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The Work and the Glory #9
All is Well
All Is Well, the powerful and moving ninth volume of the series The Work and the Glory, brings to a close the Restoration-era portion of this epic story. It follows the fictional Steed family from June 1846 to October 1847 as they participate in some of the most pivotal and dramatically charged events in Church history, including the migration of the Saints from the banks of the Missouri River to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.
As this volume opens, the Steeds have been scattered — and the family is only split up further as the story unfolds. Will and Alice's voyage aboard the Brooklyn nears its end as the ship approaches the California shore. Peter and Kathryn continue their journey westward in the Donner-Reed party. In Nauvoo, Melissa and Carl find their situation growing increasingly dangerous and their marriage more and more strained. Other Steed family members are temporarily encamped at the Missouri River, where the Saints will set up winter quarters. When the United States government, at war with Mexico, calls for five hundred Mormon volunteers to form a battalion, some of the Steeds march with that battalion in its history-making trek across the continents. Meanwhile, other family members become part of the pioneer companies that, at last, establish in the West a place of refuge for the Saints.
As with the previous books in the series, this volume is populated with a host of interesting characters, both fictional and historical. And even though throughout most of the story the Steeds are separated from one another, hope remains that somehow all of them will be reunited, and with the rest of the Saints they will make the chorus swell: “All is well! All is well!”
746 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 1998
51 people are currently reading
1541 people want to read
About the author
Gerald N. Lund
87 books746 followersGerald 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
April 17, 2014
I was told this was the most boring one of the series. I found this final volume be as good as many other volumes int he series and a fitting end to it. I still wanted more when it was over. Despite being raised in and being an active member for the majority of my life, i came to find out there was so much that i didn't know or didn't have correct in my understanding. I recommend this series to any church member or person wanting to know more about what the LDS faith is about. Fantastic series.
September 25, 2018
Reread September 2018: Sigh. I’ve come to the end. Again. I love the Steed family. I want to grow up and be like them. Strong. Brave. True.
——
Reread October 2016
_____
After 3rd reading: Well I finished with this great series again. I love them! You can't read these books and come away feeling sorry for yourself!
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Reread October 2016
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After 3rd reading: Well I finished with this great series again. I love them! You can't read these books and come away feeling sorry for yourself!
July 2, 2024
What a beautiful way to wrap up an incredible series. I loved how the author placed the different fictional characters from the Steed family in different historical situations of people traveling west. Ingenious!
February 9, 2022
I started this series in July 2021 and now February 2022 today I finished! So amazing! Love the Steed family and watching them grow up! 🥰
April 17, 2015
Not my favorite of the series, but still an epic tale. This story has Steeds all over the place as they make their way to the Great Salt Lake valley. I felt like there were too many things going on, so we didn't get to spend enough time with anyone. Although the events of the Donner-Reed tragedy were fascinating, I think eliminating them from the story might have tightened things up a bit. The writing is still over the top much of the time, but I still LOVE this story, and I love this Steed family. It has been a pleasure to revisit this series almost 15 years after reading it for the first time. Hurrah for Israel!!
July 25, 2017
This was a good ending to the series. Though this book didn't keep my attention as well as the other books, it had a great resolution and I learned a lot about the trek west.
I read these books as a way to review some church history, and I ended up learning a ton that I didn't know. These give a way to understand some of the context to the stories we grew up hearing, and helps to connect events to the timeline. It is helpful to understand how difficult things were for the early Saints because it shows their commitment to the gospel. There are some incredible stories in these books and I'm actually really glad I read them all.
I read these books as a way to review some church history, and I ended up learning a ton that I didn't know. These give a way to understand some of the context to the stories we grew up hearing, and helps to connect events to the timeline. It is helpful to understand how difficult things were for the early Saints because it shows their commitment to the gospel. There are some incredible stories in these books and I'm actually really glad I read them all.
March 21, 2019
History of the church and the early believers. The trail and errors they experience is phenominal!
August 21, 2020
I got confused sometimes because it seemed like there were so many new and random characters brought into this book. Reading this made me think more about just how long it was for the pioneers to trek across the country. I also was reminded how similar the pioneers are to those in the scriptures. Like Nephi’s family trekking to the promised land. They had faith that God would provide and would deliver them. This last book was actually the hardest for me to get into but it added a nice touch.
October 27, 2020
Well, I finally made it through the last book in the nine-volume series. The fact that I questioned whether I had read this particular book previously should indicate how memorable it was on the first go round. That said, my biggest sticking point was not remembering the particulars of the Donner party; I did recall the presence of the Saints at Sutters Mill just before the gold rush.
Once again, Lund produced a historical novel that entertained the reader even as it enlightened them. Unlike previous versions, this novel has very little in the way of preaching the gospel, in part because there just isn't room!
The biggest failing of the novel is the complexity of keeping up with the various groups. The Steed clan has grown up, with Matthew, six in the first book, a father of his own elementary aged child. Maryanne is a great-grandmother. And the family includes two couples in which neither are biologically related to the family. Lund took advantage of the enormous growth (or perhaps planned it) so that many of the groups of Saints could have their stories told. Brigham Young's advanced party, as well as the main body of the Saints, was a given. Also accounted for are the members of the Mormon Battalion who completed their time, soldiers who were sick (and thus meet up with the group coming from Mississippi), the Saints who sailed around South America to California, any Saints left behind in Nauvoo while the body settled at Winter's Quarters, and of course the fateful Donner party, who were not LDS (though they did have a member traveling with them) but influenced the Saints.
Whew. I think that's it.
The result, unfortunately, is that it becomes difficult to keep up with who is where, especially when several groups are essentially doing the same thing - traveling along a trail with oxen. I had to constantly struggle with which Steeds we're together and which were separated.
I don't know, however, that I would advise doing things any differently. Lund puts his readers at the heart of the action, so that they care about the results. Knowing Peter and Kathryn traveled with the Donners was nail biting, to be honest. You knew that group wasn't going to end well. At the same time, the stories of reuniting were touching. And it was terrific to hear the oft-told stories of Brigham Young - Ensign Peak and 'this is the right place' - from the perspective of those who were present. The Steeds may have been fictional, but Lund drew from the many journals in his accounts, with sufficient end notes to clarify fact from fiction.
Overall, I would read the novel - and the series - again, despite the rather unwieldy closure. Informative, enjoyable, and uplifting - what more can you want?
Once again, Lund produced a historical novel that entertained the reader even as it enlightened them. Unlike previous versions, this novel has very little in the way of preaching the gospel, in part because there just isn't room!
The biggest failing of the novel is the complexity of keeping up with the various groups. The Steed clan has grown up, with Matthew, six in the first book, a father of his own elementary aged child. Maryanne is a great-grandmother. And the family includes two couples in which neither are biologically related to the family. Lund took advantage of the enormous growth (or perhaps planned it) so that many of the groups of Saints could have their stories told. Brigham Young's advanced party, as well as the main body of the Saints, was a given. Also accounted for are the members of the Mormon Battalion who completed their time, soldiers who were sick (and thus meet up with the group coming from Mississippi), the Saints who sailed around South America to California, any Saints left behind in Nauvoo while the body settled at Winter's Quarters, and of course the fateful Donner party, who were not LDS (though they did have a member traveling with them) but influenced the Saints.
Whew. I think that's it.
The result, unfortunately, is that it becomes difficult to keep up with who is where, especially when several groups are essentially doing the same thing - traveling along a trail with oxen. I had to constantly struggle with which Steeds we're together and which were separated.
I don't know, however, that I would advise doing things any differently. Lund puts his readers at the heart of the action, so that they care about the results. Knowing Peter and Kathryn traveled with the Donners was nail biting, to be honest. You knew that group wasn't going to end well. At the same time, the stories of reuniting were touching. And it was terrific to hear the oft-told stories of Brigham Young - Ensign Peak and 'this is the right place' - from the perspective of those who were present. The Steeds may have been fictional, but Lund drew from the many journals in his accounts, with sufficient end notes to clarify fact from fiction.
Overall, I would read the novel - and the series - again, despite the rather unwieldy closure. Informative, enjoyable, and uplifting - what more can you want?
June 4, 2016
This was a very long book! I didn't finish it when it was first published. I think the reason I finished it now is because I was already caught up in the story; and given my pending trip to Winter Quarters, I am eager for the history.
This is a great history book, and parts of it actually read more like a history book than the other books. The scope was huge, which severely limited character development. The book includes, in fairly great detail, nearly all the major westward movements related to the Mormon Pioneers:
* Donner-Reed Party (which was handled with class and dignity)
* Brigham Young Vanguard party
* The first of the other pioneer wagon trains to enter the valley
* Samuel Brannan and The Brooklyn's ride around Cape Horn
* The Mormon Battalion
* The Mormon Battalion's sick detachments
* The Mississippi Saints (I didn't even know there was such a group)
Whew! With that much included, it's no wonder the characters took a backseat. But, I learned a ton of information that I didn't know before. I'm really glad I read the book because of the history, but it's not one that stands out as a fantastic novel.
This is a great history book, and parts of it actually read more like a history book than the other books. The scope was huge, which severely limited character development. The book includes, in fairly great detail, nearly all the major westward movements related to the Mormon Pioneers:
* Donner-Reed Party (which was handled with class and dignity)
* Brigham Young Vanguard party
* The first of the other pioneer wagon trains to enter the valley
* Samuel Brannan and The Brooklyn's ride around Cape Horn
* The Mormon Battalion
* The Mormon Battalion's sick detachments
* The Mississippi Saints (I didn't even know there was such a group)
Whew! With that much included, it's no wonder the characters took a backseat. But, I learned a ton of information that I didn't know before. I'm really glad I read the book because of the history, but it's not one that stands out as a fantastic novel.
September 27, 2013
I loved how the was written in such a way that you could hardly tell you were reading historical accounts. THe clever writing and the way the story is told through a fictional family makes it seem more realistic, and more like a novel than a historical book. This made the story exciting and emotional, instead of just a boring 700 page book of facts. I also liked how the author included notes and sources for his information at the end of every chapter, along with summeries of the events you just read about. That way, if you are curious about anything you just read, you could search his sources and learn more in depth.
October 16, 2013
Can you say BEST BOOK EVER? My life is over now that it is.
I think I'm going to cry. I did cry, when it ended. It was so beautifully written, and beautifully wrapped up, and I've been with these characters for THOUSANDS of pages! Saying goodbye to them was so hard. The historic aspect of this novel, as always, was phenomenally written.
I'm 16, and I am head-over-heels in love with this book.
I think I'm going to cry. I did cry, when it ended. It was so beautifully written, and beautifully wrapped up, and I've been with these characters for THOUSANDS of pages! Saying goodbye to them was so hard. The historic aspect of this novel, as always, was phenomenally written.
I'm 16, and I am head-over-heels in love with this book.
July 14, 2011
The five star rating on this series is based on the historical content and the research the author did to portray events. His writing wasn't my favorite. Poor character development for one..they all had the same personalities eventually. But I enjoyed reading the history between the lines. Loved the scriptures referenced. The story brought the restoration of the church to life in my mind.
March 27, 2021
Having read now all nine volumes straight through, I can say it has been a faith strengthening adventure. My appreciation for the pioneers and early members of the church has grown. I have a new feeling for my own pioneer ancestors, and those who came from Nauvoo. I now have more research to do to better understand their circumstances but this series has really inspired me.
March 26, 2014
This book was amazing! It had sad parts, spiritual parts, and happy parts that i laughed out loud at. I would HIGHLY suggest it.
May 18, 2017
This is the last book in the series. I have truly loved them. You learn to love the characters. I will miss them.
January 6, 2025
I kinda wish Bro. Lund had spent some time on the winter of 1846-47, but otherwise this book lives well up to its name, showing how the Saints of the day did their best to bring all to be well.
August 31, 2023
This final chapter of the Work and The Glory Series is a powerful reunion. The Steed clan continues splitting up as the Pioneer company is brought by many paths to the Great Basin. Lund uses the family to show 3 principal differing paths to Utah. The Battalion, the wagon trains, and the Brooklyn. He also contrasts the Donner party and covers the Mississippi Saints in Pueblo, CO. I thought this might just be a travelogue of the Vanguard wagon company, but by covering all of this interesting history he packs the book with interesting facts and makes it worth reading, but very long.
First the battalion. Josh, and Derek with his family follow the Mormon Battalion. The long march of the battalion and the "Battle of the Bulls" in Arizona where they are attacked by wild cattle. Josh goes all the way on to San Diego and faces the political tug-of-war before eventually making his way north, reuniting with Will and Alice at Sutter's Fort who had come over on the Brooklyn. Derek got sick so he went north with the Battalion sick company that wintered with the Mississippi Saints in Pueblo then met Brigham on the trail to Utah. Understanding the diversity of Battalion experience, how impressive their march was, and the financial blessing it was to the church (even if it pulled resources from the wagon train and may have prevented a 1846 vanguard company), was enlightening.
The wagon train was anti-climactic in some ways. They took the extra time to be prepared and by the time spring of 1847 came the Vanguard company went quickly, the main drama being mountain men like Jim Bridger pushing the saints to go elsewhere and Brigham Young's sickness entering the Valley. The "Big company" made a mostly uneventful trip on a well marked trail a few weeks behind.
The Brooklyn was already in California so the biggest drama was Sam Brannon's maneuvering to bring the saints there. He rode to meet Brigham in Wyoming, but Brigham insisted on his vision of SLC and the idea the Saints needed space from the Gentiles. The faithful saints like Will and Alice left Brannon behind and went to Utah in 1847.
The other parallel Peter with the Donner Party. He dodge the tragedy because James Reed was banished from the company for murder so Peter went ahead with him and just barely made the pass. I think part of the message is how substantial the miracle of the uneventful pioneer crossing of the saints was in comparison. The real pioneer suffering was in Iowa when the saints were driven out unprepared and in the winter of 1846. Their grit and preparation made the crossing in 47 more of a victory march. The book ends with the whole family reunited in Salt Lake. As a beneficiary of the hard work and integrity of the pioneers I love this book. I love the Steed family for the fly on the wall aspect they provide of the miracles of the founding of the church. This book felt a little long, but by this point I was used to tracking so many storylines. I think Lund ended the series at the write spot and I'm grateful for this series. Must read material for the average LDS.
First the battalion. Josh, and Derek with his family follow the Mormon Battalion. The long march of the battalion and the "Battle of the Bulls" in Arizona where they are attacked by wild cattle. Josh goes all the way on to San Diego and faces the political tug-of-war before eventually making his way north, reuniting with Will and Alice at Sutter's Fort who had come over on the Brooklyn. Derek got sick so he went north with the Battalion sick company that wintered with the Mississippi Saints in Pueblo then met Brigham on the trail to Utah. Understanding the diversity of Battalion experience, how impressive their march was, and the financial blessing it was to the church (even if it pulled resources from the wagon train and may have prevented a 1846 vanguard company), was enlightening.
The wagon train was anti-climactic in some ways. They took the extra time to be prepared and by the time spring of 1847 came the Vanguard company went quickly, the main drama being mountain men like Jim Bridger pushing the saints to go elsewhere and Brigham Young's sickness entering the Valley. The "Big company" made a mostly uneventful trip on a well marked trail a few weeks behind.
The Brooklyn was already in California so the biggest drama was Sam Brannon's maneuvering to bring the saints there. He rode to meet Brigham in Wyoming, but Brigham insisted on his vision of SLC and the idea the Saints needed space from the Gentiles. The faithful saints like Will and Alice left Brannon behind and went to Utah in 1847.
The other parallel Peter with the Donner Party. He dodge the tragedy because James Reed was banished from the company for murder so Peter went ahead with him and just barely made the pass. I think part of the message is how substantial the miracle of the uneventful pioneer crossing of the saints was in comparison. The real pioneer suffering was in Iowa when the saints were driven out unprepared and in the winter of 1846. Their grit and preparation made the crossing in 47 more of a victory march. The book ends with the whole family reunited in Salt Lake. As a beneficiary of the hard work and integrity of the pioneers I love this book. I love the Steed family for the fly on the wall aspect they provide of the miracles of the founding of the church. This book felt a little long, but by this point I was used to tracking so many storylines. I think Lund ended the series at the write spot and I'm grateful for this series. Must read material for the average LDS.
April 21, 2019
It feels good to finally be done with the series! This book was quite long due to the many perspectives. The most interesting story lines were the Donner-Reed Party and the last Saints to leave Nauvoo. Both, of course, were very sad, but I learned a lot about important historical events. I had no idea there were still armed conflicts in Nauvoo even after Brigham Young and the main group of pioneers left. And because Gerald Lund chose to focus on the Reeds rather than the Donners, we only heard about the tragic winter at Donner pass through the rescuers.
There were plenty of times where the overlapping story were hard to follow. Some, like the Brooklyn Saints arriving in California, finished relatively early in the book. Some, like the main pioneers in Winter Quarters, had a lot of long pauses where nothing was happening. I felt like the Mormon Battalion was a great way to tie everything together, including the ending.
Overall, I am happy with how much I learned about Church History and American History through these books. Though the characters are fictional, I know their experiences were real. Sitting here in Utah, living a relatively easy life, I can't help but be grateful for all the sacrifices they made. I also can't avoid the conclusion that the only reason they did it was because of their strong faith. I'm glad the books didn't end with Joseph Smith, as easy as it would have been. This movement is much bigger than him or Brigham Young. It is made of millions of Steed families, who each take their own path as they go from learning about the Gospel to dedicating their lives to it.
To sum everything up, I want to give my ranking of how much I enjoyed each of the books in this series, with the order of books written in parentheses:
1. Praise to the Man (#6)
2. Thy Gold to Refine (#4)
3. A Pillar of Light (#1)
4. No Unhallowed Hand (#7)
5. Like a Fire is Burning (#2)
6. All is Well (#9)
7. Truth Will Prevail (#3)
8. A Season of Joy (#5)
9. So Great a Cause (#8)
There were plenty of times where the overlapping story were hard to follow. Some, like the Brooklyn Saints arriving in California, finished relatively early in the book. Some, like the main pioneers in Winter Quarters, had a lot of long pauses where nothing was happening. I felt like the Mormon Battalion was a great way to tie everything together, including the ending.
Overall, I am happy with how much I learned about Church History and American History through these books. Though the characters are fictional, I know their experiences were real. Sitting here in Utah, living a relatively easy life, I can't help but be grateful for all the sacrifices they made. I also can't avoid the conclusion that the only reason they did it was because of their strong faith. I'm glad the books didn't end with Joseph Smith, as easy as it would have been. This movement is much bigger than him or Brigham Young. It is made of millions of Steed families, who each take their own path as they go from learning about the Gospel to dedicating their lives to it.
To sum everything up, I want to give my ranking of how much I enjoyed each of the books in this series, with the order of books written in parentheses:
1. Praise to the Man (#6)
2. Thy Gold to Refine (#4)
3. A Pillar of Light (#1)
4. No Unhallowed Hand (#7)
5. Like a Fire is Burning (#2)
6. All is Well (#9)
7. Truth Will Prevail (#3)
8. A Season of Joy (#5)
9. So Great a Cause (#8)
April 11, 2018
I agree with other reviews that this book had almost too much going on. There were members from the Steed family all over the place and that kind of became confusing. It was nice to read the history about all the different ways that the Saints traveled before getting to the Salt Lake Valley though. I was also a little disappointed that so much history was covered about their journey to Winter Quarters but then after that it seemed like the author was just trying to sum up the rest and finish the book. I wish there would have been a little more history portrayed after they left Winter Quarters. One of my favorite stories from this book was of the miracle of the quail. This story reminded me that Heavenly Father is mindful of his children. There was a lot in this book that I had never heard about as far as dealing with the history and that story was one of those.
As for the series as a whole; I absolutely loved it. I started reading these books just to say that I had finally read them. I did not expect to enjoy them so much though! I learned SO much about LDS church history that I never knew. I also loved that this was portrayed as historical fiction. I really felt that the addition of the fictional Steed family helped the story flow and be more entertaining. I loved seeing these characters develop as well. As I read these books I experienced all types of emotions; tears as members struggled, fear as mobs oppressed, anger as people fell away, and joy as families were reunited. I realize there are flaws in this series but I fully recommend it especially to those who have never read the Work and the Glory. It truly gave me a greater appreciation of the LDS church.
As for the series as a whole; I absolutely loved it. I started reading these books just to say that I had finally read them. I did not expect to enjoy them so much though! I learned SO much about LDS church history that I never knew. I also loved that this was portrayed as historical fiction. I really felt that the addition of the fictional Steed family helped the story flow and be more entertaining. I loved seeing these characters develop as well. As I read these books I experienced all types of emotions; tears as members struggled, fear as mobs oppressed, anger as people fell away, and joy as families were reunited. I realize there are flaws in this series but I fully recommend it especially to those who have never read the Work and the Glory. It truly gave me a greater appreciation of the LDS church.
August 27, 2020
Thanks to both the virus and the smoke-filled skies from lightning fires, prohibiting work outside, I finished 700+ pages of ‘All Is Well’, #9 of the Work and Glory series by Gerald Lund in only a few days.
So nice to finally have the Saints arrive in the Salt Lake Valley! It was fascinating to read how important “outside” factors like the Donner-Reed trek, the Mormon Battalion, Sam Brannon and the Brooklyn were to the Mormon’s trek west to the Rockies. There were times I got a bit bored reading extended details, but overall, I have a better understanding of the inter-connection of them all and why they played off each other in our history.
Some of those key places in California are just outside my door: Sutter’s Mill, Truckee, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, the Sierra Mountains, Johnson’s Ranch, the Bear River, etc. I could get in my car and drive to any of those places in minutes. I have done so many times and now have an even greater appreciation for their part in my Mormon pioneer history.
I loved reading about Brigham Young, as sick as he was, laying in the back of a wagon, confirming that “This is the right Place. Drive on.” What a great moment in history; one of my favorite parts in this volume!
An excellent series and a touching tribute to the determination, bravery, fortitude, and above all, incredible faith of the pioneers! My thanks for incredible research and notes that were documented at the end of each chapter. I read them all!
So nice to finally have the Saints arrive in the Salt Lake Valley! It was fascinating to read how important “outside” factors like the Donner-Reed trek, the Mormon Battalion, Sam Brannon and the Brooklyn were to the Mormon’s trek west to the Rockies. There were times I got a bit bored reading extended details, but overall, I have a better understanding of the inter-connection of them all and why they played off each other in our history.
Some of those key places in California are just outside my door: Sutter’s Mill, Truckee, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, the Sierra Mountains, Johnson’s Ranch, the Bear River, etc. I could get in my car and drive to any of those places in minutes. I have done so many times and now have an even greater appreciation for their part in my Mormon pioneer history.
I loved reading about Brigham Young, as sick as he was, laying in the back of a wagon, confirming that “This is the right Place. Drive on.” What a great moment in history; one of my favorite parts in this volume!
An excellent series and a touching tribute to the determination, bravery, fortitude, and above all, incredible faith of the pioneers! My thanks for incredible research and notes that were documented at the end of each chapter. I read them all!
October 31, 2014
The United States of America is the country founded by seekers of freedom from oppressive governments. But did you know the Mormon Church, born on April 6th, 1830 in New York State, was forced with violence from New York, to Ohio, to Missouri, to Illinois, and ultimately west across the plains and over the Rocky Mountains—because of their beliefs? The governor of Missouri actually issued an official declaration that all Mormons were to be driven from the state or exterminated. It has always been ironic to me that the first Mormons actually had to leave the United States—the country founded on freedom—and travel 1300 miles before they were able find a place where they could peacefully worship.
This is the story found in the 9 volume series The Work and the Glory, by Gerald Lund.
5600 pages—exactly—in 32 days. That's what it took for me to read all 9 volumes of The Work and the Glory. Along the way I kept promising a grand review of the entire series once I finished book 9. Now that I've closed the cover on the last page of the last book, I feel a bit lost for words. I want to share what I learned, how I felt, what I liked, what annoyed me, what brought on the happy tears, and what caused the sad tears. I'm quite certain no one wants to read a review as long as the series itself, but I'm afraid that's what it's going to take.
So how do I do this? What do I say? How do I squeeze all these thoughts and feelings into a book review? I dunno. Let’s find out. . . .
The Work and the Glory is historical fiction. The historical part is thorough, accurate, well researched, and well documented. The books chronicle the incredible, inspiring, often tragic, always miraculous, and (to us Mormons) deeply meaningful first 20 years of existence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Book one begins in 1827, just before Joseph Smith is to retrieve the Golden Plates that will become The Book of Mormon. Book nine ends in 1847, a few months after Brigham Young leads 12,000 Mormon Pioneers from Nauvoo, IL to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.
The fiction part is engaging, well written, and breathes life into the historical events. Through the eyes of the fictional-but-representative-of-the-time Steed Family, we become first hand witnesses to all of the major events surrounding the Restoration (as it’s known within the Church). The Steeds meet Joseph Smith shortly after moving to Palmyra, New York in 1927, and soon they find themselves involved with all the peoples, places, and events those familiar with the history of the LDS Church will quickly recognize. Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdry, the Whitmer’s, Brigham Young, Parly P. Pratt, Herber C. Kimball, Emma Smith, Hyrum Smith. April 6th, 1830, the Grandin Press, the Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, the Kirtland Temple, Haun’s Mill, Liberty Jail, the Nauvoo Temple, Carthage Jail. Mission calls, the law of consecration, plural marriage, the Kirtland Safety Society, extermination order, martyrdom, the trek West, the Donnor Party, the Mormon Battalion. Palmyra, Kirtland, Independence, Far West, Nauvoo, Carthage, Winter Quarters, the Salt Lake Valley. Conversion, apostasy, persecution, miracles, revelations, visitations, resilience, tragedy, joy, and finally, peace and rest. The Steeds are part of it all.
For me, the best part of The Work and the Glory is the way becoming invested in the lives of the Steed Family makes history personal. Now, instead of just knowing the facts surrounding a historical event, I have an idea of what it was like to actually be a part of that event. What did it feel like to hear Joseph’s testimony straight from his own mouth? What was it like to be told to leave your lives in Palmyra and follow the Church to Kirtland? Can I really imagine the terror of the hateful mobs driving us from every place we worked to start a new life? How about the joy of being there when the Kirtland Temple was dedicated? Cutting stone for the Nauvoo Temple? What would I have thought on the great day of healing when Joseph rose from his sick bed of malaria and healed so many others who were sick? What was it like to ride in a wagon across Iowa and Wyoming? How did it feel to watch your children leave bloody footprints in the snow after being forced at gunpoint from Far West? What about when Joseph was killed? What did it feel like to witness Brigham Young suddenly look and sound like Joseph on that day in Nauvoo? And on and on. After all the trials, I feel like I caught a glimpse of their joy and relief to finally reach the Salt Lake Valley, where they would be out of reach of their enemies.
I’m a firm believer that the best books are the ones that make you feel, and there is a lot of feeling to be felt in reading The Work and the Glory.
As literature, the books are engaging and well written—but packed full of Mormon cheesiness. The cheesiness wasn’t too distracting for me, however, thanks to the strength of the characters. I really cared about the Steeds and I loved watching their family grow through both sorrow and joy over the course of 20 years.
It was also fun to read about my own pioneer ancestors as the Steeds even interacted with some of those that I am actually descended from.
Mostly, I feel proud of my heritage. The first members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had the faith and courage to do and endure impossible things. I feel steeled up more than ever before to carry on with the work they started and to live my life with as much faith and courage as I can find in myself. I want them to look down on me from heaven and be proud that I am carrying on their legacy.
See, now I’m caught up in Mormon cheesiness! But, what can I say? It’s how I feel after reading The Work and the Glory.
I recommend these books to everyone, especially lovers of American History and members or friends of the LDS Church. For non-Mormons especially, I think reading a detailed history of the LDS church such as this would go a long way in helping you understand better what makes us tick.
Happy Reading!
Dan
This is the story found in the 9 volume series The Work and the Glory, by Gerald Lund.
5600 pages—exactly—in 32 days. That's what it took for me to read all 9 volumes of The Work and the Glory. Along the way I kept promising a grand review of the entire series once I finished book 9. Now that I've closed the cover on the last page of the last book, I feel a bit lost for words. I want to share what I learned, how I felt, what I liked, what annoyed me, what brought on the happy tears, and what caused the sad tears. I'm quite certain no one wants to read a review as long as the series itself, but I'm afraid that's what it's going to take.
So how do I do this? What do I say? How do I squeeze all these thoughts and feelings into a book review? I dunno. Let’s find out. . . .
The Work and the Glory is historical fiction. The historical part is thorough, accurate, well researched, and well documented. The books chronicle the incredible, inspiring, often tragic, always miraculous, and (to us Mormons) deeply meaningful first 20 years of existence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Book one begins in 1827, just before Joseph Smith is to retrieve the Golden Plates that will become The Book of Mormon. Book nine ends in 1847, a few months after Brigham Young leads 12,000 Mormon Pioneers from Nauvoo, IL to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.
The fiction part is engaging, well written, and breathes life into the historical events. Through the eyes of the fictional-but-representative-of-the-time Steed Family, we become first hand witnesses to all of the major events surrounding the Restoration (as it’s known within the Church). The Steeds meet Joseph Smith shortly after moving to Palmyra, New York in 1927, and soon they find themselves involved with all the peoples, places, and events those familiar with the history of the LDS Church will quickly recognize. Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdry, the Whitmer’s, Brigham Young, Parly P. Pratt, Herber C. Kimball, Emma Smith, Hyrum Smith. April 6th, 1830, the Grandin Press, the Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, the Kirtland Temple, Haun’s Mill, Liberty Jail, the Nauvoo Temple, Carthage Jail. Mission calls, the law of consecration, plural marriage, the Kirtland Safety Society, extermination order, martyrdom, the trek West, the Donnor Party, the Mormon Battalion. Palmyra, Kirtland, Independence, Far West, Nauvoo, Carthage, Winter Quarters, the Salt Lake Valley. Conversion, apostasy, persecution, miracles, revelations, visitations, resilience, tragedy, joy, and finally, peace and rest. The Steeds are part of it all.
For me, the best part of The Work and the Glory is the way becoming invested in the lives of the Steed Family makes history personal. Now, instead of just knowing the facts surrounding a historical event, I have an idea of what it was like to actually be a part of that event. What did it feel like to hear Joseph’s testimony straight from his own mouth? What was it like to be told to leave your lives in Palmyra and follow the Church to Kirtland? Can I really imagine the terror of the hateful mobs driving us from every place we worked to start a new life? How about the joy of being there when the Kirtland Temple was dedicated? Cutting stone for the Nauvoo Temple? What would I have thought on the great day of healing when Joseph rose from his sick bed of malaria and healed so many others who were sick? What was it like to ride in a wagon across Iowa and Wyoming? How did it feel to watch your children leave bloody footprints in the snow after being forced at gunpoint from Far West? What about when Joseph was killed? What did it feel like to witness Brigham Young suddenly look and sound like Joseph on that day in Nauvoo? And on and on. After all the trials, I feel like I caught a glimpse of their joy and relief to finally reach the Salt Lake Valley, where they would be out of reach of their enemies.
I’m a firm believer that the best books are the ones that make you feel, and there is a lot of feeling to be felt in reading The Work and the Glory.
As literature, the books are engaging and well written—but packed full of Mormon cheesiness. The cheesiness wasn’t too distracting for me, however, thanks to the strength of the characters. I really cared about the Steeds and I loved watching their family grow through both sorrow and joy over the course of 20 years.
It was also fun to read about my own pioneer ancestors as the Steeds even interacted with some of those that I am actually descended from.
Mostly, I feel proud of my heritage. The first members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had the faith and courage to do and endure impossible things. I feel steeled up more than ever before to carry on with the work they started and to live my life with as much faith and courage as I can find in myself. I want them to look down on me from heaven and be proud that I am carrying on their legacy.
See, now I’m caught up in Mormon cheesiness! But, what can I say? It’s how I feel after reading The Work and the Glory.
I recommend these books to everyone, especially lovers of American History and members or friends of the LDS Church. For non-Mormons especially, I think reading a detailed history of the LDS church such as this would go a long way in helping you understand better what makes us tick.
Happy Reading!
Dan
January 2, 2023
The final book in the series was good. It didn’t feel like there was a lot that happened, but, like Lund mentioned in the Prefix, the actual trek across the plains was pretty monotonous for the pioneers.
As this is the final book, I wanted to leave an overall review for the series as a whole. I’ve learned a lot reading The Work and The Glory. It’s a good reminder of the faith and sacrifice exhibited by the pioneers. It puts things in perspective for me. Ironic, isn’t it? That a fictional story would help me focus more on the realest parts of life. I think I’m a better person for reading these books.
I don’t think I’ll ever reread the series, it’s just such a big investment (9 books, adding up to 5419 pages) and there are so many other good books to read. That said, I’d recommend it to anyone who thinks they’d be interested in a semi-cheesy historical fiction that outlines the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And who knows, maybe I’ll pick them up again when I’m retired and in my fifties or sixties.
I’m glad I read them. Overall, I’d give them 3.75 stars. For sure, they were worth my time.
As this is the final book, I wanted to leave an overall review for the series as a whole. I’ve learned a lot reading The Work and The Glory. It’s a good reminder of the faith and sacrifice exhibited by the pioneers. It puts things in perspective for me. Ironic, isn’t it? That a fictional story would help me focus more on the realest parts of life. I think I’m a better person for reading these books.
I don’t think I’ll ever reread the series, it’s just such a big investment (9 books, adding up to 5419 pages) and there are so many other good books to read. That said, I’d recommend it to anyone who thinks they’d be interested in a semi-cheesy historical fiction that outlines the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And who knows, maybe I’ll pick them up again when I’m retired and in my fifties or sixties.
I’m glad I read them. Overall, I’d give them 3.75 stars. For sure, they were worth my time.
November 1, 2022
I feel like the story line just plummeted as the series went on. The author was so focused on smashing all the history into the book that the fictional part fell flat. The fictional part needs to be good or else that destroys the good stuff in historical fiction. Otherwise I'll just go read a non-fiction text, thank you very much.
Also, I understand having the Mormon Battalion story in this book, along with the Brooklyn voyage, but WHY did he feel the need to spend so much history talking about the Donner Party? That didn't make sense to me. Acknowledge that they helped clear the trail for the coming Saints, and move along. This book could have been SO much shorter had he left all that out.
Glad this series is over and I can check that I read it, but I sure don't love this series enough to keep it.
Also, I understand having the Mormon Battalion story in this book, along with the Brooklyn voyage, but WHY did he feel the need to spend so much history talking about the Donner Party? That didn't make sense to me. Acknowledge that they helped clear the trail for the coming Saints, and move along. This book could have been SO much shorter had he left all that out.
Glad this series is over and I can check that I read it, but I sure don't love this series enough to keep it.
August 23, 2025
My plan was to read one book a month in order to finish this series within a year. It actually took me a year and 7 months, but I finally finished! This last book was mainly about crossing the plains, but it was still quite an interesting read. I fell in love with the Steed family and learned a lot of history of the church. Yes, this is fiction, but the research was extensive. Journal entries, dedicatory prayers from the Apostles, etc. were used to make it authentic. Only the Steed family was fictional. At the end of each chapter, notes were added to let the reader know what parts were made up. Most of the events were true. Loved it! Highly recommended.
August 16, 2017
Generally upbeat even with the Donner party, this was really just a very long epilogue to the rest of the series. This one is more history than story, since most of the conflict in the family was resolved by the end of book 8 and this book exists just to get everyone to Utah. I found my eyes glazing over as the enormous Steed clan drifted here and there, not really doing anything important. There's no character development, very little plot, and just a lot of movement. I'm glad I read this series, but I'm just as glad it's over.
February 23, 2021
I understand why he included the Donner Party, to tell the story of other groups on the trail in the same time period...but I feel that he could have told the story without it. That being said, he did a good job of telling the story without too much trauma...but it wasn't my favorite part. This is a great series. I will be grieving the end of this series for a while. The characters become so real. I shed tears for suffering of the saints and smile at their joys. It has made the experiences of the faithful so much more real.
January 12, 2022
This was a satisfying conclusion to the story. I've enjoyed much of the history that I learned while reading the series and definitely felt the spirit while doing so. Some of the things that I learned were tragic and others were beautiful. For any who haven't read this series don't expect it to be the most replete with historical details, there are plenty but there could be tons more for sure. What I think the series brings as a whole is a nice way for someone to really feel like they are living through the history as a part of a real person's life in the mix.
July 4, 2024
The final installment of The Work and the Glory did not disappoint. Loose ends were tied up in a fitting conclusion. I'm sure fans hoped for continuing volumes, but all good things must come to an end.
I am grateful for Lund's research and care in crafting this series. It gave me a greater appreciation for and understanding of the migration of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some of which were my own ancestors. I've also been spurred to learn more about those ancestors, their faith, their trials, and their grit.
I am grateful for Lund's research and care in crafting this series. It gave me a greater appreciation for and understanding of the migration of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some of which were my own ancestors. I've also been spurred to learn more about those ancestors, their faith, their trials, and their grit.
May 17, 2020
This one was a little long for me....but that might just he because I was finishing the whole series in just 3 weeks, and had been reading SO MUCH lately. I was anxious to finish. I once again loved the church history mixed in with fictional characters I’ve come to love. A beautiful series that will add to my gratitude and awe of my own pioneer ancestors who traverse through similar treacherous obstacles to settle in the West after being driven out of many other places.
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