Kim Ford, LaFayette, Alabama—
Last weekend, I went with my husband to the local Christian bookstore, and the cover of your book Billy Goat Hill drew my attention, and I picked it up having no idea what to expect. Let me tell you, your characters are so real I have dreamed about them. I have begun to feel stirrings in my soul about writing again that I haven't felt in many years. I still am not sure what God's message to me in all of this is, but I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this novel. I am thankful the Lord gave you such a clear message of forgiveness and grace, and I eagerly await the sequel to this fine book! Many, many blessings.
David McLaughlin, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada—
"Just had to send a note and let you know how much I enjoyed your book Billy Goat Hill. I loved how it was written and I feel like I identified with the character Wade in a few of the events that had happened throughout his life. I don't think that I have ever read a book quite like this one. You allow the reader to feel exactly what the character was feeling though your descriptive writing. I am really looking forward to picking up "From the Ashes" now! Anyway, hats off to you for and excellent book. I will definitely be recommending it to my friends. May you continue to write more inspiring books such as this one. It is a tool that God can definitely use to reach people for His kingdom. God Bless."
Nanette B. Marsh, Prior Lake, Minnesota—
"Thank you for your wonderful book, Billy Goat Hill. I have to make up for lost time since no housework has been done since I purchased the book last weekend. I could not put the book down! Oh, I can't wait for the sequel to come out. Fall, 2006 is such a long time away. You absolutely are an outstanding author!"
Naomi Kauffman, Perkasie, Pennsylvania—
"Billy Goat Hill was a fascinating read made all the more real by its being partially autobiographical. A strength of the book is that God's love and forgiveness are found through ordinary but unusual people and in unexpected places. And all this happened around a mystery! I look forward to reading about the grownup Wade and Luke in the sequel."
Sharon Hern, San Pablo, California—
"I read two or more books a week and love to read novels. Billy Goat Hill kept me up late, as I had trouble putting it down. I think I read it in two days. I have added Mark Stanleigh Morris to my short list of favorite authors. When his next book comes out I will be at the store in line to get my copy. I grew up near the area where the story takes place, which made the book extra meaningful for me. I couldn’t help wondering what was going on all the time that I lived within a few miles of the boy’s hangouts. As a Christian, seeing the ability to forgive and continue to love those who caused misery was very compelling. Billy Goat Hill shows how important forgiveness is to those who have been wronged and to those who have caused the hurt. Billy Goat Hill demonstrates the power of a changed life to bring healing for all involved, if one will only obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. Those who fail to find this novel will be missing out on a story that is compelling and touches the heart."
Mary Allio, Olathe, Kansas—
"I could not put Billy Goat Hill down and finished reading it in four days. As soon as I met Wade Parker, I was fascinated by this young boy's life. Mark Stanleigh Morris has a very special gift in expressing life through the eyes of another, which caused me to step into the shoes of Wade Parker. I was so wrapped up in Wade’s life, I cried and laughed with him throughout his adventures, frustration, and pain. This novel beautifully demonstrates the power of forgiveness and confirms that all have the capacity to find freedom no matter how our past plagues us. I don't often think this after reading a book, but this story should be made into a movie. It’s that moving!"
Deb Heller, Altoona, Iowa—
"Very few books read like Billy Goat Hill. Mark Stanleigh Morris's descriptions bring you into the story and make you feel and see what the characters see and feel. The writing demanded I slow down and enjoy the story of Wade and Luke Parker, two boys that will make you long to hold them in your arms. You will grow up with them, laugh and cry with them, and be disappointed when the story ends. I look forward to reading more from Mark Stanleigh Morris. I give Billy Goat Hill 5 Stars!"
Darien Huffman, Wolf Creek, Oregon—
"I was thrilled to get a copy of Billy Goat Hill at the Oregon Christian Writers Conference in Eugene. I asked if you had read Peace Like A River and I told you I thought that book was great. I'll bet you realized your book is better. Peace Like a River started some things cooking for me, as it brought up memories of family and my little brother and the mischief he and I got into, but Billy Goat Hill put the meat in the lasagna! It started a little slow for me, but that could have been the space I was in the day after the Eugene meeting. I picked it up again yesterday and could barely put it down. I finished it today. Wow! Christian writing has come a long way from the stuff I gave up on a couple of decades ago. (But, then, maybe you're not a Christian Writer but a Writer who is now a Christian.) I am so glad to have met you. And I am especially glad to have read your book. God used it to melt a little of the ice from around my heart. I know He will use it in the lives of others—of alcoholics, drug users, victims of childhood neglect, and so many others. It's just a really great book! Billy Goat Hill flowed almost perfectly and concluded without leaving unanswered questions for the reader. Your work is now an example, a standard, for me to grow toward as a writer."