The Colonists

American Family Portrait #2

by Jack Cavanaugh

The untimely death of Benjamin Morgan, great-grandson of Drew Morgan, has splintered his Boston family into feuding factions. Neither eldest son Philip, headstrong daughter Priscilla, nor rebellious young Jared seems to care for each other let alone their father's faith in God. And Constance, Benjamin's widow, is so overcome with loneliness that she can do little to restore harmony. It appears that Drew's dream of a strong Christian heritage, passing without fail from one generation of Morgans to the next, is in jeopardy. When Daniel Cole, an unethical merchant, forces each of the three children as well as their mother to points of crisis and decision, God's Spirit sweeps through the colonies in a dramatic revival. At last, Philip and his siblings see the error of their divisiveness. But can their newfound faith and unity withstand the unscrupulous Cole, who has manipulated Constance into marriage and who will stop at nothing to destroy a now-thriving Morgan family business?

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

484 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Jack Cavanaugh is an award-winning, full-time freelance author with twenty-five published novels to his credit. His nine-volume American Family Portrait series spans the history of a nation from 1630 to the present and is still in print nearly fifteen years following its release.

A student of the novel for more than a quarter of a century, Jack takes his craft seriously, continuing to study and teach at Christian writers conferences. He is the former pastor of three churches in San Diego County and draws upon his theological background for the spiritual elements of his plots and characters.

His novels have been translated into a dozen foreign languages, largely because of the universal scope of his topics. Jack has not only written about American history, but about South Africa, banned English Bibles, German Christians in the days of Hitler and Communism, revivals in America, and angelic warfare.

Jack’s current writing schedule includes motion picture screenplays and e-book serial fiction with Internet distribution. His novel Death Watch has been optioned to be made into a motion picture by Out Cold Entertainment, Inc.

Jack has three grown children and lives with his wife in Southern California.

AWARDS

• Silver Medallion Award (1995), Christian Booksellers Association
• Christy Award (2002, 2003), Excellence in Christian Fiction
• Silver Angel Award (2002), Excellence in Media
• Gold Medal, Best Historical (2001), ForeWord Magazine
• Best Historical Novel (1994), San Diego Literary Society
• Best Novel (1995, 1996, 2005), San Diego Christian Writers Guild

Reviews

[Patriot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, this is another book that I think is the best in the whole world!!! And I'm not kidding--it is the BEST!!! It is packed full of adventure, action, suspense, romance, and the best thing about it is you can never predict what will happen! There is fiction in it, but at the same time there is actual facts, sayings, speeches, people and ect..ect! It didn't take me that long to read ether...it's so good you just can't put it down! And I think it's a very worth while book. It's such an amazing story!!! The author does a wonderful job at everything, and while your enjoying a thrilling novel you are also learning true things and the book really opens your eyes to the good, sound truth. I loved it!

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I read book #3, The Patriots, first, this book was just as good, if not better. There is an evil merchant, Cole, who messes with the Morgan family, a trip to the Indians to recover a lost family Bible, pirates, even Captain Jack Devereux, who was in the thick of battles and boarding of ships. There are several love stories and a vivid picture is painted of churches in the colonial days (very heavy on punishment). Priscilla was a strong lady who tries to enhance women's spiritual health but she ends up, worse for wear. She does manage family finances in a very masterful way. Throughout the story, is a strong Christian belief that appeals and cements the saga together.

[Alesha Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I actually liked it. :-/ It wasn't awful, but it wasn't a fabulous read either.

The Good: It's a good, wholesome story where good triumphs over evil. There's also the bonus of somewhat accurate historical facts thrown in.

The Eh: The characters are a little...cardboard. They are not particularly round or dynamic, which makes for a much less satisfying story. Then there were the anachronisms... The speech (the level of informality is what I mean here, not the actual linguistics) was all wrong for the time period, and the timeline of the final chapters was a little off. The years don't add up in the decade-plus that supposedly happens between Philip's departure and return to the Native Americans.

The Ugly: It. Is. Just. Too. Long. I don't shy away from long novels, but this one needed an editor to cut it down a hundred pages or so. There wasn't enough action to justify the number of pages of waffling.

If you are craving a story that traces the roots of faith through the region, read it. But prepare for soap-opera-esque qualities.

[linda brimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another historical blockbuster

Who knew history could be do interesting, exciting and romantic. Someone please tell me why they did not not assign these books for at lease book reports when we were in school , maybe junior high?. Believe me I would have learned a lot more history!

[Megan Schemenauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three storylines of three siblings

[Becky Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I enjoyed the fast paced fiction part of the story. I also loved learning more about that time period. He included little know facts, or those not commonly taught in school, and this just made the story more interesting.

[Lewis Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as volume 1 of the "American Family Portrait" series ("The Puritans").

[Rachel Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can relate to the turmoil, hurt, and distress that cones from misunderstanding, jealousy, and prejudice. Three siblings are torn apart. Will they unite to recognize and encourage strengths and cover weakness with love?

I almost couldn't believe the twists and turns each character was taken on during the story.

The setting of each place is detailed and well researched, especially when referring to sailing. I like that there was a depiction of Christian Native Americans. God's love can cross all borders of hate and prejudice.

I appreciate the afterward detailing what is fiction and what is history.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book along with "The Puritans' (American Family Portrait #1) is an exciting read. I remember reading History in grade school as being one of the dullest undertakings I ever did. However, these 2 volumes show how exciting history can become. This is a great source for history teachers in teaching in grade school. Even though the story is centered around fictional characters, a lot of factual history is recorded in these books.

[jody schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read two of this series so far. They have been interesting and compelling. They seem to have kept me guessing, as well as having an inspirational quality. Taking a break from the series for now, but plan on reading "The Patriots" soon.

[Sherry Ledet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction that really is history. This series is very good. This is book 1. I am now on book 4 and loving them all.

[Una · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense, mystery and a love story filled with history.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant read

This book, like its predecessor, is a fictional adventure rather than romance. The final chapters were very good. It is very historically accurate.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice blend of historic fact with an interesting fictional plot. Looking forward to the next in the series!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and fount The Colonists to be an excellent example of the genre. However, I felt some elements of the character portrayals were lacking. It's quickly understood and portrayed that the Morgan siblings do not get a long but I didn't see that the reason for the discord was well established. Priscilla is portrayed in the begining as self centered, almost shrewish girl who nonetheless has a complete understanding and heart for the Bible. This just didn't ring true to me. Her hatred for older brother Phillip was supposedly because he was self centered and selfish yet the early insight we have into Phillip through his thought process does not show that to be completely the case. He does feel empathy for Priscilla, but his decision making which infuriates here seems more driven my the social mores of the time about women than his own self centeredness. And despite the continued references to the siblings war, the author simply has younger brother Jared liking Priscilla and Phillip. I also didn't think the author allowed the growth and spiritual awareness he gained during his time on the reservation to really show through and impact the interaction with Priscilla and his mother when he returned. There were other character related things that had me raising an eyebrow but again, overall I enjoyed the tale enought to start the next book The Patriots. Imagine my horror when right away the story is about Jared's twin boys who despise each other. Seriously? After living through his own sibling wars the man would purposely name his twin sons after two Biblical twins that hated each other. Puh-leeze!!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was really long and took me a while to get through, but it was really good. I love historical fiction and this one was true to the time period (and had lots of neat little facts inserted in the story) without reading like a history lecture. The plot was amazing and had all sorts of twists and turns I didn't see coming, and you become quite attached to all the characters just a few chapters in. Overall an excellent read and I would recommend this book to anyone (as long as you have the time to read a longer book like this one).

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second volume of the American Family Portrait series, and I found it an enjoyable Christian historical fiction book. It did surprise me that there is a considerable gap of time between volume I and volume II; I expected it to continue where the first one left off. Later, I began to realize that there had to be major lapses of time because of the length of history the series covers. Tension is often fierce, and the story is sometimes very detailed, but the reader definitely understands what life in the colonies might have been like.

[April Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

As your thrown into a different generation of Morgan's, you feel a little like you have to play catch up. Your
having to suddenly learn new people when you were expecting "pick up where you left off". It's disorienting a little. This one also seems to have a slower, less appealing start than the first book.

It's worth it though. Keep reading. At the end, I'm wanting book three. I just have to buy it first lol

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story line, intriguing characters. I learned a lot about the history of the early colonists, and even learned some very interesting facts about pirates in the 18th century. The middle part of the book alternates telling the story of three siblings, living completely separate lives in different parts of the world, but it's still easy to follow.

[Kharissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as captivating as the first but it keeps you wanting to read the next one... Still a great book and again the facts included really keep the reader grounded with the reality(ies) of that time! Oh, and again... I read the "Victor editions" of the series.

[Annelien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dit tweede deel uit deze serie greep mij nog meer aan dan het eerste deel. Prachtig om te lezen over de rivaliteit binnen een gezin, het geloof in God en hoe dit uiteindelijk weer naar de liefde toe leidt. Spanning, avontuur, hartstocht, alles komt aan bod in dit boek. Ik ben fan!

[Jeff Danhauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, very enjoyable. 2nd book in the series, I'm really enjoying this telling of the history of the founding and growth of the United States by following the fictional family's history through the generations.

[Wanda MacAvoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful into colonial thought about education, native Americans, and the downward spiral spiritually before the Great Awakening.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story wasn't what I expected, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Debby Gerth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best series ever.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the Morgan family saga. I really like this series.

[Sondra]

This is a very good historical read!

[Julie Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this series of books.

[Lisa Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one by Jack Cavanaugh