LDS Women's Book Review

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Introducing Me: Mindy

Posted by Mindy Holt

Before I did my first review, I wanted everyone to get to know me, and the books I like. I'm a 35 year old (today is my birthday actually) mom of three girls. And wife to an incredible guy, who is such a hard worker and supports us with all he's got.

My reading style is mainly YA fiction fantasy/scifi. I also read some JF fantasy/fiction. I do branch out, and am more then willing to do so. But, as you can see from the list below, I am a sucker for series books. I love that there is more to a story. I've put together a list some of my all-time favorites.

If I were asked what my favorite of series was, it would be Twilight. It was, of course, the first, and so addictingly (I know that's not a word, but I don't care) wonderful.

My favorites are The Deathly Hallows and The Half-Blood Prince. I feel that when it comes to Harry, that no further explanation is needed :).

This series is so fun. Artemis is great character. He's a brilliant 12 year old who wants to kidnap a fairy, and gets away with it. So, at first, he's the villain. My favorite of the six books are: The Eternity Code and The Time Paradox

These books are amazing, which also happen to be my favorite movies.

When I first heard of this book, I wasn't too sure I was going to enjoy it, it sounded so violent. Even though it was (:), I loved it. It was fascinating, and such a mind-blowing story. I loved Catching Fire as well and can not wait for Mockingjay.

I am a huge Fablehaven fan. I loved this series. But, this picture is here because it was my favorite. So many surprising things happened, I think I finished with my mouth open in awe.

This book and author is very special to me. I am very honored to be Dorothy Keddington's niece. She is my wonderful "Aunt Rae". So, picking a favorite of hers is hard because they are all spectacular. But, alas, I think Shadow Song is at the top of the list.

I just read this book about a month ago, and it instantly became an all-time fav. The story is amazing, sweet, funny, and tear worthy. I won't go too much into it, because it may show up soon in more detail... hint hint

This is oldie but a goodie. I honestly haven't read it since I was young, but I loved the story. Love and life lasting forever sounded pretty good when I was waiting for those certain boys to call when I was a love-struck teen.

This is another that I have read recently, but loved instantly. It's another story like Hunger Games, not kids fighting to the death, but (what am I trying to say ?) a very different story to swallow. In the future, if a child is "unwanted" when he/she turns 13, their parents can choose to unwind them. But, it doesn't work out the way the creators wanted it to. Gripping story.

I have read everything from this gal, Jessica, and this is my favorite.

As with above, I have read all of Shannon's as well. I love this whole series. Goose Girl and River Secrets are my favorites.

The Maze Runner is another that got me right at the start. I couldn't stop until I knew what was going to happen.

Here's a little taste of the books I love and read. It's funny, when I finished Harry, I thought I would never find anything else to read that I would enjoy as much. When my sister told me about Twilight, I thought the same thing. But, thankfully, I got brave and realized there are numerous amounts of very enjoyable books out there. I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity. When I finish a great book, I want to shout it from the roof tops, and now I get that chance!

Introducing Mindy- Our New LDSWBR Blogger!

Posted by Shanda

LDS Women's Book Review would like to introduce you to Mindy, the newest addition to the LDSWBR Blog. Mindy is the first person to join the LDSWBR team since the book review podcast was first founded in December 2005. The story of how I met Mindy is quite incredible.

Mindy and I have daughters in the same 6th grade class, and while arranging a get-together for a school project, I spoke with Mindy for the first time to give directions to my home. I was delighted to find that Mindy was as friendly and talkative as I am. Not surprisingly we ended up talking for an hour and a half on my daughter's cell phone. In fact, my daughter had a lot of fun teasing me that she found her mom a new BFF :).

During this first conversation, Mindy shared that one day she hoped to work at the new local library that is currently under construction. Naturally I asked if that meant she like to read, and when she answered excitedly that she did I proceeded to tell her about the LDSWBR podcast and blog.

What made meeting Mindy so incredible was where the conversation turned shortly after telling her about LDSWBR. When Mindy said, "You must know my aunt, then!" I followed with "Who's you're aunt?" I was floored when Mindy answered, "Dorothy Keddington!"

Those of you who have been with LDSWBR for a while now know that I'm a huge fan of Dorothy Keddington. I have been blessed to get to know Dorothy through her daughter-in-law who lives in my ward, so learning that Dorothy's niece lives only a few streets away as well seemed like an amazing coincidence. Except I don't really believe in coincidences.

Mindy and I spent the next few days writing longer and longer emails back and forth as we got to know each other. More than once I felt like we had known each other before this life and that we were simply getting reacquainted.

When I first started LDS Women's Book Review, I knew exactly who I wanted to ask to join me. Hillary and Sheila were, and most definitely still are, a perfect fit for what I envisioned for LDS Women's Book Review. After 4 1/2 years, all three of us are excited to welcome our first new member of LDSWBR into the group.

Mindy has happily agreed to take the empty Thursday posting spot. Mindy will share a little about herself and the books she enjoys reading in her first official post today.

Please join us in welcoming Mindy to the LDS Women's Book Review blog!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Episode 42 Part 3 with authors Aubrey Mace and Jessica Day George

Posted by Shanda

While at the Valor Publishing Book Launch in March, we ran into authors Aubrey Mace and Jessica Day George, who had come to show their support. We took the opportunity in Episode 42 Part 3 to talk to them about what they've been working on and they were more than willing accommodate us. Aubrey and Jessica are sweet and funny ladies. You won't want to miss this one!

Listen to Episode 42 Part 3 here, or find us in iTunes and subscribe to the podcast.

We have pictures, of course, including one with author Dan Willis :). Thanks Aubrey and Jessica!

Episode 42 Part 2 - Interview with Candace E. Salima

Posted by Shanda

In Part 2 of Episode 42, we take some time to speak with Candace E. Salima, President of the Valor Publishing Group. Candace shared with us the how and why behind Valor Publishing, as well as some big things that will be happening for Valor Publishing in the near future. Candace had great things to say about the new authors at the March Book Launch, as well as those who have helped make Valor a success. Visit Valor Publishing at www.valorpublishinggroup.com for more information.

You can listen to Episode 42 Part 2 on the LDS Women's Book Review Podcast website as well as in iTunes.

Here are some more photos taken at the Valor Publishing Book Launch on March 16, 2010:

Episode 42 Part 1 - Valor Book Launch Author Interviews

Posted by Shanda

In Episode 42 Part 1, LDSWBR was able to interview each of the five authors whose books were released at the Valor Publishing Book Launch in March. Listen to what Michele Ashman Bell (Summer in Paris), Daron Fraley (The Thorn), Kimberly Job (I'll Know You by Heart), Tristi Pinkston (Secret Sisters) and Karen Hoover (The Sapphire Flute) have to say about their new books published by Valor Publishing. As a bonus, you'll also hear Karen Hoover playing her own sapphire flute in a beautiful performance.

Visit Valor Publishing's website: www.valorpublishinggroup.com for more information.

Visit the LDS Women's Book Review Podcast website to listen to Episode 42 Part 1, or find us in iTunes to subscribe to the podcast.

Here are some photos from the Valor Publishing Book Launch on March 16, 2010. It was a little bit crazy and a whole lot of fun. Congratulations to each of these authors, and we wish you continued success. We'll definitely be at the next Valor Book Launch- we wouldn't miss it!

Belated Teaser Tuesday - April 14, 2010

Posted by Shanda

I took the day "off" yesterday (it was my birthday and I spent it at the spa with my sister getting our first facials- it was so relaxing!) which means that Teaser Tuesday is technically Teaser Wednesday. Enjoy, and don't forget to leave a teaser from your current read for us in the comments below!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Shanda's Teaser:

"First, we learn that Ishmael had five daughters who were of marriageable age (see 1 nephi 7:6). Second, there was no murmuring like there was on the first journey to retrieve the brass plates. Apparently, bringing back a family full of eligible maidens was much more appealing to the sons of Lehi than imploring Laban for the brass plates (see 1 nephi 7:1–4)."

Women of the Book of Mormon by Heather B. Moore, page 13

Sheila's Teaser:

"Yes child, what is the matter? You look distressed," said Suor Annunziata with concern etched on her forehead.

"I'm fine, but I need to ask you something important to me. Were you at the orphanage when I was born there?"

Suor Annunziatia's face lost it's look of concern and became shadowed. "It was a long time ago cara. What did Madre Maria tell you?"

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing. there may not even be a record of my birth parent's names in the file. Do you remember who they were? Do you know anything about my past that can help me find them?"

Daughter of Mine By Laura Fabiani, page 60

Hillary's Teaser:

"As victims of this be-all, do-all mentality, we have fallen prey to three harmful myths: 1) SUPERMEN and superwomen are real, 2) any job worth doing is worth doing well, and 3) spending time on yourself is a selfish, superficial use of time."

Simply Sane by Debbie Bowen, page 5

Mystery Guest's Teaser:

"And there was that dream she'd had a few weeks ago--she'd been dressed in a ragged wedding gown (a la Miss Havisham of "Great " fame), dancing alone in a dark house, waiting for Mr. Darcy to come for her."

Austenland by Shannon Hale, page 7

Wondering what's with this "Mystery Guest's Teaser"? Come back tomorrow- we'll be making a big announcement!

Hashbrown Winters by Frank L. Cole

Posted by Hillary

Hark! Hillary here. It is Wednesday, therefore I must write.

Just an FYI- For those just DYING to hear/read more of me, I will have my blog, "It's me Hillary", coming soon! It will be a little bit of everything including but not limited to; books I've read, fun craft projects and family stuff/ideas/antics.

This week I read something new and different, for me anyway. I read a children's book (gasp). My second oldest daughter has resisted the sci-fi/fantasy craze, refusing to read about lightening rods or dementors. Due to such resisitance, I have had to do some searching. I found out that she really likes funny, ha-ha books. So the hunt of course led to "Diary of a Wimpy Kid", but there are only four of those, and she read each one in about three hours, so I really had to do some looking. In the process, I happened across "Hashbrown Winters," by Frank L. Cole.

"Hashbrown Winters" is a first novel for Frank Cole. He writes a charming, fun character with Hashbrown. Hashbrown AKA Flinton Deanderbow Winters-but no one calls him that- in fact no one in the school goes by their actual names except the girl he has a crush on, who's name happens to be "Misty", but as Hashbrown puts it "Misty was her real name and her nickname because that's what it felt like whenever she walked into a room." Anyway, so Hashbrown and his pals Snow Cone, Whiz and a bunch of other kiddos, work pretty hard to keep the school bully from beating up Hashbrown when an accident occurs involving the bully/man-child- whose "real" name is actually his name, Hambone, (hmmm, I guess there's two) and laugh out loud, entertaining chaos begins.

Frank tells a fun, cute story. It is a quick read! I read it in under an hour. I was not overly fond of how Whiz got his name and how he continually managed to keep it (I'm sure you can guess) BUT, this is a kid's book, so I imagine kids would find that funny. Oh wait, and I'm not a boy, and we all know that boys AKA men, think that bodily functions are funny. In spite of that, I will probably read the second book, Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness. Overall, I think anyone who enjoys the Diary of a Wimpy Kid type book would really enjoy this one.

FYI-FTC- Library

Sunday, April 11, 2010

LDSWBR Episode 41 & Dangerous Connections by Julie Coulter Bellon

Posted by Shanda

LDSWBR Podcast Episode 41 with author Julie Coulter Bellon is now available for download! Search for LDS Women's Book Review in iTunes to subscribe, or you can listen directly through the LDS Women's Book Review Podcast website. We had such a fun time with Julie.

She's been so patient and if I knew where to get some catsup (ketchup??) chips I'd probably buy Julie a whole case! (Podcast joke - listen to Episode 41 and laugh with us about it - you know you want to!) Don't forget to stick around for the blooper reel.

In honor of the release of our podcast with Julie, I am reviewing her latest book, Dangerous Connections, which was released in March. So go start the podcast and then come back here and read my review while you listen ;).

Title: Dangerous Connections

Author: Julie Coulter Bellon

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: March 2010

ISBN#: 978-1-59811-919-0

Paperback; 206 pages

Dangerous Connections is a spin-off of Julie's last book, All's Fair, and it continues Tyler's story. In a nutshell, Tyler and Isabella must figure out how to stop a terrorist plot while facing double agents and avoiding capture.

As soon as Tyler arrives at his hotel in Paris, things seem a little off. His father is nowhere to be found, but has left a note telling Tyler to return home to the United States immediately. Worried, Tyler opens a message intended for his father, finding only a name and phone number. Tyler decides to wait in Paris until he can figure out what is going on with his father.

When Tyler discovers he is being followed during a visit to the Musee d'Orsay, he uses his military training to incapacitate the man trailing him. Taking a chance, Tyler decides to call the number in the message left for his father, hoping to gather information. Instead he finds an attractive French agent, her wounded brother, and their mission to uncover both a terrorist plot and the al-Qaeda mole (or moles) within the French DGSE organization. Little does Tyler realize how his search for his father will connect him to their mission.

Tyler and Isabella are pursued by both the terrorists and the DGSE. Unsure who they can trust, they come so close to preventing disaster only to find themselves in the worst possible situation: captured by terrorists, surrounded by explosives, and helpless to stop the poisoning of several thousand U.S. troops.

Dangerous Connections is full of suspense and intrigue. Having spent time in France, Julie's knowledge of the locale is apparent throughout the book. Julie's respect for those who sacrifice to serve our country shows in the way she wrote Tyler. It's easy to see that Julie enjoys writing international intrigue.

What worked for me: I enjoy the characters and plots Julie creates. All's Fair and Dangerous Connections are just the right length for a quick, suspense-filled read. The ending was very intense, and I wondered how things could possibly work out.

Julie's heroines are always strong and capable women, which I appreciate. I loved it every time Isabella kicked a little hiney. I liked Tyler and his refusal to leave Isabella to face the terrorists alone. While the focus is on the suspense, there are some tender scenes (and a couple of nice kisses, too).

Tyler comes across The Book of Mormon a couple of times, and while neither Tyler nor Isabella are members, the discussion is centered around finding peace and isn't preachy at all.

What didn't work for me: I like the characters Julie writes, but I find myself wanting to know more about them. I understand that there isn't as much "time" to delve into a character in a suspense novel compared to, say, historical fiction, but if there was one thing I would suggest to Julie, it would be finding a way to let her readers really get to know and connect personally with the characters a bit more.

For example, I would have liked to have learned more about Tyler's father, Craig Winthrop. I wanted to be as concerned about him as Tyler seemed to be, but there wasn't much said about him, so I couldn't relate with Craig enough to care as much as I would have expected considering he was in danger.

On the other hand Isabella's concern for her brother, Marcus, was easier to connect with since he was more often on Isabella's mind, specifically giving insights into the kind of man and brother Marcus was to her. We got to know the character's character, so to speak. Getting to know Craig better through Tyler would have balanced the story out nicely.

Overall, I think Julie did a great job. I enjoyed Dangerous Connections and look forward to reading Julie's next novel.

A little about the author: Julie Coulter Bellon is a sweet and humble woman, mother of seven, basketball coach, teacher of journalism for BYU Continuing Education, blogger on Six LDS Writers and a Frog, and lover of catsup (ketchup?- someone please help me out here) chips :).

Julie will be teaching at the LDStoryMakers Conference. Click here to view the class schedule and to sign up for the Conference. Hurry, only a few days left to sign up!

Visit Julie's website at juliebellon.com. Follow Julie on Twitter: @juliebellon. Dangerous Connections is available for purchase from Deseret Book, Seagull Book and Amazon.

My rating: 4 stars (I liked it!)

Would I-

read it again? Yes
recommend it? Yes
read more books by Julie? That's the plan!

FTC FYI: I received a free review copy which did not affect my review.

Friday, April 9, 2010

One Bright Shining Hope By Gordon B. Hinckley

Posted by Why Not? Because I Said So!

I love watching General Conference and hearing from our prophet. I love President Monson and his loving manner. I can't help but still miss President Gordon B. Hinckley. He had been a part of our lives so long, it was hard to let him go. So, I decided to read a quote every night from his book, "One Bright Shining Hope: Messages for Women from Gordon B. Hinckley". This book came out in 2006. I received this book soon after I had miscarried a baby at 11 weeks. Little did I know, that I would need this book even more now in my life.

Product Description

"When you save a girl, you save generations. I see this as the one bright shinning hope in a world that is marching toward moral self-destruction," said President Gordon B. Hinckley. Heavenly Father treasures His daughters, and through His prophet has encouraged them to be a force for good in the world. President Hinckley's words of encouragement and counsel to women are paired with beautiful visual images in this lovely gift book. A perfect companion volume to Sister Hinckley's Small and Simple Things, the book is a thoughtful reminder to women everywhere of how much God loves and needs them.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"You did not come into this world to fail. You came into this world to succeed. You have accomplished much so far. It is only the beginning. As you move forward on the trail of life, keep the banner of faith in self ever before you...And you will be amazed at what might happen when in faith you take a step forward."

"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine."

This quote is my favorite:

"We know not what lies ahead of us. We know not what the coming days will bring. We live in a world of uncertainty For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much rejoicing and gladness, good health and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow, We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the polar star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith."

If you have never read this book you should. If you already have this book, get it out and read it again. Whenever we hear the words of any prophet we know their words are true and come from our Father in Heaven. These messages encourage us, lift us up and remind us of our divine nature.

You can order this book here. This would be a perfect gift for someone on Mother's Day or just a gift for yourself.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Counting the Cost

Posted by Hillary

Howdy friends- It's me Hillary-

Another serious book to tell you about today. A bit unusual for me to do :)

I read "Counting the Cost" by Liz Adair. If her name rings a bell, it is because she has written a few other books including, "The Spider Latham Mystery" series, which we reviewed in our debut year of podcasts.

Liz's dedication page gives a little bit of insight of where the story idea comes from, which looks like it is based on a true story. The story tells of Heck, a hard-working, salt-of-the-Earth cowboy, who meets and falls in love with the then married, East coast socialite, Ruth Reynolds.

The story starts off really quite slow. In areas that I found interesting, they were down played such as when Heck was struck by lightening. Though Heck's brother gets that moment to tell his brother how much he loves him, it really isn't that pivotal to the story. So I say either leave it out, or make it more interesting. What was expounded upon was the daily duties of a cowhand, which quite honestly was a bit boring. I did see how there was value in doing it- as it showed the love Heck had for the country, his life style, and his overall character, but it could have been shortened a bit.

The real crux of the story is about the trouble caused by Ruth leaving her husband for Heck. She is still legally married when she is assaulted by her husband, and Heck literally whisks her away. Remembering that this is the 20's, beating your wife, though frowned upon, wasn't prosecuted, or even in some cases cause of divorce. Heck saw it differently and the two left together for a new life. Once she was free from her husband, the two were married. But that is not the end of the story.

Though I really enjoyed watching the two of them really get to know each other, I was saddened by how important it was to Heck to obstain from consumating the relationship before they were legally married, only to let it go so easily. He didn't even really try to refrain. Others I have spoken with are also disappointed with this. Though there is no detail of the act, it is still disappointing when Heck hardly hesitates. I still had moments of frustration in what I would consider pivotal points down played in the book, *SPOILER ALERT* when he finds out she is barren. Though there is clearly love between the two, it is really hard to watch such huge barriers in communication. I also had some frustration with how much I liked Ruth at the beginning and by the end, I really didn't like her much.

The book ends very strange for me. Not that I need everything tied neatly up and everyone happy, but it felt like it just ended abruptly, with no apparent reason for the ending. Just loose ends...

As a whole, I would say the book is thought provoking, and unique, however I was just not terribly fond of it. Shanda put it perfectly when she told me "It's the kind of book you pick up when you're visiting someone on a farm, who doesn't own a t.v., so you start purusing the book shelf and you come across it." Me personally, I would say read it if you like a non-traditional, non-conforming romance, then give it a read. Otherwise, it may not be your "cup of tea."

ps- Shanda did have a different opinion of this book. You can find her review on this blog.

Until next week-

HIllary

FTC_FYI - purchased

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Teaser Tuesday - April 6, 2010

Posted by Shanda

Teaser Tuesdays are back! Don't forget to leave a teaser from your current read in the comments section below.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Shanda's Teaser:

"They were on the outskirts of Paris when Isabella made her move. She had almost passed a sleepy tree-lined boulevard when she swerved onto it, barley missing an older man intent on crossing the street. She gunned the engine and sped down the small road."

Dangerous Connections by Julie Coulter Bellon, page 92

Sheila's Teaser:

"Stop!" Seth yelled, swinging his torch angrily. The corpses paused. "I'm not afraid anymore! You just startled me." As he said the words, he realized they were true. Apparently the standing dead could sense it as well. None of them stirred.

Fablehaven Book 5: Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull, page 447

Monday, April 5, 2010

ReadtheScriptures.com - Resource Review

Posted by Shanda

This past weekend was a wonderful spiritual recharge for me. I love General Conference anyway, but there's something special about the experience when General Conference falls on Easter weekend. There are always several Conference talks focusing on becoming closer to our Savior during every General Conference, and when those talks are given on Easter Sunday, it seems as if the words mean just a bit more and penetrate just a little further into my heart.

This year, though, those words spoken by our beloved Prophet and Apostles carried inspired and much needed messages of comfort and peace for me and some people very close to me. On Friday, someone very special to me learned that she and her husband had lost their baby at 13 weeks, mere days after announcing their pregnancy. Having seen her baby alive and active through ultrasound just two weeks before, the news was unexpected and heartbreaking.

The words spoken and Scripture verses shared during Conference offered so much hope, peace and comfort to this special someone and her husband, as well as myself. The reassurances and knowledge offered in the Scriptures are immeasurable and priceless. Thus, I've decided to skip my normal book review today in order to tell you about a resource that has been useful to me in my efforts to make reading my scriptures a daily habit.

(image from ReadtheScriptures.com)

I first learned about ReadtheScriptures.com a few years ago through my neighbor who was serving as Relief Society President for our ward at the time. She spoke of how much it helped her to accomplish her goal of reading the Book of Mormon in response to President Gordon B. Hinckley's challenge.

I've been a subscriber of ReadtheScriptures.com for over a year now. The features offered on this website are too numerous to mention here, but I will highlight a few that I have explored.

First, there are several reading schedules offered that can be tailored to fit either time goals or daily chapter goals. The reading selection include the individual books of Scripture or Complete Standard Works; some Church magazines; Seminary materials; Sunday School, Relief Society and Priesthood materials; Preach My Gospel and a variety of Scripture Stories.

Once reading material has been selected and a schedule set, a reminder containing the day or week's reading selection will be sent to the reader's inbox. The reader can then select whether to read the material within the email or click on a link that will allow them to read online. Once the reader has finished reading, a click of the "Completed" button either within the email or at the end of the online chapter lets ReadtheScriptures.com know to send the next chapter. If the reader misses the day's reading, a reminder is sent at three days, seven days and two weeks past. This keeps reminders from filling up the reader's inbox.

For example, I have selected to receive a chapter from The Book of Mormon on a daily basis. I choose to read the chapter online because I can then select the icon next to the number of the verse I'm reading and enter any thoughts or questions I have about that verse for future reference. By selecting the "Notes" option on the menu at the top I can then review the notes I have written in general by book of Scripture or specifically by book and chapter. This is my favorite feature and it has proven very useful.

Second, there is also a journal feature that can be set to send daily or weekly reminders. For those who struggle to remember to journal and would benefit from seeing a reminder in their inbox, this is a good option. Photos can be added, and entries can also be exported to Word.

For those who find the support of groups helpful in their reading goals, ReadtheScriptures.com also offers a "Team" option. This could be a good way for families to help each other with reading goals. There is an email feature to make it easier to keep in touch, as well.

Some things I have missed are the chapter headings and footnotes within chapters of The Book of Mormon. However, if I find I have questions or want to see what footnotes are offered, I open a new browser tab with lds.org and search for the chapter I need.

Overall, I've found ReadtheScriptures.com to be useful and beneficial. I still prefer to hold my Scriptures in my hand and turn the pages, but as a busy mom of four, ReadtheScriptures.com has definitely helped me get closer to my Scripture reading goals.

FTC FYI: I am not affiliated with ReadtheScriptures.com in any way, nor have I received any benefit from them for doing this review.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Friday, April 9, 2010

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Monday, April 5, 2010

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