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Singing River #1
The Homeplace
Lanie took out her journal and dated it April 12, 1928. She started the habit of writing down everything that happened to her when she was no more than eight years old, and now she had six journals completely full. She thought about the prize at school, almost prayed to win, but somehow she could not. “God,” she finally said, “I’ll do my best, and if you’ll help me, that’s all I ask.” Fourteen-year-old Lanie Belle Freeman of Fairhope, Arkansas, has high hopes for her future. Happy on the five-acre family homeplace, she dreams of going to college and becoming a writer. And with her father launching a new business and her mother expecting the fifth baby, the bright days of an early Southern spring seem to herald expansive new beginnings for the Freeman family. But her mother isn’t as strong as she should be, and it’s going to take time for the business to pay back the mortgage. When unexpected tragedy strikes, it is left to Lanie to keep the family together and hold on to their home. In a world shaken by the Great Depression, it is faith in God and love in a tightly knit family that will help Lanie and her siblings overcome the odds and create a future that promises the fulfillment of love. The Homeplace offers a warmhearted and inspiring saga of a courageous young woman who holds her family together through the Depression era.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
127 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
About the author
Gilbert Morris
537 books560 followersalso 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
*
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
*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 1, 2019
At first I was a little wary - I had read two rather preachy and somewhat dull books by Louisa May Alcott not too long ago. I was so wrong! And the positive reviews were so right.
This is a lovely and refreshing and never boring story with good Christian values. Set in Arkansas during the Great Depression (a bit of a Waltons feel ...), it's about family, fellowship, faith, and the power of prayer in all adversity.
I loved it.
Volume 2 is already on my list.
This is a lovely and refreshing and never boring story with good Christian values. Set in Arkansas during the Great Depression (a bit of a Waltons feel ...), it's about family, fellowship, faith, and the power of prayer in all adversity.
I loved it.
Volume 2 is already on my list.
December 3, 2010
This book got 5 stars almost from the get-go!! The Homeplace grabbed me from the first few pages, Lanie’s character is instantly likable and her selfless attitude is evident from the very beginning. The whole atmosphere of the family was refreshingly enjoyable; they were a very close-knit family.
Since my family is much like that – close-knit – I enjoyed reading about how much they came together when the trials began to come upon them. The writing was filled with so much emotion that I often found myself crying with the characters! (You know it’s a good book when you can emotionally feel with the characters in the book!)
Lanie was my favorite character, mainly because of all the trials she readily shouldered for her family when the times got hard. She relied heavily on the Lord to get her through all her troubles, which was such an amazing testimony, even if this is just a fictitious story. Her innocent nature was also extremely appealing, as well as her loving nature of giving and helping others. There was some romance in the book, though it wasn’t the prominent part of the book and Lanie – clear and level-headed – dealt with the guys well. ;-) Her other siblings were also very endearing, though Maeva sometimes made me want to shake her – with her stubborn and rebellious attitude, though she cared deeply about her family, just like everyone else.
So, all in all, this is definitely a book that I will pick up again and read! I laughed with the family during the funny moments, cried with them during the sad times, and hurt with them when matters turned from bad to worse. Lanie will definitely be a character I’ll remember for a long time to come!!
Thanks goes to Zondervan for sending my a review copy!
Since my family is much like that – close-knit – I enjoyed reading about how much they came together when the trials began to come upon them. The writing was filled with so much emotion that I often found myself crying with the characters! (You know it’s a good book when you can emotionally feel with the characters in the book!)
Lanie was my favorite character, mainly because of all the trials she readily shouldered for her family when the times got hard. She relied heavily on the Lord to get her through all her troubles, which was such an amazing testimony, even if this is just a fictitious story. Her innocent nature was also extremely appealing, as well as her loving nature of giving and helping others. There was some romance in the book, though it wasn’t the prominent part of the book and Lanie – clear and level-headed – dealt with the guys well. ;-) Her other siblings were also very endearing, though Maeva sometimes made me want to shake her – with her stubborn and rebellious attitude, though she cared deeply about her family, just like everyone else.
So, all in all, this is definitely a book that I will pick up again and read! I laughed with the family during the funny moments, cried with them during the sad times, and hurt with them when matters turned from bad to worse. Lanie will definitely be a character I’ll remember for a long time to come!!
Thanks goes to Zondervan for sending my a review copy!
August 23, 2009
Phenomenal novel!!!! This is the first book by Gilbert Morris that I've read and I was so impressed. There are three other books in this series of four: "The Dream", "The Miracle", and "The Courtship" which I've just ordered. I couldn't put this book down and was shocked when I went to turn the page and found there was no more story, the book had ended! Thankfully, I realized there are more novels, as I cannot continue on until I find out what happens in this saga about the Freeman family!
"Lanie took out her journal and dated it April 12, 1928. She started the habit of writing down everything that happened to her when she was no more than eight years old, and now she had six journals completely full. She thought about the prize at school, almost prayed to win, but somehow she could not, "God, she finally said, I'll do my best, and if you'll help me, that's all I ask."
Fourteen-year-old Lanie Belle Freeman of Fairhope, Arkansas, has high hopes for her future. Happy on the five-acre family homeplace, she dreams of going to college and becoming a writer. And with her father launching a new business and her mother expecting the fifth baby, the bright days of an early Southern spring seem to herald expansive new beginnings for the Freeman family.
But her mother isn't as strong as she should be, and it's going to take time for the business to pay back the mortgage. When unexpected tragedy strikes, it is left to Lanie to keep the family together and hold on to their home. In a world shaken by the Great Depression, it is faith in God and love in a tightly knit family that will help Lanie and her siblings overcome the odds and create a future that promises the fulfillment of love. The HOMEPLACE is the first offering in a warmhearted and inspiring saga of a courageous young woman who holds her family together through the Depression era."
"Lanie took out her journal and dated it April 12, 1928. She started the habit of writing down everything that happened to her when she was no more than eight years old, and now she had six journals completely full. She thought about the prize at school, almost prayed to win, but somehow she could not, "God, she finally said, I'll do my best, and if you'll help me, that's all I ask."
Fourteen-year-old Lanie Belle Freeman of Fairhope, Arkansas, has high hopes for her future. Happy on the five-acre family homeplace, she dreams of going to college and becoming a writer. And with her father launching a new business and her mother expecting the fifth baby, the bright days of an early Southern spring seem to herald expansive new beginnings for the Freeman family.
But her mother isn't as strong as she should be, and it's going to take time for the business to pay back the mortgage. When unexpected tragedy strikes, it is left to Lanie to keep the family together and hold on to their home. In a world shaken by the Great Depression, it is faith in God and love in a tightly knit family that will help Lanie and her siblings overcome the odds and create a future that promises the fulfillment of love. The HOMEPLACE is the first offering in a warmhearted and inspiring saga of a courageous young woman who holds her family together through the Depression era."
June 28, 2010
Okay this is a dang frustrating book. I just found out it was a series which explains why you are reading along and the book just stops. Stupid book. AND all that after I tolerated the lengthy preaching that was in it. I enjoy Christian romance books as a rule, but this one was a long sermon and reminded me of my days in Texas as a protestant. Holy cow. In all fairness, I was touched by the faith of the kids envolved and thier antics. And no, I won't read the second one, too much drama.
October 26, 2020
This is a really good book. I plan to read the rest of the series. It tells the story of a family living during the depression. The mother is expecting her 5th child... the other kids are 14, 13, 12, and 11. Mom doesn't survive the birth but the baby does. Lanie is the oldest. She has much to do to care for her siblings. They do hire a woman to care for the baby while the other 5 are in school, but after school Lanie has to help her siblings do their schoolwork and do her own, take care of the baby and cook and keep house. Her character is instantly likable and her selfless attitude is evident from the very beginning. Each of the children has their own delightful character and they all have growing to do.
Dad gets into a battle with a lazy hired hand & winds up shooting him accidentally. He is sent to prison for ten years. The children work together & barely squeak by, until comes the day they can no longer pay the mortgage. A greedy banker tries to take their home out from under them and even calls the authorities on them because there is no adult in the house... they solve that problem.
I loved the small town feel of this book. The characters were wonderful from Broken Knife Annie, to cantankerous but helpful Aunt Kezia, to sweet but sometimes misguided Dr. Merritt.
At the Christmas pageant...
"'Oh, please help us!" Meava whispered. (she was Mary mother of Jesus)
Then something happened that became a legend in Fairhope.
Butcher Knife Annie stood up and shouted in a voice that made everyone in the audience and on the stage jump convulsively.
'Let'er in, you dummy! What kind of a feller are you to act like a blasted devil! Now, you let that poor girl in, you hear me?'
A thick silence seemed to blanket the spectators, and then suddenly Joseph shouted, 'She's right! Lowell, you take her in the house!'
Lowell, totally confused, was even more shaken when the audience exploded with laughter and spontaneous applause. Everyone started standing up, and the applause filled the auditorium of First Baptist Church.
Pastor William Prince was standing stock still, and his wife's mouth was open as if she were frozen. William Prince started laughing, and at first his wife looked at him angrily, but then she giggled. The two of them hugged each other, still laughing, then Pastor William Prince walked up on the stage.
He took his place beside Lowell and dropped a hand on the boy's shoulder. He help up his other hand for silence and with a broad smile said, 'I think this time we're going to ahve the Christmas pageant done the way we wish it could have been - not the way it happened. Just think what an opportunity that innkeeper missed! He could have had the honor of being the host of the Savior of the world - but he turned it down. I am made to wonder just how many times we have an opportunity like this - to do good to one of God's creatures, and refuse to do it. I think I'd like to be more alert to the needs of people, and I'd like to be quick this year to take people who need help into my heart and into my home and into my church!'
Applause broke out, and there were many "Amens" and "Praise the Lords." But it was Sister Myrtle Poindexter's charismatic voice that drowned out all the others: 'Well, glory to God! The Lord has spoken - and I'm plum ashamed He had to come to this here Baptist church to get heard! Lord touch the hearts of ever' born-again, sanctified child of God! Cuse us all to open the doors and let the Lord Jesus come in!'
Pastor William Prince after the benediction, made straight for Butcher Knife Annie. He took her hand and said warmly, 'Sister Annie, thanks for standing up for the Lord. You've made this a Christmas that will never be forgotten in Fairhope!'
Annie swas overwhelmed by the pastor's words. She dropped her head for a moment, then lifted her eyes to meet those of the pastor. 'Well, preacher, I jist couldn't stand fer that gal to get left out.'
'You did just right, Annie.' Prince smiled. 'The Lord Jesus never wants anyone to be left out.'" (pg 172-175)
That was a long quote and I hope the author is not angry about that... but it just goes to show the depth of the writing, the connection of the community and the faith shown in the book.
A heartwarming story of struggle, survival, triumph, family, community and faith. Can't wait to make time to read the rest of the series.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) –
#44 - A book set in the 1920's
Dad gets into a battle with a lazy hired hand & winds up shooting him accidentally. He is sent to prison for ten years. The children work together & barely squeak by, until comes the day they can no longer pay the mortgage. A greedy banker tries to take their home out from under them and even calls the authorities on them because there is no adult in the house... they solve that problem.
I loved the small town feel of this book. The characters were wonderful from Broken Knife Annie, to cantankerous but helpful Aunt Kezia, to sweet but sometimes misguided Dr. Merritt.
At the Christmas pageant...
"'Oh, please help us!" Meava whispered. (she was Mary mother of Jesus)
Then something happened that became a legend in Fairhope.
Butcher Knife Annie stood up and shouted in a voice that made everyone in the audience and on the stage jump convulsively.
'Let'er in, you dummy! What kind of a feller are you to act like a blasted devil! Now, you let that poor girl in, you hear me?'
A thick silence seemed to blanket the spectators, and then suddenly Joseph shouted, 'She's right! Lowell, you take her in the house!'
