| Title | : | Angel Sister (Rosey Corner, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0800733819 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780800733810 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 416 |
| Publication | : | First published December 11, 2010 |
In this richly textured novel, award-winning author Ann H. Gabhart reveals the power of true love, the freedom of forgiveness, and the strength to persevere through troubled times. Multidimensional characters face real and trenchant problems while maintaining their family bonds, all against the backdrop of a sultry Kentucky summer. Readers will be drawn into the story and find themselves lingering there long after they've finished the book.
Angel Sister (Rosey Corner, #1) Reviews
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Every once in a while, I get to read a book that I just do not want to end. That is what Angel Sister was to me. I fell in love with this book very quickly and it grew on me more and more as I kept reading. Now, a small word of warning, this book is not a fast read. It is one of those books that needs to be savored and read at a nice, slow pace. I am actually really starting to like books that read that way because they have a lot of substance and a story with characters I want to spend a lot of time with. I did not find this book boring, that is not what I mean by slow. The Merritt family is a family with a troubled past, but they are all easy to like, especially Victor. His love for his wife and family is strong despite his problem with alcohol. Angel Sister is such a strong testimony to the power of forgiveness that readers will not want to miss.
I really loved every moment of Angel Sister and I can’t recommend this book strongly enough. This was one of the most pleasurable reading experiences I’ve had in a long time. I think Ann Gabhart is going to be a writer whose work I will always look forward to from now on.
This book was provided for review by Revell. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. This review is my honest opinion. -
I need to move this to my need to finish list, because I can't go on reading it right now. And honestly, I could end up moving it to my newly created DNF shelf.
Some people might find this book enjoyable. But not me, at least not at this current time. I was becoming so bored while reading it, I found myself drifting off and wanting to do other things. So for now I'm DNFing this book.
I really don't like not finishing a book, in fact I have made myself finish many books over the years that I have not liked. Most times I end up giving the book a bad review/low rating. This one I decided it was best to stop now. Because it could just be me and not the book it's self. Just not feeling it right now.
I read to 42%, so I gave it a pretty fair chance. -
I've only recently discovered Ann H. Gabhart's novels and WOW!! Angel Sister is the first book in a trilogy and it is AMAZING! This story makes you want to keep reading; I literally spent the entire day with my face in this book... I couldn't put it down. It is a riveting novel of life in a very small town and on the battlefield during WWI. Within a chapter, a character's thoughts will take him from "present day" 1937 to the days of his/her childhood and life leading up to that very moment. Wonderfully written with such dialogue that you could literally picture each conversation and "hear" their voices. This story is filled with "real" characters from this historical era; they felt true love, disappointment, sorrow, joy, forgiveness and even fear. Thank you Ann for reaching inside and touching my emotions with Angel Sister.
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I'm very excited about this book that will be out on the market in February 2011. It's set during the Depression years and my what if jumping off spot for this story was the many stories my mother and my aunts told me about growing up during those years. They must have had the oddest neighbors in the world. I changed the people in their stories into my own fictional characters and made up a family drama with the flavor of their background in the setting. There is a parallel WW I love story along with the 1936 family story. So while you can't read it yet, I hope you will want to read it when it comes out next year.
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A FEW SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW!
It’s the Great Depression and the Merritt family, as well as the rest of the inhabitants of Rosey Corner, struggle to survive. Kate’s father, Victor, struggles with alcoholism as he runs his horseshoe business. He’s trying to forget the tragedies he’s witnessed while fighting the war. Nadine, Victor’s wife, doesn’t think she can handle her husband’s addiction any longer, and is unable to provide the emotional support that Victor needs, so Kate steps in to shoulder the load. Both Victor and Nadine have extremely strained relationships with their fathers, and these relationships are tested as traumatic events happen in Rosey Corner.
When I saw the description of this book, I thought that Lorena Birdsong would show up at the beginning of the story, abandoned at the Merritt’s house. I was surprised that Lorena’s character was not introduced until about 100 pages into the book. She’s found abandoned on the church steps because her parents were too poor to feed her. Skinny, malnourished, and scared, she believes that Kate is an angel who’s come to rescue her.
There were a lot of flashbacks, going back to the days of Victor and Nadine’s courtship, then back to the present, that I was not expecting. I think the problems that this couple faced with their parents and their siblings were realistic and emotional.
I also found it a bit strange that two people – Kate’s father (a preacher) and Victor’s father (the owner of the largest store in the town – plus he’s one of the wealthiest men in town) had the power to decide the fate of Lorena Birdsong. It appeared that back in the thirties, the law didn’t have much power over the town, people just kind of did what they wanted and allowed the richest and most powerful people in town to dictate what would happen to others.
The tragic death of Victor’s brother, which happened several years ago, is also a bone of contention between father and son. Also, there’s an unusual twist in the story involving a brother (Graham) and a sister (Fern) who live out in the woods, separated from the town. Fern’s mind has not functioned properly since she had a serious illness and she roams the woods, cutting down trees and building her palaces.
This book was an interesting and emotional read. If you like historical stories that paint a vivid picture of the way of live during the Great Depression, then you’ll probably enjoy this book.
Many thanks to Baker/Revell for providing me with a free review copy.
- See more at:
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2011/02/... -
Title: ANGEL SISTER
Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell
February 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3381-0
Genre: Inspirational/historical/women’s fiction
Kate Merritt is fourteen years old, but during the Great Depression, she feels solely responsible for the entire running of her household. Her father is a drunk, her mother suffers from depression, and her sisters are fragile. Kate takes on the responsibility of making sure her drunk father is cleaned up and put to bed at night.
When Kate finds a little girl, Lorena, abandoned on the front steps of the church where Kate’s grandfather is pastor, Kate takes her in, becoming her Angel Sister. Unfortunately, this act of kindness causes great controversy with both Kate’s family and the church.
As the drama escalates, secrets are revealed. Could Lorena be just what her family needs? Or will her presence cause more problems than they solve?
I have read one of Ms. Gabhart’s previous books (The Seeker) and the tone and voice in both of these books are very different. I enjoyed The Seeker immensely and hoped to enjoy this book.
It did take a bit of a struggle for me to get into the book, but once I got past the spot that initially stopped me I enjoyed the story. The book is full of unique characters, all well developed, character that I both liked and disliked. Kate herself was amazingly strong for a fourteen year old. The story has a beautifully written ending, one that brought tears to my eyes. $14.99. 410 pages. -
Ease yourself gently into the town of Rosey Corner, where you’ll soon become engrossed in the story of 14-year-old Kate Merritt and an abandoned little girl named Lorena Birdsong. With chapters that alternate between the point of view of Kate and her parents, we’re often taken back in time to her parents’ youth. The storyline will captivate you, while the themes of forgiveness and family relationships may challenge you. Definitely a series I want to finish reading!
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After just reading a novella series that takes place during the Great Depression (Librarians of Willow Hollow), this book caught my attention since it takes place during the same time. It was such a sweet story and I am so glad I picked it up!
First thing’s first, the spiritual aspect of this book was amazing! While it has your typical holier-than-thou preacher and doubting Thomases along the way, the spiritual truth woven throughout the story was spot on! I really enjoyed how realistically it was portrayed and how life’s situations caused some characters to spiritually stumble and doubt, but ultimately rediscover the truth: God really does listen and care. By the way, everyone needs an Aunt Hattie!
The historical aspect of this book was very satisfying and I liked the little tidbits of things that were used or done back then. It made the story feel very real.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: this book is definitely clean and has very little romance. During flashbacks of the main couple as teenagers, they share a couple of kisses, one of them being described as deep. When they’re newlyweds though, the woman who owns the house where they are renting a room pokes a little fun at them by letting them know their neighbors are hard of hearing… but she is of a motherly nature and doesn’t go too far with it. There is a moment where a woman exerts herself and sweat runs down her chest, but it isn’t put quite that way... And one of the men struggles with a drinking problem that stems from what he went through during WW1. Dead men he saw are spoken of, but nothing was described grotesquely, so no worries there.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series! -
This was a delightful story with very likeable and unlikable characters, flaws and all. There were so real to me. I loved how they worked through their problems and turned to God for strength. The story centers around Victor and Nadine Merritt and their middle daughter, Kate. Victor is a veteran from World War One and struggles with PSTD and alcoholism. Kate is the responsible child and shoulders much emotional responsibility. Victor and Nadine have never been able to please the demands of their fathers and married against their will. The story alternates between their earlier life and the present which is now occurring during the Depression. Kate finds a homeless waif on the church step and the family fall in love with the little girl. Unfortunately the unreasonable grandfather's have other ideas and snatches Lorena away from them. This is a beautiful story that teaches about love and forgiveness and trusting God for help in difficult times.
