Spanish Fork's Lu Ann Staheli has done a lot of writing over the years. She recently accomplished another literary milestone — having her first book published. "When Hearts Conjoin" tells the story of the Herrin twins, Kendra and Maliyah, and their miraculous journey from being born conjoined from mid-torso down, to the surgery that separated them and their progress since. Staheli co-wrote the book with Erin Marie Herrin, the twins' mother. The authors held a book launch, hosted by Richard Paul Evans, Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at the Magnolia Grove Reception Center in South Jordan.

Staheli heard Herrin speak at a conference, where she mentioned the book. Staheli wished she could write it, but Herrin was already working with another author. As fate would have it, things didn't work out with the first two authors, and Staheli was approached by Evans and Karen Christofferson about the possibility of writing the book.

"I did a sample chapter … and the next thing I knew, I was writing the book," Staheli said.

Herrin liked Staheli's writing style and approach to the sensitive subject.

"She had a better feel for what I actually wanted," Herrin said.

Herrin had been working on the book for close to two years. Once Staheli came on board, the two clicked and the book was done in six months.

While the book came together quickly, the process wasn't always easy. It involved a lot of emotions on Herrin's part, and Staheli found that it took some time to establish a relationship of trust so that Herrin could really open up to her.

Herrin said the writing process caused her to relive all of the emotions of that uncertain time.

"It was hard at times," she said. "I would sit at the computer and cry remembering everything."

Ultimately both authors feel the experience was therapeutic for Herrin.

"She doesn't have to hurt any more," said Staheli.

Both of them said that the best part of writing the book is to actually have it out in print. Staheli said she enjoyed the opportunity to be able to do something for this family.

"You get your blessings best by giving back to others," she said.

Even though she co-wrote a book about their lives, Staheli had had little interaction with Maliyah and Kendra before the book signing on April 28. It was fulfilling to her to see the twins laughing and playing.

"To see them up now, being normal seven-year-old kids … it's a wonderful experience to see that happen," she said.

Herrin said there's still some uncertainty as to the twins' future.

"The girls will need several more surgeries … We still have a long road ahead," she said.

But the girls' prognosis is good and the family is optimistic about the future. All proceeds from the book sales will go to establishing a medical fund for the girls to help with current and future medical expenses. "When Hearts Conjoin" can only be purchased online at www.whenheartsconjoin.com or herrintwins.com.