52 Weeks to Fortify Your Family

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: Nicole Carpenter
Release Date: January 2015
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Genre: Family Scripture Helps

I picked up this book thinking it would be a weekly scripture study help...

And it is... But it is also SO MUCH MORE!

Every week you do have a theme, but then it goes on to give you a daily dose of scriptures, quotes, thoughtful questions, and even General Conference talks surrounding that weekly theme.

Each day you are given truly amazing helps to have personal or family scripture study...and it only takes a few minutes.

We can all spare a few minutes to fortify ourselves and our families!

I will admit that I was tempted to rush-read through this book...

But then I realized what a GIFT I had in my hand!

We need DAILY nourishment from the scriptures...this is IT!

There are VALUE LESSONS like:
* Kindness
* Charity
* Happiness
* and MORE

There are LIFE LESSONS like:
* Talents
* Adversity
* Judgment
* and MORE

There are GOSPEL LESSON like:
* Faith
* Repentance
* Power in Prayer
* and MORE

And also included are HOLIDAY LESSONS for:
* Love and Valentine's Week
* The Atonement, The Resurrections and Easter
* Nation and Independence Day
* Fear and Halloween
* Gratitude and Thanksgiving
* The Nativity and Christmas

Study it from front to back OR bounce around choosing a theme that is needed in your life right now.

AN AMAZING BOOK!
EVERY PERSON and/or EVERY FAMILY NEEDS THIS BOOK!
BLESSINGS ARE PROMISED if we read the scriptures daily!

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About the Author

Nicole Carpenter is an advocate for strong families. She believes in focusing first on strengthening mothers so they can fortify their children. Nicole is a mentor, speaker and founder of MOMentity.com, a blog and online community for mothers, reaching out to moms in over 7 different countries. She is the creator of the Define Your Time™ time-management e-course and the Mothers of Magnitude Academy. Nicole’s parenting column publishes regularly on KSL.com and has been syndicated in several other online news sources. Nicole graduated with a B.A. degree in Public Relations from Weber State University, where she also met her husband, Marty. They reside in Syracuse, Utah and are raising four incredible children, including a set of identical twins. And — to make it all happen — she may or may not rely on Diet Dr Pepper and chocolate-covered toffee hidden in the fridge.

Scripture Puzzlers

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: MaryAlice Wallis, Charlotte Lindstrom
Release Date: January 2015
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Genre: Activity Book

This book is filled with fun, original

"Crosswords, Word Searches, and Other Brain Teasers"

Specifically designed to help you study the Scripture Mastery verses plus multiple other puzzles 'that pertain to keywords or the application of the principles taught in the scriptures.'

And just simply FUN TO DO!

I LOVE what I call ~pencil puzzles~ and I especially love it if they are scripture based.

This book is WONDERFUL!

There is a section for:

OLD TESTAMENT

NEW TESTAMENT

BOOK OF MORMON

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS

Also included are tips for solving, references and hints, and an answer key.

PERFECT for personal study, students, missionaries, and anyone who loves these kinds of puzzles.

Let your mind be active and let your spirit be enriched~

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Sample Puzzles

About the Authors

MaryAlice Wallis is the co-author of the award winning LDS Puzzle Pals and LDS Puzzle Pals- Prophets and Apostles. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She is a longtime member of the Golden Quill Writers Group and past member and presenter at American Night Writers Association, Northwest Chapter. She freelance writes children’s literature and Young Adult fiction and is currently writing a homeschooling resource book. MaryAlice and her husband David homeschooled their four children and are experiencing life as half-empty nesters. Their family loves traveling to the beach from their home in the Pacific Northwest.

Charlotte Lindstrom is the co-author of two other puzzle books; LDS Puzzle Pals andLDS Puzzle Pals- Prophets and Apostles (under the name C G Lindstrom). She has written many puzzles for The Friend magazine and has stories published in The Friend, The New Era and Cricket magazines. She is an original member of the Golden Quill Writers Group in Southwest Washington. She is also a member of the American Night Writers Association (ANWA). A graduate of Utah State University, she currently teaches 2nd grad in Longview, Washington.

Ruth and Naomi

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: Toni Sorenson

Release Date: October 2014

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Genre: Historical Fiction

I LOVE books like this that breathe extra life into the stories from the scriptures!

