Shaker people at heart of ‘The Blessed’

There are many books about the Amish, but author Ann H. Gabhart goes a different direction, telling the story of another group of people who sought a quieter, simpler lifestyle — the Shakers.

In “The Blessed,” her fourth novel in her Shaker series, Gabhart tells the story of one woman’s experience finding true love among the clannish folks.

At a young age, Lacey Bishop is sent to be a servant in the home of Miss Mona and her preacher husband. Lacey blossoms under Miss Mona’s care, and when a baby is found on the porch, the two women take that child in as well.

Following the death of Miss Mona, life changes drastically. Lacey is allowed to continue to care for little Rachel, but to fulfill this and still have a home, Lacey is forced to marry the Preacher, a difficult situation she endures as best she can.

When a pair of Shaker brothers visit their home, the Preacher suddenly decides to throw off the ways of the world and join the peaceful clan as he attempts to find redemption.

Soon Lacey finds herself thrust among the Shakers in a village where men and women live as brother and sister, and where children are not allowed to be with their parents. Everything she has been taught about Christianity is suddenly called into questions, and she seeks to find answers that will calm her heart and soul.

Isaac Kensington’s wife died young, and he blames himself. Cast out by his in-laws, he searches for "true happiness" among the Harmony Hill Shaker village, and for a while, he is satisfied. But when he meets Lacey, things start to stir in his heart. He feels unworthy of her love when he can't quit blaming himself for the death of Ella, his first wife.

Gabhart does a wonderful job telling the story of the Shaker people, their traditions, their religious views and ways of life in this tale of redemption and romance. She weaves historical facts with well-written fiction and includes a moral lesson of being true to one’s beliefs.