The Gifted

The Gifted by Ann Gabhart tells the story of Jessamine Brady, who was raised by her grandmother after her father leaves her. Jessamine comes to live in a Shaker Village at the age of 10 years old after the death of her grandmother, so she remembers what life was like before living in the strict Shaker Community. Jessamine finds herself wanting to do things that are considered to be sins by those in her community as she sees the girls in the community of White Oak Springs with fancy dresses and parasols. She dreams of the outside world, and when she finds an injured man while berry-picking, she brings him back to her community of Harmony Hill to have his wounds treated.  

I liked reading this book since it was the first one I have ever read about the Shaker Community. I liked the character of Jessamine and the fact that she didn’t just go along with what she was told. She always questioned what other things were out there for her to discover. She is also very caring and brave as she risks the negative feelings of the community after she saves Tristan Cooper despite the fact that she may get in trouble for many of the events that occurred that day.

I really enjoyed this book, and it was interesting to learn more about the Shaker religion. In the future, I will hopefully get the opportunity to read more books by Ann Gabhart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Gifted is available in July, 2012 from your favorite bookseller courtesy of Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.