The Perfect Fit by Michele Ashman Bell – Countdown to Summer 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 182011
 

3 days until summer!


Michele Ashman Bell grew up in St. George, Utah. In fourth grade her teacher wrote on her report card that she had a tendency to daydream and would probably do well with creative writing. Her love for books and learning about people and places has helped her make her teacher’s prediction come true. Michele is the author of many books and Christmas stories. She is married and is the mother of four children, and a grandma of one. Aside from supporting her children in all of their many activities, she loves to travel, do research for her books and eat chocolate.

The Perfect Fit is Michele’s 22nd published novel.

Visit Michele on her website: www.micheleashmanbell.com and her blog: Michele Ashman Bell.

Follow Michele on Facebook: Michele Ashman Bell and on Twitter: @Micheleabell.

LDSWBR: If you had an entire day to read (on the beach, at the lake, by the pool, etc.), what book(s) or genre would you reach for first?

MICHELE: My favorite books to read are either biographies or books about women who face difficult situations and overcome them. Two of my favorite books are Not Without My Daughter and Follow the River.

LDSWBR: What book(s) do you look forward to reading the most this summer?

MICHELE: On my night stand I have the book The Hunger Games which I am hoping to find time to read as well as some “How To” books on how to write science fiction. I am writing a science fiction story and need to have a crash course in this genre.

LDSWBR: How would you describe the perfect summer day?

MICHELE: I am an early riser and love to be outside in the morning. I think the perfect day would start with going to an island somewhere in the Bahamas with my husband, waking up early, going out to the beach and sitting on lounge chairs together watching the sunrise, with creamy cups of cocoa. The day would be filled with snorkeling, taking a nap in the sun and exploring the island, then getting dressed up for a wonderful lobster dinner that evening, followed by a walk along the beach with soft island music playing in the background OR spending the entire day at Disneyland/California Adventure with my family.

LDSWBR: Thank you so much, Michele.

The Perfect Fit by Michele Ashman Bell (Covenant; May 2011) is available for purchase from Deseret Book, Seagull Book and Amazon.

Have you been snorkeling? If so, where?

***

***Countdown to Summer 2011 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on June 25, 2011 for a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors featured in the Countdown. This will be a raffle-type drawing, so more entries means more chances to win. There are several ways to enter the Countdown to Summer 2011 contest. See details below.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

  • The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
  • Gifted by Karey White
  • Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey
  • Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes
  • The Perfect Fit by  Michele Ashman Bell
  • River Whispers by Kathi Oram Perterson
  • Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright & Kevin Wasden
  • Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins
  • Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys
  • The List by Melanie Jacobson
  • The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
  • The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
  • Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack
  • **Bonus Prize** An autographed copy of BLOODBORNE by Gregg Luke (released August 2011)

Do ANY of the following to enter:

  • Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Summer 2011 author posts. Comments can be added on any of the author posts anytime during the contest period (June 1, 2011 through June 24, 2011). Only one comment per person per Countdown to Summer author post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Send LDSWBR an email to ldswbr AT gmail DOT com telling us which of the following you have completed. If you already do these things, email us and let us know. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook
  2. Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter
  3. Subscribe to LDSWBR by email (see top right sidebar on website)
  4. Follow LDSWBR with Google Friend Connect (right sidebar beneath “Follow LDSWBR”)
  • On each Countdown to Summer author post, leave a comment telling us which of the following you completed or already do. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow the author’s blog (if they have one)
  2. Follow the author on Twitter (if they tweet)
  3. Follow the author on Facebook (if they have a Facebook page)
  • Tweet this message each day. One entry per day. Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw @ldswbr
  • Blog about this contest on your blog then send us the link to your specific blog post. You can find the Countdown graphic badge/button to include in your blog post here. (5 entries)
  • Post the following on your Facebook page (3 entries) then send us an email (ldswbr AT gmail DOT com) telling us that you did: LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw

Here are the rules:

  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MDT on June 24, 2011.
  • Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MDT on July 2, 2011 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.
  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.

Let’s keep counting down to summer with some great reads!

Foggy with a Chance of Murder by G.G. Vandagriff – Countdown to Summer 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 172011
 

4 days until summer!


