Prelude to Glory, Vol. 5: A Cold, Bleak Hill

Prelude to Glory #5

by Ron Carter

The summer of 1777 proves to be a difficult and discouraging time for General George Washington and his poorly equipped and undisciplined Continental Army. Campaigning along the eastern seaboard, they are pitted against General William Howe and his superbly trained and better provisioned British forces. The inspired Americans make a good showing at the battles of Brandywine Creek and Germantown, but in the end they absorb two disappointing defeats. The atrocities suffered by the Americans in the "Paoli Massacre" and the political machinations of the ambitious American officers Horatio Gates and Thomas Conway set the stage for the darkest hour of the entire Revolution--the heartbreaking story of Valley Forge. Suffering from disease, hunkered down in crude huts and struggling to survive the bitter winter weather, the downtrodden American soldiers lack everything needed to sustain life, especially food. In a letter addressed to Congress, General Washington decries the government's failure to provide relief, describing his men as occupying "a cold, bleak hill," sleeping "under frost and snow without clothes or blankets." Into this deplorable setting comes the flamboyant Baron Friederich von Steuben. With Washington's blessing, the eccentric German officer instills a measure of military discipline and pride in the ragtag American army. Then, having survived the terrible winter and now better equipped and fed, the rejuvenated Americans march out of Valley Forge in June 1778, a new and inspired army. Continuing to follow the personal fortunes of the now familiar characters Billy Weems, Eli Stroud, Mary Flint, and Caleb Dunson, author Ron Carter extends his vivid portrayal of the hardships, disappointments, struggles, and triumphs that were part of the epic struggle to win freedom and liberty for America.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Lds, Lds Fiction, Religion, Novels

557 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2001

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

[Shaunasandberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am now 5 volumes into this 9 volume series and it has changed me. I have been woefully ignorant about the Revolutionary War and decided to read this series in preparation for 2026 and the 250th anniversary of this country. I am now in awe, and incredibly grateful, for the extremely high price that these early citizens,politicians, soldiers and officers, especially George Washington paid, in liberating and creating and defending this country. Carter masterfully weaves the historical record with fictional characters, representing the time period. This volume was agonizing to read, as it documents and details the depravations of Valley Forge, where 3000 soldiers were lost, to disease, starvation and the bitterly cold weather. It broke my heart and angered me at the same time--why didn't we take better care of these soldiers? Washington has always been a bit of a "cardboard" cutout to me--just knowing a few facts and stories about his life. But as David McCullough said, His [Washington's] picture, really should be back in every school room as it used to be. This isn't ancestor worship. This isn't old fashioned history. This is reality. This is truth. To be indifferent to people like Washington, to be uninterested in people like Washington, is really a form of ingratitude. We ought to be down on our knees every day thanking God we are a part of this country, and we ought to know about the people who made it possible, and thank them in effect by showing interest in them. In their world. In their time." I"m trying to do so and am so grateful for Ron Carter's series that gives me that chance. My esteem for Washington especially has gone up 1000%

[Leslie Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my favorite of the series so far. What I especially loved is the great contrast you see at the end. The Continental army hasn’t eaten in 2 days, then 8 days. There is no food, they look like sticks. Everything that could be wrong is. Then Von Steuben from France comes in to straighten everything out. He writes almost a book for Washington of all the things that is wrong. The hospitals need to be cleaned from top to bottom, human excrement needs to be disposed of properly, dead bodies need marked graves, and the list goes on. The thing is Washington didn’t have the supplies, and people were already deserting from the army. But because it came from a new voice, a new angle, those that stayed, finally came together. They became a disciplined army. He didn’t just tell them to do something, but he explained the Why and the purpose. Just when they felt all was lost. They found tons of spawning fish under the ice and began eating it raw. So much fish, and because of the cold and salt it lasted for awhile. Then the cattle started to come in as well as the food. What is soo crazy is that when they had no food, the boiled British boots and drank the broth and then ate the leather when it got soft enough. Talk about giving your all for your country!!!

[Rex Cluff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume focused on the horrors of Valley Forge. Had the British been more motivated to win the war, they would have made a winter attack on Washington at Valley Forge. Fortunately for our cause, armies went into Winter Shelter instead of fighting. Although our army lost over 3,000 men at Valley Forge, those that survived were more dedicated to the cause and were saved by small, or great miracles to fight the next spring. The shad run providing fish for the army was a new event for me that I had never heard before. It was disgraceful to read that the countryside had plenty of food and provisions for the army but that our army wasn't getting any of it. Finally, Congress authorized Washington to round up those provisions and take care of the army's needs. Those supplies did not arrive until spring. There were many providential events that not only tested our army but also saved them and refined them for what was still to come. The story line about the nurse, spy was also quite poignant. Although those characters were fictional, such events did occur.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 5th in the series of Prelude to Glory. This is the part of the war where General Washington and his army wintered in Valley Forge. Valley Forge, thought to be a refuge for the tattered and tired soldiers, found that the British had burned it down. It was in December, January, February and March in the cold that the companies had to build cabins to survive the cold. They had little to no food much of the time, had tattered clothes and many went without shoes or blankets, not many coats. What a sad time in our history. These men were truly amazing, going through anything to fight for freedom. May we be thankful for that freedom try to maintain it.

[Melanie Forbush · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best yet that I've read of the Prelude to Glory series. The author did a tremendous job of portraying the Continental Army during their worst times and best times during the winter of 1777 in Valley Forge. It made me appreciate the sacrifices of the men and women who endured there. You can definitely see how, thanks to General von Steuben and General Washington, the Continential Army reformed and became stronger, despite the hardships they faced during that difficult winter. Ron Carter did an excellent job of portraying that in this fifth edition of the series.

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite so far in the series. I really appreciated that the pace was faster and several story lines came to a conclusion. The writing felt more personable. My one complaint is that the romance was a little disappointing. After all the build up for a romance between Eli and Mary, I had a hard time believing it came and went with virtually no dialogue.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is interesting to me to see what the early American's suffered to get this country. I have a lot more respect now.

[Irene Anderson]

Story gets more engaging as you complete more volumes in this series

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the writing, but the story line is slow. It is like a history book novel.

[Kaye Sivori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I didn't know we have France to thank for helping us win our independence!!! So good to read about our heritage!!!

[Hilaree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was less quality in this but it had the events of Valley Forge in it, so still 4

[DannyD1 Durney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cold Bleak Hill is a historical fiction book by Ron Carter about the revolutionary war. General Washington's army has arrived at Valley Forge after several defeats at the battles of Germantown and Brandywine Creek, and the Paoli Massacre. The Continental army is starting to break down. Food and provisions are rare, and what food is available is moldy and infested. The bitter cold is constantly chipping away at the soldiers, and the overall morale of the camp is bad. This book was interesting, but it could be very slow at times due to a lack of action. The depiction of Valley Forge was cool, but nothing ever happened that made it suspenseful. I liked the way the author portrayed General Washington. He was very real, and he was actually an important character. I did like it because it made me a little bit more thankful for what the army did in the war, and it was very sad. I liked the theme of freedom is always worth fighting for, no matter the circumstances.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cold, Bleak Hill, the fifth volume of the Prelude to Glory series, focuses on the times in Valley Forge. I continue to learn so much about the Revolutionary War that I have never known before. I am so amazed by the true heroism of these American men and women who suffered so tremendously as they fought to secure liberty and freedom for our nation. These truly are the greatest heroes of all times with none to compare. One also sees the hand of God in the American Revolution as overwhelming odds were against the American patriots. I have also come to a deeper love and respect for two Europeans who were instrumental and critical to the eventual victory of the patriots: Baron von Stuben, a German who adopted the U.S. as his country and Layfette, the great Frenchman. Some of the greatest men and women of all times were raised up for such a time as these.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The summer of 1777 proves to be a difficult and discouraging time for General George Washington and his poorly equipped and undisciplined Continental Army. Campaigning along the eastern seaboard, they are pitted against General William Howe and his superbly trained and better provisions British forces. The inspired Americans make a good showing at the battles of Brandywine Creek and Germantown, but in the end they absorb two disappointing defeats. The atrocities suffered by the American in the "Paoli Massacre" and the politilcal machinations of the ambitious American officers Horatio Gates and Thomas Conway set the stage for the darkest hour of the entire Revolution--The heartbreaking story of Valley Forge.

[Delene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book last night and I wish to say that if I were teaching American History in the schools. This set of books would be on my list for students to read. I have learned more by reading about the life styles of the Colonists, their thinking, pasttimes, how they perpare for the winter, how the widows tried to bring in income for their families.

It broke my heart to read about Valley Forge. The hungar, the cold, and the feeling of having no hope of survival.

I marveled at the german Von Stueben and how he took over and brought the Americans together to make an army.

I loved reading all the details in the books. These details are to bring the reader closer to the fighting men and people.

[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.

[Danesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was hard to read about the Continental Army suffering like the did in their 2nd winter. I couldn't believe the people of the surrounding area would hide much needed food and clothing from the army and instead sell to the British. Even patriots did so in order to make a living instead of supporting their soldiers. Finally in the end they were blessed with the fish in the river and their spirits lifted so much that the could fight a battle and win it.

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually liked this book more than most of the others. Not sure why. As in all the others, I don't really like the way they author has chosen to deal with the timeline of events. I think I'm finally really liking the characters and their stories, and maybe that's why I'm enjoying it more. Too bad it's taken halfway through the series to get to this point:/.

[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.

[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.

[Kristen Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valley Forge- oh my goodness. After reading this book I told my husband that it was obvious that God wanted the Revolution to happen, because it certainly couldn't have been won without His influence. Such humbling circumstances those soldiers were in.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing can prepare you for the tragedy of Valley Forge. Our country was built from the sacrifice of the men who served during that fateful winter. You cannot read this book and come away unmoved or ungrateful.

[Garry Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed learning details about the revolutionary war I had not known. The novel paints a human picture of many historical figures that makes them more real than just a name in history. I have enjoyed the entire series and look forward to reading the next volume.

[John Worthington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my dad and we both loved it and we also are enjoying the series. I started this book after visiting Valley Forge so I had a better understanding of Valley Forge. Read the book and the series.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great way to learn about a segment of the Revolutionary War (in novel format).

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The history is interesting, but there is way too much detail in these books!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful and amazing. This series is beautifully done.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this whole series, discovering the founding of the nation from a "common" persons perspective.

[Brasier Family · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don and the boys love these books

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was so amazing to help me grasp the feel for the Revolutionary War.