goes to a poorer one, one she was friends with in her youth (as much as a servant and maiden could be friends in those days), and concocts a plan as to what her child's life will be. A life without her birth mother, her poor friend begged to take the role. But, as the poor maid, Irena, watches her friend's belly grow big with the child inside, she knows she will be this child's mother, no matter what she has to do.
And so Jacci Reed is born. Her mother is always Irena, as the girl remembers, always a maid on a riverboat and her father, Kelly, a gambler, found before the girl was born. The two “fake parents” wed before she is born, to make Jacci legitimate and easier, hopefully, to hide. For the first few years things go well, as Jacci and Irena live in a small cabin with visits from Kelly and money sent to them from the rich woman who never visits or sends anything else.
When the payments stop coming without any notice or reason, Irena must head back to the waters that are so familiar (and familial) to her, to support herself and her daughter. But, Irena knows to never stop looking over her shoulder, always fearful that someone will come for the child. And, one night, when Jacci is still very young, someone finally does. Even though the assailant/ kidnapper ends up shot, the two don't get away unscathed. Irena is stabbed in the scuffle.
God being God and having his ways, the boat Irena was working on, where the fight ensued, in the dark of night, had been docked next to The Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat that contains a person from Irena’s old life. Well, barely but, still. He is all Irena has. And even though this man is her father, he had never been there for his daughter or wife, always chasing his dream of acting. But, with no one else to turn to, Kelly out of the way and a gambler (though not as degenerate as most), Irena knows the only person she can turn to. Her only hope is that even though he never did much for her in life, in death, he will take care and hide her beloved Jacci. After all, they are family and she knows that soon, she will die of her wound. Despite the fact she is taken in on the Kingston and cared for, there is nothing that can stop the reaper from taking her, even though she strongly wants to stay with her daughter.
For all his faults, Irena’s father consents to all his daughter's needs and more, instantly letting his daughter's child call him Grandpus, much to her surprise. However long that lasts, Jacci soon begins to call her grandfather Duke, a name that sticks. Right away she begins to act with him on stage, developing their own little skits for the audience. Though Irenas death was traumatizing, Jacci is raised by Duke well, along with all those on the Kingston Floating Palace who become like family to the girl. While Duke is the only one who knows the whole truth behind Jacci and who her parents really are, all those on the riverboat will fiercely protect the beautiful and talented actress from harm. Especially Gabe, the young boy who grew up beside Jacci, the first to find the pair after their scuffle, that fateful night where Jacci was almost taken.
Ever since Gabe has looked after Jacci and, as he grows into a man, the love begins to change into an all encompassing kind. But there are still those who want to harm Jacci, at least, that is the thought, because her birth mother has never sent word for the girl, that she is safe. If anything, Jacci’s birth mother has done everything she could to distance herself from her daughter. But, when a chance occurrence happens, where her birth mothers husband and she are at a town for a political rally, the two look so much alike, will Jacci’s fate be sealed and all the strong fears her birth mother had for her then fiancee, now husband, be put into motion? After all, Irena was killed years before when someone had come for Jacci. What would they have done if they had gotten the little girl? And, will they get her now?
Because years later, the political aspirations of Jacci’s birth mother’s husband have become a reality. Despite the fact the man is a Senator and running for President, no matter how far-fetched that it may be for him to win....what will be Jacci’s fate if the truth is revealed? If she is finally found? Did her birth mother have fears that were real? And, that Gabe loves her so much, this young director of stage who still is ordered around by his mother, will he become hurt like Irena was in defending the girl he so loves?
In the Shadow of the River is a book that readers don't want to miss out on, if only to see that the fate and life of Jacci Reed goes on to happiness, however she chooses to make that happen. Along the way Ann H.Gabhart has included excitement, adventure and some romance, in this lazy riverboat tale that you are going to want to seek and find a special place to read it. Because when you do, make sure you're comfortable. If you're like me, you won't be able to put the book down, get up, until the end.
Happy Reading! -
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
A good start, but not the book for me.
I really enjoyed the first third of this book. Jacci's adventures and how she came to live with her grandfather on the showboat held my attention. As usual, Ann Gabhart's writing was clear and easy to read, and I found the characters to be well-developed.
