Elisabeth: Passage of Promise

by Tom Roulstone

Within hours of her marriage to Lord Claverley, Elisabeth Ashcroft knows she has made a dreadful mistake. Unfortunately, in mid-nineteenth-century England, dissolving their less-than-sacred union seems all but impossible—even if her new husband is only after Elisabeth’s inheritance. But soon the strong-willed vicar’s daughter has a chance at a new life far away from her sterile existence in the shadow of Claverly Hall—a chance to be with people who believe as she does. A chance to go to America, to a place called Zion.


But one’s future is not always easy to predict, and Elisabeth finds she must create her own journey—one that will lead her away from the center of the Church in Salt Lake City but closer to the gospel and the man who could forever be hers.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Lds, Historical Fiction

285 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Tom Roulstone was born in Donegal, Ireland and lived for a time in Glasgow, Scotland. With his parents and two brothers he immigrated to Canada, landing at Halifax on his thirteenth birthday. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Toronto, Ontario when he was eighteen and served a mission in western Canada. He has a BA in history from Brigham Young University and MA in history from Utah State University. After teaching college history for almost a quarter of a century, Tom took early retirement to pursue a writing career. He and his late wife Betsy have six children. In 2005 Tom married Serenity Borrowman. They currently live in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Tom’s most recent novel,"Reluctant Soldier, Reluctant Saint,"is set during the Utah War and the building of Camp Floyd. He also has seven short Westerns on Amazon's Kindle website as well as his "Passage of Promise" series, published by Covenant communications.

Reviews

[Book2Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I am by and large not a fan of romance novels. Tom did a pretty good job with this one though, and it was interesting, at times suspenseful, and the spiritual portion woven in gracefully. I would say I enjoyed it.

The one thing I did notice, however. That is, while this took place in the mid-19th century, and at the time women were barely beginning to study nursing as a profession, much less becoming doctors, still when things got tough or scary the women were still fainting in response. I guess that was a coping mechanism at the time, but not a strong point for women's rights.

If you like historical romance novels, this may suit you.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when they were already settled and how hard it was for women who wanted to become "doctoresses" through the experiences of main character Elisabeth.

[Wendy Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Fiction - well done. Through thoughtful character development, Roulstone is able to highlight important historical issues for women in England in the mid 19th century.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elisabeth is the vicar's daughter that gets fooled into a marriage with the local nobility who needs her inheritance. She eventually leaves him to escape to America to join the Saints in Utah. Of course, she fell for the man who baptized her and hopes for something, even though she shouldn't. The book was all right, but I found a few things bothersome, especially the easiness of the ending--the book felt almost chopped off. One other thing I didn't like was Elisabeth's tendency to jump to erroneous conclusions--it felt like a man was writing what he thought a woman would be like and got it wrong. Roulstone did a good job of documenting some of the independent spirit of women in early LDS history, and I suppose that was what I liked. If anything the historical aspects were the most interesting.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story. Definitely religious fiction, but not too preachy in places that feel odd. I listened to the book on tape and the reader does all the voices. That was enjoyable (odd at first but then I grew to like it). The story is of this English women who escapes England because her husband is evil, and she can't just up and marry anyone because annulments weren't granted easily in the 1850's. You get a little idea of what the early saints must have been living in (those who weren't in Utah already). She ends up going to school in Pennsylvania and has to avoid an evil character, but does a lot of good in people's lives on her way to become a doctor. I'd recommend it if you just want another novel to read, but not if you don't have time.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

2/9/11 - I just read this book again and it has been a couple years. Once again I really liked this book. It made me feel spoiled in a way because I was born into this religion and haven't had to give up anything to be able to live it freely. Elisabeth learns so much in this book, and along the way reminded me of the patience, faith, and love that I want to strive for. This was a very uplifting book and I'm glad I bought it so I can read it again in a few years to remind myself how blessed I really am.

[Catharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book at a used book store. Then I forgot I had it for awhile. It was an okay read, but a little slow. The story was interesting and not completely predictable. I do enjoy trying to imagine what it would have been like for the early Mormon pioneers. When Elisabeth arrived in Utah, she wondered if she had made the wrong decision as she was completely alone. I am sure it must have been like that for some of the pioneers, even though they came because they had been converted of the truthfulness of the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.

[Amy 💖 · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading three or four books I always like to read an LDS fiction book. It feels good to immerse myself in the lives of people who are trying to live according to principles that I relate to and strive to meet. This book did that for me and I also learned a few things along the way. I like the characters, the settings, and the authors courage to touch on polygamy.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is historical fiction, which made the events more realistic. Elisabeth is quite the heroine. Joining the Church helps in her resolve to annul her marriage. But, that isn't going to be easy. She'll leave her home in England to travel to Salt Lake. She will meet Gren which will make it doubly hard to wait for her marriage to be annuled. Elisabeth is very likeable and courageous.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The historical aspects of the book were interesting, which made me want to learn more about early LDS women in the medical field. However, I thought the story was just okay. It never felt as if I got to know the characters that well, and the ending was a little cheesy. It was a quick read, though, and I will still give his other books a try.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just hours after Elizabeth is married, she finds out that her new husband is a class #1 jerk. Blessed with intelligence and independence, she manages to escape, but is always in terror of being forced to go back to England. Her strong will and testimony of the true Gospel help her make the very best of things in surprising ways.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is an easy read, I enjoyed the story. About a vicars daughter who marry a Lord that is abusive, meets the missionaries and joins the church, and comes to America to be with the sanits. Not the best writing but good plot and holds your attention.

[Maggie]

Take a triumphant trip through history. A masterfully crafted story, rich in detail, epic in scope, and warm in character, that illuminates how one can best achieve true happiness by listening to the Spirit.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. It's about a woman who travels from England to the Salt Lake Valley. The conversations are a little cheesy and the main character is a little too perfect. I listened to it on tape. Maybe I would have liked it better if I read it myself.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story brought out the low status of women in the 1850's, especially in England. The main character had to flee from a wicked husband and all during the book she tried to get an annulment, which of course she couldn't. It did have a sudden, good ending. Everything went her way at the end.

[Kristen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

RACHEL! You would especially like this book! It's a mormon oldie one and oh so cute! I was all smiles, especially at the end! Talk about happily ever after!...

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good LDS novel. Easy read with little intensity that's all wrapped up nice in the end. Sometimes it's nice to not have to think about a book too much.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another historic LDS Fiction that is a great book filled with History. Lovable characters!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't the kind you couldn't put down, but it was fun to read. I always like books that are about when the church was first established.

[Brynna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was light enough, but very predictable.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like historical fiction. I wanted to try some new authors, and found this 3-volume series and have enjoyed them without being consumed by them.

[tana · Rating 1 out of 5]

bleh. i couldnt get into it. maybe because it was on audio and the narrator was terrible, but the book itself was cheesy. so, i stopped.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 3 out of 5]

GSB Book 1 0f 3 Elizabeth marries an older man om England. He took her and come to America to Zion after chosing the church. Couldn't get annualed. Falls in love with Gwen. Book 1 of 3

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the character lacking in depth and while the premise was all right,things were just a little too "picture perfect" for me.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just wasn't written well, hard to get threw. I idea was very interesting.