Carol of the Tales and Other Nightly Noels

Carol of the Tales and Other Nightly Noels
by Michael Young

Christmas carols capture the spirit of Christmas like nothing else, and Carol of the Tales and Other Nightly Noels brings beloved carols to life like never before. Throw your cares away with the tales from sweet silver bells. Find out how Santa Claus dabbles in time travel, and feel the redemption of a dying wife's parting Christmas gift. Experience all this and more in these heartfelt, entertaining tales donated by a team of authors from across the country, teaming together for a good cause. The proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated toward Autism research and advocacy. 

 

About the Author
Michael is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Western Governor's University with degrees in German, Music and Instructional Design. Though he grew up traveling the world with his military father, he now lives in Utah with his wife, Jen, and his two sons. He enjoys acting in community theater, performing and writing music, and writing both fiction and non-fiction. He played for several years with the handbell choir Bells on Temple Square and is now a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He is the author of the many books, including The Canticle Kingdom and The Last Archangel. Learn more about his work at http://www.writermike.com

Carol of the Tales Benefit Concert 

December 7th, 2013
American Fork Junior High New Auditorium
20 W. 1120 N., American Fork, UT
7:00 PM
Featuring:
The Saltaires Barbershop Chorus
Admission:
$10 General Adult, $8 Student/Military, $5 Child (12 and under)
All proceeds donated to Autism Speaks
adventanthology.wordpress.com

Erik Olsen releases 4th book in the Flin’s Destiny series.

“Quest and Honor” is a thrilling fantasy adventure about students and teachers from New York that go on a field trip to Ireland and wind up trapped under the ocean floor off the coast of Ireland.

The Flin’s Destiny world is fraught with underworld dragons called Snazzards, an eight-foot tall pig man named Blade, and experimental seeds and pits that grow into mountainous plants in the underworld.

“This book helps to teach the young reader that it’s not always so much what life brings to you, but what you, bring to life,” said Olsen.

“Quest and Honor” is currently available in bookstores and on Amazon.com, BooksAndThings.com, and BarnesAndNoble.com.

About the Author:

Erik Olsen has been writing for nine years because of a crazy dream that had to be told. Olsen has completed five books in the Flin’s Destiny series and is presently working on a middle grade book. Olsen lives in Sandy, Utah, with his wife, Wendy and they have four children.

Third Book in the "Guardians" Series by Frank Cole Released

Frank L. Cole, author of the bestselling “Adventures of Hashbrown Winters” series and the popular “Guardians” series, announces the release of “The Guardians of theFinisher’s Fury,” his seventh published book and third in the “Guardians” series. The book was officially released today and is available in bookstores and on BooksAndThings.com, BarnesAndNoble.com and Amazon.com.

           

Amber and Dorothy have found the Wrath, the last artifact of the Weapons of Might. But when Amber helps Dorothy investigate the Wrath’s secret hiding place, something happens to Dorothy—something strange. Now, when friends become enemies and enemies become friends, Amber can only hope she knows who to rely on to stop the raging power they have accidentally released. You won’t want to miss the exciting conclusion to The Guardians series.

Frank L. Cole began his writing career three years ago with the release of “The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters,” which went on to become Sweetwater Books’ bestselling children’s book of 2009. The next three books in the series were released in January 2010, November 2010, and April 2013, respectively.

Cole regularly shares his message of “Exercising Imagination” with students throughout Utah and has visited over 100 schools and 40,000 kids in Utah, Idaho, and Alabama. Frank and his wife Heidi are the parents of three children and reside in Salt Lake City, Utah.

You can learn more about Frank’s books at http://franklewiscole.blogspot.com

Wishes for an LDS Child by Joni Hilton

Wishes for an LDS Child
by Joni Hilton

Every hope of your heart, every wish in your dreams, for everyone you love. 

It’s all right here in a collection of wisdom and joy for any LDS child… or grownup.  Author Joni Hilton has compiled the perfect way to express your wishes and love, and all the blessings that matter most in life.  A perfect gift for anyone you care about!

Foreward:

This collection of wishes began as I held my first baby in my arms, and thought of all the wondrous blessings I would wish for him.  Like my son, the list grew and grew.  Eventually I realized it wasn’t just a list of wishes for my children, but a compilation of hopes and dreams for everyone I loved.  Encouragement, advice, joy, and love—it’s all here in short, concise expressions for you to share with a loved one, or ponder for yourself.  May this book expand your view, and help you reach for all that you are meant to be.  

