Big Announcements!

I usually don't have so much to announce, and it's not that I haven't posted for awhile (which is true as well), but that everything seems to happen in the same day! All good, though.

First, I'll be signing at 2 stores this weekend:

December 18, 2009 - Orem Seagull Book 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Friday. I’ll be signing “Alma” and “All is Bright” (Christmas Story Compilation) during Friday Lunch Hour: 111 South State Street, Orem, Utah

December 19, 2009 - Spanish Fork Seagull Book 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Saturday. I’ll be signing “Alma” and “All is Bright” (Christmas Story Compilation) with Annette Lyon and Julie Wright! 1052 South Main, Spanish Fork, Utah


Second, my Alma the Younger book was accepted for publication! Release date will be Summer 2010 (instead of Fall 2010). So you won't have to be in suspense for too much longer. I'm really excited about this, but then I realize that I need to decide which book to write next since I usually have a bigger gap between books. I'm thinking of Ammon, but not set in stone. Any suggestions?

Third, my non-fiction book, Women of the Book of Mormon is slated for an April release! So this means that next week I'll be in final edits (yes, during Christmas). My editor was worried that it would make things too busy, but really, I see it as a Christmas present to myself. This book, although not long in length, took so much research, and has been a long time coming. So I'm really grateful that it will be out in April. Just in time for Mother's Day! And I can finally share some of the fascinating insights I've learned.

2009 Christmas Book List

First, to kick off the Christmas season, I'm signing books on Friday, December 4, at the Lindon Seagull Book: 1:00 p.m.


Also, for those who live in St. George, over the weekend I stopped in the Seagull Book (Washington) and Deseret Book (St. George) and signed all of their stock.


Heather’s 2009 Book Recommendations

With the gift-giving season upon us, everyone on my list will be getting a fantastic book. Problem is, there are so many to choose from. Below I’ve included books that I highly recommend, published in 2009, and only ones that I’d consider “very family friendly.” There are more out there of course, I just haven’t read them yet.

The Actor and the Housewife – Shannon Hale (Great women’s fiction. This book has received some mixed reviews and controversy. But I love controversy)

All the Stars in Heaven – Michele Paige Holmes (Companion book to Counting Stars. Love Michele Paige Holmes)

Agent in Old Lace - Tristi Pinkston (For cozy mystery lovers!)



The Chosen One – Carol Lynch Williams (Powerful YA book. Unforgettable. You’ll have trouble sleeping.)

Christmas Jars Reunion – Jason F. Wright (Nice follow-up to Christmas Jars. True meaning of Christmas revisited.)



The Christmas List – Richard Paul Evans (Classic Evans. Must-read for holiday season.)

Dragon Spear – Jessica Day George (3rd book in Dragon series. Kids 10+ and adults will enjoy!)


English Trifle – Josi S Kilpack (Deliciously good. 2nd in Sadie Hoffmiller cozy culinary mystery series. A mouthful.)

Everything Is Fine – Ann Dee Ellis (Powerful. YA. Older YA recommended!)


Eyes Like Mine – Julie Wright (Wow. Compelling. Not what I expected.)


Farworld 2: Land Keep – J. Scott Savage (A favorite with my kids! C.S. Lewis needs to watch his back.)

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet – Jamie Ford (Can’t praise this enough. One of my favorite books of the year!)


The Hourglass Door – Lisa Mangum (Intelligent, romantic, exciting YA read)


The Hunt for Dark Infinity – James Dashner (My kids can’t get enough of this author. Book 2 in The 13th Reality series. Love Atticus Higgenbottom!)


The Last Waltz – GG Vandagriff (Timeless and breathless. I lived 3 lifetimes reading this.)

Lemon Tart – Josi S. Kilpack (Book 1 of the Sadie Hoffmiller series. It’s as delicious as it sounds.)



The Maze Runner – James Dashner (Again. Take my word for it. Hint: your teenaged son will love it!)

My Fair Godmother – Janette Rallison (YA fairy tale in a whole new twist. Hilarious and delightful. Favorite Janette Rallison book.)



Princess of the Midnight Ball – Jessica Day George (Had to read this—my favorite folk tale. Great job.)

Shudder – Jennie Hansen (Intense and captivating story about an abused woman.)


Tower of Strength – Annette Lyon (Brilliantly researched. Poignant and charming.)

Trail of Storms – Marsha Ward (Western classic at its finest.)

Warbreaker – Brandon Sanderson (If you haven’t read a Brandon Sanderson epic novel, this won’t be the last.)

Wings – Aprilynne Pike (Sweet debut YA. Cool science.)



When Hearts Conjoin – Erin Herrin and Lu Ann Staheli (True story of the conjoined Herrin twins in SLC. Fascinating.)