A House Divided by Diane Stringham TolleyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review
Genre: LDS Fiction
Book Description: Hannah thought reaching the promised land would mean an end to her problems, but it was only the beginning. With her loved ones divided and her people in danger, Hannah’s faith is now faltering more with each passing day. Can she find the courage to stand by her convictions? Or will the conflicts from their past lead the Nephite people into a war against their own family?
My thoughts: This book was somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4, so I rounded to the 4.
This is the second book by this author dealing with the beginnings of the Book of Mormon Lamanites and Nephites. The first book , Daughter of Ishmael: Promised Land, Broken Hearts looks at Hannah and the hard decisions of focusing on her faith, or her husband, Lemuel and her son.
This book takes place right after the first, and anyone who is familiar with the Book of Mormon story will have no problem beginning with this one. It is a work of fiction, but brings the scriptures and the agony of the war between families to life.
Hannah is still the primary character. She has suffered and continues to suffer. The decisions of others alter the course of her life, but her faith leads her forward. The lessons learned are hard, the life of the people were hard. This story is bitter-sweet.
I found personal inspiration in remembering to "trust in the Lord" in times of trial. I loved how Nephi was portrayed as a calm and courageous man. Sometimes the endearments the people used were a bit much for me, but that is a personal thing and didn't detract from the story. This book contains violence, and talk of a rape (without details), violence towards women (stoning). It may have material that would be hard for someone who has experienced violent acts against them.
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About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads) Raised on the last of the great old Southern Alberta ranches and trained in journalism, Diane recounts tales of growing up in the bend of the north fork of the Milk River. Author of countless short stories, articles, poems, plays, songs and novels, she brings a wealth of western family ideals to her writing.
Nothing intrigues more than a background story. And nothing is quite as peaceful as reliving the past.
Visit her WEBPAGE.
Visit the Tour stops:
April 18, 2018: Minette Langston
April 19, 2018: Christine Till
April 20, 2018: Sydney Anderson
April 21, 2018:
April 22, 2018: Ann Morris
April 23, 2018: Cathy Jeppsen
April 24, 2018: Vanessa Von Mollendorf
April 24, 2018: Lisa Faber
April 25, 2018: Marlene Bateman
April 26, 2018: Mandy Al-Bjaly
April 27, 2018: Sheila Staley
April 27, 2018: Shannon Symmonds
April 28, 2018: Donna Tagliaferri
April 29, 2018: Kristi Campbell
Lisa, this is wonderful! Thank you so much!
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