In the Shadow of the River

“Sometimes we have no choice but to play the roles we’re given.” Is this the truth, as Jacci’s mom and Grandfather reiterate, or can we choose our attitudes and know God is guiding us?

So many books, so little space in my house. So, I am very picky about which authors I love enough to buy paperback versions ( typically in addition to ebooks). Ann H Gabhart has added another physical book to her section of my shelves with In the Shadow of the River. Truly, I buy first, knowing I will fall in love with whatever story Ms. Gabhart is telling.

In the Shadow of the River is no exception. In 1881, Young Jacci Reed watches her mother die an agonizing death, taking to her grave secrets of Jacci’s past. Jacci joins her grandfather, the show more “Duke, ” on a showboat, and learns to love the life of a showboat actress.

But secrets and memories have a way of resurfacing, no matter how deep they are buried. The question becomes, who knows the answers, and will they again attack Jacci and cause her to disappear? Or, can Jacci, her grandfather and her showboat family foil the attempts on her life and return to their happy, close-knit family relationship? Especially when there are those in the “family” without loyalty and love that tie a family together.

I love Ann H Gabhart’s uncomplicated style. Yet the relationships she creates have plenty of conflict and turmoil to work out. There are characters to love, and characters you will wish you could fire off the showboat or refuse entrance to a show.

I love the way faith is so integral to the characters’ existence. Some regretted their lack of faith, like Jacci. ”Perhaps that was her biggest wrong. Fearing to surrender it all to the Lord.”
Other times, they understood that God has three ways of answering prayers: yes, no, and wait. He’s not a slot machine or a genie. “I guess miracles aren’t up for the ordering just because we want one.”

Notable Quotables:

“We’re on the river. We’ll abide by river law.” “What is that?” “Taking care of our people. Doing what we do best. Putting on shows.”

“Love can get in the way of good sense.”

“Beauty can have its advantages, but your mother is right. Right living is more than skin deep.”

I received a complimentary ebook from RevellReads via NetGalley. I also bought my own paperback copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. show less

A long held secret, found family, an intriguing mystery, a lovely romance, and the entertaining glimpse of life on a showboat completely drew me in! Ann Gabhart has been on my radar for a long time. After reading In the Shadow of the River, I am definitely wondering why I didn’t pick up her books sooner! The opening scenes of this book had me completely hooked with the attempted abduction of a small five year old girl. From there, I was intrigued by the mystery, romance, and heartfelt relationships between all the characters on the Kingston Floating Palace.

For five years, Jacci Reed’s mother Irena has done nothing but try to protect her daughter. When Jacci’s identity is discovered and someone attempts to kidnap her, Irena is show more badly wounded. She seeks help from her actor father known as “Duke” who works on the Kingston Floating Palace and places Jacci in his care while she tries to recover.

Fifteen years later, Jacci is thriving in the showboat vaudeville environment. Her gorgeous looks, beautiful voice, and acting talents have garnered the notice of several including her brother-like friend Gabe. While he wishes she’d see him as more, Gabe continues to be her best friend, but constantly reminds her he’s not her brother. When Jacci’s life is once again threatened, she demands to know the secrets only her grandfather knows. But, will the truth only serve to endanger her more, and those she loves?

I loved the unique setting of a showboat in the early 1900’s with all the vaudeville-like showmanship and entertainment. The friends to more, he-fell-first romance combined with an intriguing mystery and a touch of suspense kept me fully engaged. I loved Gabe and Jacci! Watching their romance bloom was so enjoyable especially when she finally realizes she loves Gabe as more than a brother. The theme of what it means to be family was beautifully done and I thoroughly enjoyed this ragtag group of endearing characters who loved and supported each other throughout the story. I especially loved the crusty, formerly self-centered actor “Duke,” who completely changes to care for Jacci. The mystery aspect was well done and the twist at the end was one I didn’t see coming.

I listened to the audiobook version and loved the narrator! She did an excellent job bringing each character to life, which wasn’t easy with so many different, unique characters. She captured all the emotions and personalities so well.

Highly recommend this well written, clean, inspirational, historical romance! I’m hoping we might see these characters again in another book. I received an advanced complementary copy from the publisher, but also purchased the audiobook version. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. 4 1/2 stars raised to 5. show less

I can honestly say I’ve never read a novel that is set on a riverboat, and now I wish there were more out there to devour! One of my favorite Elvis movies is Frankie and Johnny, where Elvis is a gambler on a riverboat, and is also a performer who is in love with his co-star. In the Shadow of the River gave me all kinds of Frankie and Johnny vibes and I was loving every moment! The setting alone is quite refreshing in and of itself, but then you add the charm of the main characters, and the overall aesthetic, and you’ve got one novel that captures your imagination and your heart.

Jacci is a little girl who is on the run with her mother, playing pretend, and keeping secrets that she often wonders about. When there is a sudden attack show more Jacci looses the only life she’s ever known, and is thrust into the riverboat show world with her grandfather, Duke. Fast forward fifteen years and Jacci’s origin is still a mystery to her, but when a threatening stranger enters the picture the mystery will be revealed, and Jacci’s truths will finally come to light.

I loved Jacci and her family so much. Her heart is apparent in the scenes when she’s a five-year-old but they shine when she’s a woman. I love how we know bits and pieces of the mystery but we don’t find out the whole story until Jacci herself does, which added that perfect amount of tension. There were a few twists but sadly I had caught on early on, so it wasn’t as much of a surprise as I had hoped, but that still didn’t take away from how much I adored this story.

The character development is perfection, the scenery unmatched, and the writing style flowed as smoothly as the showboat on the Mississippi! This is the first novel I’ve read by Ann H. Gabhart, but this will not be my last. She does a masterful job of painting a vivid literary picture that you can’t help but admire.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less

What an interesting piece of history that I never really considered before. This novel delves into what life was like living on a showboat in 1881 and like the river it is about this story meanders along until it carries faster as the riffles tug it into a faster pace. A beautiful story of love, faith, and family whether that family is by blood or circumstances. I absolutely loved the characters and was carried away to laughter and tears as Jacci’s story unfolded into a sacrificial act of love and courage. Throw in secrets, betrayal, and enough suspense to wonder who and why and you have a novel that engrosses you from beginning to end. A poetic storyline that tugs on your heartstrings as the shadows envelop while seeking the truth. show more An absolute must read from the exquisite cover to the beauty on the pages.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. show less

In the Shadow of the River is my second book by this author, and I have come to love how beautifully she writes genuine, relatable, and likable characters. I enjoyed the tightly-knit, quirky showboating family in this story. Each of the characters is so colorful and memorable. I can’t imagine the fun to be had while aboard The Floating Palace! And yet, within its cabins, there are the heavy and uncomfortable truths of life pressing down on its crew. The mystery surrounding Jacci’s birth and the danger that follows her will keep you turning the pages of this novel, but so will the slow-burn romance between Gabe and Jacci.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and its themes of what makes a true family. I will remember these characters long show more after I’ve closed this book. I can’t express how raw and honest of a story Ann H. Gabhart writes. It is beautiful and tragic and inspirational–all at once!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own. show less

"Sometimes great sacrifices must be made for love."

There was so many great quotes I could pull from this book, it was hard to narrow it down to just one. This one though makes me think of Jesus and his selfless sacrifice, which is similar to a mother's love for her child, and the great lengths that a good mother will go to protecting her children as she should.

The leading lady, Jacci Reed, (featured on the cover) is an actress working on a showboat with her Grandpa Duke and other interesting cast members. Together, they travel down the Ohio river putting on comedies and dramas for the locals.

It's a pretty fun story with great characters, early American charm, love and a mystery that keeps you on the very edge of your seat.

I also show more really liked the side couple, Ellie and Samuel and most of their marriage advice. They made a pretty hilarious team.

Trigger Warnings- death and suicide, a character with a terrible gambling addiction

Content warnings: there's not a lot here, but there are a few brief mentions of someone having a child out of wedlock, falling in love and being tempted to go too far, etc, but there's nothing too detailed or inappropriately written. A character is so caught up in winning the next game, he isn't a good father and is always gone.

Language- "freaking fish worms" used once when a character is shocked at the sight of blood loss. Fool is used once.

Overall, this was a great book with a totally different setting that I loved, and I'm happy to recommend it to most teen and adult readers (unless you have problems with the triggers mentioned above).

Thank you to the publisher and author for the complimentary paperback I received from LibraryThing, as well as the complimentary e-book I received through Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions above are my own. show less

*I received this book as part of the Library Thing Early Reviewers Program - thank you to the author and publisher!
“In the Shadow of the River” is an exciting historical mystery-romance that follows the life of Jacci Reed, a showboat performer. Opening with the dramatic and mysterious murder of Jacci’s mother, the novel draws you in immediately. Jacci and her mother, who live on a steamboat, are confronted by a man who claims Jacci is the daughter of a woman named Lisbeth and then attacks Jacci’s mother. Jacci and her mother flee to a nearby showboat, where Jacci’s mother, fatally injured, uses her last energy to find her father (Jacci’s grandfather), who happens to work on the showboat.
The book then jumps to Jacci’s life show more training to be a performer under the direction of her grandfather and the Kingston showboat family. Jacci is thriving, but the undercurrent of her mother’s murder becomes more and more pressing until it is impossible to ignore.
The plot is interesting and moves along at a good pace, but falls off suddenly when the author takes a sharp turn away from intrigue to romance. From there, everything feels cluttered, with the author trying to introduce and resolve too many plot points. Despite this, the pace slows dramatically and the story slogs to a slow finish.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but would have preferred it stuck to the intrigue/mystery which was so interesting and engaging.
3/5 stars show less