A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. ~Saint Basil
Recently, I read about a study that showed doing a good deed fired off an abundance of those good sensors in our brains that we sometimes think we need chocolate to set off. Some studies you wonder about, but this one made sense. After all, I’ve felt those good vibes after helping out somebody without expecting a reward or a return favor.
When I came across a story about a man who did just that during a desperate time for his town, I began to wonder about this man, a slave with no personal freedom. You might question why he would even want to help the people who kept him enslaved. Yet, when cholera hit Springfield, Kentucky in 1833 and all who had the means to do so fled the town, Louis became a servant for the good of his fellow citizens unable to escape the epidemic. For some reason, he was 
unaffected by the dreadful disease that killed thousands all across America that summer. So he tended the sick left in town with no one to care for them and he buried those who died. All fifty-five of them. What kind of man did he have to be? Thinking about that is what led to my current release, River to Redemption.
Early on, when Louis is trying to find a place for Adria, he explains why he wants to help her with so many others needing help too. “I ain’t denyin’ that plenty of folks is in need, but this little girl is the one the Lord set down in my path. I don’t reckon he expects me to help ev’ry hurtin’ body, but he does expect me to help them I can.”
That friendship continues to grow throughout the story as Adria grows up and wants to see Louis freed. When that opportunity comes, I make Adria the one to spearhead the drive to buy his freedom. That is another part of the story based on the real Louis’s life. Not that a young woman rescued by him as a child was in any of the historical accounts, but the people of Springfield did come together to raise money to buy Louis’s freedom in gratitude for what he’d done for the town during the cholera epidemic. River to Redemption is a fictional account of how that might have happened and how a little girl and a slave developed an enduring friendship.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NIV)
About the Ann H. Gabhart
ANN H. GABHART, the bestselling author of over thirty novels, has been called a storyteller. That’s not a bad thing for somebody who grew up dreaming of being a writer. Ann’s historical novels, including her popular Shaker series, have Kentucky backgrounds. Recently she headed to the Appalachian Mountains for These Healing Hills while her new release, River to Redemption, was inspired by a true story that happened in a small Kentucky town. Ann also writes about family life, love and sometimes mystery (as A.H. Gabhart). She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren and enjoy life out on their Kentucky farm. To find out more about Ann and her books, visit www.annhgabhart.com. You can also join in the conversation on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/anngabhart or Twitter @AnnHGabhart.
I’ve read several of Ann H. Gabhart’s books which have been really good. Lucky you getting to meet her!
Maybe we’ll be in the same place at the same time in the days ahead, Fay, and I’ll get to meet you too. Thank you so much for reading some of my stories. I appreciate that.
You’re right Faye. She is a sweet person and is so humble about her writing accomplishments. I appreciate her friendship and she always encourages me to keep writing.
I am reading Words Spoken True now. Hope to get River to Redemption today.
That’s great. Janice. Thanks for stopping by. Have you read “These Healing Hills” by Ann? It’s my favorite.
Hope you enjoy my Louisville story, Janice. I tell people it’s the book I included everything but the kitchen sink. Lots going on in that book.
Happy Release Day, Ann! This sounds like another wonderful story. I am looking forward to reading this.
Thanks for stopping by. It is a wonderful story. What’s your favorite book by Ann H. Gabhart? Mine is “These Healing Hills.
That’s a tough question! I love Those Healing Hills but regularly re-read her Rosey Corner and Hollyhill series.
What fun that you reread the stories about some of my favorite characters, Katie. Thanks for that spirit booster comment. Hope you’ll enjoy the new story too. And Shelia, I loved the people in These Healing Hills. It’s going to be the ACFW Bookclub pick in August. I’m excited about that. Love book clubs.
I enjoyed reading this so much! The story about the slave so freely giving and caring for the sick is very touching! I read Ann’s “These Healing Hills” and loved her writing, so I know this book will be really good! Lovely website!
Thanks for stopping by. “These Healing Hills” was one of my favorite books by Ann. I’ve asked her to write a historical book featuring a librarian who delivers books on horseback. But “River to Redemption” is unique. That’s one of the things I like best about Ann Gabhart’s stories, they’re fresh and different.
Thanks, Becky. I do hope you will like the new story too. Shelia does have a lovely site here, doesn’t she?
This book sounds like one I will enjoy. I loved the Shaker books and have read them all, more than once!
I enjoyed her Shaker books too. Did you read “These Healing Hills” by Ann that featured a frontier nurse who traveled the hills of Eastern Kentucky on horseback. It’s a great one too.
You’ll be happy to know then, Jackie, that my book next summer will be back in my fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill. But I do think you might like These Healing Hills too, as Shelia suggests.
It sounds like a wonderful story. It’s one that I’ve never heard, but I’m glad it’s being shared with the world.
Thanks for stopping by Courtney. It is a wonderful story.
It is a great story, Courtney. That’s what set my imagination going to figure out a story to wrap around the nugget of historical truth. Springfield, KY can be proud even if I did make up all the characters except Louis and Matilda.
I love Ann’s books! I’ve read These Healing Hills, Love Comes Home, Murder at the Courthouse, Murder Comes by Mail, and Murder is No Accident, enjoyed them all. I hope to read the new one, River to Redemption soon.
Hi, Connie. Always fun to see your comments on my blog posts. You’ve still got a few books to read. I think you should try Angel Sister while it’s on a 99 cent e-book sale. Of course, you might be one of those who don’t like e-reading. I’d rather have a paper copy, but I do e-read sometimes. I do hope you’ll enjoy my new story.
Shaker books, Hidden Springs mysteries, Rosy Corner and Hollyhill trilogies, Words Spoken True, and These Healing Hills…..have read ( some more than once), and loved them all!
I know River to Redemption is going to be another wonderfully told story!
Happy Release Day!
Thanks, Marji. I appreciate you as a reader. So glad we can be friends through the magic of internet. I do hope you’ll like River to Redemption too.
Can’t wait to add this book to my library. Have really enjoyed the books of yours that I’ve read so far. I gave my niece Adria the bookmark you signed for her (and found one from my collection for her little sister!). She really liked it! Thanks again.
Glad she liked the bookmark, Kathy, and I hope you’ll like Adria’s story when you get a chance to read it. Happy reading.
Congratulations on your new book ! Should be receiving my copy any day as I pre-ordered it months ago. Looking forward to reading it ; I know it will be a wonderful story !!
What an awesome thing for the town to do to buy that man’s freedom! Would enjoy reading this book.
I agree Vivian. It’s wonderful when a community comes together for something good. Thanks for stopping by.