In the Shadow of the River + Giveaway

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 the Kingston Floating Palace, 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. Gabe only hopes they come in time for him and Jacci to have a future together.

My Review:

Whoa! Not sure what to say about Ann H. Gabhart’s latest release except that it excelled all my expectations — and I’ve read most of her books so that’s saying something.

First off, I love the way she created a community on the showboat — well, a found family really. The setting was just as captivating as the plot for me. And the characters — as eclectic a bunch as you’d expect to find under those circumstances. But, who can be trusted? Because…Jacci has a secret past even she doesn’t know about. Eeeep — loved the mystery, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

The first 100 pages or so are all about Jacci’s childhood and how she comes to live on the Kingston Floating Palace. It’s full of drama and mystique and the innocent outlook of a very young child. And them the story jumps ahead fifteen years when all that mystery swirling in the background comes to a seething boil.

There’s intrigue, danger, and a lot of secrets that need to be brought into the light before a reader can finally sigh in relief and bask in the glow of a hard won happily-ever-after. And not before a few unexpected twists come into play. I was spellbound to the very last word.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Leah Horowitz who did a fabulous job of creating a memorable listening experience.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Paperback copy available internationally — so, yay, everybody’s included in this giveaway no matter where you live.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of In the Shadow of the River, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 27, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

39 thoughts on “In the Shadow of the River + Giveaway”

  2. Lovely review, Kav! I’ve heard a lot of great things about this book. Thanks for the review and chance to win a copy!
    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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  3. I agree with you about this book. Lots of twists and turns and a story filled with unique characters. This author is gifted in bringing stories to life and making you feel like you have a front row seat. Just wanted to give a shout out to this author. The cover is eye catching and beautiful! Ok, I’ll stop now. Grin!

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    1. Thanks for that lovely shout out, Nora. I’m excited to hear that you loved the story as much as I did. And I agree, Ann H. Gabhart is definitely a gifted storyteller.

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  4. Love, Love, LOVE this author’s books! So you know this one is on my TBR list. To say this rave about it excelling even for her books says a LOT and increases my desire to read it tenfold. Isn’t it amazing how she can paint a scene to where you feel like your standing there like a fly on the wall. And she does that just as well with characters too.

    Let’s not forget to mention that gorgeous cover now. Love the two blended scenes.

    Thank you for your review and the wonderful chance to win a copy!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  5. Great review, Kav! This caught my attention during RC week & can you believe I haven’t read it yet?! I was reading something else on release day, then the renos happened to our shower–pounding & workers tracking in dirt ALL DAY!!), headache from tile glue & noise, and could barely read! (gasp!) It’ll be done today. Yay!! Anyway, please throw my name in the hat? I could’ve said that to start with instead of complaining for 5 mins. 😄

    dianalflowers at aol dot com

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  7. This one has had my eye for a while, Kav. So glad to hear it excelled your expectations and kept you spellbound. I’m ready to go under the spell so I’m in! 🙂

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  9. I’ve read quite a few of Ann’s books and have loved them all. Your review says she’s done it again with this book. Love this author and glad for the chance to win this book. Thanks Kav.

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  11. I haven’t read many of Ann’s books, but I read When the Meadow Blooms and really enjoyed it. I love the cover of this one, and look forward to this book.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  13. This sounds like such an intriguing story. I love the riverboat aspect. I have heard wonderful things about this book. Sounds like it’s not to be missed!

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  14. This book grabbed my attention from the first time I read about it, and the cover is strikingly beautiful! Now after reading your review, Kav, I’m intrigued even more! I’m excited to read this story!

    Alison Boss
    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. I thought sure she wrote another book about a heroine who grew up on a steamboat (she was a singer, I think), now I can’t find it. So, I must be getting my authors mixed up!

    Anyway, definitely want to read this one, it was one of my Reader’s choice picks. Plus, I love Gabhart’s writing 💖

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  19. Great review! Ann H. Gabhart is one of my favorite authors, and she’s even more special because she’s a fellow Kentuckian! Thanks for sharing. cps1950ATgmailDOTcom

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