By Kami Cook
kami@newsroom.byu.edu
A children's novel with adventure, danger and a fight for freedom.
No, it is not 'Harry Potter.'
Lois Thomas Bartholomew's book, 'The White Dove,' has all these elements and something 'Harry Potter' does not: faith in God.
Bartholomew began writing the book six years ago while living in Wisconsin. Seven of her 10 children were still living at home while Bartholomew wrote.
'I think she handled things well. She worked for a small amount of time each day. She was always our mother first,' said Ruth Bartholomew, one of Lois Bartholomew's five daughters.
Part of Lois Bartholomew's inspiration for 'The White Dove' came from a dream she had one night.
'I had a dream about a woman and a girl running from someone and hiding in a shed,' Lois Bartholomew said.
'The White Dove' is the story of Tasha, a woman who was a princess until her father abdicated his throne for the sake of democracy.
The democracy Tasha's father established is threatened by Comnor, a man who overthrows the people's elected leader, Marko.
Tasha and her small band of followers flee King Comnor and struggle to rejoin Marko.
'It is an exciting book. I am a mother, so I am often tired. I think, 'I will read just a few pages.' Then I start reading and I can't put it down,' Amy Bartholomew, Lois Bartholomew's daughter-in-law, said.
Lois Bartholomew wrote the book for a national audience of young readers, but there are themes in the book that promote her religion.
'Being a Mormon, my mother has put some underlining themes that you don't see in other books for children, like a faith in God,' Ruth Bartholomew said.
Lois Bartholomew said the book focuses on the priorities of life.
'There are certain things worth sacrificing for: family, your country and freedom,' Lois Bartholomew said.
'The White Dove' is Lois Bartholomew's first published novel. She is working on the sequel to 'The White Dove.' She also has plans to write other books, including a boy's adventure book.
'It is important for BYU graduates and LDS authors to publish to national audiences. We have a responsibility to do good in the world,' Lois Bartholomew said.