“Turning Point” By Laurel Mouritsen is an excellent book. It is the story of Savannah Lawrence, a young women who has just graduated from college. She and a friend are on a road trip across the country when a car hits her while she is riding her bike. The accident happens near the town of Nauvoo. While recovering, Savannah becomes intrigued by the spirit of Nauvoo and decides to stay and work for the summer. She spends time with Bridger Caldwell, a member of the church. As her feelings for him grow, she decides that she must begin to investigate the church as well.
As Savannah investigates the church she finds that she must make some changes to her previous lifestyle. She also begins to look at family relationships in a different light. She has always had a troubled and distant relationship with her parents. As she realizes that family relationships can last forever, she sees the importance of improving her own relationship with her parents. She also makes the surprising discovery that her ancestors were members of the church. She decides that she needs learn more about her family history.
Laurel Mouritsen does an excellent job of weaving together this story. She captures the feelings of someone investigating the church. She does an excellent job of laying out the basics of the gospel. She also weaves suspense and romance into the plot. Laurel Mouritsen is an excellent researcher and she is able to capture the feeling that comes when visiting Naive because she weaves in her historical knowledge so artfully into her story.
This is a good book for all ages though its target audience is a bit younger. Laurel Mouritsen has also written several other books, which include “For Love and Zion.” I have enjoyed everything that I have read by her. I highly recommend reading other books by her.