AUTHOR'S NOTES

I have always loved reading about the nineteenth century, and my favorite authors are from that period, as well. So it shouldn't have been a surprise that I felt drawn to write about that era and the Logan temple in House on the Hill, although it was—prior to that, I had spent years writing contemporary novels.

The level of excitement from readers following the publication of House on the Hill was wholly unexpected—a gratifying experience on so many levels. In addition to all the wonderful feedback I received in letters, e-mails, and conversations, I got one overwhelming question over and over again:

What happens to Abe?

To be honest, I didn't know. I hadn't written House on the Hill with the intent to leave it open to a sequel. But my audience had a point. What did happen to Abe? I had come to love him as a character, and I wanted to find out what happens to him as much as they did. Sometimes people asked if he would ever join the Church, and I replied, "I don't know. I'll go find out."

When I began contemplating a follow-up book, I thought back on how rewarding an experience it was researching and writing about the Logan temple. I knew that although the temple in Logan would always hold a special place in my heart, other temples must have rich stories behind them as well. I wanted to learn more about them, and that's why the St. George temple served as a backdrop to At the Journey's End, although it doesn't play nearly as big a role as the Logan temple did in House on the Hill.

I hope readers will enjoy following the next chapter of Abe's journey as much as I enjoyed writing it.