Sons of the Covenant: Vol. 1: Sophia

Sons of the Covenant: Vol. 1: Sophia by Keith Terry

When the editor of this book contacted me about reviewing this most intriguing historical novel, I wasn't quite certain of what was in store for me. What insued was a much clearer and deeper understanding of one of our much beloved Prophets, Joseph F. Smith, son of Hyrum Smith, who was murdered along with his brother, Joseph, our first Prophet, in Carthage Jail in June 1844.

Brother Terry was approached by descendants of Joseph F. Smith with his unpublished journals, providing rich material for a sweeping story surrounding our 6th President and Prophet. When you read this wonderfully captivating and spiritual historical novel,take in consideration what the times were like in the mid 1800's and later and that Joseph had trials and frailties like everyone else. Some might be shocking, but be not judgmental.

Our story does center around Sophia Krushchenko, a young 17 year old Catholic postulant from the Ukraine, who is traveling to Vienna via train with her parents and younger brother. When an unforeseen incident occurs, it leaves Sophia and her family s tranded in a snowy blizzard in the mountains. With Sophia's courage and strength, she finds help, then finds herself in the jungles of primitive Borneo along side a Catholic nun. There she finds untold danger, but soon finds her way via train and ship towards Vienna, but with the onslaught of the war, she finds her way home delayed. She winds up at a small hospital in Santa Ana, California, where she is treated with scorn and indifference by the new doctor, Jared McBride, who has lost his faith.

When Sophia observes Joseph on the dock in Honolulu, she feels like he is very familiar to her. When she finds out that Joseph is a passenger on the same ship, she finds a way to meet him through Joseph's biographer, Caroline.
Just a few of the unknown stories of Joseph's life to bem ade public here are total details of little Joseph, just 5 years old when his father Hyrum and Uncle Joseph were murdered, was touching his father and not knowing his father was really dead inside that pine coffin lying in the Mansion House, seeing his father and Uncle's bodies change in looks.

Because Joseph also lost his dearly beloved mother, Mary Fielding, at such a young age, he didn't have a father figure to look up to, so he did some things not appropriate for a young LDS boy and young man. It did take Joseph a long time to get a handle on his violent temper, the one negative trait he had that concerned he and those closest to him.

I've just touched on a couple of these interesting and noteworthy episodes from Joseph's life. We know he became quite a man and implemented Family Home Evening as one of the most important programs we have in the Church.
I highly recommend this book for everyone, even those who are having struggles with their Testimonies. Towards the end, Joseph shares his vision he had as Prophet just before he spoke at his last General Conference in Oct 1918. This sharing in his own words affected me so much, I was literally sobbing. Thank you Joseph and Keith!!!!

I received my Review Copy from Sally Johnson, Creative Director and Editor of this historical novel.

Publisher: Digital Legends Press
Date Published: July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-934537-33-6
323pp

The Presley Arrangement by Monte Wayne Nicholson

The Presley Arrangement by Monte Wayne Nicholson

When I was perusing the web for information on Elvis, I noticed a website advertising this book and it intrigued me. The only copies I could find on amazon were way out of my ballpark. I finally found a small publisher in my own home state of Washington and bought a copy. This book generated so much controversay when it first came out in '87, copies mysteriously disappeared from the shelves. Now you can purchase a copy from this small publisher who earned the rights to re-publish the book in '04. The book is so controversial, it could only be written as fiction. If you are an Elvis fan like I am, you'll love this novel and be wondering about it long after you've finished it.

Mark Howe is a newly retired cop from Los Angeles and he and his wife Brigitte are vacationing cross country in their huge motorhome. Mark decides to stop off at Graceland in Memphis to take pictures and practically runs into Elvis running to a quickly descending helicopter. He takes two pictures, one of Elvis standing by the chopper and the other a fuzzy photo with Elvis and two bodyguards.

What ensues during the rest of this exciting tale causes Mark to narrowly escape being killed. With the help of his brother Dave, a cop in Muncie, Indiana and a new friend that's a dead-ringer for Clint Eastwood, he is able to unravel the mystery of whether Elvis is alive or not, and if so, who was buried in the casket.

I've heard Monte is writing a sequel. I sure hope so. A movie would sure be great. If you've ever wondered if those Elvis sightings were not real, this novel should change your mind. And, just for pure entertainment and a suspense roller coaster ride, this book is for you. There are a few twists and turns to keep you guessing.to the end.

I purchased my book from the publisher.

Publisher: Living The Dream Press
Date Published: 1987, 2004
ISBN: 0-9761764-2-4 (trade paperback)
250pp

The Transfer: Stories Of Missionaries Who Gave The Last Full Measure Of Devotion by Susan M. Woods With David M. Tuttle

The Trcansfer: Stories Of Missionaries Who Gave The Last Full Measure Of Devotion by Susan M. Woods With David M. Tuttle
This wonderful faith and testimony builder is for everyone, member and n on member alike. When I first heard about this book from the publisher, I knew I had to review this book. While waiting to see one of my doctors in Jan, the receptionist asked me what I was reading and I told her. She was highly interested, even so much as to look at the cover. When I was finished with the doctor, who I see next week, the receptionist set my next appt up and I wrote the details on the book down for her, telling her where she could purchase a copy.
This very uplifting book is set up as individual stories told by a surviving family member with birth information, parents and siblings names, dates of mission service, date of death and burial place. I highly recolmmend this book to everyone in n eed of building or gaining a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Volume 2 is now available from the publisher.
I received my review copy from Boyd Tuttle, President of Digital Legends Press & Publishing
Publisher: Digital Legends Press & Publishing
Date Published: Aug 2009
ISBN: 978-1-934537-77-0
315pp

The Perfect Fit by Michele Ashman Bell

The Perfect Fit by Michele Ashman Bell

This last installment in the Butterfly Box Trilogy was my favorite, as it tied everything up with a huge climax as to what caused Ava's accident. With a surprising and shocking prologue, it took me to about 3/4 through to figure out who was behind everything.

Andi Martin, fitness guru and the only remaining to be single, decides to apply to be a contestant on the reality show Looking For Mrs. Right that was taking place in Hawaii. Before she leaves for Hawaii, Andi receives a couple ominous e-mails. On the day before she is to arrive at the plantation/mansion of where Michael Makua is waiting for his Mrs. Right, she finds herself at a beautiful Bed & Breakfast.

When Andi makes the first cut that allows her to stay at the mansion, she is totally in for a surprise. A few of the other contestants feel jealous of Andi because Michael chooses her for the first one-on-one date. When a few so-called accidents happen to Andi, she becomes suscpicious and alarmed.

When she leaves the show to be near Chloe, who'd been injured in an accident and was in a coma, she realizes she is falling for Michael. When she visits Lauryen in New York, she and Cooper seem to be hitting it off, but Andi realizes she still has feelings for Michael and when Michael follows her to New York, she's confused, as Michael isn't a member of her faith and is not sure she can forgive his checkered past as a playboy. When both Andi and Michael's life are threatened, it brings on strength, courage and determine she never thought she had.

I highly recommend this book that takes us into the world of reality TV andwhat happens when you get 24 single beautiful women together under one roof vying for the a t tentions of one handsome,rich young man.

I received this review copy from Michele.

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.b
Date Published: May 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60861-233-8
316pp

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