Monday, June 18, 2012

The River Rose by Gilbert Morris Review & Giveaway!

Wow! If there was one name in Christian fiction that most people have heard of, I think it would have to be this author here. Gilbert Morris. Gilbert Morris has been one of my heroes and I first got started reading Christian fiction with his Winslow series, and boy it took me a while to finish:) Would you know it? I started reading one of his books and found out it was part of a series. By the time a person is done reading the whole Winslow series, you will have gotten a whole history lesson from the beginning of America. You may think I am kidding but I am dead serious. Tomorrow I am going to post an interview with Gilbert Morris and the first chapter of the book so don't miss that!

So, when I heard about a new series he had started, I knew I had to get them. I was very excited to actually be part of his blog tour for The River Rose. This is part of the Water Wheel series but they are pretty much stand-alone novels. The only thing that links them is the paddle wheeler aspect. The River Rose is the second one and after finishing it I have high hopes for the third installment in the series.
Life hasn't been easy for Jeanne Bettencourt, a widow approaching thirty and struggling to provide for her eight-year-old daughter. But hope arrives in the form of the Helena Rose, a steamboat she unexpectedly inherits from a distant, departed relative. Jeanne's father had captained a similar vessel and taught her how to pilot a steamer along the banks of Memphis. She's looking forward to a renewed livelihood on the mighty Mississippi.

However, as plans are made, news comes of another heir to the Helena Rose - a tough man named Clint Hardin - and a clause in the will that says claimants of the estate must live aboard the boat. Jeanne, a Christian woman, makes it clear she won?t stay with a man who is not her husband. But both are desperate for work, so they agree to keep their distance as Clint occupies the lower deck and Jeanne takes the captain?s quarters.

As they restore the Helena Rose, the slowly softening Clint becomes attracted to Jeanne - who is now being courted by a wealthy plantation owner. With her family and future at stake, the desires of Jeanne's heart are duly complex. Only her simple faith can navigate her through what's about to happen.


The plot of this book was very intriguing. A widow with a little girl, a boxer who has an amazing singing voice, and a wealthy plantation owner all mix for a delightful cast of characters. What happens when the widow and the boxer have to work together after they inherit a paddle wheeler? A lot of fun, tough times, and some romance thrown in! Jeanne was my favorite out of them all. She is so proud and stubborn at first but slowly changes throughout the book. Marvel is her cute little six year old who is ill. She is such a sweetheart though! So many times I just wanted to hug her! I kind of went back and forth on Clint. He is quite the gentleman but at times it didn't mix with his seeing other women, etc.

One of my favorite parts is when Marvel is so sick and Clint sings to her, Ave Maria;) I don't want it to be a spoiler but that part will about make you cry. This book runs you through the gamut of emotions including sadness, a victory dance, and joy. And Morris takes you through twists and turns as well. You think everything is wrapped up nicely and someone shows up who throws a big wrench in the plans.

Overall an excellent book with a 5 star that showcases the writing skill of author Gilbert Morris. There is a lot of history included in this book like many of his previous ones. I found the history of the paddle wheeler on the Mississippi river quite interesting. This book just makes me wish for the simpler life but also makes me glad I don't have to live without the simple amenites. Can't wait for the next book in this series!

This is an author that you will really want to stay up with. Whether you catch him on his blog, Facebook or Twitter, you won't want to miss his updates. While you are at it, check out the next series he is working on set in the Oklahoma territory. It is called Western Justice and features western lawmen. Already have the first one on my wish list!

Also readers, I have been offered the chance to host a giveaway for my readers. One of you will be the proud new owner of The River Rose. This will not be shipped until September but believe me, you will love this book!

This is going to be an easy entry giveaway. No rafflecopter forms or anything. This giveaway will end 7/2. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. USA ONLY and no PO Boxes please.

MANDATORY ENTRY-
LEAVE A COMMENT TELLING ME ONE THING YOU COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT ON A PADDLE WHEELER. WHETHER AN ELECTRONIC, ETC.

EXTRA ENTRY-
LIKE GILBERT MORRIS'S FACEBOOK PAGE AND TELL ME YOUR FB NAME.

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.

10 comments:

ann said...

my computer or a good book such as this one.
I like you on FB also - amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net

Melissa Graham said...

A book of course. I always take one with me when we are gone overnight somewhere. And probably my crochet also.

mamabunny13 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mamabunny13 said...

I couldn't live without air conditioning.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

I LIKED GILBERT MORRIS'S FACEBOOK PAGE - mamabunny shelor
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

Pam K. said...

I would have to have my blow dryer; otherwise my hair would be a complete mess!
Thanks for having the giveaway. The River Rose sounds like a great book.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

eyeballlucy said...

I would be lost without internet...sad to say......this high tech has spoiled me I guess...and I always read...read several books a week...and have been a big fan of Gilbert Morris' for years....and I would love to win a autographed copy of Gilbert's newest book......babyruthmac16@yahoo.com

misskallie2000 said...

It would have to be a Kindle or PC so I can read alot. If not possible to have them then lots of books.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway. Already have on my wish list.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I already like Gilbert's FB page (Brenda B. Hill)

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

apple blossom said...

most important couldn't live without Bible

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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