Shadow of His Wings

The Appomattox Saga #6

by Gilbert Morris

Lowell Rocklin accepts a challenge to help the South build a balloon for use in military strategy. His efforts are aided by Rooney Smith, a young woman whose ingenuity proves invaluable. Suddenly, double tragedy strikes: Seriously injured in battle, Lowell must also suffer with his discovery of the tragic truth about Rooney--the woman he has come to love.

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

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 1994

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

[Bonnie Dieffenbacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Christian novel that takes place in the South during the Civil War. I liked it, although the ending was predictable. It was well written and had some good lessons in it.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I have to start my review saying that this book has the insane opinion that Southern blacks were part of the family and didn't mind being owned. The author uses mispelled words to show how blacks talked. Also in this book he does the same to asians. I know full well I should have stopped reading them, but the story of the Rocklins is so good.

In this book Lowell Rocklin who is Clay's son meets a young girl named Rooney and they make one of the first hot air balloons to try to help the army. On one of its first uses it is shot down and Lowell loses his leg. This makes Lowell moody, angry and withdrawn. Rooney never gives up on him. When the take him to the hospital to say goodbye to a friend whose wounds were killing him, I couln't help crying.

Also on this book is the story of Josh Yancy and Rena Rocklin becoming friends. Poor Josh stutters and never has had a friend and Rena has been abandoned most of her life and desperately needs a steady friend.

And of course the main story line of the entire series IMO is Clay and Melora. Clay's Uncle Mark who is also wounded badly has a talk with Melora and makes her see how precious time is.

Three romance stories for the price of one in this one. Also I can't help wondering if we were witnessing the possible start of a fourth?

[Summer Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morris' novels showcase what honorable masculinity and feminine strength can be. He never denies the harsh realities of war and sin, but he highlights how faith can pull us out of and through life's difficulties. Love, friendship, forgiveness, and strength in adversity are themes presented in each novel. This book also comments on social class and the pitfalls of pride.

However, be warned: This series does follow a Southern plantation family during the Civil War. They own slaves, but slavery is not an issue the books focus on. Book one comments on the issue a little bit, but it's not a dominant theme in the rest of the series so far. The family is portrayed as honorable and kind rather than evil and cruel, and this may not sit well with some readers.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome historical fiction, with well developed character and plots.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lowell Rocklin accepts a challenge to help the South build a balloon for use in military strategy. His efforts are aided by Rooney Smith, a young woman whose ingenuity proves invaluable. Suddenly, double tragedy strikes: Seriously injured in battle, Lowell must also suffer with his discovery of the tragic truth about Rooney--the woman he has come to love. I enjoy the historical nature of these clean romantic tales of the Rocklin family.

[Darlene Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lowell Rocklin accepts a challenge to help the South build a balloon for use in military strategy. His efforts are aided by Rooney Smith, a young woman whose ingenuity proves invaluable. Suddenly, double tragedy strikes: Seriously injured in battle, Lowell must also suffer with his discovery of the tragic truth about Rooney--the woman he has come to love.