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The Zion Trail
On a hot summer day, young Elijah Marshall stops plowing to give a drink of water to two strangers and invite them to lunch with his family. His neighborly act sets in motion events that will drastically change his future.
The strangers share a new religion, which the family embraces. But the neighbors want no part of Mormons. Multiple acts of unkindness and starvation drive the Marshall family to flee to the Mormon city on the banks of the Mississippi River, Nauvoo.
Then the path of Elijah's life takes perilous detours, with twists and turns he never expected to make.
In a 19th century coming-of-age story ranging from Pennsylvania to the Great Salt Lake Valley, Elijah plunges into harrowing adventures filled with sorrow, danger, and romance.
"Once again, Marsha Ward has woven an exciting historical novel. Elijah Marshall's adventures, trials, and faith building experiences as he journeys on The Zion Trail will keep readers turning pages until the end!"
~Loralee Evans, author of The Shores of Bountiful, and other novels.
"Marsha Ward's genius rises to her highest peak in The Zion Trial, with spot-on period terminology and meticulous attention to detail. It pulled me back to that time when my fourth-great-grandfather converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and took that Zion trail, and beyond."
~Debra Erfert, author of Window of Time, Changes of the Heart, It Takes a Sleuth, and Relative Evil.
The strangers share a new religion, which the family embraces. But the neighbors want no part of Mormons. Multiple acts of unkindness and starvation drive the Marshall family to flee to the Mormon city on the banks of the Mississippi River, Nauvoo.
Then the path of Elijah's life takes perilous detours, with twists and turns he never expected to make.
In a 19th century coming-of-age story ranging from Pennsylvania to the Great Salt Lake Valley, Elijah plunges into harrowing adventures filled with sorrow, danger, and romance.
"Once again, Marsha Ward has woven an exciting historical novel. Elijah Marshall's adventures, trials, and faith building experiences as he journeys on The Zion Trail will keep readers turning pages until the end!"
~Loralee Evans, author of The Shores of Bountiful, and other novels.
"Marsha Ward's genius rises to her highest peak in The Zion Trial, with spot-on period terminology and meticulous attention to detail. It pulled me back to that time when my fourth-great-grandfather converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and took that Zion trail, and beyond."
~Debra Erfert, author of Window of Time, Changes of the Heart, It Takes a Sleuth, and Relative Evil.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2016
About the author
Marsha Ward
42 books60 followersMarsha Ward is the author of the American Civil War era novels that make up "The Owen Family Saga:" Gone for a Soldier (which takes place during the Civil War), The Man from Shenandoah, Spinster's Folly, Ride to Raton, and Trail of Storms. Marsha also is an accomplished poet, a mentor, conference presenter, and the founder of American Night Writers Association, Inc. (ANWA). She lives in the heart of the Old West in Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 28, 2016
I cannot even imagine the fortitude of the early Saints. Joining a religion that they felt a passion for only to be ostracized by friends and neighbors. Families being torn apart. Driven from homes and farms to travel across an entire country on foot or by wagon. Yet, through it all the Lord sends his blessings.
Your heart will be touched with this tender telling of one young man who presses forward--no matter the cost.
Your heart will be touched with this tender telling of one young man who presses forward--no matter the cost.
June 20, 2016
Marsha Ward has written another delightful historical book, this time based on one family's conversion to Mormonism, or Latter-Day Saints. Follow the journey of the Marshall family from the time they meet the missionaries to their adventures as they travel to Zion.
September 2, 2016
The Zion Trail, A Promised Valley Novel by Marsha Ward is an outstanding tale of the life of a young pioneer man. It will give you a clear vision of the struggles and the blessings he receives in his life.
When Elijah offers a drink to two men while plowing his land, he doesn't realize how many things will change in his life. His family is composed by three siblings, himself, his mom and pop. All their lives change in matter of days as they embrace the Mormon religion. Friendly farmers by trade, his family becomes unwelcome in their community and his father is beaten almost to death after they are baptized as Mormons. When their barn with their food for winter, including their cows, is burned to the ground they resort to hunting small game to survive.
