tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922764323250251202024-03-13T09:28:05.015-07:00C. LaRene HallWelcome! On this page you'll find my thoughts, and also links that pertain to my writing. Thanks for stopping by to visit and please feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-31006375834207723972013-05-07T09:17:00.000-07:002013-05-07T09:17:36.568-07:00
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BLOG TOUR</div>
Yesterday, Kathryn Elizabeth Jones tagged me for
this blog tour. You can see her blog at <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://idea-creations.blogspot.com/2013/05/what-are-you-writing-now-blog-hop.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://idea-creations.blogspot.com/2013/05/what-are-you-writing-now-blog-hop.html</span></a><br />
<br />
I answered all of the questions that I had an answer
for, but as you will noticed I did skip some of the questions. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What is the working title of
your next book?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
My next book is already at the printers and it is called, The Crusaders From
Warwick Castle, but the book that I am actually working on right now is, Friends
For A Season.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Where did the idea come from
for the book?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
My idea for The Crusaders From Warwick Castle came when I traveled to the
Warwick Castle in England. One of my great grandfather’s was one of the Earl’s
of that castle. I also visited the Tower of London where he was a prisoner. The
idea for my next book, Friends For A Season came to me while I was attending a
family reunion in Virginia celebrating the life of our ancestors who came from
France so they could practice their Huguenot religion. I love history and find
myself writing about the things that happened to people related to me. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">3) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What genre does your book
fall under?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
Historic Fiction for Young Adults<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">6) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Will your book be
self-published or represented by an agency?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I have my books published by Idea
Creations Press<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">7) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">How long did it take you to
write the first draft of the manuscript?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> It took me most of the month of November (NaNoWriMo) several years ago for me to
write my first draft. It was then a long process to do the edits. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">9) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Who or what inspired you to
write this book?</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I was
inspired by the stories of my ancestors. <span style="color: #333333;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">10) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What else about the book
might pique the reader’s interest?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I love
studying about other cultures and have included some of those cultures in my next
book – Gypsies, Jews, and Native Americans. <span style="color: #333333;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">11) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When you find yourself
feeling lazy or ‘blocked’, how do you force yourself to get past it?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Nothing can make me get
past the feeling lazy phase. Sometimes it lasts only a short while and other
times it can go on forever. I don’t usually have a problem with what to write.
Instead, my problem is the time to write. I many times let life get in the way
of my writing. I have no answer for that problem. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Where do you find your
inspiration? How do you overcome writer’s block?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Inspiration comes from all around me. I
love history and enjoy reading about someone, or some place. I always want to know
more of the story. That’s why I write. I don’t get writer’s block. My computer
is full of ideas and so is my head. Sometimes I have trouble trying to express
myself in a clear manner and that can take me hours to make the sentence flow
correct. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">13) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What’s the one piece of
advice you would give a new writer?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Take classes and go to workshops, or conferences to learn the
craft. Listen to others, but also go with your own instincts. Everyone out
there has a different idea about how to write. Not all of those ideas work for
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">14) 1. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Which author inspired you to
become a writer?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I cannot pinpoint one particular author that inspired me. I
have several books that I love, but a different person wrote each of them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">How do you choose the subjects of your books?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I write about what I
love and that is history. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">15) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What is your daily writing
schedule?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I
wish I could say I have a daily writing schedule. I’m big on time management,
but writing is not my life. Writing is something I do for pleasure. On my time
management schedule, writing is not at the top of the list. The necessary
things of life – family and church are at the top. Next is my job, and duties
at home. I don’t have to earn a living with my writing. To me, writing should
be fun.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">16) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">How did you find the courage
to let people see your personal inner thoughts?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I still don’t let people see most of my
personal inner thoughts. My writing is about things I love, but not my personal
thoughts. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">17) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">How frequently do you write
(hours per day or whatever)?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> When my computer is working, I do write most days. However,
since I work out of the home and I am active in my church sometimes there are
no spare minutes to write. I don’t freak out over that. I don’t hate myself
when I don’t write. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">How many drafts do you work through before you are satisfied?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I have never counted my
drafts. I work on the story until it sounds good. Next, I send it on for
someone else to read. When they send it back to me, I work on corrections and
answering questions about the story. I stop working on it when I am satisfied
with the way it sounds. Then I send it off to the publisher. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What is most difficult to
write about, and why? </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I have never had a difficult time writing. Usually if someone
gives me, a topic to write about I can think of something to write. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Do women writers face any
different challenges than men?</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
In our day, I don’t think they have challenges any different from men. Both
women and men are accepted in the writing world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Thanks Kathy for encouraging me to do
this. It's not always easy for me to talk about myself.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-6923830413931002372013-02-21T13:18:00.000-08:002013-02-21T13:18:51.498-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SON OF LIBERTY</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-940WT-aPmZQ/USaM41I2Q_I/AAAAAAAABNQ/Ynktj9GnUR8/s1600/SonOfLiberty_hi_res-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-940WT-aPmZQ/USaM41I2Q_I/AAAAAAAABNQ/Ynktj9GnUR8/s1600/SonOfLiberty_hi_res-200x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This story is a direct result of Daron's recent quest to learn more about the Founding Fathers and the events that led up to the American Revolution—incredibly inspiring stories that he had never heard of before: The Loyal Nine, the Culper Spy Ring, and the Sons of Liberty, for example. Although not directly connected to any of those events, in <em>Son of Liberty</em> he gave a nod of appreciation for some of the heroes and symbols of that day.<br />
<br />
I like the cover and it will draw many people's attention. <br />
<br />
This book by Daron D. Fraley is amazing. He is a fantastic writer. I love the descriptions that he gave in the book. It flowed from the very beginning and made me want to keep turning the pages. I loved the story he was telling. Then it ended. I wanted more before the last chapter. I didn't want it to end the way it did. His characters were likeable and I wanted to know them and watch them as they continued to help other people. <br />
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I wish the story was longer and that he had continued a little longer. The story was intiguing and one I would like to have kept reading. I was ready to give the book to my 14-year-old grandson because I thought it was something he would love, but then I didn't want to see him disappointed when it ended so abruptly.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-72466796196773189912012-12-26T07:51:00.000-08:002012-12-26T07:51:11.667-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8MfRwGA6ok/UNsWtI6N2FI/AAAAAAAABMo/HxpxiWSOwYc/s1600/Athena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8MfRwGA6ok/UNsWtI6N2FI/AAAAAAAABMo/HxpxiWSOwYc/s1600/Athena.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">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. </span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">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. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">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<b><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup></b> 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).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">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. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">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. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">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. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Thank you Heather for such a wonderful story. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-84007246034576363692012-09-19T10:07:00.001-07:002012-09-19T10:07:42.741-07:00Book Signing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfr3Lo_EaNc/UFn6Uuw6aJI/AAAAAAAABLc/JId9WFzWtHk/s1600/Mary's+Spyglass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfr3Lo_EaNc/UFn6Uuw6aJI/AAAAAAAABLc/JId9WFzWtHk/s1600/Mary's+Spyglass.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
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. <br />
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At my book signing I had many people help me and some of them dressed the part. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUijNvtcKM0/UFn7H1VxgmI/AAAAAAAABLk/jDdGRaLtL_c/s1600/Pirates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUijNvtcKM0/UFn7H1VxgmI/AAAAAAAABLk/jDdGRaLtL_c/s320/Pirates.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my son Brian and his girlfriend Sharon. Below is a picture of Sharon and her daughter.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuiJIkp3ttg/UFn7R0GX3dI/AAAAAAAABLs/-UbSDJurVMg/s1600/More+pirates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuiJIkp3ttg/UFn7R0GX3dI/AAAAAAAABLs/-UbSDJurVMg/s320/More+pirates.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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I am planning other book signing parties, so look for information of the upcoming events.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-29852076166291732962012-08-24T10:39:00.001-07:002012-08-24T10:41:51.587-07:00Coming September 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4A5EQX5s5AQ/UDe8BpDrOQI/AAAAAAAABJ8/sv66i_7Knm0/s1600/mary's+spyglass+cover-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4A5EQX5s5AQ/UDe8BpDrOQI/AAAAAAAABJ8/sv66i_7Knm0/s320/mary's+spyglass+cover-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-26658873968030482832012-08-18T13:52:00.000-07:002012-08-18T13:52:19.703-07:00Paige – The Newport Ladies Book Club by Annette Lyon. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r6CK9CxwUZY/UC___guExUI/AAAAAAAABJA/7Y7bGJSdOPs/s1600/Paige_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r6CK9CxwUZY/UC___guExUI/AAAAAAAABJA/7Y7bGJSdOPs/s1600/Paige_COVER.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is the third book in a series of four stand-alone
books, by four different authors. They are all from t</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">he 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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It took me until
this time to realize that </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-38642820988674708672012-05-17T11:49:00.001-07:002012-05-18T07:14:24.313-07:00Daisy – The Newport Ladies Book Club by Josi S. Kilpack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGWakyHR2CE/T7VEm5Q7BjI/AAAAAAAABII/ZfaH1eK_nLo/s1600/Daisy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGWakyHR2CE/T7VEm5Q7BjI/AAAAAAAABII/ZfaH1eK_nLo/s1600/Daisy.jpg" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-65303701055707940042012-05-10T19:20:00.003-07:002012-05-10T19:20:46.679-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DtCUYUB8SM/T6x21oC-R6I/AAAAAAAABH8/d5EKqvFyeXQ/s1600/Christs+Gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DtCUYUB8SM/T6x21oC-R6I/AAAAAAAABH8/d5EKqvFyeXQ/s320/Christs+Gifts.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Christ’s Gifts to Women by Heather Moore and Angela Eschler<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> I ag</o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ee 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 . . .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and truly see
the things that matter most. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-14632438360776703742012-04-26T19:23:00.006-07:002012-04-26T19:23:55.870-07:00Defenders of the Covenant by Angie Lofthouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Orw8Q7CNkXQ/T5oCkmfHJ7I/AAAAAAAABHk/MYU2JCZ-eWg/s1600/Defenders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Orw8Q7CNkXQ/T5oCkmfHJ7I/AAAAAAAABHk/MYU2JCZ-eWg/s1600/Defenders.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I did an interview with the author, Angie Lofthouse and here are the
questions and answers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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C
= How old were you when you started writing?</div>
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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.</div>
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C
= When did this book start to form in your mind? Did it come quickly or did you
have struggles? </div>
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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.</div>
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C
= What was the inspiration for this book?</div>
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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.</div>
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C = What other books do you have published?</div>
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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: <a href="http://www.angielofthouse.com/"><span style="color: #473624;">www.angielofthouse.com</span></a>
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.</div>
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C
= What other books are you in the process of writing?</div>
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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.</div>
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C
= Any suggestions for someone who is trying to write a book?</div>
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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!</div>
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C
= When is your next book going to be available?</div>
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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!</div>
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C
= Why do you like writing?</div>
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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. </div>
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N<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ow for
a little about the book and the review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-58212009335387784572012-04-25T18:55:00.000-07:002012-04-25T18:55:32.072-07:00Mother Had A Secret by Tiffany Fletcher<div align="center">
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-532151302035715732012-04-03T08:50:00.005-07:002012-04-03T08:57:43.978-07:00Promises by Carolyn Frank<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNG5rsRM9O4/T3scn2lqlRI/AAAAAAAABHE/pLaz0xAtYOI/s1600/PromisesCoverSmashWords.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNG5rsRM9O4/T3scn2lqlRI/AAAAAAAABHE/pLaz0xAtYOI/s200/PromisesCoverSmashWords.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727202822125688082" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83OsYy_XBu4/T3scfHnkBjI/AAAAAAAABG4/rOZQ5QwRVUI/s1600/Carolyn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83OsYy_XBu4/T3scfHnkBjI/AAAAAAAABG4/rOZQ5QwRVUI/s200/Carolyn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727202672078226994" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The back cover tells us a little about the story. <em>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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.</em><br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-86682426522607524802012-03-29T08:33:00.003-07:002012-03-29T08:39:49.178-07:00Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpwO_YeLiAE/T3SBrAtu1QI/AAAAAAAABGs/Aw37so1IGmk/s1600/Miss%2BLancaster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 90px; height: 135px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpwO_YeLiAE/T3SBrAtu1QI/AAAAAAAABGs/Aw37so1IGmk/s200/Miss%2BLancaster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725343602220913922" /></a><br /><br />The back cover of this book reads -<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-78647579871657285672012-03-28T08:24:00.003-07:002012-03-28T08:30:45.032-07:00Caller ID By Rachelle J. Christensen<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yI3s2MD890/T3Mtl4m9rnI/AAAAAAAABGg/GCfLwy_chDI/s1600/Caller%2BID.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yI3s2MD890/T3Mtl4m9rnI/AAAAAAAABGg/GCfLwy_chDI/s200/Caller%2BID.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724969680192253554" /></a><br /><br />Following is the words on the back cover. <br /><br /><em>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.</em><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />If you like mystery, suspense and romance, this is the next book you need to read.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-18669054889919315482012-03-27T12:18:00.004-07:002012-03-27T12:27:10.654-07:00Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBKuU6FAuCs/T3ITU0_ZWtI/AAAAAAAABGU/TKGgFIJ46tk/s1600/Seeking%2BP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBKuU6FAuCs/T3ITU0_ZWtI/AAAAAAAABGU/TKGgFIJ46tk/s200/Seeking%2BP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724659324884179666" /></a><br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-33997940300484474062012-03-13T08:43:00.003-07:002012-03-13T08:51:43.818-07:00The Launch of Caller ID<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg4No_J2PxQ/T19rd6brgeI/AAAAAAAABGI/uEyVt3UuZ7E/s1600/Caller%2BID.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg4No_J2PxQ/T19rd6brgeI/AAAAAAAABGI/uEyVt3UuZ7E/s200/Caller%2BID.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719408213429551586" /></a><br /><br />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. <br /><br />On her blog today Rachelle writes -<br /><em>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />For all my friends who can't make it to good ol' Santaquin, I have a virtual launch party for you! </em><br /><br />The directions on how to enter are on her blog page - rachellewrites.blogspot.com<br /><br />This is a contest you don't want to miss.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-45071955118900636102012-03-06T09:26:00.006-08:002012-03-06T09:51:06.950-08:00OLIVIA, by Julie Wright<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtgLrygwoVM/T1ZI6LptYgI/AAAAAAAABF8/SQJH5NRFc_M/s1600/Olivia.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtgLrygwoVM/T1ZI6LptYgI/AAAAAAAABF8/SQJH5NRFc_M/s200/Olivia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716836941390766594" /></a><br /><br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />You can see more by connecting to the Newport blog:<br />http://thenewportladiesbookclub.blogspot.com<br /><br />This link explains how the series works. http://thenewportladiesbookclub.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-does-series-work-anyway.html<br /><br />Have fun reading the book. You'll be glad you did.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-50029650191616420632012-02-29T11:32:00.004-08:002012-02-29T11:42:20.515-08:00Retirement Quest - Make Better Decisions<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKNE-NN0zi4/T05-MA2fJAI/AAAAAAAABFw/oxak73E7Q5c/s1600/Retirement.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKNE-NN0zi4/T05-MA2fJAI/AAAAAAAABFw/oxak73E7Q5c/s200/Retirement.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714643722031801346" /></a><br /><br />This book is written by John Hauserman, CFP. The back cover reads - <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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?”<br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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.” <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-82559176139349973992012-01-24T07:55:00.001-08:002012-01-24T07:59:03.735-08:00Book Review of Smoke Screen<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56gQsoSsnes/Tx7UnbBikVI/AAAAAAAABFk/V_wSMHEGDAU/s1600/smoke%2Bscreen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56gQsoSsnes/Tx7UnbBikVI/AAAAAAAABFk/V_wSMHEGDAU/s200/smoke%2Bscreen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701227952031830354" /></a><br /><br />This book by Traci Hunter Abramson was amazing. Below is a description of the book.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-13381118344611046032012-01-11T10:29:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:35:01.086-08:00I won<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEx2kg9e_jw/Tw3VUA3RoLI/AAAAAAAABFM/nAsk0nO1YCk/s1600/The%2BPerfect%2BFit_FrontCOVER.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 113px; height: 170px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEx2kg9e_jw/Tw3VUA3RoLI/AAAAAAAABFM/nAsk0nO1YCk/s200/The%2BPerfect%2BFit_FrontCOVER.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696443643499487410" /></a><br /><br />Remember the contest blog I wrote earlier this month. In is I said, <em>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.</em> <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-77424684298114891612012-01-10T07:28:00.000-08:002012-01-10T10:24:52.336-08:00Joyful Noise<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pT-TnbFN0yM/Twx_zBVh1kI/AAAAAAAABFA/FjsfLajHiDw/s1600/Joyful%2Bnoise.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 84px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pT-TnbFN0yM/Twx_zBVh1kI/AAAAAAAABFA/FjsfLajHiDw/s200/Joyful%2Bnoise.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696068143225624130" /></a><br /><br />Last night I attended a premiere showing to a movie that will be in the theaters on Friday, January 13, <em>Joyful Noise</em>. 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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-53018623328151665142012-01-04T10:57:00.000-08:002012-01-04T18:23:25.736-08:00HELP - Call For StoriesMy 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.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTIDlu1C-MA/TwUJVfpYXmI/AAAAAAAABE0/Z1fZ0e5euwE/s1600/relief-society-seal-bw_preview.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 148px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTIDlu1C-MA/TwUJVfpYXmI/AAAAAAAABE0/Z1fZ0e5euwE/s200/relief-society-seal-bw_preview.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693967568756825698" /></a><br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />1. Tell your story in first person. This will make it more personal. How did your experience change you for the better? Be sincere.<br /><br />2. Keep your story between 500-1200 words. <br /><br />3. Format using Times New Roman and 12 point font. <br /><br />4. Please include a short biography, (50-80 words.) <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-34721597055485525602012-01-03T12:26:00.000-08:002012-01-03T12:31:58.898-08:00CONTESTMormon Mommy Writers is holding a big party all the month of January to celebrate their three years in the blogging business.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />http://mormonmommywriters.blogspot.com/ <br /><br />TODAY THE BIG PRIZE IS - a book by Michele Ashman Bell "The Perfect Fit".<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-icuKTdLX2tk/TwNkzCr--FI/AAAAAAAABEc/pS29Rdoxg9A/s1600/The%2BPerfect%2BFit_FrontCOVER.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 113px; height: 170px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-icuKTdLX2tk/TwNkzCr--FI/AAAAAAAABEc/pS29Rdoxg9A/s200/The%2BPerfect%2BFit_FrontCOVER.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693505181983897682" /></a><br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-50928386799377131082011-12-28T10:01:00.000-08:002011-12-28T10:18:49.519-08:00Don't Cry Wolf by Clair M. Poulson<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4fK5Zo4qNc/TvtaU2SGp1I/AAAAAAAABEQ/hvkbw3j3eQc/s1600/Don%2527t%2BCry%2BWolf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4fK5Zo4qNc/TvtaU2SGp1I/AAAAAAAABEQ/hvkbw3j3eQc/s200/Don%2527t%2BCry%2BWolf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691241868328085330" /></a><br /><br />This book captured me in the first chapter and kept me turning pages the entire time. It called me away from other activities because I had to know what was going to happen next.<br /><br />The back cover gives a hint of what is to come when it tells everyone that Deputy Prescott gets a call directing him to an accident. As he approaches the twisted, mangled remains of the vehicle, he doubts there could be any survivors in that wreckage. Somebody's life would be ruined tonight, he just never thought it would be his. <br /><br />Overwhelmed by the memory of losing part of his family, he decides to take the sheriff's offer to become a detective instead of continuing to patrol. <br /><br />A year later, wolves are starting to drift from neighboring Yellowstone Park to Montana ranches and are preying on calves, and a group of activists is passionate about saving the wolves from getting shot by ranchers. Their passion turns to violence with the murder of a rancher who shoots a wolf in order to protect his livestock. It is up to Deputy Prescott to find out exactly who is behind the escalating violence. <br /><br />The book is filled with suspense, and romance. It's a book that I'm glad I read.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-15562097241097849452011-12-20T08:33:00.000-08:002011-12-20T08:46:26.914-08:00Christmas Carole Sing-AlongLast night my friend Janis invited me to attend a sing-along at the Engergy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake with her and her husband. Although the program says it was the 27th annual performance, I had never heard about it before this invite. <br /><br />The Larry H. Miller Family do this every year. There is an orchestra led by Robert C. Bowden that plays Christmas music while the audience participates singing to words that are posted above. Besides the singing this year they featured Alex Boye'. That man has a wonderful powerful voice. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPo3PK9vFSM/TvC5PSD3YYI/AAAAAAAABDg/3DrgvN9o0GI/s1600/Alex.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPo3PK9vFSM/TvC5PSD3YYI/AAAAAAAABDg/3DrgvN9o0GI/s200/Alex.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688250001566163330" /></a><br /><br />This is something I am going to put on my calendar for all future years. It was a short program lasting just over one hour but certainly put me into the Christmas Spirit. We sang all the versus to all the popular Christmas songs - some versus I had never heard before.<br /><br />Oh, and I forgot to mention that Santa Claus was there for all the children to see as well as the Jazz bear, and Big Budah from Fox 13.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192276432325025120.post-1233877872013144862011-12-14T08:04:00.001-08:002011-12-14T08:20:18.599-08:00The Assassination of Governor Boggs, a Historical Novel by Rod Miller<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XUHQsU2s6sQ/TujLKxSBsAI/AAAAAAAABDI/YGdlob7JNas/s1600/governor%2Bboggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XUHQsU2s6sQ/TujLKxSBsAI/AAAAAAAABDI/YGdlob7JNas/s200/governor%2Bboggs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686017915443326978" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This story takes place as detective Pogue, of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency steps into a hair-raising mystery and tracks down Governor Boggs’s enemies and friends to determine who really shot the past governor. He begins the story by telling us that Lilburn Boggs was never the same after getting shot in the head. News of the assassination spread quickly, but the news was premature because he lasted the night and nearly eighteen more years.<br /><br />Rod Miller has written many essays, magazine articles, book reviews, and anthologized short stories, and poems. I can tell he did his research while writing this book and he didn’t leave any trail unturned. I learned more in this one book than I have heard in many years. Several years ago I read the biography of Porter Rockwell, by Richard Lloyd Dewey. From reading both books I have drawn my own conclusion and that is that Mr. Rockwell became the scapegoat of every mysterious incident that happened during his lifetime. <br /><br />I love the personal part of the story with detective Progue buying small horses on his travels through the west for his young daughter’s collection. He was a likeable guy, not in a hurry, but thorough in his questioning. He also didn’t seem to be influenced by other’s opinions. <br /><br />I enjoyed the descriptions of the rhythmic clack and hum of wheels on the rails and the abandoned town of Nauvoo. Because of the many images Rod painted it put me right into the story. He also has the ability to help me see the individuals in the story as he talks about the tousled hair, and a gaunt whiskered face. The trip into the Salt Lake valley seemed real as he was jostled over the mountains and plains, lurched up an incline, chocked by Red Desert dust, and the bone-jarring ride down Echo Canyon. I appreciate the fact that Miller found documents that I had never read before, such as the extermination order given by Governor Boggs.<br /><br />Brigham Young states that in his his opinion Rockwell's innocence is "a certainty- if only, for no other reason, that Boggs survived. Had Port fired the shot, that would not have been the case."<br /><br />I always love books that include in the back discussion questions. I know that this helps book clubs in their debates about the book. I can tell that Rod really thought through these questions. He doesn’t give us the answer but instead gives us something to think about. I particularly love the last question Do you think Porter Rockwell did it?<br /><br />I am sure that anyone interested in history during this time period would love this book. I did.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0