In the Shadow of the River

By: Ann H. Gabhart

Narrated by: Leah Horowitz

If all the world's a stage, Jacci will play her part. She only hopes her story does not turn out to be a tragedy.

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.

©2023 Ann H. Gabhart (P)2023 Recorded Books

Loved this inspirational historical romance!

A long held secret, found family, an intriguing mystery, a lovely romance, and the entertaining glimpse of life on a showboat completely drew me in! Ann Gabhart has been on my radar for a long time. After reading In the Shadow of the River, I am definitely wondering why I didn’t pick up her books sooner! The opening scenes of this book had me completely hooked with the attempted abduction of a small five year old girl. From there, I was intrigued by the mystery, romance, and heartfelt relationships between all the characters on the Kingston Floating Palace.

For five years, Jacci Reed’s mother Irena has done nothing but try to protect her daughter. When Jacci’s identity is discovered and someone attempts to kidnap her, Irena is badly wounded. She seeks help from her actor father known as “Duke” who works on the Kingston Floating Palace and places Jacci in his care while she tries to recover.

Fifteen years later, Jacci is thriving in the showboat vaudeville environment. Her gorgeous looks, beautiful voice, and acting talents have garnered the notice of several including her brother-like friend Gabe. While he wishes she’d see him as more, Gabe continues to be her best friend, but constantly reminds her he’s not her brother. When Jacci’s life is once again threatened, she demands to know the secrets only her grandfather knows. But, will the truth only serve to endanger her more, and those she loves?

I loved the unique setting of a showboat in the early 1900’s with all the vaudeville-like showmanship and entertainment. The friends to more, he-fell-first romance combined with an intriguing mystery and a touch of suspense kept me fully engaged. I loved Gabe and Jacci! Watching their romance bloom was so enjoyable especially when she finally realizes she loves Gabe as more than a brother. The theme of what it means to be family was beautifully done and I thoroughly enjoyed this ragtag group of endearing characters who loved and supported each other throughout the story. I especially loved the crusty, formerly self-centered actor “Duke,” who completely changes to care for Jacci. The mystery aspect was well done and the twist at the end was one I didn’t see coming.

I listened to the audiobook version and loved the narrator! She did an excellent job bringing each character to life, which wasn’t easy with so many different, unique characters. She captured all the emotions and personalities so well.

Highly recommend this well written, clean, inspirational, historical romance! I’m hoping we might see these characters again in another book. I received an advanced complementary copy from the publisher, but also purchased the audiobook version. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. 4 1/2 stars raised to 5.