Get delicious food, find great reads AND win a Kindle! – The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
Jul 142011
 

The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook

Author: Christy Dorrity

Published: June 2011

Publisher: Dorrity Publications

Format: Kindle Edition

FTC FYI: I received a review copy from the author that did not affect my review.

Today it is my privilege to present to you The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook by Christy Dorrity.

Great books, bloggers, and recipes meet in this fresh and unique cookbook that helps you experience books, not just read them.

Books were selected from the author’s book review blog and paired with delectable recipes like “Fairy Touched Calico Brownies” from the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull, “7-Day Layer Dip” from Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall, and “I Hate Chocolate Cake” from Amanda Hocking’s Switched. Mouthwatering photos complement every recipe.

The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook includes a foreword by Amanda Hocking, author of the USA Today Bestselling Trylle Trilogy and showcases over seventy reviews with links to book review blogs and author websites.

Whether you’re a food lover, an avid reader or a book blogger, there’s something for you in The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook.

If you like eating, this cookbook is for you. If you like reading, this cookbook is for you. If you like eating WHILE reading, this cookbook is definitely for you. And the fact that it’s for the Kindle means no leaving greasy fingerprints on the pages while cooking or eating all this yummy food.

Don’t have a Kindle? Christy can fix that for you.

To celebrate the release of The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook, Christy is giving away a Kindle! If you purchase a copy of The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook, you can also get a free BONUS recipe booklet. Contest details and the blog tour schedule are listed on Christy’s blog here.

Anyone who leaves a comment on this post is entered into the contest. Here are some of the details from Christy:

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post or any of the great blogs that are participating. Then, if you want more entries into the contest, tweet, facebook, or blog about the cookbook and leave a separate comment telling me what you did. You can say something like: Win a Kindle at the launch tour of The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook http://tinyurl.com/3vurm3a #bbcb Winners will be drawn using random.org on July 21st.

You don’t even need a Kindle to enjoy this cookbook. The free Kindle app is available for desktop, Android and iOS devices, so there’s no excuse not to try some of these tasty dishes. Even the price is unbeatable. Right now The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook is only 99 cents!

After reading through this cookbook (and drooling over the pictures of mouth-watering meals, desserts, and more) I not only added several new books to my to-read list, I also discovered some great book bloggers through their review blurbs.

When Christy asked if I would like to be a part of The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook, I was honored. I have had the opportunity to meet Christy in person. Not only is she sweet, she’s gorgeous, too.

See what I mean? I’ll tell you how she keeps her figure – Irish dancing. After eating all of these delicious recipes, I’m going to have to start Irish dancing, too.

I know which recipe I want to make first (and the one that is most likely to send me to Irish dancing class). It also happens to be paired with the book that has *ahem* my review blurb for Imprints by Rachel Ann Nunes listed with it. But before you leave to purchase your copy of The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook (only 99 cents right now!) check out these cookies that even Autumn Rain would eat.

***

Organic Imprint Cookies

1/3 cup melted coconut oil or clarified butter
1/2 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon all-natural cornstarch or arrowroot
1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Zest of one orange
Jam or preserves (preferably fruit sweetened)

Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, pour the warm, melted coconut oil over the honey and whisk in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl combine the flour, oats, cornstarch or arrowroot, sea salt, baking soda, and orange zest. Add the flour mixture to the honey mixture, stirring until just combined. Let the dough sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir once or twice again; the dough should be stiff.

Roll the dough into balls, one teaspoonful at a time, and place an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. The cookies will spread. Use a pinky finger or the back of a very tiny spoon to make a well in the top of each ball of dough. Fill each well to the top with 1/8 teaspoon of jam.

Bake for 7-9 minutes or until the bottom and edges of the cookies are just golden.

Makes two dozen tiny cookies.

***

Oh, my. I can’t wait to try these cookies.

Go get your copy of The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook today.

Don’t forget to leave a comment for your chance to win a Kindle!


The Last Archangel by Michael D. Young – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
Jul 112011
 

Xandir has been exiled to earth until the end of time. But when his cherub trainee disappears, Xandir makes a deal with rogue angels and giants that could restore life to the mortal woman he loves and end his assignment as a destroying angel in exchange for helping them bring about the end of the world and all of mankind.

You can ready more about The Last Archangel at: http://thelastarchangel.weebly.com

The Last Archangel is an unusual tale about Xandir, a destroying angel who uses two swords, one light and one dark, to do his work. Far from perfect but with good intentions, he performs the work assigned him until the End of Time. Long ago, he fell in love with a mortal woman. It did not end well and his heart bears the scars.

During one of his assignments he is assigned as Guardian Angel to Eden, a troubled woman who discovers she is expecting twins after her husband leaves her. Her search for her husband leads her to knowledge and darkness that she could never have imagined.

If you enjoy a fresh take on angels, giants, and demons, then you will want to check out The Last Archangel.

Michael is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in German Teaching and a minor in Music. He puts his German to good use by working to build online German courses for High School students. Though he grew up traveling the world with his military father, he now lives in Utah with his wife, Jen, and his two sons. Michael enjoys acting in community theater, playing and writing music and spending time with his family. He played for several years with the handbell choir Bells on Temple Square and is now a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

His first book, “The Canticle Kingdom”, was released in Feb 2010 through Bonneville Books. He is also the author of the inspirational pamphlet “Portrait of a Mother”. He has also had work featured in various online and print magazines such as Mindflights, The New Era, Allegory, and Ensign.

You can learn more about Michael and his writing at his blog: http://www.writermike.com

You can read more about The Last Archangel at the official site: http://thelastarchangel.weebly.com or http://thelastarchangelbook.com

You can purchase The Last Archangel by clicking here.

FTC FYI- PDF copy provided by the author.

(dis) Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ By Danyelle Ferguson and Lynn Parsons, M.S.

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Contests, Sheila's Reviews, Special Features
Jun 062011
 

(dis) Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ

Authors: Danyelle Ferguson and Lynn Parsons, M.S.

Published Date: May 2011

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Softcover: 255 pages

Genre: non-fiction

FTC FYI: I received a free review copy that in no way influenced the review that was given.

Book Blurb & Endorsements:

Each day, parents and church leaders struggle to teach individuals with special needs. Using helpful

information, real-life stories, and a touch of humor, (dis)Abilities and the Gospel provides ways for you to effectively teach people of all ages with Autism, Down syndrome,

bipolar disorder, memory loss, and other disabilities.


Inside this useful guide, you’ll find


• Guidance for building strong family relationships• Steps to teaching prayer and scripture study
• Practical and creative teaching tips• Programs to help with transitions, communication barriers, and behaviors
• Techniques to help others feel welcome and valued


Find the answers you need and overcome the challenges of teaching the gospel. (dis)Abilities and the Gospel will help you develop each person’s ability to learn and grow

as you build peace in your home or classroom.


(dis)Abilities and the Gospel is a resource that may be read, re

read, and used many times. . . . The authors have beautifully woven the frustrations

that so many people have experienced into an action-

living plan to help children with special needs.
—Lloyd Kinnison, PhD. Texas Woman’s University, Special Education

Department


This book is an unexpected and very welcome gift to the community of churches and their leaders. It addresses so many of the problems that children, young adults,

and adults with disabilities face in church activities.

—Brenda Winegar, Early Interventionist/Cofounder, Kids on the Move




I was Primary President for four years. During those years I had the opportunity to work with many children, many of those with special needs. There were children in our primary that were autistic and many with ADHD, including my own children. Being a teacher, I felt like I had a little bit of knowledge of how to help these children enjoy their experience at church. There wasn’t a lot of information available to help me and my counselors to know how to help these children at the time. So when I read the book, (dis) Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ, I knew that this book was inspired. As I read the book, I was so excited to see how Danyelle and Lynn have provided so much information for those working with people that have special needs. The wonderful thing about this book is that even though it is written for people in the LDS church, the ideas will work for anyone of any religion.


Listed here are the section titles and a few of the chapter titles that go
with the sections:

GENERAL INFORMATION
-Gospel Views on Children with Special Needs
-Demystifying the Diagnosis

TEACHING STRATEGIES
-A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
-Power Card Strategies

PRIMARY
-Every Star is Different
-The Baptism Dilemma
-We’ll Be Loyal Scouts

YOUNG MEN & YOUNG WOMEN
-Teaching Youth with a Broader Gap in Needs
-The Young Women Connection
-Deacons, Teachers, and More-Oh My!

ADULTS
-Church Callings
-Love One Another

FAMILIES
-Sacrament Meeting Survival
-Scripture Power
-Can I Make It Through Another Day?
-Building Parent-Child Relationships

I AM A CHILD OF GOD
-Expressions of Faith and Love

One other thing that I feel needs to be pointed out. Many of the things talked about in the wonderful book can be applied to all children, not just those with special needs. I was so impressed with the information and ideas that Lynn and Danyelle shared in this book. My hope is that all wards/branches/homes will purchase this book and then use the ideas found in the book. I think that this would be a worthwhile way of using ward budget money, so the books can be given to Primary and Young Men and Young
Women leaders. Just my humble opinion people. I give this book 5 stars!!

Now the exciting thing about this blog tour is a giveaway…

Blog Tour Giveaways:

Enter to win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards! One name will be drawn for a $25 Amazon gift card on June 30th. Another name will be drawn for a $25 Amazon gift card on July 22nd. Winners will be announced onwww.QueenOfTheClan.com There are many ways to enter. You must leave a comment on the reviewer’s blog letting us know what you’ve done. Please include your email address.

1 Point Each:

– Leave a thoughtful comment about the blogger’s review.

– Add the book to your “to-read” list on GoodReads

– Follow the reviewer’s blog

– Follow Danyelle’s blog

– Follow Lynn’s blog

– Follow Danyelle on FB

– Follow Lynn on FB

– Follow Danyelle on Twitter @DanyelleTweets

– Follow Lynn on Twitter @ParsonsLynn

2 Points Each:

– Tell your friends about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel on Facebook with a person links to Danyelle Ferguson & Lynn Parsons

– Tell your friends about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel on Twitter with links to @DanyelleTweets

5 Points:

– Interview Danyelle or Lynn for your blog or write a blog post about why you’re excited about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. Be sure to leave a direct link to your post in your comment so we can visit and say hello!

Blog Tour Schedule

June 2nd – Christine Bryant @ Day Dreamer

June 7th – Tristi Pinkston

June 9th – Tamera @ 3 Boys & a Dog

June 14th – Ashlee @ Topsy Turvy Cakes

June 17th – Heather Justesen

June 23rd – Rebecca Talley

June 27th – Don Carey

July 6th – Danette @ Everyday Adventures

July 8th – Sheila Staley @ LDS Women’s Book Review and Why Not? Because I Said So!

July 11th – Kathy @ I Am a Reader, Not a Writer

July 13th – Jessica @ Fringies

July 15th – Heather @ Fire and Ice by Little Red Reads

July 18th – Nichole Giles @ Star Crossed Book Reviews

Purchase & Review Links:

Amazon.com

Barnes & Noble

Deseret Book

GoodReads




Danyelle’s Info:

Website: http://www.DanyelleFerguson.com

Blog: http://www.QueenOfTheClan.com




Danyelle Ferguson is a wife, mom, book editor, reviewer, and writer. She keeps busy

raising four angels-in-training, the oldest of which has Autism. She and her husband,

John, co-founded a non-profit organization, called Friends of GIANT Steps, which raises

money to supplement an Autism preschool in Orem, UT. Danyelle has been active in the

Autism community for over eight years, during which time she

learned that prayer and a sense of humor are the keys to not only enduring but

enjoying the special needs journey.

Danyelle discovered her love for the written word in elementary school. Her first article

she placed runner up in the Pennsylvania School of Excellence for Arts program, specializing

in creative writing. Since then, she’s won several awards for her poetry, short stories,

articles, and other writings. Her work has been published in newspapers, school journals,

and online. Some of her short stories appear in the book ofMormon Mishaps

and Mischief: Hilarious Stories for Saints by Cindy Beck and Nichole Giles. Her book,

(dis)Abilities and the Gospel, will be published in May 2011 through Cedar Fort Publishing.

Danyelle served as Treasurer for the League of Utah Writers – Utah Valley Chapter.

She’s a member of Authors Incognito, Super Edits critique group,

and meets weekly with her local writers group. She was also a member of the

Whitney Awards Committee.

Danyelle grew up surrounded by the beautiful Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania.

Then she lived for ten years among the majestic Wasatch Mountains. She is currently

experiencing mountain-withdrawal while living in Kansas with her husband and family.

She enjoys reading, writing, dancing and singing in the kitchen, and the occasional

long bubble bath to relax from the everyday stress of being “Mommy.”







Lynn’s Info:

Website: http://www.lynndparsons.com/

Blog: http://lynndeniseparsons.blogspot.com/


I am a wife, mother, grandmother, educational diagnostician, and writer. I entered the field of special education because two of my four children had special needs.

My thesis for BYU was titled, “Non-Drug Treatments for Attention Deficit Disorder.” After receiving my Bachelor of Independent Studies degree from BYU, I became certified as a special education teacher, primarily working with students with Autism.

My classes and teaching methods were featured in “District Administration Magazine”, the online magazine “Edutopia”, and several web sites on disabilities including “Positively Autism” and “The Family Center on Technology and Disability“.

My thesis for my master’s degree through Walden University was published by the Council for Exceptional Children. I have also been a community columnist for the “Fort Worth Star-Telegram” and I continue to work on my writing skills. I’m also working on a PhD in Special Education through Northcentral University.

I am an experienced speaker and presenter. I have taught many teacher in-services, given presentations on using technology for learners with special needs, and done presentations about disabilities for the community.

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, but now call Texas home. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and needlework. I am currently works as an Educational Diagnostician. I continue to seek out and develop innovative teaching methods for children with special needs.

Journey of Honor: A Love Story by Jaclyn M. Hawkes – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews, Special Features
Mar 042011
 

  • Paperback: 214 pages
  • Publisher: Granite Publishing & Distribution (August 3, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1599360594
Disowned, she came to America anyway. Attacked and left pregnant by a vicious mob, she still pressed on. Finally, in spite of being accused of theft by the vilest of her attackers, Giselle tries to remain as upbeat and uncomplaining as a prairie wildflower as she travels on to Zion.Thoroughly disillusioned with the ugliness and cruelty of slavery in the South, Trace Grayson leaves his young medical career to go west, hoping to leave bigotry and hatred behind. He begins taking goods by teamster train to sell in the territories. However, this fourth time across, in July of 1848, he’s stuck in St. Joseph, Missouri, waiting for enough wagons to join the train so that they can leave.Knowing that if they don’t start west soon, they’ll be caught by snow in the mountains, Trace is thrilled when the final wagon signs on. Then, when the beautiful, young Dutch girl traveling with the last wagon is falsely accused of stealing and is detained, the whole trip is jeopardized. Thrown together by circumstance, Trace and Giselle team up to begin to figure out just how to make this epic journey across a continent a success.With a deep sense of honor and an equally strong sense of humor, together they learn to deal with everything except the one trial that neither of them can overcome.

This book is not your typical pioneer story. Even though this is a story based on pioneers heading to Zion and crossing the plains, the book deals more with the characters and their own personal struggles. There are many other facets included in this novel, along with a love story a little bit juicier than those published by the big LDS publishers. Though nothing is vulgar, there is more kissing and snuggling/spooning that a married couple share. There are also some scenes with violent situations.

With the struggles associated with pioneers and their journeys across the plains, there are deaths and struggles portrayed. Along with this, there are many uplifting spiritual experiences that the characters have along the way. LDS principles are discussed and those not familiar with them may be a little lost. I still recommend this book. I truly loved the two main characters Giselle, a member of the LDS church and Trace a non-member. Though they both are proud and don’t always discuss their feelings with each other, they do share a strong love. Both of them are very likable and this story mainly focuses on them and getting to know each other. I also loved Trace’s adopted brother Mose and Giselle’s Grandparents Josiah and Petja. There is a very humorous ongoing sub-story about a Native American brave who “wants” Giselle. I don’t want to tell you more for fear of ruining the plot here.

For those wanting a true historical novel of pioneer journeys may not like this book as much. I classify this book as a romance novel with an LDS historical background. So, you romance lovers will find a great read in Journey of Honor.

Here is the purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Honor-Jaclyn-M-Hawkes/dp/1599360594/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1298932933&sr=8-2
I was given a review copy of this book by the publisher. In no way did this influence the review that was given.


Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
Feb 222011
 

Dearly Departed

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

Published Date: January 2011

Softcover: 270 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-935217-89-3

FTC FYI: Borrowed from friend

I’m a big fan of Tristi Pinkston, both as a person and an author. Previously I have read a few of her more serious historical novels, so it was a real treat to read about the fun and quirky women known as “The Secret Sisters.” Tristi’s fun personality shines through Ida Mae, Tansy, Eden, Hattie, and even Arlette, not to mention sweet old George.

After enjoying Tristi’s more serious novels, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started reading The Secret Sisters series. I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest, and I’m not just saying that because I’m part of the blog tour. I loved the characters, story and writing in Dearly Departed. Eden, especially, has become one of my favorites. I think if I was an obituary editor, I would go to some of the funerals, too. I really liked that about her. And, Tristi, c’mon!- how dare you invite someone like Kevin to the party? How is Eden supposed to choose? I’m not sure if I’m Team Ren or Team Kevin, and usually I have a definite opinion in this type of situation.

Clean writing, memorable characters, and a story both fun and suspenseful make Dearly Departed a definite must-read. The only thing that could make it better? Reading the copy you won! See details below to find out how you could win one of three copies of Dearly Departed as well as a Grand Prize.

Ida Mae Babbitt rides again!
Ida Mae Babbitt may be a reformed woman, but trouble just can’t stay away.
Follow the blog tour for Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston and learn
about Ida Mae’s latest adventure.

We will be giving away THREE copies of Dearly Departed.

One GRAND PRIZE winner will win this fun scrapbooking pack.

It’s easy to enter:

  1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why you’re excited to read Dearly Departed. Remember to include your email address.
  2. For an additional entry become a follower of Walnut Springs Press blog, Tristi’s blog, or any of the fabulous review blogs. Leave a comment letting us know who’s blog you now follow.
  3. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you’ll receive an additional entry for each post.

Good luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on March 6th.

***
Ida Mae Babbitt has done her community service and is a reformed woman – no more law-breaking for her. But when Arlette’s granddaughter Eden discovers a mystery in a fancy nursing home, Ida Mae – with the perfect excuse of a broken wrist and a broken ankle – checks herself into the place. After all, it is for the greater good. Soon she’s buzzing around in her motorized wheelchair, questioning the residents and swiping files from the office. She’s bound and determined to get to the bottom of this case. But can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?

****

February 16th
Starcrossed Book Reviews
(Nichole Giles)

Febraury 17
Inksplasher
(Karlene Browning)

February 18
Heather Justesen

February 21
Elizabeth Mueller

February 22
LDS Women’s Book Review
(Shanda Cottam)

February 23
Rachelle Writes
(Rachelle Christensen)

Sometimes Hard But Oh So Worth It
(Kimberly Coates)

February 24
Fire and Ice
(Heather Gardner)

February 28
Cheryl’s Book Nook
(Cheryl Koch)

March 1
JDP News
(Joyce DiPastena)

March 2
Teri Rodeman

March 3
Why Not? Because I Said So
(Sheila Staley)

Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
Jan 182011
 

I’ll never forget the first time I met Donald. Hillary and I had just started interviewing people at the April 2010 LDStorymakers Conference when a gentleman caught my attention and introduced himself. I was ecstatic to meet Don because I had never before met one of the male listeners to the LDS Women’s Book Review podcast.

As I interviewed him and learned more about his book scheduled to be released in January 2011, I was surprised to learn that he was writing what would technically be considered a romance.

A romance, written by a man? Needless to say, I was very curious.

I can honestly tell you I was not disappointed. One of the things I love about book reviewing is the wide variety of books I get to read, even within the same genre. In the last two days I have reviewed three romances, and despite falling into the same genre, not one of these books felt like the others.

First of all, I love the cover. The green color with the contrast of a white and blue title is eye-catching, and I like aviation-themed accents. The title is perfect – our man, Jordan, hits his fair share of figurative and literal bumpy landings.

As I read, I found myself encouraging Jordan to take a stand and follow his dreams. I was afforded a peek at what it must be like for a college guy doing his best to keep everyone happy while struggling to figure out who he is and what he really wants. There were a few little twists in the story that I didn’t expect. I wasn’t sure how the story would turn out, or even how I wanted it to turn out, until the very end. I enjoyed watching Jordan’s character grow from his experiences that ranged from stupid mistakes to a tragic accident.

The writing is clean and held my attention. I’ve never been to Hawaii, and now I’m curious about some of the places the characters visit, as well as the food. I think they should have added the recipes for pani popo and malasadas at the end of the book, though I’ll pass on the opihi.

I was delighted to find some pictures over on Don’s website that add an entirely new level to Jordan’s story as well as offering a peek into the life of the author. Go check it out, but first, watch this fun trailer for Bumpy Landings, put together by Don:

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