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Fire and Steel #4
The Proud Shall Stumble
It's a truth that has stood for pride goeth before the fall. And Germany, emboldened by an increasingly popular dynamo, is becoming proud.
Across the ocean in America, people have been enjoying years of plenty since the Great War. Electricity in every home, shiny new automobiles lining the streets, roaring new music, shocking new clothing styles—a whole nation wanting nothing more than to let loose and get rich. But beneath the glittering surface, the economy's foundation has already begun to crumble.
On opposite sides of the world, the Eckhardt and Westland families are as caught up in the fast-paced times as anyone else, and they find their personal lives deeply affected by the shocking events occurring on a global scale. Though they all seek to follow a wise path, the way becomes hazy when powerful forces aim to cloud their judgment. Will they be able to recognize the darkness before they sink further into it? More dark days lie ahead, and the families stand to lose everything if they don't cling to the light.
Join the Eckhardts and Westlands in this fourth volume of master storyteller Gerald N. Lund's gripping tale of war, family and the fight for what's right.
Across the ocean in America, people have been enjoying years of plenty since the Great War. Electricity in every home, shiny new automobiles lining the streets, roaring new music, shocking new clothing styles—a whole nation wanting nothing more than to let loose and get rich. But beneath the glittering surface, the economy's foundation has already begun to crumble.
On opposite sides of the world, the Eckhardt and Westland families are as caught up in the fast-paced times as anyone else, and they find their personal lives deeply affected by the shocking events occurring on a global scale. Though they all seek to follow a wise path, the way becomes hazy when powerful forces aim to cloud their judgment. Will they be able to recognize the darkness before they sink further into it? More dark days lie ahead, and the families stand to lose everything if they don't cling to the light.
Join the Eckhardts and Westlands in this fourth volume of master storyteller Gerald N. Lund's gripping tale of war, family and the fight for what's right.
544 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2017
41 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Gerald N. Lund
87 books747 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 89 reviews
September 24, 2020
Volume 4 in the series. An interesting read because now what we know in hindsight the characters could not see. If only we had hindsight in our foresight. This volume approaches the great depression following the Roarin' 20s bubble. Even then, the world was more connected than we knew. Even then, greed overcame good sense and compassion in many. How much is enough?
May 27, 2018
My goodness, what an epic this series has been! I understand some how Hitler was so well liked and trusted by his followers in the years leading up to WWII. He said what they wanted to hear. The specifics of how to get there weren't important when you were struggling with basic necessities or the safety of your loved ones, you just want to hear that whatever you want is possible. Since Hitler was getting so much handed to him just as was needed, I could see that becoming a catalyst for him throwing caution to the wind once he got the power he craved, not that he didn't long plan on doing that, but I think he might have at least gave some second thought if he had to have worked a little longer.
I hope this isn't the last of the series, but I haven't seen any news about another book. No matter what though, I highly recommend this book and series. There is still so much to learn from this time period!
I hope this isn't the last of the series, but I haven't seen any news about another book. No matter what though, I highly recommend this book and series. There is still so much to learn from this time period!
November 2, 2017
3.5 stars. I'm so torn with the books in this series (especially the last two), because I'm really interested in the story and characters but the writing is long winded and over detailed which makes it a very slow read. I really wish there was more editing done on the book before publishing, because the core story is very good. Honestly I started skimming parts involving Hitler's politics because it was just too much information dump. In the past books, I've been much more interested in the characters living in Germany than the Westland family in America, but in this book I actually found the American story more compelling. I learned a lot about how The Great Depression came about and what life was like during this time period. That's what I love about all of Gerald Lund's books- he makes history come alive through seeing things his characters eyes and I always learn some much. It pains me to be rating his books lower. I'll definitely keep reading all of the series, but I just really wish there could be more editing done!!
August 10, 2017
I have really enjoyed this series by Gerald Lund, probably more than The Work and the Glory. The fourth volume in this series follows the rise of Adolf Hitler in war-torn Germany and a family in southern Utah experiencing the beginning of the Great Depression. Lund did a lot of research on this book and has footnotes at the end of most chapters explaining things in detail or pointing out where he's embellished. It's definitely not a history book, but it's more than a fiction novel. If you are interested in reading about World War II, Hitler or anything relating to that, I recommend this series. It gives a different perspective in how Germany was ripe for Hitler to rise to power.
May 10, 2025
It started out slow for me despite the failed coup at the beginning. I had a hard time getting into it, but that may be because of the huge gap between when I read the first three volumes and now this one. It has been at least five but probably more like 10.
This volume doesn't have much action. It is a typical middle volume in a series. However, it got more interesting in the end as the Great Depression neared.
I enjoy most of the characters except Hans and Celeste. Celeste is a spoiled daddy's girl who can't take responsibility for her part in the demise of her marriage. What Frank did was inexcusable, but she still needs to see she was part of the problem. I couldn't muster much sympathy for what happened to her as the result of "Black Tuesday."
I also can't believe how blind Hans is to Adolf's rhetoric and that Emilee, despite her continuous bad feelings, that they continue to support his insanity. But if they didn't, I guess the story wouldn't work.
This volume doesn't have much action. It is a typical middle volume in a series. However, it got more interesting in the end as the Great Depression neared.
I enjoy most of the characters except Hans and Celeste. Celeste is a spoiled daddy's girl who can't take responsibility for her part in the demise of her marriage. What Frank did was inexcusable, but she still needs to see she was part of the problem. I couldn't muster much sympathy for what happened to her as the result of "Black Tuesday."
I also can't believe how blind Hans is to Adolf's rhetoric and that Emilee, despite her continuous bad feelings, that they continue to support his insanity. But if they didn't, I guess the story wouldn't work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
Very thought provoking with regards to what it may have been like working with hitler and why he gained favor in the people of Germany’s eyes. A good look into the stock market crash of 1929, also. Can’t wait to read the next book.
April 23, 2019
This series really is so good. I am absolutely fascinated - almost in a morbid way - by his depiction of Hitler. Especially in light of his friendship with Hans. It's always been baffling to me how he convinced so many people to go along with his plans. To see how he came to power, and to better understand why good people were so supportive of his rise, has been completely fascinating. I keep using that word, but it just keeps coming to my mind again and again as I listen to this series! Maybe I have some weird obsession with murderous dictators... Really, though, I have just been engrossed (I thesaurus-ed "fascinating" in order to provide some variety to my review :)) by reading about his character and those who were close to him. I'm anxious, almost stressed!, to see how Hans and Emily will respond to the future developments Hitler's "reign" will bring.
I've also loved the insights into the other historical aspects, like the stock market crash. This is just a great series! Really makes history come alive through the experiences of characters you really care about and relate with.
I've also loved the insights into the other historical aspects, like the stock market crash. This is just a great series! Really makes history come alive through the experiences of characters you really care about and relate with.
February 19, 2018
Let me first explain how unbiased this review is. I have always been partial to Lund's books, but I had been feeling a bit overwhelmed by this series by the end of #3. Lund is taking on a huge period of time and two different locations, and it's just SO much. I opened #4 completely on the fence about how I would feel. This book would stand alone in helping me decide whether to continue with the series.
The author made an excellent decision in this novel to spend more time on a couple key figures and develop their character and story more, which is exactly what this series needed. I had become so detached from the Westland family with their dozens of children and grandchildren, and I was growing more and more uneasy with Hans + Hitler with more and more chess players being introduced. Instead, I got an incredible inside look at Frank Westland and his family, America and economics, and Hans and Emilee. THIS is why I read Lund's books. The entire novel was riveting, and I can't wait for #5.
The author made an excellent decision in this novel to spend more time on a couple key figures and develop their character and story more, which is exactly what this series needed. I had become so detached from the Westland family with their dozens of children and grandchildren, and I was growing more and more uneasy with Hans + Hitler with more and more chess players being introduced. Instead, I got an incredible inside look at Frank Westland and his family, America and economics, and Hans and Emilee. THIS is why I read Lund's books. The entire novel was riveting, and I can't wait for #5.
April 29, 2018
This is an excellent series that teaches Germanic history at the time of “The Great War” through to WWII. It shows what happened to the German people and helps you understand how it was that Hitler came to power. The books for me were somewhat slow, like reading a history book in some ways, but the story line is engaging. Some of it is difficult to read because of how sad, depressing and difficult life was for for the people. The fourth book also goes into the financial depression in the US. I am glad I read the series however and I am waiting for the Fifth book now, and will definitely read it when it comes out.
June 27, 2017
Another solid entry by Gerald Lund. I can say I don't find the rise of Hitler quite as fascinating as the author did, and for me those parts dragged. But, I'm really enjoying the personal stories of the 2 families, and the lead in to he Crash held my interest, probably because to me it was more personal than the politics of the other story. I look forward to reading more in this series.
June 26, 2018
Of the four books written in this series,I think this was was the scariest. You see the greed in America set off a world wide, catastrophic economic disaster that falls like lined up dominoes. Hitler’s thirst for power and craving for this worldwide disaster sets up the era of WWII.
Author Gerald Lund creates and defines one of the worst times in the history of civilization. Powerful read.
Author Gerald Lund creates and defines one of the worst times in the history of civilization. Powerful read.
June 18, 2017
3.5 probably
This was supposed to be a trilogy, I thought, and after finishing this fourth book, I am sure it is not over yet. I learned more in this book on Hitler's rise to power in Germany and the Stock Marker Crash of 1929 in our country. Learning is good, right?
This was supposed to be a trilogy, I thought, and after finishing this fourth book, I am sure it is not over yet. I learned more in this book on Hitler's rise to power in Germany and the Stock Marker Crash of 1929 in our country. Learning is good, right?
August 4, 2017
Excellent historical novel that makes past events come to life. I love the historical footnotes as well as the interesting characters and their stories that draw me into a past time and help with understanding how these significant tragedies of history came to pass.
November 18, 2021
Each of the books in this series gets better and better.
I have found some people like Gerald N Lund, and some don't. I like him. he does a smash up job of being historically accurate.
With each book, I learned more and more, as well as being reminded of what I already knew, of what all was entalied in the rise of Hitler. These books primarily show how different characters and personalities deal with the same issue: the rise of a tyrant. (most people today has a mistaken understanding of what the political spectrum is, but the true political spectrum, as understood by the American Founding Fathers is tyranny on the far left and anarchy on the far right, with the U.S. Constitution being the "chains" by which America is tied to the center of the spectrum and therefore her political pendulum cannot swing from side to side, causing chaos, as it has always done in the history of all other nations. Therefore, fasicms, communism, socialism, naziism, democratic socialism, all stand between the center (federal republican constitutionalism) and the far left (tyranny). Liberalism, as original understood, stands to the right of federal republican constitutionalism but not far enough to be anarchy.)
It is amazing to see how some people saw what Hitler was inching toward, others were fully ignorant (from being uneducated and having too much blind trust in their leaders), and yet others were willfully ignorant who just turned a blind eye because of the good things Hitler did accomplish as well.
All of this taking place in a very realistic relationship between two families - one German, one American, and their interelationships and day-to-day lives being carried out.
I don't want to share spoilers, so I'll just say that I highly recommend these books - ESPECIALLY if one wishes to see and understand what is happening in America (and many parts of the world) today. The same old demonic plan that Hitler was "inspired" with (which "inspiration" came directly from Satan, I believe), is "inspiring" our world leaders today. Beware.
I have found some people like Gerald N Lund, and some don't. I like him. he does a smash up job of being historically accurate.
With each book, I learned more and more, as well as being reminded of what I already knew, of what all was entalied in the rise of Hitler. These books primarily show how different characters and personalities deal with the same issue: the rise of a tyrant. (most people today has a mistaken understanding of what the political spectrum is, but the true political spectrum, as understood by the American Founding Fathers is tyranny on the far left and anarchy on the far right, with the U.S. Constitution being the "chains" by which America is tied to the center of the spectrum and therefore her political pendulum cannot swing from side to side, causing chaos, as it has always done in the history of all other nations. Therefore, fasicms, communism, socialism, naziism, democratic socialism, all stand between the center (federal republican constitutionalism) and the far left (tyranny). Liberalism, as original understood, stands to the right of federal republican constitutionalism but not far enough to be anarchy.)
It is amazing to see how some people saw what Hitler was inching toward, others were fully ignorant (from being uneducated and having too much blind trust in their leaders), and yet others were willfully ignorant who just turned a blind eye because of the good things Hitler did accomplish as well.
All of this taking place in a very realistic relationship between two families - one German, one American, and their interelationships and day-to-day lives being carried out.
I don't want to share spoilers, so I'll just say that I highly recommend these books - ESPECIALLY if one wishes to see and understand what is happening in America (and many parts of the world) today. The same old demonic plan that Hitler was "inspired" with (which "inspiration" came directly from Satan, I believe), is "inspiring" our world leaders today. Beware.
March 27, 2019
I’m not sure why I keep reading this series. Obviously there’s something about the story/history that keeps me somewhat interested. But they’re long-winded, include way too much info not related to the story, and the author can’t decide if he’s writing a history book or a novel. Not to mention how disjointed it feels jumping from one country to another, feeling the need to interject not only the date, but the precise minute of the day (why do we need to know that it was 10:32 when they left the living room and 10:55 when they resumed their conversation in the kitchen? There are so many other ways to show time passing - if it’s even necessary).
The characters all seem to resemble each other, no one can get to the point of the conversation without much ado, and there’s so much repetitive information. The reader doesn’t need to be reminded of every detail from previous books or even previous sections in the book. Also, no one starts a conversation with “do you remember how this happened at that event we were both at? Oh you do? Well let me tell you about it in great detail anyway.”
The work of the editors is also becoming less and less apparent as the series progresses, not only for previously mentioned issues, but also for simple things like misspelled, missing, or doubled words. Like multiple in a page (facepalm).
All of this combined with the fact that it’s a bit trite, there’s way too much unbelievable content (how many relationships with famous people can two families have?), and no logical, realistic way to close out the series satisfactorily no matter how many more books, that I don’t even want to read the last one. But I can’t look away from the train wreck.
The characters all seem to resemble each other, no one can get to the point of the conversation without much ado, and there’s so much repetitive information. The reader doesn’t need to be reminded of every detail from previous books or even previous sections in the book. Also, no one starts a conversation with “do you remember how this happened at that event we were both at? Oh you do? Well let me tell you about it in great detail anyway.”
The work of the editors is also becoming less and less apparent as the series progresses, not only for previously mentioned issues, but also for simple things like misspelled, missing, or doubled words. Like multiple in a page (facepalm).
All of this combined with the fact that it’s a bit trite, there’s way too much unbelievable content (how many relationships with famous people can two families have?), and no logical, realistic way to close out the series satisfactorily no matter how many more books, that I don’t even want to read the last one. But I can’t look away from the train wreck.
December 23, 2024
This book has been the best of the series so far. It covers from the beer hall putsch in November 1923 through the stock market crash in late 1929. The first 20% covers Hitler, seizing control of the Bavarian state government and losing the 3 leaders during the night. I’ve read the rise and fall of the Third Reich but from a narrative perspective this was gripping seeing how close Hitler was in 1923 to seizing power. Hans is with Hitler and is wounded in the fighting. He survives and is in prison for four months. Hitler spends a year in jail and is silenced for two years during probation while the German government stabilizes due to American loans. Hans begins to work for the party and leaves the garage. His wife and extended family slowly are being baptized which is creating a rift between Hans and Emilee.
The conflict with the Westlands is driven by Frank and Celeste. They leave an odd life as professors in Boston and spending time teaching split between Paris and Berlin. Their marriage is in trouble and Frank is suspicious of her father’s investments that go south in the market crash. Their son Reggie spends time in Monticello while they travel and you see the consistency of their hard work and values. I think what Lund is trying to paint a picture that we often feel in our day that things are changing so fast, but that is not a new phenomenon. The choice to stay constant has been with members of the church since the restoration.
The book ends with the Nazis optimistic they can capitalize on the situation created by the depression. The Westlands appear to be resolving their problems with Frank and Celeste now that they have nothing after the crash.
