Children of the Promise Series by Dean Hughes

"Every era has its own refiner's fire, and World War II put general Church membership and Utah to a test," Dean Hughes explains. In Children of the Promise, his first historical fiction series for adults, Dean shows through the eyes of the Thomas family how LDS families were tested to the limit. "Most people agree it was a fascinating time in world and American history. In fact, there is a charm and nostalgia about that dramatic period," says the author... more"Every era has its own refiner's fire, and World War II put general Church membership and Utah to a test," Dean Hughes explains. In Children of the Promise, his first historical fiction series for adults, Dean shows through the eyes of the Thomas family how LDS families were tested to the limit. "Most people agree it was a fascinating time in world and American history. In fact, there is a charm and nostalgia about that dramatic period," says the author. Dean weaves in those aspects among the conflict in the series. The first volume, Rumors of War opens in 1938 with Elder Alex Thomas and his companion serving in Germany. It soon becomes obvious that he will never complete his mission. War is coming, and that will affect not only Elder Thomas but also his family back home in Salt Lake City. less

Mom, when are you going to add two more stars to the banner in our window?" LaRue asked. "You obviously haven't looked. I sewed them on this morning." All around Salt Lake City-and across the nation — the banners were showing up now. Each star represented a member of the household who was serving in the military. And already, gold stars — for those who had died in action — were beginning to replace some of the blue ones... moreMom, when are you going to add two more stars to the banner in our window?" LaRue asked. "You obviously haven't looked. I sewed them on this morning." All around Salt Lake City-and across the nation — the banners were showing up now. Each star represented a member of the household who was serving in the military. And already, gold stars — for those who had died in action — were beginning to replace some of the blue ones. Picking up where the bestseller Rumors of War left off, Since You Went Away continues with Wally Thomas's struggle to survive as a prisoner of war on the Bataan Peninsula while his family begin to disperse due to the war. Bobbi and Alex Thomas are leaving for military duty at the infant stages of World War II — Bobbi as a naval nurse at Pearl Harbor and Alex in army basic training. A gripping novel filled with memorable characters, Since You Went Away will draw you into a past charged with danger, action, romance, and the importance of family and faith. http://deseretbook.com/item/4931241/C... less

The Thomas family members face ongoing challenges in the dark years at the close of WW2. Alex's values are tested as he works to complete an intelligence assignment in Germany while wondering if he'll ever see his beloved Anna and their son again. Wally struggles to survive the torture he endures as a POW, and Bobbi has to make a difficult choice between the men in her life. Back home in Utah, LaRue and her father, President Alexander Thomas, have drawn their own battle lines.