The story starts in 1812 in Kentucky, USA. Gabrielle lives in a Shaker community, cut off from worldly influences as much as the Elders and Eldresses can manage. One night a barn belonging to the community is set on fire, presumably by a local troublemaker, and Gabrielle?s particular friend Nathan is rescued from the flames by a local Doctor who had come to help. Although he is an Outsider his skill is needed and despite the fact that Shakers are not supposed to have particular friends, Gabrielle is allowed to help Dr Brice Scott nurse Nathan. From then on Gabrielle?s once peaceful and committed life is disturbed by worldly thoughts of Brice but any such thoughts are considered sinful and must be punished. When war rages in the northern territories the Shakers ignore what is going on, but Gabrielle?s thoughts are with the Doctor and Nathan who have gone north. I finished this at midnight, it?s a good read!

The story starts in 1812 in Kentucky, USA. Gabrielle lives in a Shaker community, cut off from worldly influences as much as the Elders and Eldresses can manage. One night a barn belonging to the community is set on fire, presumably by a local troublemaker, and Gabrielle’s particular friend Nathan is rescued from the flames by a local Doctor who had come to help. Although he is an Outsider his skill is needed and despite the fact that Shakers are not supposed to have particular friends, Gabrielle is allowed to help Dr Brice Scott nurse Nathan. From then on Gabrielle’s once peaceful and committed life is disturbed by worldly thoughts of Brice but any such thoughts are considered sinful and must be punished. When war rages in the northern territories the Shakers ignore what is going on, but Gabrielle’s thoughts are with the Doctor and Nathan who have gone north. I finished this at midnight, it’s a good read!