Fire of the Covenant

Fire of the Covenant
By Gerald Lund
Bookcraft, 1999. 764 pgs. Historical Fiction

Gerald Lund weaves the stories of fictional families into the Willie and Martin handcart companies as they cross the plains to get to the Salt Lake valley. Maggie McKensie is reluctant to leave her beau in Scotland, but when she receives a witness that she should go to Zion with her family, she joins them on their trip across the Atlantic. Soon, she is recruited to teach English to some Norwegian saints--including handsome Eric Pederson--which makes the journey somewhat more bearable. However, when the group reaches Iowa City and finds that they are not expected by the Church agents, and therefore the needed supplies supposed to be supplied along the way likely will not be there, the Saints decided to press on to Zion.

This is the second time that I've read this book, and I thoroughly enjoy the story of the faith of the handcart companies. I also enjoy the bits of romance and the description of the friendships that are formed. Historical notes at the end of each chapter helps readers gain insights into which parts are true and which are the author's imaginings. I did find some of the repetition of minor details about the characters slowed down the story a little bit, but overall, it's an inspiring story.

AE