As former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee continues to gain ground in the contest for the Republican presidential candidacy, he has earned the endorsement of best-selling novelist Jerry Jenkins.

The co-author of the blockbuster "Left Behind" series and more than 100 other books has also agreed to serve on Huckabee's Faith and Family Values Coalition. Announcing his backing, Jenkins said that he resonated with Huckabee's values and character, and believed he was "the kind of man who can guide the country through difficult times."

Jenkins added: "I appreciate his record as a leader and am especially pleased with his ability to be plain-spoken and articulate his views in person and on his Web site. I believe people of faith will find him refreshing and an exciting answer to the question of who should emerge to be the Republican front runner and eventually nominee."