Listen as contributors to the new volume, Secret Covenants: New Insights on Early Mormon Polygamy, delve into the complex history of early Mormon polygamy. The discussion covers Joseph Smith's controversial marriage proposals, the enduring fascination with the practice, and the pivotal role of Fanny Alger in the narrative. The guests emphasize the importance of centering women's experiences and perspectives when examining this chapter of Mormon history, shedding new light on a topic that continues to captivate scholars and the public alike. Signature Books editor John Hatch is joined by the volume’s editor and contributor, Cheryl L. Bruno, and authors Mark Tensmeyer, Christopher C. Smith, and Mary Ann Clements in this fascinating discussion.

Marketing specialist Beth Brumer-Reeve is joined by Kerry Spencer Pray, editor and one of more than thirty essayists in The Book of Queer Mormon Joy, just released by Signature Books. In this discussion, Kerry addresses how this book came to life, the importance of focusing on joy in the queer community, and why everyone should read it.

Kerry Spencer Pray teaches writing at Stevenson University in Owings Mills, Maryland. Mormon by birth, she taught at Brigham Young University for fourteen years and spent nearly twenty years in a mixed orientation marriage. She lives with and co-parents with her wife and gay ex-husband, putting her nonnuclear family in the category of a polycule. You can follow her on X @swilua and on Instagram @swilua_.

Signature Books held a captivating evening of poetry to celebrate National Poetry Month with our amazing authors.

Utah Poet Laureate Lisa Bickmore emceed the event and introduced our two most recently published poets, Maureen Clark, author of This Insatiable August, and Darlene Clark, author of Count Me In.

Other poets who read include Marilyn Bushman-Carlton, Warren Scott Hatch, Steven L. Peck, Laura Hamblin and Lisa Bickmore.

Listen to the power of the spoken word from the poets as they speak to love and loss, loneliness and grief, and faith and joy.

You can also watch this on Signature Books YouTube channel.
Recorded on April 16, 2024 at Signature Books.