The Captive Bride

The House of Winslow #2

by Gilbert Morris

Her pilgrim family had nurtured her in an atmosphere of religious and political freedom now enemies of that freedom threatened her very life! The Captive Bride takes the Winslow family beyond the Pilgrim settlement at Plymouth to assist in building the great new nation. For a time the Winslow dream seemed to have gone down with a sinking ship, but Rachel revives the spark of hope. As free-thinking and spirited as her mother and her grandfather Gilbert, Rachel faces capture by those she wishes to help, pressures to conform and, ultimately, a test of forgiveness beyond human accomplishment. Is marriage the only possibility for her? Is her faith her own? Can she face unjust imprisonment even death without retreat? The religious freedom and fervor which had marked the young colony might be its undoing.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Inspirational

238 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1987

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

[Diane Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

I can't thank Mr. Morris for following God's direction in writing these books. Not only do they keep one's interest, most importantly they teach God's truths and builds faith.

[Lora Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this series. It helps me learn a lot about the time in history when our country was just being formed. It was easier to keep up with the characters this time, but I was amazed at how much chronological time Gilbert Morris squeezed into this one book. I think he could have made two books from this one and added a lot more detail.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked book 2 of this series. I was disappointed at first that the second book started off a generation later than when book 1 ended. I felt a bit gypped because I felt I had missed the growing up of a whole generation. I also felt I missed a lot of information regarding the growth of the New World. Good read though.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Christian author

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Gilbert Winslow and and his family from 1659 to the 1690's. In the first chapter, we again see Humility and Edward, Gilbert's brother. We are introduced to Matthew, Gilbert and Humility's only surviving child. Later, we meet Lydia, Matthew's wife, and their daughter, Rachel.

In this story, we see the Winslow family take part in several historic events. They meet John Bunyan and experience religious persecution in Bedford; they witness conflict with Indians near Plymouth; and they are there for the Salem witch trials.

Regarding the title, The Captive Bride, Rachel is briefly held captive later in the story.

For me, this was a very enjoyable read. It was great to see Gilbert as he aged over time. The story has a strong Christian thread of following God and of forgiveness.

[Van Til · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first one a lot despite some overdramatic language and events. This one . . . yikes. I’m no historian of American religion (well, ackshually . . .), but I found it curious that so many of these colonists acted, spoke, and thought almost exactly like 1980s-90s egalitarian charismatic evangelicals, with a nice dose of rationalistic Reddit atheist deboonking mixed in.

Still, some exciting things happened, and I’m a sucker for historical family sagas, so I enjoyed it in other ways and will likely be back to read later installments someday.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first few chapters I almost gave up on reading this book.It was beginning to turn into into another "dull" romance story.However I decided to keep reading it and I am so glad I did.A not so perfect relationship,about forgiveness and suffering.I enjoyed the era in which the story was set in also.I may buy the other books in the Winslow series.

[Kim Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. From a friendship with John Bunyan (the author of Pilgrim’s Progress) to the Salem Witch Trials, the Winslow family continues to hold fervently to their religious freedom. I really like the history of this series, but there is something about the author’s writing style that bugs me.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 of The House of Winslow. 1987. The struggles of a new land continue, freedom of religion continue and town situations versus life out in the wilderness begin to grow. This story beginning in year 1659 is about Rachel Winslow. Also address witchcraft .

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Religious freedom! Something many in the old country yearned for. This is the story of the Winslow family from Plymouth to Bedford and back, then through the Salem witch trials. Very well written, many examples of true forgiveness.

[Candace Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Things this author loves to do:
1. Jump ahead years in his stories because he can't stick to a plot
2. Make so his women characters never age (why do men want 30+ year old women look 20 anyway 🙄)
3. Have titles that have literally nothing to do with the story)

[Elizabeth Bracken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read

Not sure I enjoyed this book as well as the first in the series, but it was entertaining, and she’d light on the witch trials in Salem.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read these books with my elderly mother, who enjoyed them immensely. They are good stories for those looking for G-rated historical romance novels with a dose of Christianity thrown in.

[Kristina M. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good historical fiction

Gilbert Morris did an excellent job giving the characters personalities that were easy to love. I recommend this great series.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best and worst of American history.

[Carolrmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books by Gilbert Morris are great Historical reads. But most of all they have very affective Biblical teachings applied to situations throughout the books!

[Beverly Duell-Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!

[Rixon Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book. It’s got some drama in it, which is a little over the top, but all in all very well written.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring writing, but good to learn history.

[SusanReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
The frequent time jumps were jarring to read, but I’m invested in the Winslows and enjoyed the different historical time periods.

[Ellen Spes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of strong Christian family who survived Mayflower, early winters, Indians and Salem witch trials.

[Nicki Dilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this series ♥️

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has 3 settings, Bedford in 1659, Plymouth in 1675, and Salem in 1691.

The story starts with Martha pointing Matthew Winslow out to Catherine. Catherine thought he probably had a big head & wouldn't be much in Boston. Martha thought that it was like witchcraft the way he found pretty women. Cathrine Brent is Marthha's cousin visiting from Boston, and Matthew hopes her stay will not be short. Although she thrilled when he kissed her hand, she said there wasn't much to interest her in this little place. His parents wanted him to be a minister like his father, Reverend Gilbert Winslow, who came over on the Mayflower with his mother. Catherine was looking forward to Mr. Winslow's visit the next day.

Edward Winslow returned from England & was greeted by Gilbert & Humility. He had been gone 2 years, and he could tell by looking at Humility that she was sick. Gilbert invited him to eat with them, as Humility had been cooking for his return. Gilbert, Edward, & Humility were some of the few Firstcomers still alive. They walked up the main street, noticing the buildings. While they were eating, they discussed the brevity of Gilbert's sermons. Gilbert defended himself with an occurance when he first started preaching. Humility didn't think he had changed much in the 40 years she had known him. She remembered when she was healthy, & dismissed the men to visit the governor. Governor Bradford welcomed them, then asked what would happen since Cromwell was no longer living. Edward informed him that Cromwell's son, Richard, had taken his place, but the English would want their king back. After they left, the brothers discussed where Matthew had gotten his horse. Gilbert & Humility had several stillborn children, but Matthew had survived, having a strong body & a rebellious spirit. When they arrived home, Matthew greeted them, and Edward compared Gilbert to their father. Edward asked what Matthew had been doing while he was away. Matthew wanted to go into the army, but his father felt it was impossible. Edward explained that The Model Army of Cromwell was no longer since Cromwell was dead, and it was expected that Charles II would become ruler. After they discussed what Matthew might do, Humility was sad that Matthew would be leaving them. Edward commented on Gilbert's rapier hanging on the wall, which had been made by Clemens Hornn. The next day, Edward said that Matthew needed some Liberty. Then he suggested that Matthew go with him to England, to a small town where the pastor, "Holy Mr. Gifford" had once been a Major in the Royalist Army. Edward assured that Matthew would be bored in Bedford, but he would be safe.

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Captive Bride continues the story of the Winslow family, this time, starting with Matthew, son of Gilbert and Humilty. It takes us back to England as Matthew goes looking for adventure, where he meets his wife, Lydia. The story also takes us from the Plymouth settlement up into Salem, touching on the Salem witch trials. As with all of Morris' novels, I love his characters and the way that he weaves in real people from history and real events, while taking creative license of course. I particularly loved Rachel and the strength that she displayed. I can definitely see the strength of character of Humility in her. That said, I adore the entire Winslow family. All of them, and even the most peripheral character was well developed, or at least for their level of involvement. I'm really enjoying this series and am looking forward to book 3 with a great deal of anticipation.

[Denae Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, as historical fiction goes, it isn't bad.
GM just has a really boring writing style, a one-book-author. You notice it more after reading more of his works, and how similar they all are, with the same dumb jokes. His plots, in this book, are short and don't overlap. There is nothing that ties the end to the beginning, much. GM knows his style is dull, I think, for his characters all speak with WAY too many exclamation points.
I will admit his Biblical values in his characters, and his use of spirtual warfare, and Christian struggles of the time period...are all masterfully done. I especially like the references to the Praying Indians.
Still, aside from being historical fiction, I never would've finished the book if I didn't have to read it for school.

[Casey Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to "The Honorable Imposter". It is a great story and keeps you intrested till the end. It will make you laugh and cry and you won't be able to put it down till its done. Rachel will inspire you to be as strong as her and brave. In the face of the death she stood strong for her faith and would not waver that God would save her and those with her. But with her stengths she is still on the level of human in her bitterness with her father who had been astranged and thought dead. She and her whole family being accused of things that weren't true and trusting a friend and God to save them. To use a famous quote "alls well, that ends well."

[Joann Alder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praises!

As we read about the characters in this book, we can see the good and bad we all have within us. We see the difference in a life totally surrendered to God, and one of half hearted belief. We are able to understand the strength and power we receive in living our lives committed to the Lord's will.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was good and interesting. It starts out with a family of two the husband gets in jail and later agrees with the law and runs away to africa. Meanwhile his wife found out which ship he was going on and she found out it sunk. So she thinks he is dead but.......

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series by Gilbert Morris is one of my absolute favorites. Each book follows at least one member of a generation in the Winslow family tree and the member(s) gets saved and finds true love. There's also some commentary on the social conditions of the time frame. Truly interesting.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd read Morris's Appomattox series which I liked very much, but I found this book disappointing. Three generations with 3 different stories in such a short book did not allow for enough depth of characters. The story line was good but would have been better as a series of 3 books.