Called To War: Dawn Of The Mormon Battalion by Sherman L. Fleek

Called To War: Dawn Of The Mormon Battalion by Sherman L. Fleek

When I saw this book a dvertised in a Latter-day Light Books newsletter a few months ago, I knewI wanted to read and review this monumental story. I've not read a more detailed and more descriptive narrative than Called To War. Even though it took me quite sometime to read this book, I thoroughly enjoyed every page. Since I have a few ancestors who participated in the Battalion, I was more than intrigued with the details of how and why this event occured. It was fun to see my ggg grandfather, James Pace, written about, knowing he was a Captain of fifty and that Payson, Utah was named for him.

The narrative becgins with Major "Rip" Howard, a former combat soldier inm Iraq, taking on an histlorian's job that he'd never been interested in. He decides he needs to write this history and do it right and winds up being intrigued and fascinated by all the history behind the little known Mormon Battalion and just how much an impact the Battalion made in our history.

Some of the narrativde finds details about legendary pioneers, such as Christopher "Kit" Carson, a very nondescript person when meeting him; Jonathan Browning, Mormon gunsmith, who teaches young York Barlow the finer nuances of owning a rifle; Alexander Doniphan, friend to the Mormons, who helped make things easierfor The Church; John C. Fremont, better known as the "Pathfinder." At one time, he ran for US President. We find Sam Houston, Parley P. Pratt, Levi Hancock, President James K. Polk, who didn't think much of the Mormons; also Thomas Kane and Thomas Kearney, who also thought well of the Mormons and stalwart John Taylor, who Victoria Barlow admires.

Victoria Barlow, widowed earlier in England, comes with the Saintgsto Amerfica with her identical twin boys,York and Arthur, eighteen and ready to take on the adventures that only they can do. York is the more outgoing and carefree, with Arthur being more gentle. After starting the Battalion, the two brothers find themselves at opposite ends.

Victoria learns she can get by without all her fine belongings when the going gets tough. She becomes friends with Elizabeth Hitch, young daughter of The Hitch's from Liverpool. Elizabeth smitten with both York and Arthur, loves them both in different ways. Victoria, who loved her husband deeply, finds it difficult to have feelings for Samuel Knowles, who has feelings for her. Samuel leaves for New York and finds trouble along the way, almost losing his life. He leaves for a Missionary Assignment later in England, getting a stronger testimony of the gospel.

Another well known character that appears in this narrative is John D. Lee, who was infamous for the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857. To me, John D. Lee did not present a positive picture of the true Mormon.

I was surprised at how these colorful characters depicted Church members in these days, thinking them lazy and not able or wanting to be participants in a military organization like the Battalion. I am thoroughly looking forward to reading and r eviewing the conclusion of this exciting and emotional roller coaster adventure. I highly recommend this epic historical novel to learn more about the Mormon Battalion and other interesting facts about our country back in the pre-civil war days.

I received this review copy from Boyd Tuttle, publisher of Digital Legend.

Publisher: Digital Legend Press
Date Published: November 2010
ISBN: 978-1-934537-48-0
552pp

Elvis' DNA Proves He's Alive by Bill Beeny

Elvis' DNA Proves He's Alive by Bill Beeny

A few months ago, while perusing the internet for songs and info on Elvis, I found this and another book about whether The King is dead or alive. Since I've been a fan for over 50 years, and was a VP of one4 of his Fan Clubs, I feel like I'm pretty much an expert on anything pertaining to Elvis. I've also seen him in concert 11 times!!! All of those times were in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim and Vegas. I've done all the crazy things an Elvis fan does by spending hojurs in front of his home in Holmby Hills, seeing Priscilla and Lisa come and go. I even met an LDS guy that gave me wallpaper samples from that home when Elvis was moving. Anyway, after reading a few books on Elvis' mhysterious death, I have come to the conclusion that Elvis is indeed alive!!!! And, no,I am not crazy, b ecause 84% of the populous believe the same way I do!!!!

Bill Beeny, along with his son Andrew, have meticulously researched the many documents that one of the doctors who performed the autopsy, made copies of for his protection, so made copies for Bill and Andrew. With DNA evidence from Elvkis' two tests he had done in Baptist Memorial Hospital in '73 and '75, along with the “purported” body in the casket, the findings were conclusive that the DNA from the two hospital tests and the DNA from the “body" did NOT match.

Many of his family and friends said the “body” in the coffin was NOT Elvis'. Ekvis had ""Faked”his own death. For what reasons, you say? There are many, the main one being that Elvis had received 300 death threats over the years, as he was working as an Undercover Narcotics Agent for the FBI. He also had an Undercover Agent as part of his band.

Elvis didn’t have a heart problem, but did have an addiction to pain killers for a medical problem that was n ot life-threatening. The coffin weighed 350 lbs, so why? The autopsy stated the "body" weighed 170 lbs and Elvis weighed over 250 lbs!!!! Elvis' cousin, Gene Smith, stated Elvis had rough hands and a broken finger from Karate, not the smooth hands of this dead body. Several people saw "sweat" on his forehead and dead bodies don't sweat. Some family and friends were told not to worry, that things were not as they seemed. These researchers have found more startling evidence, but you can read that for yourself, as I won't spoil that for you, as there are some very shocking revelations that will be revealed once you read this fascinating little book. Elvis has leftv the building, but not life!!!! He told a lot of people he was tired of the way his life was, that he was ready for a change.

I received this review copy from Branden Books Publishing
Publisher Branden Books
Date Published: 2005
ISBN:0-8283-2089-6
109pp

Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston

Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston
After reading and reviewing dear Tristi's first Secret Sisters novel, I would have to say Dearly Departed is my favorite for one main and big reason. I worked in a nursing homefor 7 1/2 years, loving it, but the food mentioned in Ida Mae's dialogue and thoughts were sounding like a 5 star restaurant or cruise liner's cuisine.
From the first page, I was thinking that I was reading about Ida Mae's pratfall from her first adventure, but as I got through the chapter, I realized it was just Ida Mae's propensity for clumsiness or whatever, thinking she is invincible. Not true!!!!
After Ida Mae is fixe4d up with a cast, she proceeds to find herself in a pickle by landing in her bathtub with a broken wrist.
When Eden, who works at the local newspaper writing obits, she gets a strange e-mail from a lady saying her mother has died suscpiciously at Shady Aspens, an upscale nursing home. With the help of the handsome roving crime reporter, Kevin, they do some sleuthing, then beseech Ida Mae to be admitted to Shady Aspens to do some detective work on the sly. With the help of the Secret Sisters and a few new resident friends from Shady Aspens, Ida Mae, Tansy, Arlette, Eden, Kevin, Hattie, George and Eloise save the day and find the culprits who murdered Beverly and Dr. Brent. When Eden and Kevin get too cllose to the truth, their lives are at stake. When Ida Mae gets to use a motorized wheelchair for more mobility and independence, Ida Mae starts to decipher what's behind the murders. Even Kevin finds out some shocking news that could change his life.

If you love lighthearted murder mysteries, you'll love this second offering in the Secret Sisters series. Tristi is a very skilled writer and editor, so go pick a copy of Dearly Departed up at your nearest bookstore or library. You'll be glad you did.
I received my review copy from Walnut Springs Press.
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Date Published: Jan 2011
ISBN: 978-1-935217-89-3
271pp

The Moonlight Message by Denice Barlow Brown and Illustrated by Denice Barlow Brown

The Moonlight Message by Denice Barlow Brown and Illustrated by Denise Barlow Brown

When I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing a new children's book that was the beginnings of a new series, I jumped at the chance. This wonderful new concept in children's literature was a great concept. This first volume in the Personal Responsibility Founders Series is about two sisters, Rachel and Grace Martin, who are living in fear of the Redcoats since all the men from their village are off fighting a war. Since all the men are off fighting the King's men, it's left to the women to do their share. Rachel and Grace decide to disguise themselves as boys to capture a spy for their side and wind up saving the day. They are able to pass on a piece of parchment to General Nathaniel Greene at the edge of their village. The illustrations on each page bring the excitement of this thrilling and courageous adventure to a climax. I look forward to the next installment of this very unique and much needed series to children everywhere.

I received my review copy from an editor and author, Robyn Hertzler.

Publisher: Cypress Productions, LLC.
Date Published: December 2010
ISBN: 978-1-936557-00-4
37pp

Souls of Valor by Trudi Jackson

Souls of Valor by Trudi Jackson

This stunning debut historical novel by Trudi Jackson, Cheri Crane's younger sister, was a big page-turner. I felt like I was right there experiencing everything that was happening.

This story takes place during the First World War in the deep trenches of France. When Alex Cannigan, an embittered former soldier who was injured in the war, crosses Elizabeth Randolph's doorstep in Gray's Harbor, Idaho, both their lives change in ways neither expects.
Elizabeth leaves her home in Boston when her family and those around her scorn her for joining The Mormon Church. She finds the answer to her prayers by an ad in the newspaper for a schoolteacher in a one-room schoolhouse in the middle of nowhere. She learns how to take care of herself, faces the elements with courage, faith and determination, even to tangling with the children she teaches.
When Alex has issues with believing in a God who allows pain and suffering, Elizabeth attempts to teach him about God's love. When both Elizabeth and Alex find trouble with a couple of outlaws, they get their friends to help them thwart them.
When Elizabeth finds her father sick with the Influenza, she goes to his bedside. With this epidemic sweeping all over the world, with people of all ages and from all walks of life being stricken, Elizabeth and Alex are overburdened with challenges.
This is a sweeping historical novel with deep characters throughout, making you come to feel close to them. Trudi has done an outstanding job of writing about this troubling time in America's history. I guarantee you will treasure ths book as I did. Bravo, Trudi!!!
I received my revew copy from Granite.

Published by: Granite Publishing & Distribution LLC
Date Publishing: March 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59936-051-5
349pp

Becoming Kate by Dixie Owens

Becoming Kate by Dixie Owens

This stunning debut novel by Dixie Owens is just the perfect novel to curl up with. Liz Lindsay, a twenty-nine year old wife and mother to two young children, doesn't know that today will be her last day of life as she knows it. When Liz is hit head-on by a semi, she wakes up in the hospital in the body of eleven year old Kate, who has spent most of her life in the hospital.
With this devastating turn of events, Liz finds she has retained all her memories of her former life and with the help of Marcy, her Physical Therapist, is able to keep abreast of the comings and goings of her family.

Kate/Liz become embroiled in a media frenzy when Kate is allowed to go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, having the news media camped out in her new family's yard.
Dr. Jamison, the surgeon who performed the Brain Transplant, wants to keep Kate/Liz in the hospital as long as possible. He needs to feel in control of his special patient, who he suspects is very unique, as she is the only Brain Transplant patient of his to survive and he wants to find out why.

Kate's new brother, fifteen year old Josh, feels left out because of all the concern for Kate, so becomes filled with resentment towards Kate. When Kate/Liz comes up with words and phrases only an adult should know, he becomes suspicious, believing Kate to be "possessed."

When Kate/Liz asks Marcy to help her to attend her own funeral, things get out of hand, as they need to make sure Kate is not seen for a couple of hours.
When Liz sees her family, it's all she can do not to tell them she is basically alive. She comes to realize that love is the most important thing in her life, knowing she loves her new family more than ever.
This is such a unique story and is well-written. I would very highly recommend this debut novel.
I received this review copy from Cedar Fort.

Published by: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Date Published: July 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59955-402-0

The Enchanted Tunnel: Book2 Escape From Egypt by Marianne Monson

The Enchanted Tunnel: Book 2 Escape From Egypt by Marianne Monson

Escape To Egypt starts off with the twins in class sharingall their newfound knowledge of pioneer days. When Church is over, they hightail it to the cultural hall to find some pioneer clothing , so they'd fit in better and they are hoping the Enchanted Tunnel will still work tor them. They come prepared this time with snack food, better shoes and a GPS.
When they come out at the end of the tunnel, they find themselves amidst palm trees and desert. And, it's very hot. Nathan and Aria come upon Rachel and Eli, two kids approximately their own age. The twins, with help from the GPS, are able to understand their language and find they are in Egypt at the time of the exodus.
Nathan tastes a leek that he doesn't like, as it tastes like an onion. They were shown how the people painted their doors with lamb's blood to keep the last plague from hitting their home. They have a passover feast with Rachel's and Eli's family before leaving on the exodus.
When the twins say goodbye, they don't realize they will be helping Eli find his family. They decide to help Eli, rather than try to find the cave. They wind up helping Eli get through the parting of the Red Sea, even for Aria getting help from Moses. They aren't sure they will find the cave since they can't go through the Red Sea.
When they do find the cave, and find themselves back in the Cultural Hall, they see their mom scolding them for getting dirty again.
Bothbooks have fun facts and interesting reading selections for further information. And, there are more volumes on the way for those hooked on these first two like I am. I will be giving these to my 9 year old granddaughter for Christmas.

I received this review copy from Deseret Books.

Published by: Deseret Books
Date Published: October 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60641-670-9
86pp