All That Was Promised

by Vickie Hall

When a Methodist minister meets a Mormon missionary, his life is changed forever. But this new convert soon finds himself struggling to recognize the promised blessings of the gospel when violent persecution shakes the fledgling Church in Wales. Told with passion and heart, this triumphant tale is guaranteed to uplift and inspire.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Historical Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2011

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Parts of it were a bit too violent for me, and parts of it were a bit unbelievable. For example, there were unsavory characters who beat up and bloodied other characters, and one time too many the abuser was dispensed of by 'accidentally' dying. Many women have wished their abuser would happen to get trampled by a team of horses, or hit by a car, and thus no longer be a problem for the victim, but in real life such dreams rarely come true. I wonder how much of the storyline is based on actual history? And what characters in it are true historical characters? In spite of my doubts, I appreciated the portrayal of faithful saints and the sacrifices they made. I came to love the main characters as if they were really my neighbors and friends. It's an entertaining read, but, like I said, a bit too violent and unbelievable in some places.

[Mandi Slack · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first received this novel, I was immediately impressed by the stunning cover art. I enjoyed the story and Vickie Hall proves undeniable talent in her ability to vividly describe the setting and characters. Hall's obvious knowledge of the history of Wales and the era in which this novel took place is enlightening. At times the plot moved a little slowly, however, I thought Vickie Hall's first novel was a great read, especially for those who love early Mormon History. I give this novel 4 out of 5.

Read my full review here: http://heyyouslackers.blogspot.com/20...

[Jessie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The strength of this book was the characterization. The main characters were all really well-written, but the plot seemed to lack a lot a central organizing thread and felt like it was just progressing along a line of events that were pre-determined. I wondered how much of the story was historical fact that was just being 'checked off a list'. I also really don't like books that are obviously setting up for a sequel in the end, rather than having a clear resolution (this was particularly annoying because it was the second such book I read in the space of a few weeks).

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. I hope that there will be a sequel to it. It was interesting to read about what happened when a minister of another faith who lived in Wales joined the LDS Church.

I re-read this book again. It is very good.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prejudice based on race and ethnicity is often acknowledged, but intolerance, prejudice and persecution in the U.S. and other Western countries based on religious choice is all but pushed under the rug and forgotten. This book sheds light on terrible persecution that was leveled against those who followed their conscious to do what they felt God was telling them to do. Set in Cardiff, Wales in 1847, story centers around Methodist minister Richard Kenyon and his wife Leah. Richard is leading a life committed to serving God, when he encounters a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kenyon and later Leah become convinced of the truthfulness of the missionary's message and become members of this new American Christian Church. Little would Richard know of the terrible persecution, violence and even death that converts to the church would have to endure to stay true to their new faith. Author Vickie Hall tells a compelling fictionalized story is based on actual historical events. It is an uplifting and inspiring story. The story continues in a second book, Journey of Promise.

[Lindsay Stahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first couple chapters and the last couple chapters. The hatred and violence in the middle was hard to read, but then again I usually read fluff regency romance and love happy stories.

[Shauna Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shows how strong the early Saints were.

[J. Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having been raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am very familiar with its history. Still, I enjoy reading stories about the early saints and the trials they had to endure. I've also been drawn to the UK as my father's family came from a small town outside of Bristol, England. So, when I got the chance to review a book that featured these two areas, I was excited to do so.

All that was promised takes place in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales in 1847. Reverend Richard Kenyon is the leader of a Methodist church in the area. His brother, Rodger, continued with the family business, while Richard felt a higher calling. Early in the book, Richard meets Ben Lachlan, a missionary from America sent to Wales. Ben is there to teach the people of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Richard finds himself drawn to this missionary, and he converts, much to the chagrin of his wife and many others in the town. Over time, more people join, but just as there are forces of good at work here, there are those who would try to stop it.

Enter in one John Morgan (which happens to be my father's name--and hopefully no relation to this character) who seeks out to destroy the church. What happens next is often heartbreaking, sometimes infuriating, but also, faith promoting. When you know something is right, it is amazing what you'll put up with.

It seemed to me that Hall did her research on this project. Everything fit into the time frame perfectly and seemed very plausible. I like how she included words and various customs and foods from the time period. It's those little details that help give credibility to a book.

Overall I enjoyed the book. As a fellow author, I know how hard it is to write a novel, so over all, I applaud Vickie Hall on her accomplishment.

There were a few minor things I struggled with in the book. First, it seemed people tended to embrace or fight against the Mormon church fairly quickly. Now, as a member myself, I get that. Once you've received an answer to your prayers through the power of the Holy Ghost, it's something you can't deny. However, for those that haven't experienced that, I can see them doubting that some people were too quick to join. For that reason, I think current members of the LDS church will understand, but others may find it hard to believe.

The second thing that tripped me up a bit was that the book was written in third person, but would often jump from person to person in the same scene. Example, at the start of a scene we may be in Richard's head, experiencing what he is experiencing. A few sentences later, we may be in Ben's head, seeing things from his point of view. Because we didn't stay with one character for any length of time, I didn't really feel like I got to know the characters like I wanted to. Again, to be fair, this was my opinion and no doubt based on my personal preferences. My wife read the book and had no issues with the point of view changes, so again, I think that is just a personal preference.


Third, the brothers in the book are named Richard and Rodger. I sometimes got the two confused. My wife said she noted the same thing. Perhaps the names were too similar?

As for who would enjoy this book? For certain, members of the LDS faith, I'd say 12 and older. There are some pretty dramatic scenes in this book which may be disturbing to younger readers. Even then, I'd say this would equate to a PG rating.

Lastly, the book leaves the possibilities open to continue the story. I'm not sure if that was the intention or not. It doesn't really feel like it has a proper ending, though in general, it does end on a satisfying note. I'm curious what happens next, so I would be interested in reading a follow up to All that was Promised.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

All That Was Promised was good. I have read simalar stories like some of these type of incidents in my own family histories about conversions in Wales to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. So to me the book was very personal to my life. Don't know what choices I would make if I lived at that time.

It starts in spring of 1847 Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales with the Reverend Richard Kenyon at church one sunday. His Brother Robert,his wife Abigail and daughter Amelia are going to start going to a different church with a richer class of people who can help them in business.

Reverend Kenyon and his wife Leah will miss seeing their 14 year old niece Amelia so often. So far they have not been able to have children. Amelia will miss them. She is not close to her parents.

Robert does not love his wife. He married her for her money. He wants to be more than he is. He runs the business that his father left him, selling tea. Abigail wants to be seen with the best people,own the best. She is not happy and is always belittling Amelia and Robert.

The Reverend Kenyon was running errands when he saw a crowd around a man standing on a rock preaching, He listened for a bit and than someone through a rock and hit him. The Reverend wanted to know more so he took him home and listened to him while they gave him first aid. They talked for hours. Reverend asked so many questions that he had and wanted him to come back the next day.

Leah could not believe her husband was actually listening and believing him. She complained to her sister Claire. When Claire realized that her brother-in-law was the one asking questions and wanting to know more. Claire trusted him and if he was willing to listen than she and her husband were going to come listen too.

Reverend Trahern was minister in the better off church that Robert and Abigail were now going too. He was preaching about the evil Mormons and wanted them stopped and telling lies about what they believed and were doing.

Ben Lachlan was the missionary to Wales that Reverend Kenyon met. This was his third mission. He and his wife sacrificed so much. He was not with his wife when his two sons were born.

This book has some great characters that I wanted to know what choices they make and why. Their are a lot more characters. I really liked how well they were written.

This story tells of the suffering the converts went through. How they were beaten,robbed and many trials they had because they were following what they believed. Some faced so much hardship. Some were stopped from joining the church because they could not handle the perscution.
Also told some of the joy and blessings they received. I know this book is fiction but some of the trials and blessings were based on real events that happened back in the early years of the church.

I admit that I am a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Right now my daughter is serving a mission for the church. I am glad that she is not having rocks thrown at her. It is hard for me to see all the hate that goes in to stop the gospel or even understand it.

I am excited to read the next book in the series to see what happens to the characters next. Who will leave Wales and who decides to stay.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it when I was through.
Published January 8th 2011 by Bonneville 231 pages ISBN:1599554798

[CCAM&GZM · Rating 3 out of 5]

All That Was Promised is categorized as Lds (LDS is the common name for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church). Just because there is such a category (at least on the books websites) makes me think that all these books are part of a "missionary program" and incline me to be a bit reluctant to them. I have nothing against missionaries in general, but usually I keep in sight also its negative side proven by history. However, I believe that we should not divide people by their religion, but by their deeds.

