Storms Gather

A Nation Divided #1

by Robert Marcum

Randolf and Elizabeth Hudson were barely into their teens when they left the persecuted city of Nauvoo with their mother, Mary, and relocated to booming St. Louis. Mary had lost faith in the restored gospel after the deaths of her dear husband and the Prophet Joseph Smith. For the rest of her life, bitterness prevented Mary from ever again speaking of the Church. But now, thirteen years later, civil war looms on the horizon. And as Rand stands by his mother's freshly dug grave, he ponders what the faith he knew as a child might mean for himself and his sister in an increasingly troubled world.

Both independent thinkers, their opposition to slavery places the at odds with friends and family alike, and mounting political tension threatens to tear apart their most cherished relationships. As Rand fights to keep the family's steamship business from a hypocritical uncle who has sold out to treacherous slaveholders and secessionists, Elizabeth struggles to end an ill-suited entanglement that could cripple her freedom. Now both must stand with courage as bonds are tested and old wounds re-opened in the midst one of the darkest periods in history, a time when a great nation divides against itself.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Lds Fiction, Historical

528 pages, Hardcover

Reviews

[Danni]

Good book

[Larry]

WOW,this was a great book. I didn't want to stop reading it. It is a wonderful novel written about the time just before the beginning of the Civil War in the United States. It deals with the issue of slavery and the division of the country in their attitudes toward slavery--for and against. It is written in the backdrop of St. Louis, Missouri which was on the edge--whether to go with the Southern States in the Confederate States of America, stay with the Union or become Neutral. Great story lines. Written with an LDS perspective. Can't wait for the second book in this series with in now out and I have a hold for a copy. Great Read!!!

[Megan]

If I stay up late reading a book it gets four or more stars...hence the 3 stars. Instead of a day and a half, this book has taken me a couple weeks to read. It is a good book, I like getting deeper into the civil war in a fictionalized way because it helps me relate better. There is a lot of interesting info but it gets a bit dry to read, though very important. The human side of the story is enjoyable (four stars) & of course I love the LDS aspect of the story, handled in a very balanced fashion. Really like all the characters I'm supposed to like...will Lizzy & Newton end up together????

[Marilyn]

I enjoy most books that involve Civil War history. The author has added Mormonism to the story. It caused me to ponder what life might have been like for Mormons still back east at that time. The only part I struggled with was all the political background brought into the story. I know it was very important to the times, I wanted more character story.

[Jackie]

Very good beginning to a new series about the Civil War. This book is pre- civil war and aquaints the reader with the characters and the timeline involved coming up to the election of Lincoln and war looming.

[Melissa]

Well researched and well written, this is a great book.

[Cheri]

I would give it 3.5 stars. A great start to a new series.

[Peggy]

It's a typical LDS serial book but I enjoyed it because it's more about the Civil War than about the pioneers.

[Jeri]

Really enjoyed this book and the story. Historical fiction about slavery and events leading to the civil war.

[Maile]

Looking forward to reading more.

[Peggy]

It was a bit slow and confusing to begin with but picks up. Easy to read with shorter chapters.

[Wendy]

I thoroughly enjoy historical fiction and this book did not let me down. I only hope the next one in the series becomes available for my kindle.

[Tiffany]

I enjoyed this book!! Couldn't put it down. Love historical fiction and always learn so much from the characters.

[Cindy]

I enjoy Robert Marcum. I love the little tidbits of history I learn in between what I already knew.

[Nikki]

I loved the historical fiction, the romance. The details of the Civil War, as far was war-plans, etc. were a little difficult for me to follow.

[Jennie]

This is an exciting new series.

[Albert]

A well written story, and captivating.

[Lisa]

A great pre-civil war historical fiction novel!