Sheila

Sheila’s Review of Band of Sisters: Coming Home, a novel, by Annette Lyon

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jan 112013
 

Product Details:

  • Title: Band of Sisters: Coming Home a novel
  • Author: Annette Lyon
  • Paperback: 238 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc; 1st edition (January 2, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1621083195
  • ISBN-13: 978-1621083191
  • FTC:FYI:I was gven a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:

Publication Date: January 2, 2013
Five women became fast friends when their husbands were deployed to Afghanistan. But as they welcome the soldiers home, what should be a joyful time soon becomes painful. Kim, who had a baby while her husband was away, knows how to be a mother but has forgotten how to be a wife. Nora, accustomed to taking care of herself during the long years of her husband’s absence, resents having to forfeit her independence. Jess’s already troubled marriage turns dangerous, while Brenda struggles to manage her husband,s psychological trauma. And Marianne faces her crushing loss, compounded with worry over wayward children. Each woman must draw upon her bond of friendship and faith to find the strength, courage, and insight needed to move forward, proving that even the hardest of trials cannot break this loyal band of sisters.
 
 
 My Review: 
Band of Sisters, the first book, was about five women whose husbands were deployed to Afghanistan. They formed a strong group of women to help each other while their husbands were gone.  This novel showed the harsh reality of war, and the families left behind while a spouse is deployed. This book of friendship and strength won Author Annette Lyon a 2010 Whitney Award in General Fiction.
This second installment, Coming Home, shows the impact of war on the men, and how the families deal with their husbands and fathers now home from war. This book is realistic, as it explores many of the true-to-life issues that many of our service men and women live with.
One of the five women, Marianne, has become a widow, as her husband died while serving overseas. The novel shows the grief of the family, as they now have to live life forever without their husband and father.
Another woman, Brenda, has the heartache of finding out her husband has PTSD, and he goes from being severely depressed to out of control with his anger. With the PTSD he loses his job and his wife finds out she’s pregnant.
Then poor Jessie, who didn’t mind her husband being gone for a year, once again has to deal with his abusive and bullying nature. She also finds out about the many bad habits he picked up while he was deployed. Soon she fears for the safety of herself and children.
Kim, the youngest women of the group, is having a hard time adjusting to being a “wife”. Newly married when she sent her husband off, she only knows how to play well the role of a Mom to her baby son who was born during the past year. Kim is having the harder time adjusting to having her husband home.
Nora, the older woman, who was the glue that held them together the past year, is having some growing pains having her husband there 24/7 underfoot. For many years she was independent, raising her children on her own as her husband was deployed. Now, he is trying to take charge of Nora’s life.
What did I love about this book? I loved the characters even more than the first book. I felt like I was revisiting old friends. Annette does a wonderful job of creating characters that you can bond with, and care about. All of the women in the story struggled with the deployment being over. Coming Home showed how the trials weren’t over for the families. It isn’t always a happy read, but one where the women rise up and gather courage and strength from each other. I was truly inspired by these characters and the hard decisions they had to make. I could relate to many of the things they were going through; especially Marianne, the now single Mom.
If you haven’t read the first Band of Sisters, I recommend that you do that first before reading Coming Home. You will be lost and not feel the deep impact of what is happening in the story.
Coming Home has a satisfying ending. Everything isn’t truly perfect with all of the women and their families, but as in life, it never really is.

 
 Purchase Here:
 

Annette Lyon

Best Price $15.99
or Buy New $15.99
 
 
 
About the Author:

Annette Lyon has been writing ever since second grade, when she piled pillows on a chair to reach her mother’s typewriter. A cum laude graduate from BYU with a degree in English, she has had success as a professional editor and doing newspaper, magazine, and business writing, but her first love is creating fiction. She’s perhaps best known for her historical novels centered around the four old Utah temples. Band of Sisters is about five women who come together during their husbands’ deployment to Afghanistan. The sequel, Coming Home, has a release date of January 2013.

Her cookbook, Chocolate Never Faileth, is a delicious departure from fiction and the culmination of over 5 months of test kitchen craziness and fun.

One of the most rewarding parts of Annette’s writing career has been collaborating on The Newport Ladies Book Club series. Her first book there Paige, was released in 2012. Ilana, her second Newport Ladies novel, is forthcoming.

In 2007 Annette was awarded Utah’s Best of State medal for fiction. Spires of Stone, her fifth novel, was a 2007 Whitney Award finalist for Best Historical Novel. She has received three publication awards from the League of Utah Writers and took first place in the 2009 Funds for Writers essay contest. She won a Whitney Award 2010 in General Fiction for Band of Sisters.

Be sure to also drop by her blog.

Blog Tour Review of, The Dark Eagles First Flight, by David R. Smith

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jan 042013
 

Product Details

  • Title: The Dark Eagles:First Flight 
  • Author: David R. Smith
  • Hardcover: 286 pages
  • Publisher: Brigham Distributing; First Edition edition (May 7, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0615571328
  • ISBN-13: 978-0615571324

 

Book Description:

“The book was wonderfully written. It is a book for all ages and gender. Boys may like that it is from a young man’s point of view with all the adventure. I enjoyed the character development and the friendships formed from the adversity they faced.”

The Book Rack, Arcadia, CA
 
Kief loves exploring the rugged mountains on his horse, Natch, with his
best friend Tarc.  But when he receives a mysterious map on his birthday,
left behind for him by his dead grandfather, Kief is thrown into an
adventure beyond even his imagination.

Leaving home to pursue his childhood dream of attending the merchant
academy on the coast, extraordinary events unfold propelling Kief, along
with his friends and his map, toward the same perilous destiny.

My Review:
The beginning of the story is a little slow, but many pieces are being set in place. Once the main character, Kief, leaves to attend academy, then things start moving quickly. Kief’s country is attacked and the adventure begins. Kief is a strong young male character that exhibits strength, courage and standing up for what he believes in. I couldn’t help but think what a good example this character is for young people today. The other supporting characters, all of Kief’s friends that happen to be males and females, compliment him, and help in this quest to free his country from the occupying enemy, The Gars. They are great characters, flawed in their own ways, but all very relatable to teens. They had good friendly, relationships, so the dialogue was often fun as they teased each other amidst the great challenge they were facing.

I’m so excited to let my kids, 10 and 14 read this book. The only warning I’ll give, is that there is some violence, of people being beaten up and at the climax when people are killed. None of it is gratuitous, or too graphic, but as this is about a war,  it goes along well with the amazing ending of this book. You will be holding your breath as the youth undergo a grand scheme to battle the enemy. The books ends with a shocking, but happy, announcement that leads into book two.

This book will be a great read for tweens and teens that like books about adventure, friendship and going after your dreams.David R. Smith has written a book that will keep you on the edge and leave you wanting more.

Purchase The Dark Eagles Take Flight here at Amazon.

“Author David R. Smith does a fine job with his dialogue, which flows smoothly and wittily throughout. His interactions between characters are genuine, and the portrayals of his young female characters in particular are refreshing.”
The Deseret News, Salt Lake City, UT
About the Author: David R. Smith
David was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and spent most of his childhood on
a farm in Heber City, located in the Wasatch Mountains. He loved exploring
the mountains on his horse looking for adventures to follow. Growing up,
he wanted to be a movie director and used his own Super 8 camera to make
silent movies with his friends and brothers and sister. Instead he earned
a Bachelors in Engineering at the University of Utah. While there, he met
the love of his life, Jenelle, and they were blessed with three amazing
sons: Josh, Tate, and Porter. David later earned his Masters in Business
Administration from Northwestern University and pursued a path in the
corporate world. But his creative side continued to tug at him for years
until finally through the encouragement of his wife and boys, he realized
that it’s never too late to follow your dream. So David set off to write
an epic adventure of a boy and his horse and created a story of freedom,
adventure, love, courage and sacrifice. When he’s not writing, David
enjoys outdoor activities with his family, and especially loves surfing
with his three boys in Southern California where he resides.

Visit the website: http://www.thedarkeagles.com/

Blog Tour Schedule for The Dark Eagles: First Flight
12/5/12       www.ordinaryhappilyeverafter.com
12/6/2012    http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com
12/7/2012    http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/
12/10/2012    http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/
12/11/2012    http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/
12/12/2012    http://www.tanyaparkermills.com/
12/13/2012    http://debbiesinkspectations.blogspot.com/
12/14/2012    http://davidpowersking.blogspot.com/
12/17/2012    http://renaeswritespot.blogspot.com/
12/18/2012    http://www.rashelleworkman.com/
12/19/2012    http://tamarahartheiner.blogspot.com/
12/20/2012    http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/

12/28/2012   http://geolibrarian.blogspot.com
1/2/2013    http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/
1/3/2013   http://www.dorinewhite.blogspot.com/
1/4/2013    http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
1/4/2013   http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/
1/5/2013    www.astorybookworld.blogspot.com
1/7/2013   http://rebeccablevinswrites.blogspot.com/
1/8/2013   http://www.inksplasher.blogspot.com/  
1/9/2013
1/10/2013
1/11/2013
1/15/2013 http://kbrebes.blogspot.com/  

Review and Giveaway for Open Adoption, Open Heart by Russell Elkins

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Sheila's Reviews
Dec 142012
 
Tour Schedule

 

 Product Details:
  • Title: Open Adoption, Open Heart:An Adoptive Fathers Inspiring Journey
  • Author: Russell Elkins
  • Paperback
  • Publisher: Aloha Publishing (May 21, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 161206034X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1612060347
  • FTC: FYI: I was given a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:Open Adoption, Open Heart

The world of adoption has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. No longer do biological parents have to say goodbye to their child forever. They now have more options when deciding the type of adoption to pursue, such as open adoption. Open adoption creates the opportunity for a special relationship between biological parents, the adoptive parents, and the child.
 Open Adoption, Open Heart is an inspiring and true story, which takes the reader deeper into the feelings and emotions experienced by adoptive parents. As you read this incredible story, you will experience the joys, difficulties, and amazing victories facing adoptive couples. Russell and his wife, Jammie, invite you to share in their inspiring and heartwarming journey.

My Review:

This book took me down memory lane. I went through much of the same process as the author when we adopted our first child. Our adoption was open to a certain extent, but not quite as open as the author’s experience. We also had fewer problems with the birth parents. But we did experience many of the same emotions that you go through as you wait for that long-awaited child. I agree with the author when he told of how people think adopting is the “easy” way to get children. Having had the opportunity to be blessed with children through adoption and giving birth, I have to say that they were both hard in their own ways.

Russell tells a wonderful story of how they persevered to finally be blessed with a child. As a reader you get very involved in their story and anxiously await to see how things will turn out. Even though this is a non-fiction story about real people, it reads like a novel where you are glued to the pages. Any reader will love reading about Russell and his wife’s journey to become parents. Those considering adoption or those who have adopted will also truly enjoy and benefit from reading Open Adoption, Open Heart.

 

Purchase

From the Author: While my book’s primary audience was thought to be those hoping to adopt, close to half of the books I’ve sold are simply people who want to read about our story and how adoption is different now than it used to be- and they have not adopted nor do they plan to adopt.

About the Author:

Russell Elkins was born on Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., in the fall of 1977. Along with his five siblings, he and his military family moved around a lot, living in eight different houses by the time he left for college at age 17. Although his family movedaway from Fallon, Nevada, just a few months after he moved out, he still considers that little oasis in the desert to be his childhood hometown. He and his family now live in the Boise, Idaho area.

Russell has always been a family man at heart, looking forward to the day when he could be a husband and a father. It took him a little while, but eventually his eyes locked onto a beautiful blonde, and he has never looked away. Russell and Jammie were married in 2004. Years of struggling with infertility left Russell and Jammie with a decision to make and their lives changed dramatically when they decided to adopt.

Russell and Jammie have adopted two beautiful children, Ira and Hazel, and have embraced their role as parents through open adoption. Both are actively engaged in the adoption community by communicating through social media, taking part in discussion panels, and writing songs about adoption. Russell also writes a weekly post for Adoption.com and contributes regularly to Adoption Voices Magazine.
Links

Tour Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash from Author Russell Elkins

Ends 12/23/12

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent’s permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/10/open-heart-open-adoption-blog-tour.html

Blog Tour Review of An Unexpected Angel, by Janet K. Halling

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Sheila's Reviews
Dec 092012
 

Product Details

  • Title: An Unexpected Angel
  • Author: Janet K. Halling
  • Paperback: 120 pages
  • Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (October 9, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1462111033
  • ISBN-13: 978-1462111039
  • FTC FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Review by: Sheila
Book Description:
Sometimes finding peace means finding a difference perspective.
  
 Ella Davies, is focused, independent, and driven. Her hard work is finally paying off and she is on the brink of great success. But what no one knows is that her frantic drive is born not from a desire to succeed, but from a need to forget – forget her past, forget her guilt, and mostly, forget the tragedy that changed her life forever.
                  
 Ella’s strategy seems to be working but on Christmas Eve she meets Cohen, a strange man with an even stranger purpose. Cohen catapults Ella back through time and forces her to confront not only her own pain, but the pain of those long since passed. In the process, Ella learns about courage and compassion and that in the darkest hour, no one is ever alone.
An Unexpected Angel – Excerpt (All rights reserved)
                  Somewhere there was a rhythmic humming—a kind of a swooshing sound that increased and decreased in volume at regular intervals. She couldn’t remember where she was. Her whole body ached, and her head felt as if it would explode.
                  Ella groaned and opened her eyes. She was still in the gym, lying crumpled against the weight machine. The treadmill had stopped, and the rhythmic sound was coming from the man riding the spinning bike, which sat nearby.
                  Her fingers trembled as she felt the goose egg on the side of her head. Her face was on fire, probably scraped on the belt, and her knees were bloody, also from the belt.
                  Suddenly she stiffened. There was a man riding the bike! A man riding the bike. While she had been lying there unconscious. Had he just sauntered in and climbed on without seeing her at all or had he viewed her inert form without concern? That was cold, even for New York City. Gingerly, she turned her head to look at him.
                  It was the clerk from the deli, and he didn’t stop pedaling as he glanced her way. “Oh good, you’re awake.”
                  She stared up at him in mute astonishment.
                  He reached for his water bottle and took a long drink. “I’m glad you woke up on your own,” he said pleasantly. “I was about ready to pour this in your face, so you can thank me for sparing you an unexpected shower.”
                  Ella grasped the weight machine and pulled herself slowly to a sitting position. Her head was throbbing, and her stomach lurched. “I could sue you for failing to come to the aid of an injured person,” she snapped rather feebly.
                  The man studied her contemplatively. “Hmmm, yes, you would think of that, wouldn’t you? But I’m not too worried, Ella. You’re not going to sue me and we both know it.”
                  She opened her mouth to snarl a retort but stopped abruptly. “How do you know my name?” she demanded. “And what are you even doing here? You don’t live in this building.” She hesitated, realizing she wasn’t sure. “Do you?”
                  He jumped off the bike and held out his hand. “You should get up. Want help?”
                  She shrank away from him. “Don’t touch me! Who are you, and how do you know my name?”
                  “Well, it’s simple really. My name is Cohen, and I’m your guardian angel.” He broke into a brief but rapid tap dance routine and finished with flair. And with jazz hands.
                  Ella stared at him in perplexed silence, unsure if he was a hallucination or just crazy. “Uh-huh. Right,” she finally said, groaning as she pulled herself to her feet. A wave of nausea hit her, and she stopped, doubling over and willing herself not to vomit. She for sure had a concussion.
She tried to think. Should she go to the hospital? Or maybe just go home and try to sleep? She didn’t know. She made a move toward the door, but Cohen tap-danced over to block her path.
                  “Get out of my way,” she snapped at him with more bravado than she felt.
                  He grinned. “Can’t do that. You and me, we have business tonight.”
                  For the first time, she felt a small dart of fear. Cohen wasn’t exactly menacing, but he certainly was strange. If he attacked her, would she have the strength to fight him? If only her head would stop hurting!
                  “What do you want?” she asked.
                  “I already told you, I’m your guardian angel. Well, not technically an angel, but that word will serve as well as any other. Anyway, I’m here to help.”
                  “Sure. Like you helped me when I was unconscious a minute ago? If that’s your kind of help, no thanks.”
                  “No, not that kind of help, silly.”
                  “Look, whatever you’re on, whatever you’re offering, I’m not interested. Just leave me alone, please? I’m sore and tired, and my head is killing me. I need to go lie down.”
                  “Oh, right. That.” He made some sort of vague gesture and instantly her nausea subsided and the pain in her head vanished.
                  Chills raced up and down her spine, and she stared at him, “Wait . . . what’s . . . what’s going on?”
                  “Okay, no more joking around.” Cohen looked suddenly serious. “Here’s the deal. You need help and there’s a lot you need to learn. Only you’re far too stubborn to admit it. You might not even know how much help you need. But I know; so here I am.”
                  The pieces were starting to fall into place. “Wait . . . Christmas Eve . . . guardian angel. This is some kind of a joke, right?” she said before adding sarcastically, “What’s the matter, Jacob Marley was busy? Clarence already got his wings? Or wasn’t he on duty tonight?”
                  He grinned. “Both good men. But you got stuck with me. Although, all things considered, maybe it’s me who got stuck with you. You can be quite unpleasant, do you know that?”
                  Ella snorted derisively. “So when does the Ghost of Christmas Past show up? Or is he waiting for me upstairs?”
                  “Dickens took some liberties. It doesn’t exactly work like that. At least, this time it won’t.”
                   “You have exactly one second to get out of my way or I’m going to start screaming at the top of my lungs!”
                  Cohen cocked his head to one side and gave her a brief shrug of resignation. “Okay then, you win. Can’t say I didn’t try.” He stepped smoothly to one side and swept his arm in a wide arc toward the door. “Be my guest.”
                  Throwing him what she hoped was a withering glare, Ella marched past him, flung open the door—and stepped into a nightmare.
My Review:

 How amazing is it when a short book, only 120 pages long,can make you sit and cry and cry? An Unexpected Angel is truly an unexpected read.Main character Ella is an unlikable,lonely and straight forward lawyer. The story begins on Christmas Eve. With nuances of Dicken’s, A Christmas Carol, Ella is taken on a journey of self-discovery and forgiveness. Each experience that Ella has, draws her closer to her real self. Ella has hard a sad life, losing her mother and sisters at the age of nine. She has never recovered from this loss or fully healed her relationship with her father. With the help of her guardian angel Cohen, she learns many things in one night. There are many tender moments in this story that will leave you reaching for the tissues.
Will I share this story with my kids and other family members? 100% yes! I loved this book so much, I plan on buying several copies to give to family members. The messages found in this book are so important I HAVE to share it with my loved ones. This is a 5 star book that you will want to own and share this Christmas.
Author Bio:
                  Janet Halling discovered her love of writing at the age of six when her story of a lonely duck won a first grade writing contest. She has a degree in Marketing Communications and lives with her family in northern Utah. She is currently working on her next novel.

 

Online Content:
TV interview (Recorded 11/27/12 for Good Things Utah ABC4)

Review of Athena by Heather B. Moore and Interview With The Author

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Dec 082012
 
Product Details
  • Title: Athena (The Newport Ladies Book Club Series Book)
  • Author: Heather B. Moore
  • Paperback: 208 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc; 1st edition (November 1, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1608619443
  • ISBN-13: 978-1608619443
  • FTC FYI: I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Review by: Sheila

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2012
Self-proclaimed bachelorette Athena Di Jasper is at the top of her game. Her online magazine is thriving, and she’s in a comfortably static relationship, free of the kind of commitment that could lead to marriage she’s seen her parents rocky union, and it’s not for her. When her on-again, off-again boyfriend Karl wants to move their relationship to the next commitment level, Athena’s obvious dismay leads him to challenge her workaholic tendencies. His accusation is true: she hasn’t even paused to read a novel in years. Determined to prove Karl wrong, Athena takes a break from her hectic schedule to peruse a used bookstore, where she meets Grey, the intriguing and single proprietor. Her quest for change and her desire to see more of Grey leads Athena to stray from her to-do list and join the Newport Ladies Book Club. When Athena’s world is turned upside down by a family tragedy, she’s left to care for her terminally ill father. Juggling the demands of attending to an ailing parent and running her business, Athena comes to value the friendships of the book-club members, and she finds herself relying more and more on Grey’s support. When she stumbles across an old shoebox in her mother’s closet, she’s stunned by its contents, which hold unexpected truths about her parents relationship. As Athena delves into a past that defies her judgment about her parents’ marriage, she is forced to reevaluate her views on life and love.

My Review:

Athena is the fourth book in The Newport Ladies Book Club series that I have reviewed.This series has become one of my favorites out there today.
 This series has been written by four amazing, award winning authors: Annette Lyon,Heather B. Moore, Josi Kilpack, and Julie Wright.
Athena is the last book that takes place during the same time-frame as the first three books.All four books were written as a parallel series, not as a forward-moving series.They cover the same book club meetings and events in all four books. This last book is probably the most different from the other three. The main reason is that main character Athena kept to herself a lot more than the other characters in this series. While reading the other books, the reader could get the impression that Athena is cold and not truly interested in the book club. This is so far from the truth as you read this fourth book. Athena has a lot going on in her life. She is single, runs her own company and is very conflicted about getting married and having a family. Her Mother wants her to marry a nice, Greek boy and stay at home to have babies and take care of her man…just like she did in her life. Athena has been very critical of her parents and their marriage, but events happen that change her life. She meets a new man, very different than the man she has been dating previously. A death in the family and a major life decision make Athena face some of the harshest trials that life can bring.
I read Athena in about 12 hours. I was completely taken in with Athena’s story. Heather Moore’s expertise as a writer shows as she develops this character. The growth arc that Athena takes is so huge as she makes decisions that not only change her life, but those she loves. This book truly brought full circle the stories of the four women in this series. It felt so satisfying to finish this book and feel that sense of completion. The next four books in the series will be about four other book club members in a new time frame. Each of the authors will take on this new writing challenge.
I highly recommend Athena! This story is full of heart-wrenching moments, friendship at it’s finest, and a love story that made me cheer, moan and melt. How is that for a combination? Athena’s romance with Grey, the book store owner, has turned out to be one of my favorites for 2012.If you haven’t started this series, pull out the tissues, reserve several hours to yourself and get ready to be pulled into the world of The Newport Ladies Book Club. You will find women of strength, strong friendships and stories that will make you look at your own life in new ways.

Heather B. Moore

Best Price $15.99
or Buy New $15.99
Here is my interview with Heather. I hope you enjoy reading what she had to say:1.What was your experience like writing “Athena”?

Writing ATHENA was quite a bit different than my other books. ATHENA was a very interactive process because my brainstorming was with my co-series authors, instead of myself. Along the way, I’d be asking Josi, Julie, and Annette questions, such as “Should Athena get back together with Karl?” . . . or they’d be asking me questions, such as “Why doesn’t Athena want to get into a committed relationship with a man?” All of this was during the writing process.

2. Are you like your character Athena in any way?

I have a lot of similarities to Athena–I tend to be a bit of a work-a-holic. I’m very task-oriented and don’t do “fun” things when there’s a to-do list to be completed. I only have a few close friends–and it takes time to develop those relationships. My mother isn’t as nosy as Athena’s mother, but she’s definitely a “do-it-all” personality.

3.You have written a lot of historical fiction in the past. Do you like writing contemporary fiction better or is it just a fun change of pace?

Writing contemporary is definitely a fun change of pace. But I wouldn’t say I prefer one over the other. Historical takes more time simply because of the research, but the process is the same as far as character motivation and plot development.

4. Did you learn anything from writing “Athena”? Is there a message you would like your readers to gain?

Developing Athena from a woman who isolates herself in many ways, and having her grow into a happier more well-rounded person, definitely let me see areas in my life that I needed to slow down as well and appreciate the “journey” more than just focusing on the end-goals. A message to others would be to let others into your lives and let them help and serve you as you are doing the same for them.

5. Which character in The Newport Ladies Book Club will you be writing next?

I’ve written RUBY’s story and it’s currently at my publisher for consideration. It was a wonderful novel to write and I think readers will be surprised when they learn about the real Ruby. On the outside, she seems to be almost perfect and such a wonderful caregiver, always putting others first. But that’s because she’s afraid to look inside and face her flaws, some of which have been haunting her for years.

6. Are you a late night writer or an early morning writer?

I’m a morning person, which makes me a morning writer–because my brain is less foggy. I get up between 4 and 6 am most days and get a couple of hours in. Then I find other snatches throughout the day as well. But after about 10:00 p.m. my brain is mush!

Thank you for the interview Heather!


About The Author:

Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of nine historical novels. Her historical fiction is published under the pen name H.B. Moore; first series is called Out of Jerusalem. Her second series includes Abinadi (2008 Whitney Winner for Best Historical & 2009 Best of State in Literary Arts); its sequel, Alma (2009 Whitney Award Finalist); followed by Alma the Younger (2011 Best of State in Literary Arts & 2010 Whitney Finalist), and Ammon (2011 LUW Gold Award of Excellence). Her newest romantic thriller is Daughters of Jared (2012 LUW Gold Award of Excellence & 2012 LUW Best Book Trailer).Heather is the co-author of The Newport Ladies Book Club Series (with Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon & Julie Wright). Under the name of Heather B. Moore she’s published Athena (The Newport Ladies Book Club), the novella collection A Timeless Romance Anthology, Third Time’s the Charm (Aliso Creek Novella series), the historical romance Heart of the Ocean, the non-fiction work Christ’s Gifts to Women (co-authored by Angela Eschler), and Women of the Book of Mormon.

Visit her blog for writing and book signing updates: http://mywriterslair.blogspot.com
Heather loves to hear from readers at: www.hbmoore.com or if you’re an aspiring writer, she also manages the editing company, Precision Editing Group: www.precisioneditinggroup.com.

Combined Review of The 13th Day of Christmas by Jason F. Wright

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Nov 182012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: The 13th Day of Christmas
  • Author: Jason F. Wright
  • Hardcover: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain (October 9, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1609071778
  • ISBN-13: 978-1609071776
  • FTC FYI: We were given a review copies in exchange for an honest review.
  • Reviews by: Sheila and Mindy


 

 
Book Description:

Publication Date: October 9, 2012
Marva Ferguson has a very personal Christmas tradition
that happens every December 26. As an aging widow, the tradition means
more to her now than it ever has. Her newest neighbor, nine-year-old
Charlee, loves Christmas too. But her family has fallen on hard times
and things get worse when Charlee becomes critically ill. Then, on
December 12, Charlee makes a wonderful discovery. A mysterious note is
delivered that promises twelve days of gifts and stories that will
reveal the truth behind the beloved Christmas carol The Twelve Days of
Christmas. As the days go by, the gifts hint at a possible lost lyric.
Was there once a 13th day of Christmas? And if so, could its magic
change or save a life? If Marva knows something about the letters from
the Elves, she s not telling. However, you don t live as long as Marva
Ferguson and not have a secret or two including a whole lot of faith in
your apron pocket. Filled with laughter, tenderness, and hope, The 13th
Day of Christmas invites us to see how an old Christmas favorite can
turn into a true Christmas miracle.
Sheila’s Review: 
If you have never read any of Jason Wright’s books you are in for a treat. His books will always leave you with a good feeling and some life lesson learned. This life lesson will enhance your life for the better. The 13th Day of Christmas follows this same pattern as the other books written by Jason; such as The Christmas Jars, The Wednesday Letters, and The Cross Gardener.

 

 

The 13th Day of Christmas has two of the most memorable characters that I have “met” in a long time. Miss Marva, the older lively widow, and sweet nine year old Charlee. These two unlikely friends soon become the world to each other.With Charlee’s family having fallen on hard times, Marva turns her loneliness into taking care of this family. When Charlee becomes ill, Marva is there to lift up Charlee’s family and give hope to Charlee. This novel is centered around the holidays and Miss Marva’s Christmas tradition of using her advent calendar through the 26th of December. With Charlee in the hospital, someone soon is sending her notes and presents doing The 12 Days of Christmas tradition. This story has so much reality interlaced in it’s pages your heart will hurt for the characters; job loss, death of a child, loss of a spouse, cancer and marital problems. With Jason’s unique writing style that brings his characters to life, you will be wrapped up in Charlee’s fight to live and Marva’s intensity to give of herself and her love for this young girl. Be prepared to shed a few tears before you read the last page of this book. The 13th Day of Christmas will become a new favorite classic read during the Christmas season and beyond. With the message that we should not only celebrate Jesus Christ’s life one day a year, but to celebrate his life by also living like him the other 364 days; this will stay in your heart for a long time. Thank you Jason for another heart warming book!

 

Mindy’s Review

Jason does such an amazing job of instantly pulling me into his books with his well-written plots and wonderful characters.  I immediately loved Miss Marva and Charlee.  Marva collects aprons, and she changes them a few times a day depending on her mood.  Charlee’s family has come on hard times, and moves into the trailer park owned by Marva and her late husband.  Charlee is out looking for a something to do, when she see Marva hanging clothes on the line. Marva calls Charlee over, and they become fast friends. There is a lot going on at Charlee’s house.  Her father recently lost his business, and her brother Zack was kicked out of school.  Life at their house is hard.  The only ray of sunshine was Charlee.  Miss Marva invites the family to Thanksgiving dinner.  It is an all day event with all the trimmings.  Then the worst happens, Charlee get dizzy, faints, and her loved ones rush to the hospital, only to hear the news no family wants to hear.

One warning, have a box of Kleenex handy when you are reading this book.  As with all of Jason’s stories I’ve read, I cried.  A lot.  The 13th Day of Christmas is full strong characters, and lots of heart.  I loved the message that this book sends, think of others before youself.  Service is the way to bring you closer to Christ. When I was a kid, we would pick a family in our neighborhood to do the 12 Days of Christmas for. One year, my dad tried to disguise his voice and ended up scaring their young daughter.  Luckily, he apologized and all was well. :)

5 out of 5 stars. I loved this book. So full of heart and love of two friends. It is a fast read, but I wanted to know what happens to these great characters, so I couldn’t put it down. Just remember what I said about the Kleenex, but also this book has a great ending that will leave you satisfied, but possibly crying happy tears.

 

Author Links
Website
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter

Purchase Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Deseret Book


About The Author:

Jason Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling author.

He is the author of The James Miracle (2004); Christmas Jars (2005); The
Wednesday Letters (2007); Recovering Charles (2008), Christmas Jars
Reunion (2009); Penny’s Christmas Jar Miracle (2009); The Cross Gardener
(2010); The Seventeen Second Miracle (2010); The Wedding Letters
(2011); and The 13th Day of Christmas (2012).

Articles by Jason have appeared in over 50 newspapers and magazines across the United
States including The Washington Times, The Chicago Tribune, and Forbes.
He has been seen on FoxNews, CNN, CSPAN and on many local and national
radio shows.

Jason is also a popular speaker who speaks to over
100,000 annually on topics ranging from the value of service, the joy of
failure, the lost art of letter writing and many other topics.

He lives with his wife, Kodi, and their four children in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

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