The Innocent

Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. The war ends without further word. Now penniless, in debt, and forced from her home, Carlyn seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, only to discover that they will not allow her to keep her beloved dog, an animal that has been her faithful companion since her husband went off to war. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie has pity on the lovely young woman and agrees to take the dog. Carlyn is just settling into life as a sister in the Shaker village when she receives a devastating letter confirming her worst fears. As she wrestles with whether to commit herself fully to the Shaker life, mysterious deaths begin to occur, and Carlyn comes under suspicion. Can Sheriff Mitchell help her expose the true culprit

My thoughts: I have heard about the Shakers and some of their different ideas, so this book was caught my eye when it came up for review. Ann H. Gabhart does a fabulous job of bringing the plight of Carlyn to life, being a widow after the Civil War who has no one to turn to, so she decides to take refuge in the local Shaker community. The story develops nicely, and I like that the historical aspect of the story isn't dry or dull. Fans of Gabhart should be thrilled with this new story!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.