Children of the Promise

Children of the Promise is the first book in a series that follows the Thomas family of Salt Lake City during World War II. The Thomases are a Mormon family whose lives change when America enters the war. The story centers on Alex Thomas, a mission president in Germany who must evacuate his missionaries, and his brother Wally, who joins the Marines. Their mother Bea manages the family market while dealing with challenges on the home front. The narrative moves between the European theater, the Pacific, and Salt Lake City as family members navigate both global conflict and personal trials. The Mormon faith plays a central role in how the characters interpret and respond to wartime events. This historical novel explores themes of faith, family bonds, and individual growth against the backdrop of international crisis. Through the Thomas family's experiences, readers gain perspective on how ordinary Americans balanced religious conviction with patriotic duty during World War II.

Readers appreciate Hughes' research and attention to historical detail in portraying a Mormon family during WWII. Many note the book helps them understand what life was like on both the home front and battlefields. Readers liked: - Relatable, flawed characters who grow throughout the series - Balance of faith elements with universal themes - Multiple storylines that interweave major historical events - Accurate portrayal of 1940s Salt Lake City culture Readers disliked: - Slow pacing in early chapters - Some predictable plot elements - Heavy focus on LDS religious aspects (for non-Mormon readers) Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (380+ ratings) Deseret Book: 4.8/5 (90+ ratings) Common reader comment: "The characters feel like real family members by the end." Several reviewers mention re-reading the series multiple times and sharing it across generations.

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🌟 Dean Hughes conducted over 100 interviews with World War II veterans to ensure historical accuracy in "Children of the Promise" and its companion novels. 📚 The book is the first in a five-volume series that follows the fictional Mormon Hale family through World War II, offering a unique perspective on how the war affected both soldiers and those on the home front. ⚡ The story spans multiple continents, including scenes in Germany, Japan, and the United States, reflecting Hughes' extensive research into different theaters of WWII. 🎓 Author Dean Hughes has written more than 100 books and holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Washington, bringing both academic expertise and storytelling skill to his historical fiction. 🏆 The series gained particular recognition within the LDS community for its authentic portrayal of Mormon family life during wartime, while remaining accessible to readers of all faiths.