The conflict with the Westlands is driven by Frank and Celeste. They leave an odd life as professors in Boston and spending time teaching split between Paris and Berlin. Their marriage is in trouble and Frank is suspicious of her father’s investments that go south in the market crash. Their son Reggie spends time in Monticello while they travel and you see the consistency of their hard work and values. I think what Lund is trying to paint a picture that we often feel in our day that things are changing so fast, but that is not a new phenomenon. The choice to stay constant has been with members of the church since the restoration.
The book ends with the Nazis optimistic they can capitalize on the situation created by the depression. The Westlands appear to be resolving their problems with Frank and Celeste now that they have nothing after the crash.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2017
This next installment of Lund's series takes place between November 1923 and the Great Stock Market Crash of '29 (most readers will find themselves Googling for the exact date as the author drops hint after hint that it's coming!). Our favorite characters from Utah, Boston and Germany are here to share the adventure of the Roaring 20's with the reader every step of the way. Humble families are prospering, women's skirts are rising and dating between men and women signal that; The Times They Are A-changin'!
Hans Eckhardt struggles to balance his personal family life with the demands Adolf Hitler is placing on him in creating a new political party. Germany continues it's slow climb out of economic depression; this storyline is already beginning to drag. Yet, with every speech Adolf continues to make, we know what's coming.
In Boston, Frank, eldest son of Mitch and Edie Westland (see the two additional novels from Lund's Only the Brave series for more about the Westland family) has married a non-Mormon from a prominent family. His parents worry about Frank and his wife's current lifestyle and lack of family values. The arrival of a new baby isn't helping to strengthen this marriage either. It is their storyline that really keeps the reader turning pages.
With the ending, Lund has left many loose plot threads dangling. Plenty of story for the promise of a fifth volume in this fascinating historical fiction series.
Please, don't keep us waiting too long, Elder Lund!
Hans Eckhardt struggles to balance his personal family life with the demands Adolf Hitler is placing on him in creating a new political party. Germany continues it's slow climb out of economic depression; this storyline is already beginning to drag. Yet, with every speech Adolf continues to make, we know what's coming.
In Boston, Frank, eldest son of Mitch and Edie Westland (see the two additional novels from Lund's Only the Brave series for more about the Westland family) has married a non-Mormon from a prominent family. His parents worry about Frank and his wife's current lifestyle and lack of family values. The arrival of a new baby isn't helping to strengthen this marriage either. It is their storyline that really keeps the reader turning pages.
With the ending, Lund has left many loose plot threads dangling. Plenty of story for the promise of a fifth volume in this fascinating historical fiction series.
Please, don't keep us waiting too long, Elder Lund!
September 27, 2019
Hans can’t seem to catch a break, even when things get better for him in this book you know its not going to work out for him because he’s a Nazi. I felt like he had a chance when he got out of jail and hadn’t heard from Adolf and then before you know it, they’re in league again. I wonder if Lund will find a way to get Hans off this sinking ship in the next few books?? Or if Hans will end up at the Nuremberg trials... I also wonder when he’s going to come to terms with how Adolf views Jews and see that as wrong and a little scary. Knowing what’s coming up in history I just wonder if Hans will ever see the light like Eemilie seems to do by the end of this book at the Nazi dinner/rally.
The other story lines were also interesting. I could see the way Lund was setting up the stock market crash and was just waiting for Frank to be proven right and had a hunch that Celeste’s dad would be one of those successful men who would commit suicide when he loses everything.
I’m curious to see where this series goes next and where in history it ends there’s so much that could be covered.
The other story lines were also interesting. I could see the way Lund was setting up the stock market crash and was just waiting for Frank to be proven right and had a hunch that Celeste’s dad would be one of those successful men who would commit suicide when he loses everything.
I’m curious to see where this series goes next and where in history it ends there’s so much that could be covered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2021
I'm going to put the same review for this entire 6-part book series, because like I believe it should all be read together as a series, not simply individual books.
Mr. Lund is both an intelligent historian and an excellent describer of characters. I didn't realize how invested I became in the characters until the last book and a half, when some of the main characters started either moving away or being killed off (no plot spoilers). This historical fiction series is set in the oft-ignored between-the-world-ward period. Through the eyes of a German farming family, we see WWI, the Great Depression, the chaotic German currency and economy of the 1920's, and the rise in power of a relatively obscure military Corporal named Adolf Hitler. Fascinating read! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because there were the occasional parts where the plot dragged a bit. With a series of this scope, though, it's almost impossible for that not to happen, and I still wholeheartedly recommend this series.
Mr. Lund is both an intelligent historian and an excellent describer of characters. I didn't realize how invested I became in the characters until the last book and a half, when some of the main characters started either moving away or being killed off (no plot spoilers). This historical fiction series is set in the oft-ignored between-the-world-ward period. Through the eyes of a German farming family, we see WWI, the Great Depression, the chaotic German currency and economy of the 1920's, and the rise in power of a relatively obscure military Corporal named Adolf Hitler. Fascinating read! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because there were the occasional parts where the plot dragged a bit. With a series of this scope, though, it's almost impossible for that not to happen, and I still wholeheartedly recommend this series.
June 21, 2017
Every historical series has some entries that are less interesting than others, but this volume seems to be taking up much too much time on Hitler's rise to power after the Beer Hall Putsch and other details that could have been condensed to make a better flow for the story. The first chapters progress painfully slowly, with too much information (the reader interested in a blow-by-blow account can read Shirer's The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich as well as the author did, after all). This is not helped by the author's clunky organization, which stops the narrative for the passage of time and then reports that something happened at 9:42 a.m. or 10:35 p.m. and the like, when the time is not important so long as events are in sequence and a simple "Later," or "That evening," or other indication would have been much less distracting. The story of the two families involved, one in Germany and one in Utah, is interesting if you can get past the distracting organization and the unnecessary details. This entry in the series should have been combined with the events that came before or after it. Certainly the reader will want to read these books in order; I hope the author continues the series in a more efficient historical manner so that the fictional narratives can shine.
August 3, 2017
3.5 stars I enjoy Gerald Lund'd historical fiction because he helps set the backdrop for major historical events through the lens of fictional characters that you care about. This novel follows the time after World War 1 when Germany is crippled by war reparation payments and the people are starving because of hyper inflation. It describes why Hitler became popular and how he rose to power. Some of the sections detailing specific meetings and conversations of Hitler's seem to slow the pace of the story.
A second family in Monticello, Utah with missionary ties to Germany, shows conditions in the US during the 1920s and what led up to The Great Depression.
I liked some of the other books in this series better, but I see how he set the scene and explained why major events precipitated. Looking forward to the next one.
A second family in Monticello, Utah with missionary ties to Germany, shows conditions in the US during the 1920s and what led up to The Great Depression.
I liked some of the other books in this series better, but I see how he set the scene and explained why major events precipitated. Looking forward to the next one.
September 2, 2019
This book was more exciting than the last one! In my opinion, the author does a good job if he makes you groan when he switches to a different character's story because you want to find out what's happening with the current character. This kept happening to me.
This book takes the reader right up the the beginning of the Great Depression. To do that, a good chunk of the book takes place in the United States to set the stage. Then at the end of the book the author explains how the Great Depression in America is exactly what Hitler needed to boost himself into power.
Twists and turns in the story were abundant in this book. I was especially attached to Frank's story line and I am very interested to see what happens next. And of course, Hans's relationship with Hitler is always intriguing as he gets a front row seat to Hitler's rise to power.
This book takes the reader right up the the beginning of the Great Depression. To do that, a good chunk of the book takes place in the United States to set the stage. Then at the end of the book the author explains how the Great Depression in America is exactly what Hitler needed to boost himself into power.
Twists and turns in the story were abundant in this book. I was especially attached to Frank's story line and I am very interested to see what happens next. And of course, Hans's relationship with Hitler is always intriguing as he gets a front row seat to Hitler's rise to power.
November 22, 2018
Lund starts from the very first coup that Nazi party staged in 1923 to overthrow the Bavarian government up to 1929, the start of the Great Depression. Leading up to the depression, we see you some banks are willing to capitalize on the misfortune of some and eventually lose everything to some banks being conservative and encouraging their customers to get out of debt. We see how Hans Eckhardt in awe of Hitler will follow him to wherever he goes. Hitler is ecstatic for the fall of the stock market knowing it will effect Germany which will help with the rise of the Nazi party. We see how different members of the church in Germany and in Utah are dealing with these troubling times and still rely on their faith.
I love reading Lund's historical church fiction.
I love reading Lund's historical church fiction.
October 31, 2020
This series has gotten progressively better for me. I liked but didn't love the first book, but by the time I finished this fourth book, I'm absolutely loving the series.
The more I get to know the characters, the more I love them. Emilee is by far my favorite, though I was surprised by how much I loved Frank and Celeste in this one as well. In the previous books, I didn't love the American family and there were still parts in this one that dragged for me, but I was riveted anytime we got to read about Celeste and Frank.
I also loved this history in this! Learning more about the atmosphere leading up to the great depression was so interesting. I thought the title so appropriate in so many ways.
The more I get to know the characters, the more I love them. Emilee is by far my favorite, though I was surprised by how much I loved Frank and Celeste in this one as well. In the previous books, I didn't love the American family and there were still parts in this one that dragged for me, but I was riveted anytime we got to read about Celeste and Frank.
I also loved this history in this! Learning more about the atmosphere leading up to the great depression was so interesting. I thought the title so appropriate in so many ways.
March 31, 2022
Book #4 in this series and it didn't disappoint. Time again was split between the goings on in Germany and Utah/Boston. Ernst Eckhardt and Emilie find themselves getting more and more entrenched in the Nazi party as Hitler begins to rise to power in the late 1920's. In the states, Frank marries the very rich Celeste and the roller coaster of their relationship has some gripping moments in the second half of the book. Lund does a good job weaving the roaring 20's and the stock market crash of 1929 into the narrative, all the while doing some instructing and educating along the way. One more book left in this series and it will be very interesting to see how things end up for both families as they go through WWII.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2019
These books are so good! It amazes me how much more history I can retain when learning it through an engaging story like this. It's as though I'm right there, in the Nazi Party with Hitler, watching everything unfold. I can see clearly how the people were so enchanted by him, and yet it sends chills down my spine, because I know the outcome. I can see the "writing on the wall", but now I understand why they couldn't. I can't wait to read the next one and see how this continues. I can't help but wonder where the characters will draw the line. When will they realize that Hitler has dived off the deep end? So many questions!
July 23, 2019
This has been my favourite book in the series so far for a couple of reasons. The first, I took a break after reading the previous book before starting this one. It helped make the parts of the book that are reminding and catching people up with the story less annoying (this is a issue I have when reading any series). Secondly the story starts picking up. The parts set in Germany I found to still be a little slow but the attention to detail is amazing. The parts set in the USA were great reading though as the story really got moving as it led up to the time directly proceeding the Great Depression and the immediate effects.
August 29, 2025
I came back to this series after I got the Deseret Book app again after a long break. Once again, the historical background is fascinating, and seeing it from the point of view of people living it is a good idea, but telling it only through things they say, hear, and read word-for-word, is the long way to go about it. Anyway, the main German character Hans is a fictional founding member of the Nazi party and a best buddy with "Adolf" because he believes that it will be the only way to save Germany from financial crisis and famine. It gives some insight into how all that began and the slow rise of the Nazi party before it became popular.
January 8, 2019
As I have said in previous reviews of this series, it is interesting how Hitler is portrayed as a likable guy. In the time frame of this book, and under the conditions present at that time, it is understandable that he had decent people following him. There is a hint at the end that the good image might be changing, and some followers are having trouble with Hitler's views.
Strangely, I thought the whole Frank and Celeste thing was one of the more intriguing story lines. Also, the lead into the stock market crash and subsequent depression was interesting.
Strangely, I thought the whole Frank and Celeste thing was one of the more intriguing story lines. Also, the lead into the stock market crash and subsequent depression was interesting.
March 12, 2019
I'm intrigued. I never knew so much about the pre-cursor to the Great Depression and the fall on Wall Street. As this is linked to history taking place in Germany, I want to hear more. (Personal interest lies in the plot locations of Germany, Boston, NYC and Southeastern Utah.). A few fictional characters drive me crazy with some stupid decisions they make, but there is one powerful woman that achieved great things with education and career, despite challenges for women in the late 1920's. I'm stuck with the series.
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