Journey of Promise by Vickie HallSource: Received to Review
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Historical Fiction ~ LDS
Book Description: Journey of Promise When converts Richard and Leah Kenyon leave Wales and heed the call to Zion, they are unprepared for the toll exacted by the journey. To face the incredible odds mounted against them they call upon the Lord's tender mercies to see them through and strengthen their love for one another. Their story will remind you where to turn during your trials.
My thoughts: It is hard to describe the thoughts and feelings that reading this book has brought me. My Great Grandmother was an LDS immigrant from Cardiff, Wales. She came from her homeland and journeyed to Salt Lake City, Utah around 1900.
I couldn't help but wonder if her family experienced similar types of persecution, even if their journey was approximately 50 years after the setting of this book. I guess it proves that I have research of my own to do.
Vickie Hall has written a book that resonates with me. I felt that I connected with the characters and understood their challenges as well as their successes. They felt real to me.
I enjoyed the story of a families diligence to their beliefs. They had a great desire to do what they felt that the Savior wanted them to do and kept him and his teachings as a focal point in their lives and dealings with others. They underwent many instances of brutal persecution. It is amazing to me how well they managed and remained faithful.
This book is a great addition to the Historical Fiction in the LDS market.
* Read an Excerpt:
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Leah peered inside the box of supplies and saw a chunk of beef infested with maggots. “Who would do this? And why?”
“We need that ham,” Claire said. “We have mouths to feed. What are we goin’ to do?”
Leah reached inside the box and snagged the meat in her bare hand. “I’m getting’ our ham back.”
“What are you—” Claire watched as her sister turned and stormed up the companionway.
Leah fumed all the way to the forecastle, to the captain’s quarters. She wasn’t about to let this assault on her family go without a fight. She raised her hand to knock on the captain’s door but was stopped by Franklin. “You can’t go in there,” he barked, barring the way.
“Mr. Franklin,” she said, her voice tinged with anger, “I need to see the captain.”
Franklin glowered as Leah. “The captain’s a busy man. What do you want?”
Leah shoved the spoiled maggot-filled meat toward his face. “Someone aboard ship stole our ham and left thisin its place! I want the captain to do somethin’ about it!”
Franklin lowered her arm with his hand, repulsed by the rancid beef. “The captain can do nothin’ about it,” he said. His eyes narrowed. “And for all I know, you might be lookin’ to trade this spoiled meat for someone’s ham you’d claim as your own.”
“How dare you accuse me of such a thing,” she said, stamping her foot. “I’ve come to have things made right and you treat me as if I’m the thief!”
Franklin smirked and clasped his hands behind his back. “See it however you want,” he said. “The captain won’t be disturbed over it. Maybe you should be thankful for what you have and eat it.”
This matter was beyond that of just stealing. It was a threat to her family’s condition—a deprivation of the food that cost them so dearly, the very nourishment they needed to survive the coming weeks. Leah’s anger exploded as she pushed the rotted meat into Franklin’s smug face. “You eat it!” She spun and charged off.
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All That Was Promised
In 1847 Wales Methodist Minister Richard Kenyon converts to Mormonism. Richard’s newfound faith is put to the test when he faces the anger of his former congregation, his wife’s indecisiveness, his brother’s betrayal, and the murderous intentions of misinformed villagers.
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Thank so you so much, Lisa! I appreciate your time and review.
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