Follow Me To Zion LDS Blog Tour & Book Review

Book Description

James G. Willie knew the trek would be arduous when he left Iowa City in July 1856, leading 500 handcart pioneers on a 1,300-mile journey across the plains.

But he could not have known that his people would run out of food while still hundreds of miles from Salt Lake City nor that the winter of 1856 would begin in the middle of October with prolonged, severe storms. Sixty-nine members of his company would die along the way. Yet from this tragedy emerged triumphant stories of personal endurance, courage, heroism, and unwavering faith.

Follow Me to Zion recounts 20 compelling stories of members of the Willie handcart company and their rescuers. Dozens of full-color images by artist Julie Rogers enrich this keepsake volume, which pays tribute to the men, women, and children who have become enduring witnesses of the power of faith and sacrifice.

Here you will find excerpts from their own accounts of the journey, learn what those faithful pioneers did after reaching the Salt Lake Valley, and read reflections on their lives by descendants.

The simple words “Follow Me to Zion,” cross-stitched onto small pieces of fabric kept in the journal of a handcart pioneer, are an invitation that still calls to us today.

The stories and paintings in this beautiful volume can inspire us to live true to our faith and reach out to help others do likewise.

Product Details

         Size: 8" x 10"

         Pages: 272

         Year Published: 2013

About the Authors

Andrew D. Olsen is an editor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the author of The Price We Paid: The Extraordinary Story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Pioneers. Andrew and his wife, Linda, are the parents of 3 children.

Jolene Spendlove Allphin has a love for the 1856 pioneers and rescuers that continues to grow. She has published nearly 300 biographical sketches of them in Tell My Story, Too. Jolene and her husband, Michael, are the parents of 11 children.

Julie Boswell Rogers is an acclaimed artist who has won many awards. Her art has been featured in Church publications, visitors’ centers, and the Church History Museum. The book Emma, the Elect Lady contains many of her paintings of Joseph and Emma Smith. Julie and her husband, Russell, are the parents of 5 children.

Purchase link:

http://deseretbook.com/Follow-Me-Zion-Stories-Willie-Handcart-Pioneers-Andrew-D-Olsen/i/5107121

My Review:

Follow Me To Zion is a great book full of true accounts from the people who were a part
of the Willie Handcart Company.  It is a great look into their thoughts and their lives.  I
was amazed at their faith, their courage, and their overall positive outlook.  Even when
things seemed hopeless and desperate, they had faith and did not doubt that the Lord
would deliver them.  This book has helped me to see these pioneers for who they really
were; amazing Church members with unshakable faith. Included are thoughts from their
descendants whose lives have been shaped and influenced by these faithful pioneers.
This book allows you to read what the actual members of the Willie Handcart
Company wrote!  This is an amazing collection of their writings!

Happy Reading!!!


I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.