The Exiles

The Creoles #1

by Gilbert Morris, Lynn Morris

Book one of The Creoles Series, captivating novels from bestselling authors Gilbert and Lynn Morris, introduces Chantel Fontaine. Readers follow Chantel through the streets and swamps of Louisiana as she falls in love, faces the loss of both her parents, and searches for the baby sister she thought was lost forever.

The culture of the citizens of nineteenth-century New Orleans was as varied and intriguing as their complexions-French, Spanish, African, and American. As the layers of these cultures intertwine, a rich, entertaining story of love and faith emerges. It is the early 1800s, and Chantel Fountaine, has finished her education at the Ursuline Convent. But the trials and tragedies that preceded her graduation have put her Christian beliefs to the test.

The authors' unique perspective and the distinctive cultural setting make this novel come alive in the minds and hearts of readers.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Adult

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

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

[Shantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorite books by Gilbert Morris. At times, the writing style or such reminded me of his Bonnets and Bugles series, which I loved!! Of course, this book is written by his daughter Lynn as well.

Anyway, it was a lovely read all in all, centering mostly on a rich young girl named Chantel. I don't know what to say to describe it, but its a sweet, thoughtful story.

There was a few things I didn't like so much. Like all the death. And young Chantel being told that her father, mother, and sister were all swept up to heaven the moment they died--no purgetory or whatever its called. And while I do believe there's no "in-between" place, Chantel's father showed no signs of believing in Jesus, so I'm not sure how the pastor concludes that he went to heaven. It's a sorrowful subject anyway, and I'm glad its just a book! But that was just confusing to me.

But as I said above, it was really good overall. I enjoyed very much, and liked returning to its pages.

[Leonide Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was drawn to read this book because of its setting and topic, but was disappointed. The characters were superficial and not realistic, the settings at times evocative but not completely described, the plot predictable, dialogue stilted, and the Christian theology overbearing. Major topics such as slavery, the quadroon subculture, and women's lack of civil rights were glossed over. Some glaring inaccuracies were grating; the term Cajuns was not in common use until the early 1900s (this book was set around 1830), and in no way could a single young woman travel either by herself or in company of a young man as in this story. Geography seemed strained; travel such a distance as Baton Rouge to Alexandria would be long and grueling but was glossed over. Not an accurate representation of the culture or the time period. Cajuns would have been called Acadians then, and the settings and characters were stereotyped. Not authentic New Orleans, Creole, or South Louisiana historical fiction.

[Grace DuBois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I found it sort of dull in the beginning and the middle.
But by the end it was exciting again.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 2.5-star read for me, rounded up.

This was my first time reading one of the novels Gilbert Morris coauthored with his daughter Lynn Morris. I've read some historical ChristFic books by the former Morris before, and while I can't say I'm really into the author's writing style, I enjoyed the overall story in The Winds of God from his Wakefield Dynasty series. So when The Creoles series' book covers called to the period fiction lover in me, I went ahead and picked up Book One.

I didn't come in looking for the most accurate or in-depth historical details, and unfortunately, I'm not surprised that some of the parts involving different peoples in the book didn't sit right with me. For instance, there's an evening scene where the enslaved people on Chantel's plantation are singing from their quarters, and Chantel, relaxing on her porch, says, "I like it at night like this, sitting here and just listening to the singing" in a moment portrayed as lovely—when actually that moment and others in this book gloss over the ugly reality of humans being owned as property. This scene treats their presence and their singing like pleasant "entertainment" there for the privileged heroine's benefit.

Also, various aspects of the story feel melodramatic and/or underdeveloped, the word choice and descriptions can be repetitive, and in general, the characters have a fairly unnatural feel, often with stilted dialogue.

Nevertheless, one characterization I mostly liked is of the heroine's main romantic interest. It's refreshing when such male characters aren't always tall, strapping, and dashing, and this particular man has ambition driven by his convictions.

Now, the core of his conviction comes from his faith, and spiritual themes have a prominent place in this book. However, it isn't my preference when spiritual themes in fiction come in the form of sermons and sermonizing. And if the characters' religious discussions and whatnot aren't fresh for me and don't necessarily seem like they're wholly organic parts of a novel, I tend to skim past them—as I did with the several extended Bible lessons in this book. I wanted to get back to the story.

And on the whole, it's the story that I was into, as it kept me interested enough to see how the events would play out. Because I'm not looking for more of a focus on slavery, I'll be skipping the second book in this series, but I may give Book Three a try.

[Suzy Tice · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not well written at all.

[Tabatha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a lot of hope for this book, but to be honest, I struggled to finish it. It seemed rather choppy and lacked the details that bring a story to life.

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Courtney Pickford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid plot line, including suspense, mystery, tragedy, and romance appropriate for young teenagers. Biblically based with a spiritual theme that does not detract from the story but enhances it.

[Jeri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from my local library due to its New Orleans subject matter. I, like others, simply could not finish the book.

Despite the authors obviously being well published, I found the writing severely lacking. The description was minimal and obvious, and the dialogue left me cringing. Not every book has to be a gem to be enjoyable, but the actions and dialogue just weren't believable to me.

I do not recommend this book.

[Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since the Cheney Duvall, MD series is my all time favorite series, I was really excited to read this series. Alas, it's no Cheney Duvall but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the New Orleans setting, the time period, the character development, the gospel-centered message--it sucked me in! It's a good thing I sat waiting for jury duty for about 6 hours because I could not put it down. Can't wait to finish the series!!

[Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since the Cheney Duvall, MD series is my all time favorite series, I was really excited to read this series. Alas, it's no Cheney Duvall but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the New Orleans setting, the time period, the character development, the gospel-centered message--it sucked me in! It's a good thing I sat waiting for jury duty for about 6 hours because I could not put it down. Can't wait to finish the series!!

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited about this book and it's subject - historical New Orleans and Louisiana, plus a Christian-fiction message. But just a chapter or two in, I realized that the writing was just lacking. It zipped through important events without any description of the lovely setting or even the main characters. Got through about 80 pages before I realized it was not going to get any better. Didn't finish.

[Nae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books about Lousianna and N'Awlins, and this one did not disappoint in that aspect. The storyline is a bit on the been there, done that, line, but then this book was written a good many years ago so I can deal with that. I enjoyed it enough to now move on the second in the series so that is a good thing :)

[Erin McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is decent, but it lacked the pull and electric storyline I expected from Gilbert Morris. It seems to be much more simply written than some of his other works, but I would still recommend it.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book cover I was looking for. This was an easy, clean read. I enjoyed the story, even if is was a bit predictable.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

another great book by the Morris family. Eagerly looking forward to reading the entire Creole series