I’m a 63 year old mother of three and grandmother of two who writes, and writes and writes. I have always loved living in alternative realities, starting when I was growing up in a very dysfunctional home. Now I use my writing as an excuse to live my dreams. Just returned from Florence where I spent 3 glorious weeks retreating and writing and taking that wonderful city into my bones. My book is called The Only Way To Paradise. Plotted my next Alex and Briggie book in Florence as well. That will be coming out in the fall. As with the other 5 in the series, it will be a genealogical mystery. If you care, am a graduate of Stanford (BA) and George Washington U (MA). Have taught college and held many jobs in finance. The atonement of Jesus Christ is the most important principle in my life.

G.G. is the author of 12 books including Foggy With a Chance of Murder (May 2011) and The Only Way to Paradise (June 2011).

Visit G.G.’s website: www.ggvandagriff.com and her blog: Embracing Abundance.

Follow G.G. on Facebook: G.G.Vandagriff-Author and Twitter: @ggvandagriff

LDSWBR: If you had an entire day to read (on the beach, at the lake, by the pool, etc.), what book(s) or genre would you reach for first?

GG: That’s hard, because I read romantic suspense, women’s fiction, mysteries, and historical epics, along with non-fiction history. However, right now, I would probably finish reading Emily Giffin’s womens’ fiction Heart of the Matter.

LDSWBR: What book(s) do you look forward to reading the most this summer?

GG: The Rise and the Fall of the House of Medici and the biography of Lorenzo il Magnifico (the patron of the Renaissance). These are research essentials for my next Crazy Ladies’ book and my Alex and Briggie book.

LDSWBR: How would you describe the perfect summer day?

GG: The perfect summer day would be swimming in the Mediterranean off the Greek Island of Corfu with my grandsons and the entire rest of my family (husband, daughter and son-in-law, and two sons, hopefully married by then, and maybe more grandchildren?) The water off Corfu is turquoise and so clear you can see the sand beneath. It is also warm!

LDSWBR: Sounds heavenly. Thank you so much, G.G.!

Foggy With a Chance of Murder (Deseret Book; May 2011) is available for purchase at Deseret Book. The Only Way to Paradise is available on Amazon.

If your perfect summer day could happen anywhere in the world, where would it be?

***

***Countdown to Summer 2011 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on June 25, 2011 for a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors featured in the Countdown. This will be a raffle-type drawing, so more entries means more chances to win. There are several ways to enter the Countdown to Summer 2011 contest. See details below.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

  • The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
  • Gifted by Karey White
  • Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey
  • Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes
  • The Perfect Fit by  Michele Ashman Bell
  • River Whispers by Kathi Oram Perterson
  • Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright & Kevin Wasden
  • Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins
  • Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys
  • The List by Melanie Jacobson
  • The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
  • The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
  • Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack
  • **Bonus Prize** An autographed copy of BLOODBORNE by Gregg Luke (released August 2011)

Do ANY of the following to enter:

  • Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Summer 2011 author posts. Comments can be added on any of the author posts anytime during the contest period (June 1, 2011 through June 24, 2011). Only one comment per person per Countdown to Summer author post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Send LDSWBR an email to ldswbr AT gmail DOT com telling us which of the following you have completed. If you already do these things, email us and let us know. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook
  2. Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter
  3. Subscribe to LDSWBR by email (see top right sidebar on website)
  4. Follow LDSWBR with Google Friend Connect (right sidebar beneath “Follow LDSWBR”)
  • On each Countdown to Summer author post, leave a comment telling us which of the following you completed or already do. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow the author’s blog (if they have one)
  2. Follow the author on Twitter (if they tweet)
  3. Follow the author on Facebook (if they have a Facebook page)
  • Tweet this message each day. One entry per day. Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw @ldswbr
  • Blog about this contest on your blog then send us the link to your specific blog post. You can find the Countdown graphic badge/button to include in your blog post here. (5 entries)
  • Post the following on your Facebook page (3 entries) then send us an email (ldswbr AT gmail DOT com) telling us that you did: LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw

Here are the rules:

  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MDT on June 24, 2011.
  • Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MDT on July 2, 2011 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.
  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.

Let’s keep counting down to summer with some great reads!

The List by Melanie Jacobson – Countdown to Summer 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 162011
 

5 days until summer!