Added details and emotions and relationships just bring so much more understanding to my mind.

I have been taught about Ruth and Naomi from the time I was a little girl, but the focus has always been on Ruth and her decision to convert and stay with her mother-in-law.

I have never really thought about Naomi...until now...

WOW! I have such a GREAT LOVE for Naomi!

Naomi lived in a time of famine and false idol-worshiping...

Read as Toni Sorenson weaves in extra details about Naomi's husband, Elimelech, and his decision to follow his heart to move his family in hopes of giving them a better life.

Watch as Naomi has to leave everything behind...her family, her friends, her home, her way of life.

Learn that the one thing Naomi holds strong to is her faith.

Hope with Naomi as she watches her family being fully immersed in the ways of the Moabites, even going so far as her sons choosing Orpah and Ruth as wives.

Mourn with Naomi as she looses her husband AND her sons...

Know that the Lord is mindful of Ruth and Naomi and will provide a way for them to be taken care of...just as he is mindful of us today.

The story of Naomi and Ruth will endear your heart to them and bring you comfort as you travel this path we call life.

A BOOK WORTH READING!

LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. IT!

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About the Author

Toni Sorenson was in fourth grade when she won her first writing award. The Salt Lake Tribune named her an "Aspiring Author." In seventh grade she won top honors as Utah's Young Author in creative fiction. In college she was named one of America's most promising writers and the Nashville Songwriters new-song-of-the-year winner for lyrics she penned.

Her nationally published works have sold more than a half million copies. Her alliance with Covenant Communications has yielded more than twenty published works, including Master and Messiah, accounts of the life of Christ. She won the prestigious Association of Mormon Letters novel-of-the-hear award for Redemption Road. In 2013 Covenant honored Toni with the Making-A-Difference award.

Toni is the mother of six. She spends her time writing, traveling, public speaking, hiking, and just "hanging out" with her children, grandchildren, and friends.

Frozen Hide-and-Hug Olaf: A Fun Family Experience!

Book Details
Author: Kevin Lewis
Release Date: October 2014
Publisher: Disney Press
Genre: Children's Activity

The movie Frozen has had such an impact on our lives...especially Olaf and his wanting a hug.

This box set is WONDERFUL!

The sturdy box comes with a book and a plush Olaf.

The book is a delightful story of Olaf wanting a hug.

Thinking you might be playing games he suggests that he play with you.

Do you want to play "Leap the Troll" or "Ring-around-the Reindeer"

Olaf has an idea...

How about Hide and Seek :)

DARLING surprise page at the end!

And then you can actually play hide and seek with the adorable, huggable Olaf plush toy that is included.

My family and I like to randomly hide things like this in fun places that will make you giggle when you find it...

Like in the with the toothbrushes, in a lunch box, in the refrigerator, in the silverware drawer, under a pillow, etc.

The person that finds it gets to hide it next...

PURCHASE

About the Author

Kevin Lewis's picture books are known for their boisterous boy appeal and irresistible sounds, which make them perfect for reading aloud. Kevin is the author of Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo and My Truck Is Stuck! He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

The Keys of the Watchmen

THE KEYS OF THE WATCHMEN

by Kathleen C. Perrin

New Adult historical suspense/paranormal

Katelyn Michaels plans on hating every moment of her visit to Mont Saint Michel with her father’s new French wife. Once there, she is confused when she experiences sensations of déjà vu and hears voices as she and her younger brother explore the medieval village and abbey.

When the oddly-dressed but alluring Nicolas slips Katelyn a strange medallion, she is whisked back through time with him to the 15th century where her Watchmen hosts tell her she is the only hope to save Mont Saint Michel from the invading English armies. Even worse, she learns those armies are led by a fallen angel intent on learning the mount's closely-guarded secret.

Katelyn is torn by feelings of anger at being taken back in time, inadequacy at finding a modern solution for a medieval problem, and responsibility for the mount’s starving inhabitants. She is also perturbed by her surprising attraction to the ill-tempered Nicolas. Will she stay to learn why she was chosen by the Archangel Michael and find a way to save his mount?

