What do you think?
Rate this book
Lone Star Legacy #1
Deep in the Heart
They came to Texas to make their family whole. They fought for the land they'd come to love. An unforgettable saga of faith, love and loyalty that will find its place deep in your heart.
In the days when Texas was the northern edge of Mexico, when Bowie and Houston and Crockett were men and not yet legends, when the Alamo was still a scruffy mission on the banks of the San Antonio River, this unorthodox family struggled to make a wild but beautiful land their own.
This is the tale of Jerusalem Ann, who is willing to take whatever life dishes out in order to make a life for her family. It's the story of Clay, who finds himself protecting another man's family - and in love with another man's wife. It's about Jake, who loves two women and can't do right by either... and Julie, who'd rather be free than respectable... and Bowie, who can handle war but might not survive his first love. It's the story of Comanches and fiestas, hunting parties and courting parties, of battles and massacres and beautiful calm nights under a canopy of stars.
Wide as the prairies, warm as a San Antonia breeze, spiced with adventure and romance, this Texas-sized saga of faith from a beloved storyteller will quickly find its place deep in your heart.. and never let you go.
In the days when Texas was the northern edge of Mexico, when Bowie and Houston and Crockett were men and not yet legends, when the Alamo was still a scruffy mission on the banks of the San Antonio River, this unorthodox family struggled to make a wild but beautiful land their own.
This is the tale of Jerusalem Ann, who is willing to take whatever life dishes out in order to make a life for her family. It's the story of Clay, who finds himself protecting another man's family - and in love with another man's wife. It's about Jake, who loves two women and can't do right by either... and Julie, who'd rather be free than respectable... and Bowie, who can handle war but might not survive his first love. It's the story of Comanches and fiestas, hunting parties and courting parties, of battles and massacres and beautiful calm nights under a canopy of stars.
Wide as the prairies, warm as a San Antonia breeze, spiced with adventure and romance, this Texas-sized saga of faith from a beloved storyteller will quickly find its place deep in your heart.. and never let you go.
400 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2003
22 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Gilbert Morris
524Ìýbooks543Ìýfollowersalso 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:
*
*
*
*
*
* (with Lynn Morris)
* (with Lynn Morris)
*
* (with Lynn Morris)
*
*
*
* (with Robert Funderburk)
*
*
* (with Alan Morris)
*
*
*
*
* (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* (with Robert Funderburk)
*
*
*
*
* (with Aaron McCarver)
*
*
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:
*
*
*
*
*
* (with Lynn Morris)
* (with Lynn Morris)
*
* (with Lynn Morris)
*
*
*
* (with Robert Funderburk)
*
*
* (with Alan Morris)
*
*
*
*
* (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* (with Robert Funderburk)
*
*
*
*
* (with Aaron McCarver)
*
*
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 20, 2022
"That's what this land has found ... this Texas -- a place deep in my heart."
The Hardin family moves from their home in Arkansas to their new home in Texas. Not only is this a new beginning for all of them, but they also witness and experience the beginning of a new country. The Hardins arrive at the time when Texans are breaking free from the Mexican rule. Many a character in the book crosses paths with famous historical figures like Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, or Jim Bowie. The events cover better and less known battles and give interesting background information about the famous people during this time, like the fact that Colonel Fannin was a total failure as a leader.
What makes me enjoy Morris's stories beside the historical aspect, is the rich dialogue that is full of hilarious, but accurate similes, metaphors, phrases, and sayings. It seems the humor in the characters' speech tries to balance out the dangers, hardships, and unknowns of the Texas frontier life they lead.
This was an enjoyable read.
The Hardin family moves from their home in Arkansas to their new home in Texas. Not only is this a new beginning for all of them, but they also witness and experience the beginning of a new country. The Hardins arrive at the time when Texans are breaking free from the Mexican rule. Many a character in the book crosses paths with famous historical figures like Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, or Jim Bowie. The events cover better and less known battles and give interesting background information about the famous people during this time, like the fact that Colonel Fannin was a total failure as a leader.
What makes me enjoy Morris's stories beside the historical aspect, is the rich dialogue that is full of hilarious, but accurate similes, metaphors, phrases, and sayings. It seems the humor in the characters' speech tries to balance out the dangers, hardships, and unknowns of the Texas frontier life they lead.
This was an enjoyable read.
January 22, 2020
I just loved this. I pretty much wallowed in the lore of early Texas, - the family coming here on a covered wagon, as my ancestors did, their encountering all sorts of people and situations on their journey, then dealing with the struggles and joys of this wonderful land that is definitely deep in my heart. I can hardly wait to get into the sequels. I'm enjoying relearning the nitty-gritty of Texas history. Also delighted to discover a great writer I've not known of before.
August 8, 2023
This was such a comfortable book. One you can just settle into for the long ride. It has a similar feel to Lonesome Dove only more hopeful. And bonus, it might be time to learn some Texas history—ya know, since I’ve lived here for 7 years and all! A lot of the locations are right around the corner from where I live and it’s an entertaining way to get the story. I think I owe it to myself to read the rest of the series.
September 27, 2021
Fantastic blend of historical fiction and Texas history. Set in the time period from 1831 to 1836, this is the first book in a trilogy covering the story of a few pioneering families and individuals whose lives are intertwined in the settling of Texas. Great story-telling, and can't wait to read Books 2 & 3, The Yellow Rose and The Eyes of Texas.
May 25, 2020
I didn't expect to love this novel. It originally stole my heart because it features strong women, Jerusalem reminding me of my own mother. I'm excited to read book 2 and I must thank my grandma again for giving me this series
April 28, 2023
makes me proud to be Texan
This book starts out with family struggles, moving, money. Constantly seeing the day to day difficulties of ranching in 1800’s winds down to epic history of the formation of Texas. I loved it and will be starting book two.
This book starts out with family struggles, moving, money. Constantly seeing the day to day difficulties of ranching in 1800’s winds down to epic history of the formation of Texas. I loved it and will be starting book two.
November 1, 2018
Great story and history lesson all rolled into one. Look forward to reading the rest of the Lone Star Legacy series.
February 24, 2021
A good, old fashioned western tale!
October 17, 2022
My absolute favorite book!
August 10, 2023
It was interesting to read a fiction version of people traveling to Texas in the 1800's. In addition, the defeat at the Alamo and Goliad were a sad read.
August 5, 2024
Definitely want to read the rest of the trilogy!
November 8, 2008
This is my second time reading this book. I enjoyed it just as much the second time around.
The story starts out about a woman named Jerusalem and her kids living in Arkansas during the 1830's. It is about the struggles of the family with a husband who has run off. With the help of a stranger Clay, the family moves out to Texas which is fighting for independence.
I really enjoyed the balance of the fiction with the historical events of the time. The chapters are short and move quickly with not too much time spent on anyone character or event. At the same time, you get to know the characters from their heart and emotions. I admired Jerusalem for her independence and strong character. I began to wonder what secrets Clay was hiding.
The only disappointing aspect of this book is that is the first in a trilogy. It leaves you wanting more. The next book The Yellow Rose is next on my list.
The story starts out about a woman named Jerusalem and her kids living in Arkansas during the 1830's. It is about the struggles of the family with a husband who has run off. With the help of a stranger Clay, the family moves out to Texas which is fighting for independence.
I really enjoyed the balance of the fiction with the historical events of the time. The chapters are short and move quickly with not too much time spent on anyone character or event. At the same time, you get to know the characters from their heart and emotions. I admired Jerusalem for her independence and strong character. I began to wonder what secrets Clay was hiding.
The only disappointing aspect of this book is that is the first in a trilogy. It leaves you wanting more. The next book The Yellow Rose is next on my list.
February 15, 2009
This book details the story of one family's experience of travelling to Texas during the Texas Revolution.
It was well-written, with a great plot with many different smaller plots extending off of the main plot (moving to Texas).
Romantic, charming, and witty, the main character's soon-to-be husband (I hope, in the second book), Clay takes a good leadership role for Jerusalem Ann's struggling family. They encounter many problems on their trip to Texas, including a Comanche raid, death of a loved one, and the usual trials of figuring out how to settle in Texas with Santa Anna, and thus the Alamo battle, approaching.
I would recommend this book to young adults/teens who enjoy reading historical fiction. A bit slow-moving, but filled with good enough cliff-hangers to encourage even the impatient (such as myself) readers.
It was well-written, with a great plot with many different smaller plots extending off of the main plot (moving to Texas).
Romantic, charming, and witty, the main character's soon-to-be husband (I hope, in the second book), Clay takes a good leadership role for Jerusalem Ann's struggling family. They encounter many problems on their trip to Texas, including a Comanche raid, death of a loved one, and the usual trials of figuring out how to settle in Texas with Santa Anna, and thus the Alamo battle, approaching.
I would recommend this book to young adults/teens who enjoy reading historical fiction. A bit slow-moving, but filled with good enough cliff-hangers to encourage even the impatient (such as myself) readers.
September 11, 2012
Gilbert Morris is not a typical writer like the female writers that I love. He brings out more of the wounds in fights, hardships etc that a man will do in his stories. that is Gilbert Morris as I have just begun to read his work in this series. His stories are not all sweet and every one lives happily forever after. But I like his stories and plots and all the in-between. I am just starting book 3 of this series and am anxious to see how all the relationships are resolved and how TX is settled and civilized. Good job Gilbert Morris. Thanks for your contribution to Christian books to read and enjoy.
August 23, 2008
I love this series!! They were absolutely fascinating and the witty diaologue was incredible!
I had thought I didn't like Gilbert Morris' writing, but after finding these at the library (seeing they were about Texas) and delving in I has to admit, that Gilbert Morris certainly has a gift for words and storytelling!
It's basically the story of a family (and extended-ish family) struggling to survive, first in Arkansas and then to the fresh and wild land of Texas.
It's a striking book. And as I said before, fascinating. Makes me want to move back to Texas. *wistful smile*
I had thought I didn't like Gilbert Morris' writing, but after finding these at the library (seeing they were about Texas) and delving in I has to admit, that Gilbert Morris certainly has a gift for words and storytelling!
It's basically the story of a family (and extended-ish family) struggling to survive, first in Arkansas and then to the fresh and wild land of Texas.
It's a striking book. And as I said before, fascinating. Makes me want to move back to Texas. *wistful smile*
December 27, 2012
I have read quite a few books about the settling of Texas and the battle at the Alamo. This book provides a more personalized background of the type of people involved and how they came to be involved. It is the first of a series of three. I can't wait to read the others!
One thing I would like to comment on is that while it becomes obvious the author writes from a Christian viewpoint, he is not pushy or manipulative about it. It is a natural and realistic part of the story. That is important to me.
One thing I would like to comment on is that while it becomes obvious the author writes from a Christian viewpoint, he is not pushy or manipulative about it. It is a natural and realistic part of the story. That is important to me.
October 17, 2012
What I like about this novel is that it is Christian without being overly Christian or preachy. I also like the fact that Jerusalem and Clay know each other before they start to fall for one another. The Eye of Texas is a story of a family's struggle to survive a move from Arkansas Territory to Texas, a war between the Texans and the Mexicans, and being captured by Comanche Indians. The Eye of Texas is also a story about love, faith, and the value of family and friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2013
I've enjoyed Gilbert Morris' books for many years, but this one fell short for me. I realize it's book one in a series, but it didn't seem to go anywhere. The characters are good and if you're interested in the history surrounding the Alamo - that's all good. This author does history very well. But I thought the plot was weak and the resolution didn't really deliver.
August 22, 2013
I really like Gilbert Morris' historical romances. I do wish he would give more Bible reasons... you can see the characters making biblically sound decisions often, but the reasoning comes across as personal preference rather than the Solid Rock reason: God said it (in His Word); that settles it *_*
June 17, 2012
Just found a book by this author and enjoyed it enough to get another one - this book. Basic, simple good historical fiction with a Christian bent. It was clean and I learned some of the history of the Alamo. I will read book 2 if I can find it. Good summer read.
July 22, 2013
A pretty good historical novel. As in other of his books, the author plays up a little too much of the sinful life of the characters, trying to make a point of loving others unconditionally & hoping they'll turn to God but almost seeming to condone some of it.
July 6, 2015
Some parts were super engaging and some were not. I feel like not much happened and I thought Clay was a bit contradictory personality wise and not in a good way. Some of the things he would say would confuse me like they shouldn't have come out of his mouth
but I overall really liked it.
but I overall really liked it.
February 13, 2008
Jerusalem Ann is raising her family alone, her husband comes and goes but not very often. She eventually discovers that he is living in Texas, married to another woman and has another family.
Read
April 23, 2008Loved this book
September 2, 2008
I absolutely LOVED this book and it's series!!
November 14, 2008
A good time passing novel. I wouldn't say it was spectacular and one that I would read over and over. It was nice and comforting and reassuring of God's grace, love, and faithfulness.
Read
December 4, 2008YA Mor
May 15, 2009
Spiced with humor, and full of adventure this is the book that started my love affair with Gilbert Morris. A real smooth talker and writer that takes you away instantly
May 4, 2011
I am a sucker for westerns so this was great. I loved the characters and development. I'm not much for series but I'd be willing to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.