Author: Heather Justesen

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: 2012

Softcover: 245 pages

IBSN: 978-1-59955-920-9

FTC FYI: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Back cover:  ”Before he could think better of it, he blurted out, “I understand your concerns. I’m going to speak to my commander about getting an early discharge. My girlfriend, Rena, and I have talked about getting married. There just hasn’t been any rush.”  As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what he was thinking. Yes, they had discussed marriage, but not to each other! He and Rena had never even dated.

Tucker’s on his way to the biggest challenge of his life. Rena already has it all—except a family of her own. But neither one expected their friendship would take such a dramatic turn.

When Tucker becomes the guardian of his newly orphaned niece and nephew, he knows he can’t handle them alone, not when he might be shipped out with the Marines at any moment. Desperate, he turns to Rena for a major favor. His marriage proposal would give her everything she wants, but can she learn to live without the romance she’s always dreamed of?

As time, prayer, and a life-changing kiss work a little magic in her heart, Rena wonders if someone up there has a plan for her that’s better than anything she could’ve come up with on her own. And though it seems crazy at first, this could become her chance for a marriage that will last for eternity.”

My Review

Rena and Tucker have been friends for 10 years. They both have had their own broken heart stories and have relied on each other many times in the past. When Tucker approaches Rena with a proposal, she is stunned. Sure, they’ve talked about marriage to other people, but Rena never thought the day would come. Tucker needs her help. Rena’s decision will affect the rest of her life.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters are so well written and the story flows with a great amount of feeling and heart.  Each character is important, and I appreciated the author’s eye for detail.  Rena takes on a huge responsibility. After her decision is made, however, she never looks back.  She always has a prayer in her heart.  Even with that, there doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges.  When she is making decisions for Derek and McKensie, she thinks of their mom Haylie, and what she would do. I liked that. The author has a great way of showing real life. The children went through a terrible thing and were not immediately cured by the marriage. Derek especially needs help, and I thought it was handled in a great way.

The book is about family and design. Rena is a very talented designer, and I enjoyed being there with her. Another thing I enjoyed was the glimpses of Tucker serving his country, and the thoughts going through his mind while he was away from his new family. There is also another surprise that I thought was really clever and sweet.

4 out of 5 stars. I knew I was going to love this book when there are mentions of Harry Potter and my favorite line from Empire Strikes Back.  I want to thank Heather for asking me to be a part of her blog tour. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Also, as a special promotion for anyone who buys a book before February 5th, you can get a free ebook for her companion novella, “Shear Luck.” Once you buy a copy of her book go here (link) to get your free copy. http://www.heatherjustesen.com/shear-luck

As if that weren’t enough, Heather’s holding a host of giveaways on her blog throughout the next few weeks, see the rules at the bottom of this post to enter.

Here’s the blurb for Shear Luck:

Chelsea Robison has never forgotten the older boy next door whom she crushed on as a teen, so when she runs into him at the restaurant he’s preparing to open, it’s a delightful shock. And learning he’s available again is more than a little tantalizing.

Vaughn Krenshaw had never seen his neighbor as more than a nice kid—but Chelsea had definitely grown up in the decade since they saw each other last. He’s attracted to the feisty red head, but still struggles over his wife’s death the previous year. And then there’s his five-year-old daughter, Molly, who really liked Chelsea—until she realized the woman was dating her dad.

As Chelsea starts to wonder if their love for each other will be enough to make things work, a specter from Vaughn’s past rises, making her question whether she really knew him at all.

Here’s the links to the other review from the tour.  This is the last day to enter the contest!

Monday, Jan. 16 Danyelle Ferguson

Tuesday, Jan. 17 Kim Job

Wednesday, Jan. 18 Nichole Giles

Thursday, Jan. 19 Liz Adair

Friday, Jan. 20 Susan Dayley

Saturday, Jan. 21 Keith Fisher

Monday, Jan. 23 Robbin Peterson

Tuesday, Jan. 24 Julie Bellon

Wednesday, Jan. 25 Cindy Hogan

Thursday, Jan. 26 Rebecca Talley

Friday, Jan. 27 Kathleen Brebes

Saturday, Jan. 28 Debbie Davis

Monday, Jan. 30 Maria Hoaglund

Tuesday, Jan. 31 Tristi Pinkston

Wednesday, Feb. 1 Joann Arnold

Thursday, Feb. 2 Christine Bryant

Friday, Feb. 3 Rebecca Blevins

Saturday, Feb. 4 Mindy Holt

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And the winner of Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen is…..

Pam!

Congratulations, Pam! (email coming your way)

Thank you to everyone who listened to the podcast and sent in your answers. We had a great response, and you all got 100% on your answers.

Happy Reading!

Today we welcome Tristi Pinkston, author of several novels including her most recent book, Targets in Ties, book four in the Secret Sisters mystery series. Scroll down for details about the Targets in Ties book launch and the fun prizes Tristi will be giving away.

Please help us welcome Tristi to the LDSWBR blog. Don’t forget to leave a comment!

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Are You a Doer or a Talker?

I am very blessed to be a published author, and even more blessed to have been published multiple times. I really am living the life I’ve always wanted—I get to stay home with my kids, have a career that I love, and write books that people want to read. I truly consider myself so, so blessed.

I’ve had the chance to speak with writers who are looking to make the leap from “prospective author” to “published author.” They ask me questions about my journey, which I’m more than happy to answer, and then I listen to their responses. I hear them say things like, “Oh, you’re so lucky. I wish that would happen to me.” Or they say, “I’ve sent out ten queries this week, so it shouldn’t be too much longer before I have a contract too.” Can you hear the difference in those two responses?

Some writers dream about being published, but they never take serious action. They will sigh wistfully when they hear someone else talk about their contracts or their publisher, and then they bemoan the fact that they’re still seeking. Other writers are proactive. They are constantly working toward improving their craft. They send out the queries. They attend conferences. They network. They make friends in the right places. They do their research and their legwork. And when success comes their way, it’s not because they were lucky—it’s because they had prepared themselves to accept the opportunity when it came.

I have to admit, I get a little frustrated when I listen to people moan about their careers (or lack of careers). I’m going to share a little secret with you—if you keep doing what you’re doing, you will always be where you are. If you want to get somewhere else, you have to do something different. I have experienced for myself the power that comes from sitting down and making a goal sheet, then creating a to-do list off that goal sheet, and then getting down to business. In fact, an excellent program to help you do just that thing is found at http://www.30daypush.com. Don’t talk about what you want to achieve—make a comprehensive plan, and follow through.

If you’re not published yet, but you know the positive steps to take, you will get published. If you are published, but are unhappy with your sales or your situation, take some positive steps, and your situation will improve. Here’s another secret—you are in control of your life. You don’t have to wait for good things to happen to you—you can be the catalyst that makes good things happen to you.

Yes, you will have to be patient. No, success won’t happen overnight. But you will be creating the atmosphere in which success can thrive. You will learn things on your journey that will prepare you for success. Think for a minute about the difference between a person who just has a ton of money handed to them versus the person who has worked hard for their money. Doesn’t the person who worked for it appreciate it more and know how to budget it and take care of it? It’s the same thing with success. When you’ve been in the trenches and have worked your way out of it, it tastes so much sweeter.

Ask yourself one simple question: Am I a doer or a talker? Doers get things done. Doers are strong, powerful, positive—and they inspire others. Talkers usually end up just talking to themselves in a lonely little corner somewhere. Take control of your life. Change the things you can change. Learn different ways to cope with the areas you can’t change. And then you’ll be creating an atmosphere where success is drawn to you.

Tristi Pinkston is the author of nine books and works as a freelance editor and virtual book tour coordinator. You can learn more about her at www.tristipinkston.com, and purchase her latest book, Targets in Ties, at AMAZON.

You are also invited to attend her launch party for Targets in Ties on Thursday, February 2nd, from 5 – 7 pm at Pioneer Book, 858 S. State in Orem, Utah. Click here http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-time-for-secret-sisters-fiesta.html for all the details, and to learn about a fun online contest for those who are unable to attend the launch.

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Thank you, Tristi! 

I’m happy to announce that today’s guest author is Joyce DiPastena, author of three medieval romances: Loyalty’s Web, Illuminations of the Heart, and her newest release Dangerous Favor, available now at AMAZON.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting up with Joyce a number of times over the last few years. She is a sweet, intelligent lady who loves what she does. I have thoroughly enjoyed each of her novels. Not only are they well-written, clean and romantic, but they are well-researched and intriguing, too.

Help us welcome Joyce and leave a comment below!

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From Joyce:

Researching a historical novel can be challenging and time consuming, but it can also be a delightful adventure. It’s not just about getting the clothing right and the buildings right and the furniture right and the meals right. Those are all necessary details to give the reader a vivid picture of where and when your characters live, of course. But the best part of researching isn’t delving into the “required” elements of historical fiction. It’s the little unexpected discoveries you make along the way. They usually occur when you know you’re looking for something, but you’re not quite sure what it is.

Such was the case in my medieval romance, Illuminations of the Heart. My heroine was a medieval illuminator, which means she painted pictures in books with brightly colored paints which “illuminated” or brought light to the pages. Of course, before she could paint, she needed to draw or sketch out the picture. So one day I went hunting for something for her to draw during a scene in my book. Bestiaries were popular during the Middle Ages, so on went my research hat. I discovered that in the Middle Ages, people had a completely different concept of bees than we know to be true today. They thought that bees were led by a king, rather than a queen, and the king was a very benevolent ruler at that. If one of his “subject bees” misbehaved, rather than punish him, the king had only to demonstrate to the truant the error of his ways, and the truant would turn his own sting upon himself in shame. This was intended to be an example to human kings and their subjects, though of course most humans chose to ignore the noble bee-example. I found this a charming little bit of medieval trivia, though, and incorporated it into my story.

In my newly released medieval romance, Dangerous Favor, I needed some plot device that would disrupt the romance between two of my secondary characters, Therri and Violette. Again, I knew I needed something, but I didn’t yet know what. So off on the hunt I went once more. While flipping through the pages of a book in my research library, I came across a section on medieval games. One popular game I discovered was called “hoodman blind”. In this game, the players took a hood and turned it backwards to cover eyes of the person we would call “It” today. The other players stood in a circle while the person in the hood tried to catch and identify one of them. Of course, the goal of the players in the circle was to frustrate the hoodman or hoodwoman from guessing correctly. Suppose the hoodman was Therri and his goal was to find Violette, the woman he loves. And of course, the stakes have been placed appropriately high for his success or failure. Ah, yes, a game of hoodman blind was just what I needed for my story, and furthermore, turned out to be a great deal of fun to write!

In my current WIP (untitled, but based on the character of Acelet from Illuminations
of the Heart), I discovered a delightful medieval argument about which is the more “perfect” number—3 or 4? 3 would seem to have the advantage, given the three members of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) and the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity). But there was an argument to be made for 4, as well, with the four points of the cross and the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). And argue about it my characters do. I can’t even remember what my original research hunt was for when I stumbled across this one, but it was too good to resist sneaking it into the book.

Research is only a drudgery if you limit yourself to the “necessities” of your story. If you keep your mind open to the unexpected along the way, research can be a delight!

Joyce DiPastena moved from Utah to Arizona at the age of two, and grew up to be a dyed-in-the-fur desert rat. She first fell in love with the Middle Ages when she read Thomas B. Costane’s The Conquering Family in high school. She attended the University of Arizona, where she graduated with a degree specializing in medieval history.

Joyce loves to play the piano and sing for her own amusement, and sings in her church choir. Other interests include reading, spending time with her sister, trying out new restaurants, and, unfortunately, buying new clothes. The highlight of her year is attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which she has not missed once in its twenty-four years of existence.

Joyce enjoys hearing from her readers and may be contacted at jdipastena@yahoo.com. You can also visit her on her website at www.joyce-dipastena.com, keep up with her latest news on her JDP NEWS blog (http://jdp-news.blogspot.com), or follow along as she researches her novels at Medieval Research with Joyce (http://medievalresearch.blogspot.com).

Of Grace and Chocolate is one of the best books I’ve read in the last few months. Don’t miss out on your chance to win an autographed copy!

Contest details can be found in this post, so click on over and enter right now.

Happy Reading!

Instead of a Guest Author Thursday blog post we recorded a podcast! In Season 6 Episode 1, Sheila and I welcome debut author Krista Lynne Jensen. Her book Of Grace and Chocolate was released this month. Read on to find out how to win a signed copy!

Krista shares her inspiration for Of Grace and Chocolate, what she’s working on now, her experiences with revising, and gives us a copy of her book to give away.

To enter to win Of Grace and Chocolate, find the answers to the following questions in the podcast (each correct answer gets you an entry) then email the answers to ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com. The contest ends at midnight MST on Friday, January 27, 2012.

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1. Who provided inspiration for Scott in Of Grace and Chocolate?

2. What did Krista have to draw out on butcher paper?

3. What specific chocolate-covered treat has a role in Of Grace and Chocolate?

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Book Launch Photos

Sheila and I were fortunate enough to attend the book launch for Sarah M. Eden’s Friends and Foes and Krista Lynne Jensen’s Of Grace and Chocolate. We’ve posted some photos below for you to enjoy while you listen to the podcast.

Happy listening!

(Click through to the blog to listen to the podcast if you can’t see the play button below. You can also find LDS Women’s Book Review Podcast in iTunes.)

Erin & Robison Wells, Sarah M. Eden, Shanda, Krista Lynne Jensen and Howard Tayler

Sarah, Shanda, Sheila and Krista

Sheila, Aubrey Mace, and Shanda

I hold the long-awaited book in my hands, poised to open the stiff and shiny cover, then hesitate.

THIS MOMENT.

Before a single word is read.

Before the spine shows a single crease.

Before corners of pages become bent and worn.

I love this moment.

Full of anticipation and so much potential.

A new world full of new people.

Will I lose myself, setting aside my worries until the last word has been read?

Will I finish with a sigh and a smile, rereading here & there before returning it to the bookshelf?

OR,

Will I put it down after a few chapters to be found later under a layer of dust?

I run my thumb along the book’s edge, causing pages to fan and words to blur.

The smell of ink on paper reaches me. I’m ready.

Anticipation. Potential.

A soon-to-be-discovered favorite or just another book I’ve read?

Cover is opened, pages turned, first line found.

I’ll know the answer soon enough.

  -  -  -  -  - 

There’s nothing quite like the moment just before you start a new book, is there?

We are happy to have Sarah M. Eden as our guest author today. She is the author of several Regency-era romances, including Seeking Persephone, Courting Miss Lancaster, Kiss of a Stranger and her most recent release, Friends and Foes.

Not only is Sarah a talented author, she is a sweet, quick-witted woman and dedicated mother and wife.

Read more about Sarah and her books on her WEBSITE. Purchase Friends and Foes at DESERET BOOK and AMAZON.

Find details below for the DOUBLE BOOK LAUNCH for Sarah and last week’s guest author, Krista Lynne Jensen.

Okay, Sarah, take it away.

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Authors are strange people. Stranger than most.

We feel deep and abiding connections to people we make up, people who only exist inside our heads. We talk to them. Often out loud. And they talk back. Conversations go on for hours. And we don’t find this odd.

Authors get together in groups to willingly and gratefully be told all the many reasons why the words we have slaved over for hours, days, weeks, years are inherently flawed and horrible. We then work for further hours, days, weeks, years to fix those flawed words and send them off to be rejected, criticized and panned by people we don’t even know. We do this repeatedly. Willingly. And we like it.

We see story ideas in everything around us. The line at the grocery store. A one-paragraph news item. Dreams. Overheard conversations. Yes, we eavesdrop. Shamelessly.

Perhaps our oddest feature of all is what I like to call the Jekyll/Hyde Syndrome. I have never yet met an author who couldn’t flip from the ultimate optimist filled with confidence and dreams of grandeur to a pathetic heap of despondent self-loathing and doubt, and do so in an instant. Over and over again.

Perhaps a visual record of this very thing would be helpful. I happen to have obtained this extremely accurate documentation for your enlightenment. Read on.

Like the grave. Oh so very sad but so very true. We’re an odd bunch, writers. But we embrace it. Next time you run into an author, feel free to give them a high five or a “good going.” Chances are, we need it.

Then again, we might very well be in the middle of a very in-depth conversation with someone only we can see. In which case, maybe distance is best. Science hasn’t yet proven it, but there’s a chance this sickness we call “Being a Writer” might just be contagious.

Happy reading. Happy writing.

Shameless plug time!

Got some free time on your hands this Saturday? Live anywhere near Salt Lake City, Utah? Fellow author Krista Lynne Jensen and I are celebrating the release of our novels Of Grace and Chocolate (Krista’s) and Friends and Foes (mine) with a launch party of epic proportions! There will be prizes and treats and fun to be had by all. Stop by!

Saturday, January 14
11-1
1110 Ft. Union Blvd, Midvale Utah

Thank you, Sarah. See you on Saturday!

Help us thank Sarah for visiting the LDSWBR blog and leave a comment!

Author: D.M. Coffman

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Published Date: July 2011

Softcover; 277 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense/International Intrigue

ISBN# 978-1-59811-992-3

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: review copy in exchange for an honest review

Yi Jichun (aka Jason Yi) is a young American attorney recruited to go under cover as a Chinese judge in order to discover and eliminate corrupt judges in the Chinese system. What Yi ends up discovering is much more than corrupt judges and city officials. If events set in motion are not stopped, countless American lives will be lost.

What interested me most in The Hainan Incident was reading about the Chinese culture and geographical locations. There were a few suspenseful scenes that had me holding my breath. I’m not a big reader of political & international suspense novels, so I’m not sure how The Hainan Incident compares to national titles in the same genre. I do think that it might appeal a bit more to my husband, so I’m going to give him my copy to read.

Fans of international intrigue are going to enjoy this story full of Chinese culture and history, political scandal, terrorist threats and suspenseful action. The main character, Jason Yi, is LDS, but there is no preaching and only a few specific religious elements are mentioned. The Hainan Incident is D.M. Coffman’s debut novel.

Watch a video interview with the author.

Click here to read our spotlight of D.M. Coffman and The Hainan Incident during our Countdown to Christmas 2011.

From the back cover:

Before beginning his first undercover assignment, American attorney Yi Jichun travels to Hainan Island on the South China Sea for some much-needed respite — but finds trouble instead. Already uneasy about his charge to expose corruption in China’s court system, Yi stumbles upon a hidden computer network in an ancient island village and finds himself drawn into an investigation that tears him between his religious principles and the lie he must live.

Aided by Sarah, an esteemed fellow judge, and Meijuan, a village leader exiled by her powerful and corrupt son, Yi uncovers the Hainan Net — an international organization that targets global shipping channels in its quest for world power. But Yi loses ground when Sarah discovers his true identity as a foreign spy — and as the American military organizes a stealth assault in full cooperation with China’s government, Yi must reconcile the laws governing the land with the laws governing his honor.

Product Details:

• Title: Queen of Common Cents: 1001 Tips and Tricks to Save Time and Money
• Author: Michelle Snow
• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (January 8, 2012)
• Genre: Non-fiction
• ISBN-10: 159955982X
• ISBN-13: 978-1599559827
• Reviewed by : Sheila

Book Description:

I can’t wait to tell our LDSWBR readers about a new feature on the blog this year. We are so excited to announce Guest Author Thursday, where we will be honored to present a blog post written by a guest author.

Here to start us off in the new year is Krista Lynne Jensen, debut author of Of Grace and Chocolate being released January 2012.

I had the opportunity to beta read Of Grace and Chocolate for Krista, and I LOVED-LOVED-LOVED it. (It even made my Top Ten Reads of 2011 list despite not having been published yet.)

If you enjoy Krista’s post, please leave a comment below and let her know!

Watch the book trailer for Of Grace and Chocolate at the end of the post.

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From Krista: Riding in a Mine Car

I’ve been sorting through the Christmas cards and letters. I keep up the family pictures for a while; make sure everyone has read the update letters before letting them go, keep the super-pretty cards for whatever reason in a box labeled Super-Pretty Christmas Cards.

So many friends have written things like, “So excited for all your success!” “Happy for all the good things you are experiencing!” Some of them are referring to my book and its launch in just a week or so (grinning). But holy wow, November and December have kicked my tush. The “good things” are definitely worth clinging to, because I feel like I’m riding in one of those mining cars on a rickety rail in an old abandoned mine, like in Temple of Doom, or The Apple Dumpling Gang, or Harry Potter in Gringotts, with cave walls collapsing and the tracks falling away and Indy is nowhere in sight and there’s a dragon chasing me and stalactites drop and WHERE’S MY INVISIBILITY CLOAK?

Okay, that may be exaggerating a bit (writer), but our family has been hit with all kinds of not-fun stuff the last several weeks. Things that might discourage me. Things that have worn me down. Health, job, kids, parents, friends. Things that have those close to us throwing up their hands and saying, “Are you kidding me?!”

Things that have me saying, “Oh, I am SO supposed to be writing.” Because alongside all of this weight, good stuff is happening with my writing. Good stuff that both scares me and thrills me. And I’m not discouraged. There’s a saying: “Be the kind of woman that, when your feet hit the floor each morning, the Devil says “Oh crap, she’s up!”

Maybe, with me, it’s when I open my doc. Maybe my words are where I can be strong. I can be a force. I’m supposed to do this.

Honestly, if you are compelled to write, whether it is a personal history, a short story, a novel, then write it. Figure it out. If it’s something you begin, and you’re hit with a barrage of “No-you-can’ts”, well, maybe that’s because yes-you-can. And you should. And you don’t know how many amazing things will come of it. Weather it out. Hold your chin up. Square your shoulders. Think of your favorite authors and how they didn’t give up. Surround yourself with people who shout, “Go, Krista!” or, you know, your name.

And hang on. That ride in the mine car is a doozy. *ducks*

Krista Lynne Jensen’s debut novel, Of Grace and Chocolate, will be on shelves anytime now at an LDS bookstore near you. Come join her and author Sarah M. Eden at their Double Book Launch, Saturday, January 14th at the Fort Union Deseret Book in Midvale, Utah from 11:00-1:00. There will be chocolate and wonderfulness.

 Connect with Krista: WEBSITE | BLOG | Twitter | Facebook

Author: Andrea Pearson

Publisher: Self

Published: 2011

Paperback: 268 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

ISBN: 9781466381612

FTC FYI: I received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary:  ”Jacob Clark has just returned from the world of Eklaron, where he frustrated the evil plans of the Lorkon and returned the magical Key of Kilenya to its rightful owners. His quest is far from over, though–Aloren is trapped in Maivoryl City by the Ember Gods, and Jacob can’t return to save her until he receives the potion that will protect his team from the corrosive influence of the Lorkon.

Balancing between this new world and his own proves tricky. Not only has he started his first year of high school, but his magical abilities are bringing him too much attention. He feels pulled by both sides, hoping he’ll figure out his special powers to save Aloren in time.”

This engaging sequel picks up right where The Key of Kilenya stops. Jacob has only been back from his adventure for a short time.  He is coping with his new abilities, all while starting high school. Many frustrating things happen for Jacob on his first day.  Most difficult for him is having his journal taken away, and he won’t get it back for the rest of the week. That was Jacob’s assignment from the Makalos.  Read that journal, it will help answer his questions.  He and Matt get home from school and right away are summoned back to help the Makolos. There is an army coming. He and Matt rush to help.

What was hard for Jacob during this book was his wanting to help and rescue Aloren.  The Fat Lady wants to wait until all of the rescuers can have the protection of a potion. One that takes a very long time to make.  His concern for Aloren has him not using his best judgement.  Jacob and Matt sneak and use the key to try to save her.

I really enjoyed this book!  I loved the action scenes. Especially near the end.  I did think that the basketball playing was a little distracting. I know basketball is a love of Jacob’s, but it took me away from the story a bit.  I thought the Ember Gods were really cool though, and I wanted more from them.  Really great villains. As always, the characters are well written, creative, and enjoyable.  I love this world Andrea has created.  There is an awesome surprise at the end, and I’m very excited for Kilenya Book 3, August Fortress, to see where this new information will take the characters.

4 out of 5 stars. A great action/adventure story. Find out more about Andrea Pearson here. Here is the purchase link for The Ember Gods on smashwords.

Also available from Andrea Pearson:

The Key of Kilenya

Samara: A Kilenya Romance

Author: Christopher Kimball Bigelow

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Published Date: September 2011

Hardcover; 192 pages

Genre: Religious N0n-fiction

ISBN# 978-1-60861-495-0

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: checked out from my local library

If you are interested in what was going on in the rest of the world during certain Book of Mormon events, this book is a great resource. Not only is there a timeline of events, but the remainder of the book contains great references to people, places, sites and events of significance.

As soon as I opened the book and started scanning the timeline, I knew I wanted my own copy. I was caught up in reading about specific people in the Book of Mormon, as well as historical figures in the restoration of the gospel. Each entry is informative and interesting without taking too long to read.

The large number of photos and artwork throughout the book surprised and delighted me. From depictions of biblical events to early photographs, painted portraits to professional photos, there is plenty to catch the reader’s eye and maintain interest.

The Timeline History of Mormonism is a useful reference addition to any Latter-Day Saint library. I’m looking forward to getting a copy for my own family. Right now, it’s on sale at Seagull Book for $14.99.*

Have you found other Book of Mormon timelines that you have enjoyed as well?

*LDSWBR is not affiliated with Seagull Book or Covenant Communications. I provide this link for the reader’s convenience only.

It’s time to announce the winners fo the Countdown to Christmas 2011 drawing!

Before we do, though, we want to thank the authors for participating in our Countdown to Christmas. We certainly wouldn’t be able to do it without them! Also, we want to say an extra THANK YOU to the authors for generously donating their books as additional prizes in the drawing. We appreciate each and every one of you!

We want to say THANK YOU and WE LOVE YOU to all of our wonderful LDSWBR followers. Without our blog readers we wouldn’t have a reason to do what we do. Thank you for participating in the Countdowns every year. We enjoy reading every comment and feel like we get to know our readers better with each one. Even if we aren’t able to reply to every comment, we read them all and laugh (or cry) with you.

The Countdown to Christmas 2011 has been our BEST COUNTDOWN EVER. Not only did we have the most amazing list of book prizes we’ve ever had, we also had the best participation by blog readers EVER.

Here are some numbers to show what we mean:

22 authors

25 prizes

452 entries

60 different entrants

2,041 unique visitors

5,960 page views

Okay, enough of that.

Shall we announce the winners?

Ready?

Are you sure?

Okay, let’s do this thing!

The winners selected by Random.org’s random sequence generator are listed below:

Book prizes donated by their authors:

1 day until Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve and the last day to enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest. It’s a busy day full of fun activities with friends and family, but if you happen to have a spare minute, don’t forget to get your final entries in before 12:00 Midnight MST for your chance to win one of 21 books donated by their authors and $50 at Amazon.

Happy Christmas Eve from all of us at LDSWBR!

2 days until Christmas

Okay, Sheila, your turn!

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

SHEILA: Wow! I cant think of anything. How boring am I? I like doing all of my old favorite traditions, instead of finding new things. Watching Christmas movies, drinking hot chocolate, reading Christmas stories together and singing Christmas songs together around the piano.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

SHEILA: Inheritance, Book #4 in the Eragon series.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

SHEILA: My favorite childhood Christmas memory is the year I was 9 years old. That was the year I got the whole Little House on the Praire Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder for Christmas. I was so excited!!!! I couldn’t believe that I got the whole set just for me. Up until then, I always had to check them out from the library. (I think this is when my obsession for collecting books started! ;0)

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Sheila’s Top Ten Reads of 2011

1. Variant by Robison Wells
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
3. Making Rounds With Oscar by David Dosa
4. The Cross Gardner by Jason Wright
5. The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
6. Unwind by Neil Shusterman
7. Don’t Fear the Reaper by Michelle Muto
8. Bloodborne by Gregg Luke
9. Count Down to Love by Julie N. Ford
10. Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black

The next 10 are right up there and so close to being in the top 10. This was a hard year to choose my favorites. There were so many I really, really liked.

What books have you read on my top ten for 2011 list?

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To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

• **Required entry (+1) - Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

• Bonus entry (+1) – Do you, or have you ever, owned the entire set of Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder? Have you read them all? Do you prefer the books or the TV show? Do you have a favorite episode? (I know, they’re all so good it’s tough to choose a fav!)

• Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.

• By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

Book prizes donated by their authors:

3 days until Christmas

Originally from Arizona, Traci Hunter Abramson spent much of her childhood exploring the little town of Pinewood. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency. Since leaving the CIA, Traci has written multiple novels, including the Undercurrents trilogy, Royal Target, and the Saint Squad Series.

When she’s not writing, Traci loves spending time with her husband and their four children. She also enjoys cooking, although she prefers an electric stove to the wood burning variety. Traci says, “I can add to this that after going through a major kitchen remodel, I am REALLY appreciative of kitchen sinks and the idea of having my stove, microwave, and refrigerator all in the same room again!”

Connect with Traci: WEBSITE | BLOG | Twitter | Facebook

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

TRACI: One thing that I always wanted to do was visit the White House when it was decorated for Christmas. I actually was able to do that with a group of friends earlier this month. The best part of the tour was right at the beginning shortly after we entered and everyone was given the opportunity to write a card for a service member overseas. It was great seeing everyone stop and give some thought and thanks to those who are sacrificing their time to serve and protect especially knowing that these men and women will be away from their own families this Christmas. The funniest moment was when the “First Dog” was taken out for a walk. A lot of people got really excited about seeing a dog. The most gratifying moment came as I exited the gates with a few of my friends. One of my friends turned to one of the guards and with complete sincerity said, “Thank you for doing your job.” The guard goggled at her for a moment. Then he thanked her and said something about how rare it is for someone to show their appreciation for their service. Those few kind words really made me appreciate the women I’m fortunate enough to consider friends.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

TRACI: Oh, the agony to choose just one! I think the one I would most love to find is Be Your Best Self by President Thomas S. Monson. The title alone inspires me.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

TRACI: I am fortunate to have a lot of great childhood memories of Christmas, but I think one of my favorites was when I was a teenager a bunch of us from church were given the opportunity to do 12 days of Christmas for a family. The first few days were a lot of fun, picking out presents and then ringing the doorbell and hiding before anyone could open the door. By about day 5, the family was on to us and was getting to the door a little too quick for comfort. What were we to do? We couldn’t get caught delivering the gifts, of course. Yet, we couldn’t stop before we had completed our task. We discussed our options, about six of us who had been working together. A solution was arrived at and was unanimous. We would let my little sister deliver the gifts to the door for the last few days. She didn’t go to church with us and they might not recognize her if she was caught. Wouldn’t you know, that little kid was FAST! She never did get caught, but we sure had a great time watching her sneak up to the door like a spy in an old comedy and then hide in places she shouldn’t have logically been able to fit. The hardest part was holding back our laughter until we were all a safe distance away from our recipient’s house.

LDSWBR: Thank you so much, Traci. Merry Christmas!

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Buy Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson

DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | AMAZON

Read our Combined review of Obsession.

Have you ever been fortunate enough to visit the White House at Christmastime?

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To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

• **Required entry (+1) - Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

• Bonus entry (+1) – Visit Traci’s blog (link above) then send us an email  at ldswbr(at)gmail(dot)com telling us the title of Traci’s next book. (Don’t tell us in the comments, please. Thanks! )

• Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.

• By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

Book prizes donated by their authors:

4 days until Christmas

It’s Wednesday, which means Mindy’s up. Take it away, Mindy.

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

MINDY: I think it would be fun to go see the lights at Thanksgiving Point. My sister raves about them, and I think they would be beautiful.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

MINDY: I really have been looking forward to reading Crossed by Ally Condie, and The Death Cure by James Dashner.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

MINDY: I am not good with surprises, ask my husband. I like knowing things in advance, even presents. When I was younger, a lot younger , I really wanted Hysteria by Def Leppard. I asked my sister for it, but there wasn’t an album shaped gift under the tree. In my “sneaky” ways, I cut along the tape line, unwrapped the small box, and saw there was a note inside, telling me where to find my real gift. I did feel bad about being sneaky, but the funny part was, she knew I would do that. That’s why she put me on a treasure hunt.

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Wow, this was hard. To narrow it down, I chose some of my favorite that I rated 5 stars on goodreads. Last year, I cheated, and had too many favorites. This year, I’m playing by the rules.

Mindy’s Top Ten (in no particular order)

1. Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black
2. Tuesday’s at the Castle by Jessica Day George
3. The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice
4. My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison
5. Variant by Robison Wells
6. Pumpkin Roll by Josi Kilpack
7. Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon by Dennis Gaunt
8. City Limits by Sheralyn Pratt
9. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
10. The Cross Gardener by Jason Wright

What are you favorites from my list? Merry Christmas!

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To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

• **Required entry (+1) - Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

• Bonus entry (+1) – Confession time: tell us if you have ever peeked at your Christmas presents early and how you felt about ruining the surprise. Was it worth it? If you are a non-peeker, was there ever a time you were tempted to peek?

• Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.

• By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

Book prizes donated by their authors:

5 days until Christmas

Kimberley Griffiths Little is the author of five novels, and the winner of the Southwest Book Award. The Healing Spell (Scholastic) was chosen as a Bank Street College Best Books for 2011 and won The Whitney Award for the Best Youth Novel of 2010. Circle of Secrets just released and received a starred review from School Library Journal. Two more novels are forthcoming from Scholastic. When the Butterflies Came will pub January, 2013.

Kimberley adores research trips, anything ancient and mystical – which will manifest itself in deliciously romantic ways in her recently sold YA trilogy to HarperCollins, pitched as the YA version of The Red Tent, and will begin publication in 2013. Kimberley lives on a dirt road along the Rio Grande in an adobe solar home with her robotics husband and three sons.

Connect with Kimberley: WEBSITE | BLOG | Twitter | Facebook

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

KIMBERLEY: Not buy as many presents! Okay, I’m being a bit facetious, but it’s actually true. Every year I spend days and days buying and wrapping and driving all over Albuquerque, and I am really *not* a shopper! (Walmart? Scary. Toys-R-Us? Terrifying. The Mall? Please Just Kill Me Now!) Plus this year I had a book deadline just last week, and nine days of unexpected company and some very ill family members, so instead of killing ourselves at various stores and trying not to get tackled for that last minute Toaster Oven (True Story ) we decided not to go so crazy with gift-buying. I’ve purchased 2-3 small things for under the tree, and we plan on having a family day after Christmas and go on a shopping spree to let everyone choose what they want and make a day of it with lunch out, and just enjoy each other instead of hanging out with a Homicidal cashier.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

KIMBERLEY: An autographed copy of The Book of Mormon. Wouldn’t that be awesome! Nephi’s signature, Mormon’s, Moroni, Alma, Wow! I love that book and it makes me cry nearly every time I read it, the words and spirit are so powerful.

On a more realistic note, this is actually very hard to answer. Lately, I just buy every book I want to read because I don’t want to wait for them – and I want to support other authors!

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

KIMBERLEY: I’ve always loved Christmas Eve, both as a kid and as an adult. Growing up in San Francisco, it was the night all my cousins and aunts and uncles came over to our house and we talked and talked and read/acted out the Christmas story from Luke and the Book of Mormon and sang all the Christmas carols and ate desserts until we popped. We also got new pajamas!

Now, living in New Mexico, my husband and I adopted the lovely Southwestern tradition of Lighting the Way for the Christ Child by setting up hundreds of sand-filled bags with candles called luminarias. Our entire neighborhood glows spectacularly all night long. There are luminarias on the rooftops and fences, along the road and driveways. After our New Mexican dinner of tamales and bean dip and Spanish rice and sopapillas, we bundle up in warm coats and walk among the luminarias in the chilly night air and go caroling to the neighbors. We usually have the missionaries (sisters this year!) over for dinner and festivities, too. It’s probably my very favorite night of the whole year. I could stand at the living room windows and gaze out at the luminarias for hours. And I do!

LDSWBR: A few things under the tree and a shopping spree after Christmas is genius! All of those luminarias would be beautiful to see. Thank you, Kimberley. Merry Christmas!

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Buy Circle of Secrets by Kimberley Griffiths Little

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Watch the Circle of Secrets book trailer.

Watch The Healing Spell book trailer.

Have you ever decorated for the holidays using luminaries? If so, did you make them or buy them?

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To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

• **Required entry (+1) - Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

• Bonus entry (+1) – Go watch the trailers for The Healing Spell and Circle of Secrets (links are located just below the cover art for Circle of Secrets in the post above), then leave a comment telling us if you have read either of them and if not, which one you would read first and why.

• Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.

• By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

Book prizes donated by their authors:

6 days until Christmas

We still have a few more author spotlights coming up for you. However, since Monday is my normal review day, I thought I would take this opportunity to answer the questions we’ve been asking the authors, as well as share my top ten reads of 2011. Mindy will do the same on Wednesday, and Sheila on Friday.

Ready? Okay, let’s go!

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

SHANDA: I would LOVE to have all the presents wrapped and under the tree BEFORE Christmas Eve. Not sure if that’s possible this year, but I’ll give it a shot. If not, there’s always next year.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

SHANDA: Hm. I think either Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Jensen or Sarah Eden’s next book, but since they both come out in January, I don’t have to wait very long to get my own copies.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

SHANDA: One of my favorite things to do was read by the Christmas tree. I still remember the different colors on the pages of the book as the lights blinked on and off. I’m sure it was horrible for my eyesight, but I loved it.

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I read so many great books that it was hard to narrow the list down to ten. Enjoy! **NOTE: I am modifying my Top 10 into 11 because I remembered another book that I can’t leave off the list!**

Shanda’s Top Ten Reads for 2011
(in no particular order)

1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
2. Of Grace & Chocolate by Krista L. Jensen
3. Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson
4. Variant by Robison Wells
5. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
6. Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon by Dennis Gaunt
7. Ammon by H.B. Moore
8. The List and Not My Type by Melanie Jacobson
9. Trespass by Sandra Grey
10. Bloodborne by Gregg Luke
11. Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black

Have you read any of the books on my top ten of 2011 list?

To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

• **Required entry (+1) - Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

• Bonus entry (+1 total) – Post this message on Twitter and/or Facebook and comment or send an email to ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com telling us that you did: Last week to enter to win $50 at Amazon & 21 great books! @LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2011  www.ldswbr.com

• Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.

• By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

Book prizes donated by their authors:

7 days until Christmas

Prudence Bice has loved writing her entire life. Born in Orange County, California, one of eleven children, she always felt drawn to stories that spoke and enkindled her romantic heart. Having overcome tragedy in her own life, inspiration for her first novel was spark by her desire to ignite true romantics everywhere with a wholesome, feel good story about the power of love, rising above the pain and suffering from loss and circumstance.

She resides in St. George, Utah with her husband Ray and their five children, four daughters and one son. Her hobbies include drawing, photography, music, writing, and of course reading anything she can get her hands on! Currently she is majoring in English at Dixie Sate College and loving it. The future is bright, she says, every day I wake up with a prayer in my heart and story in my head. I never thought life could be so good!

Learn more: The Kissing Tree WEBSITE

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

PRUDENCE: Sleigh Riding-definitely. Of course I live in St. George and unfortunately there isn’t much chance of that happening. So sad since Karen Carpenter’s Sleigh Ride has always been my favorite Christmas song. One day I am going to convince my family to spend Christmas somewhere snowy. For now, I am out of luck and will just have to be happy with our yearly traditions.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

PRUDENCE: This is a hard question because I am guilty of indulging myself where books are concerned. Amazon keeps my book shelves well stocked. However, one of the books next on my list to read is Chasing Butterflies by Charles Martin.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

PRUDENCE: I come from a very large family, seven sisters and three brothers. Both of my parents had to work to support us. Our clothes were usually hand-me-downs, as were our toys. Christmas was definitely something to look forward to. We never got anything really big, but it was new, and all our own. On my tenth Christmas, however, I woke up to find a very large white box tied with a red bow under the tree that had my name on it. Inside was three foot teddy bear from my father. I don’t know why he singled me out that year. I’m sure he did the same at some point to my other siblings over the years, but I remember how special I felt. I still have that bear.

LDSWBR: That is such a sweet memory. Thank you, Prudence. Have a great Christmas!

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Buy The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice

AMAZON | CEDAR FORT | BARNES & NOBLE

Read Mindy’s review of The Kissing Tree.

Do you have a favorite Christmas song? If so, is there a particular version that you love? Why is it your favorite?

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To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

• **Required entry (+1) - Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

• Bonus entry (+1 total) – Post this message on Twitter and/or Facebook and comment or send an email to ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com telling us that you did: Would you pass up winning $50 at Amazon & 21 great books from 2011? Of course not!  www.ldswbr.com

• Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.

• By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

Book prizes donated by their authors:

8 days until Christmas

Tristi Pinkston is the mother of four, the author of eight, the wife of one, and the taker of really long naps. She works as a freelance editor and virtual book tour coordinator, and she is a popular presenter at writers conferences all over the Intermountain West. She has a number of new books coming out in 2012, from fiction to nonfiction to self-help, and she’s excited about all of them.

Connect with Tristi: WEBSITE | BLOG | Twitter | Facebook

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

TRISTI: I want to go reindeer wrangling. I’ve heard it’s tricky because they run really fast and they fly, but I bet I could do it. You never know until you try.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

TRISTI: Hmmm … you know, that’s a hard one. There are so many authors that I love, and I’d be delighted by any of them. Let’s say something new by Dee Henderson, Elizabeth Peters, Jessica Day George, or Shannon Hale. Yep, any of those would be awesome. And if any of them happen to be reading this and want to make a donation to a very good cause, Merry Christmas to me!

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

TRISTI: The best Christmas I ever had was the year my mom found a refurbished manual typewriter at the thrift store and got it for me. I was ten years old, and I was so excited. I started learning how to type right away, and because the machine was manual, my pinkie fingers got really sore, really fast. I wonder if my mom knew what she was starting with that gift – from there, I’ve graduated to more … sophisticated … forms of word processing, but since I was ten, I’ve spent quite a lot of time every day on a keyboard of some kind.

LDSWBR: Reindeer wrangling – lol – I would SO pay to see that! Thanks, Tristi. Merry Christmas!

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Buy Hang ‘em High by Tristi Pinkston

AMAZON | SECRET SISTERS (Bk 1) | DEARLY DEPARTED (Bk 2)

Read our Combined review of Hang ‘em High.

Have you ever typed up a document on a manual typewriter? If so, did it have a white-out ribbon or did you have to make corrections by hand?

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To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

• **Required entry (+1) - Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

• Bonus entry (+1 total) – Follow Tristi on her blog, Twitter or Facebook and send an email to ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com telling us how you follow Tristi.

• Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.

• By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

Book prizes donated by their authors:

9 days until Christmas

About Rachael: I love to read, write, and do most anything outdoors, with the exception of rock climbing and sky diving. (I have serious height phobias.) If there’s something I can do within five feet of solid ground, count me in!

Connect with Rachael: BLOG | Twitter | Facebook

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

RACHAEL: Burn a Yule log. That’s always sounded like such a cool tradition but sadly, we have a gas fireplace. I guess I could think of our fake logs as an eternal Yule log, but somehow it’s not the same.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

RACHAEL: Mmmmm . . . that’s a tough one. Maybe Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins? I’ve been wanting to read that for awhile now. (Yeah, so lame I haven’t yet.)

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

RACHAEL: That would have to be the year my brother wanted this really cool remote control hovercraft. Since I had to have everything he did (we sort of had this “I’m better than you are” competition thing going on), I asked for one, too. But when Christmas morning came, he ended up with the cool hovercraft and I ended up with a lame beefy tired truck. Or so I thought until we took them outside to try them out. Turned out the hovercraft didn’t like the snow so much, whereas my suddenly cool truck raced everywhere. The best part? The next day he exchanged the hovercraft for a truck like mine. Yeah, I LOVED that Christmas.

LDSWBR: That is too funny. Thank you, Rachael. Merry Christmas!

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Buy Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK

Read Mindy’s review of Minor Adjustments.

Have you ever burned a Yule log?

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To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

• **Required entry (+1) - Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

• Bonus entry (+1) – I’m not very familiar with the Yule log tradition, so today’s bonus entry is to send an email to ldswbr(at)gmail(dot)com with either your explanation of what a Yule log is, or a link to a good, concise explanation of the Yule log tradition, thus freeing me from my ignorance.

• Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.

• By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

Book prizes donated by their authors:

10 days until Christmas

10 days!

Cindy lives in Utah with her high school sweetheart turned hubby of 25 years and two of her four kids. (The other two are still around, they just no longer live at home) She is the author of the new release from Sweetwater, Geek Girl, a contemporary young adult novel, as well as Heart on a Chain and Immortal Mine. When not at her keyboard–which is rare–she can be found either reading, resting, or riding her Harley. Those are her “three R’s”. She feels very blessed and grateful for the opportunities life has afforded her so far.

Connect with Cindy: BLOG | Twitter | Facebook

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

CINDY: This year I would like to stay home and not have to go anywhere for the whole day. I would like to have all of my extended family come to my house where I can feed them, give them gifts, and share in the holiday spirit without the usual hurry and open gifts, grab whatever food you’ve made and run to grandmas, run home to pick up more food, go to the next grandmas, get home and be exhausted from all the running around. I just think it would be relaxing and keep me in the right frame of mind if I weren’t so stressed about getting places on time. I’d like to try it once, anyway.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

CINDY: Anything antique. I love old antique books that are faded, yellowed, and cracked – especially if it has pictures or drawings in it.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

CINDY: My favorite memory is every year going to the Christmas tree place to pick out the perfect tree. It had to be full with lots of bushy branches. Then we’d wait while they flocked it, and return home with this amazing, pure white tree that looked like it had been snowed on, where we then decorated it while listening to Christmas music with a fire in the fireplace.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Cindy. Have a great Christmas!

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Buy Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett

AMAZON | WEBSITE | CEDAR FORT | BARNES & NOBLE

Read Mindy’s review of Geek Girl.

 Do you visit family members’ homes on Christmas or do they visit you?

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To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

• **Required entry (+1) - Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

• Bonus entry (+1) – Go read Mindy’s review of Geek Girl and leave a comment. Don’t forget to leave a comment on this post first!

• Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.

• By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

Book prizes donated by their authors:

11 days until Christmas

We are taking a break from author spotlights for today (because I’m too sick to put one together) to ask you, our most amazing and appreciated LDSWBR readers, to answer a question for us.

Comments on this post will count as an entry into the Countdown to Christmas 2011 drawing.

Ready? Here we go.

What LDS author/books/series did you enjoy reading the most this year and what do you appreciate most about books written by LDS authors?

Thanks, everyone!

Going back to bed now with my box of tissues and humidifier.

To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

• **Required entry (+1) - Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

• Bonus entry (+1) – No bonus entry today because my head is too stuffy to think of one.

• Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.

• By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

Book prizes donated by their authors: