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Casting Stones: A Novel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 Stars
"I had a hard time putting the book down."
"I laughed, I cried, I was hopeful!"
"Not Mormon by any means, but still appreciated the truths in these pages."
"Found myself sneaking in a chapter or two even during work!"
When broken people collide, only grace can make them whole.
Steve Watson has his life figured out. As a devoted single father, he's built a safe, predictable world for himself and his teenage daughter just the two of them against the world. After his ex-wife's betrayal, he's sworn off complications, especially romantic ones.
Then Megan crashes into their lives.
The fifteen-year-old swimming prodigy arrives with a worn backpack, raw talent, and a mother who's made every mistake in the book. Rachel Carson Mauer is tattooed, struggling, and everything Steve has been taught to avoid. When a drunk driving accident lands her in jail, Steve reluctantly agrees to care for Megan temporarily.
But "temporary" has a way of becoming permanent.
A heartfelt journey that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the transforming power of grace.
As Rachel reads the Book of Mormon from her cell, she discovers something the possibility of becoming a new creature. Meanwhile, Steve must confront an uncomfortable he believes in Christ's power to save others, but can he believe in redemption for someone who's hurt him so deeply?
From the brutal honesty of jail visits to the sacred waters of baptism, this is a story about second chances, chosen family, and the courage it takes to forgive. It's about recognizing that sometimes the people who look nothing like us need us most, and that we might need them just as much.
Perfect for readers who loved The Work and the Glory series and Fires of Covenant, this contemporary LDS novel When Christ can make all things new, why do we insist on holding onto the old?
"Neither do I condemn thee... go and sin no more."
"I had a hard time putting the book down."
"I laughed, I cried, I was hopeful!"
"Not Mormon by any means, but still appreciated the truths in these pages."
"Found myself sneaking in a chapter or two even during work!"
When broken people collide, only grace can make them whole.
Steve Watson has his life figured out. As a devoted single father, he's built a safe, predictable world for himself and his teenage daughter just the two of them against the world. After his ex-wife's betrayal, he's sworn off complications, especially romantic ones.
Then Megan crashes into their lives.
The fifteen-year-old swimming prodigy arrives with a worn backpack, raw talent, and a mother who's made every mistake in the book. Rachel Carson Mauer is tattooed, struggling, and everything Steve has been taught to avoid. When a drunk driving accident lands her in jail, Steve reluctantly agrees to care for Megan temporarily.
But "temporary" has a way of becoming permanent.
A heartfelt journey that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the transforming power of grace.
As Rachel reads the Book of Mormon from her cell, she discovers something the possibility of becoming a new creature. Meanwhile, Steve must confront an uncomfortable he believes in Christ's power to save others, but can he believe in redemption for someone who's hurt him so deeply?
From the brutal honesty of jail visits to the sacred waters of baptism, this is a story about second chances, chosen family, and the courage it takes to forgive. It's about recognizing that sometimes the people who look nothing like us need us most, and that we might need them just as much.
Perfect for readers who loved The Work and the Glory series and Fires of Covenant, this contemporary LDS novel When Christ can make all things new, why do we insist on holding onto the old?
"Neither do I condemn thee... go and sin no more."
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 14, 2025
Great read!
I laughed, I cried, I related. This story tells the real struggles that arise from being an imperfect human trying to become like our perfect Savior. It is a testimony of Christ's Atonement. I loved it from beginning to end. Jon, I hope you write more novels like this one.
--C.F. in Murphy, NC
I laughed, I cried, I related. This story tells the real struggles that arise from being an imperfect human trying to become like our perfect Savior. It is a testimony of Christ's Atonement. I loved it from beginning to end. Jon, I hope you write more novels like this one.
--C.F. in Murphy, NC
January 24, 2026
A witty yet meaningful tale. It’s both engaging and thought-provoking.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews