Dec 30, 2012

Regally Blonde

1 comments
What a cute story!

Jamie has put her life on hold to help her mother.
She has also been called to teach the Sunbeam class in church.

David and his 3-year-old daughter, Sunny, have just moved in next door.

When Sunny sees Jamie, her new teacher, she immediately claims her as her "earth mommy."

Jamie quickly finds out that Sunny's "heaven mommy" was killed in a car accident.

Jamie is attracted to David, but she is also engaged to Christopher.

Can Jamie be the "earth mommy" Sunny so wants?


I have to admit I stayed away from romance books for the longest time...my genre was always suspense .

But since I have started this blog I have delved into these contemporary romance stories and now truly enjoy them.

Heather Horrocks is one of my new favorite authors.
I LOVE her books!

I will definitely be reading more from her :)

Dec 27, 2012

Castles on the Sand

0 comments
This is the FIRST book I have EVER read WITHOUT reading the back of the book first to see what the book was about...

I LOVED the cover and the title so I wanted to read it...and I won it as a FREE book...

SO...

 I had no idea what the story-line was going into it.

I will admit there were a few times I wasn't sure I wanted to finish the book...

But then I found myself wanting to know more and more and more...

So I kept reading and reading and reading.

I finished it in two days...I couldn't put it down...

I am SO GRATEFUL I finished the book!

It is one of those books that you really think about and want to share what happened with many other people.


The Gospel of Second Chances

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WOW this book is AMAZING!

The gospel is TRUE!
The atonement is WONDERFUL!
Second chances are REAL!

EVERYONE has done SOMETHING they WISH they could go back and do-over...
Sometimes we even need third and forth chances...

Filled with scriptural and modern stories this book helps us understand that Christ makes if all possible and gives us the HOPE to keep on trying...HE gives us a second chance.

Dec 23, 2012

Pivot Point

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This book is WAY BEYOND anything I expected!

It is INTRIGUING!

It is AMAZING!

It is FANTASTIC!

It is ABSORBING!

It is STARTLING!

And all those other words that mean it is SO GOOD!

Meghan has a chance to go back in time and choose a point...a pivot point...and make ANOTHER decision from the one she originally made.

Through dreams she can see how life would turn out had she made that different choice.

The story that unfolds will keep you captivated!

I LOVE Betsy Brannon Green's writings...she is one of my favorite mystery writers with her Haggerty Series.

But this suspense story of hers is definitely at the top of my best reads for the year!

She leaves us hanging at the end so I hope she writes a sequel to let us know what happens next!

Dec 18, 2012

Mistletoe Magic

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It's 1813 in England where all dating/courting rules are very proper...

That is except for the upcoming Christmas Eve masquerade ball, where masks are worn and mistletoe hangs...

Then one could flirt and lure and kiss in hopes of winning the heart of that someone special...

The one who doesn't see you without the mask on...

Can Evelyn win the heart of Michael with a kiss under the mistletoe?

Or will Colin get Evelyn under the mistletoe first and show that he is now more than the childhood friend she grew up with.

Perfect read during the Christmas season.

Donna Hatch is a fairly new author for me.  I have read a couple of books from her now and I will read more as she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors; especially for Regency Romances.

Dec 17, 2012

Am I a Saint Yet Blog Tour

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Tour Schedule
 
About the Book:
Author: M. Sue Bergin
Release Date: October 2012
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Genre: Self-Help
 
Book Description:
We all want to be perfect. But attempting to perfect ourselves instead of relying on the Lord can actually sabotage our spirituality. Discover how to recognize perfectionism in yourself and find relief for your soul in this encouraging book that combines scriptural principles with real-life case studies. Change your thinking and move onto a more authentic and joyful gospel path.
 
My Review:
To be "perfectly" honest...I signed up for this tour because I needed to read this book! YES! I am a perfectionist. I am trying to overcome it...but it is HARD!
 
This book really did have some great advice:
 
1. Mine the Power of Your Thoughts~~ "Words, thoughts and images are powerful. You can CHOOSE to use that power to step away from hurting your spirit and instead nurture it."
 
2. Just Say No to the Comparison Trap~~ This for me was a real eye-opener..."The antidote to comparing is sharing AND replacing comparison with gratitude."
 
3. Nurture Your Spirituality~~Excellent help in handling anxiety-provoking scriptures!
 
I loved how Sue was so personal about her own journey. I also loved the "Strategy" and "Breather" sections.
 
In the Appendix Sue had these two quotes that need to be shared:
 
"We all need to remember: men are that they might have joy--not guilt trips!
~Elder Russell M. Nelson
 
The Church is "for the perfecting of the saints" (Ephesians 4:12); it is NOT a well-provisioned rest home for the already perfected.
~Elder Neal A. Maxwell

 
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to be a better person today than they were yesterday!
 
About the Author:
Sue Bergin is a writer and hospice chaplain who lives in Orem, Utah. She drives throughout a five-county area to accompany dying men and women on their final journeys. She earned a bachelor’s degree from BYU, a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, and a master of fine arts from UCLA in screenwriting. She is a board-certified clinical chaplain through The College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy.
Sue writes the Family Focus section for BYU Magazine and has written for many other publications, including the Ensign, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Wall Street Journal, and Psychology Today. She has been a public relations executive for BYU and has taught writing courses at BYU and the University of Utah.
Her dearest loves include time with family, small dinner parties with friends, rescuing animals, collecting art, and creating things with her hands – from soulful collages to crocheted earrings. She believes with all her heart that there really were gold plates, that the Book of Mormon is the most remarkable book ever written, and that Jesus Christ is our only hope, personally and globally.

 

(A digital review copy of this title was provided by the author for this review. However, all reviews are of my own opinion :)

Dec 16, 2012

Cobble Cavern

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What a great adventure story!
 
Flin and his debate team have earned the right to go to Ireland to compete.
 
But what starts out pretty standard turns into everything dangerous and amazing!
 
Almost missing the plane because of a prank, having to ride in an old bus, experiencing an earthquake, falling below the surface of the earth, searching for a way out and finding themselves below the ocean, animals that try to eat them, plants that try to destroy them, rain tunnels, wind tunnels, finding treasure and finding friendship...all are in this wonderful book.
 
This book was written as a Middle Grade/YA Fantasy, but adults will love it as well.

Dec 13, 2012

The Little Book of Christmas Spirit

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WOW! What a book!

This book is full of FUN, CREATIVE, EASY ideas to make your Christmas season more enjoyable AND more meaningful!

Right off-the-top the author quotes President Howard W. Hunter with 22 things we can do at Christmas:

1. Mend a quarrel.
2. Seek out a forgotten friend.
3. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.
4. Write a letter.
5. Give a soft answer.
6. Encourage youth.
7. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.
8. Keep a promise.
9. Forgo a grudge.
10. Forgive an enemy.
11. Apologize.
12. Try to understand.
13. Examine your demands on others.
14. Think first of someone else.
15. Be kind.
16. Be gentle.
17. Laugh a little more.
18. Express your gratitude.
19. Welcome a stranger.
20. Gladden the heart of a child.
21. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
22. Speak your love and then speak it again.

Then the author goes on to tell about:
Christmas Traditions
Christmas Symbolism
Some suggested Christmas Books to Read
Gift-giving, including Gifts to the Savior
Christmas Trivia
Learning about Christmas from your Ancestors
Christmas Caroling
Christmas Memories
Christmas Humor

Each chapter ends with a suggested activity to try.

I have to share some of the Christmas humor from the book...

Q. What comes at the end of Christmas Day.
A. The letter Y.
Q. What goes OH. OH. OH.
A. Santa walking backwards.
Q. What do elves learn in school?
A. The elf-abet
Q. Which of Santa's reindeer has bad manners?
A. Rude-olph.

Do you know what would have happened if it had been the three Wise Women instead of the three Wise Men? They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and brought disposable diapers as gifts.

Kids' Interpretations of Christmas Carol Lyrics:
  • We three kings of porridge and tar
  • Noel, Noel, Barney's the king of Israel
  • Sleep in heavenly peas
  • Good tidings we bring to you and your kid
You know it's a tough Christmas when you get batteries with a note attached saying, "Toy not included."

This book really is AMAZING!

Finding the Baby Jesus Blog Tour

3 comments

About the Book:
Author: Kimball Fisher
Release Date: Oct 2012
Publisher: TFG Press
Genre: Christmas

Book Description:
After being forced to wear lederhosen for the annual holiday card picture, twelve-year-old Chris thinks that the least his parents can do is get him the Tony Hawk skateboard he wants for Christmas. But when he recovers the hand-carved Baby Jesus that everyone thought had been destroyed in a fire the year his Grandma died, Chris realizes that some gifts are even more important than skateboards.

My Review:
Christmas stories help us remember the true meaning for Christmas...Christ...and...how to have Christlike charity.

Finding the Baby Jesus is a cute short story of a boy who only wants a skateboard for Christmas...

BUT...

After finding the baby Jesus that his grandmother had hidden away for him he realizes that there are more important things that should be given for Christmas.

A good read to make your holiday truly meaningful! I LOVED it!

About the Author:
Kimball Fisher writes novels for young readers. He is also a best-selling business author, professional speaker, and management consultant. Some of his past jobs include: sailboat builder, ghost writer (not as scary as it sounds), illustrator, and factory manager (more scary than it sounds). For fun he builds furniture, stained-glass windows, and writing pens.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities (with minors in English, Asian Studies, and Japanese), and a Master of Organizational Behavior degree from Brigham Young University. He and his amazing wife Reenie live in Portland, Oregon, where they have seen pheasants, coyotes, and a bobcat in their own backyard.


There is a $25 Tour wide giveaway that runs until December 26th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway





(A digital review copy of this title was provided by the author for this review. However, all reviews are of my own opinion :)



Dec 12, 2012

The Jingle Bell Bum

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About the Book:
Author: Patricia Hanrion
Publisher: Cedar Fort

Release Date: October 2012
Genre: Christmas

Book Description:
Joseph was a shabby imitation of Santa Claus, with his Salvation Army kettle in front of a Kmart, but what no one could have guessed was that Joseph was a miracle waiting to happen. This inspiring Christmas story tells the true tale of a group of teenage carolers who changed the life of a down-and-out bum. A moving and unforgettable read!

My Review:
My heart needed this story today...for I too have been caught up in the marathon we call "getting ready for Christmas."


What a sweet story of a woman who puts aside her own list of "to-do things" to help her teenagers in their fund-raiser...
She is uplifted in their excitement and holiday carol singing.
But the one present she wasn't prepared for was in the form of the Salvation Army bell ringer.
Over the course of the next few days hearts are warmed, food is shared, thoughts are given and all are edified...and no one is alone.
This book is a must-read for the season!

Meet the Author:
Patricia Hanrion was born in New Jersey, but became a California girl at the age of three. A graduate with honors from NYU in Nursing and Public Health, she attended UCLA while acquiring a degree in teaching. Patricia has been married to N. Patrick Hanrion for over 40 years. They have five children, (the oldest named Patrick) and 12 grandchildren, (none named Patrick). Patricia is a professor of pharmacology, and maternal-child health at UCLA Olive View-College of the Canyons and recently retired from the Wm. S. Hart Union High School District Governing Board of Education. To learn more about Jingle Bell Bum and author Patricia Hanrion, visit: http://www.patriciahanrion.com/patricia_ann_hanrion/.




Dec 9, 2012

The 13th Day of Christmas

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From the author of...

The Christmas Jars and The Christmas Jars Reunion

Comes another Christmas tradition

The 13th Day of Christmas

Charlee is an old soul in a young body...
Miss Marva is a young soul in an old body...

Together they form a unique friendship...experience a life-changing disease...AND...receive a wonderful NEW tradition...

That of the re-making of the 12 Days of Christmas PLUS one day more.

Wonderful Traveling elves have to make some changes in the traditional story...

What if the Partridge in a pear tree was really David Cassidy hiding from a throng of screaming teen-age girls?

What if there was a miscommunication and the two turtle doves were interpreted as two purple gloves?

Each day gets twisted into wonderful gifts..

THEN...

The 13th Day of Christmas is the most special day of all!

You will laugh and cry and share a very special journey in this book...

Time to start enjoying December 26th and the 364 days leading up to Christmas!

Dec 8, 2012

24 Days With The Savior

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Connie Sokol is doing 24 Days with the Savior on her blog, where she posts a daily scripture and thought of one character trait of the Savior's.

She's had several requests for the full 24 days right now so she put it in ebook format and it should be uploaded by the beginning of the week.


The ebook will be just .99 and she is donating all proceeds to the food banks.

She'd like to get it out there more so people know about it while it's still early in the month to use the thoughts.
To give you a taste...

DAY 1: JOY!
Luke 2:10-14
During the month of December, I hope you’ll join me daily for my “24 Days with the Savior.” Each day I’ll post a brief scripture and thought on a trait of Jesus Christ (based on an experience with my women’s church group who did this for 14 days).
As we approach Christmas, I hope you’ll enjoy this small spiritual boost to daily remember Christ, and indeed, the reason for the season.
Best,
Connie

DAY 2: HE LIFTED BURDENS
Luke 4:40
“40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.”
No matter the ailment—spiritual, physical, emotional, mental—the Lord healed all those that came to Him that would be healed. Why did He do that? With His talents and abilities, He could have been anything, done anything, and to a perfection.

We find an answer in Mark 10:45:
“45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
He went about doing good, to all, no matter the person’s personality, or status, or if they’d been kind to Him or not. He lifted burdens and made people whole. Our job, then, is to give Him our burdens. What makes you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, exhausted, or beyond your capacity to bear? Whatever it is, He’s felt it, lived it, and overcome it. But to release us from those feelings, we must willingly and consciously lay these burdens at His feet—through prayer, faith, and action—so the He can lift them as He knows best.

What is one burden you can release and give to the Savior?
Best,
Connie

DAY 3: HE PREPARED SPIRITUALLY FOR THE DAY
Matthew 5:1
“1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:”

I think of this scripture often. I don’t have multitudes coming at me daily, but I have seven children, which feels like a multitude. And I don’t have disciples that come to me, but I have family, friends, neighbors, and people I meet who daily need to be loved, cheered, and encouraged. Instead of hurrying out of bed and going through a lengthy to-do list, Jesus went to a quiet place, talked with His Heavenly Father, and prepared spiritually for the difficult day that was surely to come. That’s a good idea. Constantly caring for others brings joy, peace, and fulfillment. And, it can also drain our reserves. Especially as mothers, we can get “set” for the day, and receive that spiritual boost and perspective we need throughout it. And in that way, we can more fully enjoy the caring as well as feel a greater connection to the ultimate Caregiver.

What is one thing you can do to spiritually prepare for the day?
Best,
Connie

FOLLOW CONNIE AT ~
http://8basics.com/blog/24-days-with-the-savior-day-1-joy

Dec 6, 2012

Sleeping Beauty

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In all the fairy tales...Sleeping Beauty just lies there...beautifully sleeping!

But...

What if that were not so?

What if Sleeping Beauty were in fact roaming the castle...

Conversing with the servants...

Helping the cook...

Can it be?

Or is it a dream...

Just a dream in Sleeping Beauty's...sleeping mind?

Will the Prince come and wake her...and if so...will she be able to fight off the evil Villeria?

Or is living in a dream world better protection from the true world around her?

An amazing retelling of a wonderful story!

Jenni James is definitely one of my favorite authors!

I LOVE her books!

Dec 5, 2012

A Charlie Brown Christmas (interactive storybook app)

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E-books have changed the way we read...but I believe in a good way.

Interactive storybook apps have taken it to a whole new level :)

A Charlie Brown Christmas is the best interactive storybook app I have found so far...

It is AMAZING!

You get to click on the screen and make this pop... and that move....

You get to play the piano along with Schroeder...

And so much more!

Watch this video showing how :)



App Features

  • Original dialogue from the 1965 animated classic
  • Captivating narration by Peter Robbins, the original voice of Charlie Brown
  • Charming soundtrack featuring music and sound effects from the original show
  • Decorate your own Charlie Brown Christmas Tree
  • Participate in the Lights and Display Contest to unlock rewards
  • Educational features such as word and note highlighting to help improve reading and musical skills
  • Hear individual words spoken with the tap of a finger
  • Touch and drag objects to make them “spring” to life or tilt to watch them slide and move
  • Objects that literally pop out of the page to delight you and your family!
WARNING! These are addictive...
once you download ONE you WILL want more :)
 
 

Dec 4, 2012

Bah, Humbug!

0 comments
Take a clean romance...Put it in a Christmas setting...

Add a couple of snowman scenes...

Throw in family...and neighbors...

And you get a PERFECT read for the season!

This book was SO GOOD!

I LOVE snowmen and the first snowman scene had me completely hooked into the book...

Famous author Kyle Miller has a deadline...he also has writer's block...what he does NOT have is time for Christmas and family.

Lexi Anderson is famous in her own way...she is also new to the neighborhood.

Lexi is trying to get ready for her next TV show filming...the backdrop...a snowman.

Kyle and Lexi meet at an incident involving the snowman...

What happens next snowballs into a party for family and a healing of hearts.

And then the final snowman scene...WOW!

SO GOOD!

This is my second book I have read from author Heather Horrocks...and she is QUICKLY becoming one of my FAVORITE authors!

Dec 3, 2012

Lily Out of Bounds

0 comments
Before I tell you about this wonderful book...
I want to tell you about this amazing organization...

IN THIS TOGETHER MEDIA
(Great books about Real Girls)!

Here is a quote from their website:

"In This Together Media publishes great books about real girls. Our characters are bold, funny, and fearless. The only thing sacred here is the story. When you pick up an In This Together book, you're going on an adventure. Our stories aren't ones you've read before — they come from new perspectives, take on established ideas and turn them inside out. We embrace the journey and the awe-inspiring women and girls in the pages of our books will educate, inspire, and enthrall. "

And it is SO TRUE!

Lily Out of Bounds (Soccer Sisters) is one of their books!

Lily breathes, eats, and sleeps soccer! She is one of the best players on the team...

That is until Colby joins the team.

Colby is fun and daring and a little wild.

Lily falls to the temptation of peer pressure and ends up losing a game for her team because she is so tired after sneaking out with Colby the night before.

Lily gets caught up in Colby's wild lies and stops enjoying soccer.

Finally Lily realizes she is not following the Soccer Sisters team code.

She tells her parents everything, puts her head back into the game, and starts enjoying soccer again.

Lily Out of Bounds is a book every young girl should read...(older girls and boys too)...

All will rejoice when she comes off conqueror to a real-life situation!


Check out this video from soccer star Brandi Chastain, an official Soccer Sister!




Please read my review of their other book:  Mrs. Claus and the School of Christmas Spirit
Then watch for more good books to come from this phenomenal organization.

Andrea Montalbano (the author)
+ Brandi Chastain will be on
THE TODAY SHOW tomorrow morning
at 9:40 am (Dec. 4th) to talk about
SOCCER SISTERS--
TUNE IN and please tell your friends!

(A digital review copy of this title was provided by the author for this review. However, all reviews are of my own opinion :)

Dead Running / Dying to Run

1 comments
Just in Time for Christmas 
Dead Running - Dying to Run 
Price Drop & $20 Gift Card Giveaway




Dead Running

Cassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.

With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.



Dying to Run

Cassidy Christensen wants to run.

Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, her only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but she won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place.

This must-read sequel to Dead Running will have you laughing, biting your nails, and hoping for more.




Purchase




Author Cami Checketts

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Cami teaches strength training classes at her local rec and shares healthy living tips on her fitness blog: http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.

Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.


Links


Upcoming Blog Tour


Price Drop Giveaway!
$20 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash from Author Cami Checketts
Ends 12/23/12
Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dec 2, 2012

For Times of Trouble

1 comments
"When difficult days (and nights!) come-- and they will-- it will help us to remember that 'it must needs be,' that in the grand councils of heaven before the world was, we agreed to such a time of challenge and refinement. We were taught then that facing, resolving, and enduring troublesome times was the price we would pay for progression."

So starts this new book from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland where he helps us find spiritual solace from the Psalms.

Each chapter is only a page or two long so it is easy to read and then ponder.  Elder Holland gives excellent commentaries to make these Psalms even more meaningful!

Beautiful artwork is woven throughout the book!

Some of my favorite Psalms in the book:

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.~ Psalms 27: 14

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.~ Psalms 30:5

As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I cry aloud; and he shall hear my voice.~ Psalm 55: 16-17

I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of they doings.~ Psalm 77:12

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children; Praise ye the Lord.~ Psalm 113:9

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear; what can man do unto me?~ Psalm 118:6

And of course, there is a whole chapter on The 23rd Psalm...

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.



Included with the book is a 2-hour DVD of Elder Holland teaching and bearing testimony.





The Missing Christmas Treasure

0 comments
It's time to set up the Christmas decorations, but the children can't find the one Christmas scene that makes Christmas...Christmas.

Wonderful story with cute illustrations makes this a great book to read to young ones at Christmastime.

Dec 1, 2012

Checkin' It Twice Blog Tour + Giveaway

1 comments
About the Book:
Title: Checkin' It Twice & Other Heartwarming Holiday Tales (Volume 2)
Author: Multiple
Publisher: LDS Publisher Press (imprint of Rosehaven Publishing)

Release Date: November 15, 2012
Genre: Christmas Short Story Collection

Book Description:
Can Santa learn a lesson from the Savior?
Can a foreign exchange student help you see Christmas a little more clearly?
Do things really look better from a distance?
And just how many holiday ornaments does one woman need?

Get in the Christmas Spirit with Volume 2 of award-winning stories from LDS Publisher's 2010 and 2011 Christmas Story Contests!

Featuring LDS Authors:

Checkin’ It Twice by Michael Young
Foreign Exchange by Teresa G. Osgood
Slushballs by Janice Sperry
Fishing Buddy by Rob Smales
Christmas Bus by LeeAnn Setzer
Broken Things by Angie Lofthouse
Gifts from Jesus by Kasey Eyre
Substitute Santa by Gussie Fick
Third Strike Christmas by Brian C. Ricks
Christmas Stash by Jennifer Ricks
Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh by Weston Elliott
Milkshakes and Mittens by Brenda J. Anderson
The Real Magic by LisaAnn Turner
With Wondering Awe by Jennifer Carson Shelton
A Soldier’s Christmas by Amie Borst
The Two Hundred Forty-fourth Ornament by Jennifer Ricks
 
My Review:
I LOVE books like this one! Filled with short stories and easy to read! Pick it up, put it down, pick it up again. Read in order, or, out of order. Read, ponder, savor, and most of all, enjoy!

I really enjoyed ALL of the stories, but space only allows for me to mention a few...

I was very TOUCHED by the title story, Checkin' It Twice...As Santa is "checkin' his list" he realizes that Christ doesn't have a naughty list. Christ gives freely to ALL! Very thought-provoking!

I also LOVED Fishing Buddy...A lonely man goes out to ice fish on Christmas Eve to pass the evening away...but he finds another man out on the ice and spend the evening with Kris K...who suddenly has to leave because he has a VERY BUSY NIGHT ahead of him. But before Kris fully disappears he leaves a very special gift with a note that says "Same time next year?"

The Two Hundred Forty-Fourth Ornament was WONDERFUL...A teacher understands that her school kids have a hard time focusing on school work during the week before Christmas...so she plans for it...parties...spelling lists of Christmas words, etc. She also has to plan that each year one more child will learn the truth about Santa Claus from another child. What she didn't plan on this year was a very special gift from one of her students.

Giveaway:
ENTER to WIN an ebook copy of CHECKIN' IT TWICE :)
Open to International
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Purchase at:




(A digital review copy of this title was provided by the author for this review. However, all reviews are of my own opinion :)

Nov 29, 2012

Gift Card Giveaway Hop

15 comments

Participating blogs are offering a book related giveaway
and we are all linked up together so you can easily
hop from one giveaway to another.

The hop runs from Dec 11th - Dec 17th 
 
My Giveaway Details:
1- $25 Amazon.com Gift Card

 
After you have entered my giveaway...
hop to another giveaway from the list below :)

Nightingale Christmas

0 comments
This book is AMAZING!

Not only is it a REALLY good Christmas story...BUT...it also tells how we need to love each other for what is on the inside...not how we look on the outside!

When Lauren goes to the hospital for a Christmas visit...

She meets Jane Doe.

Jane was in a terrible plane crash and now cannot remember who she is or any of her past.

She is also badly burned and doesn't have the money for skin grafts.

Lauren invites Jane to come live with her family until she can make it on her own.

Jane is surprised that her family welcomes her with love and acceptance....Instead of fear and repulsion.

Through Lauren's kindness Jane learns to live again.

A beautiful twist at the end leaves your heart wanting Christmas all year round.

Nov 28, 2012

Delivering Hope Blog Tour

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About the Book:
Author: Jennifer Ann Holt
Release Date: Feb 2012
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Genre: Women’s, General

Book Description:
Olivia Spencer wants to be a mother more than anything else, but years of infertility have left her soul wounded and her marriage strained. Allison Campbell is a young, single woman who discovers that a moment of excitement has led to an unplanned pregnancy and overwhelming heartache. Deep love paves the way for sacrifice as the lives of these two women touch.


My Review:
I picked this book up on a Saturday morning and spent the entire day wrapped up in its story. I felt embraced by the amount of love conveyed in this book...I couldn't put it down...until it was finished!

I LOVE how Wesley D. Hutchins, Esq, stated in the front of the book "Somewhere in the world a pregnancy test is negative...and a woman weeps. Somewhere else in the world a pregnancy test is positive...and another woman weeps."

I was AMAZED at the feelings that infertility can cause both in the husband and the wife.

I am also amazed at how much LOVE it must take to give your child up for adoption.

My heart is full of gratitude that I was able to read this WONDERFUL book and be part of these two families' lives...albeit...in a fictional portrayal...

I will forever more look at pregnancy and adoption with a more humbled attitude...life is precious!

I am also grateful for a Savior who does heal ALL...for only HE knows ALL.


Jennifer Holt was raised as a farm girl in Enterprise, Utah. An avid reader since age four, she always enjoys a good book. Jennifer graduated Cum Laude from Brigham Young University and shortly after, began her journey through infertility and the miracle of adoption. She lives in Boise, Idaho, with her husband, Shane, and their three beautiful children. She likes wakeboarding and going to the zoo with her daughter and two sons. To learn more about the Jennifer Holt, visit her at: deliveringhopethebook.com.

(A digital review copy of this title was provided by the author for this review. However, all reviews are of my own opinion :)

Nov 27, 2012

Masquerade

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Janette Rallison is one of my FAVORITE authors!

Her books are SO GOOD!

I have read A LOT of them and LOVE each one!

I have read:
My Fair Godmother
My Unfair Godmother
Just One Wish
It's a Mall World After All
Revenge of he Cheerleaders
Life, Love and the Pursuit of Free Throws
Dakota's Revenge
What the Doctor Ordered

Today my review is on Masquerade.

This is Janette Rallison's newest book.

I knew it would be good just because Janette wrote it...and it really was!

Actor Slade Jacobson is looking for a nanny for his little girl...Bella...

Clarissa is trying to find a job to support her and her little girl...Elaina...

When Clarissa finds out she can nanny for Slade and have Elaina there too instead of at a babysitter she jumps at the job offer...

Only problem...she absently put that she was married on her application...when in reality she is divorced...

When Slade offers to take Clarissa and Elaina to Hawaii in order to nanny Bella the masks will need to come off...





Saving Savanna

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Christmas books have a way of getting into your heart...

This one is WONDERFUL!

Devan has lost his wife and doesn't want to get into the celebration of Christmas.

But...

He has a little girl, Savanna, needs him and she needs Christmas.

As Devan attends the Christmas pageant he feels his wife close to him and she is sending him a message...

Can Devan forgive and move on so that he can "Save Savanna..."

Nov 26, 2012

The Christmas Train

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This is such a sweet, true story!

When President Monson was a little boy he was given an electric train set for Christmas...

Along with that train his mother purchased a wind-up train set for a neighbor boy...

When the young Tommy saw the one car in the wind-up set that he really wanted his mother allows him to keep it...

Not to give the ending away...let's just say...

President Monson learned a very valuable lesson on "service" and "reaching out to the one" during that Christmas season.


An added bonus:
With this book you get a CD with President Monson reading to you.

Using an interactive iPad App -- President Monson will read the book to you AND you can make the tree light up, the train move and watch young Tommy run back to his house, etc.

Nov 24, 2012

I Believe in Santa Claus

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This book has a very plain cover...

But open it up and you will truly be surprised!

Cute illustrations and simple verses tell the similarities between Santa Claus and Christ.


From the book:

"Santa wears red
Christ wears red (Isaiah 63:2)

Santa has white hair
Christ has white hair (Revelations 1:14)

Santa comes in the night
Christ came in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2)

Santa loves little children
Christ loves little children (Matthew 19:14)

Santa wants us to be good
Christ knows we are good(1 Timothy 2:3-4)

Santa brings us gifts
Christ brings us gifts (James 1:17)

Santa is a symbol of Christmas...the symbols of Christmas can remind us of the true meaning of Christmas...

The symbols of Christmas remind me of Christ

So I believe in Santa Claus"

Nov 23, 2012

Author Julie Coulter Bellon

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The ALL FALL DOWN Blog Tour is still going strong...
 
In the spirit of Thanksgiving we asked Julie Coulter Bellon to tell us 10 things she is grateful for...here is what she said:
 


Ten Things I Am Grateful For
I am grateful I have a supportive husband who has encouraged me to follow my dreams.
I am grateful to have indoor plumbing and a microwave.
I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to travel and experience other cultures.
I am grateful for all the people who make Canadian chocolate and for my mother who sends it to me.
I am grateful for calculators because I stink at math.
I am grateful for my children who keep my life interesting and teach me something new almost every day.
I am grateful for books that give me escape, entertainment, and education.
I am grateful for the people in my life who have made the effort to get to know me and love me.
I am grateful for computers because, as a writer, typing on a typewriter and having to go back and revise it with correction tape would make me crazy.
I am grateful for my memories of kisses under the stars, sitting on the porch watching a beautiful sunset and laughing around the table at family dinners. Life is good.
 
To read about her book ALL FALL DOWN and my review of it... click HERE

Nov 22, 2012

An Unlikely Match

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WOW! This book is AMAZING!

Nickolas has gone from being impoverished to inheriting~ Y Castell.

A castle where 400 years ago a battle was waged between the Welsh and the English

Only there is a situation in the castle...it is haunted...

Haunted by Gwen, the girl who died during that battle.

As in ALL romance stories...Nickolas and Gwen fall in love...

Can a ghost and a human who is 400 years younger make it work?

Only Sarah Eden can pull a twist that is so tender and so suspenseful and so...

If you like Regency Romances you really need to read this one :)

See more from Sarah M. Eden
(Click the icon for more information)

* This post contains affiliate links. I am an affiliate with Amazon.com and the Deseret Bookshelf Plus Services Affiliates Program. Both of these help me without any extra costs for you. Thank you!
 

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