OREM — Christian author Anne Bradshaw has combined a series of short stories for youth belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in her new book "Please, No Zits! and Other Short Stories for LDS Youth."

Aimed at youths age 12 and up, the stories tackle some of the more challenging hurdles facing today's teens and younger 20-somethings.

The tales include relationships, dating, drugs, cheating, church missions and other events in their lives that require tough choices.

The stories, all fictionalized, are set in various locations on both sides of the Atlantic, including England, Scotland and the United States, even in Spanish Fork.

Bradshaw moved to America 10 years ago from England. Many of her short stories have appeared in the New Era magazine.

Each chapter is a vignette in the life of a teen, beginning with a young convert who must face the wrath of his non-believing and often violent father.

Another deals with LDS teens who become hooked on drugs and end up in jail after stealing to feed their habit while still another tells the story of a young girl who didn't wait for her missionary and became engaged to an abusive nonmember.

The stories end on a positive note, showing that lives can change through repentance and commitment.

They'll spur discussions in family home evenings and teach youths that despite their mistakes a way back has already been provided.

"Please, No Zits!" is published by Golden Wings Enterprises of Orem and is available from LDS booksellers, including the bookstore at Brigham Young University.

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E-mail: rodger@desnews.com