Customer Reviews

The Seeker (Shaker, Book 3)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The story of Charlotte Vance, the seeker, reminds me a little of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind. But, Charlotte is a much more believable character. She's strong and capable without the air of caricature that defined the GWTW characters.

The story is set in Kentucky in 1861. Charlotte is heir to a plantation and daughter of a prominent state-level politician. She's a planner, but her plans come unraveled. First, the man she intended to marry runs off to join the Shakers, a religious community that does not believe in marriage. Next, her father brings home a "gold-digging" new wife who's not much older than Charlotte. About the same time, Charlotte meets a portrait painter and journalistic artist who takes an interest in her. With war on the horizon, her position in the family threatened, and her father blind to the manipulations of the new wife, Charlotte runs away to the Shakers herself. She learns about the simple life, but she also turns to prayer to help her chart her future.

Gabhart artfully weaves historical events into the story while allowing her readers to experience the turmoil of the times through her characters. From the politicians and planters to the soldiers and slaves affected by the events of the time, Gabhart presents them all in a non-political and non-judgmental manner. I think the highest compliment you can pay a fiction writer is to say, "I was there." That's how I felt as I read.

Visit Gabhart's Web site at [...]

Charlotte Mayda Vance is the only daughter of Charles Vance, a prominent Kentucky Senator. Raised in a life of luxury and leisure, she has been the head of the Grayson household since her father became more preoccupied with politics and her mother died. However, her entire world is flipped upside down when her powerful hold over the plantation is threatened by her new stepmother, Selena. As her betrothal goes awry, and her plans begin to slip through her fingers, Charlotte takes matters into her own hands and escapes to a nearby Shaker village.

The opening few chapters of this book are compelling and drew me into the story--especially the romance between Charlotte and Adam. Unfortunately though, the book becomes quite dry through the middle areas and this is a long novel; close to 400 pages. I felt that many of the details regarding the Shaker way of life were repetitive and while I understand that the Shaker belief influenced the loss of Charlotte's individuality, I feel that her character was lost amongst the detailed explanations of daily Shaker life. I was happy when the author resorted to letters between the lovebirds to bide the time instead of the day-in-day-out descriptions of the monotony of the Shaker life. I also think that the romance stalled out too much in the middle of the book. Rather than Christian historical romance fiction, I think this should just be historical fiction. I wish the romance would have continued with the intensity it was introduced with in the first few chapters. I give this book three stars.

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

A copy of this title was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for review purposes.

The Seeker by Ann H. Gabhart is a book centered around the Shaker community at the brink of the Civil War. Charlotte is a young woman who had her life planned out perfectly. One thing after another happened which muddled her perfectly constructed life. She ended up joining a Shaker community and learned to let go. Although she realizes the Shakers have God misconstrued, she discovers authentic faith and learns to lean on Him for her life.

This book was really, really long. And I'm not talking about the number of pages. The story took forever to get going and keep going. It was also extremely predictable. The facts about the Shaker community were interesting, however. And Gabhart did a pretty good job with the distressing issues relating to the Civil War. However, I don't think I'd recommend this book because the story surrounding it was so sluggish.

This book was given to me to be reviewed by the Baker Publishing Group. I was not paid to review this book.

The Seeker is the second Ann Gabhart book I've read, and I liked it even better than the first. The main characters really popped off the pages, while not much time was wasted on minor characters. It starts a little slow, but once you get into the book you begin to feel you know Charlotte. The author makes you feel you really are in Civil War-era Kentucky. That is especially true as Adam follows the Union troops to battle - the descriptions are very well done. Perhaps I can see the scenes in my mind so well because I've studied the War but I think anyone would find them compelling. My only complaint was that once I was pulled into the romance between Charlotte and Adam and they finally find each other near the end of the book, I wanted a sequel! Other reviewers have complained of the length of the book but I was sad to see it end.

I had read 2 of her other Shaker books and they were very good. This one drug on and on. I think I lack about 30 pages to finish this on and I will never finish it. Very disappointed in how it has drug on and on and how little about the Shakers and their lifestyle is actually referred to in it. Had I wanted to read a book about the Civil War I would have bought one exclusively on that. I don't think I will be buying any more of her books.

Charlotte Vance had everything, she was a Southern Belle, her Father was Senator Charles Vance of Kentucky. She had lost her Mother at a young age but as she grew up she became the matriarch of Grayson, she would one day inherit Grayson, land owned by her Mother's family for many years, she was engaged to Edwin and preparing for her wedding, and loved by her Father and their slaves as she treated them kindly. Little did she know that her world would soon be falling apart. Edwin is thinking about going to live with the Shakers on Harmony Hill, a short distance from Grayson, instead of getting married in a couple of months as planned and joining the two family plantations, and her Father tells her to plan a grand gala for his return home. He not only wants guests from both North and South states when a war is about to break out over slavery, but when he comes home he introduces her to his WIFE, young enough to be her sister! She's taken aback by this as she realizes she'll no longer have the say about what goes on at Grayson. They also have in their company an artist, Adam, who was reluctantly talked into doing a protrait of the new Mrs. Vance, Selena. Adam is an artist that doesn't like doing portraits but was coerced by his sister to do this one, he does drawings for Harper's Weekly. Adam is attracted to Charlotte at first sight, but is a confirmed bachelor who soon gets in the habit is "surprising" her, he seems to appear when least expected.

The day after the party, Selena has Charlotte's Mother's portrait removed from the wall, Charlotte can tell how things are going to be with that one action. Things go quickly downhill for her, Edwin tells her he is going to spend a month at Harmony Hill with the Shakers and if things go as he thinks they will, he'll be signing over his family property to the Shakers, as Believers can't own anything personally. Selena talks about selling their slaves and getting younger ones, so Charlotte asks her Father to sign ownership of Mellie, her personal slave and best friend since childhood, so she can't be sold. Following through on her Mother's promise to her, he does so without consulting Selena. Adam is still working on the portrait of Selena, although he's having problems because he doesn't like her, and "sneaking" up on Charlotte, not on purpose it just seems that way.

Charlotte soon has to make some quick decisions as Selena is planning on sending her to Virginia to finishing school. Charlotte takes Mellie and they go to join the Shakers at Harmony Hill where Edwin is, she feels that way she's at least close to Grayson. When they get to Harmony Hill the Shakers accept them so Mellie's ownership papers are handed over and she is now a free person, no longer a slave, Shakers don't believe in slavery. This was Charlotte's plan anyway, to free Mellie since she is her childhood friend.

They have been at Harmony Hill a short time when Adam appears, not knowing they are there, he thinks Charlotte is in Virginia since Selena told him that. Selena also leads her father to believe she's in Virginia. Mellie leaves shortly after that to run North with, Nate, her fiance, he is not free yet so they have to go north. They are spotted and have to separate so he doesn't get caught. Adam sees Mellie and helps hide her, as most of the time they don't believe the former slaves when they have freedom papers. He takes her to a safe house where she meets Nate. Adam gives her money and a note to give to his sister in Boston. He figures she owes him something for doing Selena's portrait, so he tells her to give Nate and Mellie a job.

Charlotte stays on at Harmony Hill, she still has not joined as a believer when Adam appears again. The elders allow him to do drawings for his paper. When Charlotte sees him in the biting room, she acts sick so she can leave, but he sees her hand on her cap and he feels he knows the person, soon he finds out he's right. He tries writing to her at Harmony Hill, the elders read his letter and pass it on to her with permission for her to answer his letter. The elders have to approve any correspondence coming and going, they allow Adam and Charlotte to continue corresponding so they, the Shakers, can keep up on the war activities, he also includes drawings of the war.

Do Edwin and Charlotte sign papers to become Shakers, does Adam return again, did Nate and Mellie make it to Boston, does Charlotte's Father ever learn where his daughter really is and what happens to Selena? Questions you'll have to find out for yourself by reading this book.

I found that Ann let the Shakers be a little 'nicer' in this book, there was still one that was more strict than the others, but she wasn't as 'angry' it seemed. I just don't understand why they don't believe in marriage, they can't have conversations with the brothers and sisters, if a family joins they are all separated, parents are not even allowed to talk to their children or express any emotions. It is very confusing to me.

A Childish predictable book, guess it would be for a young starry eyed romantic. I bought it to learn more about the Shaker Religion. I would not recommend this book or any of the others in the series...just a romantic nothing.

Thursday, April 14, 2011The Seeker by Ann Gabhart


Ann Gabhart is an exceptional author, and her book "The Seeker" is no different. I love, love the theme of Christian Fictions that date back into the 1800-1900's and this book is just that, awesome!

The Setting:
Charlotte Vance is the only daughter of Charles Vance, a prominent Kentucky Senator. Having had a higher class up bring, she has been the head of the Grayson household since her father became more preoccupied with politics and the death of her mother. Her world changes when her new stepmother Selena arrives at the plantation. Unsatisfied with her new living arrangements, she decides to make a change and escapes to a nearby Shaker village to begin a new life.

Ann Gahbart's ability to introduce her characters and era to the reader, with a feel of the reader stepping into the book and playing the character. This is a christian book written with the reader in mind.

I was asked to do a honest review of this book, and in doing so, I received a complimentary book from Revell, a Division of Baker Publishing. Look for this book at your local bookstores.

This book is a must read. All of Ann's books are very informative and fun to read. I love reading about the Shakers and learning more about their lives and culture, however, Ann always creates an intriquing storyline that keeps you wondering throughout the book what is going to happen next. This book was especially interesting to me, because I love reading stories from the Civil War period. If you have enjoyed Ann's other books, you will surely enjoy this one too!

I have long been interested in the `simple' life and those who live that life, including the Shakers and the Amish. `The Seeker' by Ann H. Gabhart is set in a Shaker community in Kentucky during the U.S. Civil War.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

Charlotte Vance is a young woman who knows what she wants. But when the man she planned to marry joins the Shakers - a religious group that does not allow marriage - she is left dumbfounded. And when her father brings home a new wife who is young enough to be Charlotte's sister, it is more than she can bear. With the country - and her own household - on the brink of civil war, this pampered gentlewoman hatches a plan to avoid her new stepmother and win back her man by joining the Shaker community at Harmony Hill. Little does she know that this decision will lead her down a road of unforeseen consequences.
Ann H. Gabhart brings alive the strikingly different worlds of the Southern gentry, the simple Shakers, and the ravages of war in 1860s Kentucky to weave a touching story of love, freedom, and forgiveness.

Here is the biography of the author:

Ann H. Gabhart [] and her husband live on a farm just over the hill from where she grew up in central Kentucky. They live just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village in Kentucky. Ann [] has walked the same paths that her characters might have walked in generations past. She's active in her country church, and her husband sings bass in a Southern Gospel quartet. Her first inspirational novel, The Scent of Lilacs, was one of Booklist's top ten inspirational novel of 2006. Gabhart is the author of several books, including the bestselling The Outsider, a finalist for the 2009 Christian Book Awards in the fiction category, and The Believer.

Here is a video of the Shaker standard tune called `Simple Gifts,' one of my favorite songs, as performed by Alison Krauss (one of my favorite musicians) and Yo-Yo Ma. Please be prepared for some goose bumps!:

[]

Ann shares some information in `A Note About the Shakers:'

American Shakerism originated in England in the eighteenth century. Its leader, a charismatic woman named Ann Lee, was believed by followers to be the second coming of Christ in female form. After being persecuted for those beliefs in England, she and a small band of followers came to America in 1774 to settle in Watervliet, New York, and there established the first community of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, more commonly known as Shakers.
When religious fervor swept the Western frontier at the turn of the nineteenth century, the Shakers, whose communities in New England were flourishing, found the spiritual atmosphere in Kentucky perfect for expanding their religion to the west. By the middle of the nineteenth century the Shakers had nineteen communities spread through the New England states and Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.
The Shaker doctrines of celibacy, communal living, and the belief that perfection could be attained in this life were all based on revelations that Mother Ann claimed to have divinely received. The name Shakers came from the way they worshiped. At times when a member received the "spirit," he or she would begin shaking all over. These sorts of "gifts of the spirit," along with other spiritual manifestations such as visions, were considered by the Shakers to be confirmation of the same direct communication with God they believed their Mother Ann had experienced....
In Kentucky, the Shaker villages of Pleasant Hill and South Union have been restored and attract many visitors curious about the Shaker lifestyle. These historical sites provide a unique look at the austere beauty of the Shakers' craftsmanship. The sect's songs and strange worship echo in the impressive architecture of their buildings. Visitors also learn about the Shakers' innovative ideas in agriculture and industry that improved life not only in their own communities but also in the "world" they were so determined to shut away. (pp. 7-8)

One of the things that brings fame to the Shakers are their staircases, which seem to defy the laws of gravity.

Charlotte's life was in a state of upheaval at the beginning of the book - her
betrothed decided to join the Shakers, who prohibit marriage, and her father came home with a new wife, Selena, who was only a few years older than her.
A new acquaintance who was a little more positive for Charlotte was Adam Wade, an artist who was going to paint a portrait of the new Mrs. Hunt:

"Oh no. I fear I am just a hired artisan." The man laughed out loud and bowed at the waist toward Charlotte. "Adam Wade at your service, Miss Vance."
"And for what purpose have you been hired, if I may be so bold to ask? A cupola here in my mother's garden?"
"Perhaps artisan is not the proper word. Artist. Although my grandfather's practical side shudders every time I claim the title. But that is what I am. An artist. A curse I fear I was born with. And I have been commissioned - or a better word might be coerced - to paint a wedding portrait of the lovely Mrs. Vance."
"Coerced? By whom? Our Selena?" She carefully emphasized the last two words.
"Oh, no." He laughed again. Easily, without inhibition. "I barely know the woman."
"Neither does my father."
"You have a point, but not one, I am relieved to say, that can poke me. My sister, Phoebe, knew our Selena back home in Boston, and she is the one whose coercion I cannot ignore. Not and maintain any sort of familial peace." (p. 21)
In addition to his portrait work, he knew he could get some other work done:
Adam rubbed his fingertips and thumb together in anticipation at the thought of the Shakers. Their village just a few miles from where he stood in the senator's garden - another reason he was not sorry to be in Mercer County. Sam Johnson, the editor at Harper's Weekly, was eager to see sketches of their buildings and the graceful winding staircases that so amazed all visitors.
While Adam was ready to supply whatever illustrations the editor requested, he was more curious about the particular people who would choose such a life. Men and women who had turned against all that was natural between a man and woman as if they believed the Lord had changed his mind about his initial command to Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. (p. 33)

Another important theme in this book is the practice of slavery:

The word slave never crossed her mother's lips. Those who did her bidding and kept Grayson running were their people. But Charlotte knew the word from her father and from Aunt Tish [one of their slaves] and from Willis, the gentle black man who brought her pony out to her and taught her how to ride. Still, she was going on ten before she understood, really understood, what being a slave meant. (p. 39)

Adam was given the opportunity to visit the Shaker community. He was taken aback by what he saw:

Adam glanced up at the sun straight over his head. The bell had evidently summoned them to their midday meal. He slid off his horse and held the reins while he pulled out his sketchpad. They were all as alike as ants trailing into an anthill as they filed past him. The women wore white caps and large white collars lapping over their bosoms to tuck down in their aprons, covering their plain dresses. The men wore straw hats with wide brims and suspenders to hold their butternut brown or gray pants. (p. 63)

Sister Martha, one of the Shakers, became very attached to Sister Charlotte. She explained some of their practices and beliefs to Charlotte:

"Is that what they're doing? Dancing down glory?" Charlotte asked.
"I suppose that sounds strange to you," Sister Martha answered with a gentle smile. "Never fear, you will learn your ways. But first you must free yourselves from thoughts of the world. Whatever worries you had there are no longer important. You have left that life for a better life here with us where there is only peace and harmony."
Peace and harmony. Charlotte wondered if such was even possible with the nation split and shots fired at Fort Sumter. The news received at the Shaker village since then didn't hold out much hope for peace with the threats of blockades of the Southern ports and the call to arms by both sides. The situation seemed to be totally out of control. The same as Charlotte's life.
A few days ago it seemed reasonable to follow Edwin to the Shaker village to convince him he was wrong to be a Shaker. A few days ago she had believed she would be able to hang on to Grayson. To go home again and sit in the peace of Aunt Tish's kitchen. Her kitchen.
But now she was sitting in a church without an altar, watching men and women whirl until they collapsed from the effort, eating imaginary fruit while people watched from peepholes to be sure she was obedient. Reason was lost. (pp. 163-164)

I was interested in Adam's interpretation of the Shakers' lifestyle to stay separated from the world:

It seemed a strange life. Everything so ordered and serene. Elder Logan claimed all strife had been removed for those who dwelt there, but how could one live in a tranquil sea day in and day out? A man needed the water of his life stirred by breezes. Else he stayed in the doldrums and wasted away for lack of challenge. And yet here were all of these men and women seeking those doldrums. It was more than Adam could understand. And certainly nothing he could ever want. (p. 216)
Being that this story is set in 1861 and 1862, during the U.S. Civic War, there are a lot of war scenes. Truth be told, I am not necessarily interested in war scenes, and was more interested in the Shaker lifestyle scenes.

I was a little saddened by how dour the Shakers' world was:

When Dulcie noticed her lifting a pink rose close to her face to catch its sweet fragrance, she warned her. "We are not to smell the roses, Sister Charlotte. It slows the progress of filling our baskets."
"But the fragrance brings peace to my spirit, and aren't we all to seek such peace?"
"Sister Altha would tell you such peace is found through prayer and laboring of our songs in meeting. Not in shirking the proper performance of your duties." (p. 257)

It was interesting that both Charlotte and Adam became closer to the Lord, even amidst people who have an incorrect and non-biblical worldview. It proves that the Lord can reach people in many diverse ways.

Ann has increased my interest in the Shaker lifestyle. There are lots of places in Kentucky I want to visit, and Pleasant Hill, which is only about a six hour drive from our Metro Detroit home, is one of them. I thank Ann for increasing my awareness of this interesting sect in this book.

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This book was provided by Revell for review purposes.

Reviewed by Andrea Schultz - Ponderings by Andrea - []