Historical inspirational romance is a desired genre on my reading list so I am delighted I was given a copy of Gilbert Morris’s most recent novel, The River Rose. It released June 1, 2012 from B&H Publishing Group
I can’t believe this is the first book I’ve read by Dr. Morris. It won’t be my last.
Author Gilbert Morris
He didn’t start writing novels until he was nearly fifty years old. I can’t imagine writing a novel in one month but Gilbert Morris has done just that. He has written 228 novels.
From the beginning of this novel, The River Rose, I imagined myself becoming friends with the protagonist, Mrs. Jeanne Bettencourt.
I liked her spunky attitude as a single mom of eight-year old Marvel, living in the 1850’s. I’ve always wanted to wear the long dresses with petticoats, bonnets and parasols, so I envisioned strolling along the Memphis streets with Jeanne.
She struggles to provide support for her daughter until hope shines on their future when Jeanne inherits a half interest in a riverboat, The Helena Rose, from a distant relative.
Jeanne had grown up on her father’s riverboat , but had never piloted on her own. A strong will to succeed drove her to a new business venture piloting the paddle wheeler from Memphis to Little Rock and cities in between.
From the beginning, I had my eye on Clint Hardin, a handsome machinist with a beautiful singing voice and a fighting spirit. All the ladies are interested in Clint, except Jeanne Bettencourt. But when he inherits the other half of The Helena Rose, a business partnership is formed and their relationship is strictly business.
Although he is interested in the beautiful Jeanne, I wasn’t too sure which direction their relationship would go.
Along the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers, the plot takes some twists and turns. Circumstances continue to stretch Jeanne’s Christian faith. Throughout the book, I never knew what waited around the next bend. There are several unexpected surprises that make it an interesting read.
I highly recommend this book if you like inspirational historical fiction.
CONTEST!
I’d love to give you a FREE COPY of The River Rose by Gilbert Morris.
I will give you one entry into the contest for each item below. A winner will be randomly chosen and notified by Monday, June 18, 2012.
1. In the comments section of my blog, answer the following question:
If you inherited a paddle wheeler, what would you name her?
2. Go to Gilbert’s Facebook page and LIKE it: https://www.facebook.com/gilbertmorrisbooks
Be sure to come back to my blog and tell me you LIKED it.
I will contact the winner to make arrangements to send you the book.
Here are the links to Gilbert’s online outposts which will help you learn more about him:
Website and Blog: http://www.gilbertmorris.com/
Blog Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/GilbertMorris
E-Newsletter (to receive subscriber-only giveaways & previews of his upcoming novels): http://gilbertmorris.com/news.htm
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gilbertmorrisbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/gilbert_morris
Pinterest: https://twitter.com/#!/gilbert_morris
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from B&H Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Thanks for helping me spread the word about this enjoyable novel.
Come back to my blog for more book reviews in the coming weeks. Next up – Karen Kingsbury’s Coming Home.
Have a great week!
Gigi
