"Ancestors" is a fascinating series of both biblical descriptions and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and on down the ancestral line to Noah and his family. Also revealed in each chapter are the lives of a rugged pioneering family making their way through much of the 1800s as part of one of the greatest human migrations in history.

"Terry interestingly weaves together parallel narratives involving his pioneer ancestors and a retelling of the Genesis story. In doing so, both sets of ancestors are thus presented in a way that puts these people's...