Edge of Honor

by Gilbert Morris

A powerful novel of honor, forgiveness, and unquenchable faith--set at the end of the Civil War. Quentin Larribee is a surgeon, but in the confusion at the end of the Civil War, his healing hands brought death to an enemy soldier. To ease his troubled conscience, he visits the man’s impoverished widow, only to find himself falling in love. Now he is torn between two choices: a bright medical future with his wealthy fiancée in New York City, or an impossible love with a woman who knows nothing of his terrible secret. In this unforgettable novel, good is found in the unlikeliest places and God’s unseen hand weaves a masterful tapestry of human hearts and lives.

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

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

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

[Brooklyn Esh · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a bit of a disappointment since the Last Gilbert Morris book I read was a five star. I was interested in what was happening while reading the book, but when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking of all the things I didn’t like about it.🤷‍♀️It was very predictable and felt cheesy at certain parts of the book.
Also are we supposed to ignore the fact he is openly cheating on his fiancé but he is supposed to be a Christian.
I know some people who loved this book so it may be worth reading to some. But these were just my thoughts on the book.😉

[Linda Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good post-Civil War historical romance about honor and redemption. I learned a few new things re: history of the period, and really appreciated this strong moral message, constant religious undertone and occasional scripture passages. Gilbert Morris is a popular and prolific Christian writer. I have "read" a few of his other novels via audio books and am always looking for them on my library trips.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book that I have read by Gilbert Morris. I was not disappointed, it was just as exciting as 'Through a Glass Darkly'. Morris uses the time of the post-civil war to tell of the dangers and fears of people living at that time. The problems of a Yankee doctor moving into the South to live and doctor with Southerners.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book...especially if you like historical fiction. It takes place at the end of the Civil War and deals w/ medicine and surgery in those days. Really interesting! Has a good love story, things about faith and family, ethical/moral dilemmas...I really enjoyed it!

[Natalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

VERY BORING!

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this stand-alone Gilbert Morris novel. To be sure, many of the scenes were classic Gilbert Morris, and therefore were a bit cheesy. But overall, it was a captivating plot with a well-rounded cast of characters.

Setting: The story begins in early 1865, before the Civil War ends, and spans probably about two years. Geographical settings include New York City and Helena, Arkansas (with its outskirts), and briefly other places in between. The war and its aftereffects are understandably front and center, and the hostility of Southerners against the North is clearly displayed (although probably not as harsh as it could be). The ins and outs of certain aspects of the war are mentioned, and Robert E Lee even earns a POV. The differences of the settings of New York and Arkansas are pretty obviously shown, and I never forgot where Quentin was at any given time. I imagine most details are historically accurate, but there were a few outliers about which I was suspicious: mainly, that many people used first names quite liberally. But this occurs in most historical fiction, and I suppose that in the devastated South, propriety wasn't as emphasized.

Characters: Quentin had several descriptive and personality traits that clearly show his general character. Personally, I liked him, and yes, he is a pretty classic Gilbert Morris character. His sensitive nature sets the stage for his actions during his conscription and afterwards, and his submission to women without argument is a prominent personality trait that often pops up.

The women in this novel have distinctly different personalities and roles. Hannah is a great character, and Irene Chambers is a classic Gilbert Morris "bad" woman. Beyond his general stereotype, Irene doesn't have much of a personality, though her intentions and motivations are fairly well explained. Like Hannah, Eden is a pretty good character, but not much to captivate me and desire her happiness above all else.

Aside from Quentin, my favorite characters were probably Thomas York and Prudence. It would have been nice to see more of Thomas' political opinions, but as it is, I like his character. Of the children, Prudence's character is most developed, and her sweet child-like trust in Quentin is endearing.

Calendar is also a fine addition to the cast of characters, and I liked how he's introduced, although his character arc could have used some more additional development.

Plot: This is really an engaging book, with only one or two slow spots. At its base the story is a romance, but there is equally heavy attention paid to the matter of honor and following God's leading. As far as pacing goes, however, I was a bit dissatisfied. The big reveal--of the secret which brought the man and woman together--was left until the last five pages of the book. While the response doesn't need to be much more than the obligatory, "It doesn't matter; I love you anyway," it's still kind of rushed.

Faith content: Quite heavy spiritually, as is normal with this author. The gospel is stated at least once, and plenty of scripture is quoted. I was surprised to see the d* word written a few times. Quentin is a very strong Christian who feels the prompting of the Holy Spirit (and this actually might step on toes of certain denominations), and he *might* have the gift of healing.

Recommended for readers who enjoy Civil War fiction/romance and can handle (*gasp*) sympathies for Southerners.

[Naomi Milam · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few spoilers:

The overall storyline of this book was really good. When I read the back of the book, I was intrigued. However, as an avid reader of historical fiction, there were a few things about this book that drove me nuts.

Number one, Morris describes the town of Helena and specifically the farm house of Eden as being run down after the war ended. He said it was as if a scythe had come through over the south. Well, how the heck is she serving lemonade all the time? That would not happen. Where she gonna be getting lemons and sugar after the Civil War? Didn’t you read Little House on the Prairie, Morris? You should know that lemonade was a special treat only for regular folks.

Same thing with Eden’s baby getting candy when he goes to town with Hannah. That little baby wouldn’t have known what candy was after the Civil War. And speaking of Hannah, she really brought that baby to town then got distracted and let him wander out into the streets? I didn’t hear any apology from her about that.

I was also really sick of Quinten’s lack of manhood to stand up to Irene. It was a big character flaw in him that he kept leading her on and not ending things with her when he was obviously in love and kissing someone else. I mean, yes, she was a controlling and spoiled brat person. But I felt sorry for her. I’d be mad too if my Fiance ran off for months and didn’t write much. I don’t think this character flaw was recognized or dealt with well in Quinten.

I felt that Eden probably had the best character, except for I think the author should have let her mull over the fact that her now boyfriend killed her husband a bit more. She took that unrealistically well and was joking and flirting not five minutes later. I don’t think so.

Lastly, the Calendar character went from psycho in the woods with a gun scaring everyone and screaming to speaking cordially and respectfully too drastically. It was not believable.

Oh, one more thing. I think I’m over Christian Romance novels that have such an emphasis on physical appearance and sexual desire. This one just seemed over the top to me. Quiten is over there lusting over Eden when he just killed her husband, just met her, and has a fiance in New York. It just didn’t make me like him. I tried.

I’ve never written a real book review on GoodReads before but I just had strong feelings about this book 😂

[Joel Tuliao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I‘M giving this book a shining 5-star rate…
It was a powerful novel of honor, forgiveness and strong faith to the Lord.
The novel was set during the post civil war of America. There was no extraordinary-shocking twist and revelation in the story but the way how the author built every character that makes the readers as if you know each of them personally.
I wept most of the chapters. I sympathized with the characters and watched them how they built their trust to God.
This book also brought me to realization on how weak my faith to prayers.
In this book, prayer is the most powerful weapon of the characters.

[Donna Breylinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It took place during and post civil war era. It was about a man who was in the middle of his medical training in a growing New York City, when he was called to the front lines to assist the wounded. Something happened during the war that changed and plagued him for quite awhile. This event took him to a small town in Arkansas where his life was about to change.

[cheryl k woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters

This was not predictable and provides such a wkndow into the Post Civil War series. Of course what would a redemptive series be without a little romance thrown in? Enjoy. I hope you have as hard of a time putting it down as I did.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best historical romance I've read in quite a while. It was realistic, no fluff, no silliness, and totally captivating. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ed Sala and it was excellent. This book is well written and develops the characters beautifully.

[Lin S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes on the list of one of my all time favorite books. I loved every single character and they will each stick with me for a while. A post Civil War story of love, hate, and strong faith.

[Willa Frizzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great character development. Setting is late Civil War. Christianity shines through ‘

[Kw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just fabulous. Great story, great prose. I love books by this author and hope to read all of them!

[Linea Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Karen Beutler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Requested from KPL 1/25

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-educated young doctor from the North named Quentin Larribee is conscripted into the Civil War just as it’s nearing its end. His guilt over accidentally killing a surrendering enemy soldier leads him to seek out that man’s widow and do anything he can to help her and her children. A Yankee in Arkansas is not a welcome sight to most folks after the war is over, but Quentin slowly wins over the small town and the Breckenridge family with his kind heart and good deeds. However, when he ends up falling in love with the woman he came to help, he is torn between two very different lives.
I like historical novels, especially ones related to major events in history, like the Civil War. I had also never read a Gilbert Morris novel before, so those were two reasons why I gave this book a try. The funny thing is how I always seem to read the right books at the right time! After just going through a major surgery myself and now in the process of recovering, I could really relate to a number of characters in the book. When Eden Breckenridge is laid up with a mysterious illness, I completely understood her questioning why this was happening and her feelings of helplessness. Another character injures his back severely; as I had back surgery, I felt total empathy with his pain and struggles. The story also briefly touches on PTSD, which I found relevant. Though some parts are predictable, a really enjoyable novel overall.

Favorite quotes: “It was as if a giant scythe had gone through the South, harvesting the finest and strongest of the youth so that now all that was left was the very young, the very old, or the maimed.”

“Most of the things we worry about never happen.” – Hannah Larribee

[Angela Bycroft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those books that took a sweeping story and wrapped it around some incredibly memorable characters and locations. An epic tale of the civil war and the consequences that go with that.

Quentin Larabie is a successful surgeon whose life seems mapped out before him. He's engaged to a lady of high society in New York City and his career is going from strength to strength. But whispers of disquiet linger as he wonders if he really loves his fiancé and the plans she and her father have for his future.

Then the civil interrupts all this by conscripting him to the battlefield as the war is almost over. Separated from his camp he finds himself eye to eye with the enemy and in a panicked heartbeat he shoots - killing the man who he then finds was trying to surrender.

Wracked with guilt - he begins a pilgrimage to find the widow and children of the man he killed and in someway atone for his actions.

I fell in love with Quentin's character - the dedicated surgeon if a little thick when it came to being manipulated by his first fiancé. His selfless quest to see the soldiers widow cared for and protected was heartfelt and genuine.

I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting a historical tale with a lot of heart and soul.

[Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really had to push through the first 20 pages. After that I was wisked back to the 1800's. Ok, not completely, I occasionally had to remind myself where and when I was reading. I loved the characters. I didn't realize this was a Christian book when I picked it up. I quite enjoyed reading a Christian Civil War novel.

Our hero is an ugly, remarkably kind, gifted surgeon who is kind of a pushover. Did I mention he was ugly? I loved that! Not only was he homely, but he knew it, others knew it - COMMENTED on it, and it was all fine and dandy. It added emphasis on certain moral issues of the book without overdoing it.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly interesting book set around the Civil War. The characters were pretty interesting.
However the author tended to "tell" me too much instead of "showing" me. The pace was good but some of the outcomes were a little too predictable.
I liked the happy ending. Specially since I wasn't quite sure till the last several pages that it would be...

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book - one I devoured in like 2 days :) The choice Quentin faces between New York City and Helena, Arkansas was two very different lives and I couldn't wait to see how the author made all his twist and turns in the novel for things to work out for Quentin and his sister Hannah. Sweet ending!

[Catherine Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a real good story about love, integrity, the importance of faith and forgiveness. A doctor and his sister move from New York to Arkansas after the Civil War to help and young widow whose husband he had killed during a battle.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I could not put down. Morris won a Christy Award for this book. One of the best books I have read. His characters, setting, and plots are very real and he makes you feel as if you are right there with the characters. As always with Morris, God is always an important ingredient.

[Katherine Coble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea at all. Like much Christian fiction, Morris tends to moralise with every introduction. He's never just telling you about a person and a place. It's always "this is John Smith. The ladies love him but common knowledge is that he is a black hearted rogue who cheats at cards."

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Civil War story. It lets you see a little of what it must have been like to be a involved in the war. The story follows one man and his quest to find forgiveness for killing a rebel.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read.

[Chandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story. Kept my interest going. 3.5 stars.

[Rebecca Rash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slower paced, factual, but none the less a good read from Gilbert Morris.

[Kim Faires · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super good book!