Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secret

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secret by Obert Skye. Published by Shadow Mountain.

Retail Price: $18.95 Available here

"After escaping a deranged dream-master and destroying the hidden gateway, Leven Thumps and his band of travelers must now journey across Foo and restore Geth from his shape as a toothpick to the rightful king he once was. But Foo is still in chaos, and Leven must overcome several adversaries and survive the Swollen Forest in order to save his friends and keep hope alive. As fate would have it, nothing goes as planned, and even Geth begins to wonder if they will succeed. Bad goes to worse as Leven digs up a long buried seceret- one that stalks him, determined to whisper a truth that could be deadly in the wrong hands."

First thing I have to say is, kids are going to love this book. If you know of kids and teenagers (or even adults) who enjoyed the first book, they are going to love the second. It's another high adventure and it never stops from beginning to end! It's very fun and never predictable. Sometimes I really didn't know if I should cheer for Leven or give up in exasperation but the author (or historian, as the case may be) knows how to pull his audience in. A couple of new characters are introduced and the story continues on through Foo. I have to say I'm a little confused by Foo, but maybe it's because I don't remember my dreams very well. It could also be because I don't have a very good imagination, and it certainly has nothing to do with the actual story of Leven Thumps.

If you have not read the first one, Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo, you really should not read this one. It will not make any sense, since there is no history or reference to the first one in book 2, you are just thrown into the story. This is a series that the whole family can enjoy, and I think it should be read just before bed to enhance your dreams - as you learn about Foo.

The Ten Virgins - Ten Women, Ten Stories, Ten Lessons For Our Day

Reviewed by Melanie Lott, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Ten Virgins - Ten Women, Ten Stories, Ten Lessons For Our Day written by Emily Freeman with paintings by Simon Dewey; Published by Deseret Book

Retail Price: $16.11 Available here

First of all, let me just say that I love collecting these hardback, beautifully illustrated stories that have become popular these days. They seem to contain rich and sacred messages but are in a format that children can read as well.

"The Ten Virgins" by Emily Freeman is probably one of my very favorites. The paintings by Simon Dewey are gorgeous. The shopkeeper in his story looks so much like the Savior, which amplifies the meaning. The parable is told in a different way. First, it explores the lives of each of these ten virgins. Who were they? What kind of lives did they lead? At one point, I identified with one of them so strongly that it made me teary-eyed. The parable goes on to explain what happened when the bridegroom came. After getting to know these sisters, all of whom were good women, it made the story so much more real and intense. It left me with a profound determination not to be one of the foolish women. It made a difference for me.

At the back of the book, there are quotes from various scriptures and general authorities of the parable of the Ten Virgins. One of these quotes made a strong impression with me. It said, "Christ will come when least expected -- at midnight -- and when the Church, having become accustomed to His long delay, has gone to sleep." (Edersheim, Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah) Will we be ready when that day comes? Are we doing the things that will fill our lamps? I highly recommend this book. I think it would make a wonderful Christmas present this coming season.

Out of Jerusalem Vol. 3: Towards the Promised Land

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Out Of Jerusalem Vol. 3: Towards the Promised Land by H.B. Moore. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $19.95 Available here

"It is time for Lehi's family to leave the place Bountiful for the Promised Land. But Nephi's older brother, Laman and Lemuel, believe they are already living in a promised land. Why should they leave their newfound abundance? Challenged with following instructions from the Lord while keeping peace within the family, Nephi forges ahead to build a ship that can cross oceans-but storms at sea are nothing compared to the turbulent relationship between Nephi and his older brothers."

If you have read my previous reviews of the Out of Jerusalem books, Volume 1 and Volume 2, you will have already concluded that I'm a fan of this series. It's kind of funny really, but each time I read another one, I think that this will be the one that can't live up to my expectations. But Volume 3 did once again live up to my expectations and surpass them. I love this series. It's makes me think of the Book of Mormon in a whole new way and it helps me identify with beloved people and stories that we all know so well.

The author never misses a detail in researching these books. The customs, culture and traditions of Lehi's people and times is painstakingly investigated and it is reflected in this volume, as well as previous ones. I have never understood how Nephi's family could have stood by and watched Laman and Lemuel tie Nephi to the mast of the ship without doing something, but the author portrays a very realistic account of what might have been. It helped me to understand and empathize. I truly hope you'll enjoy Towards the Promised Land as much as I did.