11 days until summer!
I was born in Utah, part of a crazy, fun family of nine. I grew up in Flagstaff, AZ and St. Louis, MO before striking out on my own college adventure in Virginia. I decided to try my hand at writing novels after I was married and living in Idaho. I write clean romance because it’s my favorite genre, but often difficult to find.
I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.
Visit Annette: WEBSITE/BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST
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LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?
ANNETTE: The Secret Garden. I was not much of a reader when I was young, but The Secret Garden was one of the few books that I read all the way through and enjoyed. I loved the idea of spending each day in a beautiful place that very few people knew about.
LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?
ANNETTE: I’m not much of a hiker anymore. I used to love it. My Dad likes to tell the story of going on hikes and watching as my older sister jumped gingerly from rock to rock, worried with every step, while I leapt from one foothold to the next like a mountain goat. Oh, to be six again…
LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?
ANNETTE: Running Barefoot by Amy Harmon. I loved the steady progression of the relationship. I loved the author’s reliance on actual connection instead of just physical attraction.
LDSWBR: Thanks, Annette! I’m going to look up Running Barefoot on Goodreads.
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BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON | GOODREADS
“You don’t know who I am,” I whispered. He didn’t move—either away from me, or closer—and after an interminable moment, I stepped back and hurried out of the house.
He didn’t follow me as I fled into the night.
Lylin is not used to being alone—much less alone, hurt, and lost. So when she is separated from her guard and forced to abandon her horse, she counts herself lucky to stumble upon a manor house. Still frightened by those who chased her into the night, she keeps her identity a secret, calling herself Lily as she accepts the help of kind servants and the compassion of Lord Fallon. When they fall into an easy friendship, she wonders if her secrecy was too hasty. However, as she gets to know the manor and its residents, Lylin discovers that she’s not the only one hiding secrets, and it may be a very good thing that her host doesn’t know her true identity as a member of the royal family.
Have you read The Secret Garden? Is there a garden you love to visit?
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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 5, 2014 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2014 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected July 3, 2014 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until July 10, 2014 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments and questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
**Book Prizes (as of 6/10/14 – more to be added to this list!)**
- Unraveled by Julie Daines (signed paperback)
- Any book by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or Kindle version)
- An autographed copy of any one Sarah M. Eden book of the winner’s choice
- Chances Are by Traci Hunter Abramson (signed/personalized paperback)
- Choice of The Inventor’s Secret (hardback or paperback) or The Avatar Battle (hardback or audio CD) by Chad Morris (signed copy)
- Missing Lily by Annette K. Larsen (ebook in .mobi or epub)
16 Responses to “Missing Lily by Annette K. Larsen – Countdown to Summer 2014”
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The Secret Garden is one of my very favorite books I read in my childhood. I was always hoping that I would find a garden just like Mary does in the book!
I have read “The Secret Garden” and liked it very much. I thought the movie made of this book were pretty good as well. As for real gardens, I always enjoy visiting the gardens at “Thanksgiving Point” in Utah. Beautiful landscaping!
I love The Secret Garden, but I don’t have one of my own.
I finally listened to the audio book of The Secret Garden just a year or so ago and loved it!
This book sounds good!!
I havent read The Secret Garden since I was a kid. I should read it again soon! Not like my reading lost doesn’t have a thousand books on it. :)
I am a fan! I enjoyed Just Ella and am looking forward to reading Missing Lily. Thanks for writing clean romance!
I love Butchart Gardens on Victoria Island because we went there on our honeymoon. I’ve been there 2-3 times since and believe it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth.
I have always loved the movie. It is one of my favorites. I’m really excited to read this… :)
I loved the Secret Garden as a kid. My teacher read it aloud in 3rd grade and I lived for that time every day, partly because I was a lousy student and hated school. That was a wonderful refuge. In high school I went on a trip to British Columbia and fell in love with Butchart Gardens–we sang old English madrigals early one gorgeous morning. Now, my favorite garden is my own.
Come to think of it I haven’t read that book but will now put it on my list to read. I just visited London a few weeks ago and fell completely in love with Kensington Gardens.
I have read the Secret Garden and now my daughters have and love it. I can’t think of any famous full gardens that I have visited. I like mine when the flowers are blooming and there aren’t any weeds (which isn’t very often, dang weeds).
I watched the movie. My favorite gardens are the shady nooks of a garden. Even the big gardens seem to be divided up into sitting spots or themes. Thanksgiving Point and Butchart Gardens are lovely big ones. Edible gardens are wonderful too.
I have read it, and I loved it. As a kid, it was one of my favorite movies.
I have read it, and I have seen the movie, and the movie Return to the Secret Garden. Now that my summer has started, I’m excited to be able to read more – especially a book as awesome as Missing Lily!
I did read The Secret Garden when I was very young so I don’t remember much of it. I’m not a huge garden fan. My husband and I attempted to plant one during our first year of marriage. We quickly realized how time consuming it is and haven’t planted one since!
I have read The Secret Garden. The most beautiful gardens I have been to have all been in England. Some were in parks, but others just behind large homes/castles/buildings we were visiting.