But I lost interest in this book when the romance between Jacci and Gabe came into play. They first met when she was 5 and he was 13, then grew up together. Once we got into his perspective, it was all about how obsessed he was with her. The whole situation just struck me as creepy, and I could no longer enjoy the book. I stopped reading around page 100.
If what I've mentioned doesn't bother you, you might enjoy this book if you like Christian fiction and historical romance. -
I was really excited for this book. I’ve only read When the Meadow Blooms by Ann, but I did really like it. Add to that, this book has a gorgeous cover, with an intriguing plot. However….in practice it’s not that intriguing to me.😅 First of all, the whole situation of when she’s five and is almost kidnapped lasts the first 100 pages. (Yes, you read that right.) But it’s very slow and boring and it’s a lot of the mom, Irena, telling us exactly what happened, and how she came to this point, and the details of Jacci’s past. So when we FINALLY get to the point of Jacci being 20 years old and the star actress, she’s wondering about her parents and these secrets and such that we as the reader already know. Which is very frustrating to me. I personally like to find out things as the protagonist finds out about things. It also never picked up the pace. It was slow the whole time. The romance was…almost nonexistent in my opinion, because she and Gabe already knew each other her whole life. It’s also mentioned a lot how he was basically raised like a brother to her, but he mentions A LOT to her that he is not her brother. A. LOT. It got to the point I wanted to gag when he’d say it. 🙄 I never connected to him or Jacci. I didn’t care for either of them. I didn’t care for the side characters either, for that matter. Also, I was thinking this would have a lot of theater vibes, which I thought would be interesting. Didn’t have a lot of that either. It was just…I don’t know. I didn’t care for it, because it was boring to me. I mainly didn’t like that I already knew everything about Jacci and she didn’t, and we kept having to rehash everything that we already knew because Jacci didn’t know. I will keep reading from this author, this book just wasn’t for me, unfortunately. 😔
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Prepare to be immediately invested in the story of Jacci and her mother, Irena aboard the showboat, Kingston’s Floating Palace. There is no shortage of action!
I especially enjoyed the setting of this Christian historical fiction book. I had never read anything set in a showboat in the late 1800s, and that aspect makes this book unique in comparison to the vast majority of current historical fiction offerings, which tend to be war-based. If you’re looking for a book featuring an interesting historical setting, a multigenerational family storyline, suspense, a non-contrived faith element and a sprinkle of romance, check this one out! -
4.5⭐I highly recommend In the Shadows of the River if you love historical fiction, to anyone needing a glimpse of the life of a showboat family, Mississippi River setting, and to anyone wanting a suspenseful story. Excellent Read! full of adventure, sweet romance, and intrigue. A beautifully written story about what it means to be a family.
In 1881, Jacci Reed is only five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her from the steamboat her mother, Irena, works on. Badly wounded during the confrontation, Irena takes Jacci aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat tied up beside them. There, Jacci's actor grandfather tends to her mother and Jacci gets a first taste of the life she will come to lead.
I received a complimentary copy, All opinions are my own. -
Unforgettable characters and fascinating details of life on a showboat make this a book to savor.
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“Sometimes we have no choice but to play the roles we’re given.”
I have always been fascinated with the history of showboats and steamboats that traveled up and down the rivers, providing one form of entertainment or the other for those in riverside towns. Maybe it was Nancy Drew’s The Haunted Showboat that piqued my interest – who knows. But there aren’t a lot of novels that cover this particular subset of history (I can only think of a couple others, including the Nancy Drew book lol) so my radar zeroes in on the ones that do. Books like Ann H. Gabhart’s latest, In the Shadow of the River.
The theme of family is strong in this novel – the family who gives you life, the family who raises you, and the family you choose. Sometimes, they’re one and the same – but not always. The author has created such vividly-drawn characters in the cast and crew of the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat that travels up and down the Ohio River in the late 1800s. This ragtag group of actors, musicians, and all manner of vaudeville-style performers – as well as the boat crew – really have formed a family since most have been part of the show for many seasons. The bond between the ‘regulars’ is strong and tender, all at the same time, and I loved seeing all the different personalities and even imagined sitting down with them over a cup of Aunt Tildy’s hot cocoa after the show.
The main character of In the Shadow of the River, though, is definitely Jacci, and we first meet her as a scared (but brave) five-year-old whose mother is grievously injured by a man trying to take the little girl from the steamboat where Irena works. When they seek refuge on the neighboring showboat, Jacci is reacquainted with her grandfather who also became one of my favorite players in this drama. I loved the layers to Duke’s character, and it touched my heart to watch him step up for this new role of grandfather. He had spent a lifetime mostly thinking of himself, and now he has this little girl who needs him to put her first. Gabhart pulled off this transformation with such heart and feeling, and I just wanted to reach into the pages and give Duke a big ol’ hug.
While we meet Jacci as a five-year-old and stay there with her for a few chapters, we also get to jump ahead fifteen years and get to know her again as a young adult who has fallen in love with the showboat and its family. Particularly with her friend Gabe who finds it necessary to continue reminding her that he is not her brother. Oh no, the only familial connection he wants with Jacci is as her husband… if, that is, he can ever be sure that she could feel the same about him. Their friendship is another transformation that I loved over the course of this story, and its end result filled my romance-loving heart to the brim!
“… when the scene calls for a kiss, it doesn’t matter who is in the audience.”
The added dash of danger that bookends the story also bolsters the romantic tension, and there are some twists I didn’t see coming. It all works cohesively to make this a riveting story from beginning to end.
Bottom Line: Compelling characters, intriguing history, a sense of adventure, a dose of suspense, and a sweet exploration of what ‘family’ means are all reasons you should pick up In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart. Readers will fall in love with Jacci, Duke, Gabe, Aunt Tildy and so many other characters who call the showboat their home. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes glimpses of life aboard the Kingston Floating Palace – from the parades to the calliope to the different acts, and of course the stories the showboat has to tell. A great choice for fans of the author’s previous books and new-to-her readers who also love Lynn Austin or Jocelyn Green.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed (with full disclosure) at
Reading Is My SuperPower -
Adventure, drama, and romance await in this newest novel by Ann Gabhart.
Life on a river showboat in the late 1800's may sound fun and glamorous, but these characters work hard and experience a lot of drama along the way. There is some action, a bit of mystery and inspirational moments when the main characters face danger and search for the truth.
"Perhaps we are all actors in our show of life."
I liked Jacci's courageous and hard working character, and Gabe's kind friendship with her. They grow and learn a lot about each other and themselves through the situations that arise. Their honest prayers were a spotlight in the dark moments. An action-packed ending was worth the wait and a tender romance capped it off.
I always enjoy this author's books and appreciate the research sprinkled into the story. A satisfying read overall. Recommend to readers who like historical tales with a tender romance and a sprinkling of faith.
4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.) -
If you enjoy Circus stories mixed with found family, you will love In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart.
Jacci and her mother on the run after being attacked on their river boat by a mysterious stranger. Her mother is injured and Jacci ends up hurting the stranger. Her mother and her escape to a showboat anchored near their boat, where her grandfather works. Jacci knows that this mysterious stranger came for her, but for what purpose?
15 years later Jacci finds herself again fighting wither her past as well as finding new friendships and enemies along the way.
I loved the friendships on the boat, and the side characters ended up being my favorite part of the story. The found family felt like a Circus family, each one having a role to play and always sticking out for each other.
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a copy of this book to read and review. -
“Sometimes we have no choice but to play the roles we’re given.” Is this the truth, as Jacci’s mom and Grandfather reiterate, or can we choose our attitudes and know God is guiding us?
So many books, so little space in my house. So, I am very picky about which authors I love enough to buy paperback versions ( typically in addition to ebooks). Ann H Gabhart has added another physical book to her section of my shelves with In the Shadow of the River. Truly, I buy first, knowing I will fall in love with whatever story Ms. Gabhart is telling.
In the Shadow of the River is no exception. In 1881, Young Jacci Reed watches her mother die an agonizing death, taking to her grave secrets of Jacci’s past. Jacci joins her grandfather, the “Duke, ” on a showboat, and learns to love the life of a showboat actress.
