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.
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Summary
From: Rebecca Maney
Book Title: River to Redemption
Book Author: Ann Gabhart
What do you like about this book:
"Maybe he's got other plans for me, and if that be true, then who am I to say the Lord don't have the best plans?"
A cholera epidemic hit the little town of Springfield, Kentucky in 1833, killing one tenth of its citizens; men, women and children succumbed to the disease; many of whom had been left behind to die by family members who fled their homes, hoping to escape the fatal illness. One man stayed, selflessly caring for the ill and burying the dead; an unlikely hero, a slave named Louis. This lovely story by Ann Gabhart fictionalizes history long enough to bring it back to life through the eyes of a little girl and her reluctant guardian.
Adria Starr was an orphan in dire need of a family. Nursed back to health by Louis and a hotel cook named Matilda Sims, it became obvious that Adria needed permanent placement after the epidemic subsided and folks began to return to Springfield. The widespread cholera outbreak had cost Ruth Harmon a beloved husband, along with her dreams for the future. Imagine her surprise when a young black man and a beautiful little girl arrive on her doorstep one day with a surprising proposal.
As the years go by, Adria grows up into an attractive young woman and Ruth's fresh grief matures into satisfactory contentment. Once again the town faces another seemingly insurmountable hurdle; following the demise of Louis' owner, it appears that the town hero will be sold. Adria is determined not to let that happen, but is her faith strong enough to "pray believing" that "God will work all things together for good . . . according to his purpose" so that her beloved friend might cross over the "river to redemption".
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
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