In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart ~ a book review

This story takes place on the very interesting setting of an old time showboat.  Right off the bat, we are drawn into a mystery and the suspense continues through out the story.   The story begins in 1881 , with the main character, Jacci, as a young girl, facing danger and along with her mother, fleeing for her life.

They find refuge on a showboat where her grandfather is the lead actor in the show.  Jacci grows up with her new “family” of showboat actors and crew. 

There are elements of mystery, suspense, suspicion, deception and a forbidden family secret.  Amongst all the excitement and mystery there is also love, forgivness and faith.  This is not a ‘preachey’ story but the character’s faith plays a crucial role.

The dialog is very entertaining and the author does a very good job depicting life on a historic showboat.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“If all the world's a stage, Jacci will play her part.

She only hopes her story does not turn out to be a tragedy.

In 1881, Jacci Reed is only five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her from the steamboat her mother, Irena, works on. Badly wounded during the confrontation, Irena takes Jacci aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat tied up beside them. There, Jacci's actor grandfather tends to her mother, and Jacci gets a first taste of the life she will come to lead.

Fifteen years later, Jacci is an actress aboard that same showboat and largely contented with her adopted family of actors, singers, and dancers. Especially Gabe, who has always supported her, and the gruff grandfather she has come to know and love. Jacci's mother has been gone for years, but the memory of the altercation that ultimately took her life--and the cryptic things Jacci has overheard about her past--is always there, lurking in the back of her mind.

When someone on the showboat tries to kill Jacci, it's clear her questions demand answers. But secrets have a way of staying in the shadows . . . and the answers she craves will not come easily.”

I loved this story.  It was very easy to read and very entertaining. The suspense and mystery will keep the reader guessing.  There is also a romantic element that will keep the reader’s interest.  Jacci has two suitors. Who can she trust?  Who will she choose?

Go HERE to read an excerpt:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

Go HERE to learn more about Ann B. Gabhart and her other books: