Fire of the Covenant: The Story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies Paperback – December 1, 2004

I think Gerald best Book ever is the second coming of the Lord.But this Book Is so well researched, I loved that at the end of each chapter he has the quotes from the actual journals of where he got some of this ideas. There are many stories and acoustic ya that I have never heard before— And I used to go to the historical sites at Martins Cove and Sixth Crossing regularly— To read listen and learn.

I actually read this book several years ago. My brother and sister-in-law were going on "Pioneer Trek" with the young men and women of their ward. I just knew they had to read this. They had previously visited Martin's Cove. Knowing they were going on "Trek", I bought this book for my brother's birthday. Three days after they returned from their emotional, spiritual experience, the book arrived in the mail. I thought after having such an experience , that this book would help to put all they had gone through into perspective. They had only "trekked" in the summer, and in the heat. This gave better insight into how it might have been if they had had to travel in the dead of winter, with no food, not winter clothing, no hope of rescue. Their experience cannot ever come close to the real experiences of the handcart pioneers. But it did give them some sort of idea how it might have been, and a grateful heart for those who had faith in every footstep, with no thought of reward.For me, I have never had the opportunity to go on "Trek", because of health reasons. But reading this book gave me an understanding of the faith of these people and their dedication to God. I have been to Martin's Cove, and felt the feeling of reverence on that hallowed ground. This book brought that historical event to life for me, I must admit, tears were shed almost every chapter. If you are of pioneer heritage, or whether you are a modern day convert... this book will touch you, on every level, like no other. Especially gratifying was the fact that so many of the "real" characters in the book seemed so familiar to me. One of the rescuers..John Blackham, (I don't recall if he was mentioned by name) is the great-great-grandfather of my son in law. Of all of Gerald Lund's fine books...this is my favorite. An ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!

I read this book before going as a leader on a re-creation of a handcart "trek". I've long known of many of the hardships and struggles of the handcart pioneers, but turns out I had only an inkling. Some of the circumstances were so extreme, I would hardly think it possible to go forward. And yet they did, and they tried, and most of them made it.I liked how the story starts in Europe (couple of places), and shows the faith it took to leave their native lands. You really grow to love the characters, their families, and get to know them.As my wife and I participated in Trek, we were able to share stories we didn't have or know before. Though the stories would be far more impactful to our group of teens if they read the book themselves (which we loaned). It sure made it a different experience for us having read it and experienced a tiny sliver of what it might have been like. Our experience was through severe thunderstorms, which there is one part of the book that reminded me of! A must read for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but an excellent read for anyone who wants to read an emotionally engaging book about our U.S. history of immigrants who helped settle the western United States.Great read!

I'm LDS so this is a story I was relatively familiar with already, but I learned some "behind-the-scenes" type of information that I was not aware of before. I spent a winter in Nebraska (1979-1980), and I know how cold it was in modern-day, so I can only imagine how horrible it was 100+ years earlier on foot in the middle of a harsh winter. My love and I crossed the plains from Omaha to Reno in a pickup truck via freeway in the summer while I was in the last trimester of pregnancy, and to think I complained!! The writer skillfully weaves the fictional characters into the historical retelling without destroying the integrity of either. I was so involved in the story and characters (fictional and real) that I'm afraid I forgot about housework for a couple of days (oops!!). Trust me, after reading it, you'll hesitate to complain about a little snow this winter!

This story was AMAZING, for those wondering story wise if I recommend it, the answer is yes 100%. It is by far my fave book. And for those who say all the characters are the same 🙄. There's feisty Maggie, sweet Eric, and flirty Olaf. Who are all amazing, no they are not all the same. Writing wise the only downside is that since there are so many characters sometimes it's hard to keep track of the story. But other than that great writing and great story id reccomend it to member and nonmember alike (don't worry there's plenty of history to allow the reader member or not to follow along). So if this story is SO good, why 3 stars? The packaging sucked. In their defense I bought a used one for $7 BUT it said it would be in good condition. Was I expecting perfect, no. But the sheet protecter was all ripped and trashy. The book it self was fine, but the sheet protector...yikes...easy fix though, I just took the protector off revealing a classy navy blue hard back book with orange lettering. Not the end of the world but still annoying. Would I reccomend: YES! Would I reccomend used: depends, if you can afford a new book (they run for $25 books since this book is HUGE) then go for it. If you're a poor college student such as myself, get the used and deal with it.

Bought these for my Mother In Law as she loves reading about Mormon Pioneers. She says it is excellent

Great book! I have the greatest respect for the Willy and Martin handcart companies. I young woman in our church read from the journal of her great-great mother and she was in the willy handcart company. She said they had given up hope so they knelt to pray. Then a member of the rescue party came over a rise on horseback. He amputated her toes because of frostbite then carried her into Salt Lake City. This book is right on. Igave this copy to a friend and she enjoyed it immensely.

Book starts slow (took me almost 3 months to get half way through) but the second half is very interesting.

This book was bought as a gift for a Latter Day Saint. I hope she liked it too and will buy even more of the Gerald Lund series.

Great book not best of condition