Shanda

Jun 102014
 

CD2S-2014_300

11 days until summer!

 

annetteklarsen 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

missinglily

“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?

* * *

**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you 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. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, 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 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)

 

Jun 092014
 

CD2S-2014_300

12 days until summer!

 

chadmorrisChad Morris is the author of The Inventor’s Secret and The Avatar Battle, the first two books in the Cragbridge Hall series. More are on the way! He would love to be able to control animal avatars, see history in 3D, and show everyone how he imagines stories. Since the inventions that would make that possible currently only exist in his imagination, he settles for reading, writing, playing basketball (though he’s getting older and slower all the time), rappelling down an occasional slot canyon, dating his wife, and hanging out with his five awesome kids.

Chad speaks Portuguese, can play the Phineas and Ferb theme song on the guitar, and does decent impressions of a velociraptor and Voldemort—but not at the same time. He isn’t very good at fixing his car, shopping for anything, cooking, or growing hair.

Visit Chad: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+

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LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?

CHAD: The Sandlot! I had my fair share of adventures around the neighborhood with a crazy gang of kids. Though none of us every jumped into the deep end of a pool when we couldn’t swim just so a beautiful lifeguard would give us mouth to mouth. Squints, you’re a brave, crazy genius.

LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?

CHAD: I love to hike, though I don’t get out as much as I should. I have a few canyons pretty close to my house (Adam’s Canyon, Baer Canyon), but I love Angel’s landing, the Narrows, and a few other spots down in Southern Utah!

LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

CHAD: I liked Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson and Coraline by Neil Gaiman. I’m still looking forward to Five Kingdoms by Brandon Mull, Blackout by Rob Wells, and Almost Super by Marion Jensen, but I haven’t dived in yet. I’ve been swamped touring and trying to finish up Cragbridge Hall 3.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Chad!

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DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON | GOODREADS

 avatar battle
The adventure continues when Abby and Derick begin second semester at Cragbridge Hall, the most prestigious secondary school in the world. But when Grandpa Cragbridge admits them to the Council of Keys–a secret group of people who have keys to travel back in time–strange things begin to happen. One by one, members are found unconscious and unable to wake, their keys stolen. Now Abby and Derick must scramble to figure out who is behind the attacks before they become the next victims, which would give their enemy the power to change the past forever. A page-turning, time-travel adventure that teaches powerful lessons about choice and consequence, believing you can do hard things, and valuing history.

Is/was gathering at the local swimming pool part of your summer tradition?

* * *

**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you 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. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, 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 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 6/9/14 – 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)

 

Jun 082014
 

CD2S-2014_300

13 days until summer!

 

tracihunterabramsonTraci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. And though Traci found her passion in caring for her family, she couldn’t manage to forget the action of the CIA, so she turned to writing about it. She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists and won her second this year in the mystery/suspense category. She loves sports and traveling and enjoys reading, writing, and coaching high school swimming.

Visit Traci: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+

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LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?

TRACI: I had to think about this for a while, but I think the one that comes to mind most is Night at the Museum. This was the first movie my son liked that wasn’t animated and he used to love watching it over and over again. He’s a bit of a history buff so during the summertime, we would watch the movie and that would spur trips to local museums. Since we only live an hour away from the Smithsonian Museum, that was often go into DC to the Natural History Museum (to see the dinosaurs and animals) and to the American History Museum (to see all the cool war stuff.) Imagine our surprise when the second Night at the Museum movie came out and it was set at our favorite museum.

LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?

TRACI: I don’t typically hike during the summer because it is so hot and humid where I live. I much prefer to go out during the spring and fall, but anyplace near the water is my favorite. I love the trail along the George Washington Parkway between Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, and I also really enjoy “hiking” through Washington, DC by all of the monuments.

LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

TRACI: One book that I read recently and really enjoyed was The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor. It was fun reading something set in the same area of the country where I live and I loved the way Jenny used family history as a plotline.

LDSWBR: Thanks, Traci!

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DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | AMAZON | GOODREADS

Cover_FRONT_Chances Are

Maya Gupta is a survivor. After escaping an impending arranged marriage in India as a teenager, she has thrived in America. But now she faces her greatest challenge yet—cancer has invaded her life, and unless she finds a way to participate in a clinical trial in Washington, DC, this may be one battle she loses. When Maya’s best friend Kari offers Maya the lifeline of a place to stay—her brother’s currently vacant DC apartment—the young woman eagerly accepts and goes to meet her fate . . .

Ben Evans’s plans have changed, and he’s heading home for some much-needed rest and relaxation during his off-season in the major leagues. Upon arriving at his DC apartment, however, Ben is shocked to find Maya—his sister’s friend, who he hardly knows—in residence. He soon finds himself trapped between protecting his above-reproach reputation and searching for a way to help a woman he is coming to admire. When Maya’s fight to survive her disease becomes more complicated than ever, she and Ben scheme an extreme solution to her predicament that tests to what lengths they’re willing to go together to save Maya’s life.

Is there a movie set in your hometown or one of your favorite places to visit?

* * *

**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you 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. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, 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 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 6/8/14 – 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)

 

Jun 072014
 

CD2S-2014_300

14 days until summer!

 

sarahmedenSarah M. Eden is the author of multiple historical romances, including Whitney Award finalists Seeking Persephone, Courting Miss Lancaster, and AML “2013 Novel of the Year” Longing for Home. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah has twice served as the Master of Ceremonies for the LDStorymakers Writers Conference and acted as the Writer in Residence at the Northwest Writers Retreat. Sarah is represented by Pam van Hylckama Vlieg at Foreword Literary Agency.

Visit Sarah: WEBSITE/BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

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LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?

SARAH: The book that, to me, just screams summer, is The Glass Unicorn, a literary masterpiece in unfinished form by a 12-year-old, as-yet-unknown author. This young writer in the rough wrote her bit of genius under extreme duress as part of a mandatory summer activity designed by her mother to keep a house full of bored children from climbing the walls. In this book’s pages (all 4 of them) we find intrigue, angsty pre-teen drama, highly derivative paranormal elements, and the vaguest hint of a storyline. One can almost sense that the author knew she was in the wrong genre and would grow up to one day write, not middle grade urban fantasy, but Romance with lots of romancey-ness and a limited amount of magical knick-knackery.

LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?

SARAH: I think my favorite hike right now involves the five stairs required to get out of my house. On good days, I can make that grueling hike on my feet. On not so good days, I make the journey on my backside. On super bad days, I stand at my door and gaze longingly at the world beyond knowing I’m stuck because there is no way out of my house that doesn’t involve stairs. Perhaps someday I’ll conquer the “Hike of the Twelve Stairs Going to My Basement,” but let’s not get crazy!

LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

SARAH: It’s always so hard to pick a “favorite.” But I will say, I just recently finished Before the Clock Strikes Thirty by Aubrey Mace and thought is was absolutely lovely. Such a fun and enjoyable read!

LDSWBR: Thank you, Sarah! (UPDATE- For those of you who might be concerned by my asking Sarah about hiking considering her RA diagnosis: I create the interview questions and author invitation email well ahead of considering which authors to ask to participate in the Countdown then send the same interview email to every author. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the connection with the hiking question in regard to Sarah beforehand. Sarah assured me that the question wasn’t at all offensive to her, that our friendship is such that she knows that I would never purposefully ask an inconsiderate question, and she answered it with her usual good humor. As someone whose mother suffered with RA for several years, I am aware of the struggles and pain that RA causes. There was no malice intended by including this question in the author interviews.)

* * *

DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON | GOODREADS

AsYouAre

A horse breeder by trade, Corbin Jonquil is more at home in the stables than in the ballroom of his sprawling estate. Corbin is the quietest of the Jonquil brothers and has always faded into the background, contentedly unnoticed. When a mysterious young widow, Mrs. Clara Bentford, moves into the neighborhood, however, Corbin quickly comes to realize that being noticed has its advantages. But how to catch the eye of the lady? According to his brothers, Corbin need only make a few simple changes to transform himself into the object of any woman’s desire—dubious advice, indeed. Following a series of misadventures, Corbin and Clara slowly lower the facades behind which they’ve been hiding, leaving Corbin shocked by the horrors that haunt the woman he’s coming to care for so ardently. When the menace of Clara’s past threatens to tear them apart and tensions mount, will the couple have the courage to fight for the promise of forever?

* * *

DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON | GOODREADS

 LongingforHome_HopeSprings

Katie Macauley gave up her lifelong dream of returning to Ireland in order to make a home for herself in Hope Springs, Wyoming, but her future has never been so uncertain.

Katie’s heart still remains sharply divided between playful Tavish and steady Joseph, though she feels ill-prepared to make a decision. Furthermore, the town is more divided than ever with both the Irish and the Reds stealing property, burning buildings, and endangering lives. In the midst of the growing unrest, tem­peratures drop quickly, too quickly, and Irish nightmares of fam­ine and cold resurface as the little Wyoming town struggles to beat the harsh winter.

Katie makes one sacrifice after another to keep the peace and help see her loved ones through the difficult days ahead, but will her efforts be enough? Can the town make amends before their hatred consumes them all? And will Katie find the love she has been searching for as well as a home to call her own?

I still have stories I wrote in junior high and high school, though I shudder at the thought of reading them now. Did you write stories when you were growing up? If so, do you still have them?

* * *

**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you 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. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, 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 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 6/7/14 – 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

 

Jun 062014
 

CD2S-2014_300

15 days until summer!

 

ALSowardsA.L. Sowards has always been fascinated by the 1940s, but she’s grateful she didn’t live back then. She doesn’t think she could have written a novel on a typewriter, and no one would be able to read her handwriting if she wrote her books out longhand. She does, however, think they had the right idea when they rationed nylon and women went barelegged. Sowards grew up in Moses Lake, Washington. She graduated from BYU and ended up staying in Utah, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and children or with her laptop. She does not own a typewriter. She does own several pairs of nylons.

Visit A.L.: WEBSITE/BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

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LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?

A.L.: Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Most of my family and I went to see it opening weekend when I was about to graduate from high school. It might not have been officially summer, but it was hot and sunny. I have five siblings, so it was rare for all of us to go to the theater together (it was cheaper to wait until the movie came out on video). Though we didn’t like it as much as we liked the original three movies, it’s a fun memory.

LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?

A.L.: Fourth of July Pass in northern Idaho. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but if you know where to look, there are great spots for picking huckleberries.

LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

A.L.: That’s a hard question, because I like different books for different reasons. Wonder by R.J. Palacio was uplifting, Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson and I, Spy by Jordan McCollum were entertaining, and To Hell and Back by Audie Murphy and The White Rabbit: The Secret Agent the Gestapo Could Not Crack by Bruce Marshall told inspiring true stories. If I had to pick just one, I’d go with Flying Fury: Five Years in the Flying Corps, by James McCudden. He was a natural storyteller, and it was interesting to learn more about WWI aviation and how quickly the air war changed. Such an interesting, honest look at that time period. Also a great story of hard work overcoming social barriers.

LDSWBR: Great book recommendations! Thank you!

* * *

DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | AMAZON | GOODREADS

DeadlyAlliance

When Peter Eddy and his commando team inadvertently upset the Soviets during their most recent mission, they never imagined the diplomatic nightmares that would ensue. They have one chance to redeem themselves: tasked with destroying a bridge in Nazi-occupied Bosnia, Peter and his war-weary team reluctantly agree to drop behind enemy lines. The assignment should be a simple one—were it not for the fact that they are being deployed on a suicide mission.

Genevieve Olivier is devastated by the news of Peter’s disappearance. After all they’ve endured in this war, the determined OSS worker is unwilling to simply let go of the man she hopes to spend her life with. Desperate for information, her work as a courier soon escalates into a counterintelligence duel with a Fascist assassin—and Genevieve is his newest target . . .

A.L. mentions some good spy novels and nonfiction. Have you read any good spy books lately?

* * *

**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you 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. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, 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 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 6/6/14 – 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)
Jun 052014
 

CD2S-2014_300

16 days until summer!

 

juliedaines Julie Daines was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.

She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her vervain.

Visit Julie: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

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LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?

JULIE: We go to a cabin in Montana every summer, just outside of Yellowstone National Park. One summer I read a book called Death in Yellowstone. It told about all the deaths that have occurred inside the boundaries of the park. Bear attacks, eating poisonous plants, killed by natives, falling into geysers, western shoot-outs—it was all there. I’ll never forget it. I was fascinated and horrified at the same time.

LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?

JULIE: We only hike a little during the summer because it’s too hot. We hike to Cascade Falls at Lake Tahoe nearly every year in July.

LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

JULIE: In February, I reread all of Sarah M. Eden’s Regency Romance novels in chronological order. I had so much fun immersing myself in the time period and seeing how all the stories overlap and the characters interplay on each other. Loved it!

LDSWBR: Thank you, Julie!

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DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON | GOODREADS

unraveled_cover

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.

Do you visit Yellowstone in the summer?

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**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you 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.  US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, 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 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 6/5/14)**

  • Unraveled by Julie Daines (signed paperback)