Book Review ~ "Fresh Courage Take" by Dean Hughes

Fresh Courage Take by Dean Hughes

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review
Genre: LDS Historical Fiction

Book Description: The United States turned a blind eye when the Mormons were driven from Missouri to Illinois and finally out of the country altogether. How can the government—and Brigham Young—now be asking the Mormons to come up with 500 able-bodied soldiers to assist in the war with Mexico? And how can Will Lewis be asked to join the Mormon Battalion when it means leaving Liz and their two little boys on their own in the wilderness? How many sacrifices will be required in order for the Saints to create Zion?

And in modern-day Nauvoo, Jeff and Abby Lewis are facing challenges of their own. Juggling family priorities, professional responsibilities, and Church callings becomes and almost impossible feat. It is clear that building Zion in the latter days will require sacrifices, just as it did in the time of Jeff's ancestors.

In this concluding volume of the Come to Zion trilogy, beloved novelist Dean Hughes provides a unique perspective on the struggles and sacrifices—and ultimate joy—of faithful Saints in any generation.

Bonnie's Thoughts:  The story of the Saints making their way out west is always awe-inspiring. And this story is nothing less than that. The courageous lives of both Will and Liz and Jeff and Abby can easily be compared to any Pioneer and Modern-day Saint. Yes, the challenges are different since we as a society have evolved. But to each time, those challenges are burdens and require humility and prayer. Their courage to accept what the Lord has offered is fantastically portrayed as well as their true feelings, that at times, is not what the Lord asks of us. They are human, and have those feelings of anger and pride. But their path to humility is encouraging and uplifting. 

The angle of the trek West he chose to write about was different, but spiritual still. Liz is resigned to stay with the Saints in Winter Quarters while Will is persuaded to join the Mormon Battalion. The separation is difficult to say the least, but worth it in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed learning of this endeavor of the Saints. I can also relate to Jeff and Abby as they struggle through life with children, jobs, and marriage. Dean Hughes is such a fantastic writer, and I enjoy all of his books. I can only hope that one day he might decide to continue the story of these two marvelous examples.

~Bonnie~

Deseret Book * Amazon * Barnes & Noble

About the Author: DEAN HUGHES has published more than 100 books for readers of all ages, including the bestselling historical fiction series Children of the Promise. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and master’s and PhD degrees from the University of Washington. He has taught English at Central Missouri State University and Brigham Young University. Dean and his wife, Kathleen Hurst Hughes, served a mission to Nauvoo, Illinois. They are the parents of three children and grandparents of nine.

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