Gate of His Enemies

The Appomattox Saga #2

by Gilbert Morris

Both Deborah Steele, a Northern woman, and confederate officer Dent Rocklin are determined to do all they can for their sides in the Civil War--which puts their love to the ultimate test.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Civil War, Historical, Romance, Christian

337 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 1992

About the author

also 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
*

Reviews

[Kaitlyn Krispense · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving the series so far! My one complaint, tho, is that the message I'm getting is that all these characters need to do is pray and believe hard enough, and they'll get their miracles.

I'm not saying that it can't happen...but I'm saying it doesn't *always* happen that way😅

I love Clay sm🫶

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second book of the Appomattox Saga, more family members, more Civil War descriptions, injuries, healing, love and bitterness all play a big part in a fascinating story.
In the previous book, Deborah and Dent have professed their love for each other. They are distant cousins, but one is a Confederate, the other is anti-slavery, pro-North. Deborah seems to know that this relationship may not work, especially since he's joined the Confederate Army, and his bitterness toward his father, Clay, bothers her tremendously. She tries to forget him.
Deborah, in assisting her father's anti-slavery cause, is encouraging young men to join the Northern Army. One such young man (Noel), when asked, tells her he cannot join because he is concerned for his mother, and he is one of the sources of income for the family. She promises to help his family if he joins, so he does. This begins a long lasting friendship, where she realizes he's far more than simply a poor commoner. There's a depth and intelligence, and an ability to write, which she encourages, getting him a writing assignment within the Army.
Dent is a handsome man with a chip on his shoulder. After an unfortunate scene, he befriends a blind young woman named Raimey. He is involved in a battle that nearly takes his life. Raimey stays at Dent's bedside until he's somewhat better, although scarred terribly.
At the same time, Noel is injured and taken to a Southern hospital. His healing would mean he would spend the rest of the war in a Confederate prison. He truly needs someone to get him out. THAT part of the story is too good to give away.
These two love stories are so good.
As in the previous book, Clay and the Melora still love each other which causes friction between he and his children, as well as town gossip, even though he has never followed through on his love for Melora. He has joined the Confederate Army as a way to win the trust of his younger son, even though he's anti-slavery.
I really don't want to give anymore away because you have to read it to believe how good it is. The four-star rating instead of 5-star, once again, is because of the way history/war/battles are described. I just wish it had been a little more interesting, rather then like out of a textbook. It might've been a bit long too, but still very good.

[Megan Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful historical fiction following a family through the beginning of the Civil War. I enjoy the family dynamics and following the multiple storylines. I have always enjoyed Gilbert Morris as an author.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems to be a trend that the synoposis has nothing to do with the book.

While it is true that for a hot second Deborah and Dent had feelings for each other, that truly was all it was.

Dent went off to war and Deborah was left behind. That is when Deborah met Noel and Dent met Raimey.

Noel is from a very poor family, but Deborah sees who he is. She sees his talent snd his abilities. More so than he does. That's what a woman in love does.

Dent meets Raimey and dances with her before he learns that she is blind. Her fiercely independant nature really takes him and they become fast friends. Obviously more than that but war is about to break loose.

Also Clay and Melora are in this story. That's how Lowell and Clay both end up in the same battle as Dent. Poor Clay, he continues to pay for the crime of quickly marrying Ellen.

The scenes with Deborah and Raimey in the hospital are some of my favorite in the series so far.

I look so forward to reading more in the lives of these amazing characters.

[Emily Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story in the second installment of the Appomattox Series. Two sides of the war are depicted in the lives of Deborah Steele and Dent Rocklin. It is fun to see the family line grow over the years as the story and series progresses. This was a beautiful story and a quick read. The characters are easy to care about and the story is engaging. Excited to see what happens next!

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book in a series, which I usually don't read series books. This is a good series, easy to read, historical in background, following several families in the North and South pre and during Civil War era. Characters have been developed well. Enjoying the 1st & 2nd book, and starting on #3.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great combination Christian and Historical Fiction.
Really enjoying this series Appomattox Saga.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audio on Hoopla. Read it 25 years ago.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome historical fiction, with well developed character and plots.

[Isabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason why I give it less than a perfect recommendation, it is because. I had a every high expectation for this book. It worked a little different than I was hoping. I was waiting to read this for 2 years and when I finally got the nerve to buy it it was less of a story. I had too high hopes. It was really well written he put his characters in the battle a portrayed it just like it was a history book. He knows his stuff. If you like Christian books than this series you would love. I would also check out his House of Winslow series. Great read

[Saralyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I also enjoyed this book. The characters are very real and easy to sympathize with. Also, though I'm not huge into born-again "Be Saved" stories, I like how Morris talks about coming to Christ. He's very insightful about scriptures and the Savior. I really enjoy that about his books. I don't agree with everything he says, but I have learned a lot from what he says.

[Liz]

I started this while I was in the middle of reading a bunch of other books, so I let it drop. But I really liked the beginning, so I will finish this soon! (Just maybe not in the normal definition of soon! :P)

[Darlene Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The War has come - - turning friends and brothers into enemies. The Rocklins feel the fierce pull of loyalty to a way of life - to one's country & to God. Deborah Steel, Dent Rocklin, Noel & Bing Kojak, Raimy Reed -- Clay Rocklin - -

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCELLENT history and plot, good character growth

[Walter Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

awesome.i thank God for books like this!!

[Asia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exciting. The description was misleading, and it just wasn't up to standard. Gilbert Morris just doesn't write well, according to my taste. I've read much better stories.

[Kristin Funk-neubauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was entertaining, and I like the way Morris writes about conversion experiences. Some of the plot points strain credulity, though.

[Michele Arnold]

A simple but good story of family conflict during the civil war.

[Emock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite of series, out of first 5.

I like the ensemble cast and how the "bad" characters are redeemed. Gospel presentation is good. Historical portions are sometimes choppy. I like the saga, although sometimes scenes jump abruptly. Overall, enjoyable.

I especially love Clay, Melora, Dent, Raimey.