The Blessed

By Ann Gabhart
Revell Publishing

"It is 1844 and Lacey Bishop's life is a tangled mess. When circumstances move Lacey to a nearby Shaker village, she is not prepared for the new life that awaits her. In the midst of her deep loneliness, Lacey works to fit in with this odd group. But everything shifts when she finds herself drawn to a Shaker man in a village where such relationships are forbidden.

Can Lacey ever find true happiness in this mysterious place?"

Ann Gabhart poignantly shares this story of heartache and finding real love.  I must say that I found the book bizarre in places- like Lacey having to marry the priest and then the priest deciding to leave his Christian faith and join the Shakers.  The Shakers are an odd lot as well, there are no families just single people living together, they also believed that marriage was a sin and intimate relations between men and women were evil.   The odd Shaker ways were quite bizarre as well- constantly working, separated from the opposite sex, spiritual dancing, and having your body be taken over by someone from beyond the grave.  I found myself thinking, "Why does she just leave?"  Then I realize the time period and how women could not just leave and find their own way.

then there is  Isaac.  His beloved bride dies and her father turns on him- he has to escape- and where to?  The Shakers.  He does not believe in their doctrine- he just needs food and shelter.  He finds himself watching Lacey- what will happen in the end?  


Can Lacey ever be free from the priest she is lawfully wedded to?  Will she be able to bring her child with her?  How will she make it?  You want the answers to these questions?  Guess you got to go and read this book for yourself!
  

Price:  $14.99 Purchase here.  (Sometimes buying directly from the publisher will give you a discount).


*I was sent a free book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated from my honest review.