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The Ultimate Summer Reading List from Deseret Book

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Looking for good reading suggestions for your family this summer? With everything from fantasy to mystery, Deseret Book has you covered. We've tracked down some of the best new books for adults, teens, and kids.

For Adults:

The Washington Hypothesis by Timothy Ballard

We know that George Washington was a moral man and an inspiring leader, but did he possibly know more than we suppose? Was he a national covenant maker like Moses, Abraham, Lehi, or Captain Moroni? Did he understand that he was fighting for the liberty of a promised land protected by God—a place where the Lord's holy temples could be built?

The Washington Hypothesis explores the intriguing evidence that Washington and the other Founding Fathers knew the Lord had a greater purpose for America.
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► You'll also like: Did the Angel Moroni Appear to George Washington?

► You'll also like: Did Lincoln Read the Book of Mormon?

The Storm Descends by Gerald N. Lund

In the second volume of best-selling author Gerald N. Lund's explosive new series, the Eckhardt family finds that the turmoil in their lives will only increase as they try to move forward in a nation divided. Sergeant Hans Eckhardt has been discharged from his military service and wants nothing more than to start a new life with a career and a family, but the unrest swallowing his homeland seems determined to stop him. As the flames of adversity grow more threatening, hope is on the horizon for the German Saints. With the help of Mitch Westland, from faraway southern Utah, they discover that the Lord has not forgotten them.
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To Soar with Eagles by Gerald N. Lund

In the untamed and unforgiving desert of southeastern Utah, Mitch Westland and Edie Zimmer are among the Mormon settlers determined to make their homes amid the harshest of circumstances. Threatened by Indians, competing ranchers, and cattle rustlers, the young couple must prevail against man, nature, and their own fears in order to fulfill their dream of establishing a ranch—and a family—of their own. This sequel to the best-seller Only the Bravecovers the time period of 1888 to 1919 and merges the story of Mitch and Edie with the author's continuing series Fire and Steel.
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► You'll also like: 14 Audiobooks Perfect for Family Roadtrips

After tragedy strikes during the Second Battle of Artois, Frenchman Julian Olivier will do anything to get out of the trenches. So when British Intelligence recruits him to spy behind enemy lines, he jumps at the opportunity. Just before he begins, however, he has a chance encounter with a young French woman who leaves his heart marked for the remainder of the war — even if he doesn't know her name.

Warren Flynn is a Canadian airborne hero. Second only to his love of flying is his fascination with Claire Donovan, the daughter of an American munition manufacturer living in Paris.

But as a dangerous ring of spies and saboteurs threatens to turn the war against the Allies, it seems doubtful that either will survive. Will Julian ever be reunited with the woman whose memory he can't erase? Will Warren survive the war, and will they unearth the infiltrator before it's too late?
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Now and Always Yours by Anita Stansfield

Greg's feet suddenly became very heavy and his head very light as he stood and watched the opening of the bars that had kept him separated from the world .... If not for the knowledge that his sister would be waiting outside to take him home—and that he had two children at home waiting for him—he might have preferred to turn around and ask to stay.

And so begins a new chapter in Greg's life, which includes the daunting tasks of earning the trust and respect of his teenage children, finding meaningful employment in a society that doesn't always take kindly to those who have "served time," and daring to believe in love, with its miracles of healing and forgiveness.
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Diamond Rings Are Deadly Thingsby Rachelle J. Christensen

Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she's especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend gets married, Adri's world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri's impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success—that is, until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. The race is on to uncover a secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before Adri becomes the next victim.

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► You'll also like:14 Unbelievable Mormon Wedding Fiascoes

Lord Fenton's Follyby Josi S. Kilpack

Lord Fenton is a gambler and a dandy, and he will be stripped of his wealth and position unless he rises to his responsibility—one of which is to marry. Far from being a giddy groom, Fenton chooses the unobjectionable Alice Stanbridge simply because he had known her as a young girl and his mother feels Alice would make a good wife.

Alice, however, has harbored feelings for Fenton since their first meeting years ago, and his proposal is a dream come true. Not only would a match with the most eligible bachelor in London secure her future but it will also give her a place of distinction and admiration. Had anyone admired Alice for anything before now?

When Alice learns that she is not only an unwanted wife, but a demanded one, however, she closes her heart. Only when Lord Fenton faces the greatest trial of his life does he begin to find love beyond the folly. Could a great love come from a beginning such as this?
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A Heart Revealed by Josi S. Kilpack

Amber Marie Sterlington, the Rage of the Season in Regency-era London, has her pick of men, and she knows what she wants most in a husband: a title and a fortune. Why would she ever marry for something as fickle as love? And why would she ever look twice at Thomas Richards, a third son of a country lord?
But when Amber's social standing is threatened, the character of her future husband becomes far more important than his position. After a public humiliation, she find herself exiled to Yorkshire. Alone except for her maid, Amber is faced with a future she never expected in a circumstance far below what she has known all her life. Humbled and lonely, Amber begins to wonder if isolation is for the best. Who could ever love her now?
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Forever and Foreverby Josi S. Kilpack

It's 1836, and 19-year-old Fanny Appleton, a privileged daughter of a wealthy, upper-class Boston industrialist, is touring Europe with her family. Like many girls of her day, she enjoys the fine clothes, food, and company of the elite social circles. But unlike her peers, Fanny is also drawn to education, literature, and more intellectual pursuits. Published author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is also touring Europe, but under much different circumstances. Recently widowed, he is gathering research for a new publication that he hope will secure his professorship at Harvard College. Befriended by the Appleton family while visiting Switzerland, Henry is introduced to Fanny and sees in her a kindred spirit, a lover of language and literature and high ideals. He is in love. Fanny, however, is uncertain. He is from a much lower social class and is older than she is. How could such a relationship ever thrive? Could a book of Henry's poetry, personally delivered, persuade Fanny to believe in a love that lasts forever and forever?
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Royal Brides by Traci Hunter Abramson

In this eagerly anticipated companion novel toRoyal Targetand Royal Secrets, readers are invited back to the shimmering Mediterranean paradise of Meridia, where two royal weddings in a year are more than stressful—they're deadly.
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For Teens:

The Immortal Crown by Kieth Merrill

A thousand years ago, the Navigator possessed 13 stones touched by Oum’ilah, the God of gods. Over time, these powerful stones of light were scattered and a prophecy arose declaring that a “child of no man” would gather them again, and he would be given immortality and reign forever as god and king of Kandelaar.

Now, in an age of chaos, the time has come for the prophecy to be fulfilled. Light and darkness have each chosen a champion to claim the legendary stones:

The sorceress of the cult of she-dragon has chosen Drakkor, a warrior and mercenary who travels with bandits and a corrupt stone of darkness. The Oracle of Oum’ilah has placed his faith in Ashar, a young postulant who is unsure the stones of light even exist.

Meanwhile, miles away, a slave named Ereon Qhuin dreams of freedom. Abandoned at birth, his only possession is a strange stone that he believes is the key to his destiny and freedom.

A mercenary, a postulant, and a slave—which one is truly the child of prophecy? Who will wear the immortal crown?
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► You'll also like: 14 Audiobooks Perfect for Family Roadtrips

Remake by Ilima Todd

Nine is the ninth female born in her batch of ten females and ten males. By design, her life in Freedom Province is without complications or consequences. However, such freedom comes with a price. The Prime Maker is determined to keep that price a secret from the new batches of citizens that are born, nurtured, and raised androgynously.

But Nine isn't like every other batcher. She harbors indecision and worries about her upcoming Remake Day — her 17th birthday, the age when batchers fly to the Remake facility and have the freedom to choose what they'll be.

When Nine discovers the truth about life outside of Freedom Province, including the secret plan of the Prime Maker, she is pulled between two worlds and two lives. Her decisions will test her courage, her heart, and her beliefs. Who can she trust? Who does she love? And most importantly, who will decide to be?
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Fablehaven Complete Boxed Set by Brandon Mull

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Kendra and her brother Seth have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, an arcane evil is unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenges of their lives.

