Christmas at Harmony Hill, Ann H. Gabhart

Always a fan of Ann Gabhart I was excited to read this new book just in time for the holiday season. Heather's husband Gideon tells his wife that she must return home during the waning days of the war. He does not want a child born in the midst of war and turmoil. However, Heather had been turned out by her family when she fell in love with Gideon - a northerner. Gideon is convinced that she will find open arms and forgiveness since she is with child and it is in the winter. Traveling South Heather arrives home only to find that her two brothers and mother have died in the strife of the war and that her father's heart has been hardened by his great loss and that he actually blames Heather. The hope - her mother's heart was turned to her daughter - whom she had hoped would return home. Before dying she wrote her daughter one last letter - telling her to seek refuge at a nearby shaker village. There in the midst of that village she delivers a child and learns about the grace and love of God. I found this to be a sweet story. Short enough to read in one setting on a cold day with a warm cup of hot chocolate. Thanks to Revell for this review copy.