Anyone who loved The Work and the Glory series will enjoy this book. It is the story of Ezekiel Johnson, a young man who escapes an abusive step-father to become the father of 16 children. The Johnson family is portrayed as a deeply spiritual family in spite of their father's problem with alcohol. The children and their mother, Julia, are all looking for the true gospel and when they discover the Mormon church they have to hide their studies from Ezekiel. Julia and some of her children eventually are allowed to be baptized and meet the prophet, Joseph Smith.

The book appears to be well researched and notes are given at the back for clarity. When I was reading this book I got the feeling that the Stead family from The Work and the Glory could have been patterned after the Johnsons. I found the whole story very interesting and enjoyable especially since Ezekiel is my g-g-g-grandfather. It will be interesting to read the next installment in this series.

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M. McQuarrie
March 11, 2006