The Lightning and the Storm

Lightning and the Storm #1

by Marsha Newman

A powerful, dramatic story about a passionate, rebellious young woman, Charlotte O'Neill. Set in historical Nauvoo, it vividly shows the consequences of choices both good and bad.

Genres: Lds Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rough book to get through because of the violence. But I had to know how it ended. It's amazing what people will put up with. But then, it was a different time back in the 1800s. Women didn't have rights to property, children, or anything else. I felt bad for Charlotte, but choices have consequences, as she found out. Good ending. Also, I found the sequel on my bookshelf, so that'll be my next book to read.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't decided if I like this book or not. It was very interesting to read about Charlotte O'Neill Boughtman and her rebellious spirit. I had never read a book like this before where you see the story through the eyes of someone who turned away from the security and safety of a good home to one that was full of hardship and pain. (Although the good home could be argued with her father being a little on the harsh disciplinary side.) The interesting thing is that Charlotte never really saw the difference. It is evident in her choices, because once she had a chance to leave her abusive relationship with Jack, her husband, she chose to return.

After reading this book, I am a little more sympatehic to women who are in an abusive situation and feel they cannot leave. Charlotte could see no way to leave without damaging her children, although in the end, who was hurt the most? What a horrible thing to watch your daughter die, because of the lies your husband told about you, and your daughter following in what she thought was your footsteps. So, so sad. I was surprised Charlotte didn't fight more for her own integrity with her children.

How ironic that the one thing she feared the most in staying with the "mormons" was sharing her husband with another woman, in polygamy. But, what she despised the most, she eventually learned to live with-- sharing her husband because of his bad choices. What a sad tale. It was frustrating to me, that after all those years, she never did return to her family.

I could not believe that the story ended with her never finding love, true love. But, I guess that is why there is a second and third book. Warning: there is some swearing in the book. As my friend would say, farmer swear words--h___and d____. Very appropriately, it was Jack who used those words many, many times.

I do not know if I really could recommend this book to my friends. There was value in me reading it, but I would recommend it with caution. It is not your happy, good ending, love is hard story.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Polygamy-era LDS story. It is a bit depressing, but I enjoyed it anyway. It is sort of a worst-case-scenario, cautionary tale for marrying outside the faith. It certainly illustrates how choices made rashly and in a power-struggle state of mind can provide a person with a lifetime of grief and regret. It spotlights the fact that even if a person knows exactly what he or she should do, that does not guarantee that it will be done. It also shows that the truth is the only eventuality; whether we come to that destination with joy or remorse depends entirely on the sum total of our choices, actions, and attitudes.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this novel at a time in my life when I was at a crossroads and faced many decisions that would chart the course of my life from that point on - early college. What stayed with me most was the lesson that the protagonist of this story, learned the hard way that it is usually a SERIES of seemingly little choices that affect our life for good or for bad. This is a novel that I would recommend to ALL teenage/young adult girls as the reader can begin to see clearly as the story unfolds how the heroine's choices caused her (and her family) grief & pain; then great happiness.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for the first time when I was 13 and have loved re-reading it several times since. It is a wonderful mix of fiction and historical fact. It's a religious read, which may put some people off, but if you've read the "Work and the Glory" series you will enjoy this. Marsha Newman is a fabulous writer and does a wonderful job of mixing the fact and fiction together into a wonderful story.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in the trilogy. Great book taking place during the restoration of the church. It really helps you see the importance even one choice can make in your life. The main character makes a lifetime of bad choices and really suffers great consequences. Repentance and forgiveness are also great lessons learned!

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story of hope and despair, of passion and regret, of how the choices we make affect our lives. Set in the early days of the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints this books shows the struggles of some of the early members of the church. A good read about two strong, determined personalities in conflict.

[Kina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was sad and a little too close to home at times. It was supposed to be a fluffy read but ended up being too emotionally draining. I think all you readers out there would probably enjoy it because despite the sadness it is very likeable and well written. I'm not sure I'll be rereading it any time soon.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

At my age, this story caused a lot of reflection of the choices I've made in my life. Fortunately, my life has many great moments of good and bad. Like Charlotte, when she finally recognizes the Lord's hand in her life and the truthfulness of the gospel, I've leaned on Him to get me through life's challenges. Good story and really great ending!

[Haylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is wonderful once you get passed the second chapter. You are thrown into Charlotte's world of pain and bitterness until she finds the gospel of Jesus Christ where she embraces it to it's full capacity. In the end it made me cry for her triumphs and sorrows.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place during the early years after the restoration of the gospel. It follows a young girl with a strong will and a rebellious spirit. A fantastic story illustrating the level of willfullness some of us must reach before we realize our error.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read, historical fiction, but very interesting

[Lindsey Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my very favorite book when I was in highschool. I totally read books over and over, and I think I have read this one at least 5 times. I feel like I can relate to Charlotte.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read this book, but I liked it.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was actually a prequel to another one that I read and I didn't realize it.

[Millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very moving, sad happy, stormy!

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My all time favorite book..

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

My mom really loved this series but I found this first book pretty depressing.