Author bio: 
Joni Hilton is an award-winning playwright and the author of 22 books, many of which are bestsellers in the LDS market. She is also "Your YouTube Mom," writes a blog at jonihilton.blogspot.com and serves as Relief Society President in her ward in northern California.

A Fantasy Christmas, by Cindy C Bennett, Stephanie Fowers, and Sherry Gammon.

What do Witches, Elves, and Greek Gods (Oh My) have in common? They are part of the romantic Christmas anthology, A Fantasy Christmas, written by Cindy C Bennett, Stephanie Fowers, and Sherry Gammon. 

Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

             

                                                                          

Halfling  by Cindy C Bennett

Banished from the South Pole, Kara tries to carve out a new life among the elves of the North. It’s not easy with a secret to protect—a secret she's cursed with by the unusual circumstances of her heritage: half-elf, half-fairy. In the North, she’s assigned to work with Seb on a special project. He's the most gorgeous elf she’s ever seen - and the orneriest. 

As if being banished wasn’t punishment enough. 

Seb introduces her to Trystin, a fairy from the nearby fairy forest. Trystin discerns her secret right away and promises to teach her how to use the powers given to her by the very thing she’s fighting to keep hidden.

Aphrodite by Stehanie Fowers

Nothing is simple for Aphrodite’s daughter, especially love. 

Scorned by society in regency England, Affry longs for romance. Upon encountering a dashing nobleman at her aunty's Christmas' ball, Affry gets caught in a lovely intrigue with disastrous results. Worse, she wins the interest of the gods. 

Now the furies of the underworld and Hades himself are after her. When all is fair in war,  Affry must use love as her weapon—but only for the one who’s stolen her heart.

Loving Marigold by Sherry Gammon

Young Marigold Yarrow has a secret. She’s also in love with Jack Mahoney. In the middle of her ninth grade year, Jack's family up and moves to Port Fare, New York, leaving the small town of Sugar Maple, West Virginia - and Marigold - far behind.

Nine years later Jack and Marigold meet again. They join forces to weed out the shady Abbott boys. The unscrupulous brothers are illegally selling moonshine near her home on Sugar Maple Ridge. And they'll do anything to get Marigold to leave the ridge. Anything.

This time it may be magic that tears Jack and Marigold apart.

Carla Kelly Releases New Regency Novel

Romance writer Carla Kelly has released her newest novel, “In Love and War: A Collection of Love Stories.”

Beloved romance writer Carla Kelly shares a treasured collection of wonderfully written stories of dashing war heroes and the sassy heroines who can’t help falling for them. From daring sea captains to genteel lords, there’s a little something for every heart’s fancy. Readers everywhere will adore these four regency romances—now available together for the first time in one must-have book!

Available on Kindle for $2.51 and in paperback $8.09.

About the author:

Award-winning author Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America.

The Book of Mormon Moment by D. Lowell Brown

The Book of Mormon Moment
By D. Lowell Brown

Today's busy world makes it easy to let time slip away. Spending time in The Book of Mormon is harder than ever.

A short entry from each chapter of The Book of Mormon makes The Book of Mormon Moment a helpful resource, especially on those busy days.

Whether at home or on the go, The Book of Mormon Moment will help you keep, build or start your habit spending time in The Book of Mormon every day.

Written in a friendly informal manner, reading The Book of Mormon Moment will be more like having a discussion with a friend than reading a commentary.

About the Author: D. Lowell Brown has been writing LDS stories for 9 years. Two of his stories have been published in the New Era. His love for the scriptures was his inspiration to write The Book of Mormon Moment.

Young Adult, Sci-Fi, Romance by Kristin Bryant

The Others
By Kristin Bryant

A dangerous adventure to save a distant world- 

Ryen is just a normal guy trying to do his job. Unfortunately, that job includes trying to save his distant world on the brink of disaster.

Ryen is on a mission to Earth to find the answers to his distant world’s most critical questions. While searching the Yucatan Peninsula for a mythic figure—a savior—who would live a perfect life and ultimately die to save their souls, Ryen meets Savannah, a beautiful woman hiding a painful past. On their dangerous adventures together through the untamed jungles of Mexico, he can’t help but fall in love with her. As his time runs out, Ryen must decide if he is willing to give up everything he has ever known and loved to stay on Earth with Savannah.

The Masters, a powerful clan of corrupt leaders, are plotting to take back Earth, the sacred planet, from the humans. Ryen and Savannah are thrust into the middle of The Masters’ plot.

About the Author: 

Kristin Bryant is a teacher, author and, most importantly, a mom. She teaches anthropology and psychology for a virtual high school and lives in Orange County, California with her husband and two sons. Visit her at kristinbryant.com. 

Kristin Bryant is a teacher, author and, most importantly, a mom. She teaches anthropology and psychology for a virtual high school and lives in Orange County, California with her husband and two sons. Visit her at kristinbryant.com.

J. Abram Barneck released his debut Urban Fantasy novel Fire Light.

Fire Light

By J. Abram Barneck

Jake is a jeek—part jock, part geek—who finds out he’s an unwitting target of genocide against a secret society known as the Druids—a society he didn’t even know he belonged to.

O’Brien, one of the last druids, is his mentor. Unfortunately, he is a dud when it comes to magic, but at least he is ex-military.

As for picking his girlfriend . . . well, that’s a split decision. Alexis and Kendra are opposites in almost every way.

Now, if he can just survive the nightwalker—an obsidian-skinned creature with a thirst for blood and a banshee’s mind-destroying scream—then he might have a chance.

Ultimately, protecting his loved ones, and himself if possible, becomes his priority.

Fire Light takes place in Utah with many of its characters being members of the LDS faith which sets it apart from most novels in its genre. "Many of our readers have reported being up until all hours of the night reading Fire Light, which is great news for us!" said Barneck.

Fire Light is currently available exclusively on Amazon. You can also find it on GoodReads.

About the Author:
J.Abram Barneck graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in English with an emphasis in Science Fiction and Fantasy Creative Writing. At BYU, he was the Assistant Fiction Director for Leading Edge the Sci-fi/Fantasy magazine. Barneck’s poem, The Sentinel, was published in Issue 48 of Leading Edge under the pseudonym Abram Jacobs. Barneck now resides in the Salt Lake Valley with his blogger wife and two little boys working as a software engineer by day and author and Master's student by night.

June McCrary Jacobs releases debut novel, “A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom”.

June McCrary Jacobs has released her debut novel, “A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom”.

When her student, six-year-old Mary Noel, survives a car accident over Thanksgiving break, Amber and her new friend, Paul, are determined to cheer her up during the holidays. But Mary Noel’s most painful injury is the loss of her dog. The more withdrawn Mary Noel becomes, the more Amber and Paul need a miracle—a miracle that requires the entire community’s help.

"I wanted to portray a wholesome relationship between a man and woman with similar values where their friendship and common goals were the basis for developing a love relationship,” said McCrary Jacobs. “The community of Apple Blossom pulls together to help a family in need and is very successful in their efforts.”

“A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom” is available in bookstores and on Amazon.com, BooksAndThings.com, and BarnesAndNoble.com.

###

About the Author:

June McCrary Jacobs spent twenty years as a primary grade educator after graduating from California State University, Hayward, with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a multiple-subject teaching credential. Along with writing fiction, June is a freelance designer of sewing, quilting and crafting projects. “A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom” is June's debut novel, though not her first published work. Since 2007 June's original sewing, quilting and stitchery projects and articles have been published in national and international magazines including Stitch, Sew News, Sewing World, Simply Handmade, Sew Hip, Sewing Savvy, Crafts 'n Things and Create & Decorate. Two of her sewing designs for children will appear in the upcoming “101 One-Yard Little Wonders” book published by Storey Publishing. A Californian since age six, June currently resides in the San Joaquin Valley. Learn more about June's writing endeavors and view some of her original sewing projects by visiting her website at www.junemccraryjacobs.com.

Carla Kelly's Christmas Collection

Romance writer Carla Kelly has compiled four short stories into one book, “Carla Kelly’s Christmas Collection."

Come explore Regency London with Carla Kelly! This collection features four stories that will warm your heart with Christmas cheer: “The Christmas Ornament,” “Make a Joyful Noise,” “An Object of Charity,” and “The Three Kings.” Filled with romance and a touch of humor, these stories are sure to find a place in your heart and remind you that Christmas is a time for love.

