Wednesday, September 1, 2010

May We Suggest....Gilbert Morris


Dr. Gilbert Morris was born in 1929 in Forrest City, Arkansas. After completing his B.A. and MsE at Arkansas State University, he went on to receive his PhD from the University of Arkansas. Since he began writing in 1986, he has published over 200 novels. In addition, he has been awarded five Silver Angel Awards and a Christy Award in Christian literature.




Writing his daughter, Lynn Morris and his son, Alan Morris, his work has been able to focus on different eras and settings. Together, they have produced a popular and long-running series of romantic, historical adventures set in locales around the United States. Written specifically for the Christian reader, these novels may also appeal to conservative youth and adult readers who enjoy Historical Fiction and Travel narratives. The extraordinary range of settings also appeals to many readers.

Morris's writing is often character-centered coming-of-age stories that also encompass a faith journey for both the male and female protagonists. They use clean, straightforward prose with vivid descriptions resulting in an upbeat and enthusiastic nature of the story. Morris employs a strong sense of place afforded by the characters' travels to many different areas in the U.S. and their exploration of its varied climates and cultures. This is also enhanced by his stories' setting which often occurs during times of great social and technological change.

One can choose from a variety of novels or series in order to enjoy and appreciate the writing of Dr. Gilbert Morris.


READ-A-LIKES


Lee Roddy - created an intriguing historical series for adults that features a young woman of a good family that turns to a life of espionage. Her on-again/off-again love interest will remind readers of the Morris's characters, Cheney and Shiloh. Readers will also appreciate the travel adventures and various settings. The first book in the series is Days of Deception.


Tamera Alexander - Another Christy Award winner, Alexander's writing is meant to inspire women in their faith journeys. Readers who enjoy the travel and adventure found in the Cheney Duvall series, may enjoy the antics of McKenna Ashford in The Inheritance.


Tracie Peterson - is another popular Christian author who employs interesting characters, historical detail and a strong sense of place. Her work is a good match for the fans of Gilbert Morris. Readers may enjoy A Daughter's Inheritance that follows the travels, adventures and romances of the three cousins.


Kristen Heitzmann - writes numerous series and standalone novels with widely different focus and appeal. She incorporates themes and characters into her work that resemble the work of Morris. A good introduction would be The Rose Legacy and then Honor's Pledge


M.L. Tyndall - often sets her novels in a much earlier time period than Gilbert Morris, but many of the same elements appeal to his fans. Her female protagonists are strong-willed and warm-hearted fighting to find the balance between their faith and temptations. The Red Siren is a good novel to start with to enjoy Tyndall's work.