Prelude to Glory, Vol. 3: To Decide Our Destiny

Prelude to Glory #3

by Ron Carter

By the end of 1776, the Continental army is faced with the overwhelming truth that they are losing the Revolution. The British have pummeled them with a series of bloody battles that have shattered the American army and have forced them into a desperate retreat. Now, the American camp crouches helplessly on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River as the British move more than three thousand Hessian soldiers into position. Only the black waters of the Delaware River prevent a total ruin. Only a desperate plan promises a chance of success. This third volume in the Prelude to Glory series, To Decide Our Destiny, focuses on General George Washington as he makes the hard decision to command his struggling and beaten army once more before the soldiers' enlistments expire at the end of the year. In a torrential blizzard on Christmas Day, Washington and his army cross the Delaware River and march into history. Throughout the battles of Trenton and Princeton, the discouraged soldiers soon find hope and success as events unfold under the touch of divine intervention. In this third volume, the familiar characters of Billy and Eli, along with the Dunson family and Mary Flint, again witness the dramatic events of the Revolutionary War.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Lds, Fiction, Lds Fiction, Religion, American History

498 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

Ron Carter (1932-2008) was born in Salt Lake City and reared in Twin Falls, Idaho. He served received a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Brigham Young University. He received a juris doctor degree in 1962 after attending the law schools at George Washington University and the University of Utah. Recently he has been a research and writing director for the Superior Court system of Los Angeles County, California. He published his first work in 1988.

Ron is married to LaRae Dunn Carter of Boise, Idaho, and they are the parents of nine children. The family resides in Park City, Utah.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

So often historical events sound noble and memorable, but we frequently aren't familiar with the context in which these take place. The revolutionary war is one of those where so many steps lead up to the critical battles and until one sees what steps lead up to those victories and defeats, it is difficult to appreciate what they went through to get there.

The battles of Trenton and Princeton are prime examples. The continental army had fled across New Jersey after multiple losses in New York City, they were basically starving and freezing when Washington led them across the Delaware river in the middle of the night to attack the Hessian army in Trenton before the sun came up. The cannon crews didn't have shoes or boots or proper winter clothing. They were sorely underestimated but had reached a point where they had nothing left to lose and Washington was inspired to lead a counter attack.

Likewise with Princeton, the British underestimated them and were absolutely shocked when the entire continental army marched around them in absolute silence in the coldest part of the night and took Princeton before the bulk of Cornwallis's army could return. The fact that the weather was ridiculously warm during the day when Cornwallis marched south through the mud and then ridiculously cold that night when Washington marched north on frozen solid roads. Absolutely amazing. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Joanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book. It is sad how much was glossed over in my high school and college classes on the Revolution. This book certainly gave the whole period a different feel for me as I got to experience it through the eyes of people who were there or could have been instead of a sterile text book. The author portrayed the tedium of camp life interspersed with intense, wild battles well. I mostly appreciated that the author granted George Washington and Benjamin Franklin the dignity and status of hero they deserve.

[Rex Cluff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the detail that Mr. Carter puts into the unfolding of events during the war. The express purpose of the series is to reveal all of the little miracles that were evident in the outcome of the war and this volume is no different. Against terrible odds, the little details that made up the colonial victories are spelled out. This outcome was foretold in scripture and this set shows how the Lord works to bring about His purposes. British mistakes and American boldness and perseverance bring about unlikely victories. I can't put them down.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written! This book does a great jobs making the revolutionary war come alive! Great character development. I love the footnotes at the end that mentions what part of the chapter was factual. This was a great read!

The only thing I didn't like is that there lots of open ends with the fictional characters. But I plan to read the whole series, so I don't mind too much. I just prefer books with a solid ending. I feel like this book did a good job of ending the story in a good location.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seemed to me that this volume was filled with more war details, less character stories. It was a teensy tiny bit less 'attention-holding' to me for that reason. However, it was still good to continue on with the story and I did find a couple of places where I added bookmarks because the story or the quote were that good. I will continue reading the series as I'm still very much looking forward to the unfolding of it all.

[Leslie Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The American army finally make a comeback in the war when all seems to be lost. There are many deserting, and time is almost up for many of the continental army. General Washington offers them money to stay and then gives an inspiring speech about how they have a chance to make a lifetime difference. They can make history in helping their land be free. After they ambush the British, they finally are able to get there hands on more food, the seasons have changed and it’s finally getting warm.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I’m starting to enjoy the Revolutionary War background more & more. The crossing of the Delaware, as well as Washington’s insistence on following the guidance of a higher power (God) are some of my favorite parts of this novel. He gave some stirring speeches to his men...yet remained rather humble.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series so much and so very appreciative of the men and women who gallantly rose to the cause of establishing the United States and their spiritual experiences and acknowledging the hand of the Lord in establishing America. So very grateful for them.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

good stuff.

[Nichole Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of military information. Has been my least favorite and hardest to get through..

[Carolyn Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fictional family during the Revolutionary War.

[Irene Anderson]

learned a lot about the revolutionary war

[Kaye Sivori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous Saga of our Nation.

[Hilaree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe more than #2

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

The descriptions are vivid and historical presentation informative. But the book is overly verbose. The author’s inclusion of certain fictional scenes with historical figures is highly questionable.

[Freyja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Again it took me longer then normal to read. My reading time is being cut tremendously right now so I read it at every chance I could. Some of the details that were put in were a bit tedious. there were a couple time when it went hour by hour on some day. They woke up, they ate something for breakfast, they got dressed. Really I could figure that out. But when it was in direct coralation to the battles it was very interesting. In the last book the details about the the guns and cannons was a bit tedious for me but having that history actually made this book easier. I could actually see what the athur was talking about this time. And since I am a hugely visual person when it comes to reading this helped me a lot. I love history and This story is helping to gain a better understanding of the Revolutionary war. I have been going over this same war with my son on school and these books help me explain to him better but they have also helped me see how much of those eight years is just glossed over if they are mentioned at all with our childrens history. It's Crazy.
I look forward to reading Book number 4 in this series.
I would absolutely recomend this book or the first 2 as well.

[DannyD1 Durney · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Decide Our Destiny by Ron Carter is a historical-fiction book about the Revolutionary War. America is losing the war after being hounded across the northern part of the colony's. Billy Weems and Eli Stroud, two soldiers in the Continental Army are helping to scout the area around Trenton and Princeton for General Washington, who is evolving a plan to take Trenton and Princeton, a large gamble but worth it if it works. This book was very good. It was interesting and engaging because it was very detailed and was accurate about the battle's. I really liked the way it portrayed the Continental Army, and what it would've been like to be in it. It showed all the hard things that those soldiers did for America, and always made me want more. At times it was a little on the slow side, and when it was in-between the larger events, it tended to ramble a little bit. I really liked the overall theme of how good things are hard to get, but are always worth the price. This book was very good.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing. I did not know the details of the battle of Trenton. I give my unending gratitude to those who stood and fought, against all odds, to triumph and eventually secure freedom and liberty. It seems fitting, the title, for in this short time frame a ragtag, beat, starving, exhausted military group was buoyed up, and lifted beyond themselves. There is no doubt they had divine strength, from General Washington down to each individual soldier. They knew they stood no chance against a huge trained army of 8,000, yet they felt inspired to go on to battle for Trenton. While they did, many things happened in their favor, too many to just be a coincidence, no this was led by God. Yes, our destiny was decided, in this one month hopes were lifted, faith in the cause was restored, miracles were witnessed and strength was gained to continue the fight.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the frigid winter marking the end of 1776 and the beginning of 1777, the Continental army is faced with the overwhelming truth that they are losing the Revolution. The British have plummeled them with a series of bloodly battles that have ripped the Americans to tattered shreds and have driven them to a retreat so vast that it crosses two colony lines. The American camp, now crouching on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River, is helpless as the British move more than three thousand Hessian solders into position. Only the black water of the Delaware River prevent the total ruin. Only a desperate plan promises a chance of success.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book was so much more interesting to me than the last! It was very interesting and exciting to read about some of the biggest events of the American Revolutionary War, since I know practically nothing about it. This book was pretty detailed and true to history about the battles at Trenton and Princeton, so I like that I got true history, even though it's a historical fiction which is often more fiction than history. I am very excited to continue reading this series and find out how everything plays out (eventhough obviously I know the ending :P).

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying the fictional part of the story and I get all wrapped up in that. But then the author goes into the details and I struggle to keep going. I love learning the historical significance of things that I was not aware of, but do we have to know how many steps he took to get behind the rock? Or how many trees there were by the road? The history is interesting but some of the details are so repetitive and tedious. This entire series could have been written in 4 books and not lost anything.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third volume in the Prelude to Glory series deals with the situation of the Continental Army following the British defeats of the Patriots in New York City. A lot of great information about the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. The book is full of information about the Revolutionary War that I have never heard before. I realized how much more that I know about the Civil War than the actual Revolutionary War.

The book is a bit dry because it is almost more history than fiction. Just a lot of detailed information that many not be expecting in a historical novel.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this whole series because it allowed me to learn much more about our countries beginnings than I ever learned in school--but I enjoyed it this time. A fictional family and their friends make the journey through the revolutionary war and on into the establishment of the United States government and the rough economic times that followed the war. Book 9 jumps ahead in time to the war of 1812.

[Kathi Salter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 9 book historical fiction series about the Revolutionary War. It is written very well. His writing style is very similar to Gerald Lund's writing style. It gave me even greater respect for our Founding Fathers and all the brave men and women that helped to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. Don't forget to read the footnotes for interesting information.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book I didn't like. I read it half way and then stopped because although the plot is good and the characters and their relationships are good it is bogged down with detail and even though you might try you can't just skip it. So yeah it jsut had too much detail.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Third book in the Prelude to Glory series. I had a hard time staying focused with this book. The book is really overwritten with details and I had a hard time getting through to the important information. Is it possible to have too much detail?? (the answer to that is YES!)

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun series with a great mix of well researhed history of the US Revolutionary War (with footnotes) and fictional personal items to bring the story to life. The fictional characters are well placed to bring the story out.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately I have to say this book can be a little redundant, but I still love it. I just absolutely love learning about history while still reading about true love, action etc. Despite the redundancies I still want to read the whole series.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting through this book. I miss the characters of the first book with the tragic loves stories. Hopefully he will get back to those...I guess I should focus on the historical info instead =).

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. This one is the best so far. The detail and amount of informaiton on how the continental army survived the winter of 76-77 is amazing. I still love the fictional characters in the story as well. Love it!