“Carla Kelly’s Christmas Collection” is available on Amazon.

###

About Carla Kelly

Award-winning author Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America.

New YA Fantasy from B.K. Bostick

Huber Hill and the Golden Staff of Cibola
By B.K. Bostick

Cíbola, the city of gold, is just a myth—or is it? As Huber and his friends search for a magical golden staff, they must believe in the legends and follow the clues that will lead them to this fabled city, hidden deep inside Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. But with a madman and a deadly secret society right on their trail, it quickly becomes a race for their lives! Huber's final installment will keep any adventurer captivated.

“As a young child, I visited Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico and was transported into another world I didn’t know existed,” said Bostick. “The sheer immensity of the cave system was mind boggling. As I read about and pondered the location of Cíbola, I could think of no better place to hide a city of gold than deep inside Carlsbad Caverns.”

Praise for “Huber Hill and the Golden Staff of Cibola”:

“Parents and educators alike love B.K. Bostick’s books that explore treasured folklore while taking students on a high octan adventure that kids just cannot get enough of!” -- Laurie Maline, Elementary School Teacher, North Platte, Nebraska.

“Huber Hill and the Golden Staff ofCibola” is available in bookstores and on Amazon.

###

About the Author:

B.K. Bostick, author of the Huber Hill series, resides among the magnificent Rocky Mountains. In addition to writing, he has spent his career in education. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Utah and his masters in psychology from Utah State University. He’s worked as a teacher, after-school program coordinator, teacher, mentor, and school counselor. He loves helping and inspiring kids and is busy raising two of his own. In his spare time, he can think of nothing more enjoyable than eating Cheetos while watching old episodes of the “Twilight Zone.”

Author of highly praised historical fiction novel releases new novel

Mile 21
By Sarah Dunster
 
St. Anthony, Idaho, author Sarah Dunster has released her second novel, “Mile 21.”

The singles ward is the last place Abish wants to be. But after the unexpected death of her husband (and after being kicked out of her mom’s place), she has to move into single-student housing to finish up her schooling. Maybe training for a marathon and winning the heart of the handsome executive secretary are exactly what Abish needs to get a personal best.

“Mile 21 is part fun, humorous Chick-Lit story and part serious business,” says Dunster. “It’s a story about a woman going through some really hard times after a sudden unexpected tragedy leaves her a widow at age 21. But she has this iron core, this ability to look at her life and her situations and see the humor in it.” 

“Mile 21” is available in bookstores and on Amazon, BooksAndThings, and BarnesAndNoble.com.

###

ABOUT MORMON AUTHOR SARAH DUNSTER

Sarah Dunster is wife to one, mother to seven, and an award-winning author of fiction and poetry. Her first novel, “Lightning Tree,” was released in April of 2012 to overwhelmingly positive reviews both by the general market and in the LDS arts community. Her poetry is well known across the LDS arts blogs and has been published in many of the prominent LDS magazines. When she is not writing, Sarah can often be found cleaning, cooking vegetarian meals, holding small people in her lap, or taking long, risky walks after dark, especially in thunderstorms.

More writers and books always welcome

If you have written a book, and would like to see it shared on this site, please contact us and let us know.
Christmas is coming and many writers have specials, anthologies, and short stories to share. Please let us know as soon as you can, and we'll get you up on the site on the best day to help you.

Free Today on Amazon- Psyched by Juli Caldwell

 

  Psyched by Juli Caldwell is free today on Amazon! 

Great reviews for Psyched!

"This is one of those books you just can't put down. What I love about Psyched in addition to a great, spooky story is strong characters and narrative voice. Aisi is the most awesome chick, strong-willed, sassy, and deals with some crazy stuff happening with a spunkiness that I loved... Psyched is well-written, riveting, surprising and genre-busting. Teens will love this book, but it definitely has a more wide-ranging appeal."

and...

"Aisi Turay is one awesome girl. She has power to see the dead...as in their souls...This is a great read, filled with suspense. I NEVER knew from one chapter to the next what was happening. It is well written and a very enjoyable...and a bit scary!"

Psyched is part ghost story, part suspense, part demon-hunting thriller, part budding romance, the story of a girl named Aisi who's doing her best to keep it together for her wreck of a family. She is smart, sassy, and sarcastic enough to keep things interesting. When she meets Vance on the single worst day of her life, she finds a guy who just might be the first person ever to get her, to believe in her, and to out-random her with bizarre observations at the worst possible moment. There's just something about him that she knows she can trust.

Together, Aisi and Vance wander through the memories of others to unlock the secrets of her past while battling a demon who wants to ensure she never finds what she's looking for. Aisi vanquishes demons all the time, but Malus Indolus is too strong. And he has plans for her...and her family.

Psyched is Caldwell's second novel, the first as an indie writer, and her first experiment with her true love as a reader: paranormal fiction. Her debut novel Beyond Perfection is also available.

You can find Juli on her webpage, Twitter, Facebook,  and blog.

A Fantasy Christmas Coming Soon

What do Witches, Elves, and Greek Gods (Oh My) have in common? They are part of the romantic Christmas anthology, A Fantasy Christmas, written by Cindy C Bennett, Stephanie Fowers, and Sherry Gammon. This exciting collection of fantasy stories will be available on November 1^st. Click the link to their blog for a sneak peek at a couple of the individual covers and watch for blog tour info!   http://afantasychristmasthenovel.blogspot.com/

Halfling by Cindy C Bennett

Banished from the South Pole, Kara tries to carve out a new life among the elves of the North. It’s not easy with a secret to protect—a secret she's cursed with by the unusual circumstances of her heritage: half-elf, half-fairy. In the North, she’s assigned to work with Seb on a special project. He's the most gorgeous elf she’s ever seen - and the orneriest. 

As if being banished wasn’t punishment enough. 

Seb introduces her to Trystin, a fairy from the nearby fairy forest. Trystin discerns her secret right away and promises to teach her how to use the powers given to her by the very thing she’s fighting to keep hidden.

Aphrodite by Stephanie Fower

Nothing is simple for Aphrodite’s daughter, especially love. 

Scorned by society in regency England, Affry longs for romance. Upon encountering a dashing nobleman at her aunty's Christmas' ball, Affry gets caught in a lovely intrigue with disastrous results. Worse, she wins the interest of the gods. Now the furies of the underworld and Hades himself are after her. 

When all is fair in war,  Affry must use love as her weapon—but only for the one who’s

Loving Marigold by Sherry Gammon

Young Marigold Yarrow has a secret. She’s also in love with Jack Mahoney. In the middle of her ninth grade year, Jack's family up and moves to Port Fare, New York, leaving the small town of Sugar Maple, West Virginia - and Marigold - far behind.

Nine years later Jack and Marigold meet again. They join forces to weed out the shady Abbott boys. The unscrupulous brothers are illegally selling moonshine near her home on Sugar Maple Ridge. And they'll do anything to get Marigold to leave the ridge. Anything.

But this time it could be magic that tears Jack and Marigold apart.

Missouri-based Mormon author to release YA dystopian novel

A Nothing Named Silas
By Steve Westover

Publisher’s Weekly says Steve Westover’s “A Nothing Named Silas” falls “somewhere between ‘The Hunger Games’ and Ayn Rand’s ‘Anthem,’” which means it is sure to appeal to Young Adult readers.

The book is Westover’s fifth novel.

Silas doesn’t exist…not really. But neither does anyone else he knows. Bred for a life of Command, Silas’ life is thrown into crisis when he’s drafted into a menial life of Labor instead. Everything he knows about himself is about to be challenged.

When he steps through the entrance of the domed Labor shield and see’s prisoners hanging in cages overhead, Silas’ worst fears are confirmed. What he can’t see is that insurrection is brewing under the shield and the insurgents have devised a role for him to play. Silas must determine which side he will fight for as he learns the truth about who he is and why he was drafted into a life of Labor.

“I think at some point every teenager questions his or her value and wonders about who they really are,” said Westover. “In Silas’ case, the answers are both enlightening and disturbing. I wanted to write an exciting adventure full of political intrigue and self-discovery to show everyone that there is something special in them.”

Readers of all ages are sure to enjoy this dystopian adventure.

Buy "A Nothing Named Silas" in hardcover and e-book on Amazon.

About the Author:

Steve Westover first started writing in 2009 and “A Nothing Named Silas” is his fifth published novel. Steve has also written two FBI thrillers set in northwest Missouri – “Defensive Tactics” and “Gold Clash” – and a youth fantasy/adventure series – “Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island” and “Return of the Mystic Gray.” Steve lives on a small hobby farm in rural Missouri with his family.

12 year old Utah author McKenzie Wagner releases her latest novel, “Benotripia: The Stones of Horsh"

Benotripia
by McKenzie Wagner
With the queen gone, the Darvonians have the perfect opportunity to invade Benotripia, find the Stones of Horsh, and harness their great powers. Only three children stand in their way: Roseabelle, Jessicana, and Astro. But this time, the Darvonians know not to underestimate these children, and the invaders come prepared. Roseabelle and her friends must survive long enough to save the stones.

Get "Benotripia" on Amazon

Twelve-year-old Utah author McKenzie Wagner will release her latest novel, “Benotripia: The Stones of Horsh,” on Sept. 10.

“Stones of Horsh” is the follow up to “Benotripia: The Rescue,” which is one of Cedar Fort's bestselling titles in 2013.

As reported in the Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch, Wagner recently signed with TransMedia, an international PR firm, joining a group of pre-teen prodigies. The group includes 12-year-old Monster truck driver Kaid Jarret “KJ” Olson-Weston and 12-year-old inventor Zach Marks who created GROM Social, a Facebook-like social network for kids.

Wagner has been fond of reading since she was four years old, reports her father, Robert, and started writing when she was seven.

Michigan author to release new novel, a ghost story

Raven's Fire
By John Gubbins

“Raven’s Fire” is a ghost story that involves a 30-year-old secret that tears apart Joe’s and Carol’s marriage and sends Joe into his beloved woods to recuperate, only to discover that they’re filled with evil spirits.

When a person dies, an ancient spirit takes his soul to the next life. This spirit is Pauguck, the Retriever of Souls, and he has a long-standing feud with Raven, a mischievous spirit who blinds the spirits of the dead.

So when two men – including Joe – are on a river trip in the woods, Pauguck does not think his services will be needed, but Raven is intent on ending both men’s lives.

Filled with ancient spirits and deadly secrets, “Raven’s Fire” is sure to keep your heart racing, for no one is safe from the terror of the river.

Buy "Raven's Fire" on Kindle.

John Gubbins lives with his wife, Carol, alongside the Escanaba River in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He spends his free time with Carol and his son, Alex, fishing, camping, and reading poetry. Alex is a published poet, attends and teaches in the MFA program at Northern Michigan University, and lives nearby in Marquette, Michigan.

Mr. Gubbins’ first novel, “Profound River,” a historical novel set in Fifteenth Century Britain, has been acclaimed for its lyrical writing, scholarship, and originality.

250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families

250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families

By Jonathan Decker

There are few subjects in the Mormon culture as divisive, opinionated, and polarizing as what constitutes a clean, entertaining, and interesting film. What one person considers to be clean, another considers to be dull and boring. What another considers to be thought-provoking and artistic, another may call provocative and distasteful. To create a list of films of interest and compatible with the standards of the Mormon culture is ambitious, but Jonathan Decker (www.mormonmovieguy.com) does it well.

Decker’s new book, “250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families” will appeal to families with younger children that seek wholesome and clean entertainment will find many old and new titles to consider.

The book includes a long list of films from several genres- cartoons, straight-to-video, classics, LDS Church produced, popular and recent, musicals, mysteries, etc. It runs the gauntlet from Veggie Tales to Brian Regan stand-up comedy. It includes all of the Harry Potter and Star Wars films, Bing Crosby flicks, romance, action, and everything in between. Conveniently there is a handy index at the back of the book to help you reference films by genre, theme, or title.

Decker reviews the films based on three components: Artistic Merit, Wholesome Content, and Gospel Parallels. He offers a rating of the film, a brief synopsis, and a list of scriptures and gospel parallels found in the film.  Each film in the book is judged by the media standards offered in the “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet. Additionally there are discussion guides, along with scriptures and quotes from latter-day prophets regarding the theme of each movie.

Some readers may be disappointed that the only flicks listed in the book are the ones that received high ratings. The book is not a reference tool to see what sort of rating a film received. Readers should not approach the book with a “Let’s see if this film is family friendly” mentality. All of the films in the book are deemed family-friendly.

For families looking for more suggestions and new ideas for clean, uplifting films, or for someone unfamiliar with the LDS-themed independent film market, this book will be a great resource.

250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families is available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.