Athena is the fourth book in a series about a group of women who join a book club in Newport Beach, California. They each join the book club for different reasons, and each come from a different cultural background as well as a different religion. This fourth book was written by Heather B. Moore.

You can read the books in any order or you can read just one of them, but if you only read one you are missing out on a group of great books. Since each book is written from the view point of a different person you find out how things really are with each of the women, and not just what seems to be going on in their life.  

 

The first book is about Olivia (41, married, four children, do-it-all homemaker who has lost her identity in serving everyone else). Next you meet Daisy (46, works full-time, in her 3^rd marriage, is about to finally enjoy the empty nest when her life is turned upside down). Then you learn about Paige (25, divorced with 2 kids, looking for a new start in life and love). The fourth book is about Athena (32, single, workaholic, is afraid to open her heart to love and friendship).

Reading the Newport series has helped me take a look at my own life and my friends. As I read each story I saw each woman show true compassion to each other. None of the ladies had an easy life, they all had their own challenges. Life was not easy for any of them.

 

Heather wrote a delightful book and it didn't take me long to relate to Athena and her many challenges. Once a person is hurt they are reluctant to put their heart out there again. Athena had a difficult time. It isn't easy juggling demands of an ailing parent and on top of that she was running her own business.

 

All of the books in this series made me realize that we as women should be slow to judge because no one knows what is really going on in someone else’s life. We should treat each other with more kindness. It might be your one act of kindness that makes a difference in someone’s life.

 

Thank you Heather for such a wonderful story.

 

Book Signing

I had my first book signing for Mary's Spyglass on Saturday, September 8th. I had a patriotic/pirate party and sold over 50 books. There was a drawing for a free book and the winner was Kimberly Shelley. I remember talking with her at the book signing. She is the daughter of Rebecca Shelley (an author) and she herself is also a writer. There was much excitement last night when I delivered her book.

At my book signing I had many people help me and some of them dressed the part.

This is my son Brian and his girlfriend Sharon. Below is a picture of Sharon and her daughter.

My daughter Annette also dressed the part (wench). She was in charge of the food and had made a pirate ship from a watermellon. There were lots of games and everyone said how much fun they had at the party.

I am planning other book signing parties, so look for information of the upcoming events.

Coming September 2012

 

 

 

Paige – The Newport Ladies Book Club by Annette Lyon.

This is the third book in a series of four stand-alone books, by four different authors. They are all from the same time period and the same book club meetings. But only with reading all 4 books, will you learn the whole story of each of the women.

 It took me until this time to realize that although I had read about Paige I didn’t have a clue what was really going on in her life. Then I thought back to the other two books – Olivia and Daisy. Reading those books brought a deeper understand about each of them. While reading these books I have met the women from the book club, the way I meet those women at my book club meetings. Reading about the same incident from one women’s point of view is way different than from someone else’s point of view. We can be at the same meeting and what happens in our eyes is different than what the other person sees.

When I read Olivia I discovered that on the outside she was a perfect wife and mother, but somehow along the way she had forgot to develop her own identity. At first glance Olivia thought that Daisy’s clothes were creased in the right places, Athena had a look of togetherness about her, and Paige was young and sweet looking.

 Then when I read Daisy she thought that Livvy (Olivia) was close to her own age, but she seemed flustered. Paige was very young and seemed a little overwhelmed, and Daisy envied her athletic body, but Daisy had a distinct impression that Athena didn’t like being put on the spot. Reading these three books I have found that there is more to Daisy and Paige than Olivia first saw.  

 When Paige attended the first book club meeting she felt very insecure. Athena seemed to be a confident woman, Daisy was also confident and wore tailored clothing, and Livvy had a masklike smile and Paige felt that Livvy was holding in her emotions and might crack if she did anything more than maintain a polite demeanor.

 Paige with Nathan her three year old son, and Shawn who was six, fled to Newport, California to escape the people in Utah after her divorce from an unfaithful husband. Things are not easy for her. She finds a job which helps financially, but it’s the friends from the book club who help her realize how strong she is and who giver her support to carry on as she faces the challenges of being a single mom.

 This is a great book and I’m sure everyone will enjoy reading about Paige as she wonders if she can ever trust a man or love again. She learns that healing from the past requires more than a change of address.

Daisy – The Newport Ladies Book Club by Josi S. Kilpack

This is one of four stand-alone books, by four different authors. You will be able to participate in a virtual book club that features recommendations and discussion guides.


The back cover says - Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. And no one knows that better than Daisy. Raising two kids as a divorced, single mom, Daisy has faced each and every one of the obstacles in her life with courage and determination.

Now with her oldest daughter ready to have a baby of her own, her youngest daughter ready to graduate from high school, and her new husband, Paul ready to embrace the life of an empty-nester, Daisy feels like she might finally be able to check motherhood off her list of things to do.

Except life often has a mind of its own. When, at the age of forty-six, Daisy suddenly finds herself facing a very different future than the one she had planned, and an uncomfortable evaluation of the past she thought she understood, she realizes that there is still some growing up she needs to do.

Looking for a distraction to escape the growing tension at home, Daisy joins the Newport Ladies Book Club, where she meets Paige, Athena, and Olivia – unlikely friends who offer encouragement and support when Daisy’s perfectly crafted life is turned upside-down.

Now for my review - This is a book that everyone should read just for fun even if you didn’t read Olivia. Of course, if you didn’t you will want to get it and read because it's a good book. No, you don’t have to read it to know what is going on in this book, but you probably will want to keep up with what is going on in all the women’s lives. They will become your best friends and you will want to know what each of them is doing.

Daisy is entertaining, and has many twists and turns. Just as you think you know what is going to happen to Daisy something new transpires. Her life is a roller coaster and surprises are around every corner. Believe me when I say that when you are positive you have the plot figured out, things will change. The ending was not what I expected. Daisy is an amazing character and a friend indeed. You really won’t want to miss this second book in the Newport Ladies Book Club series. I cried, I laughed. I even got angry with Daisy, as well as her children and mother. They were all real to me and many times they each deserved a good scolding.

The next book in the series, Paige will be out this coming August. I can hardly wait to read it because I know that Annette Lyon will have an endearing character for us to read about. I already like Paige because of her encounters with Olivia and Daisy. What a great group of ladies they have turned out to be. If I didn’t already belong to a book club I would organize one right away.

Christ’s Gifts to Women by Heather Moore and Angela Eschler

There is no better gift that a mother could receive this mother’s day than the book, “Christ’s Gifts to Women.” There are not enough words to describe how great this book is.

At times, we as faithful Latter-day Saint women struggle to understand exactly who Christ is in our lives. We fail to comprehend the gifts He offers us as we strive to overcome the challenges we face. He has overcome the world–He has given women great gifts that empower us and help us realize we are not alone.

Heather Moore and Angela Eschler have done exactly what the book cover says. They have written a book that weaves trials faced in our day with trials faced in Biblical days–and expounded on the timeless power Christ has given women to overcome them.

 As they spoke about the gift of mercy I realized that many of us fail to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in our lives and continue to wallow in the past. That goes against everything Christ taught. We all must realize that through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good. After reading this book I hope that I will allow myself to feel encircled in the arms of His love, and that I will feel safe.

 These two women reminded me that sometimes God calms the storm, and sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child helping me to understand His power. Without the gift of experience how would we learn? In permitting trials He allows a greater understanding of His purposes.

 Heather and Angela reminded us in this book that the Savior has power enough to heal us all in each and every aspect of our lives, if we but reach out to Him. The gift of wholeness can belong to each of us, but the Lord has His own timetable, and we must trust that the infinite healing will come and our trial will be lifted.

The past few years I spent my time nurturing my mother, and then my husband for many months. This book helped me to realize that as I did those nurturing acts of service to them the Savior lovingly nurtured me.

 I agee with these two women, that sometimes we find ourselves too caught up in our ever-busy lives to see Him and embrace the gifts He offers. When we are stressed, worried, overwhelmed, or even filled with self-recrimination, this is the time to include Him in our lives and take comfort in His love for us. I totally agree with them that we would do well to slow down a little . . .  and truly see the things that matter most.

 Heather and Angela helped me to realize that as we strive to draw closer to Christ, He will draw closer to us, magnify our efforts, and fill us with joy and peace. They helped me recognize the incredible rewards Christ has given each of God’s precious daughters, no matter the hardships we face.

Defenders of the Covenant by Angie Lofthouse

I did an interview with the author, Angie Lofthouse and here are the questions and answers.

C = How old were you when you started writing?

A = I started writing with the intent to become a published author when I was 22 years old. Before that, I loved reading and thought I'd like to try my hand at writing, but I lacked the confidence. Fortunately, a supportive hubby helped push me in the right direction.

 C = When did this book start to form in your mind? Did it come quickly or did you have struggles?

 A = The idea came to me way back in 1997-98 when I was expecting my third child. I was excited about it, but as with everything I've written, it took a lot of work to get from shiny idea to finished product. I did tons of research for it, too. I really enjoyed that process.

 C = What was the inspiration for this book?

 A = The idea first started when I sat in the temple and asked myself how far I would go to keep those covenants. What might I have to sacrifice? My mind came up with a most extreme case of a woman having to actually give up her baby to the church because of an alien invasion. How would the church respond to an alien invasion? I wrote a short story about it that wasn't very good, but then I found I wanted to write about those children and how they might save the earth when they got older. Defenders of the Covenant was born. Recently, I turned the bad short story into a novella prequel to the novel called "Consecrated." I personally feel it's some of the best writing I've done. I hope I get to share it with the world soon.

 C = What other books do you have published?

 A = This is my first novel, but I have published a dozen short stories in print and online magazines. You can read most of them for free on my website: www.angielofthouse.com I also have a Christmas story in the anthology, Stolen Christmas and another Christmas story will be published in a collection due out this fall.

 C = What other books are you in the process of writing?

 A = At the moment, I am revising a sequel to Defenders of the Covenant called The Ransomed Returning. Though Defenders stands alone, I liked the idea of continuing the adventures of the characters as they work to build Zion. I am also nearly finished with the first draft of a third book in the series, Shattered Skies.

C = Any suggestions for someone who is trying to write a book?

A = Instead of "write what you know," I recommend "write what you love!" You can always find out the stuff you don't know. I believe you should follow your passion and have fun! Keep writing all the time and never, ever give up!

 C = When is your next book going to be available?

 A = Not sure on that. I hope to finish revising it and get it submitted within the month. It should be available a few months after that!

 C = Why do you like writing?

 A = I love creating characters and sending them on adventures, putting them through trials and giving them happy endings. I love being able to share my work with others and having them respond to it. I love to let my imagination run wild, and I love that I can be sitting around daydreaming and legitimately be able to claim that I am working.

 Now for a little about the book and the review:

Hannah and her friends have been warned about the danger lurking outside of their secret refuge from the alien invaders who devastated Earth years before. The teenagers’ leaders have raised them in the Latter-day Saint faith, teaching them to trust God, but when McKenzie and her rebellious boyfriend Jeremy decide to run away, Hannah and Derek follow, determined to bring their friends home.

 Once outside, the four teens soon realize they cannot return to the refuge without endangering everyone there. Captured, enslaved, and separated, Hannah, Derek, and McKenzie each learn the unique role they must play in liberating the earth. The friends must battle with android soldiers and attack vessels, and face their own inner struggles to overcome the invaders., After all, not even an alien invasion can stop the work of God.

 One of my favorite chapters was six. I could actually see the scene as the author described Derek sifting through the rubble, looking for anything of value. His main focus was getting back home to safety, but his heart nearly stopped beating when he discovered among all the wreckage a building that he recognized. I cheered as he made his escape.

 I was impressed that among all the fighting scenes the author still had Brother Ancient remind Hannah that, “You have a gift to reach out to our hearts with music. You must use this gift.”

 There was plenty of action and also some romance scenes, and most LDS people would really enjoy this book. It gave me a lot to think and wonder about.

Mother Had A Secret by Tiffany Fletcher

Last Saturday I attended our Stakes Relief Society Conference. The closing speaker at that conference was Tiffany Fletcher author of a true story, Mother Had A Secret.

This is a story of her learning to love her mother and her multiple personalities. The true story of this complicated mother-daughter relationship unfolds in a weave of memory and emotion as Tiffany recounts the challenges of growing up in the care of a woman held hostage by her own shattered mind; a woman who inadvertently hurt the children she only wanted to love and protect; a woman whose premature death brought deep waves of loss but also much-needed healing. Poetic, poignant, and heart-wrenchingly honest, this riveting narrative offers hope to victims of mental illness and their families and provides insight to readers unacquainted with the struggle. It invites compassion and inspires positive action in our most reassured relationships.

The book teaches about compassion and gives many examples of positive action. I can honestly not even imagine living in the horror these children daily endured. Without the teachings of the church I can only imagine where each of the children would be now. Tiffany told us that as a teenager, she knew that her mother, Vickie had been brutally and sexually abused as a child. She also knew that the abuse caused her mother’s severe mental and emotional instability, which brought painful complications for the entire family. Still the things she had to endure as a teenager should not have to happen to anyone. My heart totally aches for her. Tiffany didn’t know that there was a name for what plagued her family every day until her mother was in a car wreck which landed Vickie in the hospital. While there they found a name for the multiple personalities that each child saw in their mother. They were told that she had dissociative identity disorder. Most teenagers have a hard time getting along with their mother who usually has only one personality, but Vicky had fifteen, include one that was her own.

I am so glad that I read this book. This beautiful young mother of five has gone through more in her short life than I can ever imagine, and through all the trials she came out with a deep love for her mother and her many personalities.

Promises by Carolyn Frank

The back cover tells us a little about the story. Hattie is barely twelve when her pa’s business adventures move her family to the new town of Tropic, Utah. Her pa views the town an opportunity. Hattie is hopelessly shy and views it with apprehension. More than anything else, Hattie wants to be like her father-not afraid of meeting new people, talking to strangers, and standing up for herself. So it is with trepidation that she accepts he pa’s challenge and promises to make new friends.

Hattie forms more promises as she struggles to make friends, finding companionship in places she wouldn’t have expected and learning that there is a difference between complaining and standing up for one’s self.

Promises is a heart warming story of friendship with a touch of mystery and adventure set in the days before Bryce Canyon became a national park. Drawn from the memoirs of Hattie Adair Jolley and her children, it is a realistic glimpse into the past and a delightful story for readers ages eight to eighty.

I’m sure it is no secret that I love historical fiction stories. I enjoyed the beautiful scenery picture that Carolyn painted in this book. I honestly felt like I was right there as she described the scenes entering the valley during their move and the things she saw on her many adventures to Bryce Canyon and Mossy Cave.

Since I was shy when I was younger I could feel the struggles Hattie had as she learned to speak up for herself and those she loved. I felt her disappointment and excitement when her family moved to Beaver so she could attend the academy. My family moved a lot when I was a young child. I hated finding new friends.

Hattie was a brave girl and helped her friend Mae even when it meant her life was in danger. I enjoyed this book and was disappointed when the story ended. To me Hattie had an exciting life and I enjoyed the telling of her young life. Hattie really did find out that PROMISES are hard to keep if you’re timid. They are even hard to keep when you get older and aren't so afraid to speak up. Circumstances change and it's not always convenient to keep a promise.

Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

The back cover of this book reads -

Harry Windover adores blonde, green-eyed Athena Lancaster, but alas, a penniless man like himself has no hope of winning a young noblewoman’s hand. To add insult to injury, Athena’s brother-in-law and guardian, the Duke of Kielder, has asked Harry to assist Athena in finding the gentleman of her dreams. But the lovesick Harry is cunning as well: as the weeks pass, he introduces Athena to suitors who are horrifically boring, alarmingly attached to their mothers, downright rude, astoundingly self-absorbed – nothing like the loyal, gentle friend she’s found in Harry. But how long can Harry’s scheme be hidden before it is discovered? And what will Athena do when she uncovers Harry’s deception? Escape into a charming regency world in this delightfully romantic comedy of manners that will entertain you to the very last word.

After reading the first books I had to read this one. I was not dissappointed. I love any story that has anything to do with history. I could tell Sarah had done her research on the way things were done in England during the early 1800’s. It was interesting to watch as Athena was introduced into society by attending the many balls so she could find herself a suitable gentleman. Harry was charming and I wondered as I read what method of deceit he would use next to keep the men away from her. I loved the humor and enjoyed the book. I was sure the two were made for each other, but neither of them could see it. All Athena could see was that Harry was a good friend and all Harry could do was claim he was a fortune hunter. I really did wonder if they would ever come together.

Caller ID By Rachelle J. Christensen

Following is the words on the back cover.

When twenty-three-year-old Courtney Beckham, the privileged daughter of a highly successful land developer, is abducted in the mountains near her home, FBI Agent Jason Edwards investigates the ten-million-dollar ransom and turns up more than just a kidnapping crime.

And when Courtney catches a glimpse of the caller ID in her kidnapper’s home, what she sees sends ice through her veins. Even if she escapes her captors, something much more dangerous lies ahead.

From the author who brought you Wrong Number comes another story featuring Agent Jason Edwards that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I’ll bet that makes you want to pick up the book right now. Remember there are several ways to win a copy, but you really won’t be sorry if you were to rush to the store now to purchase this book.

Even though I had read parts of this amazing book beforehand and I knew some of the story I still had a hard time putting this aside for other things. I read the entire story in record time.

There were many twists and turns along the way and lots of surprising things taking place. Just when I thought there couldn’t be any more danger for Courtney something new happened to add more tension to the story.

I could feel the betrayal Courtney must have felt during the kidnapping when she saw the name on the caller ID. I also thought there was just enough hints at romance to keep the story interesting. Several times when I was sure I knew what was going to happen next something new happened to put an entire new curve to the story. I can assure you, the story isn’t over until the very end.

If you like mystery, suspense and romance, this is the next book you need to read.

Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden

Last year at a writer's conference I took a class from Sarah Eden. I enjoyed the class and was sure I wanted to read a book by her. It took me almost a year to get around to doing that, and found I was glad that I had put it on my list of books to read. Following is the information on the back cover and my thoughts about the book.

When Persephone Lancaster receives a marriage proposal from the ill-tempered Duke of Kielder, she refuses – and then reconsiders. The obscene sum of money he’s offering Persephone would save her family from ruin. With her characteristic optimism, she travels to the far reaches of Northumberland to wed a greatly feared stranger.

Lodged deep in a thick forest infested with wild dogs, the Duke’s castle is as cold and forbidding as the Duke himself, a man with terrible scars on his body and his soul. But the Duke’s steely determination to protect his heart at all costs is challenged by his growing attachment to his lovely and gentle bride. With caring persistence, Persephone attempts to pierce the Duke’s armor and reach the man beneath. Yet he cannot tolerate such exposure, and his repeated rejections take their toll. But when grave danger arises, the Duke realizes he must face the risk of revealing his true feelings or lose the woman he cannot live without.

It was fun reading a story about an arranged marriage and I wondered if the Duke would ever realize what a fine woman he had tricked into marrying him. I couldn’t believe how patient she was with him. He would sometimes treat her so kind and then turn on her for no reason. Sarah did a good job with the characters in this book. They were so real and I had to keep reading to see what would really happen to Persephone. I knew the Duke cared about her, but she had no idea about his true feelings. It was a great story and I enjoyed it and look forward to reading her other books.

The Launch of Caller ID

This is not the first time you will hear from me concerning this great mystery. I will be doing a book review later in the month. The only hint I can give you today is it's a book that is hard to put down.

On her blog today Rachelle writes -
We can't have a party without presents, right? And I know you like presents, so I have some fabulous gifts you can enter to win. Tonight March 13th, I'll be celebrating my book launch at the Santaquin library at 20 West 100 South from 4-6pm. I'll be there with authors Mandi Slack, Wayne Overson, and others. We'll be signing books and the library will receive a portion of all sales.

When you come to my launch, you can enter to win this awesome basket of gifts! (Will not ship this basket, so you'll need to pick it up from me if you don't stick around.) Includes 4 books, perfume, candle, keychain, notebook, and goodies.

For all my friends who can't make it to good ol' Santaquin, I have a virtual launch party for you!

The directions on how to enter are on her blog page - rachellewrites.blogspot.com

This is a contest you don't want to miss.

OLIVIA, by Julie Wright

The book is the first of The Newport Ladies Book Club series, which consists of four books, written by four different authors, following the stories of four women who are drawn together by their love of reading. Each book is written from the point of view of a different woman in the book club. These four authors promise that if we read all 4 books, we will learn the whole story of each of the women. They also say that the books don’t have to be read in any particular order. That is a good plus.

This is what the cover says. Olivia finds herself frustrated with her marriage after she worked herself to exhaustion to make the perfect anniversary dinner for her husband and he forgets to show up. When he neglects to even apologize to her she realizes how frayed and weak her home and family life have become. She realizes that in order to please those around her she has forgotten how to be true to herself, and as she makes small changes to make more time for herself, she begins to fight for what will bring the family closer together instead of what will make things the most comfortable for everyone. Her small changes include her deciding to rekindle her old love of reading and join a book club.

While Olivia realizes she loves and wants to take care of all the children in her family including her step-children something is preventing her husband from doing the same. The harder she tries to reconcile her husband with his children the farther he pushes her away, until finally he decides to leave her. She is only able to hold together with the help and kindness of those she has met in the book club. At first it is awkward to reach out to these women she only just met, but they quickly become a support structure for one another as each one of them is put through a refiner's fire.

Just reading the cover made me want to read the entire book. I had no idea I would be drawn into the character to the point that I didn't want to put the book down. I first wanted to read this book because of a book club that I belong to. Don't get me wrong I like my book club, but the one in this book is ideal. Every women needs such an outlet.

As I got to know Olivia more she at first reminded me of some women I know. Many women almost kill themselves trying to please their husband and children, and never quit reach their expectation. I was excited to see Olivia realize that she needed to do something for herself. Olivia became true to herself, and fought for what would bring her family closer together. Things became difficult at times for herself, but she persisted. Julia made a believable character, one that I grew to love and admire.

I'm anxious to see what the other women in the series are like. It is a series that I will tell my book club and friends about.

You can see more by connecting to the Newport blog:
http://thenewportladiesbookclub.blogspot.com

This link explains how the series works. http://thenewportladiesbookclub.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-does-series-work-anyway.html

Have fun reading the book. You'll be glad you did.

Retirement Quest - Make Better Decisions

This book is written by John Hauserman, CFP. The back cover reads -

Get the unbiased advice you need. Avoid costly mistakes. Where are you getting your financial advice? How do you know your interest are being safeguarded? How do you know that your advisors are comptetent? How can you know they’re putting your interests first? John Hauserman has spent years building a better way for you to pursue your investment goals. This book shows you how to get unbiased advice and avoid costly financial mistakes. If you want to build a secure financial future, this is the book that will help show you how.

I loved the end of chapter 12 that said, “What we can do for our country is to prepare ourselves financially, thus providing a social cushion for the challenges ahead. Prepare ourselves so that we might help our children out of the economic mess which our leaders seem recklessly intent on handing them. Prepare ourselves so that we might provide an example by which we can hold our elected officers accountable.”

The end of chapter 13 says, “How is it possible that this great nation of take-charge, self-reliant, responsibility seekers could possibly have become comfortable consistently spending more than they earned?”

John Hauserman further said, “By the late 1960’s an entire generation had spent its formative years in a hall of plenty, shaping ideas and decisions for decades to come. They dreamed of better lifestyles, high-minded values of fairness, love, and cooperation. What they did not spend as much time dreaming about, were the costs associated with such endeavors.”

In chapter 15 he states, that the pupose of this work is to help the reader accept, and embrace, individual efforts, the ramifications of which may be far greater than most imagine. Like it or not, we are a generation caught in transition. For decades, our leaders have promised benefits while simultaneously kicking the can of responsibility down the road. He says, “The good news is that we as a culture are on the verge of the greatest accumulation of wealth.”

The last chapter is called, Looking Ahead. He has many good ideas. At first I wasn’t convinced that I needed to read this book, but I’m glad I did. Because I’m well past retirement there isn’t a lot that I can do, but there are things in this book that my children should know about.

The only thing I can say about the book is that I wish it had a title and picture that would have made me want to buy this book. I'm glad I read it, although I'm not sure if I were in a book store that I would have picked it up. Don't be mislead by the title. This is a great book and one I'm sure you will be glad you put on your list to read.

Book Review of Smoke Screen

This book by Traci Hunter Abramson was amazing. Below is a description of the book.

Taylor Palmetta has spent the past year in Europe building her art career and hiding from Navy SEAL Quinn Lambert, the man who broke her heart. But Taylor can't seem to hide from trouble. When Taylor seeks safety with her family in Virginia Beach, a series of threats puts her on high alert, and puts Quinn into protective mode. Despite the private loss that continues to haunt him, Quinn can't deny his renewed attraction to Taylor. But just as the romance heats up, a plot against the very foundation of the American way of life surfaces, and Taylor's paintings may hold the key. The Saint Squad is back in action as the team frantically tries to protect their nation’s security, and Taylor and Quinn search for courage to unlock the troubled past.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat and it was difficult to put it aside at bedtime or when I had other things to do. I just wanted to keep reading. It is well written and has plenty of mystery as well as romance. I would give this a high rating and encourage my friends to read it. You will be glad you did.

I won

Remember the contest blog I wrote earlier this month. In is I said, I really don't want anyone else to enter because I would like to claim the prize as my own, but since this is one of the ways to get an entry I'll do as I'm asked.

I'm certainly glad that most of you didn't listen because I was the winner of that book. Michele e-mailed me and said she was putting it in the mail on Wednesday (that's today) and I should have it by Friday. I can hardly wait. After I read it I'll be posting a blog here to tell you all about it.

Now I guess I better get out to that blog Mormon Mommy Writers and see if I can win something else before this contest is over.

Joyful Noise

Last night I attended a premiere showing to a movie that will be in the theaters on Friday, January 13, Joyful Noise. I loved this movie so much I could probably see it over and over. I’ve never written a movie review before. The reviews I write are usually about books.

Following are the details that I found on line about this movie. It takes place in a small town in Georgia. The people there have fallen on hard times. They are counting on the Divinity Church Choir to lift their spirits by winning the National Joyful Noise Competition.

The choir has always known how to sing in harmony, but the discord between its two leading ladies threatens to tear them apart. Their newly appointed director, Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah), stubbornly wants to stick with their tried-and-true traditional style, while the fiery G.G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton) thinks tried-and-true translates to tired-and-old and her rebellious grandson, Randy (Jeremy Jordan) really shakes things up. He has a good ear for music, but he also has an eye for Vi Rose’s beautiful and talented daughter, Olivia (Keke Palmer). Sparks between the two teenagers cause even more friction between G.G. and Vi Rose.

The musically driven story also brings together the sounds of gospel, pop, country, rock and R & B with memorable songs, performed by the cast. If you love listening to music, you will love this movie. If not, I suggest you stay home.

I loved the movie and was glad that I had attended a prior showing. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't like this movie - unless you don't like music, you don't like Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Keke Palmer, or Jeremy Jordan. Or maybe if you don't like watching a movie because you would rather stay home and watch television. There is plenty of action, lots of humor, and it is a fun movie.

HELP - Call For Stories

My friend JoLyn Brown has asked me to post something about this for her on my blog. She is doing a book called, A Circle of Sisters. It is a collection of true stories about Relief Society women.



Every day, ordinary women who belong to the Relief Society Organization put their hands in the Lord's and go to work. These women rely on personal revelation to get them to the right place at the right time, and every day, miracles are happening. I know that you have seen these miracles in your own lives. I know they have changed you for the better.

Her goal is to create a collection of these stories. So often, we never hear about or see the good things that are happening all around us because of Relief Society sisters. Following are the guidelines.

1. Tell your story in first person. This will make it more personal. How did your experience change you for the better? Be sincere.

2. Keep your story between 500-1200 words.

3. Format using Times New Roman and 12 point font.

4. Please include a short biography, (50-80 words.)

5. Send your story and biography as a word document attachment to circleofsisters.submit@yahoo.com. Use the title of your story and your name in the subject line.

Please keep in mind that she will not be able to offer any payment for your stories, but this may be a chance for you to get publishing credits which is always great.

CONTEST

Mormon Mommy Writers is holding a big party all the month of January to celebrate their three years in the blogging business.

Check them out every day to see what they're giving away. It will be loads of fun! They've got signed books from authors like Tristi Pinkston, Josi Kilpack, Stephanie Black, Lisa Mangum and more. It's prizes and prizes galore!

http://mormonmommywriters.blogspot.com/

TODAY THE BIG PRIZE IS - a book by Michele Ashman Bell "The Perfect Fit".



I really don't want anyone else to enter because I would like to claim the prize as my own, but since this is one of the ways to get an entry I'll do as I'm asked.