-Author and Novelist-
Gary W. Toyn
THE BOOKS
Current books by Gary W. Toyn
For Malice and Mercy: A World War II Novel
584 Pages, trade paperback, ebook, audiobook
By Gary W. Toyn (Author),
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German immigrants Karl and Marta Meyer are loyal Americans, especially after a startling visit to see their family during Hitler’s pre-war rise to power. When America enters the war, the FBI wrongly arrests the Meyers as spies, then strips them of their citizenship, rights and livelihood. They are banished to a German/Japanese internment camp, but then violently targeted by Hitler loyalists. Deportation back to war-torn Germany seems their only hope of survival.
Their son Hank enlists in the US Army Air Corps, hoping his pay can save the family’s home. After his B-17 is shot down, his ability to speak fluent German helps him evade capture. When the Gestapo is on his trail, he’s pursued as a spy and faces certain death if they can catch him. His life depends on the daring plan of two unlikely collaborators.
Inspired by trued events, this meticulously researched novel reveals untold stories of legalized hatred and the cost of unjustified suspicion. For Malice and Mercy has great relevance for our day, weaving a spellbinding saga of treachery, survival, and unmerited forgiveness.
The Quiet Hero
The Untold Medal of Honor Story of George E. Wahlen at the Battle for Iwo Jima
By Gary W. Toyn (Author), Foreword by Senator Bob Dole, Introduction by Senator Orrin Hatch
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This powerful story documents the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of extraordinary navy corpsman George Wahlen. After decades of silence, this survivor of one of World War II's most horrific battles divulges the gritty details of his incredible experiences. Upon landing with a company of 250 marines, Wahlen fought alongside them. Under repeated grenade and mortar fire himself, Wahlen refused evacuation, preferring to aid those he perceived to be in greater danger. Witnesses of his heroics remain dumbfounded he survived, and while his incredible feats of bravery saved countless marines, the intensity of the battle left few men of the company unscathed—they suffered the highest killed-in-action ratio of any marine company during a single battle in U.S. history. The significance of his story lies in the historic context of the battle for Iwo Jima; while many remember the iconic flag-raising photograph captured during this conflict, few realize the battle was the most costly of World War II for America. After receiving a Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman in 1945, Wahlen has been the quintessential quiet hero, refusing the adulation usually bestowed on nationally recognized veterans.
Life Lessons From Fathers of Faith
by Gary W. Toyn (Author), Michael K. Winder (Author)
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​Featuring Latter-day Saint sons' and daughters' recollections of their famous and not-so-famous fathers from all walks of life, this engaging celebration of unforgettable moments and immeasurable gifts will show any father how it's often the little things that make the biggest difference in a child's life. What is your favorite childhood memory of your father? How has he influenced who you are today? What did your father teach you that has stayed with you? Rich with unforgettable recollections, engaging anecdotes, and timeless wisdom, spending time with Fathers of Faith is like sitting down with a group of friends who have remarkable tales to share about their fathers, ordinary and extraordinary men who are remembered and cherished for some of their best moments. Woven within these compelling and eloquent reflections of fatherly advice, you'll find compassion, strength, honor, discipline, and occasional eccentricity. Fathers of Faith contains more than one hundred inspiring tributes, including stories from or about: Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Gordon B. Hinckley, Mitt Romney, J. Willard Marriott, Steven R. Covey, Greg Olsen, Jane Clayson Johnson, LaVell Edwards, Larry H. Miller, Bronco Mendenhall, Janice Kapp Perry, Academy Award-winning filmmakers, Kieth Merrill and Jerry Molen, and dozens more touching true stories. (Audiobook version available below)
Life Lessons From Mothers of Faith
by Gary W. Toyn (Author)
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We all have stories to tell. And some of our most lifechanging experiences happen with our mothers, often during everyday moments. Life Lessons from Mothers of Faith will delight you with touching true stories that highlight the almost magical way faithful mothers teach powerful lessons. These inspirational tributes from the children of Mormon moms from all walks of life underscore the sacred bond between mother and child. This is family history in the richest sense of the word simple yet influential tales that will have you laughing, crying, and thinking. Rich with unforgettable recollections, engaging anecdotes, and timeless wisdom, these are stories mothers can truly relate to, gain insight from, and feel honored by unique tributes that remind latter-day moms that their children are actually paying attention. Featuring Latter-day Saint sons' and daughters' recollections of their famous and not-so-famous mothers, this engaging celebration of unforgettable moments and immeasurable gifts will show any mother how it's often the little things that make the biggest difference in a child's life. Mothers of Faith contains more than seventy inspiring tributes, including stories from or about: Julie B. Beck, Steve Young, Silvia H. Allred, Jim Matheson, Ann Romney, Ruth Hale, Jason Chaffetz, Janice Kapp Perry, Doug Wright, Liz Lemon Swindle, J. Willard Marriott, Jr., Harry Reid, Sharlene Wells Hawkes, Gary Herbert, Greg Olsen, Susan Easton Black, Jimmer Fredette, and dozens more
Divine Intervention
by Gary W. Toyn (Author)
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Divine Intervention is a collection of inspiring tales of survival from faithful members, Church leaders, political leaders, and everyday individuals. These Latter-day Saints share life-changing miraculous moments—from President Snow’s survival on the storm-tossed sea to the harrowing account of a baby boy who cheated death. Every narrative is unique, but one thing ties them together: each story demonstrates the Lord’s love for His children and demonstrates the reality of marvelous miracles occurring in our day.