Sheila's Books Read

Sheila's bookshelf: read

The Best Intentions
Scotland's Melody
The Secret Society of Salzburg
Secret of the Sonnets
20-40-60-Minute Dinners: Meals to Match the Time You Have
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa
Mr. Pudgins
Revenge Never Rests
The Best Mistake
Meriden Park
More Inspirational Stories for Young Women
The Great Tree: A Christmas Fable
To Capture His Heart
The Call of the Sea
Esperance
Livvy and the Enchanted Woodland
Come, Gentle Night
The Bad Boy Theory
Guide To Smart Wedding Planning: What You want to know and everything you haven't thought of yet.


Sheila's favorite books »

2024 Goodreads Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge
Sheila has read 4 books toward her goal of 100 books.
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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Faith, Hope and Gravity Book Bomb Today! Buy Today and Receive Several Gifts Too!




Faith, Hope and Gravity is the spiritual, magical adventure of teenage Liam Kane as he discovers some of the same lessons Merrill Osmond learned as the world-traveling lead singer of the Osmond Brothers. Merrill, like Liam, was often misunderstood for his visionary quests to understand those who looked for answers to life's questions. Liam's talents gain him international notoriety as "The Prophecy Boy" who swims with dolphins, dreams of a mysterious red door, and champions those who are misunderstood. Surviving kidnapping, near-drowning, and imprisonment ultimately leads to the discovery that despite inherent differences, when people respect one another's unique abilities, the thread of commonality that runs through mankind grows ever stronger. Turn the pages and join the unforgettable journey.

Join us for our BOOK BOMB CELEBRATION on August 29, 2012!
When you purchase FAITH, HOPE, AND GRAVITY from Amazon.com (softcover book or ebook) on August 29th you’ll receive several free gifts, including Merrill’s new song, ebooks, training seminars, podcasts, and additional music!


Merrill Osmond is a world-class entertainer, producer, author, motivational speaker and renowned lead singer of the Osmonds. Merrill and his siblings have produced 47 platinum & gold records and Merrill has written the lyrics for five #1 hit records. Merrill is a co-founder of the Osmond Foundation, which originally produced “The Children’s Miracle Network” Telethon. He has produced presidential inaugural events for both Reagan & Bush. Merrill is excited to release his first novel, Faith, Hope & Gravity.

Shirley Bahlmann has written a wide variety of genres, including historical fiction, novels, biographies, how-to, and how-not-to books. One of her favorites is a children’s book titled “When the Chicken Crossed the Road” which comes with instructions and a chicken-colored washcloth so you can roll your own chicken! Shirley finds the most annoying thing about being a prolific writer is sleep, because she’d rather be writing.
 
Blog:
Facebook:
Twitter:
 http://twitter.com/#!/merrillosmond

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Review of The Witch Song Series: Witch Song and Witch Born by Amber Argyle AND WIN Your Own Copy of Witch Born!! Enter Here!


Product Details:

  • Title: Witch Born (Book #2 in The Witch Born Series)
  • Author: Amber Argyle
  • Paperback: 330 pages
  • Publisher: Starling Books (September 5, 2012)
  • Genre: YA Fantasy
  • ISBN-10: 0985739401
  • ISBN-13: 978-0985739409

Book Description:
September 5, 2012
Brusenna thought it was finished. She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong. She was wrong. Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands. Some things can't be saved. A new threat merges with the old as the Witches' dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything. Including her life. Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?

Product Details:

  • Title: Witch Song(Book#1 in the Witch Song Series)  
  • Author: Amber Argyle
  • Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  • Paperback: 325 pages
  • Publisher: Rhemalda Publishing (September 1, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1936850168
  • ISBN-13: 978-1936850167

Book Description:

September 1, 2011 11 and up6 and up

The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.

My Review:
I was so lucky to be able to read both books, one right after the other. If I hadn't been able to, I would have gone a little crazy! I had to start book two immediately to see what would happen. I let the author know how I felt about her books when I sent her a message on Facebook, here is what I said...

"There is something missing in your books...a warning at the beginning that your stories are so addicting that you won't be able to put the book down."

When I wrote this to Amber I truly meant it. I took my Kindle to work and it was so hard not to sneak a peek when I shouldn't during the day. I did read it during Silent Reading Time and during my lunch time. That is my warning to you also, once you start reading this series, you won't want to stop reading.

Things I Liked:
-Beautiful Writing Style: Amber has such a beautiful way with her words. The Witches in this series cast spells by singing. I loved the words sung by the witches as they cast protection spells. I hate to admit, even when they cast spells to hurt their enemies. Here is an example of main character Brusenna's, or Senna as she is called mainly in the story, her spell casting...

"Let not the curse of Witches
Destroy a land of natural riches.
Plants, preserve life in thy roots,
Seeds sleep in earth, send forth
no shoots
Until the Witches shall disperse
This terrible and unjust curse."

I am a singer, so I loved that singing was the method of yielding the Witches power. To cripple a witch and put a stopper to her powers, they gag her. But, you will be amazed at everything the witches can do with their powers.

-Great Main Character Senna: Here is why I loved this character;though she is a truly powerful witch, she is still very "human" in many of her actions. She is not perfect. She has doubts about herself and what she can accomplish. She has feelings and often puts them on the line. In other words, she is very relatable. I like this in a character. It is very easy to put yourself in her place with what she is thinking and feeling. 

-Interesting Magic System and History: I loved figuring our how the witches gain power, and what the power is. I also was intrigued with how the witches could control the natural elements.  The history also unfolds in the second book, Witch Born. By no means does this make the book boring. It only enhances the story as events unfold.

Gorgeous Covers: 
Do I need to say more???

-Great Love Story: 
Senna and her Guardian, Joshen, have a very sweet, but normal relationship. They share a great love, but they also have their share of arguments. Through most of both books there is no love triangle; and that is all I am going to say. ;)

-Refreshing and Original Storyline:
I have been reading a lot of fantasy and paranormal stories the past two years. The Witch Song Series is very different from other stories that have witches in them. If you're tired of vampires, this is a great choice! The author states at the beginning, "The Author wished to use America's resonance with the Salem Witch Trials. Therefore, the technology and setting for Nefalie are loosely based off of seventeenth century New England" and this time period has always fascinated me. There is also a lot of action that leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat, from chapter to chapter. I couldn't read fast enough!

Overall, I really loved this series full of interesting characters with such a refreshing storyline. I recommend Witch Song and Witch Born to ages 11 and up. With a main character that grows and matures, you grow to love and admire her. This is a fantastic read which I will read again!

Now you have a chance to win an e-copy of Witch Born and some Witch Born Swag! Enter below on the Rafflecopter form. 

Also, don't forget to enter the Feed Your Reader Giveaway at this blog! Lots of things to win! Then in September, come back to my 1000+ Followers Celebration to enter to win many more things! All that you need to do is be a follower of my blog.



About this author
:

Amber Argyle grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy.

She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters.

She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University.

She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.You can follow her on:
Twitter
Facebook
Blog
Website

Purchase your own copies of Witch Song and Witch Born at Amazon.com.


 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Feed Your Reader Giveaway Hop!

I'm so excited to be part of the 
Feed Your Reader Giveaway Hop!
This hop is hosted by:

I haven't had my Kindle for long, but I have
slowly gotten hooked.  I didn't think I would ever
admit it, but I like carrying MANY books around
with me at one time, in a tiny little Kindle. 

I am offering the winner of this hop
two e-books,(YES, you get both books!!)from the
Yara Silva Trilogy,(3rd book isn't out yet)
Intrinsical and Indelible, by Lani Woodland. 
I loved these books!
If you like paranormal stories, with really
scary ghosts stirring up trouble, you will
like these books. 
Enter using the Rafflecoptor form and good luck!

Also, now is a great time to be a follower on my blog.
In September I will be hosting a fun 1000+ followers
celebration with lots of giveaways! Those of you that
are already followers before the celebration, will be entered into a few separate drawings because you were
already old followers.(I will be keeping a close eye on my followers list!)Also, let your friends know about it too!
 So, make sure you come back to
see what you can win!




Book Description:

August 17, 2010
Sixteen-year-old Yara Silva has always known that ghosts walk alongside the living. Her grandma, like the other women in her family, is a Waker, someone who can see and communicate with ghosts. Yara grew up watching her grandmother taunted and scorned for this unusual ability and doesn't want that to be her future. She has been dreading the day when she too would see ghosts, and is relieved that the usually dominant Waker gene seems to have skipped her, letting her live a normal teenage life. However, all that changes for Yara on her first day at her elite boarding school when she discovers the gene was only lying dormant. She witnesses a dark mist attack Brent, a handsome fellow student, and rushes to his rescue. Her act of heroism draws the mist's attention, and the dark spirit begins stalking her. Yara finds herself entrenched in a sixty-year-old curse that haunts the school, threatening not only her life, but the lives of her closest friends as well. Yara soon realizes that the past she was trying to put behind her isn't going to go quietly.

Book Description:

September 26, 2011
Yara is beginning to understand just how much her life will change now that her Waker abilities have emerged. She has come to terms with the fact that seeing ghosts is part of her life, but she isn’t ready to let being a Waker dictate her choices. All she wants is a ghost-free senior year with her boyfriend, Brent, and her best friend, Cherie. But Yara soon discovers that there are more dark secrets in her school’s history than just the curse she broke. While an angry ghost makes Yara question everything she thought she knew about spirits, she and Brent learn that there are long reaching consequences to last year’s adventures. As new enemies emerge and old ghosts resurface, Yara finds herself in the center of another deadly mystery, and this time she has to contend with the living as well as the dead.

Also go enter my other giveaway here to win a copy of Witch Born by Amber Argyle.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Review of, The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith by Sheri Dew and Virginia H. Pearce

Product Details: 
Hardcover 
Publisher: Deseret Book (2012)
Genre: non-fiction/religious
ISBN-10: 1606418513
 ISBN-13: 978-1606418512





 Book Description:

How important are women in the restored church of Jesus Christ? We learn something about the answer to the question from a simple historic fact: In 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith took time to attend several meetings of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo and give personal instruction to the women there. He did this at a time of great personal turmoil, when persecutions were raging and his responsibilities were heavy. He did it at a time when society barely acknowledged women as having any kind of status at all. On six separate occasions, he taught the women personally about their privileges, their opportunities, their obligations, and the blessings the Lord had in store for them in His kingdom.

The Beginning of Better Days includes Joseph Smith's six timeless sermons to the women of Nauvoo, along with personal essays from Sheri Dew and Virginia H. Pearce that help us better understand the sermons and their relevance for Latter-day Saint women today. "We have attempted to share a little about our own processes of discovery regarding the sermons," writes the authors. "This is what worked for us. What works for you may be similar—or it may be completely different. The important thing is to dig in."


My Review:
If you have ever wanted to read doctrine specifically just for us, as women, then you need to read The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instructions to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith. For many years we have heard references from these teachings, but now we have access to all of the words that the Prophet Joseph gave to the women of the church in 1842. The book starts with two essays, one from Virginia H. Pearce and the other from Sheri Dew. Sister Pearce's essay is full of many of her life's experiences and feels very personal. Sister Dew's talk reads more like a class where we are given many specific details about The Prophet Joseph and what he taught the women of the church. At the end of the book we finally find the six lectures given to the women. These lectures are in the form of notes that were taken by Sister Eliza R. Snow. I love how on these pages there are four empty lines on each page, where you the reader, can take your own notes. I loved the advice given by Sister Pearce, she said:

"You may feel inclined, as I did, to underline those words when you read the Minutes, since we women find ourselves far too often discussing others with less than liberal feelings. Joseph teaches me, warns me, that this is something I am apt to do. Recognizing this, I am armed to make a choice to stop, to pray to be filled with charity and to enlarge my heart toward those whom I might have judged or criticized."

I actually found myself underlining many things throughout the whole book as I was reading it. I also was leaving myself little messages in the side about things that had touched me and that I wanted to remember.

To better understand what Sister  Dew discusses in her essay she  states:

"The Prophet Joseph clearly signaled the Relief Society's vital commission in building faith and testimony among Latter-day women and their families. The subjects he covered in his sermons to the sisters of Nauvoo reflect a breathtaking breadth, depth, and doctrinal density." 

She then went on to say that four of his recurring themes were, first, the place of women in the Lord's kingdom; second, the priesthood; third, the temple; and fourth, charity and the divine nature of women.

I can promise you, if you read this book, you will feel so differently about yourself as a woman. You realize how important our work is, as women, in these final days. 

As Sister Dew said, "By the very nature of what he chose to teach women, Joseph Smith established expectations for every women who would have the privilege of living in this great, culminating dispensation...that we learn how to receive truths, the spiritual gifts, and the privileges the Lord has offered His true followers. Our sisters of Nauvoo helped lay the foundation of a great work. They did this against every kind of prevailing emotional, spiritual, and tangible wind. Now it is our turn."

I had ancestors that were women in Nauvoo at this time. I have read their histories, and know of their great sacrifices they made for the gospel and their families. This book, and the words of The Prophet Joseph Smith, gives me the courage and inspiration to follow in their footsteps. 

To purchase this book go to Deseret Book.

***I received a review copy of this book. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given,***

Friday, August 17, 2012

Cover Reveal for, Perception, by Lee Strauss




 Book Description:
Seventeen year old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the security of a walled city on prime water-front property along side other equally beautiful people with extended life spans.

Her brother Liam is missing.

Noah Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like her specifically.

Zoe’s carefree life takes a traumatic turn.  She’s in trouble and it turns out that Noah, the last guy on earth she should trust, is the only one who can help her.


PERCEPTION is a ( SF/mystery/romance) Young Adult novel that takes place in the not too distant future in a world changed by climate extremes, natural disasters and impending wars, and where scientific breakthroughs cause class divisions—both financially and philosophically.  It explores the clash between faith and science and how differences can separate us as enemies or alliance us together. And in some cases, even in the midst of betrayal and personal crisis, there’s room to fall in love.
This is the first book in a planned three book series. 

  I will be reading and reviewing this book soon. In the meantime, here is the first chapter for you to read. You can also go explore Lee's website and facebook page.

 Her website is www.ellestraussbooks.com , her Lee Strauss facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/
AuthorLeeStrauss and the goodreads link is http://www.goodreads.com/book/
show/15812886-perception


PERCEPTION
by
Lee Strauss


PART ONE
ZOE

Chapter 1

I balanced on my surfboard, right thigh burning and salt water stinging my eyes, while the best wave of the early morning carried me like a goddess on a pedestal to shore. My older brother Liam and I shared a friendly competition, and it gave me a certain, blissful satisfaction to catch the same wave and to get to shore first.
“Beat ya!” I shouted over the noise of the crashing surf.
Seagulls flocked and circled over us, squawking loudly, adding to the cacophony.
The sun glistened off Liam’s damp blond curls as he shook them out. His eyes sparkled as his lips tugged up into a grin. “I let you win.”
“Did not!” I smacked him playfully on the arm. “One more ride?”
Liam unzipped his wetsuit letting the top half fall down past his waist. He was in fine form, and I understood why all the girls raved about him. He was responsible for a long list of broken hearts.
“I gotta get going,” he said, lifting his board.
I fell into stride beside him, my feet sinking into the cold, wet sand. “So soon?”
He nodded, the glint leaving his eyes. My lips tightened into a frown “You’re taking off with Jackson again?”
Jackson was my boyfriend but lately he’d been spending more time with my brother than he had with me. It was starting to tick me off.
Liam stared straight ahead. “Lab stuff.”
“What are you working on?” I rushed to keep up with my brother’s long, strong strides. He flicked his head, tossing the hair out of his eyes but didn’t answer.
“Come on,” I knocked into him sideways. “Tell me!”
“It’s just stuff.”
“Just stuff? Like what? Top CIA stuff? I know you’re smart but I think the government has been doing a good job without your help.”
I meant it as a joke, but Liam huffed. “It’s just stuff, okay? So leave it.”
I stopped short shocked that he’d snapped at me.
He turned around and exhaled, “Zoe, I’m sorry.”
“Fine. If you can’t tell me, you can’t tell me.”
We resumed our trek along the beach, and I pushed back my frustration. Liam used to include me in everything. It was always him and me against everyone else. Him and me against Alison and Paul, aka our mom and dad. Him and me against the surf. We were a team. When did we start keeping secrets from each other? Rather, when did he start keeping secrets from me?
I re-adjusted my board under my arm. Maybe I could get Jackson to unzip his lips. Especially if I helped him. He could be easily persuaded if I poured on the charm. I hated to go behind my brother’s back for information, but something about all this--this, whatever it was that Liam was doing--made me uneasy. I couldn’t pinpoint why, it just did.
We reached our home, a massive glass box with two floors of windows facing the Pacific Ocean. It was built after the San Andreas Fault shifted and triggered the Big Quake that, along with the subsequent tsunami, wiped out ten miles of shoreline.
A nearby white-stucco storage shed housed all our water toys. We stopped there to hang up our wetsuits to dry.
“Thanks for surfing with me today.” Liam said, smiling at me, back to his jovial self. “I know it was a sacrifice for you to get up so early.”
I smiled in return. “No problem. It was fun.” Surfing with Liam was one of my most favorite things to do.
“You’re back for dinner?” I asked.
Liam didn’t know it, but once he left, I’d be spending the rest of the day preparing for his surprise birthday party. He’d turned twenty-one yesterday and had celebrated at a bar with his friends. I couldn’t go because I was underage, and it irked me that Jackson went and that he and Liam had once again shared a significant moment without me. I took consolation in the fact that Alison and Paul gave me free reign to plan this party. My heart beat with excitement, and I couldn’t wait to see his face when he got home and found the house full of his friends.
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” he answered.
I bit my cheek to keep my voice even. “Good.We’ll see you, then.”
Our property tiered twice before connecting with the sandy beach. Three glass doors slid open disappearing into the corner and creating a wall-less view of the stone patio that encased an eternity pool. Its waters slipped over the far edge into a waterfall that was collected again on the second tier.
Liam strode into the house, through the living room and down the hall to his bedroom at the back, his wet shorts dripping on the glossy white tiles.
I tightened the towel around my waist and climbed the open-slat staircase to my room.
As I passed the maid, Saundra something, her brown face blanched. She stumbled slightly before grabbing the rail and catching herself.
