Persuaded by Jenni James – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Jan 172013
 

 

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

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

*    *    *

2 days until Christmas

 

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

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

* * * * *

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

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

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

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

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

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

LDSWBR:  Thank you, Jenni!

* * * * *

Purchase Persuaded: 

AMAZON | KINDLE | NOOK | DESERET BOOK

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

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

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

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

 Do you ever decorate your tree in themes? 

* * * * *

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

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

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

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

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

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

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins December 3, 2012 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 2012 Mountain Time (updated to 12:00 Midnight January 19, 2013 Mountain Time); to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each posts required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 27, 2012 (updated to the week of January 20, 2013) by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until January 3, 2013 (updated to January 26, 2013) to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Book Prizes (as of December 21, 2012 – more to be added to this list!)

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

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

Demons by Heather Frost – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Jan 162013
 

 

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

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

*    *    *

3 days until Christmas

 

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

Visit Heather:  WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

* * * * *

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* * * * *

Purchase Demons (Book 2 in Seers trilogy): 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

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

 Do you have a creative hiding spot for Christmas presents? 

* * * * *

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

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

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

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

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

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

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins December 3, 2012 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 2012 Mountain Time (updated to 12:00 Midnight January 19, 2013 Mountain Time); to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each posts required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 27, 2012 (updated to the week of January 20, 2013) by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 2013 (updated to January 26, 2013) to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Book Prizes (as of December 21, 2012 – more to be added to this list!)

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

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

Giveaway for Case File 13: Zombie Kid and Dark Memories by Jeff (J. Scott) Savage

 Posted by  Contests, Special Features
Jan 152013
 
***UPDATE: Giveaway has been extended until February 12, 2013.***

In conjunction with our podcast interview with author Jeff (J. Scott) Savage, we are giving away three books: two copies of Case File 13: Zombie Kid and one copy of Dark Memories. See below for details!

*****

You hold in your hands a very dangerous record.

I have collected every side of the story and every piece of evidence on case number 13. Now, in this file, you will find all you need to follow the dark adventures of Nick, Carter, and Angelo, three boys who possess an unhealthy obsession with monsters, in a town so grisly, so horrific—

Whoa, whoa, whoa. You’re telling it all wrong, dude. You make it sound like it’s a scary story.

Ahem. Well, Nick, it is a scary story. In this volume alone, there are voodoo queens, graveyards—even the dreaded Zombie King himself.

Yeah, but there’s also the part where Angie gets mashed potatoes all in her face, and the part where I use my cool zombie powers to—

All right, point taken. Now, if you don’t mind . . .

You hold in your hands a very dangerous, very funny record, detailing the hilarious adventures of three boys who have an awesome obsession with monsters. This is the first volume. Read on if you dare. . . .

*****

There are things in the darkness—things much worse than the tracks and abandoned pieces of equipment that trip the children up and gash at their feet and legs—things that brush silently past them, touching their faces before disappearing again.

1977—In the sleepy Town of Twin falls, Colorado, what starts as a carefree school picnic ends in tragedy when six children disappear into an abandoned gold mine. Six enter the dark void—and days later, only five emerge. After an arduous search, the hunt for the last child is called off and the mine entrance is blasted. Little Frankie is left behind, alone in the darkness.

He is coming.

2011—Police Chief Cal Hunt’s investigation into the recent string of bizarre murders in Twin Falls takes a chilling turn when he learns that each of the victims was a survivor of the Seven Stars mine incident. Cal realizes that they share a dark secret—the truth about what happened to Frankie.

To drag them deeper.

With time running out for the remaining survivors, Cal must face a killer that defies all logical explanation. Because no matter how Cal analyzes the facts, there is only one conclusion: A supernatural force is reaching out from the depths to reclaim those who escaped more than thirty years before. And it will not rest until it takes them all . . .

Into the darkness.

*****

Contest Details:

By commenting and entering the giveaway on this post, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins January 15, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight February 12, 2013 Mountain Time; to enter- complete the required entry by leaving a thoughtful comment on the giveaway post and any bonus entries as outlined on the giveaway post; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment; giveaway prizes include two (2) copies of Case File 13: Zombie Kid and one (1) copy of Dark Memories, both by Jeffery S. (J. Scott) Savage; 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 the week of February 13, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until February 22, 2013 to claim their prize; if prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; 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.

How to Enter:

  • REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite book by Jeffrey S. (J. Scott) Savage. If you haven’t read any of his books yet, tell us which of his books you would read first. (Here are Goodreads book lists for J. Scott Savage and Jeffrey S. Savage.)
  • BONUS ENTRIES: Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of our interview with Jeff (J. Scott) Savage and answer the questions on the form below. Each correct answer is worth two additional entries. You MUST complete the required entry for the bonus entries to be included.

Where are the Christians? by Eric Shuster – Overview

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Special Features
Jan 142013
 

 

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

* * *

Book Overview

 

Ponder if you will the state of our world; and in particular the condition of America. Although one can easily argue the United States is still the greatest nation in the world and a country so many desire to come to—risk their lives to enter into—there is no denying America’s social, moral and spiritual fabric continues to deteriorate at an accelerated pace. For many this is an alarming and discouraging trend.

Now consider the fact that 76% of Americans claim to be Christian, making the United States one of the highest per-capita Christian nations in the world. A nation full of Christians in a deteriorating society? If this indeed be the case then WHERE ARE THE CHRISTIANS? To solve this conundrum author Eric Shuster gives us a book that bears this question as its title with the promise of answers and a unique journey for readers.

Where are the Christians? uses the classic format of who, what, where and how to explore Christianity and the dynamics that unite and divide the religion into the unrealized potential it suffers from today (thus the subtitle of the book—the Unrealized Potential of a Divided Religion). The book enlightens readers as to who the Christians are from a historical perspective; what a Christian is from a spiritual perspective; where the Christians are from a behavioral perspective; and how Christianity can be strengthened and more united from a societal perspective. Where are the Christians? examines hundreds of Biblical and scholarly sources, analyzing data from a multitude of studies leading to unique perspectives and solutions to the challenges facing Christianity in the modern era.

Where are the Christians? contains 17 chapters arranged into four sections:

  • SECTION 1: WHO ARE THE CHRISTIANS?—a history: 4 chapters providing a concise history of Christianity spread across four distinct periods: Evangelization and Formation, Legitimacy and Codification, Corruption and Division, and Reform and Denominational Proliferation.
  • SECTION 2: WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?—a definition: 4 chapters examining the definition of a Christian from the perspectives of the world, the Bible, landmark religious studies, and what Shuster refers to as “Modern Day Pharisees.”
  • SECTION 3: WHERE ARE THE CHRISTIANS?—a categorization: 5 chapters profiling the five types of modern Christians including a unique and enlightening exercise to help readers understand what type of Christian they are among the five.
  • SECTION 4: HOW IS CHRISTIANITY TO UNITE?—a vision: 4 chapters describing the ways Christians in America can unite into a force for good by focusing on individuals, families, churches and communities.

For the next 17 weeks author Eric Shuster will take us on a tour through each of the chapters of Where are the Christians? providing a glimpse of what the book is all about the questions it will answer, the insights it will provide, and the vision it lays out in bringing together a deeply divided religion into realizing its true potential for America. This is one tour you won’t want to miss!

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

 

Heart of the Ocean by Heather B. Moore — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Combined Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jan 102013
 

Heart of the Ocean

Author: Heather B. Moore

Published: Jan. 2013

Publisher: Mirror Press

AISN: B00AVMIK8Q

ebook: 337 pages

FTC FYI: Received review copy

Goodreads Summary

A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost . . . a handsome stranger . . . What more could Eliza Robinson want?

Except for maybe her life.

In Heather B. Moore’s enthralling 1840’s historical romance, Heart of the Ocean, Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.

While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.

After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza’s life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt’s death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.

My Review

Eliza is going through a hard time. She has turned down the proposal of her father’s business partner, and flees to Maybrook, a Puritan town, to stay with her aunt. While she is there, Eliza keeps hearing voices in the wind. Her aunt Maeve tells the story of a Puritan woman who’s heart is broken by the love of her life, and how she died of a broken heart. Eliza can’t escape what the voice is trying to tell her. When Maeve dies, her life is put in danger and she is rescued by Jonathan Porter, who has secrets of his own.

Heather is such a talented writer and has a magical way of drawing you right into her books with her well-written characters and page turning plots.  There is a lot to this story, and I really enjoyed the journey of these great characters.

4 out of 5 stars. Heather is the author of many fabulous books.  Read them, and you will see what I am talking about. Her latest book Athena is part of the Newport Ladies Book Club and is out now!

Sheila’s Review

This is the first book I’ve read by Heather Moore that had a paranormal theme to it. I have to say, I really liked it! This historical novel is much more than a ghost story, it is a story of two people, trapped in a mystery that envelops both of their lives. Eliza, shunned by high society, escapes to live with her Aunt Mauve in a Puritan town. Jonathan, having once escaped the same Puritan town, is drawn back in search of papers that will help him claim his rightly inheritance. One rainy night, they are drawn together, because of a ghastly murder and the whispers of a ghost. From this point on in the story, Jonathan and Eliza are forced together to solve the mystery surrounding the death of Jonathan’s mother. As they fight evil and menacing people, they also must fight the feelings that are growing for one another. The Heart of the Ocean will keep you reading until the mystery is solved, murderers jailed, and love winning out in the end.I hope to read more like this from Author Heather B. Moore.
Author Links

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newport Ladies Book Club

Purchase Links

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

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/  

 Older Entries  Newer Entries