Rumors of War

Rumors of War Children of the Promise Vol. 1 by Dean Hughes

The first book in Hughes WWII series is Rumors of War. The Thomas family has made it through the Great Depression and WWI. Hitler is rising in power across Europe and Russia. He promises to strengthen the dying economy. In truth he is out to strengthen communism and wipe out the Jews.

Alex Thomas, oldest son of Al and Bea, is on a mission for the LDS church, in Germany. He is there for the conversion of the Stoltz family and their beautiful daughter Anna. He is also there for the rise of Hitler. Jews and foreigners are being persecuted, including missionaries. After witnessing many atrocities towards Jews, the mission is being closed. Alex and other missionaries must flee the country before the borders close and trap them. The Gestapo is after them.

Once home, Alex wants to return to college, but his father, President Thomas has other ideas. Strict and opinionated Al is investing in a parts plant that he wants Alex to run. Al knows he can make his son rich and keep him out of the war this way. Alex sees things differently. He can't let other members of his family and community serve without joining his own effort. He knows someday he may have to fight the Germans that he came to love. He and Anna promise to ride out the war and find each other.

Bobbi oldest Thomas daughter is engaged to Phil, the man of every girl's dreams. Every girl except for Bobbi. She finds one of her professors more intellectually stimulating. Finally realizing that she doesn't want to be Phil's 'little woman', she breaks off the engagement. President Thomas is furious, especially when he finds out that Bobbi is thinking of marrying her English Lit. professor, David. David is brilliant and right up her alley, but he does not share her faith. He encourages her to master in literature and become a professor herself. When things aren't going the way David wants, he takes another position in Chicago. Bobbi's heart aches for him and she decides to travel to Chicago to visit. She has a wonderful time and things that maybe she can live without David's dedication to the church. David finally sees how that would change Bobbi and tells her they should end the relationship. Bobbi returns to Utah with a broken heart. She strikes a deal with her father that she will become a nurse. Something that President Thomas finds worthy of her time. The war is really raging now, and after Bobbi's brother is caught up in the middle, Bobbi realizes she must join her effort. After graduation Bobbi plans to sign up with the navy.

Wally, second son in the Thomas family is not living up to the Thomas name, at least in the eyes of his father. Wally deems himself the family quitter. When he can't beat Alex in anything, he gives up. His grades drop and he feels depressed. The only thing he loves is Lorraine. And she doesn't want to love him back. Finally when Wally sees that he can't be the man Lorraine wants, he joins the air corps.

Wally is stationed in the Philippines. He is quickly rising in rank and living a life of leisure. Then Japan storms Pearl Harbor and the Philippine Islands quickly follow in a desperate take over. Wally becomes a true soldier over night as he and his men are sent on a death march across the island. The Thomas family back home is frantic. They see the world changing over night. Alex and Bobbi join the fray with the blessing of their father.

The history in this book is amazing and terrifying. Everyone I have spoken with loves this series even more than the follow up series The Hearts of the Children. I can't wait to immerse myself into history with personal perspective.

Rating 4.5

Rating PG 13 War time violence