Dorothy Keddington – Countdown to Christmas 2009

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 142009
 
11 Days until Christmas!



Dorothy Keddington is the author of seven romantic-suspense novels and co-author of the non-fiction biography of Ahmad Sharifi, A Square Sky. Dorothy’s most recent novel, The Fairy Thorn, released just this month, is a romantic-suspense set on Washington State’s Whidbey Island and Mazatlan, Mexico. Granite Publishing will be re-releasing Dorothy’s previous novels, beginning with Jayhawk. Currently, Dorothy is working on her next romantic-suspense novel titled Hearth Fires.

The Fairy Thorn can be purchased online at www.amazon.com and www.granitebooks.com. Confetti Books in Spanish Fork and The Book Table in Logan have copies, and it will be in Seagull Book outlets and bookstores everywhere soon.

LDSWBR: Dorothy, what holiday traditions do you and your family participate in every Christmas? Will you be starting any new traditions this year?

DOROTHY: One of my favorite traditions is the mammoth “McDonald Clan” get together which is held every year at my sister Sue’s home. Everyone brings a treat or pot luck goodie and we have all the aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren attending. I usually bring everyone’s favorite gingerbread cookies,, a treat that my mother used to make when we were children. It’s a wonderful time to visit, see the new babies, and hear about missionaries and newly marrieds. We always sing Christmas Carols and believe me, it’s quite the choir. My nephew, Marshall McDonald, is a brilliant pianist/arranger/composer and my sister, Kathy, sang with the Tabernacle Choir for years. Niece Tally plays the viola beautifully, my brother Jack plays the guitar, and we all love singing together. Even though my parents have both passed away, I know that our getting together must bring them great joy.

LDSWBR: What a grand tradition! What books are on your Christmas wish list?

DOROTHY: I absolutely love the new illustrated Neal Maxwell quote book. His words and thoughts always touch and inspire me.

LDSWBR: What books have you purchased/will you purchase as gifts for loved ones this Christmas?

DOROTHY: I love giving family, friends and my grandchildren books each Christmas. These may include old, out-of-print titles as well as new books. I am particularly fond of beautifully illustrated fairy tale collections. One year I found an old hard-bound copy of Mary Webb’s classic, Precious Bane, which I gave to my daughter Laura. We both adore that book. This year for Christmas, I will be giving my family and friends copies of The Fairy Thorn. They’ve been waiting patiently for nearly seven years and I’m so happy I can deliver a new book for Christmas.

LDSWBR: You have many, many fans that are happy about that, too! Thanks for taking the time to share with us, Dorothy, and for donating a copy of The Fairy Thorn for our drawing.

A lot of authors have listed singing Christmas Carols as a tradition in their families. What are your favorite Christmas Carols to sing or listen to during the holidays? (I never get tired of listening to Carol of the Bells).

Don’t forget to nominate your favorite 2009 books by LDS authors for Whitney Awards by December 31! Can’t remember what you read? Visit the LDS Publisher blog for a list of books published by LDS authors in 2009.



***Countdown to Christmas Contest***


LDSWBR will hold a drawing on Christmas Day for a $25 eGift Card from Deseret Book, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors that will be featured on the blog. Simply post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas author posts to enter. Here are the rules:

  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.
  • Only one comment per person per “Countdown to Christmas” author post will be entered into the drawing. This allows the potential for 24 entries per person at the end of the contest. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 24, 2009. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on December 31, 2009 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.
  • Book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Books that have been generously donated by the author for drawing prizes:

  • Loyalty’s Web by Joyce DiPastena
  • Hidden Branch by G.G. Vandagriff
  • Altared Plans by Rebecca Talley
  • A Modest Proposal by Michele Ashman Bell (includes a bonus copy of Michele’s Christmas booklet, A Candle in the Window)
  • Her Good Name by Josi Kilpack
  • MISSING by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
  • Famous Family Nights by Anne Bradshaw
  • Love Letters of Joseph and Emma (autographed copy) by Angela Eschler
  • Family Home Evening Adventures by Rebecca Irvine
  • Counting the Cost by Liz Adair
  • Shudder by Jennie Hansen
  • Mormon Mishaps & Mischief by D. N. Giles & C. L. Beck
  • Dawn’s Early Light by Laurie (L.C.) Lewis
  • The Fairy Thorn (brand new release!) by Dorothy Keddington
  • Torn Apart (signed copy) by Diony George
  • Pursued: A Maggie McKenzie Mystery by Lynn Gardner

Thank you so much!

Heather Justesen & Diony George – Countdown to Christmas 2009

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 132009
 
12 Days until Christmas!


Heather Justesen’s recently published book, The Ball’s in Her Court, is her first novel. Heather’s second book, Rebound, featuring secondary characters from The Ball’s in Her Court, will be released in May 2010.

The Ball’s in Her Court can be purchased at Deseret Book, www.amazon.com, and www.barnesandnoble.com, as well as in stores at the Sandy and Orem locations of Barnes & Noble.

Learn more about Heather on her website: www.heatherjustesen.com and her blog: Heather Justesen.

LDSWBR: What favorite holiday traditions do you and your family participate in every year, and will you be starting any new traditions this year?

HEATHER: Every year when there are kids around we hide the presents all over the house with one package for each kid in each spot. Then one of the adults makes up a really lame rhyming clue about where the presents are and the kids race to find them. This takes what could otherwise be a ten-minute orgy of wrapping-paper ripping fun into a slower-paced hour or more of exciting discoveries. Our family has done this since I was in elementary school and now the grand kids love it as much as we did. Unfortunately, there will be no grandchildren in town this year as all of my siblings have opted to stay home for a change.

LDSWBR: Heather, what books are on your Christmas wish list?

HEATHER: I’m dying to read Jessica Day George’s Princess at the Midnight Ball, Julie Wright’s Eyes Like Mine and Michele Paige Holmes’ All the Stars in Heaven.

LDSWBR: What books have you purchased/will you purchase for loved ones this Christmas? (Don’t ruin any surprises!)

HEATHER: I picked up Mormon Mishaps and Mischief for my mother-in-law and I plan to pick up James Dashner’s Maze Runner for my husband. I’m still waffling on a few others.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Heather. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

****************************************

Diony George’s first novel, Torn Apart, had it’s second edition release in February 2009. She is currently working on a book titled Shaded View, the story of a wife and mother who thinks getting a divorce will fix everything wrong in her life. She learns the answer is changing herself.

Torn Apart can be purchased at Seagull Book, Deseret Book, www.amazon.com and on Diony’s personal blog: The Sun Always Returns After the Rain and website: tornapartbyporn.com. She is currently offering signed copies on sale for Christmas.


More about Diony: Author Diony George is a dedicated wife and mother of seven. Originally from Alaska, she enjoys traveling, cooking, applique quilting, and spending time with her family. Through personal experience she’s become passionate about helping those whose lives have been drastically affected by pornography addiction. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband Daryl, and their children.

LDSWBR: Diony, what favorite holiday traditions do you and your family participate in each year? Will you be starting any new traditions this Christmas?

DIONY: Every Christmas Eve we have a special program in the evening with our family by candlelight and the lit Christmas tree. Everyone participates by sharing a story, a song, a skit or a poem. We sing carols around the piano, ending with my husband reading the Christmas Story from the Bible found in Luke. We have homemade cookies and treats, as well as warm spiced cider afterward and the children can choose to open one gift.

LDSWBR: What books are on your Christmas wish list?

DIONY: Women of the Old Testament by Camille Fronk Olson and Elspeth Young; Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes.

LDSWBR: What books have you purchased/will you purchase for loved ones this year?

DIONY: Worldwide Ward Cookbook by Deanna Buxton–I can’t say who for!

LDSWBR: Thanks for sharing with us, Diony, and thank you so much for donating a signed copy of Torn Apart for our drawing! Best Christmas Wishes to you and your family.

Is your Christmas Morning one big free-for-all, or do you take turns opening presents? How do you control the chaos? Or do you even try?

Don’t forget to nominate your favorite 2009 books by LDS authors for Whitney Awards by December 31! Can’t remember what you read? Visit the LDS Publisher blog for a list of books published by LDS authors in 2009.



