The Shakeress Author:Kimberley Heuston, Kimberley Burton Heuston When Naomi's parents and younger brother are killed in a fire, she and her remaining siblings seek refuge in a Shaker village. The Shakers take the children in and begin to teach them their way of life. Naomi is upset by some of the Shaker traditions -- such as the way they separate boys and girls -- but she is also grateful for their help and f... more »or the opportunity to train with the village herbalist. As Naomi's healing skills increase, she soon surpasses the knowledge of her teacher. She also comes to realize that, while she loves and respects the Shakers, she cannot fully embrace their way of life. So she leaves her siblings and travels to another village, where she builds a successful medical practice and gets engaged. When Naomi discovers the new religion of Mormonism, she decides to leave her comfortable life once again and venture west with the Mormons to Ohio. Naomi's story introduces readers to the various religious communities that existed in the late 1800s. As they follow her adventures, readers will be inspired by this brave, spiritual young woman who does not simply accept the life that has been handed to her.« less