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► You'll also like: Fablehaven: Brandon Mull Reveals 5 Little-Known Facts

13th Reality Bundle by James Dashner

Atticus Higginbottom is trapped in the Nonex with his mortal enemy, Mistress Jane, and the corrupt and powerful Mr. Chu. No one has ever escaped the Nonex before, but for Tick, Jane, or Mr. Chu to have any hope of surviving the dangerous and deadly realm, they will have to work together for the first time in their lives. And they must escape. An all-consuming void has opened up and is unleashing monsters throughout the Realities. All of reality is unraveling at the seams and Tick's friends and fellow Realitants are facing an epic war that could spell the end of the universe itself. Mister George has one last weapon at his disposal however—the mysterious and powerful Karma button. But using it might be even more dangerous than anyone imagined.

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Silence by Deborah Lytton

Stella was born to sing. Someday Broadway. But everything changed when a tragic accident renders her deaf; she cannot hear, much less sing. Trapped in a strange new world of total silence, she must face not only the loss of her friends, her hopes, and her voice but also the loss of her identity and her life's purpose. Who is she is she's not a singer?

Hayden is a quiet loner, an outcast, and the only person Stella can communicate with; his profound stutter makes him speak so slowly, she is able to easily read his lips. As they find new ways to communicate despite their disabilities, their friendship grows into an unexpected—but welcome—romance. But is it a romance that can last if Stella regains her hearing and resumes her former life?

Alternating between Stella's and Hayden's points of view, Silence is a lyrical story of self-discovery, romance, and resilience, of two souls learning how to find their voices and break through the silence.

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Maximus: Soldier at the Cross by Richard L. Black

Maximus has never known peace. In command of one of Rome's finest legions, he and his closest friend, Androcles, have fought side by side to uphold the glory of the empire.

But at the end of a long and bloody campaign, Maximus begins to question his purpose, his past, and the gods he has been taught to believe in.

When word reaches Rome of a man named Jesus who is causing a stir in faraway Judaea, Maximus and Androcles are sent, disguised as Jews, to ascertain the truth of the situation: Is this Jesus merely a radical preacher, or is he instigating a revolution against Rome?

As Maximus immerses himself in Jewish culture, he must confront questions that could change his life: Is it possible this carpenter from Nazareth is the Son of God? Is it possible for a man of war to live a life of peace?
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The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

Abby's senior year of high school is textbook perfect: She has a handsome and attentive boyfriend, good friends, good grades, and plans to attend college next year. But when she meets Dante Alexander, a foreign-exchange student from Italy, her life suddenly takes a different turn. He's mysterious, and interesting, and unlike anyone she's ever met before. Abby can't deny the growing attraction she feels for him. Nor can she deny the unusual things that seem to happen when Dante is around. Time behaves differently when they are together—traveling too fast or too slow or sometimes seeming to stop altogether.

When the band Zero Hour performs at the local hangout, Abby realizes that there's something dangerous about the lead singer, Zo, and his band mates, Tony and V. Oddly, the three of them are also from Italy and have a strange relationship to Dante. They also hold a bizarre influence over their audience when performing. And Abby's best friend, Valerie, is caught in their snare.

Dante tells Abby the truth of his past: he once worked for Leonardo Da Vinci, helping to design and build a time machine. When Dante was falsely implicated as a traitor to his country, he was sent through the machine more than five hundred years into the future as punishment.

As the past and the present collide, Abby learns that she holds a special power over the flow of time itself. She and Dante must stop Zo from opening the time machine's door and endangering everyone's future. More than one life is at stake and Abby's choice could change everything.
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To everyone at Meridian High School, 14-year-old Michael Vey is nothing special, just the kid who has Tourette’s syndrome. But in truth, Michael is extremely special — he has electric powers. And he’s not the only one, either . . .

Join Michael, Taylor, Ostin, and the rest of the Electroclan as they use their powers and wits to prevent a dangerous organization from achieving its sinister goal of global domination. This boxed set includes Michael Vey, Michael Vey 2, and Michael Vey 3.
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Sorcerers and Seers by Chris Heimerdinger

Your favorite "Tennis Shoes" heroes return in a whirlwind of nail-biting action and suspense across the vivid spectrums of space and time!

Join Jim Hawkins as he walks side-by-side with the mortal Messiah on His eternal pilgrimage to save the souls of humankind. Journey with Joshua Plimpton— a chief captain of the Nephites—as he pursues the vilest villains to rescue the golden plates of the Book of Mormon. Experience the exhilarating and heart-wrenching exploits of Apollus, Steffanie, Gidgiddonihah, and the rest of the "Tennis Shoes" clan who seek to outwit the most mysterious and dangerous adversaries of their lives.
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When Gia Montgomery’s boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she decides to do the unthinkable — convince the cute guy waiting to pick up his sister to pretend to be her boyfriend for the night. The task is simple: two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.

The problem is that days after prom, she can’t stop thinking about her fill-in boyfriend. But can Gia turn her fake boyfriend into a real one without exposing her lie and possibly destroying her friendships and her newfound relationship?

Smartly observed and wonderfully romantic, Kasie West’s talent shines in this tale of one girl’s unexpected quest to find love . . . and possibly herself. Nominated for a 2015 Whitney Award, this delightful romance novel is sure to enchant readers of all ages.

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Playing for Keeps by Ranee' S. Clark

Football-loving TyAnne Daws has long admired BYU's star quarterback from afar. This semester, she's determined to step away from the sidelines—and she has the perfect game plan for winning the heart of Anthony "Rocket" Rogers. When some smart moves land her in one of his classes, she finds herself in the perfect position to make her play. But as she gets to know the real Anthony, away from the lights of the stadium, Ty realizes that this is no game—she's falling in love.

Anthony takes full advantage of his all-star status, holding girls at arm's length for one reason: it keeps him from repeating the same mistakes that once led to a devastating heartbreak. When he meets Ty, his assumption that she's just another pretty face is quickly proven wrong. Though he's completely drawn in by this sweet young woman, her intriguing mix of amusing football know-how, and her quiet selflessness, he will not let himself fall in love. But when faced with the reality of losing the woman he's come to care for despite himself, Anthony's resolve is tested—and he finds it's getting harder to keep his head in the game when his heart's on the line.
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For Kids:

Janitors by Tyler Whitesides

No one takes Spencer Zumbro seriously when he tried to warn his classmates about the mysterious things prowling the halls and classrooms of Welcher Elementary School. But when he sees Marv, the janitor, going after one of the creatures with a vacuum, he knows he's not the only one who can see them.

With the help of his new friend, Daisy, Spencer has to find out what the janitors know. The children's search uncovers the magic taking place behind the scenes of their seemingly ordinary school, where a battle is being waged for the minds of the students. Who can be trusted? Can Spencer and Daisy protect their school and possibly the world?
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Fires of Invention by J. Scott Savage

Trenton Colman is exceptionally creative with a knack for all things mechanical. But his talents are viewed with suspicion in Cove—a steam-powered city built inside a mountain. In Cove, creativity is a crime and "invention" is a curse word.

Kallista Babbage is a repair technician and daughter of the notorious Leo Babbage, who died in an explosion—an event the leaders of Cove point to as an example of the danger of creativity.

Working together, Trenton and Kallista learn that Leo Babbage was developing a secret project before he perished. Following clues he left behind, they begin to assemble a strange machine that is unlike anything they've ever seen before. They soon discover that what they are building may threaten every truth their city is founded on—and quite possibly their very lives.
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Beyond Foo by Obert Skye

Foo is the remarkable realm that allows us to hope, imagine, and dream. Geth, a fearless Lithen, is one of the wisest and most respected beings of Foo. At the conclusion of the best-selling Leven Thumps series, the realm of Foo achieves balance—dreams can once again thrive and grow. With things in order, Geth and the beloved sycophant Clover set off to find a new adventure that leads beyond the hidden border of Foo and into an unknown land where dreams have been trapped and freedom has been crushed. Join Geth and Clover on a page-turning, mind-blowing, laugh-out-loud, and imagine-the-impossible quest.

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Girls Who Choose God: Stories of Strong Women from the Book of Mormonby McArthur Krishna, Bethany Brady Spalding, Kathleen Peterson

Shining light on strong women from the Book of Mormon, this groundbreaking book shares well-known stories alongside others that may be less familiar. Come to better know and love Sariah, the heroic daughters from the land Zeniff, Nephi's wife, the maidservant spy, and other women from the Book of Mormon who chose God with all their might. These faith-filled women defended their families, protected their husbands, and risked their lives for others—providing powerful role models for us all. With stunning illustrations, 10 compelling narratives, and thought-provoking family discussion questions, this volume will give you a new perspective on the Book of Mormon. Reading and reflecting on these brave women's stories, girls and boys will learn that they too can be strong and choose God.
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Girls Who Choose God: Stories of Courageous Women From the Bible by McArthur Krishna, Bethany Brady Spalding, Kathleen Peterson

From Eve to Esther, from the Samaritan woman at the well to the widow with her two mites, many women in the Bible have made courageous choices. All through the ages, women have chosen to help, to solve problems, to stand up for others, to strengthen families, and to follow God no matter what. Girls Who Choose God invites young readers (and those who love them) to make important choices of their own, following the examples of great women in the scriptures. With breathtaking illustrations, beautifully told stories, and insightful discussion questions, this delightful book is perfect for sharing, reading aloud, and drawing children into the scriptures.
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True Heroes: A Treasury of Modern-day Fairy TalesWritten by Best-selling Authors, Jonathan Diaz

Twenty-one imaginative authors were paired up with twenty-one extraordinary kids. What makes these kids so special? They all have two things in common: They all have very big hopes and dreams, and they all have battled cancer.

Photographer Jonathan Diaz asked each of these remarkable children, "If you could be anything, what would you be?" Their answers were the inspiration for this one-of-a-kind book.

So turn the page and meet Korbyn the firefighter, Bre the dancer, Braelyn the superhero, William the dragon rider, Tristan the football star, and Rae the princess—and more—who were all photographed in full costume and digitally inserted into a background showing them as the hero of their own story. Then read the original short stories that were based on each child's specific dream.
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The Falcon Shield by M'Lin Rowley

Ten-year-old Ben and twelve-year-old Joseph discover strange things happening in the woods behind their house. A large man in full black armor and holding a crossbow appears out of nowhere. When an arrow strikes a tree right above their heads, Ben and Joseph are forced to run deep into the woods, only to discover an old castle and none other than King Arthur, who offers them refuge. In fact, King Arthur has come forward in time in order to find new Knights for his Round Table—Knights who will fight against evil and choose the right. However, defeating medieval black knights, ogres, and dragons won’t be what gets the boys “knighted.” Instead, the real test comes by the choices the boys must make when faced with peer pressure. Finding the courage to do the right thing earns the boys a piece of magical armor (one piece of armor per book) and ultimately makes them Knights of Right!

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Wild Bornby Brandon Mull

Four children separated by vast distances all undergo the same ritual, watched by cloaked strangers. Four flashes of light erupt, and from them emerge the unmistakable shapes of incredible beasts — a wolf, a leopard, a panda, a falcon. Suddenly the paths of these children — and the world — have been changed forever.

Enter the world of Erdas, where every child who comes of age must discover if they have a spirit animal, a rare bond between human and beast that bestows great powers to both. A dark force has risen from distant and long-forgotten lands, and has begun an onslaught that will ravage the world. Now the fate of Erdas has fallen on the shoulders of four young strangers . . . and on you.
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