Shanda

Countdown to Christmas 2012 Winners!

 Posted by  Contests, Countdown to Christmas
Jan 312013
 

Countdown to Christmas 2012 WINNERS!

 

Want to know why I love what we do here at LDSWBR?

It’s not all the books I get to read, though that is part of it.

It’s the people. From avid readers to talented authors, I get to meet and interact with the best people out there.

This was proven to me once again last month when my family and I faced the sudden loss of our mother and grandmother. Not only did all of you wait patiently as I dealt with that difficult Christmas week, but you continued to allow me the time I needed this last month to find my momentum again. I know I am not the first to have lost a mother, but it was the first time that I had lost someone so close to me. The kind words of sympathy and understanding offered by LDSWBR readers and authors reaffirmed to me the quality of people I am privileged to know and work with each day.

This is why Sheila, Mindy and I continue to volunteer our time, efforts, and money doing what we do. Other than the free books and PDFs we receive in exchange for our reviews, we receive no compensation except the reward of doing something we love.

And we love to give stuff away. So let’s get to it!

We want to give a big THANK YOU to the authors who participated and for the many authors who donated their books as drawing prizes.

The winners of the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012 are…..

 

  • Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack (signed paperback copy) – Leigh
  • Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick (paperback or ebook) – Bethany
  • Deadly Undertakings by Gregg Luke (personalized paperback) – An Ordinary Mom
  • Turning Pages by Tristi Pinkston (personalized paperback) – Leigh
  • Athena by Heather B. Moore (autographed paperback) – Chris F.
  • The Kindling by Braden Bell (paperback, signed if desired) – Julie C.
  • Sudden Darkness by Margot Hovley (personalized paperback) – Ranae W. Mackley
  • Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson (paperback) – Cathy Jeppsen
  • The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson (ebook) – Gayle Humpherys
  • The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson (ebook- PDF/.mobi) – Cathleen Moffat
  • Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie (signed paperback) – Tara (@gmail)
  • A Note Worth Taking by Lu Ann Staheli (Kindle) – Cathy Jeppsen
  • When Hearts Conjoin by Lu Ann Staheli (paperback) – Tara (@gmail)
  • Paige by Annette Lyon (signed paperback) – Melody Anthony
  • All Fall Down by Julie Coulter Bellon (personalized paperback) – Taffy
  • Smart Move by Melanie Jacobson (signed & personalized paperback) – An Ordinary Mom
  • Shadowed by Stephanie Black (personalized paperback or ebook) – Jolynn R.
  • Demons by Heather Frost (signed copy) – Lacey
  • Pride and Popularity by Jenni James (paperback) – Bethany
  • Northanger Alibi by Jenni James (paperback) – Andrea F.
  • Persuaded by Jenni James (paperback) – Chris F.
  • Emmalee by Jenni James (paperback) – Braden
  • **Bonus Prize** Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynn Jensen (paperback) – Kym

 

And the winner of the $50 Amazon Gift Card is…..

Lexi@BookBug!!!

 

Congratulations!

Winners can send an email to ldswbr(at)gmail(dot)com to claim their prize.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Countdown to Christmas 2012. I had a great time reading every comment left on each post. One of our favorite things about our countdowns is the opportunity to get to know our LDSWBR followers and the authors better. We hope you feel the same.

May 2013 bring all of you many blessings and an abundance of good books!

 

 

Where are the Christians? by Eric Shuster – Chapter 2

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Special Features
Jan 272013
 

 

Author Eric Shuster will be providing a series of blog posts summarizing various sections of his upcoming book Where are the Christians? due to be released this spring from Cedar Fort, Inc. We will feature one post each week from now until May 2013. For more information visit www.findyourchristianity.com.

* * *

SECTION 1: WHO ARE THE CHRISTIANS?—a History

Chapter 2: They were Legitimized and Codified (AD 300-999)

 

The Legitimacy and codification period, from AD 300 to 999 was a time for Christianity to continue its global proliferation, while codifying its doctrines and legitimizing its place in religion and politics. Of all of the four historical periods in Christendom this may have been the most important—it was a “make or break” era for Christianity.

This period of Christianity was defined by seven major categories of events: the continuation of persecution and evangelization, increased heresies, doctrinal codification, hierarchy and politics, validation, and the seeds of corruption. The dynamics of these events firmly established Christianity into the mainstream of society and gave it both the spiritual and political influence it needed to spread the gospel.

Evangelization during this period was accomplished primarily in two ways: word of mouth (preaching and proclamation) and the establishment of physical structures for the purposes of Christian worship and teaching. Between AD 330 and 360 monasteries were built in Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Persia, and Greece—Christianity was becoming a global religion.

If battling external forces wasn’t enough, internal fighting among Christians in the form of perceived heretical movements became fierce. Arianism, Dontanism, Apollinarianism, and other heresies rose during this period splintering Christianity and threatening ecclesiastical authority. Heresy didn’t always mean incorrect doctrine it meant that which was contrary to the central Christian Church at the time.

During the early days of this period an unlikely ally to Christianity emerged in the Emperor Constantine who convoked the Council of Nicaea in 325 in hopes of gaining theological consensus while consolidating his political influence. From this council emerged the Nicene Creed, the foundation for the doctrine of the Trinity. Further doctrinal codification of the Church came in the form of establishing written scripture. At the Synod at Carthage in AD 397 the 27 books of the New Testament were ratified and by AD 400 both the Old and New Testaments came together in the form of the Vulgate. The journey of the Bible however did not end there.

The growth of the Christian Church required the double-edged sword of hierarchical and structural creation to manage its many affairs. Political legitimacy of the Church was critical during this period and by the end of the forth century Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. With political legitimacy came the unintended consequences of Church and State integration which meant the state influenced the Church and vice versa—a dynamic that would impact the Church and sow the seeds of corruption it would battle for centuries.

Christianity by AD 999 was thriving spiritually and politically. No longer having to worry about external forces trying to eliminate its existence, Christianity could now focus on codifying its doctrines, establishing its canon, and building an enduring organization capable of taking the gospel to the four corners of the earth. Despite its stunning progress the seeds of corruption sown during this period would challenge the Christian Church in the centuries that followed leading to a series of unexpected events.

Go to www.findyourchristianity.com to watch the book trailer, find out what type of Christian you are, and to order the book.

 

Season 7 Episode 3: Top of the TBR #1

 Posted by  2013 Podcasts, Podcasts
Jan 222013
 

In this episode, Shanda, Sheila, and Mindy share the books currently at the top of their to-be-read lists. We hope to make “Top of the TBR” a regularly featured podcast. Stay tuned to the end to hear one of our rare blooper reels. Visit us on the LDSWBR blog (www.ldswbr.com), Facebook, and Twitter (@LDSWBR) and tell us what books are on the top of your TBR list. Music attribution: Seeing The Future (Dexter Britain) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

[podcast]http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2013-01-22/ldswbr_season7episode3_1-22-2013.mp3[/podcast]

Where are the Christians? by Eric Shuster – Chapter 1

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Special Features
Jan 212013
 

 

Author Eric Shuster will be providing a series of blog posts summarizing various sections of his upcoming book Where are the Christians? due to be released this spring from Cedar Fort, Inc. We will feature one post each week from now until May 2013. For more information visit www.findyourchristianity.com.

* * *

SECTION 1: WHO ARE THE CHRISTIANS?—a History

Chapter 1: They Were Evangelizers and Builders (up to AD 299)

 

Albert Schweitzer once said “One truth stands firm. All that happens in world history rests on something spiritual. If the spiritual is strong, it creates world history. If it is weak, it suffers world history.” Section one of Where are the Christians? takes on the daunting task of providing a concise and compelling history of Christianity to give readers a background of where it all began as a foundation moving forward.

The first of the four chapters in section one focuses on the Evangelization and Formation period of Christianity (up to AD 299). While some might think Christianity began the day Christ was born, Christianity was long prophesied in the Old Testament. Imagine the scholars of Alexandria who translated the Septuagint from Hebrew to Greek around 250 BC—little did they know that less than three centuries later the Messiah would be born and atone for the sins of all mankind.

Following the birth of Jesus Christ and his subsequent public ministry, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, a small group of believers were left with the commission to “teach all nations” and to baptize (Matt. 28:19-20), setting into motion the order of Christianity. The over two centuries that followed were defined by seven major categories of events: persecution of the church, martyrdom of its early leaders, the spreading of the gospel outside of Palestine, the conversion of Paul, the formation of the church, early heresies, and the writing of the New Testament.

The challenges associated with church persecution under Roman rule and the death of its early leaders was enough to destroy lesser religions that passed on before Christianity. However, the divine commission and enduring truth of Christianity persevered under what seemed to be improbable circumstances. Passionate early adherents such as Paul and others led by the Spirit took the gospel outside of Palestine to ensure its survival and growth among the people of the surrounding regions. While the adversary was trying to destroy the seeds of Christianity, the Lord was inspiring the early Christians to believe, teach, sacrifice and lay the foundation for the Kingdom of God on earth.

As Christianity spread so did a number of heresies that distorted the doctrines of the gospel and led many into deviate worship and belief. Gnosticism, Montanism and Monarchianism were three such heresies that mingled truth with intriguing elements to formulate followings that threatened the early church. As early Christian leaders battled heretical teachings the writing and compiling of the New Testament commenced in hopes of establishing a written record of the teachings of the Savior into an official canon—something that would take decades to complete and centuries more to become available to the masses. The challenge for Christianity moving into its next stage was to achieve large scale credibility as a legitimate religion with the power not only to save souls through faith in Jesus Christ, but to influence the social and political environment toward the establishment of a global Christian Church.

Go to www.findyourchristianity.com to watch the book trailer, find out what type of Christian you are, and to order the book.

 

Persuaded by Jenni James – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Jan 172013
 

 

I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the patience of our wonderful LDSWBR readers as I mourned the sudden passing of my mom. It was incredibly difficult to lose her just three days before Christmas, but the kind words of consolation as well as the thoughts and prayers offered on behalf of my family were felt and brought comfort and peace to us through the sadness of the days following her death. 

We have modified the contest rules so that entries will be accepted until 12:00 Midnight (Mountain Time) on Saturday, January 19, 2013. Winners will be announced the following week. 

*    *    *

2 days until Christmas

 

Jenni James is a busy mom of seven children. When she’s not chasing them around the house, she writing and dreaming about writing her next book. She has two series out: The Jane Austen Diaries as well as her Faerie Tale Collection. (Pride & Popularity, Persuaded, Northanger Alibi, Emmalee, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, Rumplestiltskin)

Visit Jenni:  WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

* * * * *

LDSWBR: Do you top your Christmas tree with a star, angel, or something else? Does it have special meaning to you?

JENNI: Usually an angel tops my tree. But I have three trees, so it depends on which one. My favorite is the simplistic country themed angel that adorns the top of our big family tree with all the handmade ornaments from the kids. So, so sweet. I’ve had people offer to buy her from me and I always tell them no.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas movie? Why is it your favorite?

JENNI: Oh, man! By far my favorite Christmas movie is Alan Menken’s A Christmas Carol with Kelsey Grammar as Scrooge! It is so well done. The music is uplifting and amazing–just breath-taking. And if I ever direct theater for adults (I specialize in children’s theater) it will be this musical I do.

LDSWBR: What Christmas gift have you been most excited to give?

JENNI: I was really excited about the 4 tiaras i was presenting to my four daughters this year. The 2-yr-old had a rhinestone headband in the shape of hearts, while the oldest, my 14-yr-old, had a large one. So, so pretty and so much fun. :)

LDSWBR:  Thank you, Jenni!

* * * * *

Purchase Persuaded: 

AMAZON | KINDLE | NOOK | DESERET BOOK

Will he take her back, or fling her aside like she deserves?

Three years ago, Amanda made the biggest mistake of her life, she let her friends persuade her to reject the guy she loved. They were convinced he was a loser and wasn’t good enough for her.

Now Gregory’s back in Farmington . . . taller, stronger, hotter than ever, and worth millions. Those gorgeous girls who snubbed him before are now falling at his feet, and he’s enjoying every moment of it.

Can he see past the pain Amanda caused him and give her a second chance? Or will she forever regret losing the only guy who truly loved her?

 Do you ever decorate your tree in themes? 

* * * * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Christmas 2012 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

If you don’t already follow LDSWBR through email, Facebook or Twitter (those cute little book buttons on the sidebar) you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. Following LDSWBR is not required but it is nice to know that our book reviews are useful to other readers. :)

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2012, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins December 3, 2012 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 2012 Mountain Time (updated to 12:00 Midnight January 19, 2013 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 posts 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 December 27, 2012 (updated to the week of January 20, 2013) by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until January 3, 2013 (updated to January 26, 2013) 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 & 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 December 21, 2012 – more to be added to this list!)

  • Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack (signed paperback copy)
  • Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick (paperback or ebook)
  • Deadly Undertakings by Gregg Luke (personalized paperback)
  • Turning Pages by Tristi Pinkston (personalized paperback)
  • Athena by Heather B. Moore (autographed paperback)
  • The Kindling by Braden Bell (paperback, signed if desired)
  • Sudden Darkness by Margot Hovley (personalized paperback)
  • Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson (paperback)
  • The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson (ebook)
  • The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson (ebook- PDF/.mobi)
  • Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie (signed paperback)
  • A Note Worth Taking by Lu Ann Staheli (Kindle)
  • When Hearts Conjoin by Lu Ann Staheli (paperback)
  • Paige by Annette Lyon (signed paperback)
  • All Fall Down by Julie Coulter Bellon (personalized paperback)
  • Smart Move by Melanie Jacobson (signed & personalized paperback)
  • Shadowed by Stephanie Black (personalized paperback or ebook)
  • Demons by Heather Frost (signed copy)
  • Pride and Popularity by Jenni James (paperback)
  • Northanger Alibi by Jenni James (paperback)
  • Persuaded by Jenni James (paperback)
  • Emmalee by Jenni James (paperback)
  • **Bonus Prize** Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynn Jensen (paperback)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

Demons by Heather Frost – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Jan 162013
 

 

I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the patience of our wonderful LDSWBR readers as I mourned the sudden passing of my mom. It was incredibly difficult to lose her just three days before Christmas, but the kind words of consolation as well as the thoughts and prayers offered on behalf of my family were felt and brought comfort and peace to us through the sadness of the days following her death. 

We have modified the contest rules so that entries will be accepted until 12:00 Midnight (Mountain Time) on Saturday, January 19, 2013. Winners will be announced the following week. 

*    *    *

3 days until Christmas

 

Heather Frost was born in Sandy, Utah, and raised in a small Northern Utah town. She is the second oldest of ten children, and she loves her family very much. She graduated from Snow College with an associate of science, and she is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English at Utah State University. Heather has always been an avid reader, and reading and writing are among her favorite things to do. She also enjoys playing the flute, listening to all types of music, and watching a wide variety of movies. She is the author of the Seers Trilogy.

Visit Heather:  WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

* * * * *

LDSWBR: Do you top your Christmas tree with a star, angel, or something else? Does it have special meaning to you?

HEATHER: We use a star at my house–the same star that’s been used for as long as I can remember. There are colorful lights inside a gold frame; the old star matches our family tree perfectly. Lots of personality, memories, and love. It’s the most beautiful tree in the world.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas movie? Why is it your favorite?

HEATHER: I have lots of favorites, but “White Christmas” is at the top of the list. My parents forced us to watch it every year growing up, and as a kid I thought most of it was boring. But then I grew to love the songs, the story, and the spirit of Christmas the movie invites.

LDSWBR: What Christmas gift have you been most excited to give?

HEATHER: I remember years ago all of my siblings got together and bought a new Lazy-Boy chair for my dad. We hid it in the boys’ room until Christmas, because their room was such a wreck hiding a boxed up chair was a piece of cake.I think that’s honestly one of the only times we’ve ever managed to surprise Dad. It was awesome.

LDSWBR: “White Christmas” is a very popular Christmas movie! Thank you, Heather!

* * * * *

Purchase Demons (Book 2 in Seers trilogy): 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Kate’s life is far from normal. She can see Auras, her boyfriend is immortal, and her powers make her a target. But now that the Demon Lord is hunting her, things are about to go from dangerous to truly deadly. Packed with action, mind-blowing plot twists, and characters you can’t get enough of, this is a fast-paced, heart-pounding read from cover to cover.

 Do you have a creative hiding spot for Christmas presents? 

* * * * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Christmas 2012 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

If you don’t already follow LDSWBR through email, Facebook or Twitter (those cute little book buttons on the sidebar) you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. Following LDSWBR is not required but it is nice to know that our book reviews are useful to other readers. :)

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2012, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins December 3, 2012 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 2012 Mountain Time (updated to 12:00 Midnight January 19, 2013 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 posts 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 December 27, 2012 (updated to the week of January 20, 2013) by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 2013 (updated to January 26, 2013) 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 & 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 December 21, 2012 – more to be added to this list!)

  • Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack (signed paperback copy)
  • Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick (paperback or ebook)
  • Deadly Undertakings by Gregg Luke (personalized paperback)
  • Turning Pages by Tristi Pinkston (personalized paperback)
  • Athena by Heather B. Moore (autographed paperback)
  • The Kindling by Braden Bell (paperback, signed if desired)
  • Sudden Darkness by Margot Hovley (personalized paperback)
  • Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson (paperback)
  • The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson (ebook)
  • The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson (ebook- PDF/.mobi)
  • Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie (signed paperback)
  • A Note Worth Taking by Lu Ann Staheli (Kindle)
  • When Hearts Conjoin by Lu Ann Staheli (paperback)
  • Paige by Annette Lyon (signed paperback)
  • All Fall Down by Julie Coulter Bellon (personalized paperback)
  • Smart Move by Melanie Jacobson (signed & personalized paperback)
  • Shadowed by Stephanie Black (personalized paperback or ebook)
  • Demons by Heather Frost (signed copy)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

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