The Outsider

by Ann H. Gabhart

Book Overview

For as long as she can remember, Gabrielle Hope has had the gift of knowing--visions that warn of things to come. When she and her mother joined the Pleasant Hill Shaker community in 1807, the community embraced her gift. But Gabrielle fears this gift, for the visions are often ones of sorrow and tragedy. When one of these visions comes to pass, a local doctor must be brought in to save the life of a young man, setting into motion a chain of events...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800732391
• ISBN13: 9780800732394
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

It really reached down into my soul

Life in the Shaker community of Harmony Hill had seemed so settled for Gabrielle Hope - she had embraced the community's love and their beliefs, making them part of the very fabric of her life. However, when a fire burns her good friend Nathan Bates, she meets Doctor Brice Scott, and begins to feel things forbidden to the Shakers...feelings that she can neither embrace nor deny. Well, I have always been interested in American religious communistic societies, and so I jumped when I saw this book. I think that the author, Ann H. Gabhart, did a great job of capturing the feel of the Shakers. She paints them as human - many of them are ardent believers, compassionate and loving, and yet firm in their faith. And, I think she did a great job of shedding light on the experience of those who joined the Shakers, and yet could never really embrace the community. But don't think that this is in anyway an anti-religious book. In fact, the author weaves faith throughout the book, making it a part of the entire story. And, the romance? I found it to be very well done, very moving, very compelling. I really enjoyed this book, it really reached down into my soul. I don't hesitate to give this book my highest recommendations!

A generous helping of Kentucky history

This is a seamless story meticulously told by an author noted for her careful research. Without giving any of the plot away, I found this glimpse of Shaker life fascinating. The author does an admirable job of balancing the good (the Shaker's work ethic and their faithful adherence to their beliefs)with the strange, fanatical aspects (think Mother Ann and balls of love). I particularly enjoyed the character of Dr. Scott - he added just the right amount of spice to Gabrielle's more sedate personality. The descriptions of frontier army life were excellent and all the other minor characters added authenticity. Gabrielle's own innocence and her feelings for the doctor are refreshingly related. I look forward to her next Shaker novel!

What A Wonderful Book!

I loved this book! The historical references and events in the book make you feel like you are right there. You are happy and sad for all the characters as they come to life right before your eyes. You are involved in their lives on a very personal level and can truly understand what they are going through. I found myself wanting more! I was so sad to see this book end! I could not put it down! I am hoping there will be another book in the future. I can't wait to see what this author writes next! It is sure to be a keeper!

The Outsider

The Outsider is a beautiful historical novel - by Kentuckian Ann Gabhart - set in the 1800's in a Shaker community - Pleasant Hill - located near Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Just this alone made me want to read this novel. I live less than 10 miles from the restored Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and have spent many hours roaming the surrounding hillsides. In this book, the main character is a young Shaker woman - Gabrielle - who is completely happy living with her Shaker brothers and sisters , living the life of purity and hardwork. That is until an outsider - Dr. Brice Scott - intrudes on their lives and makes his way into her thoughts, and eventually her heart. The Shaker culture and society are so realistic I felt like I was there, like I knew these people. Living so near a restored Shaker village, I have grown up reading and researching the Shaker culture, so this book is very true to the life these religious people lead. Because the entire story doesn't happen just on the grounds of the Shaker village, readers are given a realistic view of war during this time and historical medical information, in addition to the treatment of strangers to the Shaker village. There are also other glimpses into this disciplined lifestyle, from the demanding hard work to the fanatical religious servies. This book was a fascinating read and Mrs. Gabhart's flowing prose seemed to leap off the pages and jump straight into your heart. Gabrielle's transformation from the quiet, shy girl into the beautiful young woman is presented with sobering details and fleeting views from the past. I recommend this book, not only as a work of historical fiction surrounding the lives of the Shakers, but as a delightful work of pure unadultered literature. The Outsider is a worthy find among the multitude of fiction and genre books being released today.

A Beautiful Story

This is a beautiful historical novel set in the 1800's in a Shaker community located near Harrodsburg, Kentucky. The main character is a young Shaker woman who is completely happy living with her Shaker sisters and brethren, until an outsider intrudes on their lives and her thoughts. The Shaker culture and society are so realistic I felt like I was there, like I knew these people. There are a gazillion Amish novels out there, but this is the first Shaker book I've read and I really enjoyed it. The whole story doesn't unfold on the grounds of the Shaker farm, either. Readers are given a realistic glimpse of war during that era, and medical practices as well. I read this book in one sitting, and gladly gave up several hours' sleep to finish! The writing is exactly what I've come to expect from Ann Gabhart, smooth and beautiful. My eye just glides across the page while my mind builds pictures. If you like realistic, thoughtful characters, intelligent romance, and feeling like you've stepped a hundred years into the past, you're going to love this book.