Hard Times and Holy Places

HARD TIMES AND HOLY PLACES

by Kristin Warnen Belcher

“Trials and difficulties can, if we let them, become holy places — 

places where we can feel the power of the Atonement in our lives. 

Our struggles can be consecrated to our good and growth, 

and you and I can become more like Christ.” — Kris Belcher

When the only remaining sight she had left began to fade, Kris Belcher knew her cancer had returned. First diagnosed with bi-lateral retinoblastoma at the age of seven months, she had feared blindness since childhood.

Ironically, the treatment that had saved her life as a baby was responsible for the radiation-induced cancer that again threatened her life as an adult.

Now a wife and mother of two young sons, she faced her greatest challenge. Five major surgeries within the space of five months left her physically and emotionally devastated — and completely blind.

Yet during that horrendous time, Kris discovered moments of spiritual strengthening that became holy places in her life — places where she could feel the purifying, transforming power of Christ that enabled her to survive and to learn how to live in a world of darkness. 

Compelling, honest, and at times humorous, her story and the insights she gained will help others find hope and healing in the midst of their own trials.

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Kris Belcher is one of my super heroes! 
I completely adore her so very much!
Her story is amazing and inspiring!
I highly recommend this book!

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Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter

CELEBRATING A 

CHRIST-CENTERED EASTER

by Emily Belle Freeman

Discover how the personal experiences of people who were closest to the Savior during the final week of His life can change the way your family celebrates Easter. Learn the meaning behind the wheat baskets, the forget knot, the red egg, and other traditions that will help Easter become a "High Holy Day" in your heart and in your home.

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter offers hope for an Easter filled with the Spirit of Christ as we offer our finest to Him in deepest gratitude for His sacrifice. Return to the spiritual roots of this holy celebration with this beautiful gift book that will help bring you and your family closer to Jesus Christ.

Personal stories include
Lazarus and Simon
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus
Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome
Thomas and the disciples on the road to Emmaus
and of course Jesus Christ

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I am always looking for ways to be more Christ-centered and Emily Freeman's books really help with that!

I loved learning about Christ's experience with Lazarus and how He can help all of us out of the darkest moments we might find ourselves in giving us "unexpected hope."

Simon the Cyrenian teaches how he was called upon to carry the cross for Christ and how we might fully understand how to help someone else carry their cross of burdens.

Finally you will read about Jesus Christ and come to know how to offer up our finest to Him who gave us His all.

Songs, scriptures, stories, and activities are given to help us build "traditions." This book will help bring your life and heart more Christ-centered.

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Love at Lakewood Med

LOVE AT LAKEWOOD MED

by TJ Amberson

Savannah Drake would be thrilled about starting her final year of medical school if it weren’t for one thing: she has to spend a month working in the emergency room with cold, aloof Dr. Wesley Kent as her mentor.

When her first day in the ER proves to be a humiliating disaster, Savannah is ready to swear off emergency medicine forever. 

Gradually, though, she finds that the unpredictable, emotional experience of caring for patients in the emergency room is affecting her far differently than she expected—and Dr. Kent turns out to be anything but the arrogant attending physician that she assumed him to be. 

But just when Savannah finally admits to herself that she is falling for Dr. Kent, she learns that things at the hospital are not all what they seem. Faced with a seemingly impossible choice, Savannah must decide between her future career and everything that she has come to care so much about.

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This book speaks to my heart!
Not only is it a sweet romance, but it also has compassion in emergency medicine, and trying to do what is right even though it might come out all wrong. A wonderful read!

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Insights from a Prophet's Life: Russell M. Nelson

INSIGHTS FROM A PROPHET'S LIFE:

RUSSELL M. NELSON

by Sheri Dew

What kind of life preparation does the Lord give the men He will one day call to be prophet? And what are the lessons to be learned from such a life?

From being raised in a home without the foundation of the gospel to the early days of his marriage and the stress of medical school to his last open-heart surgery in China, President Russell M. Nelson took advantage of every opportunity to learn and become more. 

In Insights from a Prophet's Life,Sheri Dew takes us through the life of President Nelson from childhood to the current day. This unique collection of life experiences is told in short episodes from the purpose of helping readers gain their own personal insights. 

For if we have much to learn from what a prophet says, surely we have much to learn from how a prophet lives.

"This is MORE than a biography of our beloved prophet...it contains beautiful vignettes of President Nelson's life that have formed the man we love today." - Ryan Stoddard

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This book is AMAZING!
So many wonderful stories from President Nelson's life.
He is an inspiring man!

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Second Look

SECOND LOOK

by Julie Coulter Bellon

When the most wanted terrorist in the world escapes from a high security prison, Nate Hughes is part of the task force sent to recapture him. During the mission, he meets Abby, a fellow investigator that seems to have it all together. He's drawn to her and hopes they can join forces, but when her past is revealed, loyalties are called into question. Could she have turned against the country she once held dear?

The CIA wants her captured and interrogated, but with a terrorist attack imminent, Abby may be the only person in a position to help them stop it. Nate must make a choice to either trust her or turn her in---but the wrong decision would clear the path for the largest attack on freedom the world has ever seen.

And time is running out.

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I love a good suspense story and Julie Coulter Bellon always delivers a fantastic story! I highly recommend all of her books!

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You are Lionproof

YOU ARE LIONPROOF

by Ganel-lyn Condie

Ganel-Lyn Condie has inspired and connected with audiences all over the world who frequently say, "I could have listened to her all night." 

In her latest talk YOU ARE LIONPROOF Ganel-Lyn invites you to consider that you really are PROOF, protected in every way. 

Just like Daniel, who was caught in the den of hungry lions, you too can pray mightily to shut the mouths of and make peace with the threats in your life, including your addictions and temptations. Ganel-Lyn shares a message of strength and hope for everyone from teens to grandparents. 

She helps you realize that you really have been prepared to face the watery storms, fiery darts, mistakes, and loneliness of life. 

With her unique ability to share scripture stories and tackle the uncomfortable topics of mortality, Ganel-Lyn will leave you laughing, crying, and optimistic about living a Christ-centered life. 

She provides the proof that God is there and will not leave you to fail.

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LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. this TALK!

Using scripture stories, the author teaches that you are:

Lionproof like Daniel

Fireproof like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Waterproof like the Jaradites

and much more!

Everyone needs to listen to this talk!

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Proximity

PROXIMITY

by Traci Hunter Abramson

Tia Parker always seems to fall for the wrong guy. But when she meets Evan Spence at a friend's wedding, it seems like she's finally found Mr. Right. Their spark is undeniable, but reality may extinguish any hope for a future: they are separated by thousands of miles. As the couple struggles with the pitfalls of pursuing romance long-distance, Tia is taken off guard by a new arrival in town.

Colby Farren is handsome and charming and has made it clear he's interested in Tia. Yet despite his obvious infatuation, Tia can't seem to get Evan out of her mind. Caught between the attention of two very different men, her complicated love life is soon eclipsed by much more sobering concerns. 

A break-in at her apartment is just the first in a series of bizarre events, each bringing her one step closer to a dangerous liaison. And knowing who to trust could be a matter of life and death.

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LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. IT!
I read everything from Traci Hunter Abramson!
She is the BEST! I highly recommend ALL of her books--

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Wager for a Wife

WAGER FOR A WIFE

by Karen Tuft

William Barlow's life has been forever altered: his estranged father is dead, and William has inherited the title of Viscount Farleigh. Along with the title comes a neglected estate, an enormous amount of gambling debt, and one astounding acquisition that will turn William's world upside down . . .

It is her first London Season, and Lady Louisa Hargreaves could not be more pleased. She has attracted the attention of the Earl of Kerridge, and the two are on the cusp of an official betrothal.

That is, until she learns of a generations-old family debt: her grandfather gambled her hand in marriage and lost, and now Louisa must pay the price. She will marry not the earl but a man she just met, who has taken her freedom in one fell swoop.

Even as she struggles to understand the handsome and aloof man she is to wed, Louisa is irresistibly drawn to him—and he to her. 

But she soon realizes he is harboring secrets, and as her wedding day approaches, she must discover what her future husband is hiding before she makes the gravest mistake of her life.

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What a fun book! I so loved it!

I especially loved the twist of the "wager."

I cannot even imagine marrying for anything except love.

By of course this is a romance book so love is finally found,

but not until secrets are kept, discovered, and resolved in a most wonderful way. Some will even surprise you.

This is truly a book not to be missed!

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Chasing Fireflies

CHASING FIREFLIES

by Taylor Dean

My sisters think I'm crazy.

But, I've never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love. She told me to search far and wide for him.

I haven't stopped looking ever since.

When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I'm intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it's not a coincidence.

It's destiny.

My sisters say I'm chasing a dream.

Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it's a fool's errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.
The memory silences them. The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable--and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.

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WOW!  I LOVED THIS BOOK!

I especially loved the fact that a lot of the story is based on true experiences that happened to the author's daughter while she was living in China teaching English for a semester.

And there is a "stairwell" scene that I so want everyone to read!

New friends, travel experiences, tender feelings, and an ending with a wonderful twist, makes this a book that really is AMAZING!

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From Ash and Stone

FROM ASH AND STONE

by Julie Daines

Lady Margaret Grey of Hartfell wants for nothing. The daughter of a knight, she has a loving family, wealth, and even a secret romance with the blacksmith's son. But all that is torn from her one fateful night when her home is attacked and her family killed. She is left with nothing but bitterness, an unwavering mistrust of men, and a strange and mysterious curse that allows her to feel the thoughts of anyone who touches her.

Now, after six years away, Margaret is returning home for one reason: revenge. She hopes that by avenging her family's deaths, she will somehow be freed from her curse. But it won't be easy. the identities of the raiders are still unknown, she has little left to her name, and traveling alone in the Northumbrian hills during the border wars is dangerous. Matters are further complicated by handsome Angus Robson, a Scotsman whose charm threatens to distract her from her plans. But the raiders are closer than she knows, and Margaret soon realizes that what she believed to be a curse may be the key to finding those she seeks. One touch will reveal the truth.

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WOW! A very intriguing story!
This is a MUST-READ for sure!

I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

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Remember, Remember, Remember

REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER

by Clint Pulver

In a world that seems to move too fast with the constant demands of life, social-media consumption, and worldly temptations at every step, it can become so easy to forget the spiritual promptings, revelations, and faith-promoting moments we have had in our lives—moments when the Spirit has whispered peace to our heart, a prayer was answered, or a miracle was witnessed.

In this hilarious and inspiring talk, Clint Pulver teaches about the simple but powerful strength youth and adults alike can receive in moments of fear and uncertainty by simply taking the time to be still and, as the scriptures remind us, to remember, remember, remember what we know and how we know it.

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I LOVE listening to speakers like this!

A lot of humor, but also a lot of teaching-

This is a fantastic talk! I highly recommend it!

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Trial, Blessing, or Both?

TRIAL, BLESSING, OR BOTH?

by Hank Smith

Hank Smith says that, as he travels around the country, he often runs into people who have gone through some really hard things. "But," he says, "They almost always tell me something like this: 'You know, it has really turned out to be a blessing.'"

In this inspiring new talk, Brother Smith helps us understand the role of trials in our lives. He quotes Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who said that trials come in three forms: trials we bring upon ourselves, trials that are part of our mortal existence, and trials through which God is shaping and directing our lives. "Often we can't see the Lord's hand in our lives until long after the trials have passed," says Brother Smith.

Using stories and examples from the scriptures, Church leaders, and others, Brother Smith illustrates how trials can lead to triumphs. He shares the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright, who used setbacks in their lives to focus their energies into building the first successful airplane. He quotes Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who said, "Often the most difficult times of our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our character and pave the way to future opportunity, understanding, and happiness."

And for those trials that never seem to end, Brother Smith reminds us that his favorite phrase from the book of Mormon says "And it came to pass," not "And it came to last!"

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This is a MUST-LISTEN-TO for EVERYONE!

Because we will all face trials as some point!

This will help you through your trials as well as help 

you guide someone else through theirs.

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The Truth about Miss Ashbourne

THE TRUTH ABOUT 

MISS ASHBOURNE

by Joanna Barker

Governess Juliana Ashbourne has dreams reaching far beyond the confines of her current position, hoping to someday establish her own school for girls. When she inherits a fortune from her late grandfather, she is shocked to learn that “someday” may soon be within reach. However, there is one condition: she must spend a month at the estate of Havenfield—with the very family who disowned her mother. Intent on securing the money she needs to start her school, Juliana accepts the invitation, vowing to guard her heart against those who shunned her all her life.

But Havenfield is far from what she expects. She discovers a grandmother seeking forgiveness, a cold and disapproving aunt, and a painfully shy cousin. And then there is Mr. William Rowley. Though the heir to the estate is a merciless tease, Juliana finds in him a friend and confidant—and perhaps something more. As she struggles to make sense of her new place in the world, her stubborn independence clashes with a yearning to belong and the even more confusing desires of her heart.

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I completely adored this book!

The story line is so well told it will keep you engaged and begging for more. I listened to the audiobook and was thrilled when the reader actually sang the song that Miss Ashbourne performed-- 
that was a wonderful addition! I highly recommend this book!

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John 14:15

JOHN 14:15

by John Bytheway

In a world where speed limits, parking restrictions, and seat belts are often seen as inconveniences that limit our freedom, it's easy to get lost in the mindset that commandments only exist because God "said so."

In this engaging presentation, John Bytheway reminds us why our Heavenly Father gives commandments—because He loves us—and the best rest reason for obeying those commandments.

With his signature style of scriptural stories, quotations from Church leaders, and a good dose of humor, Brother Bytheway explores three reasons why we obey—because we ought to (it's the law), because we want to (because of consequences), and because we'd love to (because someone cares).

He encourages listeners to remember the love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for them and to choose to obey for the best reason—because we love Them too.

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This talk is AMAZING!

I really like the "three reasons why we obey"

Something to really ponder--

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The Body, Mind, Spirit Connection

THE BODY, MIND, SPIRIT CONNECTION

by Matt Townsend

Matt Townsend says we maneuver through the "paradox of life" in one of three ways—through our body, our mind, or our spirit. We get to choose.

He invites us to imagine a bull's-eye, with our spirit in the center, our mind in the next ring out, and our body in the outermost ring. Our target in life is to act with our spiritual being, but often, we are driven by our physical bodies—urges, tendencies, habits, or weaknesses of the flesh.

He says, "I believe that we have a body, and the body has a purpose, and it's different from the purpose of the spirit. The spirit is here to bring us peace and promptings and principles. The spirit is here to bring us power from our God. Our body is here to bring us pleasure, pain, a party once in a while, and procreation."

Between the body and the spirit is the mind, our "operating system." Brother Townsend says that Satan uses such things as envy, shame, guilt, impatience, and other "natural man" tendencies to move us away from our spiritual beings and hinder our eternal progress.

This talk is an inspiring and entertaining look at the interactions between the body, mind, and spirit that will help give us the right perspective to endure and enjoy life's journey.

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This talk is PHENOMENAL!

Everyone needs to hear it-- 

it will change your life 
and the way you look at things!

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The Gem Thief

THE GEM THIEF

by Sian Ann Bessey

Gracie Miller is a small-town girl who has landed her dream job in New York City. As jewelry designer for one of the most prestigious jewelers in the world, she completed a particularly stunning piece, a custom setting for a large pink diamond.

But when her billionaire client Mrs. Katsaros comes to repair a minor issue with the setting, Gracie is horrified to realize it is not the ring she created. Someone has forged her design, and the priceless diamond is gone.

Mrs. Katsaros has no desire to bring media attention to the jewelry heist, so she recruits her nephew, Quinn, and his FBI agent friend, Steve, to do some sleuthing off the record. When they discover that the missing ring is just one of many forgeries in the widow's collection, they look to Gracie for help. They need her to act the part of Quinn's fiancée.

From the lights of New York to the shimmering islands of the Mediterranean, Gracie is swept into a thrilling hunt. But amid the search for the elusive thief, she and Quinn find themselves increasingly distracted by their growing feelings for each other.

What neither realizes is how close the danger lies and how serious the vendetta is—because, apparently, it is worth killing for.

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What a FANTASTIC read!

Loved it from the very first page to the very end.

Perfect setting, characters, and story line.

I highly recommend this one!

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Led by Divine Design

LED BY DIVINE DESIGN

by Ronald A. Rasband

Every Sunday during sacrament meeting we hear the promise that we may "always have His Spirit to be with [us]" (Moroni 4:3). But what does it mean to always have the Lord's Spirit with us? And how can we recognize the presence and guidance of the Holy Ghost in our lives?

In this beautiful book, Elder Ronald A. Rasband shares timely counsel and personal stories about recognizing the hand of the Lord in our everyday pursuits. Through his own experience, Elder Rasband helps us learn first how to seek the Spirit and then how to recognize and respond to divine guidance in our families, with friends and colleagues, in our Church service, and during times of trial.

Each of heartfelt stories, brief messages, and inspiring quotes is an important reminder that the Lord is in the small details of our lives. Elder Rasband demonstrates repeatedly that we are led according to His divine design. Our Father in Heaven is interested in our success and eternal happiness, and He has provided the Holy Ghost to help us choose wisely so we can return to Him one day.

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What a beautiful book! A powerful message accompanied by wonderful pictures of nature, the Rasband family, and more. This book truly will help you in "seeking for and recognizing the Spirit" as promised.
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