Amesbury Reads

So Excited

2011-01-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week LDS Publisher announced it's favorite covers from 2010 and I was so excited to see TWO of the covers I created, Queen in Exile and Finding Rose nominated.

Queen in Exile won in it's category with almost 50% of the votes. Unfortunately, Finding Rose came in second. Because Queen in Exile won, it's now up for best overall cover from 2010. If you think it should win, take a moment to vote for it at LDS Publisher before midnight January8th.

Bronte Sisters Action figure

2010-05-05T12:30:00.001-07:00

Got to love the Bronte Sister Power.

Secret Sisters

2010-04-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a people watcher--it's actually one of my favorite past times. I want to know people's back story--why they dress/act/or behave the way they do. Which is exactly why I was excited to read Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston because as the back cover says "Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy."

Ida Mae Babbit, isn't that a great name?, is one likable character. She's dedicated to a fault, extremely hardworking, and overall a no nonsense type of person. She's not perfect which makes her even better.

When Ida Mea and her Relief Society Presidency learn that a family in their ward is suffering they set out to get the whole story. The family assures Ida Mae that they are fine, but Ida Mae knows they're lying.

And that sets into motion a hilarious scheme to gather information.

First the newly formed "Secret Sisters" plant just a video camera to see if the family has enough to eat. When that doesn't get them the information they want, they add audio only to get more than they bargained for-- there is something going on that shouldn't.

To get to the bottom of the mystery, the "secret sisters" launch a whole new set of plans that include late-night patrols and planting a "spy" only to realize that they may have gotten themselves in over their heads.

Secret Sisters has a bevy of wonderful supporting characters that we can all relate to because we know someone like them. The way that each "Secret Sister" went about doing good was completly different and as the story progressed we, along with Ida Mae, we able to see the strengths of each sister and her service. But these characters were by non means without their faults, and maybe that is why I liked them so much. Their flaws somehow this increased their likability.

If you are looking for a delightful read filled with wonderful characters and a cute little mystery, that all the while celebrates the amazing work done by individuals as we look out for each other than Secret Sisters is just the title. Secret Sisters will make you want to do more and be more. My only complaint with the book, was that it was such a short read...but I guess that means I'll just have to wait until the next book comes out so I can read more about Ida Mae and the rest of the "Secret Sisters."

While this title was sent to me for free by Valour Publications, I was not paid to review this title. The review posted was my own.

A Curses Dark as Gold

2010-03-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

A Curse Dark As Gold is a brilliantly woven tale filled with romance, ghosts, witchcraft, folk magic, the struggles of Georgian society set in rural 18th century England. The characters are distinct and language effortlessly weaves the story around you. From start to finish I was drawn into this tale and found myself thinking about the characters and the story long after I had finished it--always a good sign.

Upon the death of her father, seventeen-year-old Charlotte inherits the family business--the Stirwaters woolen mill. But the mill is in trouble and the townspeople talk in hushed voices of a curse on the mill that goes back generations.

Charlotte doesn't believe in the curse, but even she can't explain away some of the strange happenings at the mill. As the mill falls further and further into debt, Charlotte will do anything to save the mill even if it means striking up a bargain with Jack Straw. A strange little man who can spin gold out of straw--for a price.

With an uncle who apparently wants to help and a rival woolen mill poised to take over Stirwaters, Charolotte bargain with Jack Straw appears to created a web that will destroy all she holds dear--the mill, her family, the townsfolk, and her heart.

A Curse Dark As Gold is a brilliantly woven tale filled with ghosts, witchcraft, folk magic, the struggles of Georgian society, and of course romance. Bunce does a wonderful job of creating characters that are distinct and language that weaves the story effortlessly around you.

What do you do?

2010-03-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted a review in awhile and it's not because I haven't been reading, I have, but rather because I haven't been able to fully recommend the books I've been reading. (When I started the blog it was with the intention of only blogging about the books I LOVED).

I call it the "they were good except for fill in the blank" problem. The stories were great and kept me entertained, but then "bam" something would be thrown. I have a really hard time when "adult" things are thrown into YA literature. (I don't like seeing it in adult novels, but I feel that the readership is better able to handle it)

A majority of the last novels I've read had references to sex--from fantasies to it actually happening-- drugs, drinking, smoking, violence and language. I even picked up an "award winning" YA novel only to find the main characters having sex in the first paragraph. I didn't read the rest of the novel, but upon further investigating I found that the novel included sex, rape, and sodomy among it's adult themes.

I think glamorizing immorality, drugs, drinking, and smoking in YA novels is a scary trend. It sends the wrong message and forces kids to grow up too soon. We all have to be adults way too soon, why can't we just enjoy childhood a little longer?

March Madness

2010-03-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

It's bracket time. And while most of us associate March with March Madness, there is another contest I'll be watching. It's the School Library Journal Battle of the Kid's Books. 16 books judged by 15 author will one book coming out as the "greatest of all." I haven't read a fair number of titles on this years lists--to be honest I'm still working my way through last years list--but those that I have I've really liked.

Since last years winner was the The Hunger Games, I'm expecting this year to bring another book that I love. So fill out your bracket and don't forget to vote for the book you want resurrected before the big announcement on April 5th.

Aren't these covers beautiful?

2010-03-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

I grew up reading novels that my mom and grandmother grew up reading--Girl of the Limberlost, The Little Colonel series, Gone Away Lake, Lion in the Box, Miracle on Maple Hill, and Daddy-long Legs.

Most of these books have been lost to the average reader which is why I was so excited to see that Bloomsbury is issuing a new series that brings back to the public view "lost" novels of the twentieth century.