Enough is enough, and in the spring they decide to go to Nauvoo and find peace at the knees of the Mormon prophet. Elijah's older sister Sarah, although baptized a Mormon, doesn't have the vision nor the faith to follow her father and runs away with the scoundrel who had beaten her father.
Elijah family's future is uncertain and he hopes his faith is true.
In this tale we follow Elijah's life all the way from a teenager to the man that he becomes. It is a clean read and a moving pioneer story.
When Elijah offers a drink to two men while plowing his land, he doesn't realize how many things will change in his life. His family is composed by three siblings, himself, his mom and pop. All their lives change in matter of days as they embrace the Mormon religion. Friendly farmers by trade, his family becomes unwelcome in their community and his father is beaten almost to death after they are baptized as Mormons. When their barn with their food for winter, including their cows, is burned to the ground they resort to hunting small game to survive.
Enough is enough, and in the spring they decide to go to Nauvoo and find peace at the knees of the Mormon prophet. Elijah's older sister Sarah, although baptized a Mormon, doesn't have the vision nor the faith to follow her father and runs away with the scoundrel who had beaten her father.
Elijah family's future is uncertain and he hopes his faith is true.
In this tale we follow Elijah's life all the way from a teenager to the man that he becomes. It is a clean read and a moving pioneer story.
February 25, 2016
Great Story of Faith
Like the story of Elijah and his family, this story traveled at a steady pace as decisions made to accept a new faith found them at the center of persecution. Even when the results of choices left me second-guessing along with the character if a mistake had been made, like in real life I enjoyed reading how each character worked through their difficulties to continue towards their primary goals. The characters were described well and I felt I knew them, even as tragedy took some from the earth. The theme, "all will be well," expressed the faith of Elijah and his family as they faced their challenges. Well written and inspiring. Sweet Romance.
Like the story of Elijah and his family, this story traveled at a steady pace as decisions made to accept a new faith found them at the center of persecution. Even when the results of choices left me second-guessing along with the character if a mistake had been made, like in real life I enjoyed reading how each character worked through their difficulties to continue towards their primary goals. The characters were described well and I felt I knew them, even as tragedy took some from the earth. The theme, "all will be well," expressed the faith of Elijah and his family as they faced their challenges. Well written and inspiring. Sweet Romance.
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October 10, 2016I enjoyed the story of Elijah and his trip west. This book reads like a memoir, which gives it a ring of authenticity. I have ancestors who made the same trip, and it was like walking along beside them. The trials and setbacks suffered by the Mormon Pioneers is shown with sensitivity and accuracy. The history doesn't bog down the story with a lot of info dumps. Instead, the history comes along as the story unfolds.
September 17, 2016
I enjoyed this account of a young man's conversion to the Church and journey west. He did find love and I wished it wasn't so close to the end so more time could have been spent on his relationship and marriage. I would recommend it.
August 5, 2016
The Zion Trail tells the story of Elijah Marshal, beginning on the day two Mormon missionaries stop by his home. The book spans several years and follows Lije as he and his family embrace their new religion and then face subsequent persecution. He follows the Latter-day Saints as they move from Nauvoo outside of the US and into the Utah territory in search of freedom of religion.
The story touches on the history of the time and the Mormon people, without going into too much detail. If you want more specifics, this might not be the book for you. I liked the level of detail--enough but not too much. Lije suffers many losses on the way, but gains as well.
4 1/2 stars. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story touches on the history of the time and the Mormon people, without going into too much detail. If you want more specifics, this might not be the book for you. I liked the level of detail--enough but not too much. Lije suffers many losses on the way, but gains as well.
4 1/2 stars. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. My heart was tugged as I watched Elijah and his family suffer because of their faith, testimony, and beliefs. The way this book depicts the early trials which the Mormon people faced was very respectful and touching. Most of all, I connected with the main character, Elijah, and appreciated being able to experience his life. I liked how the author didn't just focus on tragedy, but the kindness shown to Elijah from strangers not of his faith was touching. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews