Mindy

The Sacrament by John Bytheway

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Apr 092014

The Sacrament

Author: John Bytheway

Illustrator: Nathan Pinnock

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: April 7th, 2014

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-790-7

Hardcover: 32 pages

FTC FYI: I received a hardcover copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

It’s understandable that some children appear bored or distracted during sacrament meeting. Many young Latter-day Saints are probably unsure about the true meaning of the sacrament and why we attend. With this in mind, bestselling author John Bytheway has composed a delightful poem (inspired by a short poem by Walter H. Horne) to help Latter-day Saints young and old appreciate the ordinance of the sacrament. In particular, children will learn what they should be thinking about (and not be thinking about) during this sacred time as well as what the sacrament can do for all of us.

Beautifully illustrated by Nathan Pinnock, this thought-provoking story about a young boy and his grandpa is a gentle reminder about the importance of remembering the Lord Jesus Christ, especially during this special meeting meant for Him.

My Review

I was very excited to review this book to review. A few days after I received it, there was a lovely Relief Society lesson given by a sister in my ward about the Sacrament. Sister Reader passed out papers to all the sisters that read, “What did you think of during the sacrament?” That sentence really made me think. Usually I read the scriptures during the sacrament, but did I truly think about the Savior and the importance of the sacrament? The next day at Family Home Evening, I was inspired to give a lesson about the sacrament. We read this lovely book together as a family and used the lovely experience of the author to better our understanding of the sacrament and the importance of partaking it every week. Also to encourage my family to be spiritually prepared to take the sacrament, and to be thinking of Jesus Christ, through prayer and the scriptures.

My family and I will cherish this book and I am very grateful that it is in our home.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

About the Author (from Goodreads)

John Bytheway (born October 1962) is an American author and academic, who is well known as a comic motivational speaker for youth within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Salt Lake City, Bytheway attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, receiving a Master’s Degree in Religious Education. He also served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Philippines.

Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.

Author the Illustrator (from his website)

Portrait painter, illustrator, Teacher of oil painting, drawing, and sculpting + logo design.
Greater Salt Lake Area
Current: Artist at Pinnock Illustration/ Pinnock Fine Art
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Illustration, Painting, Sculpting at Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Utah State University, Atelier Leseuer

Summary

Professional painter and Sculptor, Illustrator and Private art teacher.

Specialities

Portrait painting, teaching oil painting, drawing, sculpting and painting composition.

Experience

• Artist at Pinnock Illustration/Pinnock Fine Art – January 1992 – Present (20 + years)
• Illustrator – January 1990- 2001
• Portrait painter and Fine Artist 2001- Present (20 + years)
• Private Instructor of painting, Drawing, and Sculpting – 1996 to present

Luminescence by Braden Bell — Blog Tour/Giveaway

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Apr 082014

Luminescence (Middle School Magic #3)

Author: Braden Bell

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: March 2014

Paperback: 308 pages

ISBN13: 978-1-4621-1405-4

Middle Grade fantasy

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Determined to rescue their favorite teacher, Conner, Lexa, and Melanie confront their worst fears and use their powers in unexpected ways to defeat Lady Nightwing, the treacherous Darkhand leader. But when the trio makes a terrible choice to save Dr. Timberi, their powers may not be enough to keep everyone alive. A thrilling conclusion to the Middle School Magic series!

My Review

Friendship, love, and sacrifice. These three words came to my mind many times while I was reading this enjoyable book by Mr. Bell. Conner, Lexa, and Melanie had a lot to overcome between each other before they were able to start to help to rescue Dr. Timberi. I loved that part of it. All three were harboring harsh feelings towards each other and once they were able to get over themselves, they were able to function more as a unit. There are many secrets revealed, a wonderful back story, and many surprises along the way in this very enjoyable book. The ending had me in tears, well, the tears came sooner at some points, but the last few chapters were my favorite. So many exciting events take place through the whole book. Once I got to a certain point while reading, I couldn’t stop until I was finished. Not only will your kids enjoy this series, you will too.

5 out of 5 stars. If you new to this series, I would suggest starting with book one, The Kindling. Then with book two, Penumbras. You will better familiar with the characters and terms.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book

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He is Risen – Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Apr 032014

He is Risen

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Orchestra at Temple Square

Mack Wilberg & Ryan Murphy Conductors

SKU: 5119167

FTC FYI: Received a CD in exchange for an honest review.

From their website

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square present on this CD a selection of musical works centered on the miraculous events recounted and commemorated in the Easter story. In a variety of styles, and from different eras, these musical expressions of faith share the same fervent message—that our Savior lives, and has redeemed us with His love.

Reviewed by Mindy

My Review

This CD is exactly what this worn-out gal needed to get me feeling the lovely spirit of this Easter season. I am so grateful for my Savior and his atoning sacrifice for me. This CD from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will get you in the right frame of mind to have Christ in your heart for conference this weekend, Easter and anytime through the year. How blessed are we to live in the same area as this magnificent choir. These songs are uplifting and bring tears to my eyes as I reflect on my Savior’s love for me. They are songs you will be familiar with, but added flare from a bell choir and how the arrangements are done, will lift you up and do you good, like it did for me.

From Deseret Book website

The 360 members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir represent men and women from many different backgrounds and professions and range in age from 25 to 60. They reflect a medley of unique loves and experiences and are brought together by their love for singing and their faith. Their incomparable voices are the common chord that unites to form the choral group known all over the world as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir originated in the mid-19th century in Salt Lake City. As the Latter-day Saints moved west, Church President Brigham Young included musicians among members of the advance parties. Consequently, a small choir first sang for a conference of the Church in the Salt Lake Valley on August 22, 1847, just 29 days after the first group arrived. The origins of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir may be found in the desire and commitment of early converts to include appropriate music in both sacred and secular events.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has apperaed at 13 world’s fairs and expositions, performed at the inaugurations of five U.S. presidents and sung for numerous worldwide telecasts and special events. Five of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s recordings have achieved “gold record” and two have achieved “platinum record” status. The most popular was the Grammy Award winning 1959 release of The Battle Hymn of the Republic with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Purchase Links

Website / Deseret Book / Amazon

A Year With Six Sisters’ Stuff — Blog Tour/Giveaway

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Apr 012014

A Year With Six Sisters’ Stuff: 52 Menu Plans, Recipes, and Ideas to Bring Families Together

Six Sisters

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: March 25th, 2014

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-816-4

Paperback: 242 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

“What’s for dinner?” Three words every mom dreads.

Don’t panic! The Six Sisters are here to help you answer that question. The Sisters have gathered together more than 150 of their most popular recipes for entrees, side dishes, and desserts and have combined them into 52 stress-free menus of perfectly prepared three-course meals.

Filled with delicious tried-and-true family favorites and oh-so-easy-to-make dishes, A Year with Six Sisters’ Stuff features all-new recipes using basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each menu is designed to make your dinner plans as easy as possible—and with such wide variety and a photograph accompanying every recipe in the book, you can easily mix and match menus to create a year’s worth of dinner ideas.

In addition, the Sisters share some of their favorite family dinner traditions and crafts, as well as 52 dinner conversation starters, a list of pantry staples, and, food storage plan for beginners.

So what’s for dinner? Whatever you’d like.

My Review

Not only is this book full of delicious meals that can help any busy family, it is beautifully done. The colors and lay-out of the book is lovely. For some of the recipes, there are personal stories/experiences from the sister that donated it. The pictures are lovely and help you want to make them now! So many yummy menu selections to choose from. Also within the book are some fun DIY ideas that can be a fun family home evening project, there are food storage ideas, fun ways to plan meals, the “crazy dinner” tradition. Plus many more great ideas. What I love most about this book, is lots of the recipes have ingredients that many of us have in our pantry already! Or, if you are like me, and am not the most motivated cook, anything yummy can be made with a quick trip to the store. The best suggestion (one I need to work on) is the plan ahead.

About the Authors

The Six Sisters—Camille, Kristen, Elyse, Stephanie, Lauren, and Kendra—grew up in Utah, but a few of them have lived in other parts of the country since moving out of the house. Between them there are five nieces and three nephews, and all of the sisters love playing “aunt.” The sisters started the blog in February 2011 to keep in touch while they were apart, but it has since gained popularity, garnering more than 9 million viewers per month and more than 307,000 followers on Pinterest.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book

Deseret Book is giving away 10 copies of this awesome book! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

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The Light We Share by Harriet R. Uchtdorf

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Apr 012014

The Light We Share

Harriet R. Uchtdorf

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: March 2014

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-869-0

Hardcover: 48 pages

Nonfiction

FTC FYY: I received a hardcover book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Book Jacket

“Oh how glorious from the throne above

Shines the gospel light of truth and love!” Hymns, no. 264

What difference does it make to have the light of the gospel in your life? To a twelve-year-old girl in post-World War II Germany, it made all the difference.

In this charming book, Sister Harriet R. Uchtdorf reflects on the power of heavenly light in her own life and recalls the joy it brought to her family during a dark and difficult time. “It was like a miracle,” she explains as she describes how hope came back in their lives.

Discover how the light we share can make a life-changing difference to those whose lives we touch – as family members, leaders, missionaries, teachers, friends, and brothers and sisters in the gospel.

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet book. Sister Uchtdorf’s experience with finding light in her life was heart-felt and lovely. The pictures were beautiful and they really added to her words. I love reading about or hearing personal experiences from the leaders of our church, and to have some from their wives, is even more special. She tells about a sad, hard time in her life when her father passes away and her mother can’t seem to go on. They went to their church in Germany, but there was something missing. Eight months after he passed away, two American missionaries come to their door. They were taught, among other things, that families can be together forever. It was the missing light in their lives that they needed. Sister Uchtdorf, her mother and sister were baptized. Soon after, their light spread to other family members needing that in their own lives as well. I was particularly struck by this quote that tell us what we can do to help others:

You will be an example to our children and youth — an example in decency and quality in everything that affects our lives. You will teach our youth to pray and to study. You will teach them to be confident and have faith in Jesus Christ. You will teach them leadership and humilty, and you will help them to claim the gift of decernment through their own righteousness. You will teach them that the truth will not always be popular but that it will always be right. And after all of this, you can promised them:

That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light growth bigger and brighter until the perfect day.” (D&C 50:24) page 41

This beautiful story can be shared with all who know of the light of the gospel and to those who are seeking their own light.

Author the Author

Harriet R. Uchtdorf received a degree in business administration in Frankfurt, Germany, and worked in the private printing sector and with the public transportation department prior to her marriage to Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who now serves as the Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. she has served in many callings in the Church, including as a stake Young Women president and institute teacher. She and her husband have two children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Seagull Book

Unraveled by Julie Daines

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Mar 262014

Unraveled: A Tale of True Love

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant

Published: February 20th, 2014

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-627-7

Paperback: 200 pages

FTC FYI: Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

“It’s thoroughly researched, expertly crafted, and it will sweep you off your feet with its beauty.” -UCW

When sickness swept through Bronwen’s family, it took the life of her father, brother, and sister, and left her permanently crippled. On the stormy eve of her sixteenth birthday, a faerie-witch gifts her a pair of enchanted shoes. Bronwen slips them on and is healed–but only when the shoes are on her feet. Her grace and beauty catches the eye of the king’s son–Urien, a handsome young man who prides himself on having everything perfect.

When Rhys, an old acquaintance and Captain of the Guard, recognizes Bronwen, he threatens to tell Urien her secret. Desperate to keep her deformity hidden and not to lose the love of handsome Urien, Bronwen quickly finds herself tangled in a web of lies and deceit. After all, she can’t wear the shoes forever.

My Review

Bronwen is a girl who has seen rough times. After sickness crippled her legs and killed most of her family, all her mother and her had were each other. We meet Bronwen and her mother on a stormy night where her mother tells her the faerie folks will be out causing mischief. No sooner does she say that, when the Grey Maiden, the Gwyllion, appears at their door. They give her shelter from the storm, all while the Gwyllion keeps staring at her crippled legs. This irritates Bronwen, but she prepares a room for her to sleep. While she is getting it ready, the Gwyllion comes to her tell her she knows what it is she wants. Bronwen is surprised by this, but knows that she must watch her while Bronwen is on the swifts.

Before she could leave the room, the Gwyllion spoke again. Nothing more than a whisper, yet her words filled the room. “Who would want a crippled wife?”

Bronwen’s head snapped up. She had never said those words out loud. Not to anyone. Not even her mother. She already knew the answer. It was why she wept sometimes at night. Why she hated the boys in the village who looked at her, then looked away. If she were whole, they would be vying for her favor even though they were all below her station.

She answered the Gwyllion’s question. “No one.”

“And yet you dream,” the faerie witch said. “The stars do not shine on dreamers. They shine on those who see the truth.” (page 6 – 7)

The next morning Bronwen sees that the Grey Maiden is gone, but she has left Bronwen a gift, old shoes. Her curiosity gets the best of her, and she tries them on. The pain she experiences nearly knocks her out, but the pain is from her legs healing. She can stand and walk. Bronwen and her mother travels to town to present her to the king since she is of age. She meets the king’s son, Urien, but recognizes Rhys from back home. She quickly decides to lie about her family name, in hopes that Rhys won’t recognize her. And what happens next, starts a chain of events that tangle of web of lies that have a hard time being unraveled. Bronwen gets herself in a mix of trouble, and tries to find her way out, but the only one who can save her is herself.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars. A fabulous read full of faerie legend and folklore. It is also a story of a girl who doubts herself and others because of her limitations. I loved the lessons that Bronwen learns. Even though it takes something pretty drastic for the truth to finally come out, I love how it all unravels. Julie did an amazing job with this book. There is heart, humor, adventure and characters that surprised me. Very enjoyable read.

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book / Deseret Book

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