Gilbert Morris
A Covenant of Love (1992)
Author: Gilbert Morris
Genre (and subgenre): Historical/Christian
Plot Summary:
Cousins Clay and Gideon Rocklin have been in competition with each other their entire lives, and the ultimate challenge comes when they fall in love with the same woman, Melanie Benton. Melanie chooses and marries Gideon, causing hot tempered Clay to fall into a self destructive path. Clay marries Melanie’s cousin Ellen, but their marriage is a failure, and Clay is absent during most of his children’s childhood. The story is set during the years before the civil war, although parts of the Mexican war seep in. The roots of the family lie in the South, but segments of it have moved into the North, causing rifts in political ideas within the family. Only, by realizing his irrational, destructive behavior and putting his faith in the Lord, is Clay able to come to terms with his past and his family, and begin a fresh life.
Geographical Setting: Richmond, Virginia, also Washington D.C.
Time Period: Pre-Civil War
Series: Book 1 of The Appomattox Saga. The series is a family saga, and all the characters are attached to a southern family called the Rocklins.
Appeal Characteristics:
The setting of this book, the first in the series happens before the civil war, and the rest of the books follow the family throughout the war, and reconstruction, making it an excellent series for those who enjoy them and for those who like family sagas. The book is fairly fast paced, and even has some character development within the same story. Although the Rocklins are rooted in the Lord, I would not say the book is overly laced with Christian principles, and seems to focus more on leading a good life. There is also quite a bit of Civil War politics included. The tone of the story is pretty serious, and the book is heavy on both detail and heavy on dialogue. Although there is a main plot, there are also multiple sub-plots going on at the same time.
Similar Authors: Lynn Morris, Jane Peart, Judith Pella
Red Flags: none
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