LDS Women's Book Review

We've moved! And those blog posts weighed a ton...

2011-01-24T02:45:00.003-07:00

In honor of LDSWBR's five year anniversary, we spent the weekend moving our blogger posts over to the podcast blog 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!)

Since it was Bloggiesta 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.

By the way, if you subscribe to LDSWBR through blogger, please update your reader feed to: http://feeds.feedburner.com/LDSWomensBookReview

If you get the LDSWBR posts in email, please visit www.ldswbr.com and re-subscribe so you won't miss a thing.

Come visit the new place, tell us what you think, and let's talk books!

Happy reading!

Bloggiesta time!

2011-01-21T11:14:00.006-07:00

From Maw Books, host of Bloggiesta: 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!

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.

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.

I'll be tracking the time I spent on the changes and challenges on this post. Check back later to see how I did.

If you have any suggestions (or encouragement) for me, please comment below. Any and all feedback is welcome! Just be polite. :)

If your blog has been in need of some tidying, or maybe even an extreme makeover, visit Maw Books to sign up for the Bloggiesta.

The Peasant Queen - Cheri Chesley

2011-01-20T14:20:00.004-07:00

"The Peasant Queen"

Author: Cheri Chesley

Publisher: Bonneville Books

Published: 2010

ISBN: 978-1-59955-416-7

FYC FYI- I received a free copy, which did not effect my review

"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."

Krystal stood motionless. "I will not."

"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)

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?

What I liked most about the book is Krystal herself. She is a very strong girl who is smart and knows what she wants.

4 out of 5 stars. I would read this book again, and recommend it to those who would love a great adventure story.

Read more about the author here. Also read about sequels to "The Peasant Queen."

Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey - Blog Tour

2011-01-18T12:40:00.006-07:00

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.

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.

A romance, written by a man? Needless to say, I was very curious.

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.

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.

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.

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 pani popo and malasadas at the end of the book, though I'll pass on the opihi.

I was delighted to find some pictures over on Don's website 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 Bumpy Landings, put together by Don:

2 great romances & 6 reasons why you should read them- Courting Miss Lancaster & Cross My Heart

2011-01-17T13:52:00.012-07:00

If you usually shy away from romance, give me a few minutes to change your mind. Or at least tell you why you should give these two books a chance.

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.

If that's not incentive enough for you, let me give you six more reasons to read Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden and Cross My Heart by Julie Wright.

1) The Authors

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?)

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.

2) The Setting

Courting Miss Lancaster 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.

The majority of Cross My Heart 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.

3) The Heroes

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.

4) The Humor

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 Courting Miss Lancaster:

"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."

As for Julie, this girl is a blast to hang with. I have pictorial proof right here. She keeps the balance between serious and funny in Cross My Heart, and in some cases with Jillian's mother, shock and laughter. I enjoyed the banter between Jillian and the main love interest.

5) The Heriones

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.

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.

6) The Romance

What is a romance without chemistry? Not a romance. However, there can be too much of a good thing. Not so in Courting Miss Lancaster or Cross My Heart.

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.

Julie effectively and consistently sprinkles the chemistry-filled moments throughout Cross My Heart. 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.

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.

Bro. Jo's Guide to Relationships for Single Young Adults

2011-01-14T11:03:00.006-07:00

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 "Young" Single Adult, but there are still some great dating ideas for older people.

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.

So go ahead and check out these two great books by Bro. Jo.

Bro. Jo takes the guesswork out of relationships!

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

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!

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.

Here's what readers say about Bro Jo's advice:

"It just seems like Bro Jo knows stuff"

"Where was this guy when I was younger?"

"Hilarious! It would be even funnier if it weren't so gosh darn true."

"I really like your advice site and that you are brutally honest, down-to-earth, realistic, but spiritual too."

"What you just did ... hit me like a rock in the face. Thank you."

"I love what you do!"

Bro Jo helps make dating fun!

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!

Bro Jo gives helpful advice about lots of things, including:

How to get the attention of that guy or girl

Asking someone on a date

Getting someone to ask you on a date

Why the guy should plan, pick up, and pay

Kissing, hugging, and holding hands

Why we casual group date in the first place

You'll also find affordable date ideas, advice on how to keep the conversation going, and much more!

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!

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.

http://dearbrojo.blogspot.com/

Growing Up Gracie - Maggie Fechner

2011-01-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

"Growing up Gracie"

Maggie Fechner

Publisher: Bonneville Books

Published: 2010

ISBN: 978-1-59955-453-2

FTC FYI: borrowed from the library

"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.

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.

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.

Four stars of out five.

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin - Blog Tour

2011-01-10T11:45:00.006-07:00

Welcome!

I am so excited to be the one to kick off the blog tour for Meg's Melody! 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 here.

Kaylee is also giving away a copy of Meg's Melody 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 Meg's Melody is worth the effort to win!

About Kaylee

Kaylee Baldwin grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English literature.

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.

For more about Kaylee visit her website/blog.

About Meg's Melody

From the back cover:

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.   

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’m pregnant,” she said into the quiet.  

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.   

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.

My Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meg's Melody is available for purchase from Deseret Book and Amazon.

My rating: 4/5 stars

Would I-

read it again? Yes

recommend it? Yes, especially to LDS women who enjoy romance

read more by the author? Definitely. I'm looking forward to it!

Heads Up

Language: none

Violence: none

Drug/alcohol use: none

Inappropriate sexual situations: none

Don't forget to comment on each day's blog tour post to be entered into the drawing for a copy of Meg's Melody! Here's the schedule:

January 10th
Shanda at LDSWBR

January 11th
Tristi Pinkston

January 12th
Jolene Perry

January 13th
Shaunna Gonzales

January 15th
Taffy Lowell

January 17th
Heather at Fire and Ice

January 18th
Marsha Ward

January 19th
Alison Palmer

January 20th

I am a Reader Not a Writer

January 21st

Rebecca Talley

Pillage - Obert Skye

2011-01-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

"Pillage"

Author: Obert Skye

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: 2008

Hardcover: 312 pages

FTC- I purchased my own copy

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...

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.

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.

4 out of 5 stars.

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 here.

My first read for 2011 will be... oh, and winners!

2011-01-05T13:35:00.007-07:00

My first read for 2011 will be...

Courting Miss Lancaster!

Now that you've seen the five books 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!

However, Courting Miss Lancaster 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!

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!

Okay, the winners of the amazingly handy stretchy bookmarks that stay in place and don't fall out are (we'll pretend my shaking the can of folded papers is a drumroll):

Leslie Mackey

Natalie Palmer

Kimberly

Congratulations! Email me at ldswbr(at)gmail(dot)com with your addresses and I'll get you set up with your new bookmarks.

Didn't win this time but still want a bookmark? Keep watching the blog because we're celebrating FIVE YEARS of LDS Women's Book Review all month long. And since I'm so in love with these bookmarks I'm looking for opportunities to give them away.

Thanks, everyone! Keep checking back for more chances to win. :)

What should I read next? (And a super easy contest!)

2011-01-03T19:39:00.007-07:00

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.

So I'm letting all of you decide what my first read in 2011 will be from the choices below.

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. :)

(Only one vote/comment per person counts. Hurry! Contest closes Wednesday at 12:00 noon MST.)

THE PRIZE

(Inspired by whimsy-girl.blogspot.com)

An awesome elastic bookmark!

(See the little heart charms? Cute, huh?)

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.

Pretty neat, huh?

So tell me, from the list below, what do YOU think I should read next?

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

The Legend of Shannonderry by Carole Warburton

Winning Mr. Wrong by Marie Higgins

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?

Don't forget to voice your choice in the comments!

Sheila's Top 10 or 20 List for 2010

2010-12-31T00:25:00.012-07:00

After I was asked to make a top ten list of my favorite reads of 2010

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

is your favorite child or friend.

I also have a hard time with only picking 10 so I picked my top 12 and

Then continued with books that I would include in my top 20. I know, I am shamelessly changing the rules here.

These are my picks in no particular order.

1.The Healing Spell by Kimberley Griffiths Little.

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

that Kimberley writes. I was pulled into the story from

the beginning and didn’t leave the bayou until the last

page. This book has stayed with me the past month since I

read it. I have remembered the colorful details and rich

characters. I borrowed this book from the library, but this

is one book I will be purchasing for my own collection.

2. Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

This book made me laugh so hard, I loved the main

character and how many strange things happened to her.

(Sadly she reminded me of myself and how "things"

just seem to happen to me while around men.)

I loved her weird mother. The best part was the love

triangle, which was more like a square. This is such a

feel good book. I will be reading it again soon.

3. A Time To Die By Jeff Savage

I waited so long for this sequel in the Shandra Covington

series and I was not disappointed at all. I also feel like it

was the best book yet in the series. This was another book

that I picked up and could not put down. I really

loved the ending!I also loved the fact that

Bobby is not left in perilous circumstances

at the end of this book.

4. Seventh Earth By Richard Bradford

This is such an outstanding sci-fi/fantasy book.

If you are a fan of this genre you MUST read it!

Richard is a great writer and I had a hard

time putting the book down. I can’t wait for

the sequel. It has a great storyline and it

is amazing that this is Richard's first book.

He writes like a Pro!

5. I Am Not A Serial Killer and Mr. Monster By Dan Wells

There is something about these books that are

so compelling. You get sucked in and are hooked until the end.

I really love how you are kept guessing until the very end. In a

strange way, you are cheering for John even if he has a very

wacked out mind.

6. Hotel On The Corner of Bitter and Sweet By Jamie Ford

This book won the Whitney Award in the General

Fiction Category of this past year's Whitney Awards.

It is a story that takes place during WW2 in

California. The main character is a young Chinese

boy who befriends a young Japanese girl. It shows

the turmoil of that time. This story stays with you.

This is a good read for book clubs.

7. Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

It seems like everyone has loved this book. It is such a sweet

romance that just makes you sigh. Sarah is one of the best

Regency romance writers today. Sarah's newest book was

recently released. It will definitely be on next years reading

list.

8. Becoming Kate By Dixie Owens

I was right in the middle of six other books when I

received this book. I picked it up to read the first

chapter and never put it down until I was done. This

book is so thought provoking. It deals with the idea

of a brain transplant and if feelings and memories

would survive from the donor. It brings up so many

questions in your own mind.

Dixie does a great job of showing one woman's story and

how resolution comes to this character.

9. Blink of An Eye By Gregg Luke

Gregg Luke's books keep me on the edge. This one

did not disappoint. Even though it was slightly

different from his others, he delved more into

his main character and his past. It has a great

mystery that you search for the answer right

along with the main character. I loved this

one a lot!

10. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society By Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I just reviewed this book on my personal book review blog.

I explained there why it took so long for me to get this

book read. Once I got over the problem I had, I ended up

really liking this book. Other readers have told me they

had the same problem. They now are going to try reading

this again after I shared my secret. Let's

just say you will not be sorry for taking the time to read

this novel.

11. The Sapphire Flute By Karen Hoover

Excellent debut from first time author Karen Hoover. This

fantasy book has everything. The thing that female readers

will love, is that the main characters are female. But, this is

not just a book for females. There is so much action that

males readers will also like this book. This is

the first book in a long series. I have heard bits and pieces

about the next book and I can't wait to read it.

12. Divine Intervention:A Story of Faith and Miracles by Helen and Randy Hall

If you notice, this is the only non-fiction book that made my

top 10 (12) list. This personal account almost reads like a

novel.It leaves you on the edge of your seat. At the same

time, you left with such gratitude for life and the miracles

that can and do happen. I highly suggest that you read this

book. The Hall's story is one that should be read by everyone.

My Honrable Mentions, that are in my top 20 books:

-Band of Sisters by Annette Lyon

-Crossfire By Traci Hunter Abramson

-The Musician's Daughter By Susanne Dunlap

-Gregor and the Overlander 5 book series By Suzanne Collins

-Lucky Change By Susan Law Corpany

-Hometown Girl By Michelle Ashman Bell

-Heroes of the Fallen By David J. West

The book that I was most disappointed in was... 2010

Mockingjay By Suzanne Collins. I just did not like it. I hated the ending

And how Pres. Snow died.(Sadly I had a much more grisly end planned

for him in my mind) I was left feeling so unsatisfied and cheated by this

third book. What happened to Prim just made me hate the ending even more.

I just remember closing the book and shaking my head. I am doing it right now.

**sigh** Hunger Games is on my all time top 10 list, but Mockingjay

wasn’t even close.

After I read my fellow LDSWBR sisters lists, I realized that there were so

many of their favorites I wanted to read but didn't get to. Next year, you will

probably see some of their favorites on my top 10 list.

Mindy's Top Ten of 2010

2010-12-30T08:00:00.007-07:00

This 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!

10. Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Claire

9. Paranormalcy - Kiersten White

8. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer & Ann Barrows

7. Devil's Food Cake - Josi Kilpack

6. Walk Two Moons - Sharon Creech

5. Enchanted, Inc. series - Shanna Swendson

4. Matched - Ally Condie

3. The Help - Kathryn Stockett

2. A Town Like Alice - Noel Shute

Drum role......

1. The Hunger Games series - Suzanne Collins

Some honorable mentions:

The 39 Clues series - Various Authors

The Golden Spiral - Lisa Mangum

My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions - Becca Wilhite

The Necromancer - Michael Scott

Princess of Glass - Jessica Day George

Keys to the Demon Prison - Brandon Mull

Peter and the Star Catcher's series - Dave Barry/Ridley Pearson

Gregor the Overlander Series - Suzanne Collins

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

See this mug? I want it.

2010-12-30T01:12:00.004-07:00

See this mug? Yep, this one.

Right here.

I want it.

Especially because I've been promised it will be filled with chocolate yumminess.

If you want a chance to win it, too, then you'd better head over to Sarah M. Eden's blog and find out how to enter. While you're there, watch the fun new book trailer for Sarah's fun new book.

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.

Of course, if this entry is what wins me that mug, well, that's something else, isn't it?

Hillary's Top Ten List for 2010

2010-12-29T21:28:00.002-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

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!

In no particular order:

In Trying Times, Keep Trying- Merrilee Boyack

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.

My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions- Becca Wilhite

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!

Devil's Food- Josi Kilpack

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!

Blink of an Eye- Gregg Luke

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!

Crossfire- Tracy Hunter Abramson

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.

I am not a Serial Killer- Dan Wells

Terrifyingly fabulous. All we are saying is give Dan a chance. Hum it with me...

Courting Miss Lancaster- Sarah M. Eden

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!

Backlash- Tracy Hunter Abramson

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?

The Hunger Games 1 and 3- Suzanne Collins

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...?

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 :)

Later Gators!

Shanda's Top Ten Reads of 2010

2010-12-28T18:48:00.002-07:00

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.

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:

Devil's Food Cake and Key Lime Pie by Josi Kilpack

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 Lemon Tart) but they are the best brownies I have ever eaten. Make a batch and see if you can eat just one. Betcha can't. :)

Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest by Eric Shuster

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, The Biblical Roots of Mormonism, 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.

I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

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. IANASK 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, Mr. Monster, read before the end of the year.

Murder by the Book by Betsy Brannon Green

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, Murder by Design, which I believe has the best first two lines in any mystery-suspense I've ever read-

"The day started out bad and went downhill from there. By the time we discovered the body, I wasn't even surprised."

Now that's a bad day I've just got to read about.

Women of the Book of Mormon: Insights & Inspirations by Heather B. Moore

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. Women of the Book of Mormon is Heather's first nonfiction book, and comes highly recommended by me to all LDS women.

My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions by Becca Wilhite

I love a good romance, though the genre is often plagued by cheesy cliches. I was thrilled to read My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions- 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...

Blink of an Eye by Gregg Luke

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 Blink of an Eye, 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. :)

The Rhea Jensen Series by Sheralyn Pratt

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.

The Road Show by Braden Bell

The Road Show 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.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

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 Paranormalcy. 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. Paranormalcy, 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!

If you'd like to see what else I read in 2010, visit me on Goodreads. 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.

I can't wait to see what books 2011 will bring!

COUNTDOWN WINNERS!

2010-12-27T23:01:00.004-07:00

Winners! Winners! Winners!

LDSWBR would like to give a huge "Thank You!" 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!

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?

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.

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:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis - Annette Lyon (for her comment on Stephanie Humphreys' post)

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson - Julie (for her comment on Lori Nawyn's post)

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore - Elizabeth Morgan (for her comment on Anne Bradshaw's post)

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw - Hummer (Frances Ellsworth) (one of her five entries for blogging about the Countdown!)

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw - Chantele Sedgwick (for her comment on Sheralyn Pratt's post)

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer - Elizabeth Morgan (for her comment on Tamara Hart Heiner's post)

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright - Judy (for her comment on Anne Bradshaw's post)

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black - Chantele Sedgwick (for her comment on Liz Carlston's post)

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin - Lisa Bennett (one of her five entries for blogging about the Countdown!)

Save the Child by Margaret Turley - Krista Jensen (for following LDSWBR on Twitter!)

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke - Callets (for tweeting about the Countdown on Dec 12)

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke - Judy (for her comment on Joan Soward's post)

City of Angels by Sheralyn Pratt - Chantele Sedgwick (for her comment on Kristen Landon's post)

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards - Linda (aka @ponilinda) (for tweeting about the Countdown on Dec 18)

The beautiful handmade apron from Joan Sowards - Lisa Bennett (one of her five entries for blogging about the Countdown!)

And finally, the winner of the $50 Amazon gift card is.....

Krista Jensen!!!!!!

Congratulations to Krista and all of our Countdown to Christmas winners!

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.

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.

LDSWBR hopes you had a wonderful 2010 and wishes you all the best in 2011!

The Rhea Jensen Series by Sheralyn Pratt - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-20T13:57:00.002-07:00

5 days until Christmas!

(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?)

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.

Really, and you thought your job was bad!

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 ;)

Visit with Sheralyn on her website, blog and on Twitter @SheralynPratt.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

SHERALYN: 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 Infinite Days. 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 Second Comforter 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 Second Comforter and Save the Cat (screenwriting book).

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

SHERALYN: 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 Percy Jackson series, Maximum Ride, Warriors, or some series like that. They're 12 and under, so I'd be focusing on fun, light juvenile adventures.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

SHERALYN: 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.

LDSWBR: And one more just for fun- eggnog or warm apple cider?

SHERALYN: Eggnog. Almost always.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Sheralyn. Merry Christmas!

City of Angels, Welcome to Stalk Lake City, City Limits and Kay'sVille by Sheralyn Pratt (Cedar Fort; 2010) are available for purchase at all major sites/retailers (some in stock, some special order).

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?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

City of Angels by Sheralyn Pratt

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

The Christmas Stone by Liz Carlston - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-19T16:07:00.007-07:00

6 days until Christmas!

I'd like to tell you about a little book I just read. The Christmas Stone by Liz Carlston (author of Surviving Columbine) is a quick read at 88 pages, though Liz manages to pack a lot of story into those pages.

The Christmas Stone 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 The Christmas Stone to Primary Children's Medical Center.

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.

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).

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, Surviving Columbine. Most recently, she has written articles for The Daily Utah Chronicle and New Era Magazine. Liz has been spotlighted in the New York Times bestselling books Columbine by Dave Cullen (p. 38-39, pb) and Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague (p.417-418 , 446, 454, tc) by Brandon

Mull. Liz is from Littleton, Colorado, but has also lived in Oakland and Palo Alto California. She currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.

You can learn more about Liz on her website/blog, on Facebook and Twitter @lcarlston_CSton. View the trailer for The Christmas Stone here.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

LIZ: I really enjoyed the memoir, It’s Good to Be Alive: Observations from a Wheelchair 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. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3HnUfqCBfc)

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

LIZ: Of course I’ve given several copies of The Christmas Stone away as gifts this year (why not right? :) ). The other book I’ve been giving away is The Fourth Gift 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.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Christmas activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

LIZ: 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.

LDSWBR: Do you prefer eggnog or warm apple cider?

LIZ: I’d have to go with the eggnog, but just because I’m a warm apple cider drinker during the rest of the year.

LDSWBR: Liz, thank you so much. Have a Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Stone by Liz Carlston (Cedar Fort; Sept 2010) is available for purchase from Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon, Mardel and Seagull Book.

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?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

Lolly's Yarn by Anna Arnett - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-18T18:07:00.007-07:00

7 days until Christmas!

Lolly's Yarn is Anna Arnett's first novel. You can learn more about Anna on her website & blog: Yarns from "Lolly."

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

ANNA: Other than the scriptures, "most impact' is a tough decision. I think I'll go with Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, 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.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

ANNA: I'm giving Lolly's Yarn, of course. I asked for Main Street by Sinclair Lewis, and/or Catch Twenty-Two or Women Wariors (or is it the other way around?)

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

ANNA: Christmas. But I like all the other ones, too.

LDSWBR: Which do you prefer - eggnog or warm apple cider?

ANNA: Eggnog, if it's made fresh at home.

LDSWBR: Thank you and Merry Christmas, Anna!

Lolly's Yarn by Anna Arnett (Two Dogs Publishing; October 2010) is available for purchase on Anna's website through Amazon.

Are you a Pride and Prejudice 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?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

Mayan Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-17T17:16:00.006-07:00

8 days until Christmas!

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: Melinda and the Wild West - a semi-finalist for the “Reviewers Choice Award 2007,” and a new mystery series, “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”

Visit with Linda on her website, blog, on Facebook and Twitter @LindaWClarke.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

LINDA: 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.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

LINDA: I am giving my daughter two books: 1. Kathy Oram Peterson's The Stone Traveler 2. The last book in the Tennis Shoes series.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

LINDA: Walking around the temple and seeing all the beautiful lights and nativity.

LDSWBR: Do you prefer eggnog or warm apple cider?

LINDA: Warm apple cider!!!

LDSWBR: Linda, thank you so much. Merry Christmas!

Mayan Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans by Linda Weaver Clarke (American Book Publishing; August 2010) is available for purchase at Amazon and Publisher Direct.

Have you ever read the Old Testament all the way through? Do you have any favorite stories or scriptures in the Old Testament?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

The Limit by Kristen Landon - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-16T17:25:00.006-07:00

9 days until Christmas!

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.

Visit Kristen on her website, blog, and on Facebook.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

KRISTEN: Uprising by Margaret Peterson Haddix. I love this author--and not just because she gave me a great blurb for The Limit. 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.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

KRISTEN: Matched by Ally Condie--My fourteen year old niece is going to love it.

My twelve year old son is getting one of the Mysterious Benedict Society books, he just recently became addicted to this series.

My nephew is getting Snowmen at Night by Caralyn and Mark Buehner--this is such a great picture book

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

KRISTEN: 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!

LDSWBR: And one more just for fun- eggnog or warm apple cider?

KRISTEN: Eggnog--no question. But I buy the light variety to try to save a few calories.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Kristen. Merry Christmas!

The Limit by Kristen Landon (Aladdin; Sept 2010) is available for purchase in most major bookstores and online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Borders.

What Christmas pageants or productions are you and/or your family ever been involved in? Have you attend any Christmas pageants or theater productions?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

True Miracles With Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

10 days until Christmas!

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 (The Ardanea Pendant) she co-authored won first place (fantasy/sci-fi genre) in a recent International Family Film Festival. True Miracles with Genealogy is Anne's sixth published book. It is also available as an eBook for all electronic readers. DINGO, Anne's new teen mystery/suspense is currently selling as an eBook. The print version of DINGO is available at Amazon.com, and in stores such as Barnes & Noble, and Borders.

You can visit Anne on her website, blog, on Facebook and Twitter @AnneBradshaw.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

ANNE: I've read many superb books this year, but the one that stands out in my mind above the others is The Road Show 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.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

ANNE: I'm asking for the series by Chris Stewart titled The Great and the Terrible. I've heard excellent comments about these books.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

ANNE: Sitting around a real fire with my family, reading the story in the Bible that tells of the Savior's birth.

LDSWBR: Eggnog or warm apple cider?

ANNE: Warm apple cider spiced with cinnamon!

LDSWBR: Thank you, Anne. Have a wonderful Christmas!

True Miracles With Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw is available in many LDS bookstores and from Amazon in paperback, ebook/Kindle, and CreateSpace. Also available from Barnes & Noble in paperback and ebook/Nook. European readers can go to UK Amazon for the paperback and ebook editions. Watch the trailer for True Miracles With Genealogy here.

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw is available at Amazon in paperback and ebook/Kindle. Also available at Barnes & Noble in paperback and ebook/Nook. Watch the trailer for Dingo here.

Do you have an indoor fireplace? If so, is it a gas or wood-burning fireplace? Do you use it often during the winter?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

Growing Up Gracie by Maggie Fechner - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-14T15:43:00.008-07:00

11 days until Christmas!

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.

Visit Maggie on her website & blog: Mommy's Always Write.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

MAGGIE: Definitely Alicia 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!

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

MAGGIE: I will be buying lots of children's books for Christmas. This is my favorite gift! Some books I am asking for are the Rhea Jensen series by Sheralyn Pratt, Divinely Designed by Rachael Renee Anderson, and Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

MAGGIE: Going on a real sleigh ride pulled by horses with my entire family.

LDSWBR: And one more just for fun- eggnog or warm apple cider?

MAGGIE: Yuck to both! Hot chocolate for sure!

LDSWBR: Good answer. :) Thank you very much, Maggie!

Growing up Gracie by Maggie Fechner (Bonneville; Nov 2010) is available for purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Cedar Fort and Deseret Book.

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?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-13T16:02:00.006-07:00

12 days until Christmas!

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.

Stephanie is the author of four novels. Her most recent book, Cold As Ice, was released in August 2010.

You can visit Stephanie on her website, the Six LDS Writers blog, and on Twitter @StephanieMBlack.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

STEPHANIE: The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, was an amazing, gripping, and eye-opening book.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

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 To Say Nothing of the Dog, which is one of my very favorite books. I had Josi Kilpack's Key Lime Pie on my wish list, but ended up buying it for myself before Christmas :) I'd like Annette Lyon's Chocolate Never Faileth cookbook. And my son requested three volumes of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series (he already has two of them).

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

STEPHANIE: 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!

LDSWBR: So, Stephanie, are you an eggnog or warm apple cider girl?

STEPHANIE: Warm apple cider, definitely!

LDSWBR: Thank you, Stephanie. Merry Christmas!

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black (Covenant Communications; Aug 2010) is available for purchase from Deseret Book, Seagull Book, and Amazon.

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?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-12T16:24:00.006-07:00

13 days until Christmas!

Julie Wright is the author of 11 books, and her sixth book will be published in March 2011. Her most recent release, Cross My Heart, was released in November 2010. Here is more about Cross My Heart:

"The first man is Geoffrey—in Boston, which is Jillian’s hometown. Hazel-eyed Geoffrey, the brilliant ad exec who Jillian would’ve married if he hadn’t stolen some of her best work (and gotten her promotion as a result).

The second man is Jack in Los Angeles. Insecure Jack, who signs Jillian up for a love study at a local university “just for fun” but secretly intends to find out if she still loves Geoffrey. Flaky Jack, who splits as soon as her brain neurons fire an emphatic yes.

The third man is Nathan on the airplane from L.A. to Boston, where Jillian’s boss has ordered her to investigate the underhanded dealings of a competing agency (and where Jillian’s crazy parents still live). Nathan, the electric-blue-eyed dentist who hates the advertising industry because his ex-girlfriend, Nicole, recently dumped him for some hotshot ad exec.

Head spinning yet? Just wait until Nathan’s nemesis, Nicole’s fiancé, and Jillian’s target turn out to be the same guy: Geoffrey. Yes, that Geoffrey. Forget about love triangles— this is a full-blown love quadrangle that quickly becomes a high-stakes game with savvy players, snappy dialogue, and a plot that won’t stop twisting . . . until another love study delivers surprising results."

Visit with Julie on her website, blog, on Facebook and Twitter @scatteredjules.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

JULIE: That’s *so* not a fair question. Several books and authors affected me this year. If I name one, I’d have to name a hundred. There are those who ALWAYS influence me for good . . . not just in what they write, but the friendship and support they offer me when I feel crummy about writing. I’ve read over 70 books this years and so many of them were simply awesome that I left a better writer because of them.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

JULIE: Giving list so far:

Key Lime Pie--Josi Kilpack

Chocolate Never Faileth--Annette Lyon

The Fourth Nephite--Jeff Savage

Scorch Trials--James Dashner

My Double Life--Janette Rallison

Getting:

Prepurchase of Elana Johnsons’s Possession

Janette Rallison’s My Unfair Godmother

Ammon—Heather Moore

And gift cards to bookstores

YAY for husbands in Santa clothing!

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

JULIE: Christmas Eve dinner with the family. I love the dinner. We always have Chinese food which is so not traditional, and yet super fun for us, and we bring out the china and crystal. The kids love drinking out of goblets by candlelight. And I love enjoying being all together. :)

LDSWBR: And one more just for fun- eggnog or warm apple cider?

JULIE: Mmmmm warm apple cider . . . sounds lovely. Or better yet, a caramel steamer from Starbucks—it’s like drinking a hug.

LDSWBR: Thank you so much, Julie. You are always so much fun!

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright (Deseret Book; Nov 2010) is available for purchase from Deseret Book and Amazon.

Do you have a holiday meal or other tradition that is distinctly nontraditional? If so, how did it begin? If not, share a way that you might like to break with tradition.

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

Save the Child by Margaret Turley - Countdown to Christmas

2010-12-11T15:30:00.001-07:00

14 days until Christmas!

Margaret Larsen Turley began her writing career in high school. She has won contests with her poetry. She has published three volumes of memoirs: A Nurse’s World. Margaret is a member of ANWA, where she has served as a Daytimers chapter president, and a two year term as Secretary on the Executive Board. Current memberships in other writing organizations include: IWWG, and NAWW, and SheWrites. Margaret is a graduate of Dr. Pamela R. Goodfellow’s Crafting the Character Based Novel Classes. She has completed several other college level writing courses and attends writing conferences. Honing her writing skills is one of Margaret’s passions. When she isn’t writing, she is reading.

She obtained her degree in nursing from Yavapai Community College and a Bachelor in Health Care Management at the Tempe site for Ottawa University. She has practiced nursing for over thirty four years throughout four different states, in both rural and metropolitan settings. She uses her background in healthcare in many things she writes.

Save the Child is contemporary reality fiction. The Johnsons are a typical blended American family who reside in Gilbert Arizona. They grapple with one of the Parents VS State issues that have been in recent news. They examine their values as well as their faith as they battle to save their daughter Sharon from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Nancy wants to use naturopathy to treat the child. She strongly opposes chemotherapy. Exploration of conventional medicine and alternative healthcare, parent’s rights verses our current legal system and government bureaucracies dominate the plot. Robert is changing careers mid-life and attending the last year of law school and works part time at law firm. They have run out of Cobra insurance and are very tight financially. Abby, their fifteen year old teen, uses the family car to try to meet a date she makes via internet and she has a tragic accident. She ends up in a coma and is hospitalized midst the medical and legal battle for Sharon. The youngest child, Ben, five years old, attends kindergarten. He feels lost in the shuffle. Phyllis is Nancy’s mother. Ongoing struggles between mother and daughter heighten the drama. Phyllis ends up being the angel of salvation for Abby and Ben and the reasoning factor between Nancy and Robert who edge on divorce due to all the stress and grief. Grandma ends up being the glue for the generation gap and the marriage.

Save the Child is Margaret’s first novel. Sharon’s toy elephant from this story inspired her children’s picture book: Elsie Goes to the Hospital, which is currently being illustrated.

Visit Margaret on her website/blog, on Facebook and Twitter @MargaretLarsenT.

For more information on Writers Unite to Fight Cancer, see the Facebook group page, LinkedIn page, Twitter @WritersCanFight, or email Margaret at writersunitetofightcancer(at)gmail(dot)com.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

MARGARET: New York Best Selling Romantic Suspense Author Brenda Novak. I became involved with her on-line auction to raise money for Diabetes Research and was very impressed with the Suspense Novel she wrote using her experience as a mother of a juvenile diabetic: Every Waking Moment. Her fervor to raise money for diabetic research spurred my interest in forming Writers Unite to Fight Cancer with authors and colleagues I know and we chose American Association for Cancer Research (www.aacr.org) to be our charity. Five of my author friends joined me and we donated books to the Brenda Novak Online Auction last May - as well as our Producer/Publisher and Editor who offered editing services to that auction. We added more author and held a silent auction as Writers Unite to Fight Cancer during the Goodfellow Publishing Services Book Launch on November 4th. Five of the Eight Authors were LDS. All of us are women. All of us have been touched by cancer. This morning I participated in another books sale to raise money for the AACR for Writers Unite to Fight Cancer and we have more events already on the calendar for 2011.

Another author who has influenced me greatly is Jodi Piccoult.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

MARGARET: My gift to most people this year will be a copy of Save the Child. I have purchased some children's books and YA books from LDS authors that I give for gifts.

I buy all of Janette Rallison's books for my nieces. (Of course I read them first.) James Dashner's books are favorites for my nephews.

I would like to receive new books by Jodi Piccoult, and I have several LDS authors I love to read, some of my favorites are Jenni Hansen, Betsy Brannon Green, Rachel Anne Nunes.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

MARGARET: Being together with family.

LDSWBR: Eggnog or warm apple cider?

MARGARET: Apple Cider.

LDSWBR: Margaret, thank you very much!

Save the Child by Margaret Turley (Goodfellow Publishing Services; July 2010) is available for purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Margaret's website.

Are your family members mostly nearby, or are you scattered all over the country (or world)? Do you take advantage of the holidays to get together?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr #ldswbr2010

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-10T13:55:00.008-07:00

15 days until Christmas!

"I was born and (for the most part) raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. I graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in English Literature. I currently live in Cleveland, Ohio with my husband, young son and a little girl on the way. Second Kiss is my first novel."

Visit with Natalie on her website/blog, on Facebook and Twitter @natapalmer.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

NATALIE: Be the Hero of Your Own Life Story by Shane Barker. I was browsing through my mother-in-law’s book collection last Christmas when I came across it. It was written in 1994 and from the looks of the cover (a cartoon of a kid holding a fishing rod) it was obvious that it could be found at an LDS bookstore in the same section as John Bytheway’s books for young boys. But something about it caught this twenty-seven year old girl’s eye and I began to read. Not only did I finish the book in a day, I also found myself taking written and mental notes and falling asleep at night thinking about the suggestions given throughout the book. It taught me not only how to find success but more importantly how to desire success. It inspired me, it moved me to action. And it was just what I needed to read as I began the journey of publishing my first book. 

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

NATALIE: I haven’t thought much about what I want this year but one of my favorite books of all time is The Wednesday Sister by Meg Waite Clayton so I’d love to receive something new of hers. As for books that I’m giving? My husband (who is in medical school) wants me to give him a psychiatry book with a really long title and of course my mom wants a signed copy of Second Kiss.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

NATALIE: I really want to take my son to see the lights at Temple Square. He is two and SO into Christmas lights this year and I know he will get a kick out of it. Besides that, we live in Cleveland and the only image of the Salt Lake Temple he has seen is the one hanging on our living room wall. We just got our tickets to fly to Utah for the holidays and I can’t wait for him to see it in person!

LDSWBR: Eggnog or warm apple cider?

NATALIE: Hands down, warm apple cider. Love it!

LDSWBR: Natalie, thank you so much. Have a safe trip and a Merry Christmas!

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer (Tate Publishing; Nov 2010) is available for purchase from Amazon, Borders, and Natalie's website.

Have you been to Salt Lake City to see the lights at Temple Square? Is there a place in your city that goes "all out" with Christmas lights?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr #ldswbr2010

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-09T14:47:00.005-07:00

16 days until Christmas!

Kaylee Baldwin is a debut author. Her book, Meg's Melody, comes out this month. The following is a description of Meg's Melody: "It's only after her husband leaves that Meg finds out she's pregnant. Now facing the prospect of single parenthood, she'll have to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to see her through. This touching story combines romance with real conflicts to remind you it's never too late to find love - if you know where to look."

Visit Kaylee on her blog and on Facebook.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

KAYLEE: One of the best fiction books I read this year was The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. The book that started me on my love of reading was The Secret Garden when I was in 3rd grade, and this is a book with very similar themes, only for adults. Very well written. I recommend to everyone whenever they ask me for something good to read.

Non-fiction would be Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I really want to be completely debt-free, and he gives some great keys to help get me there.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

KAYLEE: I really want to read Backlash by Tracy Hunter Abramson, Luck of the Draw by Rachael Ranee Anderson, Falling Home by Karen White, To the Rescue, the biography of Pres. Monson. Since my mom and I read the same books, we'll probably end up getting them for each other.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

KAYLEE: My family wearing matching PJs on Christmas morning.

LDSWBR: Is it eggnog or warm apple cider for you, Kaylee?

KAYLEE: Eggnog, of course.

LDSWBR: Thank you for being a part of our Countdown to Christmas. Best of luck to you with your new book!

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin (Cedar Fort; Dec 2010) is available for purchase at Amazon.

Is there someone in your life, like Kaylee's mom, who loves reading as much as you do? Do you like the same books or are your tastes quite different?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr #ldswbr2010

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

The Peasant Queen by Cheri Chesley - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-08T14:50:00.005-07:00

17 days until Christmas!

Cheri Chesley believes in magic and miracles. When not writing she can be found reading the dictionary for fun or improving her photography. She lives with her husband and numerous children in Tooele, Utah. Look for updates on her latest works at www.cherichesley.com or check out her blog: From the Other Side of the Mirror. You can visit with Cheri on Facebook and Twitter @cheriwrites.

The launch party for Cheri Chesley's The Peasant Queen is tonight (Wed. Dec 8) at the Murray Borders store at 6:00 PM. Go, say hi, and celebrate the release of Cheri's very first novel with her!

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

CHERI: It may be because it's the most recent one I've read, but PERILOUS by Tamara Heiner really has me thinking, still. It's so intense. I also finally broke down and read the Hunger Games series. That was an interesting experience I won't soon forget.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

CHERI: My own, lol. A bunch of my nieces are getting copies of THE PEASANT QUEEN this year. I'm asking for Julie Wright's new book. I've heard such great things about it, and I just love her writing.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

CHERI: Definitely opening gifts with my kids Christmas eve. It's a tradition in my husband's family that we didn't do when I was growing up. At my house we had a really big HANDS OFF policy for all gifts until Christmas morning. Even though my husband has worked nights for a long time--and will be Christmas eve and Christmas day this year--we still always make time to do it.

LDSWBR: So, are you an eggnog or warm apple cider girl?

CHERI: Warm apple cider. With cinnamon. I am NOT an eggnog fan at all. :)

LDSWBR: Thank you, Cheri. Best wishes to you with your new book!

The Peasant Queen by Cheri Chesley (Cedar Fort; Dec 2010) is available for purchase at Amazon.

What is your family's present-opening policy? Do you open a gift (or gifts) on Christmas Eve? If so, can it be ANY present, or is it usually something specific, like PJs?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr #ldswbr2010

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-07T16:13:00.006-07:00

18 days until Christmas!

Originally from Arizona, Traci Hunter Abramson graduated from BYU in finance and international business. She spent six years working for the Central Intelligence Agency before taking on a really demanding job: full-time mom. Always looking for new challenges, Traci also began coaching her local high school swim team and indulging in her love of writing. Since leaving the CIA, she has written numerous novels including the Undercurrents trilogy, Royal Target, and the Saint Squad series.

Traci is the author of eight novels and a cookbook. Her ninth novel, Smokescreen, will be released in January 2011.

Visit with Traci on her website, blog, on Facebook and Twitter @traciabramson.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

TRACI: The book that has impacted me the most this year is Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. I recently discovered that my six-year-old is dyslexic and this book has been a great resource in helping me understand how people with this challenge can learn to adapt so they can still learn to love reading.

As for the author who impacted me the most this year, I would have to say Julie Coulter Bellon. I had the opportunity to teach at The Book Academy writers’ conference at UVU this fall. It was the first time I had ever taught about writing in that type of venue and Julie graciously mentored me through the whole process.  

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

TRACI: First of all, let me say SPOILER ALERT for my family and friends. So stop reading here if you don’t want to ruin the surprise!

I am giving a lot of books as Christmas presents this year, many of them autographed copies I was lucky enough to pick up when I was in Utah last. Here’s a partial list:

13th Reality, Vol. 1, Journal of Curious Letters by James Dashner
13th Reality, Vol. 2, The Hunt for Dark Infinity by James Dashner
13th Reality, Vol. 3, The Blade of Shattered Hope by James Dashner
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
Band of Sisters by Annette Lyons
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The Fourth Nephite by Jeffrey S. Savage
Farworld, v. 1, Water Keep by J. Scott Savage
Farwold, v. 2, Land Keep by J. Scott Savage
The Silence of God by Gale Sears
The Legend of Shannonderry by Carol Warburton

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

TRACI: The one tradition I hold most dear is sitting with my family while my husband reads the Christmas story from the Bible on Christmas Eve.

LDSWBR: And one more just for fun- eggnog or warm apple cider?

TRACI: Neither. What can I say? I love my water. :)

LDSWBR: Traci, thank you very much!

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson (Deseret Book; Sept 2010) is available for purchase in softcover ($15.99), audiobook ($24.99) and Kindle ($7.99) versions from Seagull Book, Deseret Book, and Amazon.com.

Do you or someone you love struggle with dyslexia? What has helped the most in their reading efforts? Have you read any of Traci's books? If so, which one was your favorite?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr #ldswbr2010

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

Perilous by Tamara Heiner - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-06T15:44:00.005-07:00

19 days until Christmas!

Tamara Hart Heiner lives in Arkansas with her husband and three children. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in English. She teaches English in the mornings and spends the rest of the day avoiding the laundry and other chores, all in the name of parenting. Sometimes she gets to sit down in front of the computer and write for a few hours.

Perilous is Tamara's first novel. You can visit Tamara on her website: Tamara Hart Heiner, her blog: Chasing Dreams, on Facebook and on Twitter @tamaraheiner.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

TAMARA: This year would have to be Suzanne Collins with Mockingjay.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

TAMARA: My list is very long but I have the feeling I'll be buying them for myself. To name a few: Fablehaven 5, The Peasant Queen, Paranormalcy, The Lost Saint.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

TAMARA: Telling the Christmas story on Christmas Eve.

LDSWBR: Eggnog or warm apple cider?

TAMARA: Warm apple cider.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Tamara, for helping us countdown to Christmas.

Perilous by Tamara Hart Heiner (WiDo Publishing; Nov 2010) is available for purchase through Amazon. The ebook is $4.99; paperback is $14.95.

Is reading the Christmas story a tradition for you like it is for Tamara? If so, is there a special place or time that you always read the Christmas story?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr #ldswbr2010

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

My Gift to You by Lori Nawyn - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-05T16:34:00.008-07:00

20 days until Christmas!

Lori Nawyn is the author of one novel, one illustrated picture book, one Christmas gift booklet, and short stories included in four seasonal anthologies. What Are You Thinking? is a full color children's picture book that deals with the power of postive thinking. It was published by ThoughtsAlive Publishing (Leslie Householder, New York Times best selling author of the Jack Rabbit Factor--the book is a children's version of the Jack Rabbit Factor), and a Christmas novel, My Gift to You. Watch the trailer for My Gift to You here.

Visit with Lori on her website: Lori Nawyn, her blog: Hearts and Hands, Facebook and Twitter @LoriNawyn.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

LORI: Matt Baldwin's Snow Rising. Though I agree with reviews stating that the story could have been stronger in places and the overall message perhaps streamlined, I was inspired and gleaned the insight and courage I needed to cement changes I'm making in my life. I also came away with some very memorable quotes, definitely a book to keep on the shelf to refer to from time to time.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

LORI: Mother Had a Secret by Tiffany Fletcher, Before My Heart Stops Beating by Paul Cardall, Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans, Annette Lyon's Chocolate Never Faileth, The Silence of God by Gale Sears, many others too numerous to list.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

LORI: We love to snowmobile into the mountains near the Utah/Idaho border and cut our own Christmas tree. We were going to try something different this year and snow shoe in to get one on Thanksgiving but the weather didn't cooperate. Instead we snow shoed around a beautiful little lake near our home. It was only four degrees yet the stillness and beauty of the night made it a memorable trip. My youngest has been ill and so we're still hoping to get out and cut our tree... The tradition is important to me because it was passed down by my grandparents. Every year my grandfather would trek into the wilderness and selected just the right tree; my grandparents liked their Christmas trees full and bushy. In addition to the irreplacable scent of just cut pine, those Grandpa-cut trees possessed a magical quality never surpassed by artificial trees, or even those from tree lots.

LDSWBR: Do you prefer eggnog or warm apple cider?

LORI: Both, but not at the same time! ;)

LDSWBR: Lori, thank you, and we hope your little one will feel better soon so you can go get your tree.

My Gift to You by Lori Nawyn (Covenant; Oct 2010) is available for purchase at Deseret Book.

When it comes to Christmas trees, do you prefer fake or real trees? If you have a tradition of cutting down or purchasing a real tree, how far does your tradition go back?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr #ldswbr2010

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

Finding Rose by Stephanie Humphreys - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-04T14:00:00.007-07:00

21 days until Christmas!

Stephanie Humphreys is a debut author. Her first book, Finding Rose, was published in August by Walnut Springs Press. You can visit Stephanie on her website: Stephanie Humphreys, her blog: Write Bravely and on Facebook.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

STEPHANIE: Kathryn Stockett and her book The Help. It caused to really stop and think about the different roles women play in society and how those roles define us.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

STEPHANIE: I always give my children books for Christmas. This year they are more practical than usual. My oldest daughter is getting a basic cookbook to take to university next fall and the Ariana trilogy by Rachel Nunes, my son is getting a book on weight training and The Scorch Trials by James Dashner, and my youngest daughter is getting the Leven Thumps series. For my husband, I bought the President Monson biography. I'm hoping to get Annette Lyon's Chocolate Never Faileth and I'd love a copy of the Chicago Manual of Style.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

STEPHANIE: Singing Christmas carols with my family. For me the music completes the holiday and fills my busy days with such peace.

LDSWBR: Eggnog or warm apple cider?

STEPHANIE: That is a hard one. I think I would say eggnog, but only if it is homemade.

LDSWBR: Thank you so much, Stephanie. Have a Merry Christmas!

Finding Rose by Stephanie Humphreys (Walnut Springs Press; Aug 2010) can purchased at Deseret Book and Amazon.

Did you read The Help by Kathryn Stockett this year? If so, do you feel the same way Stephanie does about it? How did the book affect you? If you haven't read The Help, do you plan to?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr #ldswbr2010

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-03T11:39:00.010-07:00

22 days until Christmas!

Joan Sowards lives in Arizona with her husband and very eligible RM sons. Her life revolves around their five children and three grandchildren. Besides writing fiction, she is a family history addict, and composes a song each year based on the assigned YW scripture. (All available at joansowards.com)

Visit her blog at joansowards.blogspot.com and on Facebook.

Read her novels: Haunts Haven (an LDS ghost story) and Chocolate Roses (a Jane Eyre parody) as well as The Star Prophecy (Nephite young men set sail to Jerusalem in search of the Christ Child) all available at LDS bookstores and Amazon.com.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

JOAN: I read the Old Testament this year and loved the experience and the better understanding of the gospel as a whole. Novel? As far as fiction, I’d have to say Save the Child by Margaret Turley. She addresses the lack of parental rights in choosing health treatment for their children who have cancer.

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

JOAN: I am giving The Star Prophecy, asking for LDS fiction.

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

JOAN: Sunday Christmas sacrament meeting program.

LDSWBR: I imagine that's because you are involved with the music in someway. Listen to a sample of Joan's beautiful music here. Okay, one last question: eggnog or warm apple cider?

JOAN: Cider!

LDSWBR: Joan, thank you so much!

The Star Prophecy by Joan Soward (Brigham Distributing; Nov 2010) is available for purchase in LDS stores including Deseret Book and Amazon.

Does your ward, stake or church put on a Christmas program? Do you participate?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr #ldswbr2010

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!

The Biblical Roots of Mormonism by Eric Shuster and Charles Sale - Countdown to Christmas 2010

2010-12-02T12:41:00.014-07:00

23 days until Christmas!

Eric Shuster is the fifth of six children born to George and Patricia Shuster. He is a graduate of Saint Lawrence Catholic College Preparatory School, holds an industrial engineering management degree from San Jose State University, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Shuster is a veteran of the information technology industry, and is today the President and CEO of IntelliClear Inc., a Colorado-based market research firm. Mr. Shuster is an ardent student of the scriptures and prolific theological writer, whose passion for Christianity and humanitarian service led him to starting the Foundation for Christian Studies (FCS) in 2008. The FCS (www.studychristianity.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study, teaching, and practice of Christianity in a way that inspires all people, regardless of theological differences, to come together in support of essential Christian values and compassionate service to God’s children across the globe. Mr. Shuster and his wife Marilyn of 22 years have three children and reside in Colorado where he enjoys writing, community service, and hiking. Mr. Shuster is also a musician and former recording artist. Eric Shuster’s first book, Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest (Cedar Fort, Inc.) was published in 2009 generating stirring reviews and being heralded as the most comprehensive side-by-side comparison of Catholic and Mormon doctrine to date. Mr.Shuster’s newest release in 2010, The Biblical Roots of Mormonism, was published in 2010 (coauthored by Charles Sale) with equally rousing reviews as the most comprehensive biblical review of Mormon doctrine to date.

Visit Eric Shuster on his website and blog: www.ericshuster.com, on Facebook and on Twitter @eshuster.

Charles "Chuck" Sale has been writing and editing for more than 40 years, but he took more time than that to become a Latter-day Saint. He and his wife were baptized in November 2002.

He began writing and editing during his 30-year career in the Los Angeles Police Department. As a young police officer, he was directly involved in street operations to quell the 1965 Watts riots. This led to extensive research, writing, and editing in the development of plans for large-scale emergencies. He was involved in initial discussions of the SWAT concept and administrative support for early SWAT training. He wrote the station defense manual for the Los Angeles Police Academy. During the Vietnam war era, he worked on plans for the security of key political figures, including the President of the United States, and played a leadership role in policing violent demonstrations against the war. He was involved in the investigation of the Robert Kennedy assassination. In the early 1970s, Chief of Police Ed Davis loaned him to the federal Task Force on Police to help write proposed standards and goals for local law enforcement agencies across the nation. He edited the book, Police, in which these standards and goals were published. He was also editor and co-author of Human Relations in the Police Service, a handbook that teaches the human relations principles police officers must master to realize professional excellence. Both books found their way into law enforcement agencies and the police science departments of colleges and universities across the country.

Mr. Sale served as adjutant to numerous LAPD command and staff officers, including former Chief of Police Daryl Gates. He developed curriculum and taught at the Los Angeles Police Academy and Glendale College, hosted an LAPD public-service talk show for KABC radio, and conducted an editorial review of security plans for the 1984 Olympic Games. In the latter part of his law enforcement career, he led the Special Projects Unit, which provided administrative support to the Chief of Police. He supervised a wide variety of research and development projects, including work with Jack Cover, inventor of the TASER. He was the speechwriter for the Chief of Police and members of his general staff. Sale has extensive experience in rapid stand-up and operation of field command posts and was for many years on the staff of the Emergency Operations Center, the City-wide emergency command post. He served there during the 1992 riots and other City-wide emergencies.

During those years, he was also a part-time proofreader for the Los Angeles Times and an editorial adviser to doctoral candidates at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

Then and now, Mr. Sale does freelance writing, editing, and management consulting for a wide range of clients. He founded Sale & Associates, a management consulting and administrative services firm. His wife, Teri, is a CPA and former Director of Finance, Universal Pictures Marketing. She and others participate in the work of Sale & Associates.

Mr. Sale was born in California, and graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, with a degree in English. He is the father of five children and the grandfather of seven. He and his wife, Teri, live in Colorado Springs.

Visit Charles Sale on his website and his blog.

LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?

MR. SHUSTER: Blink by Gladwell

MR. SALE: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?

MR. SHUSTER: Broke by Beck

MR. SALE: Giving: C. S. Lewis, The Man and His Message, edited by Andrew C. Skinner and Robert L. Millet; A Year with C. S. Lewis, edited by Patricia S. Klein; The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.

Asking: The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition; Associated Press Stylebook 2009 (2010 if available); Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills: 50th Anniversary, Ronald C. Eng (Editor)

LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?

MR. SHUSTER: Caroling with my family

MR. SALE: Climb Almagre Mountain with family and friends. See here.

LDSWBR: What breathtaking photos! Okay, gentlemen, eggnog or warm apple cider?

MR. SHUSTER: Egg Nog of course!!!

MR. SALE: Warm apple cider, definitely.

LDSWBR: Thank you both for participating in our countdown. Best wishes this holiday season!

The Biblical Roots of Mormonism by Eric Shuster and Charles Sale (Cedar Fort; July 2010) is available for purchase in stores worldwide, as well as Amazon, Eric Shuster's website and Charles Sale's website.

If you go caroling at Christmas time, what is your favorite song to sing? For those of you who still have warmer weather for Christmas, what outdoor activities, like hiking, do you do with your family and friends?

Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."

***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis

Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson

Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore

True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

Dingo by Anne Bradshaw

Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)

A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards

How to enter:

Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.

Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.

Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr #ldswbr2010

Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.

**BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.

Here are the rules:

Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. 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.

LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.

Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.

The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.

Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!