LDS Women's Magazine
Heidi Durant
ALL THAT WAS PROMISED
by Vickie Hall
This past month, I had the opportunity to read a new book, All that was Promised, by Vickie Hall. How fortunate that I got to read this book in the month of July, as we celebrate the early Saints reaching the Salt Lake Valley. This book is about the early saints, just not in the United States.
We start our journey in Cardiff, Wales, in the Spring of 1847. The story gives us all backgrounds, and our main character, Reverend Richard Kenyon, and his wife, Leah. Yes, a Methodist Minister, who hears a man preaching about the Savior, wants to learn more. Elder Ben Lachlan has been sent to serve a mission in Wales, and he is not welcome. Another Minister, Reverend Trahern, is spreading horrible rumors about the “Mormons,” and the people in this small town are believing him, and want nothing to do with this Latter Day Saints.
But, Richard feels different. He finds his way to Ben, and invites him over to hear more. Their “quick” conversation lasts through the night, and more on the next day. Richard believes. He wants to be baptized, but his meek wife, Leah, is still skeptical.
These Saints faced trials, and persecutions, just as the Saints in America did. They put their faith in the Lord, served the church, and converted many others. Some lost their homes, were disowned by friends, lost their jobs, and even their lives. But even though they struggled, their testimonies of the Book Of Mormon, and of the Church only grew stronger.
I felt honored to have read this book. We should be ever grateful to the men and women who sacrificed so much so we could worship and live in safety and freedom. They paved the way, so that we could be here today. I love that Pioneer Day is celebrated in the same month as Independence Day. We, as members of the church, have a debt to pay to these families.
Vickie Hall played this story beautifully. So many diverse characters, and they were thoughtfully written and came across perfectly. My heart ached for those who did not believe, and even for Amelia, who was too scared to believe at first. Amelia, is Richard and Leah’s niece and her story will make any mother cry. Tears of sorrow, and tears of joy will be spread when reading this book. All That Was Promised, A Novel, by Vickie Hall.
Happy Reading…………… Heidi Durant
All That Was Promised
by Vickie Hall
Review by Karen Adair
All That Was Promised does that and more! From the beginning pages I was intrigued by the story, having read many accounts of the early pioneers. But all previous ones were focused on the saints in America. This delightful tale featured the saints in Wales and drew me in even more because of the change in venue. Having had ancestors hailing from this very place, I felt an immediate connection to the trials they faced. As well as their joys. I loved the balance of fear and hope, and the inclusion of more than one romantic thread.
The back cover reads: An encounter with a Mormon missionary and his unusual message of a “restored gospel” leaves Richard Kenyon, a young Methodist minister, questioning his life’s work when he cannot deny a growing testimony of this peculiar American religion. But Richard soon finds himself struggling to recognize the promised blessings of the gospel when violent persecution shakes the fledgling Church in Wales.
The early members of the LDS church faced unthinkable hatred, spurred by those who feared what they did not understand. I loved Richard’s reactions to all of the hatred he faced and watching his wife deal with her unbelief. I was inspired by how the saints chose to stand and fight, by loving their enemies and facing their fears. The individual accounts of each person’s trials were so familiar to those we might still face today; like loss of family, freedom, and financial woes. Such themes cross nations and religions alike, allowing the reader to easily sympathize with such plights.
The style and pacing made it an easy read, while the plotline kept me engaged until well into the night. It found its way to the beach with me, which turned out to enhance my experience even more. I feel stronger for having read this book and have no doubt that when my lot begins to feel hard, this inspirational story will find its way into my reading pile again.
I received a free copy to do this review, but look forward to purchasing more in the future from this wonderful author!
5 Stars to Vickie Hall for this great new chapter about the early saints!
