Whitney Award Winners

We have listed our Whitney Award votes and reviewed some of the nominees.  Now it's time to announce the 2012 Whitney Award winners!

Overall Awards:
Best Novel of the Year:  Rent Collector by Camron Wright
Even though we voted for Dancing on Broken Glass in the General Fiction category, Rent Collector was also excellent and inspiring and is definitely a deserving winner.

Best Youth Novel of the Year:  False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen

Best Novel by a New Author:  Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Category Awards:
Best General Fiction:  Rent Collector by Camron Wright

Best Historical Fiction:  My Loving Vigil Keeping by Carla Kelly

Best Romance:  Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Best Mystery/Suspense:  Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson

Best Speculative Fiction:  The Hollow City by Dan Wells

Best Young Adult General Fiction:  After Hello by Lisa Mangum

Best Young Adult Speculative Fiction:  Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Best Middle Grade Fiction:  False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen

Congratulations to all the winners!

Dancing on Broken Glass

I just recently finished reading Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock which had been nominated for a  Whitney Award in general fiction.  I had not had time to read it before voting for the Whitney Awards, but Dalene had read it and recommended it.  She voted it the winner in that category.

I was very impressed with this book.  Here is part of the plot summary from the publisher.  "Lucy Houston and Mickey Chandler probably shouldn’t have fallen in love, let alone gotten married. They’re both plagued with faulty genes—he has bipolar disorder, and she has a ravaging family history of breast cancer. . . .  An unvarnished portrait of a marriage that is both ordinary and extraordinary, Dancing on Broken Glass takes readers on an unforgettable journey of the heart."

The characters felt genuine and real to me, and I became drawn in by their significant challenges and how they dealt with them.  The characters were not LDS, but I felt very comfortable within the framework of the story including the belief about life after death, commitment to family and marriage and the loving support of small-town neighbors and friends.  I needed a bunch of tissue to get through to the end, but when I got done I felt uplifted and like I wanted to go out and be a better person.

This book is available on Amazon--I didn't find it on LDS websites.  I checked it out from the Sunnyvale Library.

More Whitney Award rankings

Yesterday, April 29, was the day the Whitney Award ballots for 2012 were due.  Lora, Dalene and I put our heads together, reviewed the categories in which we were able to read all the entries, and came up with our selections for our ballot.  The Historical Fiction category was described in the previous post--below are the other categories for which we voted. 

General fiction:  There were some amazing books in this category.  Dalene ranked them in the following order:
1.  Dancing on Broken Glass
2.  A Night on Moon Hill
3.  The Rent Collector
4.  The 13th Day of Christmas
5.  Paige

Romance fiction:   Lora felt the stand-out in this group was her number one pick.  She did not care much for the last book listed.
1.  Edenbrooke
2.  Twitterpated
3.  Of Grace and Chocolate
4.  Smart Move
5.  Lady Outlaw

Mystery/Suspense fiction:  Lora thought these were all quite good which made ranking difficult. 
1.  Line of Fire
2.  Banana Split
3.  Deadly Undertakings
4.  Tres Leches Cupcakes
5.  Code Word

Young Adult-General fiction:  I thought After Hello was excellent, dealing with significant issues with complex characters and satisfying movement and resolution.  I thought the next two on the list were also quite good.  The last two I would not recommend for various reasons.
1.  After Hello
2.  The Space Between Us
3.  The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back
4.  V if for Virgin
5.  Finding June

The winners will be announced May 11.  Click here to read more about the Whitney Awards or to nominate great fiction by an LDS author published in 2013.

2012 Whitney Award Nominees for Historical Fiction

Susan's ranking:

1. My Loving Vigil Keeping
2. Espionage
3. Within the Dark Hills
4. Tie: The Five Books of Jesus and Spinster's Folly

It's interesting that two of these books are set in mining communities in the 19^th century. I certainly learned more about the occupation of my Welsh ancestors than I had before. Below are short summaries of the basic plots with my comments and personal thoughts. I know that different peoples' tastes and perspectives can result in widely varying opinions about the same book. With that disclaimer, I present my take on the 2013 Whitney nominees for historical fiction.

My Loving Vigil Keeping, by Carla Kelly: Della accepts a job as a teacher in a remote Utah mining town to escape the relatives who had taken her in after her father dies in a mining accident in Colorado. In Winter Quarters she gets drawn into the lives and community of the mostly Welsh and Finnish miners and their children and finds unexpected romance. Then disaster strikes the mine with unimaginable loss. This story is based on true events surrounding the Scofield mine disaster of 1900.

Susan's comments: I felt totally drawn into the story. The author did a good job of revealing layers of complexity of the characters as the story progressed. Even though I read the book dreading the ending as I knew that a mine disaster was coming, I couldn't help becoming invested in the romance and mining community depicted as well as the uplifting portrayal of dealing with some very significant challenges and tragedies through faith. This was the third of four books I've read by Carla Kelly, and she is becoming one of my favorite authors.

Espionage, by A. L. Sowards: Peter Eddy is an LDS soldier from Idaho who is sent into World War II France to identify a double-agent and spread disinformation about the timing and location of the Allied invasion. With the help of Jacques Olivier, his contact, and Jacque's sister Genevieve, he is investigating the suspects when betrayal results in capture. Loyalty and courage lead to escape and a thrilling and tense pursuit.

Susan's comments: Espionage had a strong story while exploring issues of trust, betrayal, loyalty and honor not to mention some romance. The violence of war was portrayed but not described in graphic detail. The suspense and action kept moving along, and the characters developed depth as we learn more about their history and motivations.

Within the Dark Hills, by Sian Ann Bessey: Set in a Welsh mining village during the mid-1800's, this story follows Annie, who is trying to escape the advances of her titled employer, and Evan, who is still mourning the loss of his beloved wife and who desperately needs someone to help take care of his little daughter Jane while he works in the mines. A kindly reverend arranges a marriage of convenience. They both work together to overcome the gossip and take care of Jane, Over time their feelings grow and ghosts from the past are confronted. Preaching by Mormon missionaries and a mine disaster change the course of their lives.

Susan's comments: I enjoyed this story more than I expected because I had been put off by the misleading cover. After my time in the book business, I certainly have come to appreciate how many people, including myself, judge a book by its cover. As I read was drawn to the characters and their struggles and triumphs. I liked the kindness portrayed by the Christ-like reverend who rescues Annie and counsels Evan. The Mormon missionaries that show up near the end seemed to be an afterthought which was rather skimmed over other than as a means of resolving some of the conflicts in the plot. The resolution in general seemed a little rushed, but overall this was an enjoyable book.

The Five Books of Jesus, by James Goldberg: The author combined the New Testament gospel accounts of Jesus's ministry into a novel form to try to tell the message of His life in a more accessible way to modern-day readers. More details and background are given to the disciples and well-known events to create a different perspective on the flow and context of this sacred story.

Susan's comments: There are some very interesting aspects to this version of the gospel story, including possible illuminating contexts to the Mary-Martha story and the betrayal by Judas as well as depictions of the apostles in the context of their lives. Unfortunately, I had a hard time with several other depictions which were so different from my beliefs that it distracted my efforts to stay involved in the story. I sympathize with the aims of the author to make the story of Christ more accessible to the casual reader, but I personally did not care for many of the liberties taken.

Spinster’s Folly, by Marsha Ward: This is the fourth book in a series about the Owen family after the Civil War. Marie Owen is approaching spinsterhood, and the limited choice of eligible men available in Colorado Territory are complicated by her father's prejudices. When her father attempts to make a match with a neighbor's son who turns out to be abusive, she is vulnerable to the attention of a deceitful, smooth-talking predator and soon finds herself in deep trouble. Fortunately for Marie, a ranch hand who has loved her from afar refuses to give up on her.

Susan's comments: The portrayal of the characters in Spinster's Folly seemed to be superficial, although perhaps reading the previous books in the series would have helped me to understand the back story better. The plot seemed a little stale and quite obvious. There was plenty of action, emotion, conflict and tension, but the depiction of all this seemed somewhat simplistic compared to the other books nominated with repetition appearing to substitute for complexity.

Review: Banana Split by Josi Kilpack

There seems to be a lot of new fiction from LDS publishers now arriving in the store, many of them from familiar and favorite authors about familiar characters.  The store sometimes receives advance copies of books.  Unfortunately, I often time do not have time to read them all, but when we got our advance copy of Banana Split, I decided I needed to just indulge myself and read it right away.

Banana Split is the latest in a series of culinary mysteries by Josi Kilpack featuring Sadie Hofmiller who loves to cook.  Each story can be read alone, but I have really enjoyed reading them in order because I feel the development of the characters has really grown with each book.  In the first couple of books, I really enjoyed the mystery/puzzle to be solved which oft took very surprising twists and turns along with the really fun recipes.  However, I often felt the characters were not very deeply explored and did not feel like I could relate to Sadie.  However, as the series has progressed, Sadie's character has also become more complex with fascinating layers that are weaved into the story and who-dunnit plots making for more satisfying reading.  Pumpkin Roll came out last fall, and I have talked to many who feel it was the best to that point.  I think Banana Split is a continuation of the high level reached in Pumpkin Roll and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Sadie is in Hawaii house-sitting a friend's condo complex while trying to come to terms with the traumas experienced a few months earlier in Boston (the climax of Pumpkin Roll).  Her anxiety and depression have trapped her into a very un-Sadie-like existence where she hardly leaves the condo.  As things seem to go for Sadie, she discovers a body, which trauma causes her finally seek professional help for her emotional issues.  Although she is trying to come out of the hole into which she has fallen, she has no interest in knowing anything more about the victim who is generally believed to have died from a drug overdose.  However, when Charlie, the 11-year-old son of the victim approaches Sadie for answers about his mother, Sadie's reluctant attempts to help him find closure not only helps her begin to emerge from her depression but also helps her find out she is stronger than she thinks she is when she is trying to help someone she has grown to care about.  

 

I felt that the mystery, subplots, pacing and characterizations all were well-done, meaning I was drawn into the story which kept me thinking, caring and guessing all along the way to a satisfying conclusion.  Oh, and the recipes really looked delicious.  I can't say I've tried them out as when I could be cooking, I'd rather be reading.  To check out Banana Split on our website, click here.

Postmortal Spirit World Customer Review and Book Signing

Postmortal Spirit World is the result of a multi-year project by Mark Sheffield, a local San Jose CPA and personal friend for 35 years.  His love and enthusiasm for the gospel and doctrinal knowledge is infectious.  It has been interesting to watch the journey to bring this work to press.  He has published other small projects (What Would Jesus Do? and Read the Instructions to name a couple), but this has been a major undertaking resulting in the formation of Shiloh Press to publish and distribute this work as well as other projects and items.  Shiloh Press was formed as a non-profit with proceeds going to benefit charity.  Officers and authors do not take monetary compensation.  To read more about Shiloh Press and the other items they publish click here. 

It has been interesting to see customers' reactions to this book.  The title captures their attention as this is a subject of widespread interest to most folks.  We have had a customer buy the book and come back after reading it to buy copies for all his children.  Everyone who has read has been very positive.  Click here for a link to a scholarly review posted at the Association of Mormon Letters.  Just yesterday I was on the phone with Charlene who used to live locally but now lives in Mississippi.  She was calling to order another copy of Postmortal.  She had seen our email about the book and ordered it online.  She could not put it down when she started reading and was so impressed she has been telling her friends about it.  She lent her copy to a friend who after reading it wanted her own copy, so Charlene gave her that copy as a gift and was calling to order another one as she wanted to keep one as a reference.  She gave me her permission to share her comments as a customer review.

Charlene found the book well-written, self-explanatory and easy to understand.  She commented that "You don't have to be a scholar to understand it."  She liked the question and answer format and found many of the diagrams to be extremely informative and helpful.  She had no idea there was so much information from the scriptures and general authorities about this topic and found it fascinating and inspirational.  She has been a member of our church for over 30 years and had never heard about many of topics mentioned and explained in this book.  I think if there had been more time to chat she could have kept going giving me additional examples of exciting insights she had gained.

Saturday, November 19, 2011, Mark Sheffield will be at our store signing Postmortal Spirit World and other Shiloh Press titles between 1-3 pm.  If you can't make it but would like to have one of these books signed by the author, let us know and we will be happy to arrange with him to have them signed.  Click here to read more about the book on our website.

Guest Book Review

Since I don't have enough time to read as I'd like, I'm including a guest review of a book I want to read soon.  I've read the first two Secret Sisters mysteries and enjoyed them.  

Here is a guest review from Kay Curtiss of Keepin' Up with LDS Bookstores.  Click here to read more about this book and the author on Kay's blog:

Kay's Kritique:  Ida Mae Babbit  (who has her own Facebook page) and her cohorts are at it again in another Secret Sister Mystery that take them to a Dude Ranch in Montana which Ida Mae's son, Keith, owns.  This crew will keep you laughing with their antics (especially Ida Mae's late night, flannel PJs, bare-back horse chase) as they solve the mystery of the sabotage of the Dude Ranch.   Tristi has created some fun, great characters and her descriptive writing keep you laughing throughout with the "visuals" she creates in your mind. Hang 'em High was a great escape for me on a rainy weekend when you just want to curl up with a good book - which I did!  This is definitely one you won't want to miss!

Recent reads

While on a trip I was able to finish these two books which I have been wanting to read for a while.  Foggy with a Chance of Murder is from one of my favorite authors, G. G. Vandagriff.  Set on the foggy Southern California coast, the two main characters are dealing with issues of loss and betrayal while one of them becomes the target of terrorists.  A neighbor becomes a trusted confidant who shares his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I enjoyed the character development in this story.  The suspense part of the plot was not as much of the focus, and some of it was a little far-fetched but still enjoyable.  I would have liked to see more loose ends tied up at the end, but overall I found this a fun and inspiring read.

Garden Plot is by a new author to me, Kristen McKendry.  Set in Eastern Canada, the main character is also dealing with loss and betrayal while trying to keep her business, a high-end half-way house for those coming out of drug rehab, going and taking care of her daughter.  This process is complicated by finding the body of a resident in her garden.  The characters in this story were appealing and drew me into story.  The plot follows a more traditional mystery format complete with police detective and with elements of romance and a misunderstood visiting teacher. The main character used humor to keep herself sane which also kept me smiling. I enjoyed this book even more than Foggy.

17 Miracles, the summer sensation

I viewed 17 Miracles in a theater while in Utah for the LDS Booksellers convention a couple of weeks ago.  I had heard so much about it, including how after its release in June regional attendance for this movie in Utah was beating all the other summer blockbusters and how theaters in Utah, Idaho & Arizona kept adding more screens as the summer went on to handle the demand.  Word of mouth was obviously a strong factor, so I wanted to see what the buzz was about as we would have the movie on DVD & Blu-ray in the store on September 13, 2011.

I attended with my son & his wife, and we got there a little late and had to sit in the front as the theater was almost full.  We have heard a lot about the Willie & Martin handcart companies and their tragedies, and I was concerned that I might find the movie a little bit of a downer.  While the film pulled no punches and coming prepared with tissue is definitely advised, I found the movie an inspiring tear-jerker instead of depressing one.  The story focuses on the miracles that transpired during the handcart journey as told mostly through the viewpoint of Levi Savage who, while returning to Utah from a mission to Siam, met the company coming from England in New York and was recruited to be a captain as they desperately needed his pioneering experience.  He was opposed to starting so late in the season season but pledged to help all that he could.  All his fears came true, but the miracles that occurred along the way showed that the hand of the Lord was over the company.  I was most struck by the sacrifices that were made to help each other and by the expressions of gratitude amidst severe trials for the privilege of sacrificing to come to Zion.  We truly came to care about and admire these characters.  As far as the acting was concerned, all I can say is I wasn't noticing the acting as I became too involved in the story--usually a sign of excellent acting.  Below is a link to the trailer.

After the movie, we spent quite a while talking about it and googling George Paddley & Sarah Ann Franks to find out what happened later.  I can't share what we found out without being a spoiler, but I would be happy to share with anyone who has seen the movie the amazing "rest of the story."  I can definitely recommend this movie as worth seeing.  It is rated PG and is appropriate for probably age 10 & up.   Click here to go to our website & read more.  Prepurchases through September 12 benefit the BYU Management Society Silicon Valley chapter scholarship fund.

The Work, Nashville Tribute to the Missionaries Release Concert

While I was in Utah for the LDS Booksellers Convention the first week of August, I attended the release concert for the Nashville Tribute Band's newest album, The Work, A Nashville Tribute to the Missionaries, at the Sandy Amphitheater.  I'm not a real fan of country music in general but had come to enjoy Nashville Tribute's previous album honoring the pioneers (Trek).  There was the usual electric feel that comes with a live performance, but when they opened with "Children, Go Where I Send Thee," I was hooked.  Jason Deere was the announcer and shared many of the stories behind the songs.  There were many inspiring songs, many of which got the audience clapping, but the title song The Work made you want to clap and stomp your feet.  It was an amazing experience to feel the spirit in such circumstances.  

 

We experienced a thunderstorm downpour during three songs in the first half of the performance, but instead of dampening the enthusiasm, it seemed to energize the crowd as we watched the stage hands move the speakers under cover. Special guest performances at the concert (and on the CD) include David Osmond, The Jets and Billy Dean.  Michael McLean also come to help perform a song he co-wrote with Jason Deere.  Having seen these songs performed in person, I now appreciate them even more as I listen to the CD while driving around in the car.  

 

I actually got to meet some of these amazing performers at the convention before the concert, and they signed a CD for me.  The core band members are all successful LDS country music performers and/or songwriters.  Songwriter Jason Deere is the moving force behind their coming together to write and perform music honoring Joseph Smith, the pioneer and now missionary work.  Some other band members for The Work include Katherine Nelson, Due West, and Dan and Ben Truman and Ryan Innes.  This definitely was one of the highlights of my LDSBA convention experience.

Another Winning Beehive Video

Click here to view another winning "Beehive is Alive & Worth the Drive" video submitted by Amanda Pe'a. Video submissions are still being accepted for the remaining $100 gift certificate award. Click on "2011 Video Contest" at top of blog to view submission guidelines.

Thanks, Amanda!

Beehive Bookstore video award winner!

We're excited to announce the first submission to our Beehive Bookstore video contest from last year. Christine Velasco has won a $100 gift certificate for her video about her two favorite places in Beehive Bookstore. Click here to see her video. Video submissions are still being accepted for the two remaining $100 gift certificate awards. Click on "2011 Video Contest" at top of blog to view submission guidelines.

Congratulations and thanks, Christine!

January Reading

After recovering from the Christmas rush, I finally had more time to catch up a little on my reading. In no particular order here are some of the books that I read which I thoroughly enjoyed:

Undaunted by Gerald Lund
Smokescreen by Traci Abramson
The Water is Wide by Marianne Monson
Lucky Change by Susan Corpany

Books I am in the process of reading:
Divine Signatures by Gerald Lund
Return by Robert D. Hales

We have a lot of new books in which look interesting and intriguing--so much to read in so little time!

Author Signings

We really enjoyed the authors who came to sign books at our store the last two weekends. Duane & Jean Crowther were here November 27, 2010, and both were very interesting to talk to. We still have several signed copies of Duane's classic books Life Everlasting, Prophecy: Key to the Future and Godhead along with his newest They Walked With God. Jean has books of cross-stitch patterns for most every temple, coming up with new patterns as new temples are built. We can order these and have a listing of which temple is in which book.



Ester Rasband was with us December 4, 2010, and signed her Christmas gift book What Think Ye of Christmas? The beautiful watercolor illustrations enhance the uplifting message of the book regarding the symbols of Christmas. Many went away with multiple copies to give as gifts as they are reasonably priced. We still have plenty of copies of this lovely book, some of which are signed.

What I've Been Reading

We have had so many interesting new books in the store the last couple of months that even though I don't really have time I've been reading lots of them anyway, sometime more than one at a time. I don't have time to do formal review on any of them but thought I'd share at least some of my reads and impressions:

Pieces of Paris, G. G. Vandergriff: Another thoughtful, well-written and gripping read by this author who has become one of my favorites.

It All Began With Autumn Jones, Jack Weyland: A typical good read from Jack Weyland. A returned missionary remembers how to stand up for his beliefs in difficult circumstances while falling for Autumn Jones.

Backlash, Traci Hunter Abramson: Another roller coaster thriller about the Saint Squad while exploring challenges of spouses and families of secret strike force members.

The Abraham Enigma, Jack Lyon: FBI agent from Moroni Code with new bride tries to stop a terrorist plot and gains fascinating insights on the Abraham papyri while trying to escape through an Egyptian tomb.

Mother Had a Secret, Tiffany Fletcher: I heard this author talk in August about her experiences and challenges growing up with a mother who had multiple personality disorder which made me anxious to read the book. I was not disappointed in this gut-wrenching account of adversity, love and forgiveness.

The Fourth Nephite, Jeffrey Savage: High school football hero travels back in to time when Joseph Smith retrieves the gold plates and gains testimony of the Restoration. Had some pretty interesting situations and a peek into the Smith family and adventures of keeping the plates safe.

Some of the books I'm in the process of reading:
House of Learning, Richard & Kathleen Walker
To the Rescue, Biography of Thomas S Monson, Heidi Swinton
Before My Heart Stops, Paul Cardall
Escape from Rwanda, John Bizimana
Snow Rising, Matt Baldwin

Rhea Jensen Mysteries--new fun reads

I started reading City of Angels, the first Rhea Jensen mystery, on my way to the LDS Booksellers Convention in August and stayed up way too late because I couldn't put it down. Rhea Jensen is a fun character with witty comments and observations but a moral core that draws her unwittingly to the missionaries who cross her path while she's trying to solve an unexpectedly complicated embezzlement case that turns dangerous. Gospel standards she learns from the missionaries reinforce the lessons of her mother and influence some critical decisions she must make.

I met the author, Sheralyn Pratt, at the convention and can see where the fast-paced dialogue and action come from. Sheralyn is outgoing and radiates energy. She was once a private investigator herself which gives a sense of authenticity to the descriptions. I have not read book 2, Stalk Lake City, but look forward to it. Two more Rhea Jensen books are scheduled to be released before Christmas.

Tennis Shoes 11 coming in September!

Many Tennis Shoes fans have been waiting for a long time (5 years!) for the next installment to continue this great story left hanging at the end of Vol 10. The good news is Tennis Shoes Volume 11, Sorcerers and Seers ($17.99) is being released shortly after Labor Day. The bad news is that the last installment has been split into two books. Click here to read more on Chris Heimerdinger's blog.

We are taking preorders at a 21% discount ($14.15). Call the store, email me at susan@beehivebookstore.com or to have it shipped to you as soon as it comes in preorder on our website. Click here to read more details about the book and/or to order. If you email a preorder request, plus put "Tennis Shoes" in the subject line and include your phone number. Now is the time to start rereading the older ones to remind yourself where the story left off--

Recommendations heard in the store

Shared with us at the bookstore:

"No one has journals like Beehive Bookstore" came from a nonmember who had looked at Barnes & Noble and Borders but didn't like their selection and came to Beehive because she had purchased journals from us before. She wanted a bigger size where she could put pictures and descriptions on the same page. She took home a classic large blue journal with a smile on her face.

Indy Carter shared that Calling All Angels by Jessie Clark Funk, well-known LDS singer, had really helped her daughter after their family lost a baby. Even after explanations, her daughter kept asking "When will Jonathan come home?" This book helped her daughter understand better. This real-life story is written by Jessie Clark Funk, a well-known LDS singer-composer, from her own experience and is about a stillborn baby told from the viewpoint of her big sister. Included is a CD with 2 songs. Click here to read more about this comforting resource.

Between the Lines Introduced by Author's Mom

Judy Smalls is the mom of author Erin Klingler. Judy came into the store recently to admire the display of her daughter latest novel, Between the Lines, and take some pictures. This video is her introduction of Erin's book.

Queen in Exile Review

I'm an employee at the bookstore and I recently read Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch. I really enjoyed the story: think forbidden love, merciless takeovers, and magical creatures and you'll have a pretty good idea what this book is about. I hope you'll also take a dive into a world of magic, love, and royalty with Queen in Exile.