The Seeker

June 15, 2010

Charlotte Vance has been pampered her whole life. Now, things have suddenly changed. The country is in the midst of a civil war, her father has brought home a young bride, and the man she planned to marry has just joined the Shakers, a religious community that does not allow marriage. What is a girl to do? She joins the Shaker community herself, intent on showing Edwin exactly what he has forsaken. Imagine her surprise when she finds a peace and faith she has never known. VERDICT CF readers will enjoy this third book in Gabhart's Shaker series (after Christy finalist The Outsider and The Believer) for its even pacing, in-depth characterizations, and redemptive story. It will also appeal to fans of Tracie Peterson.

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2010
When Charlottes father suddenly marries Selena, everything changes. Charlotte, accompanied by Mellie, a slave, decamps from their luxurious Kentucky plantation and heads for a nearby Shaker community, where Charlotte hopes to persuade new-convert Edwin to reconsider and marry her, uniting their properties. Correspondence with illustrator Adam Wade, of Harpers Weekly, currently assigned to cover developments in the War between the States, becomes her only link to her past and the outside world, but Adam faces his own trials. Gabharts absorbing coming-of-age Christian historical novel deftly juxtaposes Adams and Charlottes internal faith journeys against a backdrop of unusual settings. Charlotte is an overly responsible woman of action, who now must learn unquestioning obedience and rigid discipline, while Adam struggles to reconcile his natural inclination to remain a detached observer with his need to alleviate some of the suffering he encounters on the various battlefields. Also recommended for Civil War buffs and Shaker aficionados.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)