Aren't the covers of the just beautiful? I love the bold colors and combined with the black and white illustrations and graphic elements.

I know that I'll be putting these titles on my to read (and to buy) list.

The Brontës Went to Woolworths'

A charming novel from the 1930s that revels in young innocence prior to the First World War and celebrates the fantasies of childhood.

Henrietta’s War

Told through letters and charmingly illustrated by the author, this novel is a hilarious, wry, but often very moving portrait of life in rural wartime Britain.

Miss Hargreaves

An endlessly surprising fairy tale from the 1930s, introducing an unforgettable heroine and a story that shows that anything is possible with a little imagination

Love's Shadow

The twists and turns of romance, misunderstanding and domestic life in Edwardian London entwine in this pin-sharp comedy by the woman Oscar Wilde called his 'Sphinx'

A Kid for Two Farthings

A magical 1950s tale of hopes and dreams that reveals the spirit of East End’s vibrant immigrant community and the charm of a little imagination

Mrs Tim of the Regiment

Ever observant, always witty and more than a little mischievous, the Mrs Tim diaries reveal a timeless tale of a young woman often out of her depth, but, always with an eye for the amusing side of life.

*I took the imagery and book description from the Bloomsbury website

Love the title, not a big fan of the cover

2010-02-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

I am so excited that the title of the third book in The Hunger Games trilogy yesterday, and I think the title of the third book is absolutely perfect-- Mockingjay. Since these books are the story of Katniss who herself has become the mockingjay--a symbol of hope and rebellion--I am excited to see how she will accept and respond to her symbol of hope.

I know the previous two covers have had the mockingjay on it, I don't like this cover as well. I really like the symbolism of it--the mockingjay breaking free and taking flight on a light blue background--I just don't like the execution of it. I don't like the drawing of the bird, I know as Katniss has grown as a character, so has the detail of the mockingjay. But this mockingjay illustration seems cartoonish. I also think this particular blue color is jarring when placed against the other two titles.

But despite a cover that doesn't grab me, I will be there on August 24th eagerly anticipating getting my copy before locking myself in my room to finally read how it all ends.

Check out this article for more Mockingjay news.

What do think about the cover? Do you like it? Hate it? Does it make you excited for its release?

Movie that ruin perfectly good books

2010-02-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

I was browsing through the new movie trailers on Apple this weekend and was so excited to see one for the movie "Daddy Long Legs" but that excitement was short lived when I realized it had NOTHING to do with one of my favorite books.

Growing up I had a shelf that held those good old standbys. They were the books that no matter how many times you've read them they were still just as wonderful as the first time. They were the books that were read as a matter of habit, the books read when you needed comfort after a long day, or the books that allowed you to dream. Daddy Long-Legs by Jean Webster is one of those. I've read it so many times that it's now a very tattered book and it was one of the few books that came with me when I went away to college.

I love the story of Jershua "Judy" Abbott an orphan who writes letters to the rich benefactor who is paying her way through college. Because she knows nothing about him, she calls him Daddy Long-Legs. Her weekly letters to "Daddy Long-Legs" have it all--humor, sadness, happiness, and love. Her description into turn of the century college life is wonderful for it's innocence and the illustrations that dot the book are charming in their simplicity. If you've never read it I would highly recommend picking up a both this one and it's sequel Dear Enemy.

While I was kind of sad that they weren't making a movie of Daddy Long-Legs part of me was relived because of this trend in Hollywood has a tendency to ruin perfectly good books. And while I hate to see any decent book ruined when a movie of it's created, I can't stand it when they take some of my favorite books and turn it into a product I barely recognize. Daddy Long-Legs (Daddy Long-Legs, 1955), Rilla of Ingleside (Anne: The Continuing Story), My Friend Flicka (Flicka), and The Indian in the Cupboard (The Indian in the Cupboard) all came to mind as books that were ruined by the movie.

What other books has Hollywood ruined when they turned it into a movie? I would love to hear which movies I should avoid and which books I should read instead.

An Angel on Main Street

2009-11-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

For work I've done a lot of asking people if they wanted to be part of a book blog tour. When I was asked to read Kathi Oram Peterson's newest novel, An Angel on Main Street.

An Angel on Main Street evokes the charm of an older era.

It's 3 days before Christmas in 1953 and Micah Connors is in trouble, and it isn't even his fault. He had promised his mother that he would try to stay out of trouble in their new town, Bolton, Idaho. But when he sees a friend playing craps in the alley, breaking up the game seemed like the wrong thing to do.

Faced between the option of jail and having the Sheriff tell his mother, Micah would rather choose jail. At least then he wouldn't be disappointing his mother. It's been a long year for Micah and his family. His father was killed in Korea and his mother has struggled to provided for Micah and his little sister, Annie. Money is tight, food is almost nonexistent and Annie is really ill.

As Micah is being escorted home by Sheriff Anderson, all he can think about is how unfair this is. But Sheriff Anderson offers Micah a bargain. If Micah will shovel main street until Christmas, he won't tell his mother.

As Christmas draws closer Annie condition worsens and Micah is afraid that she might die. The only thing that is bringing Annie hope, is watching the crudely built natavity go up in the city center. Annie believes that this means that the baby Jesus is coming and that he will make her better. Micah vows to find out who is making the nativity so that he can bring Annie the baby Jesus.

As Micah shovels the sidewalks and searches for the missing baby Jesus, he is forever changed as he sees that angels are nearer than he ever believed.

An Angel on Main Street is a simple story of never judging outward appearances, second chances are real, and that Christmas miracles really do exist.

If you are looking for a tender story to remind you about the true reason for Christmas, this is it.

An Angel on Main Street can be purchased here.

The author is sponsoring a contest from now until December 5. To enter the contest all you have to is email the author at kathiorampeterso@yahoo.com with an experience you've had with someone who has been an angel in your life. The winner will be announced on her blog. A gift certificate from either Seagull Book or Deseret Book will be given to the winner and an "Angel" in his/her life. This contest celebrates the selfless, kind acts performed daily, many times unnoticed. Christmas brings out the best in people and I wanted to give others the opportunity to thank those who have touched their lives in a profound way.

Book Cover

2009-10-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I come across covers that are so beautiful that I'm tempted to buy the book just so I can look at them. One day when I have a proper library this will be a reality, but until then there isn't any more room on my bookshelves for additional books, even ones with stunning covers.

Penguin Classics has recently released three classics, Pride and Prejudice, The Scarlet Letter, and Wuthering Heights illustrated by Ruben Toledo that are wonderfully whimsical and not at all standard when it comes to "typical" book covers. These I covers I wish I had done

Flags of our Fathers

2009-09-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

With today being the 65 anniversary of one of the most iconic photos ever taken, I thought it was only appropriate to finish my post about Flags of our Fathers, by James Bradley.

23 February 1945, AP photographer Joe Rosenthal snapped a picture on a tiny island in the pacific. Because Rosenthal hadn't been able to look through the viewfinder when he took the picture he wasn't even sure if he had capture an image when he sent the film off. But caught something he did--he caught six men, a pole, and an American flag.

I was familiar with the iconic image--arguably one of the most recognized images in the world--but knew nothing about the battle, the men, or the tiny pacific island.

What I learned about the battle and the men involved in the battle both horrified me and inspired me. Before reading this book, I didn't know that the battle for Iwo Jima was the costliest battle in the Pacific and over the course of the 45 day battle, 6,821 American soldiers and 18,300 Japaness soldiers lost their lives. I didn't know that the famous picture we think of the flag raising was actually an image captured on the second raising of the flag.

Flags of our Fathers was one sons journey to better understand his father. Growning up James Bradley knew that his father, John Bradly, a navy medical corpsman was in the famous picture, but it was a subject that was never talked about. In fact when reporters called they were always told that their father was in Canada fishing. So when James Bradley found boxes of papers and war medals dealing with the battle after the death of his father, John Bradley, James began a three year quest to find out more about this battle and his father's role in it.

With cleverly placed fox holes, underground tunnels, and an enemy that was prepared to die instead of being captured, Iwo Jima. The fighting was intense, and the US would eventually suffer more casualties, both wounded than killed, than took place on D-day. Of the six men that raised the flag, three were killed in battle shortly after the raising. Of the three that survived, only one, John Bradley, was able to put the horror of the battle behind him and live a normal life.

Bradley skillfully weavers the childhood stories of these men together, chronicling the events that brought them to Iwo Jima. Wrapping us in their stories we see the young captain who's clearly shown helping one of his younger soldiers raise the flag, the anguish of a mother who knows that one of the men raising the flag is her dead son even though no one believers her, and the emotional scars the three survivors carry because of the they survived and were treated like heros when they knew that many of their comrades didn't make it off the island.

Bradley does a masterful job of separating these six men from the heroic icon they became while reminding us all that as his father said, "The heros of Iwo Jima are the guys who didn't come back."

After reading this book, I will never be able to look at that iconic photograph without remembering the great sacrifice that was made.

My blog's been quoted in the newspaper

2009-09-17T08:01:00.001-07:00

Didn't it used to be when you got your name quoted in the newspaper it meant that you had reached the big time? This blog, in connection with Illuminations of the Heart blog tour, was quoted in the Copper Basin News today. Check out the story here

Catching Fire

2009-09-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Not since the sixth Harry Potter book have I finished a book and then had this need to discus what I read and speculate on what would happen in the next book. Almost as if discusing the book would somehow help me pass the time until the next book came out. Oh please come out soon. A whole year to wait really is mean. Over the last couple of weeks I've read numerous blog post hypothesizing what will happen in the third book. Some have echoed what I've, while others I really really hope aren't true because I don't think I could handle that. I'm not going to write a reveiw here, I don't want to spoil this book for anyone. But all I can say was that I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it.

The Route

2009-09-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

“When we concern ourselves more with others, there is
less time to be concerned with ourselves.”
Spencer W. Kimball

We all have those moments in our life we are forced to take stock of our life. Where we wonder about the legacy we are leaving and wonder if we can do more.

As The Route begins, that is the dilemma Carol--the narrator--is facing. Carol has just turned fifty. All of her kids have left the house, leaving her with extra time and questioning what she should do with her life. As she says “Fifty makes you think. Thirty makes you morose, and forty makes you panic, but fifty makes you think. Half a century, and what is my life? Does it resemble anything I dreamed at sixteen, or expected at twenty, or hopes at twenty-five?” (The Route) When Carol sees a sign in the grocery store seeking volunteers for Wheels on Meals she sees it as a sign of what she should do with her life.

So with some trepidation, Carol begins her weekly delivery of meals bringing us along as we meet some zany, loveable, and downright colorful characters. You fall in love with Goldie, you are impressed with Althia, and wonder what cranky LaRue will say when Carol arrives. From each person that Carol introduces us to, we learn something from. Some are simple things such as “eat dessert first,” and “execute princess waves,” to the more profound “you don’t always know people’s history,” “you get back what you give,” “don’t compare yourself to others,” “there is more to people than there outward appearance,” “life is suffering,” and “we all have moments—we just can’t let them get us down.”

One of the things I really enjoyed about his book is that it presented a real picture of what it is like to grow old. It showed the struggles of loneliness, the fear of being forgotten, and the limitations that the body present. I, along with Carol, felt anger when somebody was mistreated by their family, sadness when someone was no longer part of “the route,” and laughed at the funny moments that showed me life is meant to be lived in spite of it all. Lastly, through Carol, we see that often the person that is doing the serving is really the one who is blessed. A lesson that I need as a daily reminder.

The Route is will make you want to reach out and serve those around us because as John Ruskin said, “The Highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.”

You can buy the book at Desert Book, or Amazon.

Q&A with Gale Sears (Looking for ways to serve? Check out Gale's blog for daily service ideas)

1. While The Route was is a work of fiction, I know you drew upon your own experiences of delivering meals on wheels in the writing of this book. Did you have a real life favorite person you delivered meals to and did that person make it into the book?

Each person in, The Route was based on an actual person. I sincerely grew to love them all, but I did have a few favorites, based on how they made me laugh, or cry, or ponder life's meaning. Sometimes I would think about them and just laugh out loud because of their antics.

2. When did you know you wanted to write a book based on your experience. Was it still while you were doing Meals on Wheels or was it only after you had finished that you decided to write a book.

I didn't actually write anything down about my experiences until months after I finished delivering. I do remember having things happen or hearing stories from my seniors and thinking, "Wow! That would make an interesting book."

3. What was the one thing that you admired most from the people you delivered meal-on-wheels to?

I admired the fact that most of them, despite their difficulties, kept positive outlooks and continued to reach out to others.

4. What is one of the things that scares you most about growing old?

I'm not afraid of growing old, but I wouldn't like it if my life, opinions, and work ceased to have value.

5. If you could spend a free afternoon doing anything you wanted, what would that be?

Could I be anywhere I wanted to be too? If so, I'd rise early, go for a drive to Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe, California, hike down to the water's edge, and have a picnic. I'd take along a good book to read. I'd also take along my sister, Teri. We'd remember funny stories and laugh.

Meals on Wheels facts

The first meals on wheels program began in Great Britain during the World War Two and the Blitz
The first meal delivered in the United States was delivered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in January 1954.
The many of the original delivers were high school students and earned the nickname "Platter Angels."
About 750,000 seniors suffer hunger due to finances
Single seniors are more like to suffer hunger than married seniors are.
While certain groups of seniors are at greater-risk of hunger, hunger cuts across the income spectrum. Two-thirds of all those at risk for at risk for hunger are white.
Factors such a high-school drop out, renting, living with grandchildren, no emotional support, and divorced or separated are more likely to face hunger issues.
The Meal on Wheels program goes beyond just delivering meals. They help with emergency preparedness, fire prevention and loss education, as well as programs to help feed the elderly’s pets.
The cost of the average Meal on Wheels meal is $6.35
To deliver the 174.957 home meals in Shawnee and Jefferson counties in Kansas, Meals on Wheels relied on 1,200 volunteers

Remember, to leave a comment on the post to be enter to win a free copy of the book. The more times you comment on different post the more times you are entered in the drawing.

Catching Fire

2009-09-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Catching Fire is out! Yipee. I think a trip to the bookstore after work is in order. :)

Gallagher Girls Series

2009-08-31T14:42:00.000-07:00

I've really got to stop reading series until ALL the books are out. :) Maybe I am the only one that feels this way, but once I start a great series I don't want to wait until all the books are out to see find out what happens. But on the other hand I do love the whole feeling of anticipation that comes. (The HP books were the one exception, those I loved looking forward to every couple of years)

I've really enjoyed the three books in this series. The girls are smart (yah for smart girls), they are mature for their ages (hate whinny teenager girls--Bella for example), and they are spies (how cool is that? I wanted to be a spy when I was younger).

On the outside, The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Woman, looks like a typical posh all-girls school. But looks can be deceiving. The Gallagher Academy IS an Academy for Excepetional Young Woman--they are all brilliant, smart and spies in training.

I'd Tell You I'd Love You, But Then I Had to Kill You
Is the story of Cammie Morgan, her best friends Bex and Liz, and her recent roommate Macey. Cammie Morgan, 15, chameleon. As a second generation Gallagher Girl and daughter of the current head mistress, Cammie has spying in her blood. Cammie has spent most of her life within in the wall of Gallagher Academy and when CovOps begins that year, Cammie find for the first time in her life she becomes visible when on her first CovOps assignment she meets Josh. Cammie soon learns that she may be a spy in training, but she knows nothing about boys, romance and life outside of Gallagher Academy.

Cross my Heart and Hope to Spy
This book picks it up soon after the end of the I'd Tell You I'd Love You. Cammie thinks that after distraous events involving boys the year before, she would be safe from their influences for the next school year. But that wasn't to be. For the first time the all girls school is involved in operation Blackthrone aka boys in the school. As she studies and works alongside these boys, especially the suave Zach, Cammie has a feeling that her new schoolmates may be hiding something. When a major breach in security happens and threatens to expose the school for what it really was and Cammie is blamed, Cammie and her friends must work to clear her name.

Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover
This book is by far the best of the three.
Just before the start of her junior year Cammie is in Boston with her roommmate Macey, as her roommates dad accepts the nomination for VP. But when Macey and Cammie find themselves in real danger as they are almost kidnapped. The kidnapping plot brings changes to Gallagher. Macey now needs secret service, and Cammie's little seen Aunt Abby, is assigned to guard her. But there is no reason apparent reason why Macey was target, and as Cammie and her friends try to figure it out Gallagher Girl secrets and secrets from Cammie's past are revealed.
Plus Cammie, can't stop thinking about Zach who keeps showing up at the oddest places. Is he good, bad?

