Tuesday, January 24, 2012

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.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

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.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

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.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

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.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

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.