All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall

Book Review by Cindy R. Williams

I must say that the front cover fascinates me. Most of it is in browns and greens, not really too catchy, however, it has an embossed design placed on top of the colors that make it quite unique. It made me want to take a second look.

The back blurb is:

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. 

I have ancestors from Wales, so that caught my interest. Also, I find it intriguing that a minister of another church, someone we assume knows religion, begins to understand and feel the spirit of truth. I want to know about this journey and if he is strong enough to follow the light.

It is said that a great first line leads to a great book. This may or may not be true, however, first lines of books do tell one allot about what to expect. The first line of the book told us the name of one of the important characters and that she was proud of her husband. Though not explosive, we have good information and I like her. The first chapter reveals a number of key players. We learn that the minister and his wife are good people--people you want to call friends. We also meet uppity characters like the minister's brother and his wife. Hall does well on creating characters we love, or love to hate.

Omniscient point of view, which means head hopping from Leah, to Richard, to Robert, to Leah, to Amelia, to Leah, to Amelia, to Richard . . . is somewhat confusing, but, the characters were strong enough to keep the story going.

Hall gives the reader an education in early trials of the Church in Wales. We usually hear about the Pioneers and how they were persecuted. Hall opens your eyes by creating a story that will touch your heart and increase your love and appreciation for those stalwart members all around the world.

Writers Mirror gives All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall 8 smiles on a scale of 1 - 10.  Well worth the read.

All That Was Promised is Vickie Hall's debut novel and is published by Bonneville Books, a Cedar Fort imprint.

All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall