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American Family Portrait #4
The Adversaries
Travel through American history while reading the exciting and intriguing stories of the Morgan family, and the passing of Christian faith from generation to generation.As the Civil War erupts, the children of Jeremiah Morgan are uprooted from home -- the boys to battlefields, their only sister to New York City to write tracts for the homesick soldiers. But their greater peril may come from banker Caleb McKenna, a longtime family enemy.
552 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
24 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Jack Cavanaugh
30 books154 followersJack 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 20, 2019
The Jeremiah Morgans of Ohio and the Seth Coopers of Virginia share a friendship and faith stretching back two centuries to Edenford, England. Now that their children, Sarah and Daniel, are engaged to be married, that bond will forever be secured by blood. But when the Morgan brothers--J.D., Marshall, and Willy--run slaves to freedom during a Cooper family visit, a small-scale skirmish between Northern and Southern families breaks out, prophetic of the full-scale war to follow.
As the Civil War erupts, the children of the two families are uprooted from home--the boys to battlefields, Sarah to the big city of New York to write tracts for homesick soldiers. But their greater peril may come from New York banker Caleb McKenna, a long-time enemy of the Morgans and Coopers, who plots revenge for the death of his only daughter. Can human relationships win out over political and geographical differences? Can a commitment to God and family overcome hatred and vendettas? Join a new generation of Morgans as they experience life and love amidst a nation at war with itself.
::::::::::
Where to begin?
Well, for one, I hate that cover. None of the people look how I imagine them to be (except maaaaaybe the woman on the right who I'm guessing is Sarah), and, in my opinion, the picture on the bottom is wrong. Yes, a spiritual revival among the troops is a plot point in the book, but I think a battle scene would have brought the spirit of the book across so much better. But it was better than the other cover, so I went with it. Anyway...I'm not here to discuss the book cover. I'm here to discuss the book.
And what a book it is. The fourth in the amazing American Family Portait Series, The Adversaries has to be my favorite book in the entire series. I think the main reason is the characters (which I'll be getting to in a minute), because this book is probably the darkest in the series. I mean, it's the American Civil War, for goodness' sakes. Actually, it doesn't start with the War (takes quite a few chapters to get to it), but the events building up to it are ominous enough on their own. The thing about reading historical fiction (mainly those surrounding wars) is that you know how everything is going to end. So you have this tragic feeling of dread. It's terrible, and it's probably why I find this book the hardest to read (even more than the WWI and II books). Plus, Jack Cavanaugh (have I mentioned he's a genius?) heaps feels on you at every turn. I'm always crying by the time I finish it (even when I'm with other people).
SO. Characters.
This book. Has some of the most awesome characters ever. There's Sarah, the budding writer who meets Harriet Beecher Stowe (one of the first times I was jealous of a fictional character), and Jenny, her friend (who is one of the best female characters in any of JC's books). Then, there's JD (John Drew) and Marshall, and Willy - the three Morgan brothers. JD is my favorite, because he's the oldest brother and he's such a gentlemen (and because of Certain Tragic Things That Happen To Him). Willy follows very closely. He's crippled in one leg, he sketches gorgeous pictures, and even though he doesn't think so, he's totally a hero. Marshall's at the bottom of my list because, well, he's really vengeful and rude at times...but he does improve by the end of the book, so I'm happy.
Basically, the three brothers enlist in the army (well, Willy tries, but he can't because he's disabled and Marshall goes totally rogue and JD's in disgrace). Things were going pretty well with the book (I'm talking about the first time I read it), I was enjoying it, and the pages were flipping pretty fast...
AND THEN.
Benjamin McKenna Morgan stepped on the page and stole my heart.
He actually didn't steal my heart until near the ending, but now whenever I re-read it, I like him right off, because I know how his story is going to end. When he first appears, he insults JD, Willy, and Marshall all at the same time and he continues to do so for over half the book (he's their commanding officer). Annnd he sends JD/his company into the thickest part of the battle so JD will die (as per his dad's - Caleb McKenna's - instructions). Only JD doesn't die (but pretty much everyone else does), so Ben comes and apologizes (after he got saved). And THEN. There's the Big Reveal which makes me cry every. single. time. Then Ben and the Morgans and the Coopers (family friends of the Morgans) all go pack up and save Willy from Andersonville Prison.
So, everything works out for good (for some people), and there's an Epilogue, as usual (there's one in all the AFP books) with a triple wedding and the passing down of the Cooper and Morgan Bibles to the next recipient. Which is always emotional, for some reason, but this time even more so, because it was originally going to go to JD, but because of a wound he got in that one battle Ben sent him out on, he can't have an children (the scene where he finds out is just...FEELS), so the Bible has to go someone else. And the person Jeremiah chooses is so unexpected and perfect and right. It's awesome.
I'm afraid this review won't make much sense to people who haven't read The Adversaries, so GO AND READ IT. You'll love it and hate it and it'll take up your life for at least a few hours. So, all in all, it's a really good read.
Have fun...
Eva
As the Civil War erupts, the children of the two families are uprooted from home--the boys to battlefields, Sarah to the big city of New York to write tracts for homesick soldiers. But their greater peril may come from New York banker Caleb McKenna, a long-time enemy of the Morgans and Coopers, who plots revenge for the death of his only daughter. Can human relationships win out over political and geographical differences? Can a commitment to God and family overcome hatred and vendettas? Join a new generation of Morgans as they experience life and love amidst a nation at war with itself.
::::::::::
Where to begin?
Well, for one, I hate that cover. None of the people look how I imagine them to be (except maaaaaybe the woman on the right who I'm guessing is Sarah), and, in my opinion, the picture on the bottom is wrong. Yes, a spiritual revival among the troops is a plot point in the book, but I think a battle scene would have brought the spirit of the book across so much better. But it was better than the other cover, so I went with it. Anyway...I'm not here to discuss the book cover. I'm here to discuss the book.
And what a book it is. The fourth in the amazing American Family Portait Series, The Adversaries has to be my favorite book in the entire series. I think the main reason is the characters (which I'll be getting to in a minute), because this book is probably the darkest in the series. I mean, it's the American Civil War, for goodness' sakes. Actually, it doesn't start with the War (takes quite a few chapters to get to it), but the events building up to it are ominous enough on their own. The thing about reading historical fiction (mainly those surrounding wars) is that you know how everything is going to end. So you have this tragic feeling of dread. It's terrible, and it's probably why I find this book the hardest to read (even more than the WWI and II books). Plus, Jack Cavanaugh (have I mentioned he's a genius?) heaps feels on you at every turn. I'm always crying by the time I finish it (even when I'm with other people).
SO. Characters.
This book. Has some of the most awesome characters ever. There's Sarah, the budding writer who meets Harriet Beecher Stowe (one of the first times I was jealous of a fictional character), and Jenny, her friend (who is one of the best female characters in any of JC's books). Then, there's JD (John Drew) and Marshall, and Willy - the three Morgan brothers. JD is my favorite, because he's the oldest brother and he's such a gentlemen (and because of Certain Tragic Things That Happen To Him). Willy follows very closely. He's crippled in one leg, he sketches gorgeous pictures, and even though he doesn't think so, he's totally a hero. Marshall's at the bottom of my list because, well, he's really vengeful and rude at times...but he does improve by the end of the book, so I'm happy.
Basically, the three brothers enlist in the army (well, Willy tries, but he can't because he's disabled and Marshall goes totally rogue and JD's in disgrace). Things were going pretty well with the book (I'm talking about the first time I read it), I was enjoying it, and the pages were flipping pretty fast...
AND THEN.
Benjamin McKenna Morgan stepped on the page and stole my heart.
He actually didn't steal my heart until near the ending, but now whenever I re-read it, I like him right off, because I know how his story is going to end. When he first appears, he insults JD, Willy, and Marshall all at the same time and he continues to do so for over half the book (he's their commanding officer). Annnd he sends JD/his company into the thickest part of the battle so JD will die (as per his dad's - Caleb McKenna's - instructions). Only JD doesn't die (but pretty much everyone else does), so Ben comes and apologizes (after he got saved). And THEN. There's the Big Reveal which makes me cry every. single. time. Then Ben and the Morgans and the Coopers (family friends of the Morgans) all go pack up and save Willy from Andersonville Prison.
So, everything works out for good (for some people), and there's an Epilogue, as usual (there's one in all the AFP books) with a triple wedding and the passing down of the Cooper and Morgan Bibles to the next recipient. Which is always emotional, for some reason, but this time even more so, because it was originally going to go to JD, but because of a wound he got in that one battle Ben sent him out on, he can't have an children (the scene where he finds out is just...FEELS), so the Bible has to go someone else. And the person Jeremiah chooses is so unexpected and perfect and right. It's awesome.
I'm afraid this review won't make much sense to people who haven't read The Adversaries, so GO AND READ IT. You'll love it and hate it and it'll take up your life for at least a few hours. So, all in all, it's a really good read.
Have fun...
Eva
April 30, 2014
I really liked this book. This is actually my first book by Jack Cavanaugh, and I think I will read the rest of the series. I felt so connected to the characters. They felt so real. I gasped, I laughed. I even almost cried.... And I finished it in a day. It's definitely different than what I usually read, but that turned out to be a wonderful thing.
July 27, 2018
Another great read in the American Family Portrait series. In this the fourth book, Jeremiah Morgan and his son's fight for the North as his dear friend Seth Cooper and his son fight for the South. The Civil War is the background for this book, John Brown and other well known figures make an appearance to lend authenticity to the story. With the stories of these family's we see the war played out both on the battlefield and in the lives of the men who fought.
This is the first time we see the Cooper family playing a major part in the on going story of the family's that settled these British Colonies, turned The United States of America, now broken by slavery.
We first saw a Cooper when he fell into a dye vat as a young boy and the first Morgan pulled him out back in Merry Ol' England where things weren't so Merry under the religious control of Bishop Leud.
The Cooper family and the Morgan's carry on the tradition of handing the Family Bible to the next generation, but which son will get it this time?
This is the first time we see the Cooper family playing a major part in the on going story of the family's that settled these British Colonies, turned The United States of America, now broken by slavery.
We first saw a Cooper when he fell into a dye vat as a young boy and the first Morgan pulled him out back in Merry Ol' England where things weren't so Merry under the religious control of Bishop Leud.
The Cooper family and the Morgan's carry on the tradition of handing the Family Bible to the next generation, but which son will get it this time?
July 8, 2018
Four storylines; a few unexpected twists
November 17, 2019
I enjoyed reading about the Civil War in this book. I learned some things I didn't know before. This book made me more interested in history. It was well written.
July 31, 2021
A great read concerning the Morgan and Cooper families as they survive during the civil war. Very much scripture is used to describe the feelings and trials of these two families.
April 10, 2016
This generation of the Morgan family lived just before, and during, the Civil War. Their varied personalities, strengths, and weaknesses were fun to discover. The Civil War era is one of my favorites to read about, so the plot kept my interest. It had one major surprise that I didn't see coming, and the way Abraham Lincoln was portrayed was marvelous. There were a few places where there were more battle details than I like, but not so many that I wanted to stop reading. It is not absolutely necessary to read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one, but it helps. Fans of Christian historical fiction and/or the Civil War will find it worthwhile.
February 7, 2017
I'm enjoying reading through this series and learning more about US history. It tends to stick a little better when told as a story. There were a few references to the earlier stories that I couldn't seem to remember though. I did read them a year ago so I'm sure that's why.
April 21, 2014
I like that he take little know aspects of history to focus on and incorporate into his story lines. I loved learning more about John Brown! What an interesting character ! Also, his character development of others & family interaction is spot on! This book could stand alone & not be read as part of the series.
June 19, 2007
Wow... wow... wow! again - another amazing addition to a wonderful series!
August 18, 2010
Yet another good read by Cavanaugh! Since I'm a lover of the Civil War era, this book held my interest quite well -- although I was not prepared for the ending.
May 7, 2012
Great storyline, with lots of Civil War and period details.
June 20, 2012
Awesome! I love these books!
October 6, 2021
I'll have to read this over again to see if I liked it as well as I remember! I remember it being a vivid and riveting read, with interesting characters--I especially liked the artist/photographer.
March 6, 2014
Best series ever.
June 23, 2015
Great, inspiring book.
September 10, 2015
This series made me fall in love with American history!
August 25, 2014
I like this series of books.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews