2009 Whitney Award Finalist, "Counting the Cost" by Liz Adair

As you can see in my sidebar, the 2009 Whitney Award Finalists have been announced. You can get a full explanation for what the awards are here. But just as a quick explanation, the awards are for books written by authors who are LDS. Most of the titles were written with an LDS audience in mind, but there are many exceptions to this list, but rest assured, all titles are appropriate for LDS audiences. Over the next six weeks I'll be telling a little more about each of the books and authors so you'll be able to decide if the books are just right for you or someone you know.

Today's book is Counting the Cost, by Liz Adair. This is one of the Romance genre finalists. First, the blurb:

For handsome, hard-riding cowhand, Heck Benham, life is as solid as the New Mexico countryside he loves, as predictable as the annual spring roundup. Yet, that all changes when Mrs. Ruth Reynolds moves from back east into his homeland and into his heart.

The stark contrast in their lives is played out in a territory that is, itself, coming into its own. As Ruth and Heck face a trail of pivotal, life-changing decisions, their love is challenged at every turn. What will it cost them before they find what is most important in life?

With strong characters, true-to-life emotion, gentle humor, meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, Liz Adair paints a passionate tale of love and learning, of romance and redemption.


Liz is the author of six books, is a wife, mother, grandmother, former business woman, public speaker, seminary teacher, and family history enthusiast. You can learn more about her on her website, her blog, or her profile through Deseret Book.

Check out her book trailer!