Whitney Awards

This is the third year for the Whitney Awards. To nominate your favorite novels by LDS writers that have been published in 2009, go to the Whitney Award website. There are several fiction categories. Deadline to nominate is December 31, 2009.

LDS Publisher blog keeps a running tally of eligible books. I've posted the list below and bolded the ones that I've read so far!

2009 Fiction by LDS authors


Abish: Faith Among the Lamanites – Brenda Andersen
Actor and the Housewife, The – Shannon Hale
Adventures of Hash Brown Winters, The – Frank Cole
Agent in Old Lace – Tristi Pinkston
Alcatraz vs the Knights of Crystallia – Brandon Sanderson
All the Stars in Heaven – Michele Paige Holmes
Alma – H.B. Moore
Altared Plans – Rebecca Talley
Altered State – Gregg Luke
Alvor – Laura Bingham
Am I Not a Man – Mark L. Shurtleff
Amaranth Enchantment – Julie Berry
Babylon – Wendie L. Edwards
Balls in Her Court, The – Heather Justesen
Best of Times, The – Anita Stansfield
Beyond the Mask – Kae D. Jacobs
Bone Warriors – Bron Bahlmann
Bones of the Dragon – Weis & Hickman
Brass Dragon Codex – Rebeccan Shelley (aka R.D. Henham)
Briana, My Brother and the Blog – Jack Weyland
Bright Blue Miracle – Becca Wilhite
Burning Wild – Christine Feehan
By Love or By Sea – Rachel Rager
Chaosbound – David Farland
Chosen One, The – Carol Lynch Williams
Christmas Jars Reunion – Jason F Wright
Circle of Souls, A – Preetham Grandhi
Clone Betrayal, The – Steven L. Kent
Code of Honor – Betsy Brannon Green
Cold Creek Homecoming, A – RaeAnne Thayne
Counting the Cost – Liz Adair
Crimson Frost, A – Marcia Lynn McClure
Dark Slayer – Christine Feehan
David & the Bear Lake Monster – Linda Weaver Clarke
Dead Wrong – Clair Poulson
Deadly Treasure – Jillayne Clements
Dragon Spear – Jessica Day George
Dragon War Relic, The – Berin L. Stephens
Dragons of the Hourglass Mage – Hickman & Weis
Elena, Woman of Courage – Linda Weaver Clarke
Elfs in a Conquered Land – Anna del C Dye
Eliza's Field of Faith – Rachelle Pace Castor
English Trifle – Josi S Kilpack
Everything Is Fine – Ann Dee Ellis
Execution Dock – Anne Perry
Eyes Like Mine – Julie Wright
Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary – Brandon Mull
Farworld: Land Keep – J Scott Savage
FOB Bible, The – Eric W Jepson, et al
Forest Born – Shannon Hale
Forgotten Warrior, The – Kathi Oram Peterson
Fortune's Woman – RaeAnne Thayne
Freaky Flyday – David Farland
Gathering Storm, The – Brandon Sanderson (Robert Jordan)
Gravity vs the Girl – Riley Noehren
Green Dragon Codex – Clint Johnson (aka RD Henham)
Haunts Haven – Joan Sowards
Having Hope – Terri Ferran
Heart's Desire – Steven D. Nielsen
Heavenly Surrender, The – Marcia Lynn McClure
Hidden Branch, The – G.G. Vandagriff
Hidden Currents – Christine Feehan
High Country – Jennie Hansen
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet – Jamie Ford
Hourglass Door, The – Lisa Mangum
How to Stuff a Wild Zucchini – Heather Horrocks
Hunt for Dark Infinity, The – James Dashner
Hush, Hush – Becca Fitzpatrick
Illuminations of the Heart – Joyce DiPastena
Immortal Sins – Amanda Ashley
In the Company of Angels – David Farland
Just One Wish – Janette Rallison
Last Waltz, The – GG Vandagriff
Lemon Tart – Josi S. Kilpack
Leven Thumps & the Ruins of Alder – Overt Skye
Light Above, The – Jean Holbrook Mathews
Lockdown – Traci Hunter Abramson
Maze Runner, The — James Dashner
Methods of Madness – Stephanie Black
Missing Pieces – Jeni Grossman
Missing – Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
Murder by the Book – Betsy Brannon Green
My Fair Godmother – Janette Rallison
My Fairy Grandmother – Aubrey Mace
Mystic Cipher, The – Dennis Mangrum
Night's Pleasure – Amanda Ashley
No Going Back – Jonathan Langford
On the Jericho Road – K.L. Morgan
One Last Chance – Jerry Borrowman
Phoenix, The: Firestorm - Joseph Allen
Pickup Games – Marcia Mickelson
Previously Engaged – Elodia Strain
Princess and the Bear, The – Mette Ivie Harrison
Princess of the Midnight Ball – Jessica Day George
Princess of the Sword – Lynn Kurland
Pursued – Lynn Gardner
Reiyalindis – Cory Poulson
Return of the Outlaw – Craig Curtis
Rift – Todd Robert Petersen
Right Click – Susan Aylworth
Rise of Zion, The – Chad Daybell
Route, The – Gale Sears
Samaritan Bueno, The – Jack Weyland
Santa Maybe - Aubrey Mace
Saphyre Snow – Marica Lynn McClure
Saving Madeline – Rachel Ann Nunes
Second Chances – Linda Chadwick
Servant of a Dark God – John Brown
Shackles of Honor – Marcia Lynn McClure
Shadow Dragons, The – James A. Owen
Shadow Hunter – Galli & Galli
Shadows of Eden – Timothy F. Bone
Shelter from the Storm – Anita Stansfield
Shudder – Jennie Hansen
Silence of Snow, The – Anita Stansfield
Sister Pact, The – Cami Checketts
Slathbog's Gold – M.L. Forman
Soul Alliance: The Thorn of Gooze – Charles Streams
Taken by Storm – Angela Morrison
Ties That Bind – Kristen McKendry
Till There Was You – Lynn Kurland
Torn Apart – Diony George
Tower of Strength – Annette Lyon
Trail of Storms – Marsha Ward
Tree House, The – Douglas Thayer
Tribunal – Sandra Grey
Trigger – Todd Durrant
Uncut Diamonds – Karen Jones Gowen
Undaunted, The – Gerald N Lund
Under a Lakota Moon – Deborah L. Weikel
Warbreaker – Brandon Sanderson
Winds of Hope – Anita Stansfield
Wings – Aprilynne Pike
Within the Flame – LeeAnne Hanks
Wordsmith 1: The Veil of Heaven – Michael R. Collings
Wordsmith 2: The Thousand Eyes of Flame – Michael R. Collings

In the Company of Angels by David Farland

by Guest Reviewer, Robyn Heirtzler

New York Times best-selling author David Farland has done it again, created compelling fiction with unforgettable characters in his newest novel, In the Company of Angels.

Based on the true story of the Willie Handcart Company, Farland has beautifully captured the trials, fears and hope of these pioneers. He seamlessly pieces the thoughts and actions of the feisty Eliza Gadd, Captain James G. Willie and young Baline Mortensen into a compelling story that’s difficult to release. Led by Captain Willie, the company encounters countless tragedies that delays their trip across the plains, eventually resulting in numerous deaths from exposure and starvation.

Indian wars rage as they march across the plains, carrying their sick and injured in handcarts built from scraps of wood. Companies ahead of them report nearly constant threat of the raids and the discovery of corpses along the trail does little to ease their fears.

This heartbreaking account takes the reader to Eliza Gadd’s side as she watches her family collapse around her and culminates as Baline Mortensen gives the ultimate sacrifice…

In the Company of Angels is a story for all faiths and all people. It’s a historical recollection of fact combined in a novel that makes the reader believe he’s walking beside these brave pioneers.
From the prologue: “…Fifteen people are buried there in a circle, laid out toe to toe. In 1856, they tried to cross a continent, hauling all that they owned in handcarts, and were caught in an early storm. Most were men who died struggling to save their families from the brutal blizzard, but others were children, weakened by starvation. They are but a few of those who died along the trail.

“Their story is not a common tragedy. Theirs is a story of courage, hope, and heroism that may be unparalleled in the American West.

“Few have tried to tell their tale. It is not an easy one to tell. Though survivors, and even many of those who died, left biographical accounts, it is an odd tale—a story of revelations, of angelic visitations, of people struggling to find religious freedom in a harsh world.”

David Farland is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author with nearly fifty novels in print. While most of his novels fit into other genres, Dave felt deeply touched by the story of the Willie Handcart Company, and so began to study it with an eye toward writing the tale. He spent two years in the process, reading from numerous biographies, pulling handcarts, and traveling along the Old Mormon Trail.

The novel can be purchased here.

The Holy Bible and Mormonism

Review by Heather Moore

In his introduction Christopher Mills clearly states that he is not an official representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his work is for the express purpose of explaining to members and non-members how to “understand Latter-day Saint beliefs . . . from a Biblical standpoint.”

What follows is a selection of topics that often come under criticism from those outside of the LDS faith. Most members of the LDS Church know the answers because they have learned them throughout Primary, Sunday School and Gospel Doctrine classes. But I found that putting them into a single volume and walking through the relevant scriptures in the Biblical text brought the message and the explanation of the doctrines to a very manageable level.

Topics such as why the LDS people believe that faith and works are inseparable, and why we are baptized by immersion are clearly outlined. The chapters are compelling and not to be read in one sitting. The chapter on the LDS beliefs about eternal marriage was especially interesting, since I’ve found myself in similar conversations with non-member friends.

The chapters on the Priesthood and the Prophets and Apostles are fervent reminders of the importance of the restoration of the Church in the latter days.

Overall, the tone of the book is diplomatic and matter-of-fact. The author is careful to share both sides of the argument, then explain how LDS doctrine, does indeed, fit into the scriptural text found within the Bible. An interesting compilation and a helpful reference for any student of the gospel.

To order this book, visit Christopher Mill's website.

Review of Eric Shuster's Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest

I would love to have read a book such as Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest by Eric Shuster during various stages of my own life. First, as a young adult inquisitive about religion to such a degree that I tried out many different churches (including Catholic) before I was twenty-one. Second, as an investigator and convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age twenty-two. Third, as a wife and mother to four children who deserved enough information about the Gospel of Jesus Christ to sustain their budding testimonies. Fourth, as a Seminary teacher actively seeking all the knowledge I could find. And fifth, as an empty nester longing to buttress family faith from a distance.

Eric Shuster’s book has enough answers to cover all the bases. It is beautifully written – concise, straightforward, personal, and heartfelt. I give it ten out of ten from every aspect, and recommend it to anyone with a sincere desire to find truth. I appreciate how Eric never knocks the Catholic Church, but explains their doctrine in a straight-forward manner that is fair and revealing, while at the same time loving. His treatment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ belief is equally evenhanded, and his testimony of the Savior comes shining through it all.

Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest is the captivating story of Mr. and Mrs. Shuster’s conversion from Catholicism to Mormonism with comparisons of 40 key doctrines between both religions that drove their life-changing decision. The book delivers a unique journey of how they were able to retain the spiritual roots from their Catholic upbringing, while enriching their lives with a harvest of peace and joy that comes from a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—hence the title of the book.

In Mr. Shuster’s own words, “Being raised in the rich and beautiful traditions of the Catholic Church, my wife a former Franciscan nun with a degree in Catholic theology and me an active lay minister, we were curious when introduced to the LDS faith—the supposed restored Catholic Church. At the time we wanted to learn about those who may have journeyed from Catholicism to Mormonism, while yearning for a text to help us quickly understand the doctrines of both churches for comparison and study. Not having such a work to draw from, we tarried through an extended investigation of the Church and finally entered the waters of baptism, realizing we gave up nothing and gained everything in doing so. Not long after our baptism I committed myself to producing a book that would share our story and help the searching Catholic understand what we learned during our own journey to the restored gospel: that the roots of Catholicism make for an excellent Mormon harvest.

“As the years passed, I learned that every Latter-day Saint had one or more Catholic friends in the same boat we were, who had the potential to make the same journey we did, and could benefit from reading our story and the doctrinal comparison work we labored upon. Latter-day Saints would gladly purchase such a book not only to help their Catholic friends, but for themselves to learn and understand more. While the market appears huge for this book, the love and joy I felt in my heart for each and every struggling Catholic drove me to make the book a reality.”

Mark L. McConkie, son of Elder Bruce R. McConkie and Professor of the University of Colorado, had this to say about Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest:

“This is not just the story of Eric and Marilyn Shuster’s religious journey; it is the story of the journey of all devout truth seekers. Written in a sincere and gentle style, filled with friendly humor, this book gives the details of an intimate and deeply sincere inquiry and of the answers—and new questions—to which this inquiry led. In these pages you will meet these two people, share their laughter and their tears—and perhaps a few of their conclusions. In any case, you will be enriched by your reading, and strengthened in your own quest, wherever it may take you.”

Eric Shuster is the fifth of six children born to George and Patricia Shuster. He is a graduate of Saint Lawrence Catholic College Preparatory School and has earned a Bachelor of Science degree from San Jose State University and a Masters of Science degree from the University of Phoenix. Following a distinguished career in the technology field, Mr. Shuster founded IntelliClear in 2004—a market research and business consulting firm based in Colorado Springs. Eric is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for Christian Studies (FCS), a non-profit organization dedicated to the study, teaching, and practice of Christianity (www.studychristianity.org).

Eric has held numerous ecclesiastical positions in stake and ward leadership, auxiliaries, and teaching. The Shusters have three children and reside in Colorado where Eric enjoys writing, community service, and hiking. He is also a musician and former recording artist.

To purchase this book, contact any area store or order online at www.cedarfort.com. You may also contact Bevan Olsen for booking author appearances, interviews, or to obtain further information. Bevan may be reached at bolsen@cedarfort.com; by calling 1-800-sky-book; or by mail at 2373 W. 700 S., Springville, UT 84663.