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The Last Cavaliers #1
The Crossing
From the beloved author of the bestselling House of Winslow series comes a new trilogy about the Civil War. Join Gilbert Morris as he explores the life of General Stonewall Jackson through the story of the fictional Yancy Tremayne. Raised among the Cheyenne, Yancy rejects the Amish community his father rejoins and instead studies under Thomas Jackson, a professor at the local military school. When war breaks out, will Yancy further distance himself from the pacifist community and join the fighting? And can he find a home for his heart?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2011
32 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Gilbert Morris
550 books561 followersalso published under the name Gilbert L. Morris
Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris
Series:
* Adventures of Kerrigan Kids
* American Century
* Appomattox Saga
* Barney Buck
* Bonnets and Bugles
* Cheney Duvall, M.D. (with Lynn Morris)
* Cheney and Shiloh: The Inheritance (with Lynn Morris)
* Chronicles of the Golden Frontier
* The Creole (with Lynn Morris)
* Danielle Ross Mystery
* Daystar Voyages
* Dixie Morris Animal Adventures
* Far Fields (with Robert Funderburk)
* House of Winslow
* Jacques and Cleo: Cat Detectives
* Katy Steele Adventures (with Alan Morris)
* Lady Trent Mystery
* Liberty Bell
* Lions of Judah
* Lone Star Legacy
* Omega (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* The Price of Liberty (with Robert Funderburk)
* Reno Western Saga
* Seven Sleepers
* Seven Sleepers: The Lost Chronicles
* Singing River
* Spirit of Appalachia (with Aaron McCarver)
* Too Smart Jones
*
Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris
Series:
* Adventures of Kerrigan Kids
* American Century
* Appomattox Saga
* Barney Buck
* Bonnets and Bugles
* Cheney Duvall, M.D. (with Lynn Morris)
* Cheney and Shiloh: The Inheritance (with Lynn Morris)
* Chronicles of the Golden Frontier
* The Creole (with Lynn Morris)
* Danielle Ross Mystery
* Daystar Voyages
* Dixie Morris Animal Adventures
* Far Fields (with Robert Funderburk)
* House of Winslow
* Jacques and Cleo: Cat Detectives
* Katy Steele Adventures (with Alan Morris)
* Lady Trent Mystery
* Liberty Bell
* Lions of Judah
* Lone Star Legacy
* Omega (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* The Price of Liberty (with Robert Funderburk)
* Reno Western Saga
* Seven Sleepers
* Seven Sleepers: The Lost Chronicles
* Singing River
* Spirit of Appalachia (with Aaron McCarver)
* Too Smart Jones
*
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 3, 2014
Very good read on General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and his faith along w/his military tactics.
Told from the viewpoint of a his courier which makes me what to see if any of them wrote anything after the war.
Also his love for his wife, Anna and their daughter.
Good look at life in the west w/the Cheyenne and the life of the Amish.
Shenandoah Valley life and battles.
Told from the viewpoint of a his courier which makes me what to see if any of them wrote anything after the war.
Also his love for his wife, Anna and their daughter.
Good look at life in the west w/the Cheyenne and the life of the Amish.
Shenandoah Valley life and battles.
June 13, 2019
Romance, clean; but also more of a war story; Christian
First, I have to qualify, I am not a fan of slavery and all the 'the South' stood for. This did humanize some of the people, so while it sweeps the crime of slavery under the table, it is not a complete history or perusal, but only the story of Yancy and his family as he finds Christianity, finds purpose in the Military, and follows a charismatic teacher, solider, and leader.
Yancy, his life, how he struggles to find his place in his new family, his school, and afterwards in his life as a soldier as he 'fits' there was a gorgeous read. The struggles he has as he follows Stonewall, sees him as a man, husband, and father, and as Yancy makes his way as a soldier, as a man, and later as he loses his memory (temporarily). The battles the conflicts, the leadership, this was as real as it gets as far as how the battles were fought. This glosses over the reasons for the battle, and focuses more on the people in the battle. I am definitely reading the rest of this series (all the while remembering those enslaved and those who suffered at the hands of slave owners).
For me, my one thing that I kind of wondered about, was how well-accepted Yancy was as a mixed race at that time. I was glad to see it however.
First, I have to qualify, I am not a fan of slavery and all the 'the South' stood for. This did humanize some of the people, so while it sweeps the crime of slavery under the table, it is not a complete history or perusal, but only the story of Yancy and his family as he finds Christianity, finds purpose in the Military, and follows a charismatic teacher, solider, and leader.
Yancy, his life, how he struggles to find his place in his new family, his school, and afterwards in his life as a soldier as he 'fits' there was a gorgeous read. The struggles he has as he follows Stonewall, sees him as a man, husband, and father, and as Yancy makes his way as a soldier, as a man, and later as he loses his memory (temporarily). The battles the conflicts, the leadership, this was as real as it gets as far as how the battles were fought. This glosses over the reasons for the battle, and focuses more on the people in the battle. I am definitely reading the rest of this series (all the while remembering those enslaved and those who suffered at the hands of slave owners).
For me, my one thing that I kind of wondered about, was how well-accepted Yancy was as a mixed race at that time. I was glad to see it however.
January 17, 2021
An exciting read that keeps you in the book to see what happens next.
May 6, 2012
Outstanding story of Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson while he at VMI before the Civil War. It describes him as an instructor, the relationship he developed with some of his students, his marriage to his beloved "Anna", the birth of his little daughter "Julie", him as a leader and commander during the Civil War and then his untimely death. This is a great book to become more acquainted with General Jackson and the battles he was so instrumental in winning, and it adds in some fictional characters that are very important to this storyline. It also leads you a little into the world of the Amish. This is all good for this fantastic Christian Fictional author. I loved this book!!
February 11, 2017
Well worth reading!
So many historical novels are mostly romance novels with a bit of history woven through them. Not this one! Yes, there is romance in it, but it also helps the reader see into the heart of the man "Stonewall" Jackson. I had read Civil War histories, but this book challenged the reader to see the people of both sides somewhat trapped by their geographical upbringing and loyalties that had nothing to do with slavery. As in all wars, there were many brave and compassionate "innocents" involved.
So many historical novels are mostly romance novels with a bit of history woven through them. Not this one! Yes, there is romance in it, but it also helps the reader see into the heart of the man "Stonewall" Jackson. I had read Civil War histories, but this book challenged the reader to see the people of both sides somewhat trapped by their geographical upbringing and loyalties that had nothing to do with slavery. As in all wars, there were many brave and compassionate "innocents" involved.
July 3, 2011
Gilbert Morris in his new book, "The Crossing" Book One in The Last Cavaliers Series published by Barbour Publishing takes us back to The Civil War.
Before Gilbert Morris became the prolific writer that he is he was a history professor. So teaching us about history in a very entertaining manner is second nature to him. He was also a pastor so teaching us Christian principles is also second nature to him. In "The Crossing" both second natures become one. I think this is historical fiction at its finest. Yancy Tremayne is very unhappy when his father decides to go back to the Shenandoah Valley and the Amish roots they came from. However the life of an Amish farmer is not the life for Yancy so when The Civil War breaks out Yancy runs away and joins the army for the South under the command of Thomas Jackson who earns the nickname Stonewall Jackson.
"The Crossing" is a book of history as it tells the story of General Stonewall Jackson and his exploits during the war. It is a book of romance as Yancy meets the sister of a wounded Yankee soldier and they fall in love. It is a thriller as everyone's lives are in deadly jeopardy as the War Between the States rages on. I have been reading everything by Gilbert Morris for a long time and I have to say that this may be his finest work. This is also just plain fun and exciting as well.
If, like me, you have read everything ever written by Gilbert Morris then you are going to love this book. If this is your first reading of anything by Gilbert Morris you are going to love this book. "The Crossing" is a very fulfilling read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
If you missed the interview for "Honor In The Dust", a different series from Gilbert Morris, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing . 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Before Gilbert Morris became the prolific writer that he is he was a history professor. So teaching us about history in a very entertaining manner is second nature to him. He was also a pastor so teaching us Christian principles is also second nature to him. In "The Crossing" both second natures become one. I think this is historical fiction at its finest. Yancy Tremayne is very unhappy when his father decides to go back to the Shenandoah Valley and the Amish roots they came from. However the life of an Amish farmer is not the life for Yancy so when The Civil War breaks out Yancy runs away and joins the army for the South under the command of Thomas Jackson who earns the nickname Stonewall Jackson.
"The Crossing" is a book of history as it tells the story of General Stonewall Jackson and his exploits during the war. It is a book of romance as Yancy meets the sister of a wounded Yankee soldier and they fall in love. It is a thriller as everyone's lives are in deadly jeopardy as the War Between the States rages on. I have been reading everything by Gilbert Morris for a long time and I have to say that this may be his finest work. This is also just plain fun and exciting as well.
If, like me, you have read everything ever written by Gilbert Morris then you are going to love this book. If this is your first reading of anything by Gilbert Morris you are going to love this book. "The Crossing" is a very fulfilling read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
If you missed the interview for "Honor In The Dust", a different series from Gilbert Morris, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing . 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 14, 2011
Synopsis:
From beloved author, Gilbert Morris, comes a new trilogy about the Civil War. Yancy Tremayne, son of an Amish man, joins General Stonewall Jackson's troops, which leads to adventure and romance with a Southern belle. Widower Daniel Tremayne returns to his Amish roots, but his son, Yancy, joins a Virginia militia and becomes one of "Stonewall's Boys" in the War between the States. The novel is rich with characters struggling to make sense of the war and of Amish pacifism while maintaining loyalty to family. Yancy's grandmother says, "I saw that you'd decided to be a soldier. And we always told you that we would respect your decisions, and we do. But I have to tell you that it grieves me, it truly does." Injured in battle, Yancy is nursed back to health by Lorena, who wrestles with her own past. The first in "The Last Cavaliers" series combines adventure and romance in a thick historical and religious setting that fills the page with believable missives, news reports, and a love story in the midst of war.
I really enjoyed this book, what a gift Gilbert Morris has, and I for one am glad he shares it.
I learned a lot about the Confederate side of the War, which I hadn't known. I have always lived in the North, but this book was making me root for the South.
I loved that included in this story was facts about the Indians...Cherokee, Amish, Virginia Military Institute, and the Civil War. There are also a few love stories intermingled with the Military.
There are things that happen that will make you chuckle and others that you will need tissues for. I loved the descriptions of the beautiful America...mostly in Virginia where this novel takes place.
I can't wait for the next two books in this Civil War Saga.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from of Barbour Publishing,
Inc.. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
From beloved author, Gilbert Morris, comes a new trilogy about the Civil War. Yancy Tremayne, son of an Amish man, joins General Stonewall Jackson's troops, which leads to adventure and romance with a Southern belle. Widower Daniel Tremayne returns to his Amish roots, but his son, Yancy, joins a Virginia militia and becomes one of "Stonewall's Boys" in the War between the States. The novel is rich with characters struggling to make sense of the war and of Amish pacifism while maintaining loyalty to family. Yancy's grandmother says, "I saw that you'd decided to be a soldier. And we always told you that we would respect your decisions, and we do. But I have to tell you that it grieves me, it truly does." Injured in battle, Yancy is nursed back to health by Lorena, who wrestles with her own past. The first in "The Last Cavaliers" series combines adventure and romance in a thick historical and religious setting that fills the page with believable missives, news reports, and a love story in the midst of war.
I really enjoyed this book, what a gift Gilbert Morris has, and I for one am glad he shares it.
I learned a lot about the Confederate side of the War, which I hadn't known. I have always lived in the North, but this book was making me root for the South.
I loved that included in this story was facts about the Indians...Cherokee, Amish, Virginia Military Institute, and the Civil War. There are also a few love stories intermingled with the Military.
There are things that happen that will make you chuckle and others that you will need tissues for. I loved the descriptions of the beautiful America...mostly in Virginia where this novel takes place.
I can't wait for the next two books in this Civil War Saga.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from of Barbour Publishing,
Inc.. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
November 18, 2010
From the very first page, I struggled with reading this book. I could not get into the characters, I found the storyline very jumpy, and some plot details were just plain wrong. Going to a bookstore, and acting like this is a casual event? Books were extremely rare & very expensive and bookstores (by themselves) were limited to larger cities such as Boston & Philadelphia. Details like that, in what is supposed to be a historical fiction book, bugs me. It's one thing to change the facts to add more drama to the story - such as "The Other Boleyn Girl" and another thing to just simplify facts to the point where the retelling is just wrong.
It's a story with an interesting plot, and has its exciting moments to be sure. All in all, it's worth reading, but I wouldn't line up to buy the first copy, either.
It's a story with an interesting plot, and has its exciting moments to be sure. All in all, it's worth reading, but I wouldn't line up to buy the first copy, either.
July 22, 2012
Great book. : ) I enjoyed the characters in this story. The characters like Thomas Jackson, Yancy Trenmayne, and his father Daniel. This is a great Civil War fiction romance. Yancy grew up in the Indian- white. Turns out his father's side of the family is Amish.
October 9, 2017
I used to gobble down the House of Winslow series some three decades ago. I think I made it to book number twelve or thirteen. There has always been a soft spot in my heart for Gilbert Morris. He wrote and co-wrote 230 novels! What an astounding accomplishment! When I saw this one exclusively about the Civil War I was interested. I loved that it was crafted around the life of Stonewall Jackson, a devout Christian. But I found that this Civil War book did not deal with the war in a significant way. I felt it lacked depth and perspective. Then add to that a highly unbelievable Amish element. I don't claim to know much about the Amish, since I don't read any of the thousands of books out there about them, but I always thought that to be shunned was a serious thing. But this book made it seem like it was nothing at all. Really?
I finished the book against my better judgment, it was that disappointing. The characters were not wholly relatable. Their lives were too neat...even when they did have struggles. I actually got mad at the simplistic way the characters dealt with the coming of the war. As military cadets and military leaders they didn't seem to reflect on the implications of the war. These military cadets and their professors in a blink of an eye abandoned their oaths. I just don't think it could have happened that way.
I finished the book against my better judgment, it was that disappointing. The characters were not wholly relatable. Their lives were too neat...even when they did have struggles. I actually got mad at the simplistic way the characters dealt with the coming of the war. As military cadets and military leaders they didn't seem to reflect on the implications of the war. These military cadets and their professors in a blink of an eye abandoned their oaths. I just don't think it could have happened that way.
September 7, 2017
Interesting Southern Perspective on the opening conflicts of the Civil War. Gilbert Morris, once a pastor, now a prolific author with a Phd in History almost makes history come alive.
Highly respected southern general, Stonewall Jackson defeated the north in major battles, first at Bull Run where he picked up the nick name. He was prepared to march on Washington but his commander in chief (Confederate President Davis) was too cautious. His tactics are still studied today.(mystify, mislead and surprise) He later died from wounds acquired from friendly fire, (his own troops at Chancellorsville). This was a huge blow to the south in loss of a great general, but also in morale.
Highly respected southern general, Stonewall Jackson defeated the north in major battles, first at Bull Run where he picked up the nick name. He was prepared to march on Washington but his commander in chief (Confederate President Davis) was too cautious. His tactics are still studied today.(mystify, mislead and surprise) He later died from wounds acquired from friendly fire, (his own troops at Chancellorsville). This was a huge blow to the south in loss of a great general, but also in morale.
April 14, 2020
Not sure why, but this story of Thomas Stonewall Jackson hit me hard and brought me to tears. Great story telling by Gilbert Morris, in that he was able to bring General Jackson to a different layer in my minds eye. The side story of the Yancy was an added plus for me as well. Another great story set during the Civil War.
May 29, 2022
Historical Christian novel
This story was so touching the Love of the Lord
and God's word was so profound and loving.
This story brought many tears. I recommend this
book this author to you whoever picks it up to read.
Also no sexual content thank you so much.
I love our country as these soldiers did.
God bless America..
This story was so touching the Love of the Lord
and God's word was so profound and loving.
This story brought many tears. I recommend this
book this author to you whoever picks it up to read.
Also no sexual content thank you so much.
I love our country as these soldiers did.
God bless America..
February 22, 2020
This book was a great Christian historical fiction novel. It was very interesting on the key events that they brought in from the Civil War. It was also interesting to see how the author discussed the Amish culture and salvation. Can’t wait to read Book Two soon!!
March 30, 2019
good history and story but very wordy.... author uses words many will have to get their dictionary out....
June 26, 2021
I read this quite a few years ago, but I remember it being very captivating. I may read it again sometime.
July 23, 2021
Very enjoyable reading
This book was very enjoyable as the author wove each character to life and invested you with wanting to find out what would happen to each of them.
This book was very enjoyable as the author wove each character to life and invested you with wanting to find out what would happen to each of them.
December 28, 2017
This wasn't as interesting as I had hoped it would be. There was too much about battles, and I often lost interest. I did enjoy the interaction of the main character with Stonewall Jackson and his wife, although I knew I would be very disappointed by the end of the book. The Amish part seemed off to me.
