Forged in the Refiner’s Fire by Elizabeth A. Cheever and Candace E. Salima

What is your greatest challenge? What is the hidden sorrow that brings tears to your eyes every time you try to express your worries and concerns to your Heavenly Father?

No matter what trial, station, or stage of life you may be in Forged in the Refiner’s Fire can offer a source of understanding, hope, and comfort. Co-authored by Elizabeth A. Cheever and Candace E. Salima, Forged in the Refiner’s Fire is a collection of true stories. On every page and in every chapter you will read of real people with a variety of very real problems who have learned to rely on the Lord and come out stronger than they were before.

The opening pages of Forged in the Refiner’s Fire include the following quote:

“In the pain, the agony, and the heroic endeavors of life, we pass through a Refiner’s fire, and the insignificant and the unimportant in our lives can melt away like dross and make our faith bright, intact, and strong. In this way the divine image can be mirrored from our souls. It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the faint, godly whisperings of the Divine Shepherd.” James E. Faust

The book itself is definitely a testimony to the truthfulness and power of those words. It’s a great place to look for understanding and perspective as we each struggle with our own trials of fire.

I carried Forged in the Refiner’s Fire with me to the library in order to snag some reading time while my children were in an activity. Because of my great love for Candace and the poignant way she tells her own story in “Lean Not Unto Thine Own Understanding”, I’m afraid I made a complete spectacle of myself bawling my eyes out in front of a bunch of wary strangers.

“My Journey of Journeys”, “He Loves Me in Spite of My Weakness”, and “Working Under the Hand of the Lord” were also stories that touched the deepest parts of my nature, sharing several messages I personally needed to hear.

If you feel rushed when you begin to read, a couple of the stories might seem to be a little long and drawn out. I don’t feel this is actually such a bad thing. The individual author is just trying, the best way they know how, to help you experience their thoughts and feelings. Just as you wouldn’t interrupt a dear friend’s train of thought as they were sharing such things with you, read attentively. It’s worth it. Though Forged in the Refiner’s Fire shows high quality work, this book is definitely one that is to be read and understood through the heart. Its greatest strength is its ability to portray emotion and support, not literary acclaim. It’s one of those books you want to take a highlighter to so you don’t forget where to find all the little gems of wisdom. Forged in the Refiner’s Fire deserves an honored place on your bookshelf. You’ll want to know you can easily reach out and grab it when ever your heart needs comfort.

I’m thrilled to also provide you with this video spotlight of Candace Salima sharing her own thoughts and feelings about Forged in the Refiners Fire. Take a moment to watch her spirit shine through and inspire you.




Candace is currently doing a virtual book tour. You can follow her progress and gain more insight into Forged in the Refiner’s Fire on her own blog, Dream a little dream with me . . .

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My Words Fly Up

"My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: Words without thoughts never to heaven go." --From Hamlet (III, iii, 100-103)

I am often asked, and I often ask myself, “What do you write?” My answers tend to vary depending on the audience; I try to mention something that they will be familiar with. When I ask this question of myself, I may be trying to focus my efforts toward a deadline or goal. What I write can take a variety of forms every day and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The next most frequent question is, “Why do you write?” When this comes from an outside source it is usually a follow up question after finding out how much time I spend on a given project versus how much money I will make on that project. Sadly, when I ask this of myself it is generally a follow up to the same kinds of revelations. It is generally a sign of self-doubt or discouragement. It usually means that the “What” I am writing is not in line with the “Why” I write. It usually means my focus has changed from the spirit of the thing to more worldly concerns.

Let me explain. I write because it is a part of me, a yearning deep inside to comfort and inspire through the written word. It is a gift I have been given that I can not deny and refuse to neglect. I write because I love my Heavenly Father. I write the things of my spirit. I write because I hope to touch your spirit with things that are beyond the words on the page.
When it comes right down to it, when I’m focused on what matters most, I’m not writing for money or worldly acclaim I’m writing because that is how I feel closest to the Savior and closest to the person He wants me to be.

That is why I am proud to be a member of LDStorymakers, www.ldstorymakers.com. In this group of authors I have found a home. It is a home full of people who love the Lord and are serious about making the most of the gifts of writing that they have been given. I love their focus on literacy and excellence, I love who they are as people and as writers. These are some of the best men and women I’ve ever known, they’re also some of the most humble I’ve ever known. Though we each have our own reasons and focus in our writing the spirit is the same: we want to touch lives.

There are thousands of wonderful books out there in the world. There are hundreds within the LDS market. There are books that lift our day, when we pass them on the shelf we chuckle and say “Wow, what a great book!” There are other books we stayed up all night to read, that made us laugh and cry, and ultimately fall to our knees and say: “Father, I have been inspired. I want to be a better person. Help thou my unbelief.” These are the books I cherish the most. These are the books where the words have left the ground and found their way to the throne of heaven. These are the books that take you with them to heaven.

That is why I am awed by the vision of those around me, once again, and applaud a new program sponsored by LDStorymakers.

Today is the official opening of the Whitney Awards, www.whitneyawards.com . The ball is now in your court. The Whitney Awards is a call toward excellence in spirit and written word.

Orson F. Whitney once said, “We will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own. . .” The Whitney Awards are looking for the Miltons and Shakespeares hiding among the LDS authors of our time. They deserve to be recognized. Please, when you read a work of fiction by an LDS author that speaks to your spirit and speaks to excellence in the craft, go to the web site and nominate that book for an award. All of the rules can be found on the website. It can also be accessed through links on the Storymaker’s site, my blog, and my website, and most likely through your favorite author’s web site as well.

We as writers struggle with the “Whats” and the “Whys” so that life’s answers might be a little clear for the readers. We grapple with our souls so that our thoughts might lift our words to heaven. We want to fulfill Brother Whitney’s vision of beauty. Help us know when we’re reaching our goals by helping us recognize those who achieve them.