“Excuse me,” she said softly at my astonished look.
The woman really didn’t look well, and I was thankful for my enhanced immunization. I was glad I didn’t have to worry about diseases brought in from the outside.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
She nodded weakly, and proceeded to clean the rails.
A trill of anticipation reclaimed my thoughts. I couldn’t wait for tonight.
The door beside my bathroom opened into a second room, a walk-in closet big enough to house another bedroom set. Racks of clothes and shoes lined the walls, a well-lit mirror station was located near the sky light and a cushioned leather bench was placed in the middle for sitting. I stood in my closet and stared at the rows of sundresses, blouses and shorts.
What to wear?
I settled on a lace blouse and cotton shorts, then went to take a luxurious shower, rinsing the sea water out of my long, blond hair. I leaned into the built-in seat that was designed specifically for my body height and shape. Laser lights mapped my head and twenty-eight silicon fingers reached out to massage my scalp while shampooing and conditioning my hair. Most days I had to watch or I’d doze off, but today I was excited. I commanded the water to turn off as soon as the rinse was done.
When I was dressed and my hair combed out and tied back, I slipped my platinum Communication Ring onto my left middle finger. I tapped it which produced a holographic image of my phone apps on my palm. I touched the clock icon and holographic digital numbers appeared in the air.
Ten already? Where did the time go? That was the thing with summer holidays; every hour ran languidly into the next.
I imagined the cook and her crew were busy preparing for the party in the kitchen. I’d requested fresh sea food and simulated roast, fresh fruit and vegetables, an assortment of fancy chocolates and baked items plus a three-tiered, surfer-themed birthday cake.
I skipped down the stairs to check on the progress, but in my hurry to the kitchen, I slammed into a body.
“Sorry,” a male voice said.
I stepped back agitated. I recognized the dark-haired boy wearing the white tunic my mother made the male staff wear. He was the maid’s son.
 He held a wet mop in his hand, and I figured he’d been cleaning up Liam’s spotty water trail.
He stepped politely out of the way, but the expression on his face was stoic. Even though he was clearly from the outside and the help, I still expected some small sign that what he saw when he viewed me was pleasing. A twinkle in the eye, a slight upturning of the lips. These were the responses I got from all the boys. The straight ones, anyway.
He wasn't especially attractive but I didn't see people with his appearance very often. He had eyes the color of imported coffee beans and skin like caramel candy. His nose was wide and his jaw-line sharp. I was suddenly intrigued by him and surprised myself by thinking he looked exotic.
“Excuse me, what was your name again?” I asked.
“Noah.”
Right. I remembered now. I waited for him to say something, but he stayed quiet.
Footsteps echoed from the hall above. My parents spoke together, their muffled voices floating across the high ceilings.
“Do other maids send their sons to do their work?” Alison's voice had a brassy tone that carried through the cavernous space.
I felt a flare of red creep up my neck when I realized Alison was talking about Noah. My eyes darted to his, but he kept his averted.
“He does a good job,” Paul responded. “That's the main thing. Besides you know they need the money.”
“So we're charity now?”
“What's wrong with a little charity? Besides, they're not just anybody.”
“I don't care. I still don't trust him.”
I was mortified. My feet felt cemented to the floor and I didn’t know what to say. Anything would come off as trite since nothing I could say could undo what Noah had heard.
“Did you know the Pikes have a household robot now?” Alison, again. “Apparently it’s very efficient, and at least Mary doesn’t have to worry about things going missing.”
Noah’s jaw tightened and he turned his back to me. He attacked Liam’s dried and dusty water spots aggressively and soon had disappeared around the corner.
“Zoe?” Alison click-clacked down the wooden stairs. She wore a pale yellow pant suit and high heels even though it was Saturday. She was in-between careers now, having spent the last fifteen years in law. She barely looked thirty years old and with lots of time ahead of her, she could do anything. Probably several things.
“Mom! You have to keep your voice down. How many times do I have to tell you your voice travels in this glass box?
“Oh.” She looked mildly shaken. “No matter. Is everything coming together to your satisfaction?”
“I’m just checking in on things now.”
“Your father and I are meeting people for lunch. What time is the party again?”
I blew a frustrated breath. She could at least pretend she cared enough to remember details I’d told her a dozen times already.
“Seven.”
“Right. We’ll see you at seven.”
Things proceeded throughout the day as planned and I was pleased with my ability to pull off an event like this on my own.
The decorators showed up at 1:00 as promised.
The band arrived to set up at 3:00.
I got dressed at 4:30, having bought a thigh-length mini-dress that sparkled with tiny crystals just for the occasion.
My hair and makeup girl arrived at 5:00.
I tapped my ring and called Jackson at 5:30.
“Where are you?” I said to the three-inch holographic image of him that popped up above my palm. “You said you’d help.”
“Sorry, Zo. Got tied up at home.”
“Are you okay? You don’t sound so good.”
It was odd. No one in Sol City ever got really sick, but it wasn’t unheard of to get run down if you pushed yourself too hard. Jackson had been working a lot lately.
“I didn’t sleep well last night. Uh, spent most of the day in bed.”
I felt a little panicky. “You’re still coming, aren’t you?”
“Of course. I’ll be there soon.”
Alison and Paul arrived at 6:30 along with all of mine and Liam’s friends.
I hushed everyone at 6:55, giving instructions on when to shout “Surprise!”
It was all a wasted effort.
Liam never showed.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Winner of the Young Adult GIveaway Hop!

The winner has been chosen for the 
Young Adult Giveaway hop...
Rafflecoptor chose follower:
Jesse(Martian Girl)!
Congratulations to Jesse! She has been
notified and will let me know which book
she would like.

Thanks so much for entering, and a HUGE thanks
to all of your who gave me suggestions of YA books
I need to read. You just increased my to-read list, and I
love that! Make sure to come back for more exciting
giveaways on my blog. The E-Reader Giveaway Hop is coming
up on August 23rd, and since I now have over 1000 followers
I will be having a celebration and giveaway for you my
wonderful followers! Stay tuned, as I will soon be announcing
what great things that will be happening here in September!
Come back often, so you don't miss out on what surprises
I will have for my followers! 

P.S. For those interested, The Giveaway for a copy of A Sisterhood of Strength, is still going on until late Friday night.
Go enter if you want a chance to win a copy.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Look What Came in the Mail: Michael Vey(#2)-The Rise of the Elgen by Richard Paul Evans

I was so excited to have sent to me, book 2 in the Michael Vey series, Rise of the Elgen by Richard Paul Evans. 

"Michael must save his mother—and protect his powers—in the electric sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling Michael Vey, from Richard Paul Evans.
Michael was born with special electrical powers—and he’s not the only one. His friend Taylor has them too, and so do other kids around the world. With Michael’s friend Ostin, a tecno-genius, they form the Electroclan, an alliance meant to protect them from a powerful group, the growing Order of Elgen, who are out to destroy them. The leader of the Elgen, Dr. Hatch, has kidnapped Michael’s mother, and time is running out.

After narrowly escaping an Elgen trap, Ostin’s discovery of bizarre “rat fires” in South America leads the gang to the jungles of Peru, where the Electroclan meets new, powerful foes and faces their greatest challenge yet as Michael learns the extent of the Elgen’s rise in power—and the truth of their plan to “restructure” the world.
"

The first book in the series, Michael Vey:The Prisoner of Cell 25, came out last year. It was a great read, but left you wanting a lot more. This second book so far, delivers on so much; lots of action, favorite characters returning, and great dialogue! The cover alone is awesome! I will be giving a full review of this book when I'm done reading. This book is officially released soon, on August 14th. If you read the first book, you definitely don't want to miss out on the second book. If you haven't read the first book in the series here is the info. 

"My name is Michael Vey, and the story I’m about to tell you is strange. Very strange. It’s my story.
To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.

Michael thinks he's unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor also has special powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up this way, but their investigation brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric children – and through them the world. Michael will have to rely on his wits, powers, and friends if he’s to survive"

Friday, August 10, 2012

Blog Tour Review of, A Sisterhood of Strength, by Diony George

Product Details:

  • Title: A Sisterhood of Strength
  •  Author: Diony George
  • Paperback: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (August 14, 2012)
  • Retail: $10.99
  • Genre: Non-fiction/Religious
  • ISBN-10: 1462110762
  • ISBN-13: 978-1462110766







Book Description:
Experience for yourself the pure love that inspires ordinary women to serve and accept service in a truly extraordinary manner. This inspiring collection of true stories from the lives of women just like you is told with heartwarming sincerity. Perfect for sharing, this remarkable book is sure to uplift, encourage, and cheer any woman, whether it’s her turn to serve or be served

Back Cover: 
President Monson has repeatedly expressed that even in our busy, bustling lives, “it’s the service that counts.” And no one knows that better than the quiet, humble women of the Relief Society. Working together, faithful women form a sisterhood of service, selflessness, and ultimately strength to share with each other and the entire world.
On each page of this remarkable book, you’ll find words of wisdom and beauty that are sure to encourage and uplift you, whether it’s your turn to serve or be served. Told with heartwarming sincerity, A Sisterhood of Strength will have women everywhere rejoicing in the friendship of their own dear, loving sisters.

My Review:
A Sisterhood of Strength: True Stories of Miraculous Service is simply uplifting. This book is composed of stories from many women, whose lives were touched by other women who reached out to serve. In our lives we have many opportunities to help others, whether we know these people or not. The strong message I got, was how we need to learn to reach beyond ourselves and help others. Many of these women related how God let them know how they needed to go help someone in need. The question is, are we too busy to listen to promptings that may come to us? This doesn't always have to be a religious thing either. You can learn to serve others in your neighborhood, the stranger on the street, and not just the people who are the same denomination as you. The world would be a much better place if we would reach out to others. Author Diony George, has selected many stories from women in the LDS church who have learned to serve from their membership in the church's Relief Society. There are also several stories where women chose to serve because they wanted to. This is a short book that you can pick up and read a few stories at a time, and then come back to it. I enjoyed this book and it would make a great addition to any woman's library.

I am so excited to tell you that Author Diony George is offering up a copy of, A Sisterhood of Strength, in a giveaway. You can enter in the Rafflecoptor form below. Good luck!




a Rafflecopter giveaway
Purchase links:



Here is the schedule for the blog tour:

August 1st: Donna Weaver-review/giveaway http://weavingataleortwo.
blogspot.com
       Heather Moore-guest post
August 2nd: Connie Sokol-review/Giveaway http://8basics.com
August 3rd: Jodi Robinson-review/Interview  http://jodimarierobinson.
blogspot.com
August 4th : Linda Garner-review http://paperandparchment.
blogspot.com
August 6th: Lexi Hogan-review http://thebookbug-hogan.
blogspot.com
August 7th: LDS Womens Book Review-review http://ldswomensbookreview.
com/wordpress/
August 8th: Rachelle Christensen-review http://rachellewrites.
blogspot.com
August 9th: Shauna Chambers-review http://bookgiveaways.blogspot.
com/
August 10th: Sheila Staley-review/giveaway http://whynotbacauseisaidso.
blogspot.com
                      Tristi Pinkston-guest post/giveaway
August 11th:  Heidi Grange-review http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.
com
August 13th: Heather Zahn Gardner-interview/giveaway http://fireandicephoto.
blogspot.com
August 14th: Karen Pulseski-review http://practicalfrugality.
blogspot.com
August 15th: Cami Checketts-review/giveaway http://camicheckettsbooks.
blogspot.com
August 16th: Meagan Myryn Bennett-review http://bloomingwithbooks.webs.
com
August 17th: Kay Curtiss-review http://ldsretailers.blogspot.
com
August 18th: Kathy Habel-guest post/review http://iamareadernotawriter.
blogspot.com
August 20: Aimee Brown-review http://
gettingyourreadonaimeebrown,




blogspot.com August 21: Ruth Hill-review http://mydevotionalthoughts.




com






Author Bio:

Diony George is a wife, stay-at-home mom of seven, grandmother of two, a motivational speaker, and the author of three books. Through her writing and public speaking she loves helping others draw closer God. An avid reader whose favorite genre is romantic suspense, Diony also loves to travel, sew, and bake—especially pies and homemade bread. Born and raised in Alaska, she currently resides in Salt Lake City with her husband and family. Mrs. George can be reached through her personal website at http://www.dionygeorge.com.
 

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Young Adult GIveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Young Adult
Giveaway Hop!
This hop is hosted by the the wonderful 

There are so many great YA reads out there today.
I have picked two that the winner may
choose from.

Luminosity is a book that I am looking forward to reading.
I will preorder it for you, because it doesn't come out 
until November.  

Full description for Luminosity

  • My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven's wings. And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven't been the same since. The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the Dreamcatchers, but I'm finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me. The enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I'm falling in love with him. He says they're coming. He says they're angry. And I think I've already helped them win.


    Or...
    Switched is the other book you have to choose from.

    Full description for Switched

    • "Amanda Hocking is an indie publishing sensation whose self-published novels have sold millions of copies all over the world, and Switched is the book that started the phenomenon. Prepare to be enchanted..."When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She's not the person she's always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel--all because of Finn Holmes.Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken...though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she'd ever admit. But it isn't long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth--and he's come to take her home. Now Wendy's about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that's both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she's meant to become...As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, "The Vittra Attacks," set in the magical world of the Trylle.

      Fill out the Rafflecoptor form and then
      hop around to the many other blogs
      with some great giveaways. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, August 5, 2012

A Talk on CD:Feeding Consuela - How to Stop Seemingly Harmless Temptations Before They Grow into Poisonous Addictions, by Dennis Gaunt

Product Details:

  • Title: Feeding Consuela - How to Stop Seemingly Harmless Temptations Before They Grow into Poisonous Addictions
  • Presenter: Dennis Gaunt
  • Audio CD
  • Publisher: Deseret Audio Library (2012)
  • ASIN: B00824G2JE

CD/Talk Description :

Consuela the spider is hungry, and when a young man decides to make her his pet and feed her every day, she grows bigger and bigger. But Consuela the spider is also venomous, and the danger she represents grows bigger and bigger as well.

This engaging talk on CD explains how Satan's temptations—like Consuela the spider—often start out small, but grow bigger and bigger in our lives the more we feed them. Using examples from the scriptures and real life, author Dennis Gaunt gives us advice to help us avoid becoming entangled in Satan's web of lies, and how to use the Atonement to remove Satan's venom from our lives. 


My Review:
 When Dennis asked me to review his new CD on talk, I knew exactly what I was going to do. I went to his target audience first. I let my teenage daughter, niece and nephews listen to the talk. Getting their feedback meant a lot to me. They really liked what Dennis had to say. They thought that he was witty and easy to listen to. My daughter said, "When I listened to this talk, I felt the spirit, and I realized things about myself that I could change in my life." She also said, "This is a talk that I would listen to again, and again." Touchdown! 

The story of the spider Consuela vividly stays in your mind for a long time. This is a true story from one of Dennis's friends. On his mission they found a spider outside of their door. They decided to feed it and make it their pet. It grew bigger, and bigger. One day someone came along and asked the question of why they were feeding something that could potentially harm them? They were tempting fate and not seeing the danger that was right in front of their eyes. Dennis Gaunt relates the spider to addictive things in our own lives. Satan puts these temptations into our lives and we feed them every day, and they get bigger and bigger without us even realizing it. He talks about every day things in our lives that can  trap us, like gaming, pornography, the internet, drugs, alcohol, money etc. Anything addicting that takes control over our lives, is Satan's tool keeping us from growing closer to God and doing good things. 

The wonderful thing is, Dennis gives many ideas of how we can overcome these addictions. With the help of our church leaders, and the atonement, we can free ourselves from the grasp of addiction. I love the way that this talk is presented with a lot of humor and hope. Dennis is an engaging speaker that draws you in with his great storytelling. I knew that this talk had hit home when my family started saying things like,"Oh, that is one of my Consuelas I need to work on," and "Watch out for that Consuela." 

I highly recommend this talk to all families, especially those who have teenagers. Adults will also find so many things that can help them. As one of the teenagers said, who listened to the talk, "When is his next CD coming out?"...I have to agree!

You can purchase Feeding Consuela at Amazon or at Deseret Book.

About Dennis Gaunt:
Dennis Gaunt has been an avid student of the scriptures for as long as he can remember. He studied history and English at the University of Utah. He taught seminary and institute in CES for a number of years, and currently serves as the Gospel Doctrine teacher in his ward. He and his wife, Natalie, live in Sandy, Utah. He is the author of the book, Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon.