Mary & Joseph

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Mary & Joseph by Robert Marcum. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $22.95 Available here

This is a truly remarkable book. I was deeply touched when I read it and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. "Mary and Joseph" is a novel. It is historical fiction like "The Work and the Glory" series or many other examples. But yet, for me, when the Christmas story was put into a real life setting, where I could really envision what Mary must have felt and experienced, it came alive. I found myself crying as I thought about all of Mary's fears and feelings as a new mother and especially as the mother of THIS child. I marvelled at the timing of Jesus's birth. It had never occurred to me before that if Mary and Joseph had not gone to Bethlehem - her friends and family might have realized that this baby was earlier then he should have been and their lives could have been very different. I highly recommend this book as a wonderful addition to your Christmas book collection. I loved it.

I'll Be Seeing You

Reviewed by Kristine Claybrook, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

I'll Be Seeing You written by Jerry Borrowman

Retail Price: $22.95 Available here

As the Depression worsens, a distant war draws near. Dan O�Brian finds he is once again embroiled with the inner conflicts he had hoped were far behind him after returning from World War I. Dan holds a strong convictions that the United States should stay out of the new war� because this time it is his son, Cory, whose life could be threatened by a foreign menace. But convictions can change.

Through his work as a musician, Dan finds an unlikely new friend in Josh Brown, a man who challenges Dan�s view of the world. And though both men share a common tragic link to the past, event of the future will soon forever bind the two men�s families together.

In an era where the future is an uncertain as it is exciting, Cory O�Brian and Nathan Brown know they must defend freedom, just as their fathers have done. What they don�t yet understand are the human costs of war� to those in the battle and those at home.

This is a fascinating work of historical fiction that brings the second world war to life for the reader. The kinship between pilots and co-pilots as well as the immense responsibilities of both pilots and sailors were brought to light as each suffered and succeeded through ultimate trials. This not only portrays the difficulties of the war, but also the hope, the courage and even the romance that can happen when good people are just doing what they can to follow what they know is right. This novel is an excellent educational, yet enjoyable read.

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.