October 5, 2016
I just couldn't get into this book whatsoever. Tried reading this several months ago and gave the book a good 20% to see if it would pick up at all but it didn't. The style of writing felt very stilted and fake, and reminded me a lot of Wanda Brunstetter - another popular Christian author whose appeal I just don't understand. I thought I'd enjoy this book as Gilbert Morris is a fairly popular author in the historical genre, and this book had an Amish slant on it. The Amish parts didn't ring true and the rest didn't grab me enough to make me keep reading, but mainly the writing just seemed quite poor. I was surprised, considering how many books Morris has authored, but sometimes you do find authors who are immensely popular yet their writing quality isn't as good as those lesser known writers. I'm afraid that I have no urge to continue reading this book and probably won't be picking up anything of Gilbert Morris's in the future. I'm sure that previously existing fans of his work will enjoy this one but it just did not grab my attention. 4/10
September 5, 2012
Took me a chapter or two to get into this book but once I did, I did not regret it. Set before the start of the Civil War, it covers a former amish man, Daniel Tremayne who has a son by his late wife who was 1/2 Cheyenne. They leave the Cheyennes and go back to Daniel's mother's farm where he learns his father has past. Daniel remains Amish but his son, Yancy joins the Virgina Military Institute after working for Thomas Jonathon Jackson (Stonewall) and serves with him when civil war breaks out. It presented the historical facts. I did enjoy the book and I plan to read the rest of the series. But it is not normally the type of book I read. I confess I skipped over a lot of the battle text until it got back to the characters I was more interested in reading about. Not a must read for me but still glad I read it.
August 8, 2013
I have never been able to get into reading Christian romance novels, but while perusing the library at Church, I was drawn to this book on the "new" table. The fact that it was written by a man and that is was set around the civil war and included historical figures in the story line intrigued me. I was not disappointed. The historical facts as they relate to Stonewall Jackson are very accurate and the romance is not overly done or sappy. I am starting on the second book in the series now. I can't wait!
October 21, 2014
This book will appeal to a very specific group of people. If you don't care for bible quotes or religion, this book is not for you. If you don't like to read numbers on casualties in wars, this book is not for you. For those who are okay with these criteria and enjoy historical fiction especially world war II, you may enjoy this. The story reads smoothly for the most past with a few dull sections you may end up skipping over. Not bad... probably not going to hold on to to read again though.
Read
January 13, 2016This was a great book in a series! About Thomas Jonathan Jackson who was a decorated military soldier who has a broken heart. Major married Elionor Junklin they were married for two years until his wife died. He a beautiful young woman named Mary Anne Morrison called her "Anne"
they were married on July 16, 1857. General Jackson return's Yanct Tremayne to the plain people--the Amish of Shenandoah Valley.
they were married on July 16, 1857. General Jackson return's Yanct Tremayne to the plain people--the Amish of Shenandoah Valley.
December 23, 2011
This new Gilbert Morris series is 10x better than his Oregon Trail Series. It's more similar to his Cheney Duvall MD books, which I love, and has a very interesting plot. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
July 13, 2012
Loved the way that Stonewall Jackson's story was woven into the fictional story of the main character. Didn't know much about Jackson before but have done a little research since reading this book. He was a brilliant and fascinating man.
Read
May 14, 2013A good combination of Christian fiction with historical setting is the Last Cavaliers trilogy by Gilbert Morris. Set during the Civil War it addresses issues of faith, honor, and love. Start with The Crossing. Available in large print.
June 19, 2016
Classic Morris
The author is at his best in this historical novel about the civil war. The insights about the complexity of the conflict and in particular the person of Stonewall Jackson were haunting and memorable.
The author is at his best in this historical novel about the civil war. The insights about the complexity of the conflict and in particular the person of Stonewall Jackson were haunting and memorable.
November 13, 2016
Made me laugh and cry
Beautiful tribute to Stonewall Jackson. I don't know what parts were true and what was fiction, but it held my interest (except some of the battle details, which I skimmed) and I finished it in 24 hours.
Beautiful tribute to Stonewall Jackson. I don't know what parts were true and what was fiction, but it held my interest (except some of the battle details, which I skimmed) and I finished it in 24 hours.
November 30, 2011
I liked this book...especially the historical fiction of it reminded me of The Red Tent. Written by a Christian author.
March 21, 2016
excellent book, took me forever but I loved reading it. loved the amish background muxed with the indian heritage.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews