Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She’s determined to find a way to buy Louis’s freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she’ll face an uphill battle.

Based partly on a true story, Ann H. Gabhart’s latest historical novel is a tour de force. The vividly rendered town of Springfield and its citizens immerse readers in a story of courage, betrayal, and honor that will stick with them long after they turn the last page.

Out July 2018

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

A well-researched book. Full of historical fact and based on true events. The characters were perfectly developed, the plot paced smoothly transitioning from one story element to the next seamlessly.  Lots of twists and turns along the way to keep you hooked.

The relationships between characters and their daily struggles or enjoyments was woven throughout this story with a lyrical style and a great author’s voice. You were taken on a journey showing life in 1833, the cholera epidemic, slavery and life struggles.

Louis is a charm and you will just love him. You’re in the deep south in this book and seeing how the author depicts life for all the characters is rather interesting. Spell-binding and intriguing are two good descriptive words for this story.  Your heart will be seized and your spirit will soar as you become enthralled with the characters. Such a heart-warming story.

I gave it: