The River Rose | Gilbert Morris | Book Review & Giveaway

The River Rose

by Gilbert Morris

B&H Publishing Group

392 pages

{ About This Book } 

Life hasn’t been easy for Jeanne Bettencourt, a widow approaching thirty and struggling to provide for her six-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; this could be her ticket to a renewed livelihood, one of comfort and security, for her and her daughter.

Unfortunately, there is another heir to the Helena Rose -- a tough man named Clint Hardin. Jeanne, a Christian woman, feels that she can't possibly "live" with a man on the boat. But both are desperate for work, so they agree to an uneasy compromise to keep their relationship on a strict business basis.

As they begin their successful partnership on the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers, 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 becoming duly complex. Only faith can steer her through what happens next.

{ My Thoughts On This Book }

My mom introduced me to Gilbert Morris's historical fiction when I was in high school. I spent countless hours reading about his engaging characters during the various stages of our nations' history, and had serious crushes on more than one of the heroic male leads. It has been almost a decade since I picked up a Morris novel, due more to life changes and forgetfulness than to anything else, and I am so glad I did!

The River Rose is a fast moving and compelling story that I really enjoyed. As with all of his novels, Morris provides a wealth of historical information and detail that fills the story with depth and realism. The only issue I had with this story was that when Clint became a believer, he immediately swore off all of his previous vices without a single hint of difficulty, which felt contrived to me. Thankfully, that was a minor detail, and did not detract from the overall story. Dealing with themes of questioning faith, romance, forgiveness, justice, societal norms, and morality, this book will keep your attention riveted until the final page.

{ Read Chapter One }

The River Rose by Gilbert Morris - Chapter 1


{ About The Author }

Gilbert Morris is among today's most popular Christian writers, his books having sold over seven million copies worldwide. A former pastor and English professor, he specializes in historical fiction and won a 2001 Christy Award for the Civil War drama Edge of Honor. Morris lives with his wife in Gulf Shores, Alabama. You can learn more about Gilbert Morris, and connect with him online, on his website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

{ Buy This Book }

You can purchase your own copy of The River Rose for $11.20 here.

{ Win This Book }

 Thanks to the good folks at B&H Publishing Group, and Mr. Morris, one lucky Our Little Bit Of Wonderful reader is going to win their very own copy of The River Rose. You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the United States in order to win, and only entries received via the Rafflecopter form below are eligible to win, and the winning entry will be verified.

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{ Disclosure }

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.