Sound the Trumpet

Liberty Bell #1

by Gilbert Morris

Daniel Bradford, a young British man who came to America as an indentured servant, views the developing revolution with alarm

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Historical, War, Adult

316 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

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

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful historical fiction book that really delves into the lives of the American colonists during the War for Independence.

[Jksmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story.
History.
Love of God.
Ready to read the next book.

[Becky Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is excellent historical fiction with a Biblical worldview! I read the House of Winslow series when I first started reading Christian fiction and although I can’t remember all the details (which is a good excuse to go back and read them!), I do remember how much I loved every one and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next! This one is much the same. Now on to Book 2!

[Lindsay Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sound the Trumpet by Gilbert Morris is definitely on my top 5 list of favorite books. I was given this book by my mom for Christmas. She read it and thought I would enjoy it. This is just another example of how mothers are always right.
Sound the Trumpet takes place during the American Revolution in the late 1700s. It tells the story of Daniel Bradford and his sister Lyna. They were orphaned when they were kids and had to endure some very hard things but they always had each other. That is until the evil Leo Rochester came into their lives. He lied to both of them about the other being dead so Daniel and Lyna did see each other for over 20 years. Fortunately, they get reunited at the end of the book.

[Jaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent historical fiction novel set in the Revolutionary period. The action moved pretty quickly and the storylines flowed well. Some characters were more interesting than others. The main thing that kept this from being great was the ending. I understand the author was trying to write a series and continued the story into the next book, but this one just seemed to end. One plotline was wrapped up (sort of), but then it kind of wasn't. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers. I expect some sort of resolution when I read a book. I will probably try the next book to see what happens.

[Rachel N · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought I would try one more series by this author… Historical Fiction set in the time of the American Revolution. The first book was pretty good, the second went downhill, by the third chapter of the third book, I realized I was reading nothing more than an 18th century soap opera. And there are 7 books in this series! Egad! No more Gilbert Morris for me!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a favorite read when I was a teenager, so I decided to revisit it to see if it still holds up.

And surprisingly, it did. It was really interesting to see how many of my favorite tropes were present in this book(and love of them probably sparked by it) - Girl disguised as a boy: check. Historical recreation: check. Romance: check. Family saga: check.

Some frustrations this time around were rough dialogue, and the scope of the book feeling too broad. The narrative/descriptive writing was decent, but the way characters spoke to each other was stilted, cheesy or both. As for the scope, there was a LOT going on here, and while I enjoyed each segment, it lent itself to making the book feel less cohesive, and ultimately dissatisfying because it shifted gears and moved on to a different focus without being a whole thing. I think it would have been better to cut out some of the early history of Daniel and Lyna (that name is another frustration - how the heck do you say it?!) and “zoom in” on their adult lives. Or maybe the opposite - spend time with them as young people in their formative years, then save the adult life for another book.

Overall, however, it was a quick fun read that took me right back to being a voracious reader nerd in a small church. I felt the historical aspect was quite well done, as well as representing both sides of the conflict (here, the American Revolution). If I don’t continue the series, it’s because there are literally thousands of other books on my list that I want to read, and I’ve already read this series at least three times.

[Darlene Higginbotham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of historical novels.

[Mary Ann]

April 2020

[Kelly Grainger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely need to read the rest of this series!!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters were well developed and I enjoyed the historical aspects of the book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story by Gilbert Morris

[MaryAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the history, but not so much the story, and definitely not the reading.

[Shelly Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other than the French accents, I am really enjoying this series!

[Anna F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m enjoying the series so far. I don’t like the characters as much as in Gilbert Morris’s other series but lots of twists and turns to keep you interested and as always, packed with history!

[AlixJamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Shudder. Where do I begin? This was, without a doubt, the worst historical fiction I have ever read. Stuffed with ludicrous situations, far too much action in far too little time, clunky dialog, and tacky characters, this awfully written story almost made me sick.
The plot line was definitely fast-paced, only there was so much packed into it that it was quite unbelievable.
The characters could have been good if they had been given believable actions and voices.
The writing was so atrocious and the book was so full of mature material that I felt sullied. It wasn't REALLY historical, either. There were chapters of all historical material, that really didn't have much to do with the characters or the plot.
I was very disappointed and have found that his writing does not improve anywhere else. Please do not read this, you'll regret it.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would not normally read a book like this. I am not much into history, and have found the only history type books I like have to have a lot of romance in them. I needed a book that fit into my reading challenge, and this was one of them. To my surprise, I really enjoyed this book. I think because there was another story line that went side by side with the history, it made it enjoyable. I am a bit disappointed though. I found out after I finished this book, that the next book I am unable to find on audio. I am visually impaired and can not read a book, I have to do them via audio... I am going to be on the hunt for the next one in audio.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is England 1743 and 15-year-old Daniel Bradford and his younger sister live a difficult life, experiencing poverty, grief, cruelty and near starvation. When tragedy strikes, Daniel is sent to Dartmoor prison. But the adventures are far from over and include a run-in with the American Revolution.

[-Me · Rating 3 out of 5]

To make a review that should be rather long rather short:

The plot was nothing unique or fantastic, but the characters kept me fairly interested. There was a Christian message that was (usually) carried fairly well without being cheesy or preachy.

I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading this, but it also wasn't just a thrilling read.

[Patti Victorson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read about people overcoming hardships. I love romance mingled in. I love to hear about how the historical events of the time influenced the characters. I love to hear how the characters' faith kept them on tract, keeping them good and decent. So, yes, I rated it a 5 star novel.

[Vickie Brannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book because it was a nice, quick read with a good amount of history and a sweet little plot to accompany it. I particularly liked the main characters' belief in God and their struggle to keep the faith in spite of the obstacles thrown in their paths.

[Tommie Sebastian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one but found it could have developed the relationship the main characters had with historical figures like George Washington, Paul Revere & Sam Adams. It just skimmed the surface & I was disappointed. Good read just not remarkable.

[Dallas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad story although very strange place to end this book. Also the religious slant seems to pop up only when the story needs help (i.e. characters never go to church except to get married/funerals).

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian series, from pre-Revoultionary America on. Recommended by a co-worker. Follows a family, similar to the Eve's Daughers idea, but over many books, not just one.

[Meg · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't finish this. For all I know, it may be good. I just couldn't get very far into the book.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

going to get book 2 today!

[Bear · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite bad.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did expect a little higher level of writing than GM gave. Loved the history part but felt the story was choppy. A very quick read.

[Jodi Deters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a real page turner, or in my case, a real ear puller. I checked out the audio book from our online library and I can't put it down! Very thrilling and historical too :)

[Crystal Plunket · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story set prior to and in the heart of the American revolution. Loved it!