The Golden Crown

Tennis Shoes #7

by Chris Heimerdinger

Hang on to your seats as the heart-pounding adventure of Harry Hawkins and Meagan Sorenson in the land of Jerusalem and the world of the Romans races toward its thrilling conclusion.

In a nightmarish twist of events, Harry finds himself in the midst of unforeseen enemies who seek to separate him from all he holds dear. To make matters worse, Garth Plimpton and Meagan are forced to make choices that could leave Harry permanently lost in time.

Harry's father and Meagan's mother enter the fray to save their families, while Harry knows that to survive he must somehow reach a land where resides a true apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. "We're all on a golden journey," Harry comes to learn, "inspired by golden dreams, and at the end awaits a golden crown of righteousness."

Genres: Lds Fiction, Lds, Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Religion

338 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Chris Heimerdinger is an author and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) who has presently written sixteen adult and young adult novels, most of which center on religious themes familiar to LDS members. Most are published with Covenant Communications in American Fork, Utah. One title, A Return to Christmas was also picked up by Random House/Ballantine in 1995. When the title was released by Ballantine in 2004, it was republished by Covenant Communications.

Reviews

[Janae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm listening to this series with my kids. We are all loving it! It has also helped them see the people in the scriptures and real people. I love it 😀

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone gave it four stars. We are still loving each story and can’t wait to see where the next one will go.

[Shayla Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This edition in the series has by far been the most engaging so far and I read this one very quickly! I also enjoyed some commentary about our modern world and the measurement of time. A very engaging read!

[Maddux Layman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it’s the seventh book in the series, and most people would say the more of them there are, the worse it gets, but this book doesn’t disappoint. I would definitely recommend that people read the series at least up to this book. It concludes what happens in ancient Jerusalem with Harry and his family. Heimerdinger really keeps you engaged by bringing the whole family in the ancient world instead of just parts of the family. He is also really good at creating the feeling of hopelessness in the reader. The plot of the book, the mission of Harry’s family trying to save Harry when he’s lost in the ancient world, seems utterly hopeless. It reminds me of when I have to do hard things, but like Harry’s family, I know I can prevail. I might not have huge strokes of luck like them, but I can keep going like them and believe in myself! This book also keeps you focused on Jesus Christ and His Gospel, with little lesson along the way that the characters learn. I read this book really fast and couldn’t put it down! This book keeps you entertained all the way to the end!

[Erica (storybookend) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Apollus, you melt my heart with your hard core, studly, cocky Roman exterior, and your soft, romantic, insecure, yet powerfully strong and spiritual interior. If only you were real. And Gidgiddonihah, I miss you already. Though I know your story isn’t over yet. You’re my favorite character I have ever journeyed with. If you were real, you would be my favorite Book of Mormon hero. You are one brilliant, astounding Nephite, I wish there were more men like you. And Chris Heimerdinger, you mange to create these tender, incredible moments that tug at my heart, making me proud to be a member of this church, and eager to live my life as zealously and righteously as your characters do.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion of Megan and Harry's adventures in Israel, the book begins with Harry being sold into slavery, and Megan forced to go back to the modern world for help. When she returns with reinforcements, it is only to discover that things have changed drastically from when she left. While Harry struggles to survive and to complete his mission there, Megan and his family struggle to find him.

I thought it was a great way to tie up the story line that had been progressing for the past 3 books. It leaves things open for more adventures, but finally concludes things. I enjoyed it, it was entertaining, and I am excited to read more.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not expected this book to go as it did--everyone getting involved and being everywhere. Having shot a year or two in the future. It was mind-boggling and still exciting to me. And the best part was the wonderful scene at the end. Again, I was made to think "What if...?" and really look at how the people in the scriptures were real--that there was so much more of their lives that never made it onto the pages of scripture.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed all of these books. They're not "Great Literature" but the stories are uplifting, exciting, inspiring, and educational, I've learned so much and felt so good while reading them. That, I think, is time well spent.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like it that Harry was able to teach Micah and the others on the island. I learned that they don't make vases like they use to. Don't leave the Roman in the car.

[Shantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually "read" these on CD in my car. They are awesome, addicting, and uplifting.

[Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. My favorite part of it was when harry got stuck on an island for 3 years. It was definitely a huge plot twist as usually you would think that he would get away from the slavers, but really ends up on a boat that sinks. I will say it was hard to see Gidgiddonihah finally go as he was definitely one of my favorite characters by far, but I do see why the author got rid of him. The ending when he got shot by the Scythian had my jaw drop. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who likes new testament history and likes a good adventure book.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Harry. I really do. I love that he gets his own story and his own little adventure and it kinda just shows who he is as a character. He took a really crappy situtation and made the best out of it. I would not have reacted as well if I would've been stranded on a desert island for 3.5 years. But there's something so special about the way they all come back together. The dual POV is so satisfying because you get to see how their timelines part from each other and then where they come back together and the build up from there is just so satisfying.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent story. The main characters spend time in Asia with the early Christians. They spend time with James and other members of the family of Jesus, and even encourage the apostle John to write his gospel and the book of the Acts of the Apostles. Along with a few saints from the modern time, several Nephites take part in this adventure. The book is wonderful.

[Scott09g · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last two books were fine, but I think I would have waited if I'd known this story was a three-parter. That said, this was a fantastic conclusion to this part of the series. Haven't enjoyed one of these books so much since the first book. Came away from this one with quite a bit more to think about than I had expected.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satisfactory and adventurous ending of the trilogy, though perhaps a little too tedious and not as thrilling. But I was entertained. I especially loved the character development and the connections to beloved historical figures of the New Testament.

[Aaron Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished listening to the audiobook version of the story. It was incredible how the author wove together the story so well. Modern characters jumping back and forth through time, gospel messages built in along with false teachings, love, adventure, and tragedy.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Ate it up. Felt like I was watching a movie. Didn't even notice when I turned the pages. Time flew!
(If you see this review repeatedly for the other books, it is because this is how I felt about ALL those books!)

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a guilty pleasure. these fun little novels are a quick read with lots of excitement. I used this book for the prompt read a book from your favorite genre (Booklist queen 2024) I also put it in book girls guide summer reading read a book set on an island or at a lake.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a little more meat on its bones, I think due to the culmination of the world-building, the aspects of time travel and worlds colliding were really interesting here, plus the emotional moments were great.

[Nicole Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book as a family and absolutely loved it! It was full of adventure and excitement! My kids would beg for me to read more each night. It was probably one of my favorite in the series. We can’t wait to read the next one in the series of Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites.

[Steve Center · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ending to this chapter of the Tennis Shoes series.

[Damia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! And funny (especially the end :)

[Amandalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously so fun to bring the scripture stories to life. The kids are captivated and don’t want to get out of the car when we get to the school in the mornings.

[Renae Rockwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably one of my favorites with a much steadier pace and great conclusion.

[Dean · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is where the books started to lose the magic for me.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

best yet

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved some parts but didn’t like others. This wasn’t my favorite in the series and I didn’t like how some things were left. This is a bit of a turning point in the series. On to the next book…

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Stephen Greco · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book also continues the story from the previous two books. It was a good ending to the story and I enjoyed the author's imagination and how he continues to tie historical facts and events into the story and world that he has created.

[Holli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars