To Soar With Eagles by Gerald N. Lund

 This is an excellent historical fiction in the Monticello area of pioneer Utah days.  The trials with cattle rustlers and all that goes along with it.  This author knows how to research and tell a great story that you can visualize in your own mind as you read all the details.  

Based on real events, the fictional characters truly come to life and feel like people you know.  This book has lots of emotion and action.  Can't fail.

I definitely don't want to miss any of his books.  They draw you in completely.  One of my favorite authors for sure.

Into the Flames by Gerald N. Lund

This was the ending volume of the Fire and Steel Series.  It was 631 pages and I loved it.  I want it to continue though, as I know there is much more that can go forth.  The author's note at the end, eludes to the fact that perhaps after other writings are completed, he may return to the Eckhardts and the Westland families.  I really hope so!

For me, I actually read some things that I wasn't aware of regarding the Hitler Youth, as my father was inducted into this and he has told me his experience with that. 

I found it a really engaging book and am glad that I have read the entire series.

Out of the Smoke by Gerald N. Lund

I was really excited when my husband got me book 5 of this series.  I had a hard time waiting for this one to come out.  I loved the continuing stories of both the German and the American people in this cast of characters.

I personally relate to this book because my parents experienced lots of this in Germany before and during the War, having heard many of their experiences which directly coincided with the events in the book.  It's an excellent description of the lives of German people in these fateful years.  Looks like there is more to come!

The Proud Shall Stumble by Gerald N. Lund

Author Gerald N. Lund sets the stage in vol. 4 in his Fire and Steel Series for the very hard times yet to come.

People are living in plenty in the US not paying attention to the signs of the times.  As Hitler gains followers and power, people are misled to believe all he says.

This is a time of history, where the world starts to crumble both physically and spiritually.

This is a really good book and helps to awaken your thoughts to see things around you unfold.

Very interesting read!

The Shadow Falls v. 3 Fire and Steel Series by Gerald N. Lund

Another great book by Gerald N. Lund.  The Shadow Falls is v. 3 of the Fire and Steel series.  I have enjoyed everything I have previously read from this author, and I have to say that continues after having read this book.

This book shows how easily good people can be influenced by what appears to be "well-intentioned" people and how they could be deceived into following leaders with motives are not for the good of the people.

In this pre-WWII time period book, it becomes apparent how gradually people can become confused and lead away unknowingly making decisions that can lead them in the wrong paths.

Hans and Emilee's family begins to grow and Hans finds himself as a close friend and confidant of the Führer and becomes heavily involved with the party.  It seems at first all is for the good of a nation, but we all know how this story goes.

Having had parents that grew up in Germany in this time period, I have personal insights in the historical events of this book.  As a result I found this series very enthralling and an excellent reads which keep you reading till the end.

The events and characters in this series intertwine with other books he has written and you see families from his other books in this series as their paths cross and their lives mingle to create a most interesting set of books.  You won't want to miss any of them.

I highly recommend this book, the whole series, for that fact!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.  All thoughts are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

To Soar With Eagles by Gerald Lund

This conclusion to the series was another great LDS historical novel by Gerald Lund.  I could feel the emotions as their trials beset these early settlers in the in Southern Utah area of Monticello.  The Indians, rogue cowboys and other trials that caused these newcomers to surely wonder if this is where they should settle.

I really enjoyed this book and especially the historical notes and how he entertwined fiction and actual history to bring out a very captivating storyline.  I hope to continue reading his works!

The Storm Descends by Gerald Lund

607 captivating pages.  Yes, it's a big book and so good.  I have already read V. 1 and thoroughly enjoyed that as well.  Having had parents that survived German World War II and being from East Germany, I can relate to a lot of what was written as my father was really into political goings on and somewhat a rebel fighting against the Communist party and such.

This book will hold your attention and was obviously researched in great depth to be able to recreate the events in this fictional yet factual novel.

It is woven with suffering, joy, romance and disappointment and happiness.  All kinds of emotions happening throughout this book.

I highly recommend it.

A Generation Rising by Gerald N. Lund

It has been many years since I read Gerald N. Lund's book "The Undaunted" and his "Work and the Glory" series.  Too long of a wait.  I received this book as part of my Mother's Day gifts from my husband.  He knows I love to read and he knows that my background relates to the events that take place in this book.

Gerald Lund did a great job on this one.  It mixes historical fiction with historical fact.  I loved it.  He did a great deal of research for this one and being a German who deals with history and genealogy, it is very true to life.

Although the family that he depicted are fictional, the events that surrounded their lives was very factual and often very poignant and moving.
Hans Otto Eckhardt, a highly gifted son of a dairy farmer in Bavaria, has opportunities to receive a higher education and takes this chance to learn and experience what life has to offer.  Hans Otto is the only son of his parents as well as their last child.  His father is extremely proud of his accomplishments, but hopes that eventually Hans Otto will return to take over his dairy farm.  It was the expected thing to do.

But Hans Otto's personal road takes some very interesting, sometimes dangerous turns that his parents do not always wish for him.  The story starts in a time of peace and continues throughout the Great War.

An excellent book, one that will totally pull you in and keep you turning those pages and because it is a series, you will have to wait for Vol. 2.  I hope it won't be long!!!

Excellent book Gerald N. Lund!
Author:  Gerald N. Lund