But secrets and memories have a way of resurfacing, no matter how deep they are buried. The question becomes, who knows the answers, and will they again attack Jacci and cause her to disappear? Or, can Jacci, her grandfather and her showboat family foil the attempts on her life and return to their happy, close-knit family relationship? Especially when there are those in the “family” without loyalty and love that tie a family together.
I love Ann H Gabhart’s uncomplicated style. Yet the relationships she creates have plenty of conflict and turmoil to work out. There are characters to love, and characters you will wish you could fire off the showboat or refuse entrance to a show.
I love the way faith is so integral to the characters’ existence. Some regretted their lack of faith, like Jacci. ”Perhaps that was her biggest wrong. Fearing to surrender it all to the Lord.”
Other times, they understood that God has three ways of answering prayers: yes, no, and wait. He’s not a slot machine or a genie. “I guess miracles aren’t up for the ordering just because we want one.”
Notable Quotables:
“We’re on the river. We’ll abide by river law.” “What is that?” “Taking care of our people. Doing what we do best. Putting on shows.”
“Love can get in the way of good sense.”
“Beauty can have its advantages, but your mother is right. Right living is more than skin deep.”
I received a complimentary ebook from RevellReads via NetGalley. I also bought my own paperback copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. -
This book intrigued me because of the setting, a showboat in the 1890s. I will say, this being my second book from this author, that Ann Gabhart knows how to do historical fiction. What an interesting concept.
I do think the execution fell flat for me personally. This read like a typical Christian romance that I'd have probably loved when I was younger, but for right now, it was too cliche for me. The back cover gives away a lot of what happens in the book. One last thing to note - I found the romance a bit odd. The hero (when we finally get his POV) is only ever thinking about the heroine so he comes across as a bit obsessed. Surely he had other pursuits instead of a girl he's been in love with since he was 13.
Overall, a 3 from me. It's a solid clean read, especially for teen readers. There is some discussion of conceiving a child out of wedlock but nothing I found inappropriate.
I received a copy of In the Shadow of the River from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. -
I just adore the cover of this book! It is stunning! I haven't read a book by Ann H. Gabhart for awhile and with the premise of this story I HAD to read it. I really enjoyed this one! The characters are wonderful and the setting is so interesting and refreshing. I loved the mystery the grows through the entire book. I wasn't shocked by the ending but it still made for a good page turner. I honestly wanted so much more. I wanted more on the steamboat and more of Gabe and his interactions with Jacci. I think the author could have added more chapters and I would have been happy with that. Some of the things I thought were tied up a little too quickly. The "romance" was pretty rushed and sudden. I wanted to get to know these characters even better because I enjoyed them so much. All that to say that I really had a good time reading this story and if you are wanting something with a fun setting you might like this book!
Four Stars.
"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review." -
Ann Gabhart hits it out of the park as readers enjoy a front row seat on a showboat in all its glory. She skillfully blends the best aspects of the showboat way of life with evidence that the performances are a family affair. Ann illustrates how everything is done for the benefit of the theatrical production and how they let people know that an awesome musical has come to their town.
I enjoyed this showboat adventure with its mystery, drama, intrigue, and puzzle to solve as Jacci’s past and present converge. She is a brave young woman who immediately won me over. This is a delightful and engrossing read as readers will try to figure out who and why someone would do Jacci harm. If you love historical fiction, showboats, and a behind the scenes look at the show. This is the book for you and your book club.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by 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
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog
https://psalm516.blogspot.com/ -
One of my favorite authors, Ms. Gabhart pens a fascinating tale of life on a showboat in 1881. Not only does she give us interesting facts about a showboat traveling and stopping to entertain, she gives us a mysterious story from the past that catches up with Jacci Reed who has spent most of her life as an actress aboard The Kingston Floating Palace.
These people have become her family but something happens to disrupt her peaceful existence and threaten her life. Jacci strives to separate the performances on the stage of the showboat and the scenes played out on her real-life stage. Her family aboard the boat gathers to protect her, especially Gabe, the owner’s son and longtime friend, who keeps telling her that he is not her brother. They try to discover who of the newcomers could be out to harm her and in the process discover that they are growing closer than brother and sister.
A wonderfully woven tale with danger, secrets, family, faith and romance.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell on behalf of the author and through Revell Reads Review Program. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* -
The plot was intriguing, and I really enjoyed the historical side of this book with the showboat, since that is something I am not super familiar with. It was also fun to have the setting be on a river. While I had some things figured out toward the end, some of it still caught me by surprise which was fun and added more interest to the story.
I struggled occasionally with the writing style but not because it was bad. I think sometimes it felt too simplistic and made it harder for me to really feel deeply with the characters, but otherwise, it was well written.
The characters themself I enjoyed for the most part, though Cameron was annoying and so was Minnie.
I enjoyed Jacci’s strength and her relationship with the Duke. Gabe was great though maybe slightly dramatic at times, but that I guess comes with being an actor. I enjoyed the showboat family aspect and the mostly comradery between everyone.
The Christian themes were good and encouraging, though not overly strong. But it was definitely present with mentions of prayer and believing and trusting in God.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read though toward the middle I lost some interest, but it picked back up again later.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest opinions. -
In the Shadow of the River is a unique story for me. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a book with life in a riverboat family in it, and this fascinated me. I love learning new things, and this story taught me a thing or two, especially how difficult things were in the 1800s. I can’t imagine living in a time where you couldn’t marry the person you wanted because your father wanted you to marry for success.
But besides that, I connected so well with these characters, especially Jacci and Gabe. I enjoyed her courage and loving heart. I also enjoyed Gabe’s kindness, friendship, and how he watched out for Jacci and loved her.
The story contains elements of mystery and faith that I enjoyed so much. Gabhart is a gifted storyteller who makes her characters come alive and her stories matter.
First Line: Jacci Reed’s mother shook her awake, then put her fingers lightly over Jacci’s lips.
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Author: Ann Gabhart
Page Count: 352
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine. -
Well... Ann Gabhart has done it again. Another page-turner with wonderful setting, well-rounded characters, a bit of a mystery, a bit of danger, and just the right amount of romance. It's not my all-time favorite of hers, but this one is certainly in the top five.
The characters live on a showboat that travels the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. I'd never thought much about what it would be like living on a boat, but the author brought that experience to life and introduced me to a quirky cast of characters who entertained me throughout. Because, after all, it was a showboat, and the show must go on!
Take a ride on the river with this one. You won't be disappointed. -
A long held secret, found family, an intriguing mystery, a lovely romance, and the entertaining glimpse of life on a showboat completely drew me in! Ann Gabhart has been on my radar for a long time. After reading In the Shadow of the River, I am definitely wondering why I didn’t pick up her books sooner! The opening scenes of this book had me completely hooked with the attempted abduction of a small five year old girl. From there, I was intrigued by the mystery, romance, and heartfelt relationships between all the characters on the Kingston Floating Palace.
For five years, Jacci Reed’s mother Irena has done nothing but try to protect her daughter. When Jacci’s identity is discovered and someone attempts to kidnap her, Irena is badly wounded. She seeks help from her actor father known as “Duke” who works on the Kingston Floating Palace and places Jacci in his care while she tries to recover.
Fifteen years later, Jacci is thriving in the showboat vaudeville environment. Her gorgeous looks, beautiful voice, and acting talents have garnered the notice of several including her brother-like friend Gabe. While he wishes she’d see him as more, Gabe continues to be her best friend, but constantly reminds her he’s not her brother. When Jacci’s life is once again threatened, she demands to know the secrets only her grandfather knows. But, will the truth only serve to endanger her more, and those she loves?
I loved the unique setting of a showboat in the early 1900’s with all the vaudeville-like showmanship and entertainment. The friends to more, he-fell-first romance combined with an intriguing mystery and a touch of suspense kept me fully engaged. I loved Gabe and Jacci! Watching their romance bloom was so enjoyable especially when she finally realizes she loves Gabe as more than a brother. The theme of what it means to be family was beautifully done and I thoroughly enjoyed this ragtag group of endearing characters who loved and supported each other throughout the story. I especially loved the crusty, formerly self-centered actor “Duke,” who completely changes to care for Jacci. The mystery aspect was well done and the twist at the end was one I didn’t see coming.
I listened to the audiobook version and loved the narrator! She did an excellent job bringing each character to life, which wasn’t easy with so many different, unique characters. She captured all the emotions and personalities so well.
Highly recommend this well written, clean, inspirational, historical romance! I’m hoping we might see these characters again in another book. I received an advanced complementary copy from the publisher, but also purchased the audiobook version. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. 4 1/2 stars raised to 5. -
This was a pretty great read!
"Sometimes great sacrifices must be made for love."
There was so many great quotes I could pull from this book, it was hard to narrow it down to just one. This one though makes me think of Jesus and his selfless sacrifice, which is similar to a mother's love for her child, and the great lengths that a good mother will go to protecting her children as she should.
The leading lady, Jacci Reed, (featured on the cover) is an actress working on a showboat with her Grandpa Duke and other interesting cast members. Together, they travel down the Ohio river putting on comedies and dramas for the locals.
It's a pretty fun story with great characters, early American charm, love and a mystery that keeps you on the very edge of your seat.
I also really liked the side couple, Ellie and Samuel and most of their marriage advice. They made a pretty hilarious team.
Trigger Warnings- death and suicide, a character with a terrible gambling addiction
Content warnings: there's not a lot here, but there are a few brief mentions of someone having a child out of wedlock, falling in love and being tempted to go too far, etc, but there's nothing too detailed or inappropriately written. A character is so caught up in winning the next game, he isn't a good father and is always gone.
Language- "freaking fish worms" used once when a character is shocked at the sight of blood loss. Fool is used once.
Overall, this was a great book with a totally different setting that I loved, and I'm happy to recommend it to most teen and adult readers (unless you have problems with the triggers mentioned above).
Thank you to the publisher and author for the complimentary paperback I received from LibraryThing, as well as the complimentary e-book I received through Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions above are my own. -
This was quite the book! I have heard that it moves kind of slow, however I was on vacation when I read this book so I read it in four days 😂 Honestly, I really did enjoy this book.
I would say this book had some major plot twists as to who the main villain was… and it probably would have been for most people who would read this book… but I guessed almost all of it. It just shows I’ve read a lot of these types of books before 😂
MAJOR SPOILER‼️: people always tend to guess the stuck up snooty guys (which in this case was Cameron) but I had thought to myself… it’s probably either Perry or Winnie. No one would suspect Perry because he’s very odd and Winnie is very jealous. Apparently I got it exactly right 😂 ‼️END OF MAJOR SPOILER
This was an enjoyable that sucked me into it and I absolutely LOVED all of the spiritual content. It is probably one of the more fiction spiritual filled books I have read in a while.
Overall I loved this book and I will look into more books by this author. See you in the next book! 📚 -
There are no theatrics on these unsuspecting currents of forgiveness, prevailing throughout the moving rapids in this historical romance.
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I’m glad I went in pretty blind to this one as the book’s description gives a bit too much away.
It starts out fast and hooks you in from the very beginning. It is 1881 and someone is trying to kidnap 5 year old Jacci Reed. Her mother Irena is injured in the altercation as she tries to protect Jacci. Fifteen years later Jacci now works aboard a showboat and still is in the dark as to what happened all those years ago.
Full of mystery and found family we are taken on a voyage of Jacci’s past and if she will ever be able to move on from the events all those years ago.
Recommended 😊 -
BOOK REVIEW - In the Shadow of the River - Ann H. Gabhart - 4/5 Stars
I've been so sick for over a week and haven't felt well enough to concentrate on a book but today I finally got a review out! (Albeit a bit shorter than normal...)
THE STORY
Ann H Gabhart is one of those authors who's been on my TBR for ages and I've finally read one of her books. In the Shadow of the River was a nice pleasant and easy read with (mostly) lovable characters. The setting was so unique and one I haven't read before. The first chapter really draws you in with a whole lot of mystery and unanswered questions to pique your interest.
THE ROMANCE
Jacci and Gabe are a very cute couple. Friends to more is not a favourite trope of mine but for those who love it, this will be right up your alley.
THE TRUTHS
One of the characters has a near death experience and during it they hear the words 'It is not your time. Fight.' It got me thinking that if we're still alive on this earth, then we must be here for a purpose because it's not our time to go yet. Life gets hard at times, but we must fight and keep on keeping on. Until God calls us home, He needs us on this earth fighting the good fight. So don't give up! Keep fighting because God had a special purpose in this life just for you! -
In the Shadow of the River is a historical romance by Ann. H. Gabhart.
This story. Wow. It is beautiful, emotional, page-turning …. I couldn’t put it down and yet the depth of the story tugged me to read slower. There is just so much wrapped up within the pages.
We watch Jacci experience trauma, joy, fear, and the revelation of secrets. Always by her side is the man she thinks of as a brother-yet-not, but always her friend. My desire to see them together grew stronger with each page. And the mystery takes so many twists and turns, it unfolds exquisitely.
Like the river the characters follow, this is a beautifully-told story I highly recommend.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines. -
In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart is a great historical fiction that has mystery, suspense, surprises, family, and romance.
I enjoyed this HF taking place towards the end of the 19th century. As much as I liked Jaci and the plot m, I also enjoyed reading about the steamboat, a “showboat” of sorts in some regards, the backdrop, culture, and lives of those working, entertaining, traveling, and living on the rivers. Living on the Ohio River myself, I have grown up the tourist attraction that steamboats or “ferries or sternwheelers” as we sometimes call them. So to put stories, people, and action with that experience, it really added to the book for me.
I liked the pacing, the mysteries sprinkled within, and I enjoyed the satisfying ending.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Revell for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/9/23. -
What a wonderful work of historical fiction! This book had a bit of everything going for it. Set in the late 1800s on the Ohio River, this book took a lesser known part of history - the entertainment of showboats - and brought it to life. This book follows Jacci, who ends up on the showboat where her grandfather lives and works as a result of an unexpected tragedy. With a natural born talent for song, dance and acting, she takes to life on the showboat and becomes part of the showboat family. This book had some action and adventure, some romance, a bit of a coming of age story as Jacci grows up and a charming look at a unique element in history. The characters were richly developed, humanly flawed, but overall likable. The plot-line was wonderful and kept me turning pages. There was a mystery surrounding who Jacci actually is and why tragedy struck her when she was young. There was also some mystery/suspense towards the end as well, and that made the story that much more enjoyable. The romance element was very sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed it as the relationship developed well over time. There were some faith elements throughout as characters prayed and developed a relationship with God. And themes of mercy and grace were prevalent as well. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable historical novel with a lot of twists and turns and wonderful character development. I would definitely recommend to fans of historical fiction. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
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First off, isn't this cover absolutely beautiful?
This story takes place on a showboat on the Ohio River in the 1890's and this setting had me intrigued from the start. It was a lot of fun to read a story with this setting and I really enjoyed the cast of characters. This book had a bit of everything in it from drama, mystery, historical setting and romance. The mystery is what kept me reading this book, I really enjoyed the mystery around Jacci and her mother. I would actually categorize this book as more historical mystery than romance, the mystery was really the focal point of the story. When it comes to the romance in this book, I have to say that it didn't work for me, the two characters had more of a brother/sister relationship throughout majority of the book and it was a bit weird when their relationship became romantic and it felt very forced. There were some faith elements throughout the story where the characters prayed and there were also themes of mercy and grace throughout as well. I really enjoyed the plot of this book; I think if the romance was executed differently than it would have been a 5-star read for me. I did enjoy my time reading this book and I look forward to reading more of Ann Gabhart's books! Thank you to Baker Publishing and Revell for providing a copy to honestly read and review. -
The book that I read was an ARC.
Jacci Reed was raised on a showboat. She does not know the full extent of her family's history. She only knows that the mother that raised her loved her dearly and died protecting her. Jacci inherited good looks and talent to perform her duties for the Kingston Showboat Family. She was very much loved by her showboat family and many people would come to see her perform.
Gabe Kingston treated Jacci like a sister and made sure that her life had value. Jacci had so much love for everyone. I admired her and her mother's spirit. There was a huge mystery behind Jacci's life and there was a lot of danger to her life. Jacci and Gabe had to overcome so much, but finally, they realized their friendship led to so much more.
I learned a lot about showboats and how they were managed in the 19th century. I am sure it was a grand time. I liked the fact that the Kingston Family wanted all performers in their troupe to lead moral lives. That made it so much easier for Jacci to lead a fulfilling life.
Ann Gabhart is a favorite author of mine. I hope you will read this interesting story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
