The Winds and the Waves

Book Details
Author: Dean Hughes
Release Date: May 2012
Publisher: Deseret Book
Genre: Historical

This book is WONDERFUL!
I LOVE how the author takes one character and then parallels that story with the story of the descendant of that same character... a fun way to portray not only a story, but a family history.

Life has struggles no matter what generation you live in and as you understand your past family history, it helps you with your future determination.

Will is a tenant farmer in 1840 and feels trapped by the economy and social status.
Will's descendant, Jeff, feels trapped by the economy of modern-day and the loss of his job.

Will sets out to find a better life.
Jeff sets out to find a better life.

Will joins the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and set out for the land of Zion.
Jeff finds himself working on a house in Nauvoo, Illinois and finds out it is right across the street from the land Will owned.

Watch as these two try to make the best of life even if they are thrown into "the winds and the waves."

Three quotes I really liked from the book...

"If this life doesn't turn out so well, we have eternity to be with God and feel His happiness."

"Prayer wasn't a good-luck charm,...it was a means of discovering God's will." 

"You have to remember what Zion is all about: we're going to raise each other up by working together--not by climbing over one another, the way it's done most of the time in this world." 

It is fun to see Jeff display some of his great-grandfathers tendencies!
Also included is some very interesting and inspiring Church history!
An AMAZING read!




About the Author
Dean Hughes has published books for readers of all ages, including the bestselling historical fiction series Children of the Promise. Through Cloud and Sunshine is his one-hundredth published book. Dean holds a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and master’s and PhD degrees from the University of Washington. He has taught English at Central Missouri State University and Brigham Young University. Dean and his wife, Kathleen Hurst Hughes, served a mission to Nauvoo, Illinois. The parents of three children and grandparents of nine, they live in Midway, Utah.

(A digital review copy was provided for this review. However, all reviews are of my own opinion :)