One in Thine Hand

by Gerald N. Lund

Brad Kennison is a returned missionary and a Vietnam vet looking for direction in his life. He makes a journey to Israel in the summer of 1973, at the height of the uneasy days leading up to the Yom Kippur War. Accompanying him through the Holy Land is Miri Shadmi, a fiery Israeli committed to the political survival of her state and scornful of Americans - like Brad. With Miri as his reluctant guide, Brad feels the spiritual impact of the Garden of Gethsemane, relives the tragedies of the Holocaust at Yad Vashem, and visits Israel's monument to freedom, Masada. Along the way, the two battle about politics and religion and brave a run-in with Arab terrorists at a remote kibbutz. Rivalry soon gives way to romance, and both are forced to examine their commitment to faith, family and country.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Lds, Romance, Religion, Christian Fiction

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Gerald N. Lund received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He served for thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, and he served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008. He is a prolific and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction and is best known for his historical novels, including The Work and the Glory series, Fire of the Covenant, The Kingdom and the Crown series, and The Undaunted. He and his late wife, Lynn, are the parents of seven children.

Reviews

[Linda Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually this story takes place in . I think Gerald Lund is always a good read. Against the political & social scene of "modern" Israel of 30 years ago (when the book was first published) Gerald weaves a story of compelling mystery, self discovery. and romance. He brings together 3 major world religions of Judaism, Islam and Mormonism, and does it in a way that leaves the reader with a profound respect for all. I gave it 5 stars because I enjoyed it enough to read it twice

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book, I am grateful for the recommendation. :) I really enjoyed it more so than I would have before, because I currently have an Institute teacher who is from Jewish descent, so I feel I can relate to it more. The whole Jew and Mormon views, after taking his class, and seeing his side of things more, knowing there is much to learn from all peoples, and all religions for that matter. :)

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this novel that Gerald Lund wrote more than 25 years ago. It's a great adventure and love story set in modern day Israel. You follow the story of a returned missionary that is also a veteran, as he seeks to find himself in the land that is deeply part of his faith.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. A lot. A beautiful story, not perfect, but compelling and rewarding. Doesn't lightly treat the Arab, Christian, Jewish difficulties, but was tender, and worth reading. I might even read it again. I've read others of his books and enjoyed them, but it's been a long while, and I've become a more severe critic since then. Lund treats the issues carefully and beautifully, even thoughtfully. There were bits that didn't resonate with me fully, but I suspended belief and decided to just allow myself to be captivated by a historical fiction book with some sadness, but ultimately triumph. Thanks for a book that reminded me again about the joy and escape and thoughtfulness that a decently crafted tome could reveal.

[Tim Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good writing, characters are memorable, convincing and well developed. Adventure balanced with romance, politics and history explored along with religion. The only two things I didn’t like is that Brad, the main character, seems remarkably well adjusted and high functioning for a combat veteran returning from Vietnam in search of spiritual and personal revival. I would have liked to see him struggle a little more for (and eventually find) personal redemption a little more. Some flashbacks to his combat in Vietnam would have provided some important backstory to his character and made him more human. As he shares his faith with Miri he undergoes a revitalization of appreciation for the truths that help pull him through his trials. The other thing- I was a little sad the author made Miri give up her homeland of Israel in order to be “worthy” of Brad. Israel is her promise land as a Jew after all. So if a Mormon and a Jew get married, do they have to live in Salt Lake City or Israel? What if the genders were switched, would the outcome have changed? I would have liked to see them at least agree to spend time in both places, and Brad join Miri as a tour guide in Jerusalem hosting visitors from USA. That would go along with Brad’s passion for educating fellow Mormons about Israel. He can’t do that nearly as well living in Salt Lake City. Overall, it was entertaining and educating to read.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book. Very well written with great character development. I loved the historical significance and dates, as I made a visit to Jerusalem in the early 1970's.

[Book2Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually do not like romances, but I liked this one very much. I think it is because Gerald N. Lund is one of my favorite writers (The Kingdom and the Crown series, The Work and the Glory series). I think I liked this also because the story takes place in Israel and is a window into the tensions and the politics of the Middle East through the eyes of those who live there, and it shows just how complex that reality is. A Jewish girl who is headstrong and a recent Vietnam vet who is trying to find himself. A good read, recommended.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pick this book up if you days ago on a whim. It has been many, many years since I read it. It had some points of doctrine that I wanted to think about, which is my primary reason for reading it. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed the book. It gripped my attention. I love the setting in Israel, and it made me yearn to go back. I was fascinated to read about and remember more about the Yom Kippur war in 1973. Lund did a good job of portraying the Holy Land and the war.

[Becca Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was an interesting read. I liked that there is such a rich backdrop of Isreal in the 70's. The MCs tour and react to some of the great sites to see there, one of which is a memorial of the Holocaust. They get caught up in some of the military conflict, as well. There is action, heartbreak, and romance.

[Andrew Penington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful characters!!!! I enjoyed the rich historical perspective along with the delightful romance!!!

Another well written book!!!! This drama succeeds as well as the other books written by this gifted author!!! I especially enjoyed the spiritual tone set by brother Lund.

[Kari Gulbrandsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. I thought this was going to be a murder mystery set in Israel. I was wrong. Rude Mormon goes to Jerusalem. Meets a Mormon Arab on the plane. Converts beautiful Jewish woman to Mormonism. The plot was just bad.

[Kristi Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I loved that the story was set in Israel and I liked learning about their culture and beliefs. But I did feel that the plot of the story felt flat and was a little too predictable as is common in lds literature. But still a nice read.

[Shannon Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites

I have loved this book since my Mom bought it for me in my early teens. It is so well written. I’m happy it is on kindle now. My original copy is worn with age and many readings.

[Eliza Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago and it still remains a favorite. It was slow to start, but I quickly fell in love with the two main characters as well as the setting. It was a shorter read but SO impactful and powerful.

[Annaliese · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting read where I learned a lot about a part of the world that I don’t know too much about. The writing was mid. The characters seemed really fake. Not a waste of time, but not raving about it either.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and gained some in site into Jerusalem and the people and their struggles. I would love to visit there and see the sites.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this book two or three times in the past. I like it a lot. I

[Vicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK, but a shallow plot. I liked seeing a novel take place in Israel, a country that is fascinating.

[Kami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for book club. I really, really don't like LDS fiction. Yes, it was okay. But so very, very cheesy.

[Rachel Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok, not my favorite book by Lund though. It was a little on the cheesy side. There were a lot of things to ponder and think about which I really liked.

[Merrisa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love being able to learn about history along with an interesting story! The ending is a little rushed, but other than that it's a great read!

[Johnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Jan 2017

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look at what it might be like to be an Israeli. Great historical information and insight.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the setting in Israel and the perspectives of the Jewish, Muslim and Christians. I also learned about events happing in Jerusalem and famous sites in the early 1970s.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enjoyable. It moved along and I liked the characters, but it was mostly just a romance novel with religion.

[Carl H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful

A wonderful, uplifting story
Gerald Lund is an amazing author. I have read many of his works and recently stumbled on this gem.

[Sandie Mixa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read and satisfying ending. Also helped me see inside an Israeli's perspective on Israel, as well as the connection we all have to the House of Israel, as God's children.

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read this before, probably 25 years ago.
Pretty good.

[Jennifer Tidwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great concept of a story- could have elaborated more. Simple and short.

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The book does bring up some good points regarding Israelis/Jews, however the LDS literature aspect of it was just too cringe for me and overshadowed everything else.