About the book: How do good people mistake evil for good? Is it possible for an entire nation to be deceived?
In the third volume of master storyteller Gerald N. Lund's dynamic new series, the Eckhardt family finds itself clinging to hope in a nation on the brink of collapse. Work is scarce, food has become an extravagance, and money is practically worthless. War-torn Germany has been battered down and humiliated on an international scale, and the people have lost the pride and conviction that once carried them.
Living in such desperate circumstances leaves the people vulnerable to fall for a wolf in sheep's clothing, and Hans Eckhardt is not immune. His friend Adolf is charismatic, driven, a man of vision—seemingly, everything that Germany needs. While a few suspect that this rising new political leader may not be the rescuer they seek, many more are quick to turn a blind eye to the warning signs.
But there are bright spots amid the bleakness. Faith and family continue to provide joy and solace as life journeys forward. And a visit from two former LDS missionaries and their families brings a spark of excitement to the Eckhardts. Family life seems to be the one area unmarred by the turmoil all around them—until personal tragedy strikes.
Join the Eckhardts and their American friends the Westlands as they unknowingly dive into a momentous turning point in the world's history.
My review: Wow, I really love these historical fiction books by this author! I love the way he puts his character right into the thick of what was happening in each time period, in the case of this one, Hitler's rise in Germany. I love that he has notes that you can read at the end of his chapters, I've learned so much from each of his novels. His characters are so well-written, I always love them from the very first page. And I love that he writes series books so that you can fall in love with those characters over and over again.
I loved the characters in this book. I love that the Eckhardts and the Westlands are friends, even though they live on different continents and even though their countries have been at war with each other. It was really fun that the Westlands try to do all they can to help their friends in Germany, even sharing what's in their letters with the leaders of the Church so that those in Germany can get the help they need.
Emilee and Hans Eckhardt are some amazing characters! I love the way Emilee goes about seeking to find what is right and true, and her kindness to all around her, including Adolf Hitler. I love the way this book shows what could have been the thoughts and feelings of those who followed him as a leader from his rise until his fall. It portrays him as a normal person, he definitely had certain ideas about how things should be run, but he was a true friend to Hans in this one, especially near the end.
I can't wait to read more of this great series, I need to know what happens to Hans and Emilee and their family during this tumultuous time in history!
I bought my own copy of this book.
Purchase links: Amazon - Deseret Book
About the author: Gerald N. Lund received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He served for thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, and he served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008. He is a prolific and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction and is best known for his historical novels, including The Work and the Glory series, Fire of the Covenant, The Kingdom and the Crown series, and The Undaunted. He and his late wife, Lynn, are the parents of seven children.Labels: Fire and Steel series, Gerald Lund, LDS Historical Fiction
