The release date for the English version of 'Pillar of Light' by
Gerald N. Lund is Nov 2010. If you enjoy this novel, it is available for buy as a paperback from Barnes & Noble or Indigo, as an ebook on the Amazon Kindle store, or as an audiobook on Audible.
"You believe me, don't you, Nathan." It was a declaration, full of amazement, rather than a question.
It took Nathan aback.
"You really believe it. It's visible on your face."
As Nathan looked into the depths of his soul, time appeared to stop for a second. The feeling of disbelief persisted, as did the impression that what was being spoken was unreal. He knew it was, however. He had no doubts whatsoever about the veracity of what Joseph was telling him. Eventually, with awe of his own, he answered, "Yes, Joseph, I believe you."
The epic tale of the Benjamin Steed family starts with Pillar of Light, the first book in the series The Work and the Glory. In quest of better farmland, they relocate from Vermont to Palmyra Township in upstate New York in the 1820s. They encounter Joseph Smith, a young man, there, and get entangled in the tumultuous web of disagreement and debate that encircles him. Was it indeed a pillar of light that he saw the Father and the Son in? Has he really had heavenly messengers visit him? Why are they talking about fresh scripture and gold plates so much? Is he, in essence, a great con artist or a prophet and seer? These are very personal questions that might cause division, and the answers that each one provides will have a lasting impact on the Steeds' life.
Here, novelist Gerald N. Lund skillfully combines powerful fiction with historical truth. In his hands, this combination appears to turn the reader into an eyewitness to the early Restoration scenes, enhancing comprehension and enjoyment of those historic occasions. The imaginary characters and well constructed scenario make for an engrossing, poignant tale. Here are the Steeds: Joshua, their erratic son who rebels and goes off course; Nathan, their sensitive second son, who responds well to Joseph Smith's message; and Lydia McBride, the stunning woman who wins over both Joshua and Nathan. Benjamin and Mary Ann Steed are devoted to each other as husband and wife, but they are at odds over religion.
This book deftly examines the innermost desires of Joseph Smith and his early adherents as well as the reactions of ordinary modern families to the assertions he made. These characters come to life in this stirring historical fiction that depicts the anguish and joy that followed Joseph's encounter with the light pillar.