Rumors of War

Rumors of War takes time to read. Not only because it contains many pages but because it is meaty and leaves a lot to chew on. I was aware of much of the brutality caused by the Nazis against the peoples, however, this book brings it to life. War is imminent in Germany and the missionaries are trying to leave the country any way they can. It's not as easy as they suppose. One family is running for their lives. The SS and the Gestapo under Hitler's rule, are taking over Germany. We see this from the "eyes" of Elder Thomas who is a missionary there under the Mormon church. The first half of this installment alternates somewhat from chapter to chapter between the goings-on in Elder Thomas' life in Germany and the lives of his family members in Salt Lake City, Utah and beyond. The Japanese aren't messing around. They're bombing the United States as well as a South Asian island. They're hitting the island hard. Wait! Is that a smirk on the pilot's face!?! Bullets, bombs, and shrapnel are flying! Lives are lost. Many lives. Foxholes and trenches are being dug. And the wait for reinforcements is ongoing. I really appreciate the history in this volume. I was provoked to discover online, some of the events leading up to the war. Not many were derived from the book as I wanted to uncover more which led to the online reading. In any event, in expressing kudos to the author for creating an interest in potential readers of this era, I give this installment 5 stars. I believe he gave a real feel for what Christians had to deal with in times of war and how torn they felt between being peaceful and taking part in the efforts. Also dealt with were the temptations that though were familiar to them, were still quite foreign to their way of life in the States. That being said, the author also handles issues that might be quite unique to the Mormon faith such as relationships outside of their particular sect. It helps to look in different resources to uncover some of the hierarchy involved such as their titles of priesthood, presidency and the terms "brother" and "sister." For instance, the author uses the term "Sister Thomas" when referring to Mrs. Thomas. It appears that all adults in this faith are referred to politely with a title other than Mr. or Mrs. It could be "Elder Thomas" for Alex, "Sister Thomas" for Mrs. Thomas, and "President Thomas" for Mr. Thomas. Depending on who is addressing a particular character, their first name might be used instead. For Elder Thomas, his parents and siblings would call him Alex, his given name.

I had never read or even heard of Dean Hughes before this series. I inherited this series from my grandfather when he passed away earlier this year. I began reading it a few months ago, and have not been able to put it down. I am currently finishing up the 4th of 5 books. WOW! I feel like a part of the story- like I am actually there- in World War II. It helps you to see all of the perspectives- even from behind the enemy lines (accounts of Germans and Japanese and the trials they endured). This series is the best I have ever read. I actually cry when I read it, I am elated and moved by every part of it. I am sad that I only have one book left. You will thoroughly enjoy this series- the first book is wonderful- but somewhat slow- but stick with it- Books 2-4 (and I am sure 5 as well) are riveting and full of action-triumphs and tears. I am really grateful to have been given this amazing gift- these books have touched my inner soul and I feel more human just by reading them.

My only warning for this book is that you won't be able to do anything else - you'll just want to keep reading. This book is especially great for anyone who likes WWII history. I liked it!

Once I finished the Work and the Glory series, I was anxious to find some more LDS literature, and I always loved World War II stories, so I figured I'd give it a try. Well, once I got started I read the first 3 books in the space of one month! I'm now so involved in the plot of these stories and with these characters, I could swear I was one of them! Reading about the Bataan death march gave me goosebumps, I had heard little of this ghastly march, but these horrific stories really make me grateful for all that I have, I really wonder weather I could have lived through such horrors and I now greatly respect those that did. One thing that improved the book even more was the touches of romance Dean Hughes threw into the plot, I found myself in a hurry to get to another section about Bobbi and her struggles with her fiance and pofessor, this plot kept me all wound up, there was not a moment to lose interest, if one character was not in an exciting situation, you could be sure the others were! I really recommend this book, the only thing that may make you sorry for reading it is you will be amazed how time passes by so quickly as you read, and how much of the day you seem to miss, but don't worry, it definitely is worth giving up a few hours of the day!

Awsome! True life in a great story form. You have got to read them all! I couldnt put them down. I can't believe what I have learned about our not so long ago past. This has helped me understand so much about our many war vetrans. I have much more appreciation for what the vetrans have done for us. This is truly a must read!