Lowell, totally confused, was even more shaken when the audience exploded with laughter and spontaneous applause. Everyone started standing up, and the applause filled the auditorium of First Baptist Church.
Pastor William Prince was standing stock still, and his wife's mouth was open as if she were frozen. William Prince started laughing, and at first his wife looked at him angrily, but then she giggled. The two of them hugged each other, still laughing, then Pastor William Prince walked up on the stage.
He took his place beside Lowell and dropped a hand on the boy's shoulder. He help up his other hand for silence and with a broad smile said, 'I think this time we're going to ahve the Christmas pageant done the way we wish it could have been - not the way it happened. Just think what an opportunity that innkeeper missed! He could have had the honor of being the host of the Savior of the world - but he turned it down. I am made to wonder just how many times we have an opportunity like this - to do good to one of God's creatures, and refuse to do it. I think I'd like to be more alert to the needs of people, and I'd like to be quick this year to take people who need help into my heart and into my home and into my church!'
Applause broke out, and there were many "Amens" and "Praise the Lords." But it was Sister Myrtle Poindexter's charismatic voice that drowned out all the others: 'Well, glory to God! The Lord has spoken - and I'm plum ashamed He had to come to this here Baptist church to get heard! Lord touch the hearts of ever' born-again, sanctified child of God! Cuse us all to open the doors and let the Lord Jesus come in!'
Pastor William Prince after the benediction, made straight for Butcher Knife Annie. He took her hand and said warmly, 'Sister Annie, thanks for standing up for the Lord. You've made this a Christmas that will never be forgotten in Fairhope!'
Annie swas overwhelmed by the pastor's words. She dropped her head for a moment, then lifted her eyes to meet those of the pastor. 'Well, preacher, I jist couldn't stand fer that gal to get left out.'
'You did just right, Annie.' Prince smiled. 'The Lord Jesus never wants anyone to be left out.'" (pg 172-175)
That was a long quote and I hope the author is not angry about that... but it just goes to show the depth of the writing, the connection of the community and the faith shown in the book.
A heartwarming story of struggle, survival, triumph, family, community and faith. Can't wait to make time to read the rest of the series.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) –
#44 - A book set in the 1920's
May 12, 2019
Home is where the heart is
The Homeplace, by Gilbert Morris, tells the saga of a depression era family. Mama is pregnant with baby #5, the first four being 14, 13, 12, and 11. Mama is not doing well, and too soon goes into labor & does not survive. Dad depends heavily on the eldest to take care of the home & family, including the infant. Dad gets into a battle with a lazy haired hand & winds up shooting him accidentally. He is railroaded into prison for ten years. The children work together & barely squeak by, until comes the day they can no longer pay the mortgage. A greedy banker wants their place and there is a struggle to keep him from foreclosing. A heartwarming story of survival and triumph.
The Homeplace, by Gilbert Morris, tells the saga of a depression era family. Mama is pregnant with baby #5, the first four being 14, 13, 12, and 11. Mama is not doing well, and too soon goes into labor & does not survive. Dad depends heavily on the eldest to take care of the home & family, including the infant. Dad gets into a battle with a lazy haired hand & winds up shooting him accidentally. He is railroaded into prison for ten years. The children work together & barely squeak by, until comes the day they can no longer pay the mortgage. A greedy banker wants their place and there is a struggle to keep him from foreclosing. A heartwarming story of survival and triumph.
February 1, 2018
I'm already in love with this series. This is about a young teenager and her struggles in trying to take care of her family during the great depression. The main character has an innocence about her that is refreshing, so unlike the young ladies of today. Sometimes it's nice to be taken back to another world to escape the realities that we live in, even though life was very hard back then. This book talks about God and faith throughout the book and if that offends you, this is probably not for you. I highly recommend this book for my Christian friends.
October 26, 2017
This was my first Gilbert Morris book. I really enjoyed this historical story about a girl who is sweet, strong, caring and godly. I listened to the audiobook version and the the reader was wonderful! I highly recommend the audiobook! She makes the story come to life! It's almost like listening to an audio drama! I'm so glad I stumbled upon this book! I can't wait to listen to book 2 in this series!
August 3, 2023
Audiobook, Christian fiction. Set in Arkansas, beginning in 1928. Lanie, the oldest of 5 children, has to care for her family and save the family home after her mother dies and her father is incarcerated. This one has a lot of religious content. I liked it, but the narrator's Arkansas twang got on my nerves. Lanie's "voice" made it hard to take her seriously.
June 13, 2024
This book is set in 1928-1931 and follows Lanie, her family and some of the town members. Parts of this was great and held my attention. Other parts were not as focused on the main storyline and made the story drag. It seemed a good deal of the scenes were unnecessary and the message behind them could have been delivered a better way. There was also some inconsistencies.
June 6, 2018
This was slow to start, but got better. I felt like I was watching the Waltons. The story was set in a small southern town during the depression. And , just like the show, it was about a faith filled family and their problems.
December 31, 2020
A good and gentle story
The trials and tribulations were well balanced with rewards and blessings. The town involvement was a little hard to believe but the God part was a wished-for wonder.
The trials and tribulations were well balanced with rewards and blessings. The town involvement was a little hard to believe but the God part was a wished-for wonder.
February 4, 2023
This is the first book of the Singing River Series written by Christian author Gilbert Morris. Historical fiction about a 14 year old girl who has to hold her family together during the depression.
June 22, 2025
Another epic historical fiction from Gilbert Morris with great themes, reminding a believer to not cease to pray. Prayer is an unrealized tool that the Christian has and the story set during the depression definitely shows its might because of the great God we pray to.
July 18, 2017
Looking forward to reading more of the series.
May 6, 2019
A wonderful book that I loved. Great characters and story.
Read
June 18, 2019Loved it. Will read it again.
August 15, 2019
Good clean fiction. Somewhat historical. Easy reading.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
March 28, 2022
Extra star for Lanie's poems.
April 19, 2022
Enjoyable series
October 19, 2022
Kind of like The Waltons without quite so many kids.
January 4, 2023
Intriguing and full of twists and turns! I love how the Christian message was incorporated
June 14, 2023
This was a very enjoyable book. Loved it!
October 8, 2023
wonderful book
I can’t wait to read book 2. This was a wonderful book! Please give this author a try. You won’t be disappointed!
I can’t wait to read book 2. This was a wonderful book! Please give this author a try. You won’t be disappointed!
June 27, 2025
I just couldn’t get into this one…
September 25, 2025
This book was so amazing! It kept me on my toes the whole time!
September 1, 2011
Gilbert Morris has once again given us a great work of historical fiction. Fourteen year old Lanie Belle Freeman of Fairhope Arkansas has high hopes for the future. A bright student, a great helper at home, a faithful follower of Christ, and a budding writer of poetry until tragedy strikes her family and the depression hits the entire US. Will Lanie be able to keep her family together through all the troubles that face them?
I loved the small town feel of this book. The characters were wonderful from skitterish Broken Knife Annie to cantankerous Aunt Kezia to sweet but sometimes misguided Dr. Merritt. But the sense of small town support and love pervades The Homeplace in this first of the Singing River Series. Can't wait to read the sequel.
I loved the small town feel of this book. The characters were wonderful from skitterish Broken Knife Annie to cantankerous Aunt Kezia to sweet but sometimes misguided Dr. Merritt. But the sense of small town support and love pervades The Homeplace in this first of the Singing River Series. Can't wait to read the sequel.
June 21, 2010
I really loved this book about the troubles of a young teen having to raise her siblings and deal with a variety of adult pressures during the Depression, having nothing to rely on except her own integrity, the kindness of neighbors, and ultimately the mercy and provision of God, who is the only one who can bring it all together and work it to the good. I have a particular interest in this period of history and have read much fiction and non-fiction about it, so I couldn't help but enjoy this book and couldn't put it down until it ran out. I didn't say "until it ended" since this book is really just the first quarter of a looong novel spread out over four volumes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews