In the shadow of the river

After tragedy dropped her aboard the Kingston Floating Palace in 1881, Jacci Reed knew it was where she was meant to be. The perpetual motion of life on the lively river showboat is exactly what Jacci needs to move forward. But she discovers there are demons in her past that simply cannot be outrun. Jacci's found family of fellow performers would do anything to protect a daughter of their vessel, but the secrets buried in Jacci's past becomes a danger to them all. With rumors of an unknown adversary on board, Jacci must uncover the truth before the final curtain falls. Gabhart (When the Meadow Blooms, 2022) presents another inspiring historical novel. Her masterful storytelling glows with personality and page-turning surprises, and the wonderfully nuanced supporting cast shines in its own right beside the captivating heroine. The loveliness and strength with which Jacci navigates her crises of identity, family, and trust brings this graceful and entertaining story to life.

Gabhart (When the Meadow Blooms) delivers an atmospheric romance set on an 1890s showboat with plenty of secrets below deck. When Jacci Reed was five years old, an unknown assailant tried to kidnap her in a violent altercation that left her mother gravely injured. Before dying, Jacci's mother turned her over to her grandfather, larger-than-life showboat actor Tyrone Chesser. Fifteen years later, Jacci loves her life on the showboat, where she acts alongside her grandfather and flirts with Gabe, the captain's son. But Jacci has some unresolved questions about her past, and oddities keep cropping up--her grandfather cautions her not to use her last name on the boat's playbill; a woman who uncannily resembles Jacci attends a performance. Jacci's grandfather fills in some blanks about her childhood, leaving her more confused than ever and concerned her very presence could endanger others on the boat. (Her shifting feelings for Gabe throw another wrench into the works.) Jacci must draw on her faith in God to peel back the layers of the mystery of her past and find happiness. Supported by a cast of winning characters, this well-wrought mystery skillfully builds intrigue and doesn't let up steam till the satisfying conclusion. Readers will be hooked. (May)