Singles in the Church

2009-08-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

I constantly am asked why those in the YSA program aren't getting married and why they are so fearful and why they don't have enough faith. (I'm going to have to save my soapbox on this subject for another time).

This Church News article gave an interesting and unique look into some of the fears that plague YSAers. I have to admit that after reading the article, I agree. I see all three of the reasons he gives evident in my ward and have heard a variation of these three reasons from people as to the reason why they aren't married. I hope those that read this article get a better understand of the reasons why people aren't getting married and are more aware of the struggles and loneliness that singles face.

The Route Blog Tour

2009-08-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Zipping along life’s highway . . .

Fifty makes you think. Thirty makes you morose, and forty makes you panic, but fifty makes you think. Half a century, and what is my life? Does it resemble anything I dreamed at sixteen, or expected at twenty, or hoped at twenty-five? What am I doing here? . . . I thought of climbing to the top of a high mountain in Tibet to consult a wise man, but I like vacations where there is indoor plumbing and vegetation.

Since I already attended church, I thought perhaps I could pay closer attention. Maybe I’d been missing a great fundamental truth. Well, come to find out, I had been missing something. . . .
(Excerpt from The Route)

Doesn't that paragraph makes you want to read Gale Sear's new title, The Route?

Well if that doesn't, the fifteen great reviews from the online blog tour should convince you. Every day a new review/author interview will be posted on the following blogs. Be sure to check them out!

As part of the blog tour there will be a contest for an autographed copy of The Route. All you have to do to enter is to leave a comment on the reviews to be entered. Even better you can increase your chances of winning by commenting on multiple reviews.

August 24
The Book Nest

August 25
Mormon Hermit Mom's Book Habit

August 26
Boojoos and Aprilcots

August 27
Of Good Report

August 28
Blog the Day Away
Hey bloggers,

August 31
Reading for Sanity

September 1
Lu Ann's Book Review

September 2
*Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author

September 3
Amesbury Reads

September 4
Tangled Words and Dreams

September 7
Labor Day

September 8
Not Entirely British

September 9
Jewel's World

September 10
Rebecca Talley

September 11
Of Writerly Things

September 14
Walnut Springs Press

Check out Walnut Springs for additional information and be sure to check out Gale Sears' blog. http://walnutspringspress.blogspot.com and

And if you want to buy it, purchase it here
Amazon or here Desert Book

What Book Got You Hooked

2009-08-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

What Book Got You Hooked? Is a national campaign that I came across and with reading such an integral part of my life I had to pause and think about which book it was that made me really enjoy reading.

I remember vividly a number of picture books, The Real Mother Goose, Horton Hears a Who, Madeline, A is for Annabelle, Make Way for Ducklings, etc., but I think the first book that got me hooked was The Boxcar Children books. Maybe it was because I had a first grade teacher that made me read three sentences over and over again nightly, and I HATED the exercise. I still have very vivid memories of sitting on the couch refusing to read them. Seriously don't know how that didn't turn me off of reading for life! But that book opened up a new world for me. The I wanted to be Violet. I wanted to live in a boxcar and I wanted to solve mysteries. I loved where those books took me, from lighthouses, to the south seas, and the revolutionary war.
My copy of the Boxcar Children Mystery with my name scrawled in my first grade hand writing is a treasured possession.

Since then, there have been other books that have truly shaped my life. Books that I've turned to when I've had a bad day, books that have inspired, and ones that have made me think. There are those that I need to read every year and those that I've read so frequently that I have the page numbers of my favorite parts memorized. There are heroins I've wanted to be like, and countless boys that I've fallen in love with.

So look forward in the coming months for reviews on books that have shaped my life- because I think that everybody should read them, and hopefully more than once. :)

I would love to know what book got you hooked or what books have shaped your life.

Illuminations of the Heart

2009-08-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Illuminations of the Heart
by Joyce DiPastena

I was so excited to get my hands on Joyce DiPastena's second novel, Illuminations of the Heart. I throughly enjoyed reading her first, Loyalty's Web, and had high expectations that not only did she match, but exceeded. The first line "Donna Siri, cover your head" drew me in and I found myself just devouring the pages. What originally started out as an hour before bedtime read turned into a "I have to finish this before I can sleep read." Somewhere in the early morning I did, only to begin it the next day. I will only read books I love a second time. In fact I would put this book in the top ten of books I've read this year, and as I read 3-5 books a week that is saying a lot.

Illuminations of the Heart focuses around the story of Siriol "Siri" de Calendri and Triston de Brielle.

After the death of her brother, Siri, is sent from Venice to Poitou to be placed in the guardianship of her brother's closest friend, Triston, who has been given the charge of arranging a marriage for Siri. Siri believes that she will be welcomed at Vere Castle, but when she is meet with whispered stares and a hostile guardian, she is confused until she finds out that she bears a striking resemblance to Triston's beautiful, late wife Clothilde.

When Triston kisses her the first time, Siri's heart is lost. Known for her extreme beauty, Siri wants to be loved for herself and not for her resemblance to Clothilde. Trained in the art of illuminations, Siri sets about trying to establish herself as an illuminator, while Triston tries to marry her off to one of the local Lords because guilt over the death of his late wife keeps him from be willing to open his heart to Siri.

As circumstance from Triston past threaten to destroy them, Triston must decided if he can let her go, or if he has learned to look past her resemblance to Clothilde and see Siri for herself and the vibrant soul she is.

By the end of the book, I found myself falling for Triston as all of his good qualities become more apparent and cheered Siri on as she fights to remain true to herself.