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

Melanie’s next book, Not My Type: A Single Girl’s Guide to Getting It All Wrong, another romantic comedy, will be released in October.

Visit Melanie on her website: melaniejacobson.net and blog: Write Stuff.

Follow Melanie on Facebook: Melanie Jacobson, Author and Twitter: @Writestuff_Mel.

LDSWBR: If you had an entire day to read (on the beach, at the lake, by the pool, etc.), what book(s) or genre would you reach for first?

MELANIE: Contemporary YA fiction, preferably something with a dose of romance. I just read Anna and the French Kiss and loved it. That’s the genre I’m feeling right now.

LDSWBR: What book(s) do you look forward to reading the most this summer?

MELANIE: I’m looking forward to 10 Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn’t Have) by Sarah Mylnowski. I’m also twitchy to get my hands on Pumpkin Roll from Josi Kilpack. And whatever Sarah Eden puts out next.

LDSWBR: How would you describe the perfect summer day?

MELANIE: I’d get to sleep until 9, browse blogs and news feeds without interruption, eat a delicious sandwich for lunch, and then lounge at the beach for three hours of uninterrupted reading while my husband watched the kids in the water. EXCELLENT.

LDSWBR: Thank you so much, Melanie!

The List by Melanie Jacobson (Covenant; March 2011) is available for purchase in paperback from Deseret Book and for the Kindle from Amazon.

Would sleeping in be a part of your “perfect” summer day?

***

***Countdown to Summer 2011 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on June 25, 2011 for a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors featured in the Countdown. This will be a raffle-type drawing, so more entries means more chances to win. There are several ways to enter the Countdown to Summer 2011 contest. See details below.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

  • The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
  • Gifted by Karey White
  • Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey
  • Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes
  • The Perfect Fit by  Michele Ashman Bell
  • River Whispers by Kathi Oram Perterson
  • Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright & Kevin Wasden
  • Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins
  • Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys
  • The List by Melanie Jacobson
  • The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
  • The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
  • Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack
  • **Bonus Prize** An autographed copy of BLOODBORNE by Gregg Luke (released August 2011)

Do ANY of the following to enter:

  • Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Summer 2011 author posts. Comments can be added on any of the author posts anytime during the contest period (June 1, 2011 through June 24, 2011). Only one comment per person per Countdown to Summer author post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Send LDSWBR an email to ldswbr AT gmail DOT com telling us which of the following you have completed. If you already do these things, email us and let us know. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook
  2. Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter
  3. Subscribe to LDSWBR by email (see top right sidebar on website)
  4. Follow LDSWBR with Google Friend Connect (right sidebar beneath “Follow LDSWBR”)
  • On each Countdown to Summer author post, leave a comment telling us which of the following you completed or already do. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow the author’s blog (if they have one)
  2. Follow the author on Twitter (if they tweet)
  3. Follow the author on Facebook (if they have a Facebook page)
  • Tweet this message each day. One entry per day. Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw @ldswbr
  • Blog about this contest on your blog then send us the link to your specific blog post. You can find the Countdown graphic badge/button to include in your blog post here. (5 entries)
  • Post the following on your Facebook page (3 entries) then send us an email (ldswbr AT gmail DOT com) telling us that you did: LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw

Here are the rules:

  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MDT on June 24, 2011.
  • Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MDT on July 2, 2011 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.
  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.

Let’s keep counting down to summer with some great reads!

Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey – Countdown to Summer 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 152011
 

6 days until summer!


Donald Carey is the author of Bumpy Landings, a romantic coming-of-age novel set in his hometown of La’ie, Hawaii. Donald now lives in a small town outside Ft. Worth, Texas with his lovely wife and two daughters. His day job is writing computer programs, which is almost the same as writing fiction, but with a lot more semicolons.

Bumpy Landings is Donald’s first published novel.

Learn more about Donald on his website/blog: donaldjcarey.com.

Follow Donald on Facebook: Donald J Carey, Author and Twitter: @writerdc.

LDSWBR: If you had an entire day to read (on the beach, at the lake, by the pool, etc.), what book(s) or genre would you reach for first?

DONALD: If I had an entire day, I would probably grab Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings. I’ve been avoiding that book, because I just don’t have much time to read and I’m afraid I’d get sucked in. But a whole day–I’d chance it.

LDSWBR: What book(s) do you look forward to reading the most this summer?

DONALD: I have so many books to get caught up on, and I’m looking forward to reading all of them. I’m excited to be in town for Elana Johnson’s Possession launch, so I’m looking forward to getting that book and reading it.

LDSWBR: How would you describe the perfect summer day?

DONALD: I am dying to get my family to Hawaii. My wife hasn’t been back since we left nearly 20 years ago, and the kids have never been. The last time I was there, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the only thing missing was my girls. So the perfect summer day would be the whole family eating a breakfast of banana pancakes at the Hukilau Cafe, followed by some light body surfing, lunch at the park with friends, andan evening of dining and entertainment in Waikiki. And of course, nobody would get tired or cranky or sunburned, and we would collapse into bed happily exhausted at the end of the day.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Donald!

Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey (Cedar Fort; January 2011) is available for purchase from Amazon.

Have you been to Hawaii? If so, what did you enjoy the most?

***

***Countdown to Summer 2011 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on June 25, 2011 for a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors featured in the Countdown. This will be a raffle-type drawing, so more entries means more chances to win. There are several ways to enter the Countdown to Summer 2011 contest. See details below.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

  • The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
  • Gifted by Karey White
  • Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey
  • Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes
  • The Perfect Fit by  Michele Ashman Bell
  • River Whispers by Kathi Oram Perterson
  • Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright & Kevin Wasden
  • Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins
  • Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys
  • The List by Melanie Jacobson
  • The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
  • The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
  • Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack
  • **Bonus Prize** An autographed copy of BLOODBORNE by Gregg Luke (released August 2011)

Do ANY of the following to enter:

  • Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Summer 2011 author posts. Comments can be added on any of the author posts anytime during the contest period (June 1, 2011 through June 24, 2011). Only one comment per person per Countdown to Summer author post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Send LDSWBR an email to ldswbr AT gmail DOT com telling us which of the following you have completed. If you already do these things, email us and let us know. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook
  2. Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter
  3. Subscribe to LDSWBR by email (see top right sidebar on website)
  4. Follow LDSWBR with Google Friend Connect (right sidebar beneath “Follow LDSWBR”)
  • On each Countdown to Summer author post, leave a comment telling us which of the following you completed or already do. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow the author’s blog (if they have one)
  2. Follow the author on Twitter (if they tweet)
  3. Follow the author on Facebook (if they have a Facebook page)
  • Tweet this message each day. One entry per day. Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw @ldswbr
  • Blog about this contest on your blog then send us the link to your specific blog post. You can find the Countdown graphic badge/button to include in your blog post here. (5 entries)
  • Post the following on your Facebook page (3 entries) then send us an email (ldswbr AT gmail DOT com) telling us that you did: LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw

Here are the rules:

  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MDT on June 24, 2011.
  • Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MDT on July 2, 2011 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.
  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.

Let’s keep counting down to summer with some great reads!

Daughter of Helaman by Misty Moncur – Countdown to Summer 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 142011
 

7 days until summer!


Between working and raising a family, Misty fits in writing like other people fit in breathing. Misty writes in the Romance, Young Adult, and Religious genres. She lives in Utah with her husband, her Wii-addicted son, and her curly-haired daughter. They spend a great deal of time laughing and the rest of it eating pizza.

Daughter of Helaman is her first published novel. Learn more on the Daughter of Helaman Facebook fan page.

Visit Misty on her blog: Misty Moncur.

Follow Misty on Facebook: Misty Moncur and Twitter: @MistyMoncur

Find Misty on Goodreads.

LDSWBR: If you had an entire day to read (on the beach, at the lake, by the pool, etc.), what book(s) or genre would you reach for first?

MISTY: If I had the entire day to read, I would reach for a romance. I don’t understand stories that don’t have romance in them, and I’m always disappointed if I get to the end of a book and nobody has fallen in love. I particularly like western romances. I could read any genre, but please, let someone fall in love!

LDSWBR: What book(s) do you look forward to reading the most this summer?

MISTY: I’m currently in the middle of The Vivatera: Secrets of Everstar by Candace J. Thomas. I just bought Carla Kelly’s Borrowed Light and I can’t wait to read it. The Deep Blue Sea for Beginners by LuAnne Rice (my favorite and most influential author because she portrays the complicated love within families so well) is also at the top of my to-reads. I’ve also got a lineup of books from writing group members and friends that have yet to be published. I love reading these because it’s so fun to have input in shaping the final drafts.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite outdoor cooking recipe? (Can be grill, campfire, Dutch oven, etc.)

MISTY: My favorite outdoor recipe is my dad’s Dutch oven Jambalaya. Mmmm, so yummy. Good with french bread (any bread) and butter, any type of melon, and a nice, tossed green salad.

3-4 chicken breast halves, diced
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1/4 c vegetable oil
3 c uncooked, parboiled rice
(example: Uncle Ben’s)
1 1/2 tsp salt
5 c water
2 (15 oz) cans Cajun-style tomatoes
1 1/2 tsp Cajun spice
1/2 to 1 lb fresh or frozen shrimp
1 bunch scallions, finely chopped

In a 12 inch Dutch oven, brown chicken, sausage, and scallions in oil until chicken in done and onion is transparent. Add rice, tomatoes, water, salt, and spice. Cook over low heat 15 minutes. Add shrimp. Stir and cook 10 to 12 minutes longer until rice is tender and most of the liquid absorbed. Serves 10 to 12.

LDSWBR: Misty, thank you!

Daughter of Helaman by Misty Moncur (Cedar Fort; May 2011) is available for purchase through the Daughter of Helaman website, Cedar Fort, Deseret Book, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Are you a fan of Jumbalaya? How often do you get to enjoy it?

***

***Countdown to Summer 2011 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on June 25, 2011 for a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors featured in the Countdown. This will be a raffle-type drawing, so more entries means more chances to win. There are several ways to enter the Countdown to Summer 2011 contest. See details below.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

  • The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
  • Gifted by Karey White
  • Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey
  • Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes
  • The Perfect Fit by  Michele Ashman Bell
  • River Whispers by Kathi Oram Perterson
  • Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright & Kevin Wasden
  • Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins
  • Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys
  • The List by Melanie Jacobson
  • The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
  • The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
  • Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack
  • **Bonus Prize** An autographed copy of BLOODBORNE by Gregg Luke (released August 2011)

Do ANY of the following to enter:

  • Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Summer 2011 author posts. Comments can be added on any of the author posts anytime during the contest period (June 1, 2011 through June 24, 2011). Only one comment per person per Countdown to Summer author post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Send LDSWBR an email to ldswbr AT gmail DOT com telling us which of the following you have completed. If you already do these things, email us and let us know. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook
  2. Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter
  3. Subscribe to LDSWBR by email (see top right sidebar on website)
  4. Follow LDSWBR with Google Friend Connect (right sidebar beneath “Follow LDSWBR”)
  • On each Countdown to Summer author post, leave a comment telling us which of the following you completed or already do. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow the author’s blog (if they have one)
  2. Follow the author on Twitter (if they tweet)
  3. Follow the author on Facebook (if they have a Facebook page)
  • Tweet this message each day. One entry per day. Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw @ldswbr
  • Blog about this contest on your blog then send us the link to your specific blog post. You can find the Countdown graphic badge/button to include in your blog post here. (5 entries)
  • Post the following on your Facebook page (3 entries) then send us an email (ldswbr AT gmail DOT com) telling us that you did: LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw

Here are the rules:

  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MDT on June 24, 2011.
  • Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MDT on July 2, 2011 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.
  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.

Let’s keep counting down to summer with some great reads!

Shades of Gray by Rachel Ann Nunes – Countdown to Summer 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 132011
 

8 days until summer!

Rachel Ann Nunes (noon-esh) is the acclaimed best-selling author of more than thirty novels, including the Ariana and Huntington Family series, Fields of Home, Saving Madeline, and the Autumn Rain suspense novels. As a stay-at-home mother of seven, it isn’t easy to find time to write, but she’ll trade washing dishes or weeding the garden for an hour at the computer any day! Her only rule about writing is to never eat chocolate at the computer. “Since I love chocolate and writing,” she jokes, “my family might never see me again.”

Rachel has several upcoming novels, which you can read about on her website www.RachelAnnNunes.com. For more fun, join her on her blog, Rachel’s Ramblings, on Facebook: Rachel Ann Nunes, and on Twitter: @RachelAnnNunes.

LDSWBR: If you had an entire day to read (on the beach, at the lake, by the pool, etc.), what book(s) or genre would you reach for first?

RACHEL: Urban fantasy. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s basically contemporary novels where there is some sort of supernatural element in the story. It’s hard to find good ones that don’t have a lot of questionable junk, but there are a few good series available. I wish there were more. Sometimes I’ll read YA stories in the genre for this very reason, but I avoid anything that features kids in high school. Been there, done that, and it doesn’t interest me. I also enjoy regular women’s fiction and suspense.

LDSWBR: What book(s) do you look forward to reading the most this summer?

RACHEL: I am saving the fifth in the Kate Daniels series to read on my summer camping vacation. I’ve also been trying a few new authors in that same genre.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite outdoor cooking recipe? (Can be grill, campfire, Dutch oven, etc.)

RACHEL: My husband does all the outdoor cooking, and I like it that way. Even if I knew how to do any of it, I’d pretend I didn’t!

LDSWBR: How would you describe the perfect summer day?

RACHEL: For me the perfect summer day would be one where I get to sleep until eight or nine before working for a few hours on my current manuscript. None of the kids would interrupt me with complaints, fighting, or to solve their problems. They would all do their chores before they come ask if they can play video games. After a nice lunch, we’d all go to the pool for a little fun and exercise. Then I’d read a bit of a book until my seven-year-old (who never wants to quit) is ready to get out of the pool. We’d go in and shower. By that time my husband would be off work and would stop and get some chicken or something for dinner. After dinner, we’d all go out in the backyard and play a little soccer before roasting marshmallows for s’mores over our outdoor fire pit (which after two years would finally be completed). All the kids would be there, even the one who doesn’t live at home anymore. Then we’d go in and send the kids to their rooms to read (most likely) or sleep or whatever while my husband and I go for a walk or watch a little TV.

Wow, what a fantasy! In actuality, there might be a lot of days where some of this happens—for instance, we swim almost every day in the summer—but all these things in one day. Ha! We really might finish the fire pit soon, though . . .

LDSWBR: Thank you, Rachel. Have a great summer!

Shades of Gray by Rachel Ann Nunes (Shadow Mountain; May 2011) is available for purchase from Amazon.

Fire pits are really popular right now. Do you have a fire pit in your back yard? If not, do you have plans to build or buy one?

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***Countdown to Summer 2011 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on June 25, 2011 for a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors featured in the Countdown. This will be a raffle-type drawing, so more entries means more chances to win. There are several ways to enter the Countdown to Summer 2011 contest. See details below.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

  • The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
  • Gifted by Karey White
  • Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey
  • Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes
  • The Perfect Fit by  Michele Ashman Bell
  • River Whispers by Kathi Oram Perterson
  • Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright & Kevin Wasden
  • Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins
  • Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys
  • The List by Melanie Jacobson
  • The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
  • The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
  • Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack
  • **Bonus Prize** An autographed copy of BLOODBORNE by Gregg Luke (released August 2011)

Do ANY of the following to enter:

  • Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Summer 2011 author posts. Comments can be added on any of the author posts anytime during the contest period (June 1, 2011 through June 24, 2011). Only one comment per person per Countdown to Summer author post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Send LDSWBR an email to ldswbr AT gmail DOT com telling us which of the following you have completed. If you already do these things, email us and let us know. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook
  2. Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter
  3. Subscribe to LDSWBR by email (see top right sidebar on website)
  4. Follow LDSWBR with Google Friend Connect (right sidebar beneath “Follow LDSWBR”)
  • On each Countdown to Summer author post, leave a comment telling us which of the following you completed or already do. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow the author’s blog (if they have one)
  2. Follow the author on Twitter (if they tweet)
  3. Follow the author on Facebook (if they have a Facebook page)
  • Tweet this message each day. One entry per day. Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw @ldswbr
  • Blog about this contest on your blog then send us the link to your specific blog post. You can find the Countdown graphic badge/button to include in your blog post here. (5 entries)
  • Post the following on your Facebook page (3 entries) then send us an email (ldswbr AT gmail DOT com) telling us that you did: LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw

Here are the rules:

  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MDT on June 24, 2011.
  • Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MDT on July 2, 2011 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.
  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.

Let’s keep counting down to summer with some great reads!

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