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New Release Newsletter
March 2008
2007 Whitney Award Winners To Be Announced March 22
The
winners of the 2007 Whitney Awards will be announced during the final
evening of the LDStorymakers annual Writers Conference, March 22, 2008.
Special Lifetime Achievement Awards will also be presented that night
to three persons whose bodies of works and tireless efforts have made a
significant impact on the field of LDS popular fiction. This year's
honorees are Jennie Hansen, Dean Hughes, and Anita Stansfield.
Finalists
for the 2007 Whitney Awards were announced January 15. Books were
chosen following nominations from readers throughout 2007. For a list
of finalists (and some excellent reading), visit www.whitneyawards.com/finalists.html.
The
Whitneys' inaugural year features a solid line-up of contenders,
according to committee chair Robison Wells. "I've really been
overwhelmed by the response we've had," Wells said. "Hundreds of
readers nominated their favorites. The amount of talent among LDS
writers right now is really incredible."
What are the Whitneys?
The Whitneys are an awards program for LDS fiction, and are sponsored
by LDStorymakers. One of the most commonly repeated quotes among LDS
authors is from Orson F. Whitney: "We will yet have Miltons and
Shakespeares of our own." As it is the goal of LDStorymakers to
increase the quantity and quality of LDS fiction, it's only reasonable
that the Storymakers should also honor those authors who excel and
continually raise the bar.
The Whitney Awards honor novels in
the following categories: Romance/Women's Fiction, Suspense/Mystery,
Speculative Fiction, YA/Children's Literature, Historical, Novel of the
Year, and Best Novel by a New Author. Novels can be nominated by any
reader, and nominees are voted on by an academy of industry
professionals, including authors, publishers, bookstore owners,
distributors, critics, and others.
Nominations are now being
accepted for books released during 2008. Novels must be written by a
member or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
To learn how to submit a nomination, visit www.whitneyawards.com. Nominate the books you love to make sure that they'll be considered for this award!
The Ardanea Pendant Gets Top Sci-Fi/Fantasy Award
at Raleigh Studios, Hollywood, March 2008
Screenwriter Jeanne McKinney lives in California. LDStorymaker author Anne Bradshaw lives a thousand miles away in Utah. With Jeanne writing through midnight, and Anne hitting the keys at five in the morning, they created a screenplay-by-email that beat competition from around the world for Sci-Fi/Fantasy entries in the International Family Film Festival's 13th annual screenplay contest at the Raleigh Studios in Hollywood.
The Ardanea Pendant tells the story of three 60s college students who save untold lives when an empowered relic guides them on a mind-bending mission to reform the past, creating a new Ireland. It's history with a twist -- or a possible new genre called "Twistory."
For those who read between the lines, this exhilarating movie carries a message for the world -- that each one of us reaching out today can make a powerful collective difference in the future.
Anne and Jeanne are already working on a sequel to The Ardanea Pendant. For more information on the screenplay, please go to annebradshaw.blogspot.com.
The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters
by James Dashner
Shadow Mountain, March 2008
Young Adult Science Fiction, National Audience
From Kirkus Reviews:
A
boy...a mysterious letter...twelve clues...a girl...a dad...two very
strange strangers. These are just the basic ingredients in this
adventure served up by Dashner in what is the start of a series that
will capture the imagination of young and old alike. Atticus
Higginbottom (Tick to all who know him) is smart, well-adjusted and
something of a loner at school, preferring his family, the library and
the Internet to his classmates. So he's surprised to receive a letter
postmarked in Macadamia, Alaska, from someone he's never even heard of.
But he's intrigued and makes a commitment to join with his
correspondent to "save many lives." Though there are chunks of text
that are overwritten, the telling is generally laced with a strong
sense of humor and a sure hand at plot; the author is plainly in tune
with today's fan base. Let the adventure begin!
Learn more at www.jamesdashner.com.
by Stephanie Black
Covenant Communications, March 2008
LDS Suspense
When it comes to pleasing her twin sister, Megan O'Connor is an easy touch. She'll do just about anything to gain Kristen's approval, including trading places with her. After all, Kristen's plan promises to get Megan out of a dead-end job and make them both rich. It will be a nice reward for a little genealogical investigation--something that couldn't have happened without the help of Kristen's new LDS acquaintances. And who could blame the twins for using a tiny bit of deceit to manipulate an inheritance out of someone as demanding as their estranged aunt Evelyn?
All Megan has to do is pretend to be Kristen, move into Evelyn's house, and take care of the wealthy old woman until her failing health kills her. It shouldn't take too long. It shouldn't be too difficult. Megan's the nice one. Except for the lie, the task is a natural fit. Everything would be perfect if she could just ignore the guilt--a feeling that only grows stronger as she spends more time with the new friends Kristen arranged for her.
But soon Megan discovers there is more to worry about. She's living in a house of illusions where she isn't the only one playing a part. Someone has developed a new plotline that ends with a death scene--and in this version, the victim won't die of natural causes.
Beneath the surface of the sleepy New England town of Britteridge, deceit weaves a deadly web where turnabout is anything but fair play.
Learn more at www.stephanieblack.net.
Counting Blessings
by Kerry Blair
Covenant Communications, March 2008
Nonfiction/Inspirational Essays
Spiritual
refreshment is only pages away in this down-to-earth collection of
inspiring stories and essays. Like a wise and witty friend, Kerry leads
you through the rough spots of life by poking gentle fun in such a
vivacious way that you'll be smiling at your own foibles. You'll laugh
out loud -- and be moved to tears -- as you discover some of life's
greatest truths hidden within this humorous and poignant anthology that
celebrates the joy of being alive and shows how greatly each of us is
blessed.
Visit www.kerryblair.com for more details.
Enjoying the Journey: Steps to Finding Joy Now
Jamie Theler with Deborah Talmadge
Horizon (Cedar Fort, Inc.), March 2008
LDS Motivational
As
Latter-day Saints we strive for joy in eternal life -- but many
struggle to find joy during the journey there. Let this book help you
learn to rejoice and find more joy right here, right now. Clearing away
the clutter, staying in touch, and living with purpose are only a few
of the many tips this book provides to help you enjoy your journey
through life. Specific steps in each chapter will guide you through
important principles and help you apply them to your feelings,
thoughts, and actions. Reach for your full potential as a child of God
and find the joy the Lord intends for each of us during our journey
back to His presence. Enjoying the Journey is a delightful and heartwarming message for any who need a lift.
by Rachel Ann Nunes
Shadow Mountain, March 2008
Fiction
One decision frozen in time. A choice that can never be altered.
After fighting her way through a bitter and hurtful past, Mercedes Johnson has painstakingly carved out a life of quiet contentment on a Wyoming farm with her husband, Wayne, and their three sons. All that changes when the birth father of Mercedes' oldest child returns to Riverton. Dr. Brandon Rhodes threatens the carefully balanced life she and Wayne have created. Just how far is he willing to go to gain what he feels is rightfully his? As Mercedes uncovers the truth of Brandon's intentions regarding their son and the lies surrounding the past, she is torn between what is and what might have been. One choice, one decision, has led her to this place. How can she live with the consequences?
Visit www.rachelannnunes.com for more information.
Heaven Scent
by Rebecca Cornish Talley
Bonneville Books (Cedar Fort, Inc.), February 2008
LDS Fiction/General, LDS YA
She'd
wanted her father to pay more attention to her, and she'd wanted her
family to be like it used to be. She hadn't wanted everything to change
so drastically that she may not even survive it.
As Liza proves
herself a basketball star, everyone--from college basketball recruiters
to the gorgeous Kyle Reynolds--seems to take note of her. Everyone,
that is, except her own father. While her father is busy at his law
practice, Liza learns about a strange new religion from Kyle. Could
Kyle's religion help her family? Or is it already too late for her
father to make amends?
When yet another broken promise finally
leads to tragedy, Liza doesn't know if she will ever be able to forgive
her father. It will take a good friend, a new belief, and a miracle
straight from heaven to help Liza see that she still has a choice. The
compelling story of a high school basketball star, this is a novel
every girl will want, and none will be able to put down!
Visit www.rebeccatalley.com for more information.
Freefall
by Traci Hunter Abramson
Covenant Communications, February 2008
LDS Action/Suspense
Lieutenant
Brent Miller arrived in the Middle East with one objective--get seven
hostages out of a hostile country. The plan almost worked. But now he
has been left behind--with one of the hostages. It's up to Brent to get
Amy Whitmore, an LDS senator's daughter, across miles of desert to
safety. What he doesn't know is that to survive, he needs her as much
as she needs him.
Visit www.tracihunterabramson.com/freefall.html to learn more.
Make Me a Home
by Tamra Norton
Bonneville Books (Cedar Fort, Inc.), January 2008
Middle Grade Fiction, National Audience
Allie
Claybrook has spent the better part of her sixth-grade year as the "new
kid" at Edna Elementary School--a title she is eager to shed. When Ivy
Peterson moves to town, Allie quickly becomes her friend. It doesn't
hurt that Ivy's older brother, Ty, is the best-looking boy in the
seventh grade. But it doesn't help that Celeste--the most popular girl
in Allie's class--shares Allie's views about Ty. As Allie deals with
her father's deployment to Iraq and Ivy deals with her parents'
divorce, the girls discover the importance of friendship and a place to
call home.
Visit www.tamranorton.com to learn more.
Red Dragon Codex
by R. D. Henham (Rebecca Shelley)
Mirrorstone Books, January 2008
Middle-grade Fantasy
For fans of The New York Times best-selling A Practical Guide to Dragons, a new series of fantasy fiction focusing on the power of dragonkind.
The Dragon Codices
chronicle adventures with each of ten dragons of Krynn. From the fiery,
evil red dragon to the playful copper, each dragon's tale is unique.
Sindri Suncatcher, narrator of A Practical Guide to Dragons, shared these tales from his travels with library scribe R. D. Henham.
Mudd
lives a peaceful life in his small town, tinkering with the mill and
any mechanical devices that he can find. But his peaceful life soon
changes when, out of nowhere, a red dragon attacks, burning the town
and kidnapping Shemnara, the village seer. Only one clue is left behind
-- a cryptic note telling Mudd, "Seek the silver dragon."
Visit www.reddragoncodex.com for more information.
Reasonable Doubt
by Marcia Mickelson
Cedar Fort, December 2007
LDS romance/suspense
A
beautiful and promising athlete is dead. The only suspect--her
fiance--has been apprehended. And as a defense attorney, it is Julia's
job to prove that Mick is innocent. But Julia believes he is guilty. No
stranger to the crimes that men commit against women, Julia can easily
believe that rich, talented, spoiled Mick did indeed kill Avery. Both
were basketball stars at the University of Utah, and both were popular;
yet everyone--except Mick's family and Julia's boss--believes that Mick
is the murderer. As the evidence against Mick mounts, Julia stumbles
across a secret Avery had kept hidden from everyone, even Mick. Julia
realizes that perhaps she may have more than just reasonable doubt to
support Mick's case--if she can face her past and reveal her own
secret. Meanwhile, Pablo, Julia's new co-counsel, becomes convinced
that Mick did not murder Avery, but can he convince Julia? Guilty or
innocent? With Pablo's help, Julia may be able to overcome her own
fears and uncover the truth about Avery at the same time--if the
murderer doesn't find her first.
Visit www.marciamickelson.com for more information.
Finding Faith
by Terri Ferran
Bonneville Books (Cedar Fort, Inc.), November 2007
LDS Romance/Fiction
Kit
Matthews tries to avoid thinking about God -- and her unknown birth
mother -- altogether. She loves her family and is content with her life
in California. That is, until her parents decide to move to Utah, the
land of the Mormons.
New surroundings and culture shock do
nothing to help Kit's social life. It is only with the help of Janet, a
new friend, that Kit begins to adjust to life in Utah, as well as to
the Mormon culture. Janet's older brother, Adam, is more than happy to
befriend Kit, but when their feelings begin to go beyond friendship,
Kit is torn. Does she really want to devote her heart to a boy who is
going to leave her for two years to serve a mission for his faith? Can
she support him when she doesn't even believe in his religion?
As Kit looks deeper, she realizes that it isn't Adam's faith she needs to come to terms with -- it's her own.
Go to www.terriferran.com for more information.
Flying Home
by Rachel Ann Nunes
Shadow Mountain, September 2007
Fiction
What if everything you ever thought was true about your past, wasn't true at all?
Liana
Winn, adopted at age four, has always felt like an outsider in her own
family. She is plagued by questions surrounding her parents' death in
India and the secrecy behind the estrangement of her birth mother and
the aunt who adopted her. Her fear to search out the truth has limited
all her relationships, preventing her from finding happiness. When
Liana meets the successful businessman, Austin Walker, who has risen
above his own difficult childhood on a Wyoming farm, she is certain
their business will not extend to friendship. Yet she cannot deny their
powerful connection and the feeling of hope he offers. But the ghosts
of the past will not rest for Liana, and when she travels to India in
search of answers, she makes a shocking discovery at her parents'
gravesite that just might mean the end of everything she's ever
believed.
Visit www.rachelannnunes.com for further details.
The Ariana Trilogy
by Rachel Ann Nunes
April 2008
LDS Fiction/Romance
Finally, three complete Ariana novels under one cover!
One
rainy Parisian evening finds Ariana de Cotte in a hotel room. It's her
wedding night, but Jacques has gone drinking with friends, and she is
left alone with her thoughts and memories -- memories of a beloved twin
brother, lost to her in a terrible accident; of her estranged parents,
who shut her out when Antoine died; of the loneliness and anger that
consumer her. Thus begins the story of an extraordinary young woman
who, as her life spirals downward, struggles to find meaning and hope
in the face of unimaginable suffering. For the first time under one
cover, read Ariana: The Making of a Queen and the two sequels, Ariana: A Gift Most Precious and Ariana: A New Beginning.
Follow Ariana and her family over two decades as they learn and love
and grow together. As you come to know Ariana, you will weep for her
tragedies, smile at her small triumphs, rejoice as she embraces the
faith that will sustain her, and feel the love of a good man who helps
her find the power to change her life forever. A powerful and moving
novel with characters so real you will find yourself revisiting this
exceptional story again and again.
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