After Hello by Lisa Mangum – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 122012
 

 13 days until Christmas

 

Lisa Mangum has loved and worked with books ever since elementary school, when she volunteered at the school library during recess. Her first paying job was shelving books at the Sandy Library. She worked for five years at Waldenbooks while she attended the University of Utah, graduating with honors with a degree in English. An avid reader of all genres, she has worked in the publishing department for Deseret Book since 1997.

Besides books, Lisa loves movies, spending time with her family, trips to Disneyland, and vanilla ice cream topped with fresh raspberries. She lives in Taylorsville, Utah, with her husband, Tracy.

She is the author of the award-winning Hourglass Door trilogy and After Hello.

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

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

LISA: Tinkerbell sits atop my Christmas tree. My husband and I love to visit Disneyland (especially at Christmas), so when we saw Tink dressed up as Santa and sitting on a snowflake, well, we just had to bring her home.

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

LISA: A Christmas Story. I love the humor and the honesty in the story. It’s an easy movie to quote and it makes me laugh every time I watch it.

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

LISA: A few years ago I knew that my brother and my husband were giving each other the exact same Christmas gift—a T-shirt of “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock” from “The Big Bang Theory.” We made them open their gifts at the same time, and we all laughed as soon as they realized what they had done.

LDSWBR: That is too funny. Thanks, Lisa!

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Purchase After Hello: 

AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | NOOK | DESERET BOOK

What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?

Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City.

Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.

When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of a seemingly elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate? This new novel from award-winning author Lisa Mangum explores what happens after hello.

Have you ever exchanged the same gift with someone? 

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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; 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 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 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 12, 2012)(more to be added- at least 20 books have been donated!)

  • 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)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

Sudden Darkness by Margot Hovley – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 112012
 

 14 days until Christmas

 

Margot Hovley was raised in rural Washington State, where she worked as a girl pig-herder and champion produce box-maker. She now lives and plays in Utah with her big family. When she’s not storytelling, she’s hanging out with family, teaching music to the somewhat-willing, and fooling with techy gadgets. She loves hiking, traveling, and concocting adventures.

Visit Margot:  AUTHOR BLOG | SELF-RELIANCE BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS

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

MARGOT: I have a large star on the top of my tree that means a lot to me. We bought it while traveling in Denmark–where my husband served his mission and where a book project of mine is set. I love Denmark! I wish we could have real candles on our tree like they do. Well, I sorta wish that. I don’t want to burn my house down, lol.

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

MARGOT: It’s hard to choose a favorite Christmas movie, but I’ll go with How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I love so many things about this movie. It’s narrated by Boris Karloff, the famous movie Frankenstein. His voice is amazing! I glued myself to the TV as a kid when it would be played each year. Isn’t it fantastic how an author, Dr. Seuss, wrote such a memorable story that his made up word (Grinch) has become part of our language? I ended up marrying a guy with a super low voice (he sings super-bass in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) and you oughta hear him sing “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

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

MARGOT: My #6 child was born near Christmas and I was definitely excited to present her to the family as a Christmas gift of sorts. The hospital even put her in a stocking. Cutest gift ever.

LDSWBR: It would be a blast to hear your husband sing that song. Thanks, Margot!

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Purchase Sudden Darkness: 

AMAZON | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

The news has been filled with stories of tragedy and turmoil. But world events like the recent bombings in London seem far removed from eighteen-yearold Amélie Hatch’s quiet life in Zillah, Washington. She’s content with the predictable pattern of her life school, friends, work. But when Amélie’s father leaves on a mysterious Church assignment, concerns escalate as the family is left with few answers. Then, in the span of moments, Amélie’s world erupts in chaos. Terrorists have attacked the US power grid. There is no electricity. Vehicles have ceased working. The nuclear facility at nearby Hanford is compromised, and radiation may be flooding the area. Without the guidance of their father, Amélie’s family faces a monumental task at the request of the leaders of the Church: members of their stake have been asked to walk to Utah, where they will find safety in Zion. Fleeing her home and the life she knows, Amélie sets off on the arduous journey toward the refuge of Utah. There is danger around every corner as the group faces gunfire, kidnapping, and new terrorist threats. And as she finds herself drawn to two very different young men, Amélie recognizes a more personal peril she’s in danger of losing her heart.

Seuss foodie poll: Green eggs and ham or roast beast and Who pudding? 

* * * * *

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; 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 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 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 11, 2012)(more to be added- at least 20 books have been donated!)

  • 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)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

An Unlikely Match by Sarah M. Eden – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 102012
 

15 days until Christmas

 

Sarah M. Eden read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been addicted to historical romance ever since. An avid researcher, she loves delving deep into the details of history. Eden was a Whitney Award Finalist for her novels Seeking Persephone (2008) and Courting Miss Lancaster (2010). You can visit her at www.sarahmeden.com. (Photo by Annalisa Rosenvall)

Visit Sarah:  WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

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

SARAH: We have a loverly, fancy-schmancy angel on top of our tree. It’s all gold (paint) leafed and heavenly host-ish. Special meaning? I bought it on sale at Walgreens years ago. Does that make it special?

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

SARAH: About 5 years ago my husband and I and our kids filmed a remake “A Christmas Story.” Our son looks *exactly* like Ralphie: big blue eyes, blond hair, glasses, cute little nose, earnest expressions. So we filmed our own version of the movie with him in the lead role. We hit all the highlights. Ralphie pleaded for the bb gun. The Old Man earned his “major award.” You name it, we did it. And it was AMAZING.

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

SARAH: This year our family gift to one another is a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ireland. I have roots in Ireland, a very Irish birthday, and a lifelong dream of going there. I have spent countless hours over my lifetime reading travel guides and watching PBS specials and looking at pictures of the Irish countryside, knowing in the back of my mind that it was nothing more than a dream. I always assumed it would never happen. So to actually be going is the most amazing Christmas gift I could imagine. I’ll probably be the crazy American crying at customs when they stamp my passport. “Nollaig Shona Duit!”

LDSWBR: What an amazing opportunity for you and your family. Thanks, Sarah!

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Purchase An Unlikely Match: 

AMAZON | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed … except for the ghost.

For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived—and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas.

A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead.

But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas?

 Have you ever been given or received a trip for Christmas? Where did you go? Where would you like to go?

* * * * *

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; 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 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 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 10, 2012 – many 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)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

The Kindling by Braden Bell – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 082012
 

17 days until Christmas

 

Braden Bell grew up in Farmington, Utah. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theatre from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. in educational theatre from New York University. He and his wife, live with their children on a quiet, wooded lot in Tennessee, where he teaches theatre and music at a private school. An experienced performer, Braden enjoys singing, acting, reading, gardening, and long walks with the dog.

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

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

BRADEN: We have a star. It reminds of the first Christmas star.

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

BRADEN: Easily, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I love it because it’s a realistic look at the challenges that come with life. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy. Sometimes, in fact, it’s difficult. For years. I love that the ending, while solving the immediate problem doesn’t change everything. It also reminds me to try to make a positive difference around me.

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

BRADEN: A few years ago, our youngest wanted a train table. He was about three, so it was a very magical age at Christmas time. We couldn’t afford the train table but wanted him to have it. Our older kids gave up a portion of what we had budgeted for them, adding it to the pot for the train table. They were as excited as we were. The whole family anticipated that gift more than anything I’ve ever seen.

LDSWBR: Wow, what a sweet sacrifice for your children to make. Thank you, Braden!

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Purchase The Kindling: 

AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | NOOK | DESERET BOOK

BRADEN’S WEBSITE (Special: only $9.99)

All thirteen-year-old Connor Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens, but when a run-in with the school bully ignites strange powers inside him, Connor’s normal teenage life goes up in flames. Now he’ll need his new powers to defeat the Darkness that’s coming for him. Fast-paced and original, this book’s guaranteed to keep you guessing!

Have you witnessed your children or other loved ones sacrificing their own wants for the sake of another at Christmastime? 

* * * * *

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; 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 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 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 8, 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)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

Athena by Heather B. Moore – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 072012
 

18 days until Christmas

 

Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of nine historical novels. Her historical fiction is published under the pen name H.B. Moore; first series is called Out of Jerusalem. Her second series includes Abinadi (2008 Whitney Winner for Best Historical & 2009 Best of State in Literary Arts); its sequel, Alma (2009 Whitney Award Finalist); followed by Alma the Younger (2011 Best of State in Literary Arts & 2010 Whitney Finalist), and Ammon (2011 LUW Gold Award of Excellence). Her newest romantic thriller is Daughters of Jared (2012 LUW Gold Award of Excellence & 2012 LUW Best Book Trailer).

Heather is the co-author of The Newport Ladies Book Club Series (with Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon & Julie Wright). Under the name of Heather B. Moore she’s published Athena (The Newport Ladies Book Club), the novella collection A Timeless Romance Anthology, the non-fiction work Christ’s Gifts to Women (co-authored by Angela Eschler), and Women of the Book of Mormon. Visit her blog for writing and book signing updates: mywriterslair.blogspot.com.

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

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

HEATHER: We have a large star at the top of our tree that was a gift from my mother-in-law. She used to give us Christmas decorations for our Christmas gift each year. Now that she’s passed away, we treasure them even more.

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

HEATHER: “It’s a Wonderful Life”–I probably don’t see it every year, but it’s definitely a classic favorite because it’s very easy to relate to and always makes me feel more grateful for the blessings that I have.

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

HEATHER: Really anything that one of my kids have really wanted. When one of my daughters was about 3, we got her a toy horse that was large enough to sit on and pretend to ride. I’d find her in her room plenty of times, just sitting on her horse.

LDSWBR: There’s nothing like watching a child enjoy a gift. Thanks, Heather!

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Purchase Athena: 

AMAZON | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | DB BOOKSHELF | SEAGULL BOOK

Athena is a self-proclaimed bachelorette—it’s better that way—no one gets hurt. But when tragedy strikes, Athena realizes friendship and love is the only way she can pull through, and she must, for the first time in her life, risk opening her heart.

The Newport Ladies Book Club series is unique in that each Newport book is written from the point of view of a different woman in the book club. The first 4 books cover the same time period and the same book club meetings. But only with reading all 4 books, will you learn the whole story of each of the women and her full character journey. Think of it as a parallel series, not as a forward-moving series.

 Do you have a Christmas gift or item you treasure from a loved one who has passed?

* * * * *

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; 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 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 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 7, 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)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

Turning Pages by Tristi Pinkston – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 062012
 

19 days until Christmas

 

Tristi Pinkston is the author of fourteen books, the mother of four adorable children, the wife of one handsome man, and the taker of very, very long naps. She works full-time from home as a freelance editor, and she is a popular presenter at writers conferences up and down the Wasatch Front. She sits on the board of directors for iWriteNetwork and is the managing editor for Gospel Ideals. You can learn more about her at www.tristipinkston.com.

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

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

TRISTI: I do my tree a little bit differently every year, and so the topper coordinates with that theme. I love shopping the 75% off sales after Christmas and picking up one or two new ornaments. This year I went with red and white, so my white star is on top of my tree. I also have a white angel, a burgundy angel, a green star, and a snowman topper. Was this too long of an answer? You know I can’t give short answers. It’s impossible.

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

TRISTI: I have a couple of favorites. First is White Christmas, because come on, who doesn’t love White Christmas? We watch it every year, whether my kids want to or not. Then Elf, of course, because it’s awesome. Mr. Krueger’s Christmas, because it makes me cry, and I love Liken the Scriptures’ The First Christmas. Each of those touch me in different ways, whether it’s with humor or nostalgia or the spirit of the season.

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

TRISTI: A few years back, we were given a $100 gift card, and I honestly couldn’t think of a single thing we needed to spend it on. A friend’s husband had just been laid off, so we decided to play Secret Santa. That was seriously fun, thinking about things they might enjoy. I’ve been on the receiving end many times and it was wonderful to be the giver.

LDSWBR: Oh, wow. What a great way to teach your family about giving. Thank you, Tristi!

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Purchase Turning Pages: 

AMAZON | KINDLE

When the arrogant Blake Hansen steals Addie Preston’s promotion at the library, he pretty much rubs her nose in it. But Addie, who dreams of being a full-fledged librarian, decides to stick it out. She loves surrounding herself with books and keeping her father’s memory alive in the building where they spent so much time together.

Soon, Addie learns that her beloved library will be torn down to make room for a larger facility, and she has to make a choice. Fight, or let go?

To complicate things, she finds herself attracted to Blake, who is engaged to someone else. Will Blake and Addie ever resolve their differences?

 Have you ever received an anonymous gift during hard times? How do you teach your family about selfless giving?

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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; 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 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 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 6, 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)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

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