The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart

When Gabrielle was young she and her mother had entered a Shaker community to live and grow in peace and harmony.  Through a gift of the Spirit, Gabrielle had a vision of a fire in the barn and because of this she was able to direct someone to the spot where one of the brothers was trapped.  The doctor who rescued Nathan treated the burns and stayed with this Shaker brother giving treatments and exercise for his legs.  According to the rules of the community, Dr. Scott was an outsider who must have permission to speak with members of the Shakers so they would not be exposed to worldly influences.  Dr. Scott met Gabrielle when she was attending Nathan after the fire.  Their opportunities for communications were limited but he made a point of seeing her later when he came to check on Nathan's progress.  It was after Gabrielle and Dr. Scott met in the woods that she was put under months of constant supervision.  During that time Dr. Scott joined the Kentucky Militia to fight redcoats and Indians in the northern territories.  His thoughts went often to the beautiful girl in the Shaker community and she thought often of him, too.  Her ever present guard did not trust Gabrielle but could not know what went on in the mind of her charge.  Would Gabrielle endure and be trusted again and would Dr. Scott survive war and continue in his efforts to bring Gabrielle away from the Shakers?

The Outsider is available in the catalog in book, large print, and book-on-CD format.

~Beth H.

The Secret (Seasons of Grace, book one) by Beverly Lewis

Judah Byler is an Amish sheep farmer. He and Lettie are the parents of Adam, Joe, Grace and Mandy. Lettie's parents live under the same roof but in their own side of the house. Each person knows their jobs and they do them which makes for harmonious living. But lately Lettie has been restless and has even been seen walking the roads and pastures during the night. She hasn't told anyone what is bothering her. Judah is busy day and night caring for the ewes and new lambs. Grace is of courting age and often attends the singings on Sunday evenings. One day Lettie talked to Grace about Henry. She just wanted Grace to think now what married life to such a quiet man would be. The next evening Henry proposed to Grace and she accepted. That very night Grace saw her mother leaving with a suitcase and she wouldn't stop when Grace called out to her. Where was she going and why? Later Grace found the letter Lettie had left her. Judah read it, too. The contents of that letter really did not help the family. As the community learned of Lettie's absence the rumors began to fly. How many people are hurt by the actions of one?

In a city far removed from Amish country lives Heather, a successful woman who has received devastating news from her doctor. Instead of following the prescribed treatment she has decided to take a lengthy vacation at an Amish bed and breakfast run by a neighbor of the Bylers. She hopes an alternative treatment will heal her and being in this peaceful setting is already helping her spirit.

Eglamore and Cristobel: A Love Story by Dolores Hydock @ HPL

Dolores Hydock presented her debut performance of Eglamore and Cristobel: A Love Story May 16 & 17 at the library. It was a packed house both nights. Delicious hors d'oeuvres were served by Christian Catering Company. Needless to say, everything was a great SUCCESS! Visit her website at www.storypower.org.