Books by BYU alumni abound in the national and Latter-day Saints markets.
J. Scott Featherstone, ’85, Hallelujah: The Story of the Coming Forth of Handel’s Messiah (ACW Press; 574 pp.; $28). This historical novel recounts George Frederic Handel’s meteoric rise to fame in London and his battle to stay atop the music world despite adversity and determined enemies. Only at the brink of ruin does the proud and intolerant Handel turn to God and undergo the “mighty change” that results in his masterful oratorio Messiah.
Jack A. Weyland, ’69, Cheyenne in New York (Bookcraft; 279 pp.; $13.95). In his 25th book Weyland recounts how Gentile New Yorker B. D. Morelli meets BYU summer intern Cheyenne Durrant at his advertising firm. Initial dislike turns to romance and marriage amidst the horror of the Sept. 11 attacks and the Enron collapse, which affect the Morelli family and occasion a marital rift. Bringing Ben and Cheyenne back together makes for a typically compelling Weyland story.
Richard E. Decker, ’74, Winning: A Novel (Bonneville/Cedar Fort; 186 pp.; $13.95). Sam Davis, a high school football star is intentionally injured at the behest of a coach obsessed with winning. Years later as a bachelor English teacher, Sam must watch the same coach practice his win-at-any-cost tactics on the son of his high school girlfriend and her husband, his erstwhile gridiron nemesis. Young adults will enjoy this novel.
Robert Farrell Smith, Never Can Say Good-bye (Deseret Book; 271 pp.; $13.95). Smith brings together Sally, August, and Ryan—each reeling from life-changing personal blows, in Seven Pines, Mont., an idyllic and wacky village, where they hope for fresh starts in life. Smith weaves his customary imaginative magic and off-beat hilarity in converting the Gentiles to Mormonism and explaining the untimely disappearance of the seven storied pines.