While this book is billed as a romance it is so much more. It has intrigue, mystery, revenge, political rivalry, as well as the moment of laughter and tenderness that will appeal to any reader looking for a well written story. Joyce effortlessly weaves in historical detail that adds another level of depth and richness to the plot. If readers are anything like me, they will come to the end of the book with mixed emotions. On one hand they will be happy to see the story of Siri and Triton end so well, but it will be bitter sweet as they will want to read another story by Joyce. Until her next novel, I will have to be content with rereading Illuminations of the Heart.

Click on any of the links below to purchase the book online.
Amazon.com
Barnesandnoble.com
Deseretbook.com

The following is an interview I did with Joyce about Illuminations of the Heart.

1. How did you start writing?

It was a very evolutionary process. I never thought of myself as a "writer". I admired "writers" too much to think I could ever aspire to be one myself. I always seemed to have these stories bouncing around in my head, though, and round about junior high school, I started jotting some of them down. I viewed it more as "dabbling" than "writing. I continued to "dabble" through high school on various projects I never finished, then when I started college, I began a new "dabbling" project set in the Middle Ages. That one seemed to catch my fancy more than any other of my stories had ever done, and I dabbled away on it through four years of undergraduate and two years of graduate school, until at the end of the process, I realized I had a full-fledged novel on my hands. At that point I guess I kind of realized I was a "writer" after all. (And in case you're wondering, no, that first novel has never been published, so don't waste your time going to look for it. ;-) )

2. What is your typical writing process when writing your book? Do you know how the book will end before you write?

Unfortunately, I'm a very "messy" writer, as my latest work-in-progress is reminding me. I have a general idea of the direction I want to go with a story, but I never know how I'm going to get there when I start a new book. I've tried outlining and it just doesn't work for me. I never end up sticking anywhere near my outline. I stumbled across my original outline for ILLUMINATIONS OF THE HEART recently, and laughed my head off at how wildly different the story had actually turned out. The only purpose that outline served in the end was helping me to name the characters in my book. Once I put them on the page, they all ran off willy-nilly and did their own thing. When I wrote the outline, I thought ILLUMINATIONS OF THE HEART was going to be a murder mystery. Anyone who reads it will discover that it's anything but! So while I do have an idea of some of the ending scenes I'm shooting for when I start a book, I've finally learned to just sit back and let my characters figure out their own way to get there.

3. Are your characters drawn from people you know?

Not unless it's subconsciously. I don't have any "real" people in mind when I'm writing my books.

4. I know that you fell in love with the Middle Ages while in college from reading THE CONQUERING FAMILY, by Thomas B. Costain, and it was in high school, what other books would you recommend to people interested in learning more about the Middle Ages?

You mean for researching the Middle Ages? Some of the best starting titles for that time period are written by the husband-wife team, Joseph and Frances Gies. Three of their titles that I've used the most are LIFE IN A MEDIEVAL CASTLE, LIFE IN A MEDIEVAL CITY, and WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE AGES. They're all great starting points for people who are interested in writing, or simply reading, about life in the Middle Ages. You can find other, more specialized research books that I've used to help write my novels by visiting my Medieval Research with Joyce blog at http://medievalresearch.blogspot.com.

5. Who has been your greatest writing influcence?

I'd have to say in all honesty that it was Regency romance author, Georgette Heyer. I loved her writing and books so much that apparently I subconsciously absorbed a bit of her style early on, even though I wanted to write about the Middle Ages, not the Regency period. When my sister read that first book I wrote back in college, she (also a Georgette Heyer fan) accused me of having written a Regency-Medieval romance. LOL! Thankfully, I've developed my own writing style since those early days. But I've always wished I could write humor as well as Georgette Heyer did.

6. What is your favorite book or author?

I suppose after what I just said above, I'd have to say "Georgette Heyer" here. One of my favorite titles of hers is called THESE OLD SHADES. (Hmm, as far as favorites go, I also have to put a plug in here for THE THREE MUSKETEERS and TWENTY YEARS AFTER, by Alexandre Dumas.)

7. If you could go back to live in the Middle Ages, would you do so?

And give up my indoor plumbing, air conditioning, sanitized water...not to mention my car? No way! I find it extremely romantic to read and write about the Middle Ages, but I'm very happy living in the 21st Century, thank you!

8. Which person from the Middle Ages most fascinates you?

King Henry II of England, without a doubt. There's just something about his personality, as described by his contemporaries, that makes me absolutely love the man. Not in a "romantic" way, for he wasn't a "romantic" figure, the way his son and successor, Richard the Lionheart was. But I admire him so greatly, the good that he did for his country, the fact that he wanted to be a good king and would rather have been trying to solve problems and improve England than fighting all the wars he found himself caught up in during his life. But he was also so delightfully flawed, so wonderfully human. If there's one person I'd like to meet in the next life (I'm counting on a "next life", you know), it would have to be Henry II. (Okay, so there are some other people I'd like to meet as well, but from the Middle Ages, Henry II is definitely at the top!)

9. If you could travel to one place where would it be?

England, to visit all the medieval castles for myself. And maybe France, since Henry II spent a lot of his time there, too. I'd like to see the places he lived and that influenced his life.

10. I know you are working on your third novel. Will we see any characters from Illuminations of the Heart or Loyalty's Web in it?

You can pretty much bet that some characters from both books will be popping up in my new WIP [work in progress]. (And those that don't are already slated for my fourth. ;-) )

Visit Walnut Springs Press, for updates on reviews and Joyce's next novel.

PS if you leave a comment on this post you will be entered in the contest to win either an autographed copy of Illuminations of one of three $10 online certificates to Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Deseret Book. I would HIGHLY recommend you do so. :)

Den of Thieves

2009-08-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

Den of Thieves
Julia Golding

In Den of Thieves, once again we find Cat in the middle of another adventure and she and her friends search for justice in the underbelly of London. As the story opens, we find Pedro in trouble and Cat must save him. Pedro's old slave master has returned to claim his "property," but he didn't count on Pedro's friends giving him up without a fight. A fight is exactly what they give, but in the process Cat finds herself into trouble and must go into hiding disguised as boy at the aristocratic Westminster School where she learns that the school isn't what it seems. Before long, Cat has to flee the school and seeks protection, in one of the local street gang, from not only Pedro's old master, but from the evil Billy "Boils" as well. With us as her companion, Cat takes us on an ride full of adventure, mystery, suspense, as she tackles the issue of slavery, what it means to be property, and gives readers a wonderful glimps of what the sentiments, on both side, of 1790 London were like.

Goldings wonderful storytelling and beautifully written words make this book a thoroughly enjoyable read. This book was written in such a way that it could be read as a standalone work, but readers will find greater satisfaction in the tale if they have read The Diamond of Drury Lane.

Illuminations of the Heart Blog Tour

2009-08-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to be part of an online blog tour for Illuminations of the Heart by Joyce DiPastena. Every day a new review/author interview will be posted on the following blogs. Be sure to check them out!

As part of the blog tour there will be a contest for one of FOUR fabulous prizes, either an autographed copy of Illuminations of the Heart, or one of three $10 gift certificates to Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Deseret Book.

All you have to do to enter is to leave a comment on the reviews and even better you can increase your chances of winning by commenting on multiple reviews.

August 10
Mormon Hermit Mom's Book Habit
August 11
Amesbury Reads
August 12
Heather Justesen
August 13
Rachelle's Writing Spot
August 14
Cami's Books and Fit Mommas
August 17
Jewel's World
August 18
Of Writerly Things
August 19
Frespa Fan
August 20
Of Good Report
August 21
Rachel Rager
August 24
Boojoos and Aprilcots
August 25
Musings from an LDS Writing Mom
August 26
Queen of the Clan
August 27
Write Bravely
August 28
Dreams of Quill and Ink
August 31
*Tristi Pinkston
September 1
Vicissitudes
September 2
Tangled Words and Dreams
September 3
Random-ish by Nichole and LDSwritersBlogck
September 4
Seriously… and latterdayauthors
September 7
Lu Ann's Book Review
September 9
Reading for Sanity
September 10
Taffy's Candy
September 11
The Write
Blocks
September 14
Why Not? Because I Said So! and LDSWomensBookReview
September 15
Ink Splasher
September 16
Romance Old School
September 17
Blog the Day Away
September 18
Walnut Springs Press

Cybele's Secret

2009-08-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

I loved Wildwood Dancing and after reading Cybele's Secret couldn't decide which of the two I liked the most.

Several years have past since the end of Wildwood Dancing, and scholarly seventeen-year-old Paula is about to accompany her father on his trading voyage to Istanbul where she will act as his assistant in his mission to purchase a rare artifact--the gift of the ancient pagan goddess Cybele to her followers. This artifact is the only remnant of a lost pagan cult. As Paula and her father embark on the search, it soon becomes clear that they are playing at a deadly game. A colleague is murdered and whisperings of the cult be revived in Istanbul swirl. But most telling of all is that signs have begun to appear to Paula. Signs that can only be coming from the Other Kingdom, signs that urger her to unlock Cybele's Secret. Paula is in a strange land and isn't sure who she can trust and before long finds herself drawn to two very different men: one a smooth and dashing pirate or her quiet bodyguard. As Paula begins to unravel the puzzle, she realizes that at stake is not only her life, but the life and happiness of her sister, the unfulfilled debt of a friend and possibility of true love. Paula must solve the puzzle before an unknown, but deadly, enemies catch up to her.

With the vibrant backdrop of the Ottoman empire, Marillier effortless weaves the wonderful fantasy into the sites and sounds of Turkey. Multiple plots filled with pirates, adventure, love, questioning of 16th century belief are all twisted together in such a way that we are left guessing right up to the end how it will all turn out and if our predictions were right. Once the puzzle is solved, wraps up, readers will not be disappointed. One of the things that I liked most about this book, which was also something I enjoyed from Wildwood, was that Paula is a strong character. She doesn't hide or diminish the fact that she is smart and wants to be seen as more than just “curves and smiles, blushes and modest speech.”

The Cat Royal Adventures

2009-08-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

So I'm trying to decide if I should give each book in the Cat Royal Adventures it's own post, or if I should post them all together? Well I'll start with the first one and see how I feel when I finish it. :)

The Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding

The Diamond of Drury Lane is the first book of the Cat Royal Adventures. I just found out that there will be nine adventures total and I can't wait. While the next five books are in print, I've only read the next two because they are the only titles available in the US.

This enchanting story is set in 1790's London (for those that know me, I'm not recommending it based on that fact alone :, but it was the reason I picked up the book in the first place)and where we meet the fiesty and resourceful 12-year-old Catherine "Cat" Royal, whose red hair matches her bravery and spirit. Cat, was left on the steps of the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane as a baby and has called the theatre home ever since. Cat loves the workings of the theatre and views all of the stagehand, actors, etc. as her extended family. So when Cat overhears that there is a diamond hidden somewhere on the premises, Cat vows to protect it and keep it safe. The only problem is that she doesn't know exactly where the diamond is hidden and the boss of one of local street gang, Billy Boils wants to get his hands on it, and if he can't do that then Cat will have to do. The story is fast paced, with numerous twists and turns as Cat and her friends, Pedro, a former slave violin virtuoso who Cat's wonders if he is trustworthy, the butcher Syd who has sworn to protect her from Billy, Jonathan, the theatre prompter who may be part of an insurrection, and the nobs Lord Francis and Lady Elizabeth who befriend Cat and in doing so get more than the bargained for. Golding weaves the tale by taking us from the backstage of the Theatre Royal to the filth of the city streets, combined with with her liberal use of 18th-century language adds charm to this tale. One of the things I enjoyed most about this tale is that Cat is smart and is able, most of the time, to rescue herself. While every girl needs to be rescued every once in awhile, I get sick of girls who are weak and can't think for themselves. This book has the perfect amount of action, humor, and mystery, to keep you guessing and in the end leave you very satisfied.

Review of The Hunger Games

2009-08-03T08:51:00.001-07:00

Over the past couple of months, I've seen glowing reviews for The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. While I put it on my list of books to read, I didn't give it priority--a huge mistake. From the first page I was hooked. Which kind of surprised me since before I started the book I found the whole premise of the book a little disturbing. As I started reading, I found the book to be so well written, the characters not only likeable, but human as well with flaws and weakness with a plot that is as engaging plot as it is disturbing, and found myself flying through the book, trying to anticipate the twists and turns, and hoping that everything would turn out ok.

The story takes place in the future where the United States is a thing of the past. Instead there is a country called Panem, which consists of a rich and powerful Capitol and twelve poor districts. At one point there were thirteen districts, but the Capitol destroyed one just to show how powerful it is. As a reminder of their power, each year the Capitol host the "Hunger Games" in which one boy and one girl from each states is sent to fight each other until there is only one person is left standing, bring fame, fortune and food to their state. The story is told from the viewpoint of sixteen-year-old Katniss, who has volunteered to go in place of her twelve-year-old sister, Primrose. Also joining Katniss in the "Hunger Games" is Peetra, who confesses on live TV that he has been in love with Katniss since he was five. Katniss is first skeptical of his announcement and views it as a ploy to gain favor with the audience, especially when he forms an alliance with a group that is determined to kill Katniss. But when the rules are changed half way through the game so that two tributes from the same district can win if they are the last two left standing, Katniss seeks out Peetra and nurses him back to health from an injury he sustained in keeping her safe. As her friendship with Peetra grows, Katniss is faced with new decisions about love, loyalty, sacrifice, and the reason she is fighting to stay alive.

While I had been told that there was a sequel, I got so caught up in the reading of it that I forgot that was the case and reached the end of the book wanting more. :)

This book is sure to please everybody. It's nail-biting suspense, star-crossed lovers, and the promise of redemption will have your fighting for the characters and willing them to survive.

I'm counting down the days until the second novel, Catching Fire, is released.

Wildwood Dancing

2009-07-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

I love nothing more than walking into the library picking up a title I know nothing about and falling in love with the book. Maybe it's because it happens so infrequently that I am just giddy when it does.

Set in Transylvania woods in the 1500's, Wildwood Dancing is the story of five sisters Tati, Jena, Iulia, Paula and Stell, ranging from the ages of 6 to 17 and is told from the viewpoint of 15-year-old Jena. Jena spends most of her time exploring the enchanted wood around the castle Piscul Draculi with her most unusual frog Gogu.

But Castle Piscul Draculi, high in the Transylvanian woods, holds a secret known only to the five sisters. A secret passage way that leads them to the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom, where every full moon they dance with the various magical creatures that live there, including the dangerous Night People (vampires). The sisters are compelled to go each month, but as time wears on, Jenna begins to see the dangers posed by the Night People, especially when it comes to Tati.

When their father falls ill and must go away for his health, their cousin Cezar gains control of the castle and the girls lives and becomes bent on taking revenge for the drowning death of his brother ten years earlier which he believes was caused by the Night People. When Cezar works out that the entrance into this other world is in the bedchamber of the girls, he sets about trying to use the girls to gain access. As Jen

As Cezar's grip tightens on the girls and the castle, it threatens to destroy everything Jena loves: her family, her home, and the Other Kingdom. To save them, Jena will be tested in ways that she can't even imagine. Test that involve trust, strength and true love.

I loved the way that author could weave elements from classic fairy tales and folklore into one seamless, enchanting tale that I just couldn't get enough of. The characters have depth and before you know if you are falling in love with Gogu, feeling the sting of Tati's sorrow, and wanting to stand up and cheer for Jena's spunk as she tries, not always successfully, to hold onto what she holds dear. I appreciate that all the characters are flawed and that the ending isn't the perfect ending, not that it won't leave you satisfied, it will. I know that some of the people who reviewed it on goodreads said that it was a little slow. I didn't feel that way, but if you do, keep reading and it will be well worth it.

Twilight

2009-07-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Twilight. Just saying the word either brings out the claws of those that hate it, or the passionate declarations of love from "Team Edward."

I've read all of them and first thought that she was a brilliant storyteller. Then book three and four came along and I just lost interest. I got sick of whinny, moody and selfish Bella, perfect Edward, and a plot that became weaker by the page. I can see the appeal of this book. Every girl identifies with Bella. She's not the prettiest girl, she's clumsy, average and ordinary, but somehow she ends up with the perfect guy. Don't we all want that? Unfortunately, I believe this whole book gives an unrealistic view of love, marriage and boys and in the process does all three a disservice.

I came across this review and thought it was hilarious (even if you are a "Team Edward" fan, this is still hilarious).

http://otahyoni.livejournal.com/130432.html?thread=1883264

For all you singles out there

2009-01-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articlematch.aspx?cp-documentid=16048030&gt1=32023