Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George – Countdown to Summer 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer
Jun 272013
 

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JessicaDayGeorgeJessica Day George likes books, chocolate, movies, knitting, Disneyland, very small dogs, and traveling. She has a husband and three small children, who live with her in an only slightly dusty house in the Salt Lake valley. She is the author of nine books to date, and the most recent (WEDNESDAYS IN THE TOWER) was on the New York Times Bestseller List.

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

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LDSWBR:  What books do you plan/hope to read this summer?

JESSICA:  Let’s see . . . Currently reading THE FIFTH WAVE by Rick Yancey. Next up: WARM BODIES by Isaac Marion (loved the movie!), ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins, BLOOD MOON and BLOOD PROPHECY by Alyxandra Harvey, IN DARKNESS by Nick Lake, DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT by Laini Taylor, THE SPARROW by Mary Doria Russell, ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL by James Herriot, and ANATHEM by Neal Stephenson, A WALK IN THE WOODS by Bill Bryson, SUPERNATURALLY by Kiersten White . . . And that’s just for starters!

LDSWBR: Did you ever go to summer camp, and/or what is your most memorable camping experience?

JESSICA:  I went to LDS girl’s camp for three years as a teen. I declined the fourth year, because you even had to pack your own toilet paper and carry everything with you. (And, according to rumor, carry it all back out, too. Yes. The toilet paper, too.) Yeah, not something that sounded fun. One year my friend Rebecca and I went to 4-H camp, which was held in nice cabins at this cool camp and sounded amazing. I’m sure it was fine, but all I remember, though, is that for inspections we tried to mop our cabin floor by squirting it with water from someone’s contraband Super Soaker, and it just made mud. Our counselor started crying. We did not win the cleanest cabin award.

LDSWBR:  If you could have a summer home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

JESSICA:  Somewhere on a fjord in Norway. (Of course!)

LDSWBR:  Thank you so much, Jessica! I just gave my niece WEDNESDAYS for her birthday since I gave her TUESDAYS last year. She was very excited, and I found out she’s read TUESDAYS four times. I need to bring her to your next signing so you can autograph her books. :)

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Find Wednesdays in the Tower

AMAZON (Hardcover & Kindle) | BARNES & NOBLE (Hardcover & Nook) | DESERET BOOK | GOODREADS

WednesdaysintheTower

A castle that is constantly rearranging itself, and a young royal family sworn to protect it… Celie, Rolf, and their beloved Castle Glower are back in this exciting sequel.

Strange things are afoot in Castle Glower: new rooms, corridors, and even stables keep arriving, even when they aren’t needed. Celie’s brother Bran, the new Royal Wizard, has his hands full cataloguing an entire storeroom full of exotic and highly dangerous weapons, while Celie has her hands full . . . raising the creature that hatches from a giant egg she finds! Will they be able to find out what’s making the Castle behave this way in time?

Have you read any of the books on Jessica’s summer reading list? OR, have you ever been to Norway?

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To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Comment on each Countdown to Summer 2013 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

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

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

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes generously donated by the authors as of 6/27/2013 (more added throughout the countdown!):

  • A Blind Eye by Julie Daines (signed), a bookmark AND a Mind the Gap temporary tattoo
  • I, Spy by Jordan McCollum (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden
  • A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
  • Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell (signed paperback)
  • Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore (Kindle or Nook)
  • Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears (or winner’s choice of another book by Gale)
  • Farworld: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage (personalized copy)
  • A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson (personalized paperback)
  • Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson (personalized paperback)
  • Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson (signed copy)
  • Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris (winner’s choice of hardcover or audiobook)
  • When the Butterflies Came by Kimberley Griffiths Little (signed hardcover and bookmarks)
  • The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen
  • Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George (signed copy)

By commenting and participating in the Countdown to Summer 2013 you agree to the following:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 10, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2012 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 2, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until July 10, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen – Countdown to Summer 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer
Jun 262013
 

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kristalynnejensenNearly every one of Krista Lynne Jensen’s elementary school teachers made a note on her report card pointing out that she was a “day-dreamer”. It was not a compliment. So, when Krista grew up, she put those day dreams down on paper for others to enjoy. When writing, she fuels her creativity with chocolate-covered cinnamon bears and popcorn. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, her family, and sunshine. But not laundry. She never day-dreams about laundry.

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

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LDSWBR:  What books do you plan/hope to read this summer?

KRISTA:  We are in the process of moving, and are in the depths of all the paperwork involved in an international adoption. Alas, my free reading time is almost non-existent. But I did get to beta read for a few friends: Robison Wells’ sequel to BLACKOUT, which was awesome. And Marion Jensen’s sequel to ALMOST SUPER, which was equally awesome. I can’t wait until the first books in these series come out, then I will read each of those again. I have some Sarah Eden on the pile, and The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen. Heather Moore, Melanie Jacobson, Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, and some summer love with Nora Roberts. I really like to mix it up. I’d like to catch up on some Georgette Heyer, too. I hope to have some time to indulge soon, because that list is huge.

LDSWBR: Did you ever go to summer camp, and/or what is your most memorable camping experience?

KRISTA:  I love camping. My parents were big campers. As a matter-of-fact when I was little we had one car. Just one. And because we just had one, and we liked to camp so much, my parents chose a VW camper bus. It was red and awesome. The top popped up and made a bunk bed. Me and my sister got to sleep up there. In the morning we’d peek over the edge and wake up Mom and Dad. It had a little fridge and a table on a hinge. The water from the little pump sink tasted gross, though. Later we tent camped and I liked that, too, but I really loved that camper. I loved that I got to ride around all year, to school, to the store, in our camper bus.

LDSWBR:  If you could have a summer home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

KRISTA:  This is a really hard and tortuous question. I haven’t been to enough places yet to make that call. But from the places I HAVE been, I think I would choose Lake of the Woods, Oregon. Or Loon Lake in Montana, which inspired part of The Orchard trilogy. I love lakes. So a lake house. Also, a beach house on the Oregon coast. So a beach house, too. Can I have two summer homes? See, now I’m being greedy. I should be thankful for one summer home. I think LDSWBR should hold a drawing for a summer home. Is that why you’re asking us this question? *looks around for secret prize curtain*

LDSWBR:  Thanks, Krista! I love how much you loved that VW camper bus. It sounds like a lot of fun! And no on the secret summer home prize. But nice try.

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Find The Orchard

AMAZON (Paperback & Kindle) | DESERET BOOK (Paperback & DB Bookshelf) | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

TheOrchard

On the idyllic shores of Flathead Lake, Montana, Alisen Embry finds purpose and comfort tending her late mother’s cherry orchard adjacent to the family’s beloved lake house. Though pained by the loss of her mother and her father’s estrangement, it is Derick Whitney—the man she fell in love with four years earlier—who truly influences Alisen’s view of her future . . .

Derick and Alisen wanted nothing more than to spend eternity together; however, intolerance and secrets forced Alisen to make a shattering choice between her family and the man she loved.

But destiny always has a way of setting things right . . .

Now the Embry family has found themselves hopelessly in debt, and they realize renting the lake house is the only hope of saving the cherished orchard and family home. When Alisen discovers the new tenants have a connection to her past, her life takes an unexpected turn. Will fate find a way to reconnect what was broken so many years before?

Don’t you just love that cover? One of my favorite covers ever. Okay, beach house or lake house? -OR – Have you ever ridden or camped in or owned a VW camper bus? (Oh, and by the way, DOUBLE SLUG BUG!)

* * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Comment on each Countdown to Summer 2013 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

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

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

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes generously donated by the authors as of 6/26/2013 (more added throughout the countdown!):

  • A Blind Eye by Julie Daines (signed), a bookmark AND a Mind the Gap temporary tattoo
  • I, Spy by Jordan McCollum (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden
  • A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
  • Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell (signed paperback)
  • Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore (Kindle or Nook)
  • Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears (or winner’s choice of another book by Gale)
  • Farworld: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage (personalized copy)
  • A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson (personalized paperback)
  • Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson (personalized paperback)
  • Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson (signed copy)
  • Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris (winner’s choice of hardcover or audiobook)
  • When the Butterflies Came by Kimberley Griffiths Little (signed hardcover and bookmarks)
  • The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen

By commenting and participating in the Countdown to Summer 2013 you agree to the following:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 10, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2012 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 2, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until July 10, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

When the Butterflies Came by Kimberley Griffiths Little – Countdown to Summer 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer
Jun 252013
 

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SONY DSCKimberley Griffiths Little is the critically acclaimed author of several MG novels with Scholastic and an upcoming YA trilogy with Harpercollins in 2014. She has won the Southwest Book Award, the Whitney Award for Best Youth Novel of 2010, listed with the Bank Street College Best Books of 2011, a Crystal Kit Finalist, and a New Mexico Book Award Finalist. Her books have sold several hundred thousand copies in the Scholastic Book Fairs and have been chosen for many state reading lists. Kimberley speaks at schools around the country, presenting “The Creative Diary”, a highly successful writing workshop and has also been a keynote speaker at various conferences. She is a co-founder of SPELLBINDERS, a national newsletter for Educators and Librarians to create life-long readers.

Visit Kimberley:  WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS

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LDSWBR:  What books do you plan/hope to read this summer?

KIMBERLEY:  SUGAR, a beautiful historical MG by Jewell Parker Rhodes (whom I met and spoke with on a panel at the Tucson Book Festival last year. She is a marvelous writer and a dynamic woman!)

MISS FORTUNE COOKIE by Lauren Bjorkman, a fellow New Mexico author who is such a talent. I love her perfect YA contemporary voice.

GORGEOUS by Paul Rudnick; an irreverent, funny YA by a new author about what it means to be beautiful (warning: it does have quite a bit of swearing in it).

I’m reading Alice Hoffman, an adult writer, for the very first time. I heard about THE DOVEKEEPERS, fro some fellow travelers when I was in Israel this past February. THE DOVEKEEPERS is an ancient historical novel about the women who lived, survived, and died on Masada in ancient Israel. I visited Masada in February, a spectacular spot with a very sad and gripping story. Since I’m writing my own historical trilogy set in the ancient Middle East (A YA that debuts Fall 2014 with Harpercollins) I’m really excited about this book.

LDSWBR: Did you ever go to summer camp, and/or what is your most memorable camping experience?

KIMBERLEY:  Nope, I never went away to a camp during the summer; that wasn’t something middle-class suburban kids outside of San Francisco did, but our family camped a lot all over California from Death Valley to the Redwood Forests in the north. A memorable camping experience happened one year when we woke up to a blanket of snow outside our tent in Yellowstone – during August! (Yes, we also camped outside California.)

I was one of those kids that loved going to summer school. I’d take the Drama class and participate in the summer play. Loads of great experiences and fun—even if most of my parts were small in the background or the chorus. If there was a Creative Writing Class or Driver’s Ed I was all over that, too!

LDSWBR:  If you could have a summer home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

KIMBERLEY:  So many possibilities! A New England lake, the countryside of Italy in a villa, a castle in Scotland, but until I sell books like Stephenie Meyer, I’ll take a beach house in southern California.

LDSWBR:  Thank you so much, Kimberley!

* * *

Find When the Butterflies Came

AMAZON (Hardcover & Kindle) | BARNES & NOBLE (Hardcover & Nook) | SCHOLASTIC (Online store & Book Fairs) | GOODREADS

When the Butterflies Came Cover Art

Everybody thinks Tara Doucet has the perfect life. But in reality, Tara’s life is anything but perfect: Her dear Grammy Claire has just passed away, her mother is depressed and distant, and she and her sister Riley can’t seem to agree on anything. But when mysterious and dazzling butterflies begin to follow her around after Grammy Claire’s funeral, Tara just knows in her heart that her grandmother has left her one final mystery to solve.

A strange butler brings Tara and Riley to Grammy Claire’s house, where Tara finds a stack of keys and detailed letters from Grammy Claire herself. Note by note, Tara learns unexpected truths about her grandmother’s life. As the letters grow more ominous and the clues more difficult to decipher, Tara realizes that the secrets she must uncover could lead to mortal danger. And when Tara and Riley are swept away to the beautiful islands of Chuuk to hear their grandmother’s will, Tara discovers the most shocking truth of all — one that will change her life forever.

From Kimberley Griffiths Little comes a magical, breathtaking mystery full of loss and love, family and faith.

Have you ever been to Yellowstone? If so, what was your favorite feature? If not, what would you like to see if you were to go?

* * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Comment on each Countdown to Summer 2013 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

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

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

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes generously donated by the authors as of 6/25/2013 (more added throughout the countdown!):

  • A Blind Eye by Julie Daines (signed), a bookmark AND a Mind the Gap temporary tattoo
  • I, Spy by Jordan McCollum (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden
  • A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
  • Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell (signed paperback)
  • Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore (Kindle or Nook)
  • Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears (or winner’s choice of another book by Gale)
  • Farworld: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage (personalized copy)
  • A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson (personalized paperback)
  • Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson (personalized paperback)
  • Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson (signed copy)
  • Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris (winner’s choice of hardcover or audiobook)
  • When the Butterflies Came by Kimberley Griffiths Little (signed hardcover and bookmarks)

By commenting and participating in the Countdown to Summer 2013 you agree to the following:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 10, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2012 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 2, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until July 10, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris – Countdown to Summer 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer
Jun 242013
 

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chadmorrisChad Morris grew up wanting to become a professional basketball player or a rock star. Inspired by Animal from The Muppets, he has been banging on drums since he was eight years old. Neither of those plans quite panned out. After high school, he wrote and performed sketch comedy while going to college. He graduated from BYU with a couple of degrees and became a teacher and a curriculum writer.

Chad would love to teach at Cragbridge Academy. Unlike Oscar Cragbridge, he hasn’t really invented anything, though his young son once sketched out blueprints for a machine that would turn celery into cookies.

Chad lives in Utah with his wife and five kids.

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

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LDSWBR:  What books do you plan/hope to read this summer?

CHAD:  I always have a huge list and never stick to it. I end up reading whatever I feel like at the time. (I’m terrible in a book club.) But here are a few I hope I get to:

Beyonders 3: Chasing the Prophecy, by Brandon Mull (I’ve loved the series.)

Keeper of the Lost Cities, by Shannon Messenger (I’m curious and hear good things.)

A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle (I’ve never read it. I know. I know. I should be banished from all things books. I’m a slacker.)

Bad Unicorn, by Platte Clark (Platte’s in my writing group, and he’s hilarious. But we started the group after this one was done.)

Feedback, by Robison Well (I loved Variant. I’m very curious about the sequel.)

I also have a nonfiction list with Walter Isaacson’s biography on Benjamin Franklin, Chernow’s bio of Rockefellor, or Mayflower by Philbrick .

My first read this summer though has been The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander. I cracked it open the other day and got sucked in. Back when I was a third grader who hated reading, this was the book that won me over. In general, I don’t reread books, but it has been so long that it’s been fun to try it out again.

LDSWBR: Did you ever go to summer camp, and/or what is your most memorable camping experience?

CHAD:  Oh, I went to music camp and basketball camp once I think, but most of them were scout camps—both as a boy and as a leader. I have a slew of memories:

· A skunk roaming into camp

· Making a hot tub by damming up a creek and rolling stones from a fire into the pool (It sounds better than it actually worked.)

· Playing king of the branch over a river. (I definitely didn’t win that one.)

· Cliff jumping into Island Lake in the Uintahs. (Hitting the cold water was scarier than falling the 50 feet. WARNING: the height may be a hindsight exaggeration.)

· My Scoutmaster wearing Halloween masks and jumping out of bushes at us. (Yeah, he was that awesome.)

· Watching as Brian ate nine full hamburgers and three hot dogs after a day of hiking. (The kid could down it.)

· Picking water fights with other rafts on the river, ending with both of us tipped over in the freezing water. (Though in my mind, my raft definitely won.)

· Spelunking through caves.

· Rappelling in Zion’s National Park to some of the most amazing places on earth.

I remember having a crazy dream while I was on a camp in the Wind River Mountains. I was sitting around the campfire with all my friends, when they got up to leave. I tried to join them, but some invisible barrier wouldn’t let me. I pushed against it, but couldn’t move anywhere. I was trapped. “Hey guys, wait a second.” I pushed more and more, but some invisible force wouldn’t let me leave the campfire. My friends kept walking. I called out to them again and again. Finally, I screamed, “I can’t get out of here!”

Then I woke up—standing in my tent, with both hands pressing against its sides. And I had yelled the last sentence out loud.

I definitely got teased for that one.

LDSWBR:  If you could have a summer home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

CHAD:  I kind of love Whidbey Island up in Washington. Somewhere in Cali on the coast would be awesome. Oh, or I’d love a simple cabin in the mountains.

LDSWBR:  Something like that happened to me once when I was so tired I couldn’t find the door to my bedroom in the middle of the night and started banging on my walls. Glad I’m not the only that’s done that. :)  Thanks, Chad!

* * *

Find Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret

AMAZON (Hardcover, Kindle, CD & Audible.com) | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK (Harcover, ebook & CD) | SEAGULL BOOK  | GOODREADS

Cragbridge-Hall-695x1024

Imagine a school in the year 2074 where students don’t read history, but watch it happen around them; where running in gym class isn’t around a track, but up a virtual mountain; and where learning about animals means becoming one through an avatar.

Welcome to Cragbridge Hall, the most advanced and prestigious school in the world. Twin siblings Abby and Derick Cragbridge are excited as new students to use their famed grandfather’s inventions that make Cragbridge Hall so incredible. But when their grandfather and parents go missing, the twins begin following a trail of clues left by their grandfather. They must find out where their family is, learn who they can trust, and discover what secrets are hidden within Cragbridge Hall.

Abby and Derick soon realize they are caught in a race with a fierce adversary to discover their grandfather’s greatest secret–a dangerous discovery that could alter both history and reality.

Have you ever cliff jumped, spelunked (that’s a word, right?) or rapelled?

* * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Comment on each Countdown to Summer 2013 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

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

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

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes generously donated by the authors as of 6/24/2013 (more added throughout the countdown!):

  • A Blind Eye by Julie Daines (signed), a bookmark AND a Mind the Gap temporary tattoo
  • I, Spy by Jordan McCollum (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden
  • A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
  • Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell (signed paperback)
  • Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore (Kindle or Nook)
  • Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears (or winner’s choice of another book by Gale)
  • Farworld: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage (personalized copy)
  • A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson (personalized paperback)
  • Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson (personalized paperback)
  • Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson (signed copy)
  • Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris (winner’s choice of hardcover or audiobook)

By commenting and participating in the Countdown to Summer 2013 you agree to the following:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 10, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2012 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 2, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until July 10, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson – Countdown to Summer 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer
Jun 222013
 

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melaniejacobsonMelanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She consumes astonishing amounts of chocolate, chick flicks, and romance novels. After meeting her husband online, she is now living happily married in Southern California with her growing family and a series of doomed houseplants. Melanie is a former English teacher and a popular speaker who loves to laugh and make others laugh. In her down time (ha!), she writes romantic comedies for Covenant and maintains her humorous slice-of-life blog. Her fifth novel, Second Chances, hit shelves this spring.

Visit Melanie:  WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

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LDSWBR:  What books do you plan/hope to read this summer?

MELANIE:  I’m heavily into contemporary YA right now. I just discovered Jessi Kirby and loved her stuff, so I’m going to read more of that and other similar books, especially Kasie West’s The Distance Between Us. I’m looking forward to my friend Jenny Proctor’s debut from Covenant, The House at Rose Creek.

LDSWBR: Did you ever go to summer camp, and/or what is your most memorable camping experience?

MELANIE:  My most memorable camping experience was being trapped in a tent with my best friend over Spring Break in Florida while a skunk circled around outside. We were frozen until the little dude left.

LDSWBR:  If you could have a summer home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

MELANIE:  I know it’s not very exotic, but I think I’d choose somewhere in the South because that’s where I grew up. Maybe North Carolina or Tennessee on the side of a lake with some mountains in the distance. I love the lightning bugs and the smell of summer almost anywhere you go in the South during the summer.

LDSWBR:  Thank you, Melanie!

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Find Second Chances

AMAZON (Paperback & Kindle) | DESERET BOOK (Paperback & ebook) | SEAGULL BOOK  | GOODREADS

secondchances

After walking out of a thankless job at a prestigious marketing firm, feisty California entrepreneur Louisa Gibson is going into business for herself. Lou’s pioneering venture, The Mormon Bachelor, is a reality dating web series sure to be fabulous advertising for her new marketing firm. And as a bonus, she can solve a problem close to home: while Huntington Beach is crawling with eligible, sun-bronzed Saints, they’ve forgotten the vital skill of dating. Lou hopes the reality show will finally inspire this group of hangout enthusiasts to pair off. But shortly before filming begins, the unthinkable happens — Trentyn, a.k.a. The Bachelor, gets a girlfriend. And Lou needs a new leading man — fast.

Enter Nick, Lou’s devastatingly handsome ex-boyfriend. He’s the stereotypical actor: shallow, self-serving…and perfect for the job. A whirlwind of dating ensues, with Nick at the center of it all. Things are going according to plan — that is, until Lou is forced to step in as a substitute bachelorette, becoming an unwitting cast member on her own show. Despite Nick’s attempts to reestablish their friendship and the growing spark between them, Lou is determined to keep her distance. The show must go on — but what’s a girl to do when the Mr. Wrong of the past just may be the Mr. Right of the future?

Read Shanda’s review of Second Chances

Have you ever seen and/or caught a lightning bug?

* * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Comment on each Countdown to Summer 2013 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

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

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

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes generously donated by the authors as of 6/22/2013 (more added throughout the countdown!):

  • A Blind Eye by Julie Daines (signed), a bookmark AND a Mind the Gap temporary tattoo
  • I, Spy by Jordan McCollum (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden
  • A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
  • Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell (signed paperback)
  • Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore (Kindle or Nook)
  • Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears (or winner’s choice of another book by Gale)
  • Farworld: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage (personalized copy)
  • A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson (personalized paperback)
  • Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson (personalized paperback)
  • Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson (signed copy)

By commenting and participating in the Countdown to Summer 2013 you agree to the following:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 10, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2012 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 2, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until July 10, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson – Countdown to Summer 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer
Jun 212013
 

CD2S2013_200

 

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 first this year. She enjoys reading, writing, and coaching high school swimming.

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

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LDSWBR:  What books do you plan/hope to read this summer?

TRACI:  Since I have a daughter leaving for Taiwan in a few months, I’m sure I’ll be reading about that country as we prepare for her to leave. As for fiction, two novels that I’m really hoping to make time to read this summer are The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor and Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson.

LDSWBR: Did you ever go to summer camp, and/or what is your most memorable camping experience?

TRACI:  Believe it or not, one of my most memorable camp experiences happened just last year when I was one of the camp directors for girls’ camp. Trying to be helpful, I had suggested that some of the girls use a tarp to sit on after a rainstorm. They weren’t too happy with me when they discovered a slug wrapped up inside of it.

That evening my friend Tami and I were doing bed checks and the girls commented on the slug again, insinuating that I might have set them up to find it. After insisting that I really hadn’t tried to pull any practical jokes on them, Tami and I turned to check on the next tent. And the beam of our flashlight landed on a tree…and a big slimy slug.

Words weren’t needed. Tami tried to use a stick to collect the slug, unfortunately knocking on the ground. While we were looking in the leaves for it, I found another slug. Using a leaf, I picked up the smaller slug. After all, slugs really are slimy. Then we found the larger slug and Tami followed suit. On the count of three, we pulled open the tent flap and tossed both slugs inside.

Needless to say, I never have to research what it sounds like when ten teenage girls scream simultaneously.

LDSWBR:  If you could have a summer home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

TRACI:  That’s a tough one. I love the Finger Lakes region in New York, especially since my family loves canoeing and boating. For me, I really enjoy Virginia Beach, although I prefer it in the winter when it isn’t so crowded. Another place I would love to summer would be at a lakeside house at Smith Mountain Lake, also here in Virginia. I guess the short answer would be somewhere near the water.

LDSWBR:  Thanks, Traci!

* * *

Find Deep Cover

AMAZON (Paperback & Kindle) | DESERET BOOK (Paperback, ebook & CD) | SEAGULL BOOK (Paperback & CD) | GOODREADS

Deep Cover

Twenty-eight-year-old Kelsey Weber is one of the CIA’s finest undercover agents. After two years under deep cover in Salman Nassar’s desert compound, she’s unearthed vital information on the volatile Middle Eastern extremist sect. When her allegiance is called into question, Nassar teaches her a lesson she won’t forget—with a bullet to the leg. Kelsey is whisked out of the field to recuperate in the safety of her missionary parents’ empty Virginia home. But civilian life proves to be more complicated than Kelsey anticipated when she meets FBI agent Noah Cabbott, the handsome neighbor tasked by her parents with safeguarding the family home in their absence. As their relationship deepens, she’s torn by her inability to divulge who—and what—she really is.

In a twist of fate, their separate investigations converge in a horrifying plot that threatens the nation’s security, and Kelsey’s identity is revealed. She and Noah have been assigned as members of a secret task force, united with one common goal: to thwart Nassar’s impending terrorist attack. As the situation grows increasingly dire, she is horrified to learn that there is a traitor in their midst: An agency mole has been leaking information to the enemy. Kelsey’s world is thrown into chaos with the shocking realization that nothing is as it seems, and each step toward the truth draws her deeper into a web of conspiracy more intricate and deadly than she dreamed . . .

Do you have a funny insect/slimy creature story?

* * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Comment on each Countdown to Summer 2013 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

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

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

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes generously donated by the authors as of 6/21/2013 (more added throughout the countdown!):

  • A Blind Eye by Julie Daines (signed), a bookmark AND a Mind the Gap temporary tattoo
  • I, Spy by Jordan McCollum (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden
  • A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
  • Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell (signed paperback)
  • Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore (Kindle or Nook)
  • Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears (or winner’s choice of another book by Gale)
  • Farworld: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage (personalized copy)
  • A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson (personalized paperback)
  • Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson (personalized paperback)

By commenting and participating in the Countdown to Summer 2013 you agree to the following:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 10, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2012 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 2, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until July 10, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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