Locally published books

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CROSS?: DISTINCTIVE LDS TEACHINGS, by Robert L. Millet, Deseret Book, 235 pages, $21.95. Millet is a professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and the author of numerous books. At a time when LDS beliefs are being closely examined by the nation at large, Millet offers reasons for accepting Mormons as Christians. He deals with the atonement, symbolism, Joseph Smith, scripture, living prophets, a loving God, life after death, families and temples.

UNLIKELY HEROES: ORDINARY MEN AND WOMEN WHOSE COURAGE WON THE REVOLUTION, by Ron Carter, Shadow Mountain, 254 pages, $21.95. Carter is the author of the nine-volume fictional recreation of the Revolutionary War — and he is the father of nine children. In this book, Carter discusses how under-funded, ill-equipped, inadequately trained the American Continental Army was and the role those things played in the war.

BEFORE THE DAWN, by Dean Hughes, Deseret Book, 297 pages, $22.95. Hughes has written 90 books for various age groups, including the "Children of the Promise" and the "Hearts of the Children" series. This LDS novel focuses on Leah Sorensen, an LDS Relief Society president, who is also a "prickly and proud farm widow." Set during the Great Depression, the story concerns the relationship between Leah and the women of her LDS ward, as they develop an unbreakable bond.

THE CANDY SHOP WAR, by Brandon Mull, Shadow Mountain, 410 pages, $17.95. Now on the New York Times Bestseller list, Mull is following his "Fablehaven" series with great success. The theme of this stand-alone young people's novel centers around four young friends who are asked by a magical candy vendor to look for an ancient talisman hidden beneath their school. During the journey, the friends learn about trust, how to deal with bullies and how to survive the candy-shop wars.

GOD WANTS A POWERFUL PEOPLE, by Sheri Dew, Deseret Book, 217 pages, $18.95. This is an inspirational-style book from Sheri Dew, formerly a member of the LDS Relief Society presidency and now CEO of Deseret Book. The author of biographies of both President Ezra Taft Benson and President Gordon B. Hinckley, she is a popular speaker for LDS members.

FLYING HOME, by Rachel Ann Nunes, Shadow Mountain, 328 pages, $15.95. Softcover. Rachel Ann Nunes is a prolific LDS author known for wholesome romance fiction. The new one focuses on Liana Scrader, a young woman whose parents were killed 23 years ago. Adopted by her aunt, she has always felt like an outsider, and her personal issues get in the way of a romantic relationship with a young man. She is obsessed with discovering the secrets of her past.

WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, by Kay Lynn Mangum, Deseret Book, 343 pages, $15.95. Softcover. An LDS novelist, Mangum's character, Rachel Fletcher, loses her father in an auto accident — and she feels responsible. Starting high school consumed with guilt, she must comfort her mother who is clinically depressed. It's the story of an overwhelmed teenager who has trouble getting answers to her prayers.