Nevertheless, and given that I have not encountered a book that I didn’t like it in the book tours organized by Kathy, I said to myself that I could make a try. All That Was Promised, aside from the slight propaganda tinge - assumed at the book choice, but which doesn’t bother, it's a pleasant reading.

The writer helps the reader to feel the atmosphere in the mid 1800s Wales by introducing several names, heritages and traditions. I liked it how the author shows us how the ancient rites of a religion allegedly lost survive in the life and faith of the society hidden in customs. These details show that the author has documented and so the book gain a greater persuasion (not a religious one, as I said you’ll not find any "callous" message), but the story itself.

Against some aspects that I couldn’t ignore, such as the ease with which the Methodist minister Richard chooses to change his religion (the given reason was not convincing for me) I became curious about what will happen. Although focused on Richard and his family, the book does not neglect the other characters. With a background and a different social status they come together and are united by the promoting of a new religion. Everyone has a story and each will have choices to make. The author manages to coordinate and develop these individual stories, to form a consistent whole, but sometimes I thought that she could have give more, but refrained herself. Regardless of her reasons I could only think that is a loss.

I appreciated the fact that at one point, Vickie Hall had the "courage" to show (even if she considered another issue) that regardless of religion you’ll remain the same person.

“I mean, I’m not what I used to be,” she explained softly. “The Church changed me. Repentin’ changed me, and lettin’ the Lord change my heart made me a different person too.”
“But that doesn’t make you someone else, really.”

The action grows gradually on the background of a violent and incapable of accepting diversity society. Its reactions are often manipulated from the dark by mean individual interests. Each character will face a dramatic end. The denouement is a worth it one, not necessarily predictable, and I cannot help myself (despite the fact that I accepted this promotion) to say that it’s one relied too much on the idea that faith will solve everything.

Am I curious about volume two? The answer is yes. However, I would like that Vickie Hall to give everything she can and, within the genre’s limits, to not remain anchored only in a "missionary literature”.

http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/2013...

[Alice Gold · Rating 3 out of 5]

I traveled to Wales last week. I also time-traveled back to the 1800's. It was the best of times and the worst of times. The Church of Jesus Christ was just being established, which means the church and all of its new members were also being severely persecuted.

This book is a piece of LDS fiction that will make any of its readers, wherever they may be or whatever they be, grateful for freedom of worship. How many times have you walked into your church without a second thought of mobs forming, or atrocities being calculated against you and your family? Yeah, me too. I have never once had to worry about physical injury. I'll take the intellectual prejudices any day, over the physical prejudices so many before me have endured.


Vickie's writing was excellent. She kept the story moving and it was a very quick read. She had great character development and the thing that I may have liked best about her style was her descriptive abilities. I feel like I have actually visited Cardiff, Wales. For instance:
The afternoon sky darkened as an impending spring storm brewed in the burgeoning clouds overhead. The Kenyon's small stone cottage sat nestled on a small plot of land surrounded by a stacked stone fence built some two centuries earlier.
Don't you just want to go there in real life?

Here is how the book is introduced on the cover:
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.
What this blurb doesn't tell you are the parts of the book that I liked best. Perhaps the greatest character was Pastor Kenyon's wife, who was the epitome of a loving and doting wife, but was torn when she didn't believe in the choices her husband was making. I loved seeing where the book took her. Kenyon's business loving brother lives in his own hell with an overly controlling wife and even though he is very smart, he seems so ignorant at how to break destructive cycles. I found myself wishing for a 19th century therapist to save his family. Perhaps the story-line I enjoyed the most was the one of the bar-tending girl. I won't tell you more about her because it will give away some of the best parts of the story.

The only thing I would change about this book was the predictability in the characters, but I was really happy with the ending. So if I had to take one or the other I would take the perfect ending. Most authors don't satisfy me in the conclusion, but I was more than satisfied this time around. I even learned a little Welsh.

Purchase the book here.

