A Covenant of Love (The Appomattox Saga, Book 1) [Paperback]

Gilbert Morris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1992

With the nation on the brink of war, cousins Clay and Gideon Rocklin struggle with their political differences--and their love for the same woman.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The clipped, staccato narration of Maynard Villers seems inappropriate at times for this version of the first book of Morris's series, especially during the romantic segments. On a prosperous Southern plantation, the Rocklin cousins Clay and Gideon Rocklin fight over the favors of beautiful Melanie Benton. When Melanie decides to marry Gideon, Clay descends into a life of drunkenness that eventually ends in his being banned from the family plantation by his father. Years later, wealthy from his years as a slave trader, Clay returns, only to discover many in his family are not quite ready to forgive his errant behavior. Gideon, meanwhile, has achieved success in the army, and, as war approaches, the cousins realize they may soon be fighting on opposite sides. Morris's family sagas are usually entertaining, and this one is no exception. Clay's transformation from an immature and thoughtless man to a devout Christian is an especially well-written and dramatic story. Despite Villers hurried narration, however, this will prove popular with Morris's many fans.?Melissa Hudak, Centegra Health System, McHenry, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

From AudioFile

The saga of the Rocklin family begins as the Civil War looms on the horizon. The family will be torn apart, and the quest for the hand of Melanie Benson will forever affect the lives of cousins Clay and Gideon Rocklin. Maynard Villers reads this first book in the Appomattox series in a straightforward manner. Some character vocalizations--such as Gideon and Melanie--are subtle; others are more dramatic and less successful: The slave dialects and children are overdone, and attempts at strong Southern accents are unconvincing. His emotional tone, however, is true, and the narrative is well paced. M.A.M. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 361 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers; Later Printing edition (June 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842354972
• ISBN-13: 978-0842354974
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,520,656 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gilbert Morris is among today's most popular Christian writers; his books having sold nearly six million copies worldwide. He specializes in historical fiction and won a 2001 Christy Award for the Civil War drama Edge of Honor. Once a pastor and English professor who earned a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas, Morris lives with his wife in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Riveting, challenging and unique!, June 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Covenant of Love (The Appomattox Saga, Book 1) (Paperback)

This book captured my interest immediately because it wasn't like typical romances that have little action or plot development. I enjoyed the intertwining lives of Clay and Gideon Rocklin, following their marriages and decisions as war breaks out between the North and South. This civil war drama twists and turns without leaving you lost. The characters aren't sugary sweet with little relevance to real life. A sure Winner!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 'A Covenant of Love', greatly written Gilbert Morris!!, November 23, 2001

By 

Priscilla Stafford (Yokohama, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Covenant of Love (The Appomattox Saga, Book 1) (Paperback)

"A Covenant of Love was written by very popular Christian writer, Gilbert Morris, writer of the "House of Winslow" series. First of the Appomattox Saga, a series about the Civil War in Virginia, this book is very realistic. It is a novel with much history, romance, and adventure in it. Part One of the book is written in the summer of 1840, part two in 1849, and part three and four in 1859 and 1860.

Clay Rocklin, a headstrong and passionate man, is the main character of the story. He is rough and very competitive with his cousin, Gideon Rocklin, and loves to win. Having a restless spirit, he drinks and goes out all the time, which shames his family greatly. Later on though, he finds the Lord and starts a new life following Christ. Gideon Rocklin is Clay's cousin, who is almost an exact opposite of him. He is steadfast, responsible, and at the top of his class at West Point, a famous military school. He falls in love with Melanie Benton and they get married, much to Clay's dislike, since he loves Melanie, too. Melora Yancy is the young girl who leads Clay to Jesus. She is pretty, bright, and loves to read.

The story begins in the summer of 1840 in Virginia, when nineteen-year-old Gideon Rocklin, from the North Rocklin's, comes for a visit. The Rocklins were separated into the Southern and Northern Rocklins, when one of the Rocklins married a Northern woman. Nineteen-year-old Clay of the Southern Rocklins, is in love with Melanie Benton, as is Gideon. Melanie at first cannot decide between them and so flirts with both of them, trying to keep both of their attentions. But when Melanie finds out that she is in love with Gideon, she agrees to marry him. Clay, in frustration and anger, starts drinking, gambling, and shames the family. Will Clay ever have peace in his heart? And with the coming Civil War, will he be able to know where his loyalties lie?

Terrific book, as I said very realistic. I read this book in one night for I was in agony with Clay and was wondering throughout the whole book whether he would ever have peace. My favorite character is probably the calm and pretty Melora Yancy. I do hope she comes out more in all of the rest of the books in the Appomattox Series. I have also read the second book, "Gate of His Enemies". Unfortunately I still haven't read any of the other books though I hope to get them soon!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Done Gilbert Morris!, March 6, 2000

By 

marty clark (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Covenant of Love (The Appomattox Saga, Book 1) (Paperback)

Wow! This was a beautiful story. I was impressed by the historical accuracy and the captivating story line. It was unlike any other romance novel I have seen. You will feel as though you really know this family, the characters are well rounded. I read this book straight though. I cried and rejoiced with the Rocklins. This book will teach you a little about Civil War history, a little about the south, a little about love and a little about the grace of God. I strongly recommend this book as well as the rest of this series.