***Countdown to Christmas Contest***


LDSWBR will hold a drawing on Christmas Day for a $25 eGift Card from Deseret Book, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors that will be featured on the blog. Simply post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas author posts to enter. Here are the rules:

  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.
  • Only one comment per person per “Countdown to Christmas” author post will be entered into the drawing. This allows the potential for 24 entries per person at the end of the contest. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 24, 2009. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on December 31, 2009 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.
  • Book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Books that have been generously donated by the author for drawing prizes:

  • Loyalty’s Web by Joyce DiPastena
  • Hidden Branch by G.G. Vandagriff
  • Altared Plans by Rebecca Talley
  • A Modest Proposal by Michele Ashman Bell (includes a bonus copy of Michele’s Christmas booklet, A Candle in the Window)
  • Her Good Name by Josi Kilpack
  • MISSING by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
  • Famous Family Nights by Anne Bradshaw
  • Love Letters of Joseph and Emma (autographed copy) by Angela Eschler
  • Family Home Evening Adventures by Rebecca Irvine
  • Counting the Cost by Liz Adair
  • Shudder by Jennie Hansen
  • Mormon Mishaps & Mischief by D. N. Giles & C. L. Beck
  • Dawn’s Early Light by Laurie (L.C.) Lewis
  • The Fairy Thorn (brand new release!) by Dorothy Keddington
  • Torn Apart (signed copy) by Diony George
  • Pursued: A Maggie McKenzie Mystery by Lynn Gardner

Thank you so much!

Janet Jensen, Nichole Giles & Cindy Beck – Countdown to Christmas 2009 (Updated)

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 122009
 
13 Days until Christmas!

Janet Jensen has published two books, The Book Lover’s Cookbook (Wenger & Jensen, Ballantine, 2003) and Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys (Bonneville, 2007). She’s currently working on a spin-off of Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys called Gabriel’s Daughters, as well as another novel, And Grace Will Lead Us Home, about an illiterate man who is desperate to hide his disability in today’s very literate society.

Janet’s books can be purchased online at www.amazon.com and www.cedarfort.com.


More about Janet: Janet Kay Jensen is the award-winning author of Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys (Bonneville Books, 2007) and co-author of The Book Lover’s Cookbook: Recipes Inspired by Celebrated Works of Literature and the Passages that Feature Them (Wenger & Jensen), Ballantine, 2003. Her work also appears in Healing Ministry Journal, LDS Writing Secrets, Byline, Meridian, Everton’s Family History Magazine, Heart to Heart Newsletter (Intermountain Donor Services) and The Magic of Stories.

She holds degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Utah State University and Northwestern University and is an adult literacy tutor. Recently, she had the opportunity to record an interview with her literacy student through National Public Radio’s StoryCorps® program. She has been a guest instructor in a creative writing program for county jail inmates.

Janet has won numerous awards from the League of Utah Writers, including first place in personal essay, humorous poetry, and short story. Her work has also won several honorable mentions in ByLine. She is a member of Authors Guild, Authors Den, LDStorymakers, League of Utah Writers, Romance Writers of America, Mortar Board, and Utah State University’s Old Main Society. She and her husband Miles are the parents of three grown sons who all attend graduate school. They have one remarkable grandchild.

You can visit Janet on her website: www.janetjensen.com and her blogs: Janet Kay Jensen and Janet’s #2 Blog (all about Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys).


LDSWBR: Janet, what holiday traditions do you and your family participate in every year?

JANET: We have a party for extended family on Christmas Eve. After potluck, we love to play Balderdash, the bluffing dictionary game.

Oh–and another Christmas tradition: I try to collect a Christmas ornament whenever I travel. That turns my tree into a history. And I have bout our sons ornaments each year. They reflect the interests or events that happen during the year. When the boys left home, they had a good start on a collection of their own. And even though they’re grown up, I still find them a new ornament every Christmas.

LDSWBR: What books are on your Christmas wish list?

JANET: I would love to have a set of the classics (considered to be the 50-100 best works in literature). There are many I haven’t read, and if I studied them in high school, I’d need a refresher course! They are the inspiration for many great books that followed them. Contemporary works also refer to the classics, so that would increase my understanding of current literature as well.

However, my husband and I are trying valiantly (with some success) to downsize at our house, and I’ve actually been giving books away. We still have a lot of books as my husband grew up in a bookstore and my mother was a librarian. I hate to think how many there really are downstairs! Genetically we were predisposed to collect books.

The concept of downsizing was driven home when an older couple who had lived on our street for many years had both passed away, and their children had to deal with all of their possessions. We could not believe the number of vans and trucks that came and went. And the there were the garage sales! We vowed not to do that to our sons. We could do much better, as we’re both sentimental about things, but we’re trying.

So–to finish a long answer, I think that rather than acquiring a set of the classics, it would be best for me to check them out from the library. I love libraries. Just waling into a library gives me a boost. And it’s much, much safer than walking into a bookstore!

LDSWBR: What books have you purchased/will you purchase for your loved ones this Christmas?

JANET: I would like our granddaughter (age 2 1/2) to have a steady diet of Dr. Seuss, Uncle Remus, Mercer Meyer and timeless folktales, so I’ll be adding to her collections. Anne Bradshaw’s Famous Family Nights is a great gift for everyone.


LDSWBR: Thank you, Janet. Have a very Merry Christmas!

************************


Cindy Beck and Nichole Giles are the authors of the recently released Mormon Mishaps and Mischief, a first book for both of them. Cindy and Nichole have each written several short stories and articles. Cindy authors a monthly humor column in the newspaper and has several works in progress, and Nichole is working on a number of novel-length projects (no publication dates yet) and one short-length novella, The Sharp Edge of a Knife, which should be released in late January or early February.

Mormon Mishaps and Mischief ($10) is available for purchase at booksellers near you, as well as online at www.mormonmishaps.com and www.amazon.com.

Visit Cindy and Nichole on their website: www.mormonmishaps.com and their blog: LDS Humor.

LDSWBR: What holiday traditions do you and your family participate in every year? Will you be adding and new traditions this year?

CINDY: Ooo, I love eating Christmas goodies, drinking eggnog and watching the lights on the tree. Half of them blink and the other half don’t. But it’s never the same half twice in a row, so simple minds are easily occupied.

NICHOLE: We set up a treat table about mid-December and load it up with all the good holiday goodies. Some we make, some we buy, and some others give to us. All the kids in the neighborhood look forward to coming over to share our treats. Also, we love to drive around and look at the lights while we listen to Christmas music. Sadly, the family favorite is our “Elves Gone Wild” CD. Hardly spiritual, but lots of fun.

LDSWBR: What books are on your Christmas wish list?

CINDY: I’d like a leather-bound copy of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Hmmm, do they make leather bindings anymore? Well, if not, I’ll take polyester.

NICHOLE: Um, I’d like a whole lot of books this year so if Santa would please just stuff my stocking with a gift card to Barnes and Noble or Borders, I’d be okay with that. Otherwise, I’ll take any and all new young adult fantasy/paranormal releases as well as a few clean romance novels. A girl can never get enough romance, right?

LDSWBR: The three of us agree completely! What books do you plan on purchasing/have you purchased as gifts for loved ones this Christmas? (Unless sharing would ruin the surprise for someone!)

CINDY: Umm, oh … alas and alack … if I tell then Santa will be unhappy with me. :)

NICHOLE: Well, I don’t know what Santa has planned, but I’m thinking about giving out copies of the Family Record Keeper by Mary Greathouse. Also giving away a few copies of our book Mormon Mishaps and Mischief, because it really does make a great gift.

LDSWBR: Cindy and Nichole, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule during the release of your new book to share with us. Merry Christmas!

What traditional board or card games do you and your family like to play at Christmas time? If you don’t usually play games, do you have a street in your neighborhood or city that goes “all out” for Christmas that you and your family like to drive past?

Don’t forget to nominate your favorite 2009 books by LDS authors for Whitney Awards by December 31! Can’t remember what you read? Visit the LDS Publisher blog for a list of books published by LDS authors in 2009.



***Countdown to Christmas Contest***


LDSWBR will hold a drawing on Christmas Day for a $25 eGift Card from Deseret Book, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors that will be featured on the blog. Simply post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas author posts to enter. Here are the rules:

  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.
  • Only one comment per person per “Countdown to Christmas” author post will be entered into the drawing. This allows the potential for 24 entries per person at the end of the contest. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 24, 2009. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on December 31, 2009 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.
  • Book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Books that have been generously donated by the author for drawing prizes:

  • Loyalty’s Web by Joyce DiPastena
  • Hidden Branch by G.G. Vandagriff
  • Altared Plans by Rebecca Talley
  • A Modest Proposal by Michele Ashman Bell (includes a bonus copy of Michele’s Christmas booklet, A Candle in the Window)
  • Her Good Name by Josi Kilpack
  • MISSING by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
  • Famous Family Nights by Anne Bradshaw
  • Love Letters of Joseph and Emma (autographed copy) by Angela Eschler
  • Family Home Evening Adventures by Rebecca Irvine
  • Counting the Cost by Liz Adair
  • Shudder by Jennie Hansen
  • Mormon Mishaps & Mischief by D. N. Giles & C. L. Beck
  • Dawn’s Early Light by Laurie (L.C.) Lewis
  • The Fairy Thorn (brand new release!) by Dorothy Keddington
  • Torn Apart (signed copy) by Diony George

Thank you so much!

Anne Bradshaw – Countdown to Christmas 2009

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 112009
 
14 Days until Christmas!

Only two weeks left! Is this month flying by for anyone else?

Anne Bradshaw is the author of four books. Her most recently published work, Famous Family Nights, is available for purchase at www.amazon.com, Deseret Book, Seagull Book and all LDS book stores.

Visit Anne on her website: www.annebradshaw.com and her blog: Anne’s Place.

LDSWBR: What favorite holiday traditions do you and your family participate in each year? Will you be starting any new traditions this Christmas?

ANNE: When our children all lived at home, we made Christmas Mints during the family night two weeks before Christmas Day. These were mint creams dipped in chocolate and the process also involved some finger-licking testing of ingredients. Then, for family home evening the week of the 25th we wrapped up warm and went caroling on the neighbor doorsteps, handing out bow-wrapped plates of treats. We sometimes cajoled sons to play musical instruments while the rest of us sang. Trumpet, saxophone, and violin were all involved at times, with varying degrees of competence. I look back on those days with great fondness, and wish they could return.

LDSWBR: Anne, what books are on your Christmas wish list this year?

ANNE: The Undaunted, English Trifle, Missing

LDSWBR: What books have you purchased/will you purchase as gifts for loved ones this year? (Unless sharing would ruin the surprise!)

ANNE: Sharing would ruin the surprise for sure. What goes on the internet stays on the internet! And there’s no hiding from spying eyes :-).

LDSWBR: So true! Thanks for sharing with us, Anne. Merry Christmas!

Do you have any holiday traditions that you no longer do because of one reason or another? What Christmas memories make you sentimental?

Don’t forget to nominate your favorite 2009 books by LDS authors for Whitney Awards by December 31! Can’t remember what you read? Visit the LDS Publisher blog for a list of books published by LDS authors in 2009.



***Countdown to Christmas Contest***


LDSWBR will hold a drawing on Christmas Day for a $25 eGift Card from Deseret Book, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors that will be featured on the blog. Simply post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas author posts to enter. Here are the rules:

  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.
  • Only one comment per person per “Countdown to Christmas” author post will be entered into the drawing. This allows the potential for 24 entries per person at the end of the contest. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 24, 2009. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on December 31, 2009 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.
  • Book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Books that have been generously donated by the author for drawing prizes:

  • Loyalty’s Web by Joyce DiPastena
  • Hidden Branch by G.G. Vandagriff
  • Altared Plans by Rebecca Talley
  • A Modest Proposal by Michele Ashman Bell (includes a bonus copy of Michele’s Christmas booklet, A Candle in the Window)
  • Her Good Name by Josi Kilpack
  • MISSING by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
  • Famous Family Nights by Anne Bradshaw
  • Love Letters of Joseph and Emma (autographed copy) by Angela Eschler
  • Family Home Evening Adventures by Rebecca Irvine
  • Counting the Cost by Liz Adair
  • Shudder by Jennie Hansen
  • Mormon Mishaps & Mischief by D. N. Giles & C. L. Beck
  • Dawn’s Early Light by Laurie (L.C.) Lewis
  • The Fairy Thorn (brand new release!) by Dorothy Keddington

Thank you so much!

LuAnn Staheli – Countdown to Christmas 2009

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 102009
 
15 Days until Christmas!

LuAnn Staheli’s published work includes When Hearts Conjoin (Richard Paul Evans Publishing), an essay in Famous Family Nights (Cedar Fort) and another in Teaching Ideas K-12: What Really Works (Christopher-Gordon). LuAnn is currently working on Supermind with mentalist Jim Karol (details are still being finalized).

LuAnn’s work can be purchased at Confetti Antiques & Books in Spanish Fork, UT, Seagull Book Stores (you may have to order them in some stores), Barnes & Noble Stores (may have to order them) or online at Barnes & Noble and www.amazon.com.

Learn more about LuAnn on her website: www.luannstaheli.com or her blog: LuAnn’s Library.

LDSWBR: What favorite holiday traditions do you and your family participate in every year? Will you be starting any new traditions this year?

LUANN: Each year we start the holiday season by going out to eat at either the Mexican or Chinese restaurant in downtown the Friday after Thanksgiving, the night of the Spanish Fork Light Parade. We get a great parking space, then after dinner wait in the car until the parade comes along. Then the next Sunday we all pile into the car and head to the Festival of Lights for a drive through, checking to see which displays are new. One evening before Christmas, I always build the winter scene puzzle which as been a tradition since I was a child in my own parents’ home. I’ve done this so many years that I have the puzzle memorized, so despite the fact it’s over 1,500 pieces, I can put the whole thing together in a couple of hours.

LDSWBR: What books on your Christmas wish list, LuAnn?

LUANN: I’m notorious for buying my own books for Christmas, so I already have them sitting on the bedside table. The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans, Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton, and Breathless by Dean Koontz are all sitting on my nightstand. Now my biggest wish–find the time to read them!

LDSWBR: It seem there never is enough time to read :). What books have you purchased/will you purchase as gifts for loved ones this year? (Unless sharing would ruin the surprise!)

LUANN: The Promise of Enough by Emily Freeman. I had the opportunity to do the final proof edit on this book and loved it, so I bought a copy for myself and plan to buy a few as gifts as well.

LDSWBR: Thank you, LuAnn. Have a great Christmas!

My husband and I took our kids to the “Santa’s Arrival” event in our city. Though we missed his arrival on a fire truck, the kids still enjoyed the free crafts, scones & hot chocolate, as well as the cookie decorating. What special events (like Spanish Fork’s Light Parade) does your city host during the holiday season?

Don’t forget to nominate your favorite 2009 books by LDS authors for Whitney Awards by December 31! Can’t remember what you read? Visit the LDS Publisher blog for a list of books published by LDS authors in 2009.



***Countdown to Christmas Contest***


LDSWBR will hold a drawing on Christmas Day for a $25 eGift Card from Deseret Book, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors that will be featured on the blog. Simply post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas author posts to enter. Here are the rules:

  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.
  • Only one comment per person per “Countdown to Christmas” author post will be entered into the drawing. This allows the potential for 24 entries per person at the end of the contest. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 24, 2009. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on December 31, 2009 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.
  • Book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Books that have been generously donated by the author for drawing prizes:

  • Loyalty’s Web by Joyce DiPastena
  • Hidden Branch by G.G. Vandagriff
  • Altared Plans by Rebecca Talley
  • A Modest Proposal by Michele Ashman Bell (includes a bonus copy of Michele’s Christmas booklet, A Candle in the Window)
  • Her Good Name by Josi Kilpack
  • MISSING by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
  • Famous Family Nights by Anne Bradshaw
  • Love Letters of Joseph and Emma (autographed copy) by Angela Eschler
  • Family Home Evening Adventures by Rebecca Irvine
  • Counting the Cost by Liz Adair
  • Shudder by Jennie Hansen
  • Mormon Mishaps & Mischief by D. N. Giles & C. L. Beck
  • Dawn’s Early Light by Laurie (L.C.) Lewis
  • The Fairy Thorn (brand new release!) by Dorothy Keddington

Thank you so much!

Josi Kilpack – Countdown to Christmas 2009

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 092009
 


16 Days until Christmas!


Josi Kilpack is the author of ten novels. Her most recently published books, Lemon Tart and English Trifle, were both released in 2009. The next book in her culinary mystery series, Devil’s Food Cake, will be out in March 2010.

Autographed copies are available for purchase through Josi’s website: www.josikilpack.com. Non-autographed copies can be purchased online and in stores at Deseret Book.

Visit Josi on her blog: Sundial in the Shade.

LDSWBR: Josi, please share with us what holiday traditions you and your family participate in every year. Will you be starting any new traditions this Christmas?

JOSI: We are rather non-traditional, as in inconsistent. We’ll do something one year, then never do it again for reasons that remain unknown. Some of the things have been really fun, but pressure sucks so I have set things up so that the expectations remain very low. It works.

One thing that sticks, however, is Christmas Eve dinner by candlelight. My sister was born on Christmas Day (Just FYI, If you’re going to share a birthday with someone, don’t have it be Jesus. He wins every time) and my mom started doing fancy dinners on Christmas Eve for my sister, since there was little hope of much celebrating for her on Christmas Day when everyone gets presents. It’s stuck with my own family, so we have a nice meal by candlelight and always have English Trifle for dessert. The evening ends with carols around the tree and then it’s off to bed. Doing dishes for an hour helps the kids give up on waiting to hear jingle bells. It’s nothing terribly impressive, but it sticks in my children’s minds and we all look forward to it each December.

LDSWBR: What books are on your Christmas wish list?

JOSI: Alma by Heather Moore (this is definitely one I want to own); Previously Engaged by Elodia Strain (also one I want to read again); Ender’s Game (Never read it, but my daughter did and I think it’s time I did too); Santa Maybe by Aubrey Mace (Started it on the booktour, need to get a copy and finish it).

LDSWBR: What books have you purchased/will you purchase as gifts for loved ones this Christmas?

JOSI: The Bronze Canticles series by Tracy and Laura Hickman for my oldest; My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison for my 2nd daughter who only reads Janette; Not sure on my son–he’s behind on all the good stuff I already own; Some Junie B. Jones for my 8 year old–we laugh our heads off.

LDSWBR: Thanks for taking the time to share with us, Josi. Have a Merry Christmas!

Do you plan activities specifically to help wear out the kids or help them fall asleep quickly on Christmas Eve? What activities have worked the best for you?

Don’t forget to nominate your favorite 2009 books by LDS authors for Whitney Awards by December 31! Can’t remember what you read? Visit the LDS Publisher blog for a list of books published by LDS authors in 2009.



***Countdown to Christmas Contest***


LDSWBR will hold a drawing on Christmas Day for a $25 eGift Card from Deseret Book, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors that will be featured on the blog. Simply post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas author posts to enter. Here are the rules:

  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.
  • Only one comment per person per “Countdown to Christmas” author post will be entered into the drawing. This allows the potential for 24 entries per person at the end of the contest. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 24, 2009. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on December 31, 2009 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.
  • Book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.

Books that have been generously donated by the author for drawing prizes:

  • Loyalty’s Web by Joyce DiPastena
  • Hidden Branch by G.G. Vandagriff
  • Altared Plans by Rebecca Talley
  • A Modest Proposal by Michele Ashman Bell (includes a bonus copy of Michele’s Christmas booklet, A Candle in the Window)
  • Her Good Name by Josi Kilpack
  • MISSING by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
  • Famous Family Nights by Anne Bradshaw
  • Love Letters of Joseph and Emma (autographed copy) by Angela Eschler
  • Family Home Evening Adventures by Rebecca Irvine
  • Counting the Cost by Liz Adair
  • Shudder by Jennie Hansen
  • Mormon Mishaps & Mischief by D. N. Giles & C. L. Beck
  • Dawn’s Early Light by Laurie (L.C.) Lewis
  • The Fairy Thorn (brand new release!) by Dorothy Keddington

Thank you so much!

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