Vickie's (the author) Blog

I was given a free copy of this book so that I could review it and tell you all what I thought. And, yes, it never gets old, getting free books to review. It makes me feel important and smart.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Kenyon is a Methodist minister in Wales. He's happy with his life, though it's not perfect. He and his wife Leah have been unable to have children. They are also looked down upon by his brother and wife, and they also see their beloved niece, Amelia, not being treated very well by her parents. These things cause their hearts to ache for change, but they know there's really no way for them to change things themselves. One day Richard comes across a mob, beating a man. Richard knows this is not right and acts to protect the man. He brings him home for Leah to tend to and also because he wants to listen to what the man has to see. Ben Lachlan is a Mormon missionary sent to teach the Gospel to the people of Wales. Richard listens to his message and knows for sure that what Ben is teaching is true. He's certain that Leah also knows it to be the truth, but Leah doesn't have her own testimony just yet. So Richard is baptized without her, he knows that his life will never be the same, but he hasn't counted on his Methodist congregation completely renouncing him or his brother disowning him. Richard must learn that sometimes when you are trying to do what's right is when persecution is the hardest.

I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the characters, they were well written. I liked the feeling of the book, at times I felt as though I was in Wales during a crazy rainstorm. I liked the historical aspect of this book, I always like to learn more about things that happen and why they happen the way that they do. I also liked how the author was able to show the people of Wales and their superstitions. I thought that this was a well written book, and I was way excited to read the sequel.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I loved the premise of this book in that, I come from in part, Welch, Latter Day Saint converts. Not only did several of my ancestors come from Wales but one of them returned and died there as a missionary, so this story immediately grabbed my attention because of my personal family history.

Like most early church missionary tales, this story is full of plenty of sadness. The early days of the LDS church was fraught with persecution, and this tale has plenty of examples of it. Almost immediately, the "persecution" part of the story begins and I will admit, it gave me pause to continue reading. It is often very difficult to learn of such acts and I was fearful to see where this story was heading. As I continued reading, I was drawn in by the story and found it compelling and a good read. I was touched by the humble examples of faith and perseverance shown in this book by the characters. It was realistic without being too maudlin or forced.

The author does an excellent job establishing relationships in this book and I found as a whole, I was drawn in by her character development as much as anything. The book ends with many of the character's considering changes in their lives. I am curious if the author plans on writing a follow-up to this book, so we learn what happens to everyone later on. It ends like there will be at least a second book.

One wish: Many historical novels give an Author's Note at the end, where the author explains what is fact and what is fiction and some background information as to why the book was written. I missed that in this book and I wish it were there.

All in all, a good read.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some things about this book I really liked. The author is talented and writes scenes well, but there is little continuity between scenes. Over and over she sets up a great scene, then it just ends. The reader never finds out what happens. It's obvious the author plans a sequel, but I'm not referring to the unfinished business that sets up a book to follow, but just snatches of action that go nowhere. There are also too many points of view which adds to a feeling of choppiness. I did like the Welsh historical setting,I liked the characters and their inner thoughts and feelings which showed their spiritual growth, and I liked the realistic portrayal of violence early converts faced from the silly childishness to the vicious destruction of life and property.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't put this book down! Once I started reading, it grabbed me and wouldn't let me go!
It's obvious that this writer researched the book well. She has brought the Welsh people to life, and made me put myself right there with the characters as they go through so many wonderful and heart-breaking events.
I do hope Vickie has a part two for us to see what happens to the Kenyon family and their friends as well.
A great read!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book has a lot of different characters and interconnected story lines for a relatively short book. There were some I really enjoyed, but others I didn't connect with much. I think I would have liked to see the whole thing developed more to bring out more details/aspects of the characters and their setting, but it was still an interesting story.

[Tausha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very faith promoting book. Makes me feel a little quilty for how easy we have it now. Our trials are different I know, but I am grateful for strong faithful people who put up with so much so the gospel could go forth.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this inspirational LDS story! It truly made me think, and appreciate even more, all that the early saints went through just to be able to worship what they believed and knew to be true. Very touching. Can't wait to read more from this author!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good!
I love the storyline!
I am amazed at the things these new converts went through for their beliefs.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

review coming

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the early church in Wales. Some of my own ancestors came from there; albeit a couple decades later.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. I enjoyed the story. Well written. Full review on www.ldswbr.com