What an amazing book. I am not a practising Christian as I no longer attend church but I have always loved the Salvation Army knowing some of the good that they do. The history of this wonderful Christian group left me shaking my head many times as I read of all the things that was achieved and how the mainstream Christians tried to ban them as they did not fit the middle and upper class systems. I grew up waiting for the Sunday when they came to where we lived and sang accompanied by their wonderful brass band. My father was a fire officer and I knew that at every disaster they were there to support the workers and injured with food, warm drinks and comforting words abounding. My fond memories made me chose this book and I was amazed at everything that I read, I wish that I could have met William and Catherine Booth as they were two people who really understood human nature and how best to always help people. We could do with someone like them to run our country with empathy and entrepreneurial wisdom.
This was a wonderful book full of so much goodness that I felt a warm feeling inside after I had read it.

I had a vested interest in this book. My husband grew up as a Salvationist and I actually met him as a teenager working at a SA summer camp. If you have a connection or interest in the Army then this book is going to interest you. It's a good book but definitely a bit of a niche audience.

I learned quite a bit about history in general with this book (And now know why the Army has always been against alcohol. At the time in England that the Army was formed alcoholism was rampant, as the government had made beer so cheap it was cheaper to buy than tea or coffee.) and a lot about the founders and history of the army.

When the Army was formed the idea of a church wanting to help someone living in poverty was groundbreaking. The poor were not welcome in the church and the Army came along and embraced them. They also stood up for gender and racial equality, something quite groundbreaking for the time.

There can be no denying the good the Army has done and still does. But there can also be no ignoring their flaws and discriminatory attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. I was pleased to see this author didn't try to whitewash the flaws and instead pointed them out and said that change was needed.

All in all it was a bit dry at times but kept my interest. The history and story of the Salvation Army was handled even handedly and fairly, something which I greatly appreciate.

Thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When the Salvation Army was started they didn’t have nonprofits all over the world, nor did people have more than one place to turn to. At the time the Salvation Army helped anyone who needed their help they receive letters that most people would write to dear love ones asking for their help but instead they were sent to strangers because they had no other place to turn. When Mrs. Booth received the weather from a girl who had fallen pregnant by a man who abandoned her and then she tried to kill her self by lying on the train tracks, but instead she left and got her legs amputated and gave birth to her daughter a few months later . Mrs. Boothe was moved by this The girls letter and gave her a job and she was able not only to raise her daughter but to pay her way. This wouldn’t be the first personal charitable thing mrs. Booth and those who came after would do for the less fortunate. This was a great book about 150 years of a charity that was there at every terrible event that we steer clear of they go to the front lines and help where they can. I truly enjoyed this book it now but the Salvation Army will have a personal story attached to it it makes it so different for me. I know every charity started with one good person but a lot of them have lost their way and the people who manage the charities get more from the donations do the people that need it get better I donut all think the Salvation Army is that way. I totally enjoyed this book I was given this book by net galley and the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own.

I have always been intrigued by the Salvation Army and their "roll up the sleeves" version of Christianity. Fortunately, there are books like this that give whole story, and it is entertaining as well. I love it when history is told so well.