tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75324137413231639742024-02-20T00:31:54.396-07:00LDS Women's Book ReviewWe are dedicated to searching out and sharing the best in LDS, Christian, and other good literature. Here you will find meaningful fiction that doesn't ask you to sacrifice your standards.Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-44100660234669217362011-01-24T02:45:00.003-07:002011-01-24T03:16:14.776-07:00We've moved! And those blog posts weighed a ton...<div><br /></div><div>In honor of <b>LDSWBR's five year anniversary</b>, we spent the weekend moving our blogger posts over to the <a href="http://www.ldswbr.com/">podcast blog</a> so we could combine the two sites into one. Let me say that for not having lifted even one box of books, my back feels like I just relocated the Beast's library. (I really need to work on my posture while at the computer. Ha!)</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-BNTep5PTWDx_T_8N80xrm2rYMomI6yeJgPk5tAQTCnqEDEBFGP5iODFTM0URnWgoaDDZfl37ePSl4It90HMRw-3Q55giX-BDBJV3It4l-uxeQtvQ9hdFJ4n8lMmliPyInrCsw03agQ/s200/blogiesta.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565693957340284098" /><div>Since it was <a href="http://blog.mawbooks.com/2011/01/20/bloggiesta-ready-set-lets-fiesta-3/">Bloggiesta</a> these past three days, it was the perfect time to hunker down and completely redo the entire podcast blog. After hours, and hours, and hours, the new place looks AWESOME. Seriously. It's just my opinion of course. Kind of like how every mom thinks her baby's the cutest - because it is.</div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, if you subscribe to LDSWBR through blogger, <b>please update your reader feed</b> to: http://feeds.feedburner.com/LDSWomensBookReview</div><div><br /></div><div>If you get the LDSWBR posts in email, please visit <a href="http://www.ldswbr.com/">www.ldswbr.com</a> and re-subscribe so you won't miss a thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Come <a href="http://www.ldswbr.com/">visit the new place</a>, tell us what you think, and let's talk books!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy reading!</div><div><br /></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-81068403426469346042011-01-21T11:14:00.006-07:002011-01-21T11:28:55.376-07:00Bloggiesta time!<div><br /></div><div><i><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaBT4TITz_31k08GNItvQqwlZSLz2e9g6VSI57b-mvy4S60-STWLk0ECPkRzboVKZxjgZOTuZufLYnupXK8JLvFhs_Zdt9fK1kTGDMZGa8sQSWfnRgRMXSni_3DpxmZ6KYbDgvkjp_LA/s320/blogiesta.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564704614931322882" />From </i><a href="http://blog.mawbooks.com/"><i>Maw Books</i></a><i>, host of Bloggiesta:</i> Some of you may be asking what is Bloggiesta? In short, it’s a blogging marathon. A opportunity to cross those nagging items off of your to-do list and improve your blog while in the good company of other awesome bloggers doing the same thing. Our awesome mascot Pedro (Plan. Edit. Develop. Review. Organize) is ready to break out the nachos, enchiladas, drinks, mariachi music and whack a pinata or two! It’s nothing short of an awesome fiesta!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so excited to be a part of Bloggiesta. This is the perfect time for some big changes that have needed to happen on the LDSWBR blog and podcast website. </div><div><br /></div><div>LDS Women's Book Review podcast is celebrating its 5 year anniversary this month, and to celebrate we are doing some major tweaking. Change can be scary, but don't worry, the end result is going to be awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be tracking the time I spent on the changes and challenges on this post. Check back later to see how I did.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>If you have any suggestions (or encouragement) for me, please comment below. Any and all feedback is welcome! Just be polite. :)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>If your blog has been in need of some tidying, or maybe even an extreme makeover, visit <a href="http://blog.mawbooks.com/">Maw Books</a> to sign up for the Bloggiesta. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-32188619024218325672011-01-20T14:20:00.004-07:002011-01-20T14:53:50.601-07:00The Peasant Queen - Cheri Chesley<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL9aMNMDDY3eWjI1DKLDDWfP24ftdJShghfnmh5NPHa47Ku2wuYoOv5pJnHKvvz2PG1IlCcvBwfTRgzcdYbWVJcC75r4GbgDjNGs-zY7AgEYJM8bp0eTu75s2c5HwVbl0whnasqnZ1CA/s1600/9340664.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL9aMNMDDY3eWjI1DKLDDWfP24ftdJShghfnmh5NPHa47Ku2wuYoOv5pJnHKvvz2PG1IlCcvBwfTRgzcdYbWVJcC75r4GbgDjNGs-zY7AgEYJM8bp0eTu75s2c5HwVbl0whnasqnZ1CA/s320/9340664.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564381700264829746" /></a>"The Peasant Queen"<div><br /></div><div>Author: Cheri Chesley</div><div><br /></div><div>Publisher: Bonneville Books</div><div><br /></div><div>Published: 2010</div><div><br /></div><div>ISBN: 978-1-59955-416-7</div><div><br /></div><div>FYC FYI- I received a free copy, which did not effect my review</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>"There will be no more discussion!" Andrew slammed his fist on the desk for emphasis. "You've done nothing but argue about this for a week now. You will marry Curtis Belvey."</div><div>Krystal stood motionless. "I will not."</div><div>"Don't try my patience, " he said. "I'm head of this family. You will do what you're told." ("The Peasant Queen", page 1)</div><div><br /></div><div>Krystal isn't thrilled. Her marriage to Curtis Belvey is being arranged by her brother. Her father has passed away, so she doesn't have much choice, but to follow his wishes. After meeting Curtis, who is a pig, she takes off. Things for Krystal don't go as she plans. As she is deciding if she should go back home and face her unhappy life, she is taken away from her kingdom of Bynne. Teleported to the far away kingdom Fayterra, she finds herself in the clutches of King Gregory. An evil and quite scary king who wants her to become his bride. King Gregory lies and kills to get what he wants. Even hides people, and tries to steal kingdoms. He is a great bad guy, very scary and unpredictable. You really aren't sure as to what he'll do next. Krystal even finds herself as a prisoner, who can she trust to help her? </div><div><br /></div><div>What I liked most about the book is Krystal herself. She is a very strong girl who is smart and knows what she wants.</div><div><br /></div><div>4 out of 5 stars. I would read this book again, and recommend it to those who would love a great adventure story.</div><div><br /></div><div>Read more about the author <a href="http://www.cherichesley.com/">here</a>. Also read about sequels to "The Peasant Queen."</div><div><br /></div>Mindy Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119470550555898759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-5254868331281015192011-01-18T12:40:00.006-07:002011-01-18T13:30:46.656-07:00Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey - Blog Tour<div><br /></div><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzyE7QQWbuL9r0pM78E-o8MDrcAgDJxe47o7_3a6VN6m5Ragsw3Mo-z5n8LSXZC-1f59-bhBEVREfDW8nODpHWZev5vUIDUIdzRy4QfKPhGhI_Hju_aQsCzH17S3f_Ppj9Y3moMDBxkg/s200/5780984.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563622632536234130" /><div>I'll never forget the first time I met Donald. Hillary and I had just started interviewing people at the April 2010 LDStorymakers Conference when a gentleman caught my attention and introduced himself. I was ecstatic to meet Don because I had never before met one of the male listeners to the LDS Women's Book Review podcast. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I interviewed him and learned more about his book scheduled to be released in January 2011, I was surprised to learn that he was writing what would technically be considered a romance. </div><div><br /></div><div>A romance, written by a man? Needless to say, I was very curious.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWE-OwdICWawLyyYekjUqcZqQ8ENnREN8EJS0Qza_0Xyq2DwS3x1B7hhjfCBgAEOiJveN8KcpM9ywGMoraQPMzu_64G1cL5wEPZAm-7hs8t5_xp4X9d8rHxu_qydwj0cLQ15PtPlsl-wU/s320/2508362.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563622838644021842" /><div>I can honestly tell you I was not disappointed. One of the things I love about book reviewing is the wide variety of books I get to read, even within the same genre. In the last two days I have reviewed three romances, and despite falling into the same genre, not one of these books felt like the others.</div><div><br /></div><div>First of all, I love the cover. The green color with the contrast of a white and blue title is eye-catching, and I like aviation-themed accents. The title is perfect - our man, Jordan, hits his fair share of figurative and literal bumpy landings.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I read, I found myself encouraging Jordan to take a stand and follow his dreams. I was afforded a peek at what it must be like for a college guy doing his best to keep everyone happy while struggling to figure out who he is and what he really wants. There were a few little twists in the story that I didn't expect. I wasn't sure how the story would turn out, or even how I wanted it to turn out, until the very end. I enjoyed watching Jordan's character grow from his experiences that ranged from stupid mistakes to a tragic accident. </div><div><br /></div><div>The writing is clean and held my attention. I've never been to Hawaii, and now I'm curious about some of the places the characters visit, as well as the food. I think they should have added the recipes for <i>pani popo</i> and <i>malasadas </i>at the end of the book, though I'll pass on the <i>opihi</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was delighted to find some pictures over on <a href="http://donaldjcarey.com/2011/01/the-flower-shop.html">Don's website</a> that add an entirely new level to Jordan's story as well as offering a peek into the life of the author. Go check it out, but first, watch this fun trailer for <i>Bumpy Landings, </i>put together by Don:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ngoQd1_jUeM?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ngoQd1_jUeM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><div><br /></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-87200840744564532342011-01-17T13:52:00.012-07:002011-01-21T11:57:02.807-07:002 great romances & 6 reasons why you should read them- Courting Miss Lancaster & Cross My Heart<div><br /></div><div><b>If you usually shy away from romance, give me a few minutes to change your mind.</b> Or at least tell you why you should give these two books a chance.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the past week I read two novels that reminded me why I love a good romance story. One is a regency-era romance that is certain to be enjoyed by fans of Jane Austen, the other a contemporary romance that is both fresh and fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>If that's not incentive enough for you, let me give you six more reasons to read <i>Courting Miss Lancaster</i> by Sarah M. Eden and <i>Cross My Heart</i> by Julie Wright.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nt9VIaMab4a_IYvOIzsBGo7w-FWOxr6p6CLldcW5iQP5RxINwE7tZFM7ZvHjBWYaJfZpex1T0LFXUmwjx8a1s6r0RX6BHa4YifWBv2DOL9HKGfWQgxaNxgcHKPafJCghRLtsVy5-3yE/s320/CML+Cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563282174195484338" /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMoLLmmtBY7PdiDZpQ_mbfvcY6Z_StcExfMlfHZI8XWgPQ7wCcqdPS18oSATe11YeSCfsacwtkxzLJLzIKRZdUixnbvTPnrfXCT0S8xCF70CWqU7Va-QhOcUCZChDX5ee02lVw7yXZDQ/s320/Cross+My+Heart-COVER+Small.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563282349448746642" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>1) The Authors</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Having met and spent several hours in the company of both Sarah and Julie, I can say without a doubt that they are two of the sweetest, most intelligent, authentic and witty women I know. I'm not just saying this because I think they might read this (we won't talk about the $20 Sarah slipped me under the table- uh, I mean, what $20?) </div><div><br /></div><div>Sarah has thoroughly researched the Regency Era and it shows in how well she writes her characters and setting. Julie embraces who she is, imperfections and all, and it makes her, and her characters, highly relatable. Both of these women do what they do--write what they write--because they must. They love it. The result: enjoyable, unforgettable stories.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2) The Setting</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Courting Miss Lancaster</i> takes place in Town during the Little Season. I love that Sarah gives her readers just enough detail to set the mood and lets the imagination do the rest. It keeps the flow of the story practically seamless. What makes the setting feel so authentic? How Sarah uses the words. The characters' internal dialogue is as authentic-sounding as the conversations. Never once did I feel pulled from the story because of an out-of-time sounding phrase. </div><div><br /></div><div>The majority of <i>Cross My Heart</i> takes place in Boston, MA, and the surrounding area. The main character's love for the Boston area is obvious as she is willing to resort to a college-days menu of noodles for a place in the Back Bay and a view of the Charles River. At first she avoids the tourist attractions in and around Boston, which in turn made me even more curious about them.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3) The Heroes</b></div><div><br /></div><div>No brooders here. In fact, both heroes are down to earth, sincere, and a bit unsure. Oh, and funny. I love a man with a sense of humor. Both have just the right amount of sweet, as well. What I loved the most about the heroes in both books is that they were good friends to the heroines. Was there chemistry and attraction? Oh yeah. First, though, there was friendship. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>4) The Humor</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I am glad to know Sarah for many reasons, and one is her sense of humor. Sign up for one of her classes at a writing conference and you will see what I mean. Let me give you an example from Harry's thoughts in <i>Courting Miss Lancaster</i>:</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>"He knew Persephone had a good head on her shoulders, and he suspected Athena did as well. One could not, after all, be named for the Greek goddess of divine intelligence and be a complete featherhead."</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>As for Julie, this girl is a blast to hang with. I have pictorial proof right <a href="http://ldswbr.blogspot.com/2010/04/julie-wright-howard-tayler-photo.html">here</a>. She keeps the balance between serious and funny in <i>Cross My Heart</i>, and in some cases with Jillian's mother, shock and laughter. I enjoyed the banter between Jillian and the main love interest.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5) The Heriones</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Athena is young and a little naive, but in no way a "featherhead." In fact, the heroines in both books are very intelligent. Athena had her romantic fantasy of a knight on a white steed, imagining she would know her true love the first time their eyes met from across the ballroom. She realizes rather quickly that she had better learn what she does want as fast as she was learning what she didn't want after meeting a series of gentlemen with rather undesirable characteristics.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jillian is in advertising and has a knack for knowing what a client will go for. She watches television for the commercials, reads magazines for the ads (which she then edits), and has survived many company layoffs. When another ad agency starts winning away clients using suspiciously similar ideas, Jillian's boss sends her back to Boston to save their biggest accounts. She knows her stuff. She's professional yet feminine, even if she does wear a lot of black. She might not always be the most tolerant person in the world, but she tries. She appreciates her family and friends even when they are embarrassing her, and vice versa.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>6) The Romance</b></div><div><br /></div><div>What is a romance without chemistry? Not a romance. However, there can be too much of a good thing. Not so in <i>Courting Miss Lancaster </i>or <i>Cross My Heart</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Harry's interest in Athena is known from the first pages of the book. He does not have a fortune, however, and is therefore ineligible to court Athena. He is asked by his good friend and Athena's guardian, Adam, Duke of Kielder, to sort through the unsuitable prospects and find an acceptable husband for her. Harry accepts, knowing what torture it will be to spend so much time with Athena, yet wanting to make sure she finds a husband worthy of her. There is one particular scene near the end of the book that tops my chart of most romantic scenes ever. Yep. Ever.</div><div><br /></div><div>Julie effectively and consistently sprinkles the chemistry-filled moments throughout <i>Cross My Heart</i>. To me, it's the little things that make all the difference, and all those little things come together for a first kiss that is unforgettably romantic. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Despite all of the romancing going on, neither of these books ever felt unrealistic or over-the-top. Both have earned a spot on my bookshelf, and I look forward to reading them again. Many more times.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-91820468160124760082011-01-14T11:03:00.006-07:002011-01-14T12:40:36.258-07:00Bro. Jo's Guide to Relationships for Single Young Adults<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Walnut Springs Press has two books that anyone who is dating, and between the ages of 16- 30, will enjoy these books. After reading the book specifically for LDS Young Single Adults, I wished that I had read this book 18 years ago. I know that I will be reading up on it again if/when I start dating again. (Not that I am still a <i>"Young" S</i>ingle Adult, but there are still some great dating ideas for older people. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Speaking of dating, Bro. Jo also has a book for teenagers and how to casual date. This book is for the 16-19 crowd. Everyone with a teenager NEEDS this book! I know that my own children will be reading these books a lot! I have "talked" to Bro. Jo and he said he is working on a book about why 11-15 year olds should not date. I can't wait until that book is published. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So go ahead and check out these two great books by Bro. Jo. </span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4n9ue3GTnHNDo5GyLYYq9nFk-Lg8H4RbNLDh0eTaMj7dDl7Igy3Flf5ECn7TJDYC3PX235Sv5nMl_TSfH-eAawy4Fhyz796Ske2-U-pd7Dr_5NN4FfHa-er55KfZ6KEsmsUc8hxeSD4/s1600/5056916_Bro_Jos_Guide.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4n9ue3GTnHNDo5GyLYYq9nFk-Lg8H4RbNLDh0eTaMj7dDl7Igy3Flf5ECn7TJDYC3PX235Sv5nMl_TSfH-eAawy4Fhyz796Ske2-U-pd7Dr_5NN4FfHa-er55KfZ6KEsmsUc8hxeSD4/s320/5056916_Bro_Jos_Guide.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562107436447476530" /></a><br /><div>Bro. Jo takes the guesswork out of relationships!</div><div><br /></div><div>Most of us want to get sealed for time and all eternity someday, somehow, to someone. You may not be anywhere near ready, you may think you're ready but you're </div><div>not, you may be close, or you may have already arrived and are wondering, "Well, now what?" Wherever you're at, this book is here to help!</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, a gospel-centered book that's as frank as it is funny, from Dave Johnston, the writer of DearBroJo.blogspot.com. It's the fastest-growing advice blog for LDS teens and young single adults.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Here's what readers say about Bro Jo's advice:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"It just seems like Bro Jo knows stuff"</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Where was this guy when I was younger?"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Hilarious! It would be even funnier if it weren't so gosh darn true."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"I really like your advice site and that you are brutally honest, down-to-earth, realistic, but spiritual too."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"What you just did ... hit me like a rock in the face. Thank you."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"I love what you do!"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIX77A9Pxgi-SGOXyErC7Xc9bwzyASL7M8pQNjgHuRp8J-b4vFlDHVlLA2MtOst0eyMFuq9prAUrQ6ycRgqz3YFThv0WyCuXyc6FAMF7wfsoS11gMUPPTiHbzEci_u5i0zz2P-wU0_ng/s320/5056915_Guide_to_Casual+Dating.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562112797433960194" /></i></div><div><i><div>Bro Jo helps make dating fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>So how do you "casual group date," and what you the guidelines you show follow? With "Bro Jo's Dating Rules for Teens (and their parents)," and with tip on planning fun and appropriate dates, you're all set!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Bro Jo gives helpful advice about lots of things, including:</div><div><br /></div><div>How to get the attention of that guy or girl</div><div><br /></div><div>Asking someone on a date</div><div><br /></div><div>Getting someone to ask you on a date</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Why the guy should plan, pick up, and pay</div><div><br /></div><div>Kissing, hugging, and holding hands</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Why we casual group date in the first place</div><div><br /></div><div>You'll also find affordable date ideas, advice on how to keep the conversation going, and much more!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubbE627iXaXKv_hvRlKUX8LX6fdrN_gpFKzBUmmglchGQUETneGDOMGJwAryj6c5t5-OyVM9c1sD86as2U36gFNlox_z8DSJG02CgQvCL9ebKIW6LWQA30DOBxELOG4gNMrM3ipcujTc/s400/Dave++Johnston.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562115449413275938" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Brother Dave Johnston has been married since 1991; he and "Sister Jo" have seven children (four boys, a girl, a boy, and a girl). A Business Owner, Author, Speaker, and Teacher, Bro Jo has taught Youth Sunday School, Seminary and Institute for nearly two decades (which is impressive, 'cause he's not THAT old!) "Dear Bro Jo" now has over 10,000 readers from around the world!</div><div><br /></div><div>You can reach Bro. Jo at his blog and check out the great things he has there. This is one website that you do want your teenager to go to.</div><div><br /></div></i></div><div><a href="http://dearbrojo.blogspot.com/">http://dearbrojo.blogspot.com/</a></div><span><span></span></span>Why Not? Because I Said So!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12875366296917497497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-90647382343376718802011-01-13T13:20:00.000-07:002011-01-13T13:22:11.860-07:00Growing Up Gracie - Maggie Fechner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_c8HqzkZSjcoY9eR9SnZIubjp3o7eI-J9tLELDp3jhMLd_w1X29q1uGB1NuE3RMPmp3V7JLaEYiX4SM9xJ9TV9XOYVYKDHa0iYjvhJEqyLbqnAjQcmbAS2ubdplflLwCO1_xFvCa52Hw/s1600/51GAnQuqiyL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_c8HqzkZSjcoY9eR9SnZIubjp3o7eI-J9tLELDp3jhMLd_w1X29q1uGB1NuE3RMPmp3V7JLaEYiX4SM9xJ9TV9XOYVYKDHa0iYjvhJEqyLbqnAjQcmbAS2ubdplflLwCO1_xFvCa52Hw/s320/51GAnQuqiyL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560388577420389522" /><br /></a><div>"Growing up Gracie"</div><div><br /></div><div>Maggie Fechner</div><div><br /></div><div>Publisher: Bonneville Books</div><div><br /></div><div>Published: 2010</div><div><br /></div><div>ISBN: 978-1-59955-453-2</div><div><br /></div><div>FTC FYI: borrowed from the library</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>"Growing up Grace" is the story of Gracie Fremont, her ups and downs and the ups and downs of loved ones around her from around age five to her twenties. It's a story of friendship and love, life decisions and some heart ache. Throughout it all, faith in her Father in Heaven gets her through many trials. Gracie is a strong girl, who truly desires to do good, help those around her, and be there for others when she can. </div><div>In high school she is challenged by her missionary brother to not rely on the testimony of her parents, but to find out for herself what she believes. I appreciated that part of the book the most. She had to work for it, and have the faith she needed. Gracie's best friends are Liza and Chelsea. They have been there for each other since they were young. One makes mistakes. Gracie, at times, is frustrated by her choices, but helps her no matter what. In high school, she meets Quentin, a shy loner in need of a friend. Gracie invites him over for FHE and... well, things develop from there. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was really impressed with this book, it is the author's first. The characters were developed well, and it was well written. Since the story is told through a long period of time, I liked how time passed without too much detail needed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Four stars of out five.</div>Mindy Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119470550555898759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-32874465974813562992011-01-10T11:45:00.006-07:002011-01-10T13:32:38.880-07:00Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin - Blog Tour<div><br /></div><div>Welcome!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am so excited to be the one to kick off the blog tour for <i>Meg's Melody</i>! Kaylee sweetly agreed to take part in our Countdown to Christmas 2010 last year and it was great learning a little more about her. You can read her interview <a href="http://ldswbr.blogspot.com/search/label/Kaylee%20Baldwin">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kaylee is also giving away a copy of <i>Meg's Melody</i> to a lucky commenter at the conclusion of her blog tour, so be sure to comment on each of the posts during the tour. Trust me when I say <i>Meg's Melody</i> is worth the effort to win!</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 171px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzUD9ihbxlooc8ua974FXimfn01JT8NIVZpVTBPTow3WOWCbfFekqL86jNbpjlE2o4vh0juYE2tJaAwlGNKkiWOcKL955nEwkXJw-g2c7WGveV3zITcKRYMdQSzuxjBgs9FHDxxNC-Iw/s200/Kaylee+%2528Color%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560640166137185266" /><div><b>About Kaylee</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Kaylee Baldwin grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English literature.<br /><br />She currently lives in southern Arizona with her husband, Jeremy, and their three children. When she is not writing, Kaylee enjoys reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with her family.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For more about Kaylee visit her <a href="http://www.kayleebaldwin.com/">website/blog</a>.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>About <i>Meg's Melody</i></b></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwewZNj94j3RIMbFeVP-DCcPk2PWT5BH6PLe3SKW8o8sQo0hsKS0Ohbo3aEE8XoFzArIcW2pMUYTUWgDLGEdE619qo3jokmUcklCYmDRWK8aEl5WRH8PlQ7_rzpTbyHCNSaK-64jiYt2g/s320/Meg%2527s+Melody_review.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560643450541597234" /><div><br /></div><div>From the back cover: </div><div><br /></div><div><i>She paced the small confines of her bathroom as she waited the obligatory two minutes for the result. Yet, part of her sensed the truth. Not only did Austin take her self-esteem and plans for happiness, but he also took her get-out-of-this-marriage-free card. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The plus sign glared at Meg from the white plastic frame of the pregnancy test. The test fell from her hands and clattered into the bathtub as Meg’s back slid against the wall until she reached the floor. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>“I’m pregnant,” she said into the quiet. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Meg never imagined she'd end up like this. With nowhere else to turn, she's forced to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to help her find her forgotten melody. Meanwhile Matt is still mourning the loss of his wife. But determined to keep things together for his daughter's sake, he decides starting over in a new place might be just what his family needs. </div><div><br /></div><div>This touching story combines romance with redemption and real conflict to remind you it's never too late to find joy. Kaylee Baldwin's capable hand renders a sincere, heartfelt story of rediscovery and hope. Perfect for romantics of all ages, this book will captivate your heart and rekindle your belief in the magic of music.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Review</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This might be Kaylee's first novel, but it doesn't read like it. She has put a lot of effort into studying her craft, and it shows. I like the cover; the softer colors and expectant mother are appropriate for the story, and the music notes and flourishes are a really nice touch.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can only imagine what an expectant single mother must struggle with, as I've never been one myself, but I feel like Kaylee did a good job capturing what that situation might be like for someone in Meg's situation. While she had very supportive family around her, they weren't perfect. They were a pushy with sneaking in "dates" without Meg's permission, which was one thing that kept me from liking Meg's sister, Missy, very much. </div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I really appreciate is how well Kaylee wrote Lilia, Matt's four-year-old daughter. I have read many books with children that made me cringe because they were either too... well, just too much- or simply not believable in voice or behavior. I loved Lilia, and feel like there was a great balance of her presence in the book as well as an appropriate level for how a 4-5 year old girl would speak and behave.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is a bit of a love triangle, or square if you count Austin, though the reader can guess pretty quickly who Meg will most likely end up with. The question is if they can get through the extra baggage they're carrying to be together and if it is just too soon for both of them. I found the second love interest to be a bit over the top at times, but there are guys like that out there, so it wasn't unbelievable. I didn't like Austin. But I wasn't supposed to like him. One thing I didn't understand was how easy it was for certain characters to dismiss the fact that Meg was having a baby and everything that meant.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meg experiences some spiritual progress as she returns to church after her husband leaves her, though I didn't find the book preachy at all. </div><div><br /></div><div>The romance is clean with a few toe-curling scenes that were very well done. I really liked the love interest, and while things might not have gone exactly how I hoped, I found the ending quite satisfying.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Meg's Melody</i> is available for purchase from <a href="http://deseretbook.com/Megs-Melody-Kaylee-Baldwin/i/5059885">Deseret Book</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Megs-Melody-Kaylee-Baldwin/dp/1599554771/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294347752&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My rating</b>: 4/5 stars</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Would I-</b></div><div><ul><li><b>read it again?</b> Yes</li></ul><ul><li><b>recommend it?</b> Yes, especially to LDS women who enjoy romance</li></ul><ul><li><b>read more by the author?</b> Definitely. I'm looking forward to it!</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Heads Up</b></div><div><ul><li><b>Language:</b> none</li></ul><ul><li><b>Violence:</b> none</li></ul><ul><li><b>Drug/alcohol use:</b> none</li></ul><ul><li><b>Inappropriate sexual situations:</b> none</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to comment on each day's blog tour post to be entered into the drawing for a copy of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Meg's Melody</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">! Here's the schedule:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>January 10th<br /><a href="http://ldswbr.blogspot.com">Shanda at LDSWBR</a><br /><br />January 11th<br /><a href="http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/">Tristi Pinkston</a><br /><br />January 12th <br /><a href="http://jolenesbeenwriting.blogspot.com/">Jolene Perry</a><br /><br />January 13th <br /><a href="http://shaunnagonzales.blogspot.com/">Shaunna Gonzales</a><br /><br />January 15th<br /><a href="http://sweeterthantaffy.blogspot.com/"> Taffy Lowell</a><br /><br />January 17th<br /><a href="http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/">Heather at Fire and Ice</a><br /><br />January 18th<br /><a href="http://marshaward.blogspot.com/">Marsha Ward</a><br /><br />January 19th<br /><a href="http://alisonpalmer.blogspot.com/">Alison Palmer</a><br /><br />January 20th<div><a href="http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/">I am a Reader Not a Writer</a></div><div><br /></div><div>January 21st</div><div><a href="http://www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com/">Rebecca Talley</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-10237622607368456722011-01-06T12:10:00.000-07:002011-01-06T12:10:00.769-07:00Pillage - Obert Skye<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nOoxyb1ZS6skUasX559Lynnmw97lqO-D4sdSj7HooQuUxJqFdpqLSzeYCSYPVP3AirZWQZC9CanmG90zu5k2LY5w_TFVX1K9-i568PduyBDWZWHRoJumI-a2h1FnIlRqrNM3C2f9THY/s1600/skye+pillage.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nOoxyb1ZS6skUasX559Lynnmw97lqO-D4sdSj7HooQuUxJqFdpqLSzeYCSYPVP3AirZWQZC9CanmG90zu5k2LY5w_TFVX1K9-i568PduyBDWZWHRoJumI-a2h1FnIlRqrNM3C2f9THY/s320/skye+pillage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542174768466493426" /></a>"Pillage"<div><br /></div><div>Author: Obert Skye</div><div><br /></div><div>Publisher: Shadow Mountain</div><div><br /></div><div>Published: 2008</div><div><br /></div><div>Hardcover: 312 pages</div><div><br /></div><div>FTC- I purchased my own copy</div><div><br /></div><div>Beck Phillips is kind of a trouble maker, he's been to many schools in a short periods of time and this time, he wants to start off "buzzing". Things don't go as planned, but instead of getting in trouble, Beck hears some sad news. His mom has died, and he is shipped to Kingsplot to live with an uncle he has never meet. On his long train ride, he meets Kate, who isn't very friendly. She is his age, and is headed to Kingsplot too. Beck wakes up from a 12 hour rest, and notices that they are the only ones left on the train. Beck thinks it's strange, but Kate isn't too worried about it. When he arrives, Beck meets Thomas, who drives him to his new house, oops, I mean mansion. Seven floors, with stables, and a huge garden. Right away, Beck is told to stay away from certain places for his own safety. Do you think he'll stay away? If you answered no, you would be right! Beck meets Milo who asks many questions about the manor, mostly about the basement. But, there is no basement...</div><div><br /></div><div>At school there are some boys who pick on Beck and Milo. Milo is new to Callowbrow too. However, Beck can do some weird tricks with plants that makes his life easier. Beck's family has a secret, and if you look at the front cover, you'll be able to figure it out. But, what happens with the secret is really exciting and page turning.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really enjoyed this book. Full of exciting twists and surprises! I liked the history of Beck's family a long the way too. A gloomy, but interesting history full of plants, stones, and pillaging.</div><div><br /></div><div>4 out of 5 stars.</div><div><br /></div><div>Obert Skye also has written the sequel to "Pillage". "Choke" was released in June 2010, I have read that as well, and it's just as great as "Pillage". Mr. Skye also wrote the "Leven Thumps" series. There are five books in that series, all of which I read and enjoyed. Purchase them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=a+town+like+alice&x=0&y=0#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=obert+skye&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aobert+skye">here.</a></div>Mindy Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119470550555898759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-71398890377784761962011-01-05T13:35:00.007-07:002011-01-05T14:13:56.879-07:00My first read for 2011 will be... oh, and winners!<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My first read for 2011 will be...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Courting Miss Lancaster!</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNhvnyLi0BjCMUiHyLh_pi_U1OGGQ-9a45QO-7ofUQJKx2uDfXHLcKxulcsV9-gipXl1WFrnzLSzVImlWeqQzjT49Ry_bpxt-r3wSJl_LYGTBwhGaK0Ob3CWq9obHfFtRa7EUsKWFvXo/s320/CML+Cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558808929621113570" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now that you've seen the <a href="http://ldswbr.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-do-i-read-next-and-super-easy.html#comments">five books</a> I was considering, do you understand my dilemma in trying to choose which book to read first? If I could I would read them all at the same time!</div><div><br /></div><div>However, <i>Courting Miss Lancaster</i> was the overwhelming favorite, and after everyone's comments about how wonderful it is, I'm going to start reading it immediately after announcing winners of the bookmarks. So, let's do this thing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Since we were right at 20 comments (if you count mine, which I will, just not in the drawing) I'm going to give away three bookmarks, because I want to and I can do whatever I want on this blog, ha ha!</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, the winners of the amazingly handy stretchy bookmarks that stay in place and don't fall out are <i>(we'll pretend my shaking the can of folded papers is a drumroll)</i>:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b>Leslie Mackey</b></span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b>Natalie Palmer</b></span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b>Kimberly</b></span></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Congratulations!</i> Email me at ldswbr(at)gmail(dot)com with your addresses and I'll get you set up with your new bookmarks.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Didn't win this time but still want a bookmark?</b> Keep watching the blog because we're celebrating <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">FIVE YEARS of LDS Women's Book Review</span></b> all month long. And since I'm so in love with these bookmarks I'm looking for opportunities to give them away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, everyone! Keep checking back for more chances to win. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-6354266343510905172011-01-03T19:39:00.007-07:002011-01-03T21:01:49.515-07:00What should I read next? (And a super easy contest!)<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>I am in a wonderful (or horrible) place right now - a reader's heaven (or Hades) - surrounded by so many wonderful books I want to read RIGHT NOW that I have no idea where to start.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So I'm letting all of you decide what my first read in 2011 will be from the choices below. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, because I appreciate your thoughts and opinions, everyone who comments will have their name entered into a drawing for a really cool and useful-to-us-readers prize! If I get one vote/comment, lucky you- WINNER! If I get more than ten, I'll draw two names. More than 20, I'll draw three. :)<i> </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i></i><i>(Only one vote/comment per person counts. Hurry! Contest closes Wednesday at 12:00 noon MST.)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">THE PRIZE</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Inspired by whimsy-girl.blogspot.com)</span></span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEije0YbTokhs8oDpRCnAF_ovHseyAofLb22t6ywyuCifVeEHVeJa7Vz_4hNw2iIrZPKGwAqvgLCOZ8kBhj0vh_o4MttwBngqcaWIgCPdxN5UQ0XpSZuaxQrTqcEI6WZNi17L_Wr4-1QLZM/s200/bookmarks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558164214949270354" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">An awesome elastic bookmark!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(See the little heart charms? Cute, huh?)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I made a bunch of these bookmarks (see mass of charms and elastic above) as Christmas gifts for my reader friends because they are so darn cute and handy. Just loop the elastic around the front or back half of the book with one side marking your place inside the book and that baby isn't going anywhere. Shake the book, drop the book, shove the book in your bag- your place won't be lost.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pretty neat, huh? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>So tell me, from the list below, what do YOU think I should read next?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b>Cross My Heart</b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b> by Julie Wright</b></span></li></ul><ul><li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b>Courting Miss Lancaster</b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b> by Sarah M. Eden</b></span></li></ul><ul><li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b>Meg's Melody</b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b> by Kaylee Baldwin</b></span></li></ul><ul><li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b>The Legend of Shannonderry</b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b> by Carole Warburton</b></span></li></ul><ul><li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b>Winning Mr. Wrong</b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><b> by Marie Higgins</b></span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are several books I could add to this list but I thought I should keep it at five. Can you tell I'm in the mood for a romance?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Don't forget to voice your choice in the comments!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-51932711556675718572010-12-31T00:25:00.012-07:002011-01-03T21:19:40.666-07:00Sheila's Top 10 or 20 List for 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5cZSP2nF9K4Rt2QFU6IUwuOmK9mtYMqLcp514ngg5jt2yqjhVtstrYCHb5JhFVajN9GtoIZ2jUfo-lWjGqO-K4VpZqT5pnNSEwcgSP4Fk4NIPmRAASmkpfrG9MFCy7iTrIRDZUXqz6I/s1600/read_more_books.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5cZSP2nF9K4Rt2QFU6IUwuOmK9mtYMqLcp514ngg5jt2yqjhVtstrYCHb5JhFVajN9GtoIZ2jUfo-lWjGqO-K4VpZqT5pnNSEwcgSP4Fk4NIPmRAASmkpfrG9MFCy7iTrIRDZUXqz6I/s200/read_more_books.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556916699592186690" /></a><br />After I was asked to make a top ten list of my favorite reads of 2010<br /><div>I floundered a bit. I happily made my goal of reading 100 books in 2010. This also left me in a bind, knowing I had 100 books to choose from. I agree with Mindy, it is like asking who</div><div>is your favorite child or friend. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also have a hard time with only picking 10 so I picked my top 12 and</div><div>Then continued with books that I would include in my top 20. I know, I am shamelessly changing the rules here.</div><div><br /></div><div>These are my picks in no particular order.</div><div><br /></div><div>1.The Healing Spell by Kimberley Griffiths Little.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjgCEOI6PV1GN_PbSKn04D0isd6OJ8KhyHuPhe48sCIZ1eQfRJWa_nf5gVcgSZU9eyLULpvcfXqnYlUkO8WW2Iz22EigFf-tOves268m9lM9rqatfjXIJ2yEWBkGYJvEgxvvL2D8-vs0/s200/The+Healing+Spell.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556911571348432674" />To say that this book enchanted me, it is not just a play on words of the title. There truly was something magical about the way </div><div>that Kimberley writes. I was pulled into the story from </div><div>the beginning and didn’t leave the bayou until the last </div><div>page. This book has stayed with me the past month since I</div><div> read it. I have remembered the colorful details and rich </div><div>characters. I borrowed this book from the library, but this </div><div>is one book I will be purchasing for my own collection.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>2. Cross My Heart by Julie Wright</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gQ6Wvrtz8XQDQ9ldAsq5hRf4MTH2mecGVHd_o0GT1irm4oVXBupEl2Cd4nzoQJ2Xfh_k68RSB5LFUpjDRmztVPkfxmhBda7ggykwyQHAZCurhg-iJ2DQLQGnj3g_MTKnJfUVdEiKzc4/s200/5053597_Cross_My_Heart_product.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556910848839793042" />This book made me laugh so hard, I loved the main </div><div>character and how many strange things happened to her. </div><div>(Sadly she reminded me of myself and how "things"</div><div>just seem to happen to me while around men.)</div><div>I loved her weird mother. The best part was the love </div><div>triangle, which was more like a square. This is such a </div><div>feel good book. I will be reading it again soon.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3. A Time To Die By Jeff Savage</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r5fnR6o5AuHbYaqOEl6qvJU_2om5K14xAoQgALOdhqE2o1HMEq4p0yR2AXJmXzeDGwZglOn6DqkXILXlzzJ7M8b_tlRjdgPFdJqiltr1LcGBnkl4LwkvamVYTZack51ze5VJ_hceEVo/s200/A_Time_to_Die.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556910013602207410" /></div><div>I waited so long for this sequel in the Shandra Covington</div><div>series and I was not disappointed at all. I also feel like it </div><div>was the best book yet in the series. This was another book</div><div>that I picked up and could not put down. I really </div><div>loved the ending!I also loved the fact that </div><div>Bobby is not left in perilous circumstances</div><div>at the end of this book.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4. Seventh Earth By Richard Bradford</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep-exvV2VnJL4rBUcQ0WqWtZAvDy3Uq-Gi1qeUZJrRZ_PqTv9I-EkaSIS67SloZWrAZSFWuSIf6LtOer75sc9_26EMUk5YBL5hB5tJaL0M8bhByXzwsJxVaOA4L1gC9BkgFHkTDLqbeI/s200/41ye38iaHAL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556907070344130402" />This is such an outstanding sci-fi/fantasy book.</div><div>If you are a fan of this genre you MUST read it! </div><div>Richard is a great writer and I had a hard </div><div>time putting the book down. I can’t wait for </div><div>the sequel. It has a great storyline and it</div><div>is amazing that this is Richard's first book. </div><div>He writes like a Pro!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>5. I Am Not A Serial Killer and Mr. Monster By Dan Wells</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWTLU-aQGXzRslbxvqjKVGdH5hA_dZUgYnriyQJLwc930FpER2Y7XhJWsk6vtzzkju16KC2pIwQTpEhHOoB_Ag5EdkfUlj2bXmfmZTEa60xMFlbLi95CSDbHD9pNMCE9OoIy-4S887uY/s200/iamnotaserialkillercover1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556904831600854546" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyvW_OsGTLjRiLHoPkCNUVc47GVJ-916KrLAIzPno-Nb3944n4OHY8D_9cNmz_0IEa9dPePEbF6TRRvogTKjQb3JNVzzlcgNE7D-jjBwDs07OMl8wRUPx1Rwj22dRgMyJId04q32IyAk/s200/Dan+Wells-Mr+Monster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556905166789059426" />There is something about these books that are</div><div>so compelling. You get sucked in and are hooked until the end.</div><div>I really love how you are kept guessing until the very end. In a </div><div>strange way, you are cheering for John even if he has a very</div><div>wacked out mind. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>6. Hotel On The Corner of Bitter and Sweet By Jamie Ford</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmfr283KR_McpVZbVSrwOANB1sbW5cBuu7-R6dOQAoGU0R9Gdi3pCF0ivEOotoSnP0tbhd4I2kYN3JYnMzRIG-kEJMu2E72lP9CFXgawhtG1OkdL4IHYAshL3EpoAkI9ktLEBP6IetuI/s200/9780345505347.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556754791240782690" /></div><div>This book won the Whitney Award in the General </div><div>Fiction Category of this past year's Whitney Awards. </div><div>It is a story that takes place during WW2 in </div><div>California. The main character is a young Chinese </div><div>boy who befriends a young Japanese girl. It shows </div><div>the turmoil of that time. This story stays with you. </div><div>This is a good read for book clubs.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>7. Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjE_8rQ6iYFUf8TbvVnco1Eudlx-qUgok9T1IwEeiN4sjLpSgXAUFbymXrMGwDGAbUs8Gt97eup8I-rRcabHgHQwqkV9YTUAeWf2wFl4ItL5paVifYjKfHLXYfbpQdHV151QjHqRUQyQ/s200/courting_miss_lancaster_product.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556752161099749538" /></div><div>It seems like everyone has loved this book. It is such a sweet </div><div>romance that just makes you sigh. Sarah is one of the best </div><div>Regency romance writers today. Sarah's newest book was </div><div>recently released. It will definitely be on next years reading </div><div>list.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>8. Becoming Kate By Dixie Owens</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRO8mGjEcubF1F1wcuSYv-RdHwu9rm6Et-b0hLzwLVWamuULjWUTzkIqc8xgFxkiqAO92Ow-DyFNMDq_nNWef4arIOv66mHbLFpW2E7EyVyqPbwIjwbWyOjZ5ehBIbhlsWgr_QK-adgQ/s200/Becoming+Kate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556750896653366754" /></div><div>I was right in the middle of six other books when I </div><div>received this book. I picked it up to read the first </div><div>chapter and never put it down until I was done. This </div><div>book is so thought provoking. It deals with the idea </div><div>of a brain transplant and if feelings and memories </div><div>would survive from the donor. It brings up so many </div><div>questions in your own mind. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dixie does a great job of showing one woman's story and </div><div>how resolution comes to this character.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>9. Blink of An Eye By Gregg Luke</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdvPCVyAv9o-utH0-sb7eB1KTji2JQBKoAE7s68_h9KEBiy_VQaxbPGqy-FzYcSgx1a3RYzTKxP__VqZWIcrAdrmwL8TcSJMM5NLHutSS__-ZkAYbMOPhmgNAiRm_zC6X3tdBD1Vdpo0/s200/Blink+of+an+Eye.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556750213010665522" /></div><div>Gregg Luke's books keep me on the edge. This one </div><div>did not disappoint. Even though it was slightly </div><div>different from his others, he delved more into</div><div>his main character and his past. It has a great </div><div>mystery that you search for the answer right </div><div>along with the main character. I loved this </div><div>one a lot!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>10. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society By Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 126px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRpSSMKlFK-n_IxQnSfwQhGdhkvJNxWVWyUx7NY-BNGc494maEk3x1EQmHD8ETC5CSoIq-tKok1sv-VmfsLb5EKQIzAVtybntlWm4S99tc6qdVR7aQ3welNEobminr6KqhgkaUN0zPDE/s200/4666058.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556748640327300114" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I just reviewed this book on my personal book review blog. </div><div>I explained there why it took so long for me to get this </div><div>book read. Once I got over the problem I had, I ended up </div><div>really liking this book. Other readers have told me they </div><div>had the same problem. They now are going to try reading </div><div>this again after I shared my secret. Let's</div><div>just say you will not be sorry for taking the time to read </div><div>this novel.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>11. The Sapphire Flute By Karen Hoover</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZntA98BivXrxPwUYx5bHSfGzJrJ04CfMLJcVaU-vN4zI04zwz6IMqcdVZJ4siMIc89GgOB00RIG4lrJyQ98yhMcyMOS9fDFYYRKiFPsjU8mPpkYRKEO3k0OcecMHqjufWmA27j1-MXfU/s320/the-sapphire-flute.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556747749916491042" /></div><div>Excellent debut from first time author Karen Hoover. This</div><div>fantasy book has everything. The thing that female readers</div><div>will love, is that the main characters are female. But, this is</div><div>not just a book for females. There is so much action that</div><div>males readers will also like this book. This is </div><div>the first book in a long series. I have heard bits and pieces </div><div>about the next book and I can't wait to read it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>12. Divine Intervention:A Story of Faith and Miracles by Helen and Randy Hall</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DvK_gFRBP97ABAGHo6t5s-AMyECkeLx2LwUddoDKBNOHVKDELJtmwJLI9NM7Fx3BrRyk4Y8s-Vjf2nzEe6noPmnGgF7yM0EIU4YymyUeOvlWp5Z9OF3bYWwzm1WLFfGftTANK3CI0Dk/s200/51He0rERmHL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556745035988318866" /><div>If you notice, this is the only non-fiction book that made my</div><div>top 10 (12) list. This personal account almost reads like a </div><div>novel.It leaves you on the edge of your seat. At the same </div><div>time, you left with such gratitude for life and the miracles </div><div>that can and do happen. I highly suggest that you read this </div><div>book. The Hall's story is one that should be read by everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My Honrable Mentions, that are in my top 20 books:</div><div><br /></div><div>-Band of Sisters by Annette Lyon</div><div>-Crossfire By Traci Hunter Abramson</div><div>-The Musician's Daughter By Susanne Dunlap</div><div>-Gregor and the Overlander 5 book series By Suzanne Collins</div><div>-Lucky Change By Susan Law Corpany</div><div>-Hometown Girl By Michelle Ashman Bell </div><div>-Heroes of the Fallen By David J. West</div><div><br /></div><div>The book that I was most disappointed in was... 2010 </div><div>Mockingjay By Suzanne Collins. I just did not like it. I hated the ending</div><div>And how Pres. Snow died.(Sadly I had a much more grisly end planned </div><div>for him in my mind) I was left feeling so unsatisfied and cheated by this </div><div>third book. What happened to Prim just made me hate the ending even more.</div><div>I just remember closing the book and shaking my head. I am doing it right now. </div><div>**sigh** Hunger Games is on my all time top 10 list, but Mockingjay </div><div>wasn’t even close. </div><div><br /></div><div>After I read my fellow LDSWBR sisters lists, I realized that there were so </div><div>many of their favorites I wanted to read but didn't get to. Next year, you will </div><div>probably see some of their favorites on my top 10 list.</div><div><br /></div>Why Not? Because I Said So!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12875366296917497497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-83449315662527788652010-12-30T08:00:00.007-07:002010-12-31T14:03:04.283-07:00Mindy's Top Ten of 2010This is going to be like picking my favorite child, but luckily, I read so many books this year that there was some that really stood out. I finished my 100 Books for 2010 Reading Challenge just today!<div><br /></div><div>10. Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Claire</div><div>9. Paranormalcy - Kiersten White</div><div>8. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer & Ann Barrows</div><div>7. Devil's Food Cake - Josi Kilpack</div><div>6. Walk Two Moons - Sharon Creech</div><div>5. Enchanted, Inc. series - Shanna Swendson</div><div>4. Matched - Ally Condie</div><div>3. The Help - Kathryn Stockett</div><div>2. A Town Like Alice - Noel Shute</div><div><br /></div><div>Drum role......</div><div><br /></div><div>1. The Hunger Games series - Suzanne Collins</div><div><br /></div><div>Some honorable mentions: </div><div>The 39 Clues series - Various Authors</div><div>The Golden Spiral - Lisa Mangum </div><div>My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions - Becca Wilhite </div><div>The Necromancer - Michael Scott</div><div>Princess of Glass - Jessica Day George</div><div>Keys to the Demon Prison - Brandon Mull</div><div>Peter and the Star Catcher's series - Dave Barry/Ridley Pearson</div><div>Gregor the Overlander Series - Suzanne Collins</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year and Happy Reading!</div>Mindy Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119470550555898759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-2091262859555094872010-12-30T01:12:00.004-07:002010-12-30T01:25:33.189-07:00See this mug? I want it.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">See this mug? Yep, this one. </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPL84q2wNJATKHs4u6zjeDpIWJXihB4OUbyWF1cLyN37_XYccuRrBiyGrqBaQOVxa9scLEd6cbbDhcAf19rDXyNT6AX20kRbXR7h-gCa-3v3cRwZbPpNWuilBAtiEy5x04GHyAvB4gWBE/s200/KoaSmug.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556386407281698978" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Right here.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I want it.</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Especially because I've been promised it will be filled with chocolate yumminess. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you want a chance to win it, too, then you'd better head over to <a href="http://www.sarahmeden.com/2010/12/walkabout-wednesday-win-fabulous-prize.html">Sarah M. Eden's blog</a> and find out how to enter. While you're there, watch the fun new book trailer for Sarah's fun new book.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't believe I just told all of you about this. Now my odds of winning that mug full of yummies just got worse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, if this entry is what wins me that mug, well, that's something else, isn't it?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-49007114822176255062010-12-29T21:28:00.002-07:002010-12-30T22:46:34.526-07:00Hillary's Top Ten List for 2010Hello Dear Friends! <br /><br />Wow, this was a tough order! How to choose JUST ten. I surprised myself when I put this list together, because I only have one non-fiction book on here. Just one! <br /><br />In no particular order: <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">In Trying Times, Keep Trying- Merrilee Boyack</span><br /><br />It was such a great reminder of how life throws curves at us, and it is up to each of us to remember that the trials are for our own good, and that we need to lean on Christ to get through it all. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions- Becca Wilhite</span><br /><br />Not only does this make my top ten list, but it makes my "Favorite's of All Time" List. There was just so much I liked about this book. Sarah was so real. I really empathized with her throughout the book. The romance was just fantastic. My favorite written scene of all time is when they are just outside the library, she can see him, but he can't see her. Perfectly written. Really looking forward to anything else Becca writes! <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Devil's Food- Josi Kilpack</span><br /><br />I can't get enough of Sadie Hoffmiller. I really liked this one because she met a new love interest that made her even more interesting. The story was fun, fast moving and intriguing. I even made "Evil Chicken" from the book and the hot wings. Both very yummy recipes! <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Blink of an Eye- Gregg Luke</span><br /><br />This one was sooo fantastic. We recently posted a group review, and he received very favorable reviews. It was so unique. Again! I think that would have to be my word to describe Gregg's work! Unique. Each of his books has an angle that I've never read. Whether it be experimenting on people or getting lost in the jungle with potential Nephite descendants, no matter what I am never bored reading his books!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Crossfire- Tracy Hunter Abramson</span><br /><br />Tracy does it again with "Crossfire", a awesome addition to the "Saint Squad". It is just a fantastic read and the love story is perfect- not too much lip locking, not too little. Oh, and a little thing called SERIOUS ACTION thrown in there. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I am not a Serial Killer- Dan Wells</span><br /><br />Terrifyingly fabulous. All we are saying is give Dan a chance. Hum it with me...<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Courting Miss Lancaster- Sarah M. Eden</span><br /><br />Speaking of making "Favorites of All Time" list, this one nabbed a spot as well. I actually bought both this and "My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions" on the same day. What a great day! I enjoyed "Seeking Persephone" so I was sooo excited when I found out that Sarah had written a story about Harry! He is just so darn likeable! Even if you don't like regency style reading, I think if you enjoy a good romance, you'll like this one! <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Backlash- Tracy Hunter Abramson</span><br /><br />I was so happy when I was able to read this one. It was such a different take from the other books. Instead of a traditional romance, this one to me tells more of the "after" of the "happily ever after" marriage scenario. Though Marilyn, Kel's wife, is mentioned briefly in the other books, we don't really get to know her, kind of like how the others in the book feel. I really liked this new take. I thought it was very well done. Very real, and somehow still action packed! How do you do it Tracy? <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The Hunger Games 1 and 3- Suzanne Collins</span><br /><br />I just couldn't add book two. Other than the last two pages. Sorry. I read Mockingjay not long after it came out and was so happy (though somewhat disturbed) with how it all concluded. The story is just so compelling, I don't know how anyone could not enjoy these books. I'm looking forward to seeing the movies! I wonder who will play Katniss...?<br /><br />Well, that's all folks! With this new location in good old Mizzura, Misery, or Missouri (whichever you prefer, and for me- depends on the day :) ). I will be posting once month, probably somewhere in the middle. Regrettably, I just don't have the access to LDS fiction like I did in Utah. Well, that and I figured you wouldn't want me to review the anti-mormon literature which is far easier to access at the public library than I thought. I was pleased to see Lisa Mangum's books, Brandon Sanderson and some Obert Skye here though. I might even have to read a bit more of the YA/ Fantasy category :) <br /><br />Later Gators!Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279369916906290854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-78473924571102142832010-12-28T18:48:00.002-07:002010-12-29T22:53:11.921-07:00Shanda's Top Ten Reads of 2010<div><br /></div>When I suggested to the other ladies of LDSWBR that we use our last posts of the year to list our Top Ten Reads of 2010 it sounded like a lot of fun. <div><br /></div><div>Then it came time for me to choose my top ten. Considering I have read 67 books so far in 2010 (hope to make that 70 by Friday), I don't think I quite realized what I was getting myself into. I've read so many great books this year that it was incredibly difficult to choose. Here are my Top Ten Reads for 2010, in no particular order:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQZVxmNF00xWAM870tKBl7qAVEhHsGukEgipndrVGB86OXgi8s-amCMygdGtvq2cCZMuWU9aEWOEAm7aATzIOjP6wr16nKHX5MEVgvYG8E0fovOcTnABljkFQkX3NPMWz8sk3DXSYXnM/s200/Devil%2527s+Food+Cake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556342915557293714" /><div><i><b>Devil's Food Cake</b></i><b> and </b><i><b>Key Lime Pie</b></i><b> by Josi Kilpack </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, technically two books, but they are part of a series, so whatever. What can I say? I absolutely love this series. And the recipes- oh, yum! I'm pretty sure that 2 or 3 of the extra pounds I'm carrying around are from several batches of Sadie's Better Brownies (see <i>Lemon Tart</i>) but they are the best brownies I have ever eaten. Make a batch and see if you can eat just one. Betcha can't. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVFFUADHkFY-gV1qfnhIzY0hc9H-00qjQOsBGAIY5EzFFgBALb9PCXoFNM3qsQw91ObK5_yrOOtOGaxHzyQPDTrTuuQK59VrwqFafds31TrxFlUjn_aT2CPuq83RdPHL89uSLXekgwzA/s200/CatholicRootsMormonHarvest.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556342509889180946" /><div><i><b>Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest</b></i><b> by Eric Shuster </b></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't read a lot of nonfiction, but this book had a significant impact on me. The information is well presented, viewpoints well expressed, and my testimony and knowledge of the gospel were both increased. Eric's next book with coauthor Charles Sale, <i>The Biblical Roots of Mormonism</i>, is high on my to-read list for 2011. If it is anything like his first book, my perspective and testimony will be forever changed.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHnuUeDnMvo2wwMGC-dA5pE18viYlT_X1aUmy3ZTzh_FBfGS6xAz-3-QjW4nVCOqCgtgrN0RuO_SPNEaGWSgDjoJ-gcKhN8KrhDxhiMD0gLVgKTcU89gs1gJv3tHMdd1x1s6wRpM2SfA/s200/notaserialkiller.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556341538048862498" /><div><i><b>I Am Not a Serial Killer</b></i><b> by Dan Wells </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Horror is another genre I don't read often, but if there were more books in the genre like this, I would be reading horror a lot more. <i>IANASK</i> was so different than I expected and just... wow. After finishing it, so many things kept swirling around in my head. I couldn't stop thinking about it. For hours. And hours. I hope to get the sequel, <i>Mr. Monster</i>, read before the end of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDkk71zCWDqEDs8CtnuQCEJjsaMMbMU82b_0aKUdGJR6hCdfUoDv8NisY8HbPBq3kF-Y-GzGHZSMuVEy_y_0xtBxnEQ9NLFgaH17awovG5Y_jFCeqMuVFvq1FydmKI2gEw5BI3F3cL1w/s200/MurderByTheBook_FrontCOVER.jpg.w300h454.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556341009206687330" /><div><i><b>Murder by the Book</b></i><b> by Betsy Brannon Green </b></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been a fan of Betsy and her Haggerty series for years now (since Mark & Kate's kiss at the barbecue- sigh...) Betsy's latest series doesn't take place in Haggerty, but there are several familiar characters that make an occasional appearance. There is something about Kennedy I like- probably her spunk. She does her best to please her mother and the Southern traditions of hospitality and obligation, yet she isn't afraid to rebel a little, too. I'm in the middle of reading the second book in the series, <i>Murder by Design</i>, which I believe has the best first two lines in any mystery-suspense I've ever read- </div><div><br /></div><div>"The day started out bad and went downhill from there. By the time we discovered the body, I wasn't even surprised."</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that's a bad day I've just got to read about.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmL03TVAfHl5tx7-DsvzSTkiBtBneEO-_ElJXHFw1UFi6B89jS7pdj0jipZ1Bi5hV4JLwnX_cdH8RQl45D0kBHCv_RpzokEldIKiutjIpGp7weJVT5xjF-79FigJE13mYuso_V_a20kU/s200/Women+of+the+Book+of+Mormon+COVER+CROP.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556340391418856482" /><div><i><b>Women of the Book of Mormon: Insights & Inspirations</b></i><b> by Heather B. Moore</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This was another nonfiction book that gave me a significant change in perspective. It allowed me a glimpse of the women in the history of the scriptures that I never had before. I am able to relate more to these women, and they now feel more like my sisters than I ever would have imagined. The artwork is simply beautiful. My favorite is on page 74 and depicts a mother and her two stripling warrior sons. <i>Women of the Book of Mormon</i> is Heather's first nonfiction book, and comes highly recommended by me to all LDS women.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWN-oaN8ol5vJX8ACdFiDeiP9OkyN-W_WQcK3oqdd6Yht5JLqu4HXEuW2LUcUospbLNfKH9VnRynA1hy083TO7gNkuTPyVmABvXQMKuFXFPQRS2jXp_Qy_TOPPh_BeYe8KrsQB_mge24/s200/myridiculousromanticobsession.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556339657881045810" /><div><i><b>My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions</b></i><b> by Becca Wilhite</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I love a good romance, though the genre is often plagued by cheesy cliches. I was thrilled to read <i>My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions</i>- a good romance with significantly less cheese and cliche than one might find in a typical romance. I really do love this book. I wonder if I have time to read it again before the end of the year...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiV4ccSHRIiN7b6jmqe3UwdDqYkYvvCIqC-2HWA2ba26D_5YymErZ_ZjsaJs-bYPBsl40eEljVmA4iFS6A_F2udYctRIiI3CnWtCFxQ3qblcADs8_OW2jd6ZkbYoLEZzK55yenB5hp78/s200/Blink+of+An+Eye.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556338816254356066" /><div><i><b>Blink of an Eye</b></i><b> by Gregg Luke</b></div><div><br /></div><div>First of all, Gregg is one great guy. He's smart, courteous, and a talented author. Every book he writes gets better and better. In <i>Blink of an Eye</i>, Gregg took a story about a man experiencing flashbacks because of a brain injury and turned it into a suspenseful page-turner, with laugh-out-loud humor sprinkled throughout. If a guy in your life thinks there isn't any good LDS fiction out there for men, send him Gregg Luke's way. He won't be disappointed. And then you can read it when he's done. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyKzgv5ubFSCIddK8tcuNBBgx5zXaZcLs2P7xbE7R-VCyeB3ogOWVyNwOF7ZchowLjxEBfr4gh-r0s3QVEFmXm8d1Q3-HgfKvLkel7DJcstz9bdUI8h25rfBs9sj64dTKn6bX8qPpARI/s200/CityofAngelsfinal.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556338058127453122" /><div><b><i>The Rhea Jensen Series</i> by Sheralyn Pratt</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I've only read the first two books in this series (the fourth was just released in the past month or so.) I absolutely loved them. I bought the first book before reading it after meeting Sheralyn at a book signing. I can't wait to get the rest of the series. I love a main character with spunk and that is exactly what Rhea has, as well as a collection of cool PI tools and some awesome fighting skills. When that guy followed her into the... well, I wouldn't want to give anything away. You'll just have to read it for yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9hgJUP4k7aS8OdlIrJwevhw9f65IBLSBfomWyNOoRvQsKXr4ptBxDIFYRDZ-CT2resOPhZnijBCLGgV2qW2YlVRZUrBGauUr-sFWWvbSzc9_lImoVKoHoJsybAjxEqc8OE31chnDdbE/s200/The+Road+Show+-+goodreads.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556337318916235426" /><div><i><b>The Road Show</b></i><b> by Braden Bell</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>The Road Show</i> is a shorter book (do they call them novellas?) that honestly surprised me a little. I wasn't expecting the characters to grab me so quickly, or to be so relatable. I enjoyed the story, the way everything came together, and how the message of the road show affected each character and ultimately me. A good story that I don't mind recommending to everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHHRKcrARjwFdJZNJaSBCNpYGkRe08fVMjclDl7fDucNDsvja8OJFbu8JGuxi5cJI93-PSIzDqnI64XquAsDKAVvDxgcA7WMCKZi6VOSrLArkXHHTSV15BXoobSMHfG8ElzR7q-Y5Kfo/s200/Paranormalcy+-+goodreads.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556335768864611218" /><div><i><b>Paranormalcy</b></i><b> by Kiersten White</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't read much YA, but after reading the first six chapters online as part of a promotional event, I couldn't wait to get my hands on <i>Paranormalcy</i>. I find myself avoiding a lot of the seemingly "trendy" paranormal young adult fiction that permeates the market these days because they all kind of sound like each other. <i>Paranormalcy</i>, however, is different. There are werewolves and vampires, but not like you would think. There are mermaids and zombies and hags. There are paranormals that I've never heard of. And then there's Tasey, all pink and bling-y, surprising companion to Evie, the main character with- you guessed it- spunk. I loved that Kiersten White was able to tell this fun, teenage-romance story in such an engaging way without cheap or gratuitous content. Nicely done!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to see what else I read in 2010, visit me on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/1258872?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read">Goodreads</a>. As far as next year, I've decided to challenge myself to read 150 books. That's more than double the number of books I read this year, or 2.88 books a week. If I can get three books a week read while walking on the treadmill I can accomplish two goals at once, lol. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I can't wait to see what books 2011 will bring!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-38995449343663132742010-12-27T23:01:00.004-07:002010-12-27T23:57:16.039-07:00COUNTDOWN WINNERS!<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4QQnw7bljjI7IpXaPunlikl7O5_Sz4SToLMmL6K8wlZpv7b04hLGvIOhK0CeZqWaZ7CR40TB-hoUvzmb69nTS9UGFDyq6s7TGZGay16LbBAtDZul832iqgcEHyvHM7X3TbBFl2MbfEc/s1600/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4QQnw7bljjI7IpXaPunlikl7O5_Sz4SToLMmL6K8wlZpv7b04hLGvIOhK0CeZqWaZ7CR40TB-hoUvzmb69nTS9UGFDyq6s7TGZGay16LbBAtDZul832iqgcEHyvHM7X3TbBFl2MbfEc/s200/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555619515134364242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Winners! Winners! Winners!</span></b></div><blockquote></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>LDSWBR would like to give a huge <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">"Thank You!"</span></b> to all of the authors who donated prizes to and participated in the Countdown to Christmas 2010. You are all incredibly awesome and it is truly an honor to know you!<div><br /></div><div>We hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas with loved ones, lots of fun, and delicious food. The New Year is only a few days away. Have you joined any good reading challenges yet?</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, now to the part everyone has been waiting for- the winners! Each name was drawn randomly from a huge tupperware container by me, my hubby and my two oldest daughters. They were as excited as I was to see whose name was going to be drawn.</div><div><br /></div><div>I drew the winner of the $50 Amazon gift card first, but I'm not going to tell you who it is until the end. Ha! Here we go:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li><i>Oh, Say Can You See?</i> by Laurie (LC) Lewis -<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Annette Lyon</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for her comment on Stephanie Humphreys' post)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>Backlash</i> by Traci Hunter Abramson - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Julie</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for her comment on Lori Nawyn's post)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>Alma the Younger</i> by Heather (HB) Moore - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Elizabeth Morgan</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for her comment on Anne Bradshaw's post)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>True Miracles with Genealogy</i> by Anne Bradshaw - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Hummer</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (Frances Ellsworth) (one of her five entries for blogging about the Countdown!)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>Dingo</i> by Anne Bradshaw - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Chantele Sedgwick</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for her comment on Sheralyn Pratt's post)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>Second Kiss</i> by Natalie Palmer - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Elizabeth Morgan</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for her comment on Tamara Hart Heiner's post)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>Cross My Heart</i> by Julie Wright - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Judy</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for her comment on Anne Bradshaw's post)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>Cold As Ice</i> by Stephanie Black - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Chantele Sedgwick</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for her comment on Liz Carlston's post)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>Meg's Melody</i> by Kaylee Baldwin - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Lisa Bennett</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (one of her five entries for blogging about the Countdown!)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>Save the Child</i> by Margaret Turley - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Krista Jensen</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for following LDSWBR on Twitter!)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>Anasazi Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Callets</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for tweeting about the Countdown on Dec 12)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>Mayan Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Judy</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for her comment on Joan Soward's post)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>City of Angels</i> by Sheralyn Pratt - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Chantele Sedgwick</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for her comment on Kristen Landon's post)</span></li></ul><ul><li><i>The Star Prophecy</i> by Joan Sowards - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Linda (aka @ponilinda)</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (for tweeting about the Countdown on Dec 18)</span></li></ul><ul><li>The beautiful handmade apron from Joan Sowards -<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> Lisa Bennett</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> (one of her five entries for blogging about the Countdown!)</span></li></ul><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And finally, the winner of the <b>$50 Amazon gift card</b> is.....</div></div><div><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Krista Jensen!!!!!!</span></span></b></blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote></blockquote><i> Congratulations to Krista and all of our Countdown to Christmas winners!</i></div><div><br /></div><div>If you are a winner in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 contest, send an email to ldswbr(at)gmail(dot)com to claim your prize. I will do my best to contact you if I haven't heard from you in the next few days. After a week or so, if I haven't been able to reach a prize winner, I will draw a new name for the prize. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you to all of our blog readers. We hope you enjoyed the Countdown to Christmas. As always, we love to hear from you, so feel free to leave us comments or email us anytime.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">LDSWBR hopes you had a wonderful 2010 and wishes you all the best in 2011!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-33511269594697242142010-12-20T13:57:00.002-07:002010-12-21T15:18:48.167-07:00The Rhea Jensen Series by Sheralyn Pratt - Countdown to Christmas 2010<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQynDiJPCVUzjfI8HowX6vZxzO3onSSte19IyotGlwkTgB7tmmAWEMPXT8BS5AHpEkrV_0ROo-JvlNVrRc6H-7Onkec8a3Y74kfzv3E-IKPfrBMQ987Rd9K-EvvbVKSIwI4YMzZCprRSg/s1600/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQynDiJPCVUzjfI8HowX6vZxzO3onSSte19IyotGlwkTgB7tmmAWEMPXT8BS5AHpEkrV_0ROo-JvlNVrRc6H-7Onkec8a3Y74kfzv3E-IKPfrBMQ987Rd9K-EvvbVKSIwI4YMzZCprRSg/s200/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553259171216494626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">5 days until Christmas!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">(So I'm a little late with this post & there's really only 4 days left but I'm going to change the post date & let's all just pretend it's yesterday, mkay?)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-RSh-IOxL4YBA1v1v46fIz67y9hfC98iOtZVhBYgtjjApLIEVGruAq94Ub18dqRee_Mhx2AnjJ61JdF3aRQus8YoDswMl_S2DXVb9CkgMatK2Jx1-bP77RycwNwj4-1TRKY4AVOV1vo/s200/SheralynPratt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553258624793939730" />Sheralyn was born at an early age, with 10 fingers and 10 toes. She is proud to report that she currently retains all 20 digits. In the past Sheralyn has been a karate instructor, musical theater performer, a beach bum, freelance writer, nomadic traveler, and, yes, a private investigator. At the moment she enjoys working with and training her dog to give the poor thing breaks from sitting and Sheralyn's feet with the unbearable task of watching someone write a book.<br /><br />Really, and you thought your job was bad!<br /><br />Sheralyn currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, although as people who know her can attest to, that is subject to change at any time ;)<div><br /></div><div>Visit with Sheralyn on her <b><a href="http://www.sheralynpratt.com/">website</a></b>, <b><a href="http://sheralynpratt.blogspot.com/">blog</a></b> and on Twitter <b><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/SheralynPratt">@SheralynPratt</a></b>.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR: </b>What author/book had the most impact on you this year?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>SHERALYN:</b> Such an excellent question. Sure wish I had a definitive answer. Different books impacted me in different ways this year. One book I really remember includes <i>Infinite Days</i>. The vividness of the first chapters were a huge reminder to me that writing can cover all the senses. An LDS title I'm liking right now is <i>Second Comforter</i> by Denver Snuffer. Nonfiction is really where it's at for me in 2010. This past year I haven't gravitated to fiction like years past, so the books that are on my radar are things like <i>Second Comforter</i> and <i>Save the Cat</i> (screenwriting book).</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>SHERALYN:</b> Shhhh. Don't tell, but I'm giving gift cards to a book store. I'm going to let people choose. If I chose for them, however, I would likely get my neices and nephews the <i>Percy Jackson</i> series, <i>Maximum Ride</i>, <i>Warriors</i>, or some series like that. They're 12 and under, so I'd be focusing on fun, light juvenile adventures.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR: </b>If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>SHERALYN:</b> I'd say getting together with all my family on Christmas Eve. My mom's German, so Christmas Eve has always been a bigger deal with us than Christmas Day.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> And one more just for fun- eggnog or warm apple cider?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>SHERALYN:</b> Eggnog. Almost always.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> Thank you, Sheralyn. Merry Christmas!</span><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></span><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>City of Angels</i>, <i>Welcome to Stalk Lake City</i>, <i>City Limits</i> and <i>Kay'sVille</i> by Sheralyn Pratt (Cedar Fort; 2010) are available for purchase at all major sites/retailers (some in stock, some special order).</span></b></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub7kmdLc3OtMsVcQS6CWttcnLgNPTYBKQzvAYL37P_rp_DMDcA644ybTFRoGewPW5L_U6RgHTp1k4QYR0rARm38wLoxQdTIeqN75-BCtP8jWpmz-5kZ2AthuKLnZZ2XIobJVUws2Y_Wo/s1600/CityofAngelsfinal.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub7kmdLc3OtMsVcQS6CWttcnLgNPTYBKQzvAYL37P_rp_DMDcA644ybTFRoGewPW5L_U6RgHTp1k4QYR0rARm38wLoxQdTIeqN75-BCtP8jWpmz-5kZ2AthuKLnZZ2XIobJVUws2Y_Wo/s320/CityofAngelsfinal.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553254434845463826" /></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHKuSdRauS853zMXtRmHVzTiE2KEaYp7AzhtEk2Ykh2Ebz3GdoZ5ID7oUBMKmuB7NHsLVaVSLX5-0tgkG0PBDbpCK7wG9pBitee9YvlsL-xbY8N8rdDXXLvkk73w7GXetzLWBxkFz7c4/s320/Stalk+Lake+City+Rhea+2+RGB.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553254440041832002" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHAx1yYvELACNgfRCV7hgDd6Dvmymmp5xR9pS8ier-WllBS_AzCpEjt6dl3Nsk0wOq822s55bVazMRSweM4lWyegZjQn7MJvJgNjGwW115BKhcbjoFGqW_K-OAIcgvqC8KTn_2BC43Pc/s320/City+Limits+Rhea+3+RGB.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553254441617429714" /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA157V9Z9_7DEIJsBwMChsSOyXha9QfzM-epl3SZxuM6-X8VWkG2IBBzE859w4gD9HP4zW18gAmtV3ZoVMqp_QRUkZH9oMoO3BwFCLHpF0W2irLjGzGMtTF4Mu14RDn4pNyD3z3zn7fH4/s320/Kaysville+Rhea+4+RGB.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553254452418727746" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Is Christmas Eve a bigger day than Christmas Day in your house? Or does most of the celebration and gathering of family take place on Christmas Day? Do any of you have family Christmas parties AFTER Christmas?</span></span></b></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***</span></span></div></b><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">$50 Amazon Gift Card</span></span>, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Book prizes generously donated by the authors:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Oh, Say Can You See?</i> by Laurie (LC) Lewis</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Backlash</i> by Traci Hunter Abramson</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Alma the Younger</i> by Heather (HB) Moore</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>True Miracles with Genealogy</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Dingo</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Second Kiss<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> by Natalie Palmer</span></span></i></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cross My Heart</i> by Julie Wright</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cold As Ice</i> by Stephanie Black</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Meg's Melody </i>by Kaylee Baldwin</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Save the Child</i> by Margaret Turley</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Anasazi Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Mayan Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>City of Angels</i> by Sheralyn Pratt</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>The Star Prophecy</i> by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); ">A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrjQ7vKix88cq3-S8lx32pNjC2VP-7K_LKg5hjG3sBSmXxKAmBcqIwRrlZy8hXDCXOatYsSXGQ7-c6yk5-bnEPO0uhdqImErb-XR46tBCaDz4cUnU3iKRiW4pis0axOfxqBququ5EPMw/s200/Apron.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546528277400574082" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">How to enter:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Post a thoughtful comment</b> on the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010</span></b> posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). <b>Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing.</b> Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow us on Twitter:</b> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">@LDSWBR</span></b> - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">C</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">ountdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Tweet this message each day</b> (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): <b>LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr</b></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow LDSWBR on Facebook</b>, then <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">send an email</span></b> to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog</b> in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.</li></ul><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Here are the rules:</span></div></b><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010</b>. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on January 3, 2010 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.</li></ul><ul><li>LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li>The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div></div></div></div></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-91993290359866383732010-12-19T16:07:00.007-07:002010-12-19T17:41:33.059-07:00The Christmas Stone by Liz Carlston - Countdown to Christmas 2010<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2D9YZTY_eEc1MNyG3iRX5PjjQ3KSLgSsC53w3YuY3VZ_r7kCfuk_AfCQuZEH_m-Tlb6HxX0wGW7heoDhPkgMJvOgGhzfVMrJCCSIHxUAg8hpXeGISDhUEzQ-d0Mqx1zsuHR4bCj3w20/s1600/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2D9YZTY_eEc1MNyG3iRX5PjjQ3KSLgSsC53w3YuY3VZ_r7kCfuk_AfCQuZEH_m-Tlb6HxX0wGW7heoDhPkgMJvOgGhzfVMrJCCSIHxUAg8hpXeGISDhUEzQ-d0Mqx1zsuHR4bCj3w20/s200/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552541433250576738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>6 days until Christmas!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'd like to tell you about a little book I just read. <i>The Christmas Stone</i> by Liz Carlston (author of <i>Surviving Columbine</i>) is a quick read at 88 pages, though Liz manages to pack a lot of story into those pages. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The Christmas Stone</i> is the perfect size for gift giving, and by purchasing it as a gift you are actually giving twice, as Liz has agreed to donate all author proceeds from <i>The Christmas Stone</i> to Primary Children's Medical Center.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Because it is basically a short story, there isn't a lot of time for character development and history-building, so Liz trusts the reader's intelligence to fill in the rest and dives right into the story, though she does include a couple of flashbacks so the reader can understand the characters' history a little better. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She even manages to work a little romance in there. (Don't worry guys and gals who don't care for romance- it's nothing mushy or detailed).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8IfFuU6VVWKKVOH5ZoEynh470mDSSSMJI8JkCEWRe944XkB9bPAFqbnNIHwPo_e6DHTKaKEAmS9k061Pv6-jP8PRv0CiibGGZpNG9BHXWTzjBq63C_NN1SpEhua7UXf1r8NgSDYyl1w/s200/liz+author.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552547154600640194" /><div style="text-align: left;">Liz Carlston is a national speaker and author. She served a mission in the Oakland, California Temple Visitors Center, Spanish-speaking. Liz has been seen on CNN, ESPN, CBS Early Show, and Good Morning America in conjunction with her book, <i>Surviving Columbine</i>. Most recently, she has written articles for <i>The Daily Utah Chronicle</i> and <i>New Era</i> Magazine. Liz has been spotlighted in the New York Times bestselling books <i>Columbine</i> by Dave Cullen (p. 38-39, pb) and <i>Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague</i> (p.417-418 , 446, 454, tc) by Brandon </div><div style="text-align: left;">Mull. Liz is from Littleton, Colorado, but has also lived in Oakland and Palo Alto California. She currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can learn more about Liz on her <b><a href="http://lizcarlston.blogspot.com/">website/blog</a></b>, on <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Christmas-Stone/173413686007483">Facebook</a></b> and Twitter <b><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/lcarlston_CSton">@lcarlston_CSton</a></b>. View the trailer for <i>The Christmas Stone</i> <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRL2okJu91w&feature=player_embedded">here</a></b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> What author/book had the most impact on you this year?</span><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">LIZ:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> I really enjoyed the memoir, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">It’s Good to Be Alive: Observations from a Wheelchair</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> by Jack Rushton. Despite being paralyzed from the neck down for the past 21 years, he is one of the most optimistic people I know. I appreciate his wit, wisdom and commitment to live with faith in the Savior.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">(</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3HnUfqCBfc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3HnUfqCBfc</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">)</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>LIZ:</b> Of course I’ve given several copies of <i>The Christmas Stone</i> away as gifts this year (why not right? :) ). The other book I’ve been giving away is <i>The Fourth Gift</i> by Tucker Davis. This is a heart-warming story about a little Sheppard boy who became friends with Joseph and Mary. He wanted to give the baby Jesus a hand-carved wooden lamb. His attempt didn’t turn out too well, so he gave the Savior an even better gift. I appreciate the idea that while life doesn’t always go according to plan, we can still offer our very best to the Lord.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR</b>: If you could only participate in one Christmas activity or tradition this year, what would it be?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>LIZ</b>: I always look forward to watching “The Nativity” on Christmas day. It’s a great time of year to touch base with family, to think of others, and most importantly, to remember the Lord’s hand in our lives.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> Do you prefer eggnog or warm apple cider?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>LIZ:</b> I’d have to go with the eggnog, but just because I’m a warm apple cider drinker during the rest of the year.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR</b>: Liz, thank you so much. Have a Merry Christmas!</span></span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>The Christmas Stone</i> by Liz Carlston (Cedar Fort; Sept 2010) is available for purchase from <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Christmas-Stone/Liz-Carlston/e/9781599554341/?itm=1&USRI=the+christmas+stone+carlston">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1599554348">Borders</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Stone-Liz-Carlston/dp/1599554348/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1284685694&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.mardel.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=412184">Mardel</a> and <a href="http://www.seagullbook.com/lds-products-635202.html">Seagull Book</a>.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2o3Sf6nqYxkFWIsRzyCm8Bvirj7PFThuV0a-etAsktxmbD9GKZQxISuHrF0FWwfy6vMuspk50mRgZNi57M92fSnnGy_M8r92cafIULt4ge3lNkf4hXT_aQOopT93CjXqwm8CfAAv1JE/s320/ChristmasStone.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552547391908461362" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you or your family and friends ever had need of the services provided by Primary Children's Medical Center? Have you had the opportunity to donate to Primary Children's Medical Center in the past? </span></span></b></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***</span></span></div></b><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">$50 Amazon Gift Card</span></span>, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Book prizes generously donated by the authors:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Oh, Say Can You See?</i> by Laurie (LC) Lewis</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Backlash</i> by Traci Hunter Abramson</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Alma the Younger</i> by Heather (HB) Moore</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>True Miracles with Genealogy</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Dingo</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Second Kiss<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> by Natalie Palmer</span></span></i></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cross My Heart</i> by Julie Wright</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cold As Ice</i> by Stephanie Black</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Meg's Melody </i>by Kaylee Baldwin</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Save the Child</i> by Margaret Turley</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Anasazi Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Mayan Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>The Star Prophecy</i> by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); ">A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrjQ7vKix88cq3-S8lx32pNjC2VP-7K_LKg5hjG3sBSmXxKAmBcqIwRrlZy8hXDCXOatYsSXGQ7-c6yk5-bnEPO0uhdqImErb-XR46tBCaDz4cUnU3iKRiW4pis0axOfxqBququ5EPMw/s200/Apron.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546528277400574082" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">How to enter:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Post a thoughtful comment</b> on the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010</span></b> posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). <b>Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing.</b> Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow us on Twitter:</b> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">@LDSWBR</span></b> - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">C</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">ountdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Tweet this message each day</b> (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): <b>LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr</b></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow LDSWBR on Facebook</b>, then <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">send an email</span></b> to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog</b> in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.</li></ul><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Here are the rules:</span></div></b><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010</b>. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on January 3, 2010 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.</li></ul><ul><li>LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li>The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div></div></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-88290539282795286312010-12-18T18:07:00.007-07:002010-12-18T18:33:18.024-07:00Lolly's Yarn by Anna Arnett - Countdown to Christmas 2010<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-gbrYMwt7ouzVOsDJDTaS-EXWtHsNaUGhdq6V8PMa0RiEYWgPQr5aLhUzBU7s794_b9X8W98JLN-XLh0ogIFMkj4pQUVHZJGpvt2buhBEh2CY0xQfuCFDXh2HU6mv6pMohP-xBg9VOA/s200/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552198146681725122" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b>7 days until Christmas!</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw8ZFI2M-DEof54pwAOgaykSgbem8h2BMbMgX3X6Gk6Jwtytdzp-dQsZ4UPP6Yx5Ilfh5Bk-YW9ZNJoIYHIi0FhwV7JnrdJsGHjtY_W7bAP0ap-NMxfL4zd5vidbtrwfXRRY3RPCbDdc/s200/AnnaArnett%255B1%255D.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552197497165862786" /><i>Lolly's Yarn</i> is Anna Arnett's first novel. You can learn more about Anna on her <b>website & blog</b>: <a href="http://www.annaarnett.com/">Yarns from "Lolly."</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">LDSWBR:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"> What author/book had the most impact on you this year?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>ANNA:</b> Other than the scriptures, "most impact' is a tough decision. I think I'll go with Jane Austen's <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>, a book I have limited myself to reading only once a year for the last fifty plus years. I still find it fresh and interesting, and a great example. I absolutely love her irony.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR</b>: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>ANNA</b>: I'm giving <i>Lolly's Yarn</i>, of course. I asked for <i>Main Street</i> by Sinclair Lewis, and/or <i>Catch Twenty-Two</i> or <i>Women Wariors</i> (or is it the other way around?)</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>ANNA</b>: Christmas. But I like all the other ones, too.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> Which do you prefer - eggnog or warm apple cider?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>ANNA</b>: Eggnog, if it's made fresh at home.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR</b>: Thank you and Merry Christmas, Anna!</span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Lolly's Yarn</i> by Anna Arnett (Two Dogs Publishing; October 2010) is available for purchase on <a href="http://www.annaarnett.com/">Anna's website</a> through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0981581471?ie=UTF8&tag=arnetinsti-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0981581471">Amazon</a>.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7FovUmPIGXR9xnqqLIfcA7W6jVa8xDvsY3jEqPeAwdX8O08K_0styaDXzpOiCAkvZTyVqO3lkBPMi_fjurhpukZZvgb1r0gI633H1O_PoL2LbijEBShaPN81KxuxvYSUfecQ6oQtDZU/s320/LollysYarn-FrontCover%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552194551528269538" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Are you a <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> fan? Have you read the book? How about any of the movie versions? Which ones have you seen and what did you think of them versus the book?</span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***</span></span></div></b><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">$50 Amazon Gift Card</span></span>, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Book prizes generously donated by the authors:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Oh, Say Can You See?</i> by Laurie (LC) Lewis</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Backlash</i> by Traci Hunter Abramson</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Alma the Younger</i> by Heather (HB) Moore</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>True Miracles with Genealogy</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Dingo</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Second Kiss<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> by Natalie Palmer</span></span></i></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cross My Heart</i> by Julie Wright</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cold As Ice</i> by Stephanie Black</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Meg's Melody </i>by Kaylee Baldwin</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Save the Child</i> by Margaret Turley</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Anasazi Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Mayan Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>The Star Prophecy</i> by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); ">A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrjQ7vKix88cq3-S8lx32pNjC2VP-7K_LKg5hjG3sBSmXxKAmBcqIwRrlZy8hXDCXOatYsSXGQ7-c6yk5-bnEPO0uhdqImErb-XR46tBCaDz4cUnU3iKRiW4pis0axOfxqBququ5EPMw/s200/Apron.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546528277400574082" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">How to enter:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Post a thoughtful comment</b> on the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010</span></b> posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). <b>Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing.</b> Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow us on Twitter:</b> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">@LDSWBR</span></b> - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">C</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">ountdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Tweet this message each day</b> (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): <b>LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr</b></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow LDSWBR on Facebook</b>, then <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">send an email</span></b> to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog</b> in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.</li></ul><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Here are the rules:</span></div></b><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010</b>. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on January 3, 2010 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.</li></ul><ul><li>LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li>The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div></div></div></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-81004911284330364372010-12-17T17:16:00.006-07:002010-12-17T17:32:32.871-07:00Mayan Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke - Countdown to Christmas 2010<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJeGLeDexWi0sjuX6yY5bibb28nbqkuWyrO2DijMnqxjBFhyrOKgqrsTZaEx3kE6reKP9aOAvQlktdX-nGMEY5FXOuWmbzH5N9DX_KegSO9x7kaT9Fh55jdJ6aeNiYriK4OYPCz9kcPk/s1600/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJeGLeDexWi0sjuX6yY5bibb28nbqkuWyrO2DijMnqxjBFhyrOKgqrsTZaEx3kE6reKP9aOAvQlktdX-nGMEY5FXOuWmbzH5N9DX_KegSO9x7kaT9Fh55jdJ6aeNiYriK4OYPCz9kcPk/s200/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551812299068528402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b>8 days until Christmas!</b></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht98l2vq4DuUcSza-2v2b2BX4jfwf3ndVJvPWvOeLo980OADsvjJd-Jz1eeCLZJLDlypLIOrjWF5WrDRw1WwftjWLSTUVB8VkK9IC65Ojt8byPYDIzoK4wr3Pn9iaUkicNkFqgN75ftps/s200/Lindaweb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551812158758949538" />Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching a “Family Legacy Workshop,” encouraging people to write their family history and autobiography. She is the author of the historical romance series, “A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho,” which includes: <i>Melinda and the Wild West</i> - a semi-finalist for the “Reviewers Choice Award 2007,” and a new mystery series, “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”<div><br /></div><div>Visit with Linda on her <b><a href="http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/">website</a></b>, <b><a href="http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com/">blog</a></b>, on <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1536523880">Facebook</a></b> and Twitter <b><a href="http://twitter.com/LindaWClarke">@LindaWClarke</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR</b>: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>LINDA</b>: Old Testament, because my husband and I were asked to teach the Gospel Doctrine class for this year and I really didn't know that much about the Old Testament. I knew the stories but not scriptural references. I have learned a lot.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>LINDA</b>: I am giving my daughter two books: 1. Kathy Oram Peterson's <i>The Stone Traveler</i> 2. The last book in the <i>Tennis Shoes</i> series.</span><br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">LDSWBR:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"> If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?</span><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">LINDA:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> Walking around the temple and seeing all the beautiful lights and nativity.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> Do you prefer eggnog or warm apple cider?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>LINDA:</b> Warm apple cider!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> Linda, thank you so much. Merry Christmas!</span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b><i>Mayan Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans</i> by Linda Weaver Clarke (American Book Publishing; August 2010) is available for purchase at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mayan-Intrigue-Adventures-Julia-Evans/dp/1589826167/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1292631297&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/LindaWeaverClarke10.shtml">Publisher Direct</a>.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9Wp86nIeAFHEPyPu3p3TFPz7hS_phR5xt_DRHTqtrLESI3xiOwkupETOXdFmQ4ogQfCJQaZW4LWTku-fFjDqtvq6Lj3qpH29D5h1NHBKmwe0g9bx1Y45P0vJpzEattW6iIlDAYQDAlc/s320/MayanWeb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551809958160071810" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Have you ever read the Old Testament all the way through? Do you have any favorite stories or scriptures in the Old Testament?</span></span></b></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***</span></span></div></b><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">$50 Amazon Gift Card</span></span>, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Book prizes generously donated by the authors:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Oh, Say Can You See?</i> by Laurie (LC) Lewis</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Backlash</i> by Traci Hunter Abramson</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Alma the Younger</i> by Heather (HB) Moore</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>True Miracles with Genealogy</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Dingo</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Second Kiss<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> by Natalie Palmer</span></span></i></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cross My Heart</i> by Julie Wright</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cold As Ice</i> by Stephanie Black</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Meg's Melody </i>by Kaylee Baldwin</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Save the Child</i> by Margaret Turley</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Anasazi Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Mayan Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>The Star Prophecy</i> by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); ">A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrjQ7vKix88cq3-S8lx32pNjC2VP-7K_LKg5hjG3sBSmXxKAmBcqIwRrlZy8hXDCXOatYsSXGQ7-c6yk5-bnEPO0uhdqImErb-XR46tBCaDz4cUnU3iKRiW4pis0axOfxqBququ5EPMw/s200/Apron.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546528277400574082" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">How to enter:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Post a thoughtful comment</b> on the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010</span></b> posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). <b>Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing.</b> Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow us on Twitter:</b> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">@LDSWBR</span></b> - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">C</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">ountdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Tweet this message each day</b> (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): <b>LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr</b></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow LDSWBR on Facebook</b>, then <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">send an email</span></b> to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog</b> in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.</li></ul><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Here are the rules:</span></div></b><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010</b>. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on January 3, 2010 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.</li></ul><ul><li>LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li>The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div></div></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-15170107461978522012010-12-16T17:25:00.006-07:002010-12-16T22:58:01.987-07:00The Limit by Kristen Landon - Countdown to Christmas 2010<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ7R5tVgGE9lk-LuIXKsdjsRuV5v2NDCbcknOS1pEs6e_gNLQ-gFhe9IFX-jfhFb9Y7PppPETZMFiiSG5yksPRZPPUNHM3s5ISlDvweh64d1pot-dGlBJukksb-VH2HHYOXpY4yEc2-c/s1600/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ7R5tVgGE9lk-LuIXKsdjsRuV5v2NDCbcknOS1pEs6e_gNLQ-gFhe9IFX-jfhFb9Y7PppPETZMFiiSG5yksPRZPPUNHM3s5ISlDvweh64d1pot-dGlBJukksb-VH2HHYOXpY4yEc2-c/s200/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551443565643520578" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">9 days until Christmas!</span></b></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FXKYuQ0eiWx1c9NWLSZQyJtkFO5-v2cVLvgINVbWDOUVu7RVl41OBFkUswkXj8rYkYS6pM7LZYpwTUbB-LiY0eDYsoYppchemGEhwAPdv28tchG31t4ODtYu8Xm77SI5dLP9us5wsDk/s200/044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551443479275502466" />Kristen Landon writes exciting and intriguing books for children and young adults from her home in Highland, Utah, surrounded by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. She enjoys hiking, kayaking and picnicking in nearby mountain canyons with her husband and four children. She can often be found reading—or writing—a good book.<br /><br />Visit Kristen on her <b><a href="http://www.kristenlandon.com/">website</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.kristenlandon.com/about/">blog</a></b>, and on <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristen-Landon/44925881848">Facebook</a></b>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> What author/book had the most impact on you this year?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>KRISTEN</b>: <i>Uprising</i> by Margaret Peterson Haddix. I love this author--and not just because she gave me a great blurb for <i>The Limit</i>. I'm usually more of a mystery/suspense/dystopian/romance reader, but this historical fiction book won me over with the story of three girls who were involved in the Triangle shirtwaist factory fire.<br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>KRISTEN:</b> <i>Matched</i> by Ally Condie--My fourteen year old niece is going to love it.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">My twelve year old son is getting one of the <i>Mysterious Benedict Society</i> books, he just recently became addicted to this series.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">My nephew is getting <i>Snowmen at Night</i> by Caralyn and Mark Buehner--this is such a great picture book</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>KRISTEN</b>: Our extended family Christmas Pagent. It's an original musical production performed by the cousins with such songs as 'The Shepherd Dance' and 'The Wiseman Rap'. It gets bigger and better each year. An addition this year is something from the Book of Mormon. My son says he's cast as Nephi, but he's not sure which one. It could be 1st Nephi or 3rd Nephi as best as we can guess. We'll find out on Christmas Eve when Zach, our director/choreographer/composer, will let him know!</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR</b>: And one more just for fun- eggnog or warm apple cider?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>KRISTEN:</b> Eggnog--no question. But I buy the light variety to try to save a few calories.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> Thank you, Kristen. Merry Christmas!</span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>The Limit</i> by Kristen Landon (Aladdin; Sept 2010) is available for purchase in most major bookstores and online at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Limit-Kristen-Landon/dp/1442402717/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292388644&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Limit/Kristen-Landon/e/9781442402713/?itm=2&USRI=the+limit">Barnes & Noble</a>, and <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1442402717">Borders</a>.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhRJwOiFVl_nwLnvh58ahHatVPNxzLnW28NHozL9fjqHloUC38DIgnBSTgV6eE6EpJjjuLELvHdTrlYH9ioRnjiJuyI6wqrnu4I5KcMmKno03PWS-gkRIEa4pcw4l1ymNBYr4ezYU40s/s320/TheLimit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551441875397457874" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">What Christmas pageants or productions are you and/or your family ever been involved in? Have you attend any Christmas pageants or theater productions?</span></span></b></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***</span></span></div></b><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">$50 Amazon Gift Card</span></span>, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Book prizes generously donated by the authors:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Oh, Say Can You See?</i> by Laurie (LC) Lewis</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Backlash</i> by Traci Hunter Abramson</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Alma the Younger</i> by Heather (HB) Moore</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>True Miracles with Genealogy</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Dingo</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Second Kiss<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> by Natalie Palmer</span></span></i></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cross My Heart</i> by Julie Wright</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cold As Ice</i> by Stephanie Black</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Meg's Melody </i>by Kaylee Baldwin</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Save the Child</i> by Margaret Turley</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Anasazi Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Mayan Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>The Star Prophecy</i> by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); ">A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrjQ7vKix88cq3-S8lx32pNjC2VP-7K_LKg5hjG3sBSmXxKAmBcqIwRrlZy8hXDCXOatYsSXGQ7-c6yk5-bnEPO0uhdqImErb-XR46tBCaDz4cUnU3iKRiW4pis0axOfxqBququ5EPMw/s200/Apron.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546528277400574082" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">How to enter:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Post a thoughtful comment</b> on the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010</span></b> posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). <b>Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing.</b> Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow us on Twitter:</b> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">@LDSWBR</span></b> - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">C</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">ountdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Tweet this message each day</b> (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): <b>LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr</b></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow LDSWBR on Facebook</b>, then <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">send an email</span></b> to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog</b> in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.</li></ul><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Here are the rules:</span></div></b><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010</b>. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on January 3, 2010 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.</li></ul><ul><li>LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li>The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div></div></div></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-4185334525781173272010-12-15T15:38:00.000-07:002010-12-15T17:38:18.627-07:00True Miracles With Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw - Countdown to Christmas 2010<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI5I5X9A3scsZOkrbBDMuMCHfPmPQ1ndig_t2UIMHAEoRI2tqaWSlK2hi4AqaICRCmKXpgLVrUI1Ba6vC2U_sGo4WBKh-eHpKuMKVvzkZzCvi9XVhlXbdZBjEgupAY6xNZWTCMhmsVxk/s1600/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI5I5X9A3scsZOkrbBDMuMCHfPmPQ1ndig_t2UIMHAEoRI2tqaWSlK2hi4AqaICRCmKXpgLVrUI1Ba6vC2U_sGo4WBKh-eHpKuMKVvzkZzCvi9XVhlXbdZBjEgupAY6xNZWTCMhmsVxk/s200/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551069336573957090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b>10 days until Christmas!</b></span></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrwr_Z028CE8NA1Yrb26tZmANKVTsENTC8PHtqggbi_U-BVaTwxCepljl7ztKzJuW9P80TRVM6DRX03zWZR_59UEO8g0FZwBYx2nNbZ3kuJ83vKpnPZhW3tJStbiIls7PcuXzQYdFfcY/s200/Anne+Bradshaw++25+KB+NEW.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551069243991459714" />Although born in Wales, Anne Bradshaw grew up in England and now lives in the USA. When not glued to the chair typing, she is reading, walking, pottering in the garden, or enjoying photography. She happy-danced when a feature screenplay (<i>The Ardanea Pendant</i>) she co-authored won first place (fantasy/sci-fi genre) in a recent International Family Film Festival. <i>True Miracles with Genealogy</i> is Anne's sixth published book. It is also available as an eBook for all electronic readers. <i>DINGO</i>, Anne's new teen mystery/suspense is currently selling as an eBook. The print version of <i>DINGO</i> is available at Amazon.com, and in stores such as Barnes & Noble, and Borders.<br /><br />You can visit Anne on her <b><a href="http://www.annebradshaw.com/">website</a></b>, <a href="http://annebradshaw.blogspot.com/"><b>blog</b></a>, on <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/anne.bradshaw">Facebook</a></b> and Twitter <b><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/AnneBradshaw">@AnneBradshaw</a></b>.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> What author/book had the most impact on you this year?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>ANNE:</b> I've read many superb books this year, but the one that stands out in my mind above the others is <i>The Road Show</i> by a new author, Braden Bell. It's such an honest, refreshing, and tender portrayal of the way so many of us live, that I came away feeling as though the characters were my friends who had taught me well.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">ANNE: I'm asking for the series by Chris Stewart titled <i>The Great and the Terrible</i>. I've heard excellent comments about these books.<br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>ANNE:</b> Sitting around a real fire with my family, reading the story in the Bible that tells of the Savior's birth.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> Eggnog or warm apple cider?<br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>ANNE</b>: Warm apple cider spiced with cinnamon!</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> Thank you, Anne. Have a wonderful Christmas!</span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>True Miracles With Genealogy</i> by Anne Bradshaw is available in many LDS bookstores and from Amazon in <a href="http://amzn.to/9IenR5">paperback</a>, <a href="http://amzn.to/cqZX9P">ebook/Kindle</a>, and <a href="https://www.createspace.com/3477323">CreateSpace</a>. Also available from Barnes & Noble in <a href="http://bit.ly/cGCyAu">paperback</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/91Uii4">ebook/Nook</a>. European readers can go to UK Amazon for the <a href="http://amzn.to/aggUe4">paperback</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/dz78gc">ebook</a> editions. Watch the trailer for <i>True Miracles With Genealogy</i> <a href="http://bit.ly/alAT30">here</a>.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmMzasJBJaqY__ls_hTema8tntSu4L_IGwY7xxG-gbyzNbL0iW03Fq6Lg2g2Q407Hpj-hbulhz88BlbZfe0FsqpUxeAtriMZq8tv7fW7cTE_7fxBVqPBMqXdXvRSayhPlhMA8MPfknQQ/s320/TMWG+small+for+websites_A.Bradshaw.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551066379867696978" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Dingo</i> by Anne Bradshaw is available at Amazon in <a href="http://amzn.to/dmOYyL">paperback</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/9v2Z2e">ebook/Kindle</a>. Also available at Barnes & Noble in <a href="http://bit.ly/hCBXEt">paperback</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/9krwQs">ebook/Nook</a>. Watch the trailer for <i>Dingo</i> <a href="http://bit.ly/cUoFhQ">here</a>.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 189px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4EeVQ9y5r92Uvb4szEXceOz6T6v4DAXnldY5qzM9wRNCnVQP12hDYbJGeTdyph4czNj1uYde64VDXOiql4VXSEKoT7kfrkYhNcDls8lqaKn_f5vYOzvwlj8y2WaLIN2yhPgvDD2I4IQ/s320/DINGO+COVER+72+dpi+SMALLER.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551060108522545778" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Do you have an indoor fireplace? If so, is it a gas or wood-burning fireplace? Do you use it often during the winter?</span></b></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***</span></span></div></b><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">$50 Amazon Gift Card</span></span>, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Book prizes generously donated by the authors:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Oh, Say Can You See?</i> by Laurie (LC) Lewis</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Backlash</i> by Traci Hunter Abramson</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Alma the Younger</i> by Heather (HB) Moore</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>True Miracles with Genealogy</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Dingo</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Second Kiss<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> by Natalie Palmer</span></span></i></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cross My Heart</i> by Julie Wright</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cold As Ice</i> by Stephanie Black</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Meg's Melody </i>by Kaylee Baldwin</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Save the Child</i> by Margaret Turley</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Anasazi Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Mayan Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>The Star Prophecy</i> by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); ">A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrjQ7vKix88cq3-S8lx32pNjC2VP-7K_LKg5hjG3sBSmXxKAmBcqIwRrlZy8hXDCXOatYsSXGQ7-c6yk5-bnEPO0uhdqImErb-XR46tBCaDz4cUnU3iKRiW4pis0axOfxqBququ5EPMw/s200/Apron.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546528277400574082" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">How to enter:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Post a thoughtful comment</b> on the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010</span></b> posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). <b>Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing.</b> Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow us on Twitter:</b> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">@LDSWBR</span></b> - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">C</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">ountdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Tweet this message each day</b> (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): <b>LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr</b></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow LDSWBR on Facebook</b>, then <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">send an email</span></b> to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog</b> in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.</li></ul><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Here are the rules:</span></div></b><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010</b>. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on January 3, 2010 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.</li></ul><ul><li>LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li>The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div></div></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-62287911197881228852010-12-14T15:43:00.008-07:002010-12-14T16:47:10.548-07:00Growing Up Gracie by Maggie Fechner - Countdown to Christmas 2010<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYt2PNoUCNili-xgjehIFsMX4zS0mw4VgunYLYreBQgNpnpAlq0GCYe0zLWUHou8Muuk83Z_9ZQX3oYYpWXODFQWeyGqauT9PwvQ3sdYrRAJNaAzg5HHuK1cZtPC2MGa_FF7Qb3CCYO94/s1600/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYt2PNoUCNili-xgjehIFsMX4zS0mw4VgunYLYreBQgNpnpAlq0GCYe0zLWUHou8Muuk83Z_9ZQX3oYYpWXODFQWeyGqauT9PwvQ3sdYrRAJNaAzg5HHuK1cZtPC2MGa_FF7Qb3CCYO94/s200/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550677558881838674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">11 days until Christmas!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MtgLXj0s0grampQz-U7MUTTh9tZoEQeawrR8dyJG3njCKnOQJ40PiDptCorhX9WJ269Awz97TQ7WZeNX1WPCZHpPQf1qD5EuwiLxJXTQkgdDgNV5OZg0xFMFAdxmlJ8T6-uezW-Z3gY/s200/IMG_1721.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550677393757290450" /><div>Maggie Fechner was born and raised in Wyoming. She wrote her first book in First Grade for the Young Author’s program. Maggie received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has worked as a reporter for several newspapers. Maggie, her husband, and their four children make their home in Washington State. She enjoys writing and portrait photography.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Visit Maggie on her <b>website & blog</b>: <a href="http://maggiefechner.blogspot.com/">Mommy's Always Write</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> What author/book had the most impact on you this year?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>MAGGIE</b>: Definitely <i>Alicia</i> by Alicia Appleman-Jurman. It is the story of a young girl in Leningrad. It was beautiful and sad and filled with hope at the same time. It is not a new book, but I highly recommend it!</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR</b>: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>MAGGIE:</b> I will be buying lots of children's books for Christmas. This is my favorite gift! Some books I am asking for are the <i>Rhea Jensen</i> series by Sheralyn Pratt, <i>Divinely Designed</i> by Rachael Renee Anderson, and <i>Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet</i>.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>MAGGIE</b>: Going on a real sleigh ride pulled by horses with my entire family.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR</b>: And one more just for fun- eggnog or warm apple cider?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>MAGGIE</b>: Yuck to both! Hot chocolate for sure!</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR</b>: Good answer. :) Thank you very much, Maggie!</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Growing up Gracie</i> by Maggie Fechner (Bonneville; Nov 2010) is available for purchase from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Gracie-Maggie-Fechner/dp/1599554534">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=Maggie+Fechner">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?defaultSearchView=List&LogData=[search%3A+10%2Cparse%3A+16]&type=1&searchData=%7BproductId%3Anull%2Csku%3Anull%2Ctype%3A1%2Csort%3Anull%2CcurrPage%3A1%2CresultsPerPage%3A25%2CsimpleSearch%3Afalse%2Cnavigation%3A5185%2CmoreValue%3Anull%2CcoverView%3Afalse%2Curl%3Arpp%3D25%26view%3D2%26type%3D1%26contrib%3DMaggie%2BFechner%26page%3D1%26kids%3Dfalse%26nav%3D5185%26simple%3Dfalse%2Cterms%3A%7Bcontrib%3DMaggie+Fechner%7D%7D&storeId=13551&contrib=Maggie+Fechner&catalogId=10001&sku=1599554534&ddkey=http:SearchResults">Borders</a>, <a href="http://cedarfort.com/#%7Bselector%3A%22.ldsba-body%22%2Cmodule%3A%22/ldsba/productDetail.module%22%2Cparameters%3A%7Bproduct%3A%2220069107%22%7D%7D">Cedar Fort</a> and <a href="http://deseretbook.com/Growing-Gracie-Maggie-Fechner/i/5057844">Deseret Book</a>.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRMNVyGBA4i9a8OteXezcRqfG-6DZFXm6ETGjsRTZbjCXZsRQLCYAEPFD7Lix6CvoBYdNlF_FQi8k0vah8muotbLH4b9w6cRfvM0J36huet5rFCmd7km2-kUa_VTWNj1ExBGXG-VOu1E/s320/jpeg+cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550673262606685986" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Have you ever been on a real sleigh pulled by horses in the snow? If not, what's the closest you've been to it?</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***</span></span></div></b><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">$50 Amazon Gift Card</span></span>, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Book prizes generously donated by the authors:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Oh, Say Can You See?</i> by Laurie (LC) Lewis</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Backlash</i> by Traci Hunter Abramson</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Alma the Younger</i> by Heather (HB) Moore</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>True Miracles with Genealogy</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Dingo</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Second Kiss<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> by Natalie Palmer</span></span></i></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cross My Heart</i> by Julie Wright</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cold As Ice</i> by Stephanie Black</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Meg's Melody </i>by Kaylee Baldwin</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Save the Child</i> by Margaret Turley</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Anasazi Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Mayan Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>The Star Prophecy</i> by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); ">A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrjQ7vKix88cq3-S8lx32pNjC2VP-7K_LKg5hjG3sBSmXxKAmBcqIwRrlZy8hXDCXOatYsSXGQ7-c6yk5-bnEPO0uhdqImErb-XR46tBCaDz4cUnU3iKRiW4pis0axOfxqBququ5EPMw/s200/Apron.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546528277400574082" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">How to enter:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Post a thoughtful comment</b> on the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010</span></b> posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). <b>Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing.</b> Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow us on Twitter:</b> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">@LDSWBR</span></b> - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">C</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">ountdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Tweet this message each day</b> (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): <b>LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr</b></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow LDSWBR on Facebook</b>, then <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">send an email</span></b> to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog</b> in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.</li></ul><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Here are the rules:</span></div></b><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010</b>. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on January 3, 2010 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.</li></ul><ul><li>LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li>The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div></div></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532413741323163974.post-59882511835610035022010-12-13T16:02:00.006-07:002010-12-14T16:48:31.325-07:00Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black - Countdown to Christmas 2010<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6vRCWc3GZD3sJ_WR6SxekTgPo4VWBj6bdiPlKSmuBVMY8MsxjWJfDmtru_-sUaEWsTuhtyJKot2XBtwhTAoEpa7BRBLvjY-byvc_zQySjJ2wCgz9Eb552cVDx-Mf-VK8nhaSmuAc0Z8/s1600/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6vRCWc3GZD3sJ_WR6SxekTgPo4VWBj6bdiPlKSmuBVMY8MsxjWJfDmtru_-sUaEWsTuhtyJKot2XBtwhTAoEpa7BRBLvjY-byvc_zQySjJ2wCgz9Eb552cVDx-Mf-VK8nhaSmuAc0Z8/s200/Countdown+to+Christmas+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550309369153709394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">12 days until Christmas!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-50tem3WPDCA89t9d8AXsP5fxB8GqO_P1VCjsZtr2F5z-gWDrhVqWJ1XQ6gFmRU8UcD6Auzo8Wfgkr2vWoAikLAivugu6_WnagOuCWTKqXTpqNSj8oL8JwKDw9fpNpAWX2rNlnFsfkAQ/s200/Stephanie+picture.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550309267230503058" />Stephanie Black has loved books since she was old enough to grab the pages and has enjoyed creating make believe adventures since she and her sisters were inventing long Barbie games filled with intrigue and danger. She was born in Utah and has lived in various places, including Arizon, Massachusetts, Ireland, and northern California. She enjoys spending time with her family, occasionally plays the violin, and enjoys chocolate and cheesecake.<div><br /></div><div>Stephanie is the author of four novels. Her most recent book, <i>Cold As Ice</i>, was released in August 2010.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can visit Stephanie on her <b><a href="http://www.stephanieblack.net/Site/Welcome.html">website</a></b>, the<a href="http://sixldswriters.blogspot.com/"> Six LDS Writers blog</a>, and on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/StephanieMBlack"><b>@StephanieMBlack</b></a>.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> What author/book had the most impact on you this year?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>STEPHANIE:</b> <i>The Help</i>, by Kathryn Stockett, was an amazing, gripping, and eye-opening book.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR: </b>What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">STEPHANIE: My daughter has requested books by Brandon Sanderson, so we'll likely see a couple of his books on Christmas morning. My other daughter requested Connie Willis's hilarious time-travel-meets-Victorian-England novel <i>To Say Nothing of the Dog</i>, which is one of my very favorite books. I had Josi Kilpack's <i>Key Lime Pie</i> on my wish list, but ended up buying it for myself before Christmas :) I'd like Annette Lyon's <i>Chocolate Never Faileth</i> cookbook. And my son requested three volumes of the <i>Diary of a Wimpy Kid</i> series (he already has two of them).</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR: </b>If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>STEPHANIE:</b> I love our family Christmas Eve traditions, where we enjoy a dinner of seafood chowder, crackers, and cheese. We pull Christmas crackers (the ones that have a little prize and a crown inside). After dinner, we have a Christmas Eve program--this year, I've heard rumors of a Christmas Eve talent show. My husband always reads some poems, including Eugene Field's "Jest 'Fore Christmas" and Ogden Nash's "The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus." When we're done with the program, it's time for the kids to hang their stockings. I love Christmas Eve with the family--it's so fun in its own right, but also so exciting because Christmas morning is yet to come!</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR: </b>So, Stephanie, are you an eggnog or warm apple cider girl?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>STEPHANIE: </b>Warm apple cider, definitely!</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>LDSWBR:</b> Thank you, Stephanie. Merry Christmas!</span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Cold As Ice </i>by Stephanie Black (Covenant Communications; Aug 2010) is available for purchase from <a href="http://deseretbook.com/Cold-Ice-Stephanie-Black/i/5050330">Deseret Book</a>, <a href="http://www.seagullbook.com/lds-products-618168.html">Seagull Book</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cold-as-Ice-Stephanie-Black/dp/1608610136/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1292007748&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SiGmrHEhYMTtXTKhPaK0Os9JK_dCuZNojjbqWQLFJN0KHAWHkc8d173b98GUZeez5gEPzPM9wwWhJ73fbesfZ_30U87Ax4p_U8TmybsWhVyewyZHHujb2-xIBwt0hd04APkSpFqKGak/s320/Cold+as+Ice+web.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550307011886697074" /><br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Does your family host a formal holiday talent show? If not a formal "show," what talents do you and your family share during the holidays?</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***</span></span></div></b><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">$50 Amazon Gift Card</span></span>, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Book prizes generously donated by the authors:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Oh, Say Can You See?</i> by Laurie (LC) Lewis</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Backlash</i> by Traci Hunter Abramson</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Alma the Younger</i> by Heather (HB) Moore</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>True Miracles with Genealogy</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Dingo</i> by Anne Bradshaw</span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Second Kiss<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> by Natalie Palmer</span></span></i></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cross My Heart</i> by Julie Wright</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>Cold As Ice</i> by Stephanie Black</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Meg's Melody </i>by Kaylee Baldwin</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Save the Child</i> by Margaret Turley</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Anasazi Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><i>Mayan Intrigue</i> (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); "><i>The Star Prophecy</i> by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); ">A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrjQ7vKix88cq3-S8lx32pNjC2VP-7K_LKg5hjG3sBSmXxKAmBcqIwRrlZy8hXDCXOatYsSXGQ7-c6yk5-bnEPO0uhdqImErb-XR46tBCaDz4cUnU3iKRiW4pis0axOfxqBququ5EPMw/s200/Apron.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546528277400574082" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">How to enter:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Post a thoughtful comment</b> on the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010</span></b> posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). <b>Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing.</b> Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow us on Twitter:</b> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">@LDSWBR</span></b> - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">C</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">ountdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Tweet this message each day</b> (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): <b>LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr</b></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow LDSWBR on Facebook</b>, then <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">send an email</span></b> to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest</span></b>. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog</b> in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.</li></ul><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Here are the rules:</span></div></b><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010</b>. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on January 3, 2010 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.</li></ul><ul><li>LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.</li></ul><ul><li>The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div></div></div></div></div>Shandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11181999787690113012noreply@blogger.com6