Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen – Countdown to Christmas 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas
Dec 072013
 

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18 days until Christmas

 

AnnetteKLarsenI was born in Utah, but grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona and St. Louis, Missouri, the fifth of seven children. I attended Southern Virginia University and Brigham Young University, where I studied English and Theater. I now live in Idaho with my husband and four children. I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.

Please take a minute to visit Annette at one of the links below:

WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE+

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LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas song/hymn? Does it have special meaning to you?

ANNETTE: O Holy Night and Carol of the Bells. I love listening and singing both of those. I love O Holy Night not only for the musicality, but for the message and the emotion it evokes. I love Carol of the Bells for the challenge it presented when I first learned it in choir. Plus, it’s just a fabulous song.

LDSWBR: Do you get together with friends/family to play board games on Christmas or New Year’s? What games do you like to play? Do you have a favorite game from your childhood?

ANNETTE: My favorite group game is Beyond Balderdash. I really enjoy making up random plots for the movie titles section. However, my favorite pastime during the holidays is doing puzzles. If I can complete 3 or 4 500 piece puzzles over the holiday week, then I am a happy camper. My husband doesn’t understand the appeal, but it’s something that’s always been a part of my holiday vacation.

LDSWBR: If you could recommend only one book from those you read this year, what would it be and why?

ANNETTE: Blackmoore. I really enjoy Julianne’s writing. I think it’s beautiful and she tells a beautiful story. I have a tendency to pick books apart and find things that I would change or rewrite. So finding a book that leaves me completely satisfied is a wonderful thing.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Annette!

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Just Ella

AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | NOOK 

JustElla

Ariella was only looking for a distraction, something to break up the monotony of palace life. What she found was a young man willing to overlook her title and show her a new and vibrant way of life. But when her growing feelings for Gavin spiral out of control and clash with the expectations of her station, she will discover that the consequences of her curiosity are far more severe than she’d imagined.

“I watched in helpless horror as two guards hauled Gavin to his feet and dragged him from the room. My voice was frozen, unable to protest as another guard took hold of my arm, leading me upstairs. From the confines of my room, I stared into the darkness beyond my window, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Gavin. He was gone, and I wondered if he would have been better off if he had never met me.”

 When was the last time you put a puzzle together? How many pieces was the largest puzzle you’ve ever assembled?

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

Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Christmas 2013 post will give you 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.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

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

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2013, 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, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 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 post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 28, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 4, 2014 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 and 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 12/7/13 – more to be added to this list!)**

  • Rocky Road by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)
  • Shannon’s Hope by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)
  • The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor (signed copy)
  • Penumbras by Braden Bell (signed copy)
  • The Reluctant Blogger by Ryan Rapier (personalized copy)
  • Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen (personalized paperback)
 Previous Countdown to Christmas 2013 posts:

The Reluctant Blogger by Ryan Rapier – Countdown to Christmas 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas
Dec 062013
 

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19 days until Christmas

 

ryanrapierRYAN RAPIER is an Arizona native who has lived his entire life (other than a two-year jaunt across the sea to England) in the desert. He is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University and has recently begun the process of indoctrinating his children on the benefits of being a Sun Devil and the great life calamities that can occur should a person choose to attend the University of Arizona. Despite having come face to face with rattlesnakes several times, Ryan wouldn’t trade his life in the small corner of Arizona known as the Gila Valley for two reasons—good neighbors and year-round golf. When Ryan isn’t on the course or chasing after his five children, he enjoys writing as a release for all the creative energy that can get pent up in a corporate environment. The Reluctant Blogger is his first novel.

Please take a minute to visit Ryan at one of the links below:

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK 

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LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas song/hymn? Does it have special meaning to you?

RYAN: I’ve never been able to pick a favorite between O Holy Night and Silent Night. O Holy Night, I believe, captures the true majesty of the holiday and the idea of singing praises to our new born King. On the other hand, Silent Night speaks to the holiness and reverence of that actual event and, for me, makes Christmas very personal. Maybe that’s why O Holy Night sung by Michael Crawford and Oiche Chiuin (Silent Night in Gaelic) by Enya are the first two Christmas songs added to my iPod each year.

LDSWBR: Do you get together with friends/family to play board games on Christmas or New Year’s? What games do you like to play? Do you have a favorite game from your childhood?

RYAN: For over 15 years my wife and I have celebrated New Year’s Eve with the same group of friends, and each year, our New Year’s party includes a game of Trivial Pursuit between the men and the women. It just wouldn’t seem like New Year’s Eve without it. Our family also loves the games Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Cataan and Puerto Rico. However, if there truly is a Rapier family game, it would be Runs and Bunches (a rummy style game played with Rook cards). My mother taught me to play Runs and Bunches when I was about 12 years old and it continues to be a family favorite at any holiday gathering or reunion.

LDSWBR: If you could recommend only one book from those you read this year, what would it be and why?

RYAN: This is tough because I read some really good books this year. But if I were forced to pick, I would have to recommend Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. My stake president recommended it to me and it was incredible. Normally, fiction is my preferred reading. But when I can read a book detailing actual history that reads as quickly and with as much gripping drama as a novel, I will take it any day. I learned so much about that period of American history and came away with a far greater respect for Abraham Lincoln than I had going in. And I thought I respected him pretty well going in.

LDSWBR: Thanks, Ryan!

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The Reluctant Blogger

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

thereluctantblogger

Dr. Schenk, I don’t know if what I’ve written amounts to a breakthrough or not, but I hope you know how difficult this was for me. I also hope this proves how serious I am.

Todd knows he is in a bad place. That’s why he went to a therapist in the first place, and that alone took a lot of doing. So when Dr. Schenk threatens to stop their sessions unless Todd puts in more effort, he grasps at the last available straw: a personal blog that will force Todd to confront his demons.

Ever since he lost his wife, Todd has not been the same. He’s been forced to Single Adult activities at church, and everyone seems to expect him to just forget Marci and get married again—especially when he meets Emily, who makes him smile and starts to bring him out of his depression. But dating again is hard when Todd has three kids of his own, not to mention an overbearing father and friends with their own problems.

This beautifully woven and emotional tale is both heartbreaking and humorous. Championing friendship, love, and family, Ryan Rapier deals adeptly with the everyday struggles we face as well as the strongest ties that keep us together. You’re sure to fall in love with this magnificent tale of redemption, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

 What is your preferred version of Trivial Pursuit?

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

Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Christmas 2013 post will give you 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.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

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

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2013, 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, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 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 post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 28, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 4, 2014 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 and 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 12/6/13 – more to be added to this list!)**

  • Rocky Road by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)
  • Shannon’s Hope by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)
  • The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor (signed copy)
  • Penumbras by Braden Bell (signed copy)
  • The Reluctant Blogger by Ryan Rapier (personalized copy)
 Previous Countdown to Christmas 2013 posts:

Penumbras by Braden Bell – Countdown to Christmas 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas
Dec 052013
 

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20 days until Christmas

 

BradenBellBraden Bell grew up in Farmington, Utah and graduated from Davis High School. 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, Meredith live with their five children on a quiet, wooded lot outside of Nashville, 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. He loves every single second of Christmas.

Please take a minute to visit Braden at one of the links below:

WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK 

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LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas song/hymn? Does it have special meaning to you?

BRADEN: “Oh Holy Night.” I have ended up performing this song at different stages and points in my life, each of which had a great deal of meaning. It’s rewarding to sing, and the line, “Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother” is a beautiful distillation of Christ’s mission and the charge he gives his disciples.

LDSWBR: Do you get together with friends/family to play board games on Christmas or New Year’s? What games do you like to play? Do you have a favorite game from your childhood?

BRADEN: We used to play Monopoly on Christmas Eve. It helped pass the seemingly endless hours. One year, my grandparents came and stayed with us and we played “Pit.” That’s not my favorite game, but those memories are so warm and I cherish them so much that the game makes me happy anytime I see it.

LDSWBR: If you could recommend only one book from those you read this year, what would it be and why?

BRADEN: Oh goodness, I am so bad at these questions! I should probably say The Bible or The Book of Mormon and leave it at that. However, the book that left the biggest impact on me was “The Reluctant Blogger.” I stayed up all night to read it, laughing and crying so hard that I shook the bed and woke my poor wife up several times. It challenged me, entertained me, and made me think and the characters seemed so real to me. Another very compelling read was “Wall of Faith” by Jason Lloyd Morgan. Okay, I need to stop now!

LDSWBR: Thanks, Braden!

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Penumbras (Middle School Magic #2)

BRADEN’S WEBSITE (Discounted Price) | AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | NOOK 

Penumbras 2x3

Conner, Lexa, and Melanie are back! Just when they think life is normal again, a dangerous shadow creature begins to hunt them. The trio must develop their powers in order to conquer this new peril and protect their school. Filled with action and even more magic, this book continues the exciting adventure in the Middle School Magic series.

 Are there any games that remind you of a specific person?

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

Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Christmas 2013 post will give you 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.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

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

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2013, 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, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 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 post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 28, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 4, 2014 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 and 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 12/5/13 – more to be added to this list!)**

  • Rocky Road by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)
  • Shannon’s Hope by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)
  • The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor (signed copy)
  • Penumbras by Braden Bell (signed copy)
 Previous Countdown to Christmas 2013 posts:

The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor – Countdown to Christmas 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas
Dec 042013
 

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21 days until Christmas

 

jennyproctorJenny Proctor was born in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place she still resides and considers the loveliest on earth. As a Mom to six kids, it isn’t always easy to find time to write, but Jenny squeezes it in in the early hours of the morning, and long after she should have gone to bed. She hikes to spend time with her family, runs because her love for food requires it, and writes because it keeps her calm in an otherwise crazy world. Jenny’s second novel will be released in August of 2014.

Please take a minute to visit Jenny at one of the links below:

WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK 

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LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas song/hymn? Does it have special meaning to you?

JENNY: My favorite Christmas Hymn: I don’t think I could pick just one! I love Far Far Away on Judea’s Plains, because it’s fun to play, and fun to sing. I also really love O Come, All ye Faithful. There’s a song called Welcome to Our World that’s really beautiful, and I love Joseph’s Song, I was Not His Father, from The Forgotten Carols. The meaning behind that song has always been really special to me because it makes me think of the people that knew the Savior not just as Jesus, the Son of God, but as a friend, a son, a neighbor . . . those that lived among Him, and cherished the personal relationships they had with Him.

LDSWBR: Do you get together with friends/family to play board games on Christmas or New Year’s? What games do you like to play? Do you have a favorite game from your childhood?

JENNY: We love to play games at my house, though we’ve never played games on Christmas Eve, or New Years. We’ve been traveling in years past, but this year we’ll be home so playing games on Christmas Eve sounds so fun! We like to play Scrabble and Qwirkle, and Uno. And with the big kids, Ticket to Ride is really fun. I LOVED the game Enchanted Forest when I was a kid, so I bought it for my kids thinking we would have so much fun playing together. What I didn’t remember about my childhood is how LONG the game takes to play. SO yeah. My feelings about that one have changed now that I’ve crossed over to the parent side of game playing.

LDSWBR: If you could recommend only one book from those you read this year, what would it be and why?

JENNY: Only one book? That’s painful. I’m going to cheat and give you a couple different categories. If you have kids, The One and Only Ivan is a beautiful juvenile fiction book that parents and kids should read together. You’ll cry. Your kids will love it. It’s one of my all-time favorites. If you want a beautiful, heartfelt novel, Ka Hancock’s Dancing on Broken Glass is another one I’ll remember forever and reread over and over again. And finally, if you want a simple story with incredible prose, Andrew Sean Greer’s The Story of a Marriage is a lovely read. Multiple times, I felt the need to wake up my husband and read him passages out loud. So, so good.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Jenny!

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The House at Rose Creek

AMAZON | KINDLE | NOOK | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK 

thehouseatrosecreek

Kate Sinclair wasn’t planning on inheriting her family’s 100-year-old farmhouse. She wasn’t even planning on going back to Rose Creek. But when her aunt unexpectedly passes away, leaving her the house, she finds herself forced to confront her past, including the family she hasn’t spoken to in years.

When she finds a journal belonging to a distant ancestor in the attic of the old house, she begins a journey that reconnects her with her faith, her family, and herself.

But trouble looms. Kate’s new love interest, Andrew, has a past full of secrets. And the state department of transportation wants to bulldoze the old farmhouse for a highway project. Will Kate be able to see through Andrew’s past? Most importantly, will she find a way to save her house and hold onto the fragile threads that tie her to her family?

 Have you read any of the books Jenny recommended? If so, what did you think? If not, which interests you the most?

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

Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Christmas 2013 post will give you 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.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (find the links in our sidebar.)

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

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2013, 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, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 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 post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 28, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 4, 2014 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 and 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 12/4/13 – more to be added to this list!)**

  • Rocky Road by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)
  • Shannon’s Hope by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)
  • The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor (signed copy)
 Previous Countdown to Christmas 2013 posts:

Rocky Road and Shannon’s Hope by Josi S. Kilpack – Countdown to Christmas 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas
Dec 032013
 

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22 days until Christmas

 

josiheadshot 5_5_12Josi began her first novel in 1998 and hasn’t stopped. Her novel, Sheep’s Clothing won the Whitney Award 2007 for Mystery/Suspense and was the Best In State winner for fiction in 2012. Book eleven in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series, Fortune Cookie, will be released in February 2014. Josi currently lives in Willard Utah with her family.

Please take a minute to visit Josi at one of the links below:  

WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE+ | PINTEREST

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LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas song/hymn? Does it have special meaning to you?

JOSI: O Holy Night is my favorite Christmas song, it just captures what I want Christmas to be but which I struggle to truly hold on to. I love it, though.

LDSWBR: Do you get together with friends/family to play board games on Christmas or New Year’s? What games do you like to play? Do you have a favorite game from your childhood?

JOSI: I’m not a big game player, other than the mind games I play to try and get my kids to clean their rooms :-) Our family does enjoy Settlers of Catan and Apples to Apples, or I should say those are the ones I like. I’d rather watch movies when it comes right down to it.

LDSWBR: If you could recommend only one book from those you read this year, what would it be and why?

JOSI: “Three Little Words” by Ashley Rhodes-Courter. It’s an autobiography of a girl who got lost in the foster care system of Florida in the 80’s. My husband and I read it as part of our training to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children involved in DCFS cases. The book is a symbol of this new opportunity my husband and I are embarking upon but was both shocking, informative, and inspiring. It’s the most powerful thing I read this year.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Josi!

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Rocky Road (Sadie Hoffmiller #10)

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

Rocky Road.f

THE ST. GEORGE SPECTRUM
Dr. Trenton Hendricks was last seen Friday, April 8, when he set out alone on a backpacking trip. Hendricks’s Jeep Grand Cherokee was located Tuesday at the Chuckwalla Trailhead, but after six days and thousands of man-hours, the official search has been called off. He is presumed to be deceased.

It was supposed to be a girls’ weekend in scenic St. George, Utah, that would included shopping, trying out the local cuisine, and participating in a breast cancer fund-raiser. The fact that one of the organizers of the fund-raising event, a local doctor, had disappeared two months before was not supposed to be Sadie’s problem.

When Sadie learns that her friend Caro and Caro’s cousin, Tess, have started a grassroots investigation into Dr. Hendrick’s disappearance, Sadie graciously refuses to be a part of it. With her wedding to plan and her most recent case still fresh in her mind, Sadie is determined to leave this case to the police—until she meets the ex-wife of the missing man.

How could she not ask a few questions … that lead to more questions … that lead to a small town and even more questions? When the local police ask her to be their eyes and ears, Sadie can’t help but jump in with both feet. Before she knows it, she is on the rocky road of another investigation, following a convoluted trail of good intentions, hidden motivations, and philanthropy turned big business.

Shannon’s Hope (The Newport Ladies Book Club)

AMAZON | KINDLE | NOOK | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

shannonshope

When Shannon’s step-daughter moves in following another failed stint in rehab, Shannon puts everything she has into helping Keisha any way she can. Her attempts to help soon turn into covering up Keisha’s failures, and Shannon finds herself risking everything good in her life. Through the love and guidance of her Aunt Ruby, and growing connections to some of the women at the Newport Ladies Book Club, Shannon begins to identify the missing pieces of her own life that she’s tried to fill the wrong way.

 Have you played Apples to Apples? Or is Settlers more your style?

* * * * *

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

Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Christmas 2013 post will give you 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.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (find the links in our sidebar.)

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

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2013, 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, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 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 post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 28, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 4, 2014 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 and 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 12/3/13 – more to be added to this list!)**

  • Rocky Road by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)
  • Shannon’s Hope by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)

 

Countdown to Christmas 2012 Winners!

 Posted by  Contests, Countdown to Christmas
Jan 312013
 

Countdown to Christmas 2012 WINNERS!

 

Want to know why I love what we do here at LDSWBR?

It’s not all the books I get to read, though that is part of it.

It’s the people. From avid readers to talented authors, I get to meet and interact with the best people out there.

This was proven to me once again last month when my family and I faced the sudden loss of our mother and grandmother. Not only did all of you wait patiently as I dealt with that difficult Christmas week, but you continued to allow me the time I needed this last month to find my momentum again. I know I am not the first to have lost a mother, but it was the first time that I had lost someone so close to me. The kind words of sympathy and understanding offered by LDSWBR readers and authors reaffirmed to me the quality of people I am privileged to know and work with each day.

This is why Sheila, Mindy and I continue to volunteer our time, efforts, and money doing what we do. Other than the free books and PDFs we receive in exchange for our reviews, we receive no compensation except the reward of doing something we love.

And we love to give stuff away. So let’s get to it!

We want to give a big THANK YOU to the authors who participated and for the many authors who donated their books as drawing prizes.

The winners of the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012 are…..

 

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

 

And the winner of the $50 Amazon Gift Card is…..

Lexi@BookBug!!!

 

Congratulations!

Winners can send an email to ldswbr(at)gmail(dot)com to claim their prize.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Countdown to Christmas 2012. I had a great time reading every comment left on each post. One of our favorite things about our countdowns is the opportunity to get to know our LDSWBR followers and the authors better. We hope you feel the same.

May 2013 bring all of you many blessings and an abundance of good books!

 

 

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