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I’m thankful a friend gave me a copy of this book, as I had been wanting to read Angel Sister. I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Ann H. Gabhart thus far and this was no exception. What a powerful historical story with a strong, likable and resilient young 14 year old trying to keep her family together during the depression.
Kate found a young girl on the doorsteps of her granddad’s church and believed it was meant to be for her family to care for her. The controversial ensured between extended family members which gave way to plenty of action, heartbreaks but moments of rejoicing as some were released from their past addiction and thinking. I appreciate the historical aspects based upon family stories the author heard from her mother and sisters.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction where life during the depression come a live in this reverberating tale. No review was required since I was gifted this book but have shared my own thoughts. -
The setting of this book is is Rosey Corner, a small town in rural Kentucky, during the Depression.
Times are hard for everyone. The Depression is in full swing, food is scarce, jobs scarcer yet. Kate Merritt is the middle child of 3 daughters of Victor and Nadine. She is mature for her age, and tries her very best to keep the family intact, despite a father rushing towards alcoholism whose business is slowly going into ruin due to the Depression.
One day, Kate finds a dirty little girl named Lorena Birdsong on the church steps, and she takes her home. Luckily for Kate, the rest of the family becomes smitten with little Lorena, and it Kate realizes Lorena may be the answer to keeping her family together. -
I love reading about times when we didn’t have Internet or social media. The story truly tells of how we as people can trust God. The 14-year-old girl in the story is honest and it takes lots of courage to be honest where God is concerned. In the end, after her faith was tested her faith had developed and she teaches us to truly trust in God.
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Powerful story but needed better editing. Got repetitive, and could have been “tightened up.” Less is more.
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I really enjoy Anne Gabhart's books. They are sweet without being shmaltzy... they are rich.
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parents, Victor and Nadine had let their fathers' expectation, rule so much of their lives. Kate, Lorena, Fern and Graham were very caring characters in this book. Victors' bad habit was involved too much in the book; but, overall the end of the story was full of suspense. "The strong find a way to keep standing. No matter what happens."
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Its the summer of 1936 and the US is in the throws of the Great Depression. Fourteen year old Kate Merritt and her family live in the tiny town of Rosey Corner Ky. The Merritt sisters are totally different, Evangeline, is sixteen, and totally lovestruck, while ten year old Victoria loves to fish, leaving Kate to be the responsible one. Her father Victor, is dealing with inner demons, and more often than not turns to alcohol to get thru the day, while Kate's mother Nadine is a steady influence, she often relies on Kate to be the responsible one. When Nadine finds five year old Lorena Birdsong sitting on the church steps, the little girl believes that Kate is an angel, the Merritts open their hearts and home to little Lorena, but because of Victor's drinking problem, the town decides Lorena would be better off with a different family, but Lorena doesn't want to leave the Merritt's. Will the Merritt's be allowed to keep Lorena?
The characters literally jumped off the pages in this story. While the story centered around Kate, I enjoyed how the author gave us glimpses back in time to the days when Victor and Nadine were dating and became newlyweds. It was so easy to see how much Victor loved his family,even swallowing his pride and going to his fathers store to ask for credit so that he could feed his family.
How difficult it must have been for Lorena's mother to leave her at that church, relying on the kindness of strangers to take care of her precious daughter, reminding her to remember who she was, telling her to say her name every day so that she wouldn't forget, it just broke my heart.
I found the secondary characters really added to this story. It was interesting to learn who Fern's lost love was, and how she tied into the story, but I think my favorite secondary character had to be Graham, who was doing his best to take care of his sister Fern.
I have never read anything by Ms. Gabhart but this book makes me want to read everything she has ever written. She pulls you into her characters lives, by weaving a story so real that I had to remind myself I was actually reading fiction.This was one of those stories where you hate to see it end.
If your a fan of inspirational historical fiction, with characters that you wont forget, I highly recommend you read this story. -
Victor, Nadine, and Kate Merritt are the main characters in this book. The story revolves around their past and present lives. Victor has a drinking problem which started when he was serving in WWI. I strongly suspect that Preston Merritt, Victor's Father, played a big part in it too. Preston was a man that his son could never please. Victor could do nothing right in his Father's eyes; the reason goes back to when Victor was growing up.
Nadine Merritt is the Daughter of Preacher Reece. She too could never live up to her Father's expectations. Her Father was always praying over her and quoting scriptures at her. She could do nothing right in his eyes.
Victor and Nadine married against both their Father's wishes. They were so happy early on in their marriage. Soon after marriage, Victor went off to fight in the war. Their lives would never be the same.
Kate Merritt is fourteen years old and the middle daughter in the family of three girls. Her mother depends on Kate to take over and help her father when he comes home drunk and to help her mother with household chores and other problems that might crop up. Kate never quibbles about it. She just does it.
This story goes back and forth between the past and present telling both sides of Victor and Nadine's life. This is a necessary part of this book. It has to happen this way in order to get the full picture of what happened and why.
A five year old girl named Lorena Birdsong is found by Kate sitting on the steps of Grandfather Reece's church. Her parents couldn't care for her and that is where they left her. Lorena sees Kate as her Angel. Has Lorena been sent from God to rescue the Merritt family from destruction?
This book is about unconditional love, hanging on to faith, and the ability to forgive. The Author, Ann H. Gebhart takes you through a variety of emotions. I felt their joy, their happiness, their anger and their pain. I lived it with them. -
Kate Merritt is the middle sister. Though if you met Kate you would never guess she was so young. She is wiser beyond her young years. Kate is strong. She learned right away that being the middle sister meant caring for yourself. Kate has only cried about a dozen times. Kate helps care for her father. She tucks him in every time that he comes home drunk, helps her mother and cares for younger sister.
Lorena Birdsong is just five years old. Lorena is a pretty brave little girl. When Kate found Lorena sitting on the back steps of the church, she looked right at Kate and knew everything would be alright from that moment on. Kate was her angel. Kate knew that Lorena needed her but what Kate didn’t know is just how much the Merritt family needed Lorena.
Author, Ann H. Gabhart is a new to me author. After reading Angel Sister, I now have Mrs. Gabhart on my radar and will be checking out more of her books. I just absolutely fell in love with Kate, Lorena and the rest of the Merritt family. I felt though that Kate was the strong character. She really was the glue that binded her family together. Of course my second favorite person was Lorena. She was a breath of fresh air. She had the child like innocence quality about her that every time you looked at her, you could not help but smile. Everyone needs a Lorena in their lives. I was so happy to see Kate’s father shape up and care for his family. I could see though how he came to be in the situation that he was in prior to Lorena coming into the Merritt’s lives and home. Mrs. Gabhart writes with a grace about her. You could tell that the characters were like family to her. She wrote them with love. Angel Sister is a recommended read! -
Historical fiction/Christian fiction
Although the label if historical fiction is correct, I'll forewarn that this is Christian fiction at it's best.
Angel Sister by Ann H. Gabhart is the first story in the saga of Rosey Corner, a little Kentucky town struggling to survive the Great Depression. This story spans several generations, with a series of secrets and mistakes coloring the lives of the families making up this little town. The common denominators in all of this is the best intentions, no matter how misguided, of parents wanting the best for their children, and the power of love and forgiveness.
This was a good story leaving me wanting more. Luckily there are two more books to the series. -
I had a little trouble getting into this story especially with it jumping between time periods. However, I am so thankful that I stuck with it.
Talk about flawed characters. The author does an excellent job creating realistic personalities. With the way the novel is written we get to learn about Kate's parents and how their lives together started as well as their current circumstances. Having this history brings with it details that explain so much.
It's amazing how one little girl can alter the course of so many lives. Love, faith, hope, and forgiveness are all a part of this compelling book. Very worthwhile read. -
Ann Gabhart is a phenomenal writer. Angel Sister is my first Ann Gabhart book, but I already have another waiting for me. I'm hooked.
This story of family life in the Kentucky of the 1930's came to life through the writer's voice and those of her characters-truly exquisite. It's a story of love and forgiveness of enduring through troubled times and then pushing on.
I would have given this book five stars, but the pacing is too slow for my personal tastes. Don't let that stop you from picking up a copy of this book for yourself. It is a touching and heart wrenching story that will be one to keep on the shelf for future reads. -
This book had a rather slow pace but a very good storyline and characters. I really liked the variety of characters that the author included and they were very realistic with a wide range of personalities and character traits. Each had their good and bad points. I look forward to reading more books from this author as this was the first I have read.
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Just okay, I liked the story okay, but hadn't realized it was Christian Fiction, and although I am a christian, I don't generally read CF.
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I almost passed up this book because I'm not a fan of books about The Depression. I worried that it would be depressing. It wasn't depressing but it was an emotional story.
It had really good main characters as well as supporting ones. It felt like each person in the book was a person with depths to them. I would have said that Kate was probably the main character but as important as she was, it was really the story of Victor and Nadine as the strong center. Because we do see chapters of the past for both Victor and Nadine. Flashbacks to the past. Maybe it would be more true to say all three were the main characters.
Wow, both Victor and Nadine had such a unhappy childhood with abusive fathers. Both fathers undervalued their children and tried to hold them to unbelievable, unreachable standards. Nadine's father was someone who was more of a thundering man who used religion to keep people in line. It begins to look like there might be hope for him though, because of things that happen beyond his control. Victor's father is also a thundering man but he is someone who uses his fists without any reserve or remorse. He has a certain amount of control on the small town because of his being the owner of the large general store. His power also comes from the credit that he has extended to the people of the community. So when he thunders, they listen. I guess it would have been quicker to say that he was a bully.
Kate really was a young girl with a lot of responsibility on her fourteen year old shoulders. I loved how she joyed in life even while doing the tough things that others couldn't or wouldn't do. She really was the glue in the family for a long time. I really enjoyed her being part of the story. Lorena Birdsong, you just couldn't help but really like that child and want things to turn out well for her. Angel Sister, ended up being a bit different than I expected but I liked it.
Some reviewers felt that the story was sweet and yes in some ways I see that. But I also saw the hard things that had to be dealt with and hopefully overcome.
Watch for Graham and Fern, they will play important parts in the book. Just popping up every so often. So does Aunt Hattie with her strong faith in God, and her loving ways. She also knew when to correct someone in a way that was direct but still loving.
If you missed it, this book is definitely a Christian one, with scripture and prayer. But don't let that turn you off because it is a really good story. And the ending chapters have some dramatic actions that set that town on its ear. -
This novel takes place in 1936 during the Great Depression. The story is about the Merritt family mom, dad and three daughters. They live in Rosey Corner, Kentucky. Just like everyone else there, times were really hard. It was hard to keep your family fed during this time. When a young girl Lorena Birdsong shows up abandoned on the church steps, Kate the middle Merritt daughter wants to take her in. What's one more sister, when there is already three. Besides she is little for 5 and won't eat much. Nadine Merritt, the mom has a big heart and can't say no. Believing like daughter Kate, God must have wanted them to take care of her. After all Kate is the one to find her. That's how she became Angel Sister. Ann Gabhart covers so many different personal and social problems. Victor Merritt is a veteran from the war that came back with PTSD. Of course at that time they did not have a name for PTSD. This was the biggest reason for Victor's drinking problem. Toward the end of the war there was a great influenza epidemic, that took many of Rosey Corners people, young and old. The characters are numerous and multi leveled. Victor, Nadine and Kate are the three main characters to the novel. I found this historical novel to be one I had a hard time siting down. It was a sad and depressing subject and time period, but Ms. Gabhart was able to bring light and hope to the darkness. I am new to this author, but have enjoyed the books I have read recently of hers. I would recommend reading this book.