What people are saying:
“I LOVED this book. It was amazing. I couldn't put it down. The history that was involved, it was fun to read about this mount and learn all the history that was part of it.” ~Michelle on Amazon and GoodReads

“A bit of romance, lots of action/adventure, plenty of historical background... all the makings of my kind of book. I like how the characters actually evolved. I will be looking forward to book #2." Kenzee on GoodReads

“. . . From the get go, I couldn't put the book down. I finished it this morning. It is one of the best written works I have ever read; it has history, action, romance, fantasy, spirituality, and mystery. I recommend all my friends and family to buy this book and read it . . . You will not regret purchasing and reading this masterpiece.” ~Joe on Facebook

AMAZON LINK | GOODREADS LINK

About the Author

Kathleen C. Perrin holds bachelor’s degrees in French and Humanities from Brigham Young University and is a certified French translator. She has published several non-fiction articles, academic papers, and a religious history about Tahiti.

Kathleen has lived in Utah, New York City, France, and French Polynesia. She and her French husband have spent years investigating the mysteries and beauties of his native country—where they have a cottage—and have taken tourists to Mont Saint Michel.

10 Fun Facts About Kathleen

1. I am a certified master scuba diver and I have swum with sharks.

2. I lived in Tahiti for over seven years.

3. I have traveled to over 50 countries, and enjoy both roughing it or going first class!

4. I love composing and arranging music, and I play the piano, flute, guitar, banjo and ukulele.

5. I belonged to a professional singing group for over ten years.

6. I love designing. I designed my kitchen renovation and our French cottage renovation.

7. Every Christmas I write and illustrate a children's storybook for my grandchildren, with them as the main characters.

8. I live in a family compound on property that belonged to my grandfather, next to my brother and his family, my sister and her family and my 94-year old mother.

9. I love sports, both watching and playing. I particularly like college football and the Olympics.

10. I sewed my own wedding dress, as well as the wedding dress for my oldest daughter.

Fitbit One + February Walking Challenge

The easiest exercise you can do is add steps to your everyday activities and wear a pedometer.

I LOVE  my 
Fitbit One

I wear it 24/7.

I just clip it on my waistband of whatever I am wearing and let it do its thing.

It has a rubber-type case so it grips really well and never falls off.

I LOVE that it counts not only forward steps, but sideways steps and kicks and every movement that my walking DVD's have me do...not all pedometers will catch those.

I also get weekly updates on how I am doing via my email. I recently received this email showing my "year-in-review for 2014":

I walked 707 miles and 1,640,479 steps in 2014.

PURCHASE

ARE YOU A WALKER?

JOIN ME IN A WALKING CHALLENGE?

Rules:

1. Create a blog post using the I Love Walking image above.

2. Paste this SimplyLinked HTML code onto the bottom of your post so everyone's link will show on everyone's page.
(<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=E9213202-CC06-4F6B-ACC9-A342365A08CD" ></script>)

3. Add your link in the SimplyLinked box below.

4. Record how many miles you walk from Feb 1 - Feb 28 on your blog post. (Record daily, weekly, or at the end :)

5. Invite your friends to join in the fun.

6. Person who walks the farthest gets a $10 Amazon Gift Card

Betrayed w/ $25 Amazon + Book Giveaway

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

Release Date: January 2015

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Genre: Romantic Suspense

This book has it all...

* A romantic triangle
* A runaway
* The Underground Railroad
* An outlaw gang
* A murder
* A fugitive
* A kidnapping
* A mystery
* A magic act
* A betrayal

SO. SO. SO. INCREDIBLY GOOD!

Julia has been reunited with her fiancé, Adam, and is making plans for her marriage at the same time that the rest of her family is making plans to travel to the West with the Mormons.

Julia and her family are also involved with the Underground Railroad.

On the same day they are trying to save a runaway slave they are given the charge of a seven-year-old girl who just lost their family to the Murphy Gang.

" Julia is now drawn into a dangerous mystery 

that will threaten all she holds dear."

Julia will have to rely on her brother's friend, Tom Harrison~
While keeping secrets from Adam~
While helping Penny stay safe~
While trying to put all the pieces together~

One piece of evidence will clear it all up...but "a shocking trail of corruption and deceit" will be uncovered along the way.

A FANTASTIC story set in the Niagara Falls area during 1851~
I told you some really GREAT books are coming out this year :)
Don't miss out on this one!

PURCHASE | ADD TO GOODREADS

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen was raised in Rexburg, Idaho. She received her first typewriter--there were no home computers then--when she was ten years old, and she has studied writing since she was twelve.

She is the author of two previous suspense novels, Missing and Trapped.

The mother of three amazing children, she loves to travel with her husband throughout the world in search of fascinating settings, intriguing characters, and surprising/inspiring stories.

Blog Tour Schedule

Jan 19th
http://www.iamareader.com

http://www.blogginboutbooks.com

Jan 20th
http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com

http://www.charissastastny.com

Jan 21st
http://mybookaday.blogspot.com

http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com

http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com

Jan 22nd
http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com

http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com

Jan 23rd
http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com

http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress

http://www.wishfulendings.com

Jan 24th
http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com

http://www.rockinbookreviews.com

Fearless, Fabulous You!

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: Melanie Young

Release Date: November 2014

Publisher: Plain Sight Publishing

Genre: Self-Help

The beginning of a new year always brings with it the desire to improve oneself... make this year's goal to be a...

FEARLESS, FABULOUS YOU!

So many tips and hints and helps on how to:

*RECHARGE by making YOU a priority

*RELEASE by letting go of pride and possessions and comfort zones

*RECONNECT by finding your voice and being filled with gratitude

*REFRAME by seeing with a new perspective and expanding horizons

*and RECLAIM by looking for and projecting brilliance

Don't worry Melanie teaches you how to do it :)

Loved! Loved! Loved! the VERY CUTE quote blocks sprinkled throughout the book! Here are two of them~

Each chapter ends with a "Fearless Fabulous Five" list of things to do :)

Melanie is a breast cancer survivor and through her experience she has learned to to take care of herself...now she shares that knowledge with us...

Melanie’s message is: “Be CEO- chief empowerment officer- of your life. Find your passion and purpose; be your own wellness advocate and believe in your self-worth.”

There is something in here for everyone...no matter where you are at right now.

Start small...work through the chapters...

And in the end you will truly be Fearless and Fabulous!

PURCHASE | ADD TO GOODREADS

About the Author

Author Melanie Young has made a career of turning challenges into opportunities as a wine and food marketing and communications specialist. When breast cancer took her on an unexpected detour in 2009-2010 she seized the opportunity to make positive lifestyle changes to stay healthy, manage stress, eliminate fear of recurrence and rethink how she wanted to live her life with renewed purpose. Writing was her therapy and voice to help inspire others to face life’s challenges with grit, grace and wit. Her first book, Getting Things Off My Chest, helps newly diagnosed women navigate their breast cancer journey with confidence.

Follow Melanie on Twitter @mightymelanie
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FearlessFabulousMelanieYoung
Blog: www.melanieyoung.com
Email: melanie@melanieyoung.com

At the Zoo

A review copy was provided

FREE eBOOK

(Jan 16th - Jan 20th)

Have you been to the zoo lately?

"We went to the zoo, and this is what we saw,

A big scary lion with a big giant paw."

"We saw an orangutan who made silly faces."

...

Have you been to the zoo lately?

You can now keep the memories alive with this darling rhyming book!

FREE PURCHASE UNTIL JAN 20TH

Other books by Leela Hope

(Click picture for details)

About the Author

Leela Hope is a writer with over 22 years of experience in writing endearing children's fiction. Her lively characters have entranced and captivated her audience, and she has taken great joy in writing the three series of books, each beautifully illustrated with love and care. Her stories concentrate on the adventures of floppy eared bunnies and wide-eyed children learning lessons in life, before returning home wiser and eager for sleep. leela hope writes her stories to entertain the very young, but also to educate. Her vision is always of a parent sitting on a child's bed, reciting the stories each night, while the young one drifts off to sleep, lulled into a dream world full of fun and adventure.

From her very earliest years of childhood, Leela made up stories in her head, telling them to her younger brother and sister. The stories flowed easily from her mind, and it wasn't long before she realized she had a gift for writing. By the age of 14, she had already written a small book of short stories for her own entertainment, and by the age of 22, she had published her first full-fledged children's fiction in several magazines. Leela Hope was destined to be an author and she knew exactly what genre of fiction she wanted to dedicate her life too.

Born in San Diego, California, and still residing in the area, Leela studied English Literature at Berkeley, earning a degree in 1989. Her writing covers a span of several genres, but she always returns to her first love, children's fiction. She enjoys scuba diving and visiting wildlife parks, seeking new inspiration for cuddly characters for her stories. Leela Hope lives in an urban area of San Diego and is presently at work on a new book.

Leela writes AMAZING children's books!

Mr. Potato Head

This is how I remember him...

We used to spend hours taking him apart and mixing up all the body parts and putting him back together in a hilarious way...SO FUN!

Well... Mr. Potato Head has come a long ways...

I recently purchased a Captain America Mr. Potato Head and a Batman Mr. Potato Head for my grandsons...how cool is that?!

PURCHASE

PURCHASE

WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT WOULD LOVE ONE OF THESE...

(Click on each figure for more details)

Cover Reveal of Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince

COVER REVEAL

Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince

by Jennifer Moore

1812 Southern belle Meg Burton is her parents last hope of avoiding financial ruin, and a distant cousin's kind gesture seems an ideal solution: He will sponsor Meg for a London Season. The pursuit of a wealthy husband was not exactly how the bookish young woman had envisioned first trip abroad after all, what does a girl from Charleston, South Carolina, know about being a lady? Amidst the stunning gowns and extravagant balls of the ton, Meg feels like an imposter. Thankfully, she has one friend who knows her true self Carlo, handsome stable hand. Despite their difference in station, love blossoms between the unlikely pair, and Meg is sure of one thing: She wants nothing to do with the insufferable European aristocracy.

Prince Rodrigo de Talavera has lost everything to Napoleon. Jaded by war, he has become bitter and miserable until he meets Meg, an American woman whose eccentric schemes and passion for life remind him what it is to laugh and to love. If only she knew him for himself and not as Carlo the stable hand. With the shadow of deception looming over their happy acquaintance and the dangers of war drawing evermore near, can Meg and Rodrigo find the courage to put aside their pretenses and discover if they can beloved as they truly are?

Don't miss out

PRE-ORDER TODAY

Other books by Jennifer Moore

(Click the cover to read more details)

Eruption

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: Adrienne Quintana

Release Date: January 2015

Publisher: Sweetwater Books

Genre: YA Thriller

WOW! There are some really great books coming out this year and this is DEFINITELY ONE OF THEM!

Starting from the very first page you will be pulled into the story and your mind will actively try to figure out how any of it, if not all of it, could possibly be possible.

While out for a morning run, Jace comes across a tablet.

Who is the owner and how can she get it back to them?

As she looks it over she realizes that it has her company's symbol on it.

Taking it to work to turn it in and showing it to a friend starts a path of travel that Jace is not prepared for.

The images on the tablet are of her, but scenes of places she has never been to before...

And she is with people she has never met before.

And then the dreams start...

Is this tablet a message from her future self?

Race with Jace as she frantically tries to put the pieces together before the images become a reality.

In the future they MIGHT control the world

But right now, with the tablet, SHE controls the future.

Riveting! Thrilling! Fantastic!

A MUST-READ!

PURCHASE | ADD TO GOODREADS

About the Author

Adrienne Quintana is the second of nine children and has always loved to read. After a mission, marriage, and four children, Adrienne completed her Bachelors of Science and Communication at the University of Phoenix. In the midst of housekeeping, potty-training, and carpooling, Adrienne discovered that she could still find time to accomplish her a life-long dream of becoming a writer.

10 FUN FACT ABOUT ADRIENNE

1. I like to camp and hike.

2. I have insanely large big toes. The rest of my foot is a size 6. My big toes are size 9.

3. I have eight siblings and I love all of them.

4. My dad is a professional artist, but I can’t draw a stick figure by hand.

5. I was homeschooled from 5th-12th grade. My family traveled across the country for my dad’s art shows.

6. I lived in Montreal for 18 months. I don’t speak much French, but I love Quebecois.

7. I met my husband at work in an elevator after a fire drill.

8. I’ve watched all but the very first season of Survivor and I’d love to be a contestant someday.

9. I play the violin.

10 I sing in the car. So do my kids.