Sheila and I spent a pleasant afternoon with authors Annette Lyon & Heather Moore recording Episode 35 of the LDSWBR podcast. Annette’s most recent novel, Tower of Strength, was released this past spring. Heather’s newest book, Alma, a continuation of her previous book, Abinadi, will be released this fall. Annette & Heather are two of the sweetest ladies you’ll ever meet. While Heather is dark-haired and quiet and Annette is blonde and bit more outspoken, their friendship is apparent in the way the support and encourage each other.
During the podcast, we spoke about the different experiences they’ve had researching their historical novels. Heather and Annette are both thorough in their research as well as sincere about telling an inspiring, uplifting story.
Heather Moore spent several years in the Holy Land, and was baptized in the Red Sea. Her book, Alma, tells the story of one of the wicked priests of King Noah after his conversion, covering the gathering of believers at the Waters of Mormon and beyond, and what events may have transpired during that time. I was thrilled to be asked to read and review Alma. As much as I liked Abinadi, I enjoyed Alma even more. Heather tells the story of Raquel and Maia, as well as Alma and Helam, in such a personal and unforgettable way that it was quite easy to imagine myself there. I can’t wait to see what Heather has in store for the future.
When Annette Lyon wrote her first Temple novel, House on the Hill, she had no idea it was only the first in a series. Tower of Strength, book four of the Temple Series, is set during the construction of the Manti temple. Tabitha and Samuel have both suffered difficult losses. As a single parent far from family, Tabitha has had to be strong to take care of herself and her son, Will. Samuel arrives in Manti from London and accepts work in a stable full of unpleasant and unfamiliar tasks involving cleaning up after farm animals. His frustration and loneliness lead him to question why he needed to come to Zion at all, especially after losing the one person he wanted to be with in Zion. You can watch a trailer for Tower of Strength here.
Annette also recently released a wonderful resource- There, Their, They’re: A No-Tears Guide to Grammar From the Word Nerd, available through Amazon, Lyfe Books, and Create Space.
Tower of Strength and Alma come highly recommended from LDSWBR. Thanks to Heather and Annette for all the hard work and research, as well as the good conversation! Listen to Episode 35 and enjoy!
Happy Reading!
