Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen – Countdown to Summer 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 252012
 

 

I have lived my entire life in the Northwestern United States surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes. I’m passionate about writing. And chocolate-covered cinnamon bears. I’m busy with my family and trying to keep up with the stories playing out in my head while ignoring the dishes and laundry. I have three books under contract with Covenant Communications. I am so excited I can hardly speak. Thus, the writing. The Orchard. The Inn. My debut novel, Of Grace and Chocolate, coming 2012. Skipping around the room.

Follow Krista: BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

LDSWBR: Do you find it easier or more difficult to write during the summertime? Why?

KRISTA: So far writing in the summer is more difficult. I have four kids aged 10-19 and a husband who is home 6 weeks of the season, which is all wonderful, but very distracting. I like to sneak away to my hammock and write or read, but last year my hammock broke. Help me.

LDSWBR: Would you rather be in the pool or next to the pool?

KRISTA: It depends. How is my tan coming along? Is it super hot? Did I just swim five laps? Have I ever swum five laps? Is there a floatie? Has it been 30 minutes since I last ate? Am I fully dressed? There are a lot of things to consider.

LDSWBR: Ice cream or slushie? What flavor?

KRISTA: ICE CREEAAAAAM. Today I just had Cherry Bordeaux at The Mercantile in Pasco, Washington. I also sampled 4 other kinds before making my decision. I chose well.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Krista!

Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen
AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

Jillian Parrish likes to keep things predictable. After working for a local publishing company, she returns alone to a spotless apartment, a little dog, and a heavenly chunk of 70 percent cacao and sugar. By design, the closest Jill gets to messy complexities is in the pages of the novel she’s writing. But her carefully arranged life is turned upside down the day she loses her keys and her phone and her flash drive and then is nearly run over by the man who has taken them, Scott Gentry, who mistakenly thought this little trick would be a charming way to get her attention. Barely appeased by Scott’s apologies, Jill goes home only to find another surprise on her doorstep: Evie, Jill’s long-lost sister, a young woman whose addiction-filled, troubled life can only bring harm to the infant in her arms. Yet, Jill is hardly relieved when Evie disappears the next morning, leaving baby Shiloh in Jill’s inexperienced care, and a whole lot of trouble at her door. Within three days, Jill wonders if chocolate will ever be enough to bring balance to her life again. Granted temporary custody of the child, Jill launches a determined search for Evie and begrudgingly accepts Scott’s help and support. As Scott stumbles, crashes, and falls into Jill’s guarded world, he finds himself willing to do anything for the woman he discovers is not made of stone but of strength. But just as guarded hearts begin opening to sweet new possibilities, Evie’s trail leads Jill and Scott into harm’s way, bringing wounds that only grace can heal.

*  *  *

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

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Summer 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 $25 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 HERE.

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 Summer 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes donated by the authors include:

Reality Check by Karen Tuft

Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson

Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Nielsen

Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena (choice of print, Kindle or Nook)

Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson

Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf – Countdown to Summer 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 232012
 

Jennifer Shaw Wolf grew up on a farm in the tiny town of St. Anthony, Idaho. She spent cold Idaho mornings milking cows in the dark and attended a school where Hunter’s Education was part of the sixth grade curriculum. She’s always been a writer, whether it was sewing together books to read to her little brothers or starting an underground newspaper in sixth grade. She met the love of her life at Ricks College, (now BYU Idaho), after he dropped her on her head. She graduated from Ricks and then Brigham Young University, Provo with a degree in Broadcast Communications. Now she lives in beautiful, green, (rainy) Lacey, Washington with her husband and four kids. She loves to produce videos, ski, ride horses, and read, but really all she has time for is chasing kids and writing.

Find Jennifer: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

LDSWBR: Do you find it easier or more difficult to write during the summertime? Why?

JENNIFER: Harder, because my kids are home and provide endless distractions. Easier, because I can write into the wee hours of the morning and not have to get up early the next morning. (My kids are all old enough to sleep in or fend for themselves.) Like most things over the summer, I have less of a writing schedule over the summer, but sometimes that freedom opens up my muse for more creativity.

LDSWBR: Would you rather be in the pool or next to the pool?

JENNIFER: I used to love to swim. Long after all my friends had deserted the lake or the pool for tanning on the side, I was still swimming. Maybe I’ve gotten old and boring, now I prefer to be poolside, in the shade with a good book.

LDSWBR: Ice cream or slushie? What flavor?

JENNIFER: Ice cream. My favorite is a limited edition Girl Scout Tagalong flavor that I can never find, so I usually go with mint chocolate chip or plain vanilla instead.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Jennifer!

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Available in Hardcover and Kindle from AMAZON

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

*  *  *

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

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Summer 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 $25 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 HERE.

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 Summer 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes donated by the authors include:

Reality Check by Karen Tuft

Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson

Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Nielsen

Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena (choice of print, Kindle or Nook)

Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson

Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen

 

Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson – Countdown to Summer 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 222012
 


Kathi Oram Peterson loves to write edge-of-your seat romantic suspense and young adult time travels. The constant thread she sews in both genres is faith in a higher power. She works hard to entertain her readers with clean, uplifting stories. Her path to publication took a detour as she raised three children. During those years, Kathi read all the how-to books on writing she could find. When her last child graduated high school, she went back to college and earned her BA in English. She was fortunate to do an internship for the University of Utah’s Continuum magazine where she learned to edit and write articles in the “real” world. Shortly after graduation she was hired by a curriculum publisher to write and edit concept and biography books for children. She worked shoulder to shoulder with artists and computer programmers as she watched her children’s stories come to life. But the desire to write full-length novels called to her. Leaving the workforce, she devoted herself to writing fiction. She is very grateful to have had five of her novels published (The Forgotten Warrior, An Angel on Main Street, The Stone Traveler, River Whispers and Cold Justice.)

Visit Kathi: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST

LDSWBR: Do you find it easier or more difficult to write during the summertime?

KATHI: It’s about the same for me. Why? I try to write every day. Even when my kids were young and out of school, they knew that Mom had pages to finish, but once that was done we could go have some fun. What really nags at me in the summertime is yard work. And if it’s not my yard, than the neighbors’ lawn mowers and whatnot are buzzing. Those are major distractions. Thank goodness for ear plugs. ;)

LDSWBR: Would you rather be in the pool or next to the pool?

KATHI: Next to a pool, no wait . . . in the pool. It really depends on who I’m with, if I’m alone next to the pool reading. If there are others with me, in the pool.

LDSWBR: Ice cream or slushie? Slushee.What flavor?

KATHI: Slushie. Depends on the story I’m writing. If I’m into a romantic suspense, Tiger’s Blood Cherry. A lite romance Pink Passion Lemonade. But a YA time travel calls for Wild Cocoa Mango. Yummo!

LDSWBR: Thank you so much, Kathi. Enjoy your summer!

Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson

AMAZON | DESERET BOOK

Missed connections.

Murder accusations.

Years of living lives apart.

Now Regi Bernard and Samuel Tanner can finally have their “happy-ever-after”

Then . . . Samuel disappears.

Kidnapped by the Raven Clan, a powerful Alaskan tribe, he is forced to stand trial in front of their justice council for a murder he didn’t commit.

Meanwhile Regi discovers evidence that Samuel has been taken against his will. She resolves to follow Samuel to Alaska and learns secrets about him she hadn’t bargained for.

Samuel’s faith is tested. Regi risks life and love to set him free.

*  *  *

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

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Summer 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 $25 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 HERE.

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 Summer 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes donated by the authors include:

Reality Check by Karen Tuft

Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson

Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Nielsen

Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena (choice of print, Kindle or Nook)

Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson

Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen

 

 

 

 

Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Nielsen – Countdown to Summer 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 212012
 

Kelli Swofford Nielsen graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in teaching English. She and her husband, Jeff, live in Chicago, Illinois, with their two sons. Journey to the Fringe is Kelli’s debut novel.

Visit Kelli’s WEBSITE.

LDSWBR: Do you find it easier or more difficult to write during the summertime? Why?

KELLI: Even though the summer can be busy, I actually think it is easier for me to write when the sun is shining and I am having good experiences out of doors to keep me fresh and more intellectually alert.

LDSWBR: Would you rather be in the pool or next to the pool?

KELLI: I would rather be in the pool than next to it. I like to play with my kids. Also, I’m not a fan of that skin scorching sensation, so I’m not much for “laying out.”

LDSWBR: Ice cream or slushie? What flavor?

KELLI: I love ice cream, and am not picky about flavors. This month I’m favoring Breyers black raspberry chocolate.

LDSWBR: Mmm, that sounds delicious. Thanks, Kelli!

Journey to the Fringe (The Stone Mage Wars, Vol. 1) by Kelli Nielsen

DESERET BOOK | AMAZON

Long ago, Stone Mages were revered in Lyria. They were men and women who could use powerful tradestones to harness their unique gifts of wind, rain, and earth to help those around them. But war with the Southern realm has threatened the mages with extinction. The truth about the tradestones has been lost, and the remaining magic is dwindling.

When Princess Ivy, the beloved daughter of the king, is abducted, it seems that all hope for Lyria is lost as well. But when an unlikely group of loyal subjects embarks on a dangerous journey to the far-distant Fringe, the hope of restoring crown and kingdom is renewed. Among the group is Simon, a fool with wisdom beyond his years; Gilda, a nonmagical witch; Burr, a young thief; and Merrick, a jaded sea captain. Their quest will test their courage, their strength, and their friendship.

But at the Fringe, they encounter a truth that will change everything they thought they knew about themselves, and this small band of heroes must embrace the power that is their birthright and stand together as Stone Mages of Lyria.

*  *  *

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

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Summer 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 $25 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 HERE.

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 Summer 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes donated by the authors include:

Reality Check by Karen Tuft

Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson

Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Nielsen

Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena (choice of print, Kindle or Nook)

Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson

Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen

 

 

Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena – Countdown to Summer 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 202012
 

Joyce DiPastena is the author of three sweet medieval romances. When not living in the past, she can be found playing the piano, entertaining her cats, or eating chocolate chip cookies.

Visit Joyce on her WEBSITE and blogs: JDP NEWS | Medieval Research with Joyce

Follow Joyce: TWITTER | FACEBOOK

LDSWBR: Do you find it easier or more difficult to write during the summertime? Why?

JOYCE: Some summers easier, some summers harder. Summers are like people. No two are ever the same, and neither is my writing routine each year.

LDSWBR: Would you rather be in the pool or next to the pool?

JOYCE: Since I can’t swim, I’d prefer to be next to the pool, or better yet, as far away from a pool as possible.

LDSWBR: Ice cream or slushie? What flavor?

JOYCE: Ice cream. Vanilla with chocolate chips and nuts. The chocolate and nuts are required. The ice cream is optional.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Joyce! Hope this summer is an easy one for writing. :)

Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena

AMAZON (print & Kindle) | BARNES & NOBLE (print & Nook) | BOOKDEPOSITORY.COM

Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father’s innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father’s past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.

Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri’s attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?

*  *  *

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

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Summer 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 $25 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 HERE.

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 Summer 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes donated by the authors include:

Reality Check by Karen Tuft

Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson

Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Nielsen

Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena (choice of print, Kindle or Nook)

Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson

Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen

 

 

Daughters of Jared by H.B. Moore – Countdown to Summer 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 192012
 


Heather B. Moore is the 2 time Best of State and 2 time Whitney Award Winning author for her historical fiction. Her latest novel is Daughters of Jared. She also wrote the non-fiction inspirational titles, Women of the Book of Mormon, and co-authored Christ’s Gifts to Women with Angela Eschler.

Visit Heather: WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | Fans of H.B. Moore on Facebook

LDSWBR: Do you find it easier or more difficult to write during the summertime? Why?

HEATHER: It’s much harder for me to write in the summer with all four kids home, coming and going. I’ve only actively written one book during a summer (AMMON) because of the deadline. But I have been known to try and finish a book in May, then I’m fine to do editing during the summer since it can be done more sporadically.

LDSWBR: Would you rather be in the pool or next to the pool?

HEATHER: NEXT to the pool for sure. Unless it’s just too darn hot. With my youngest child now eight, I get to enjoy a bit of luxury. Not that I don’t enjoy playing in the pool with my kids, but I really really don’t like getting splashed in the face.

LDSWBR: Ice cream or slushie? What flavor?

HEATHER: Slushie–because something in my head tells me that they have less calories. Yet, the other voice in my head says that ice cream is probably, more technically, healthier. So it probably boils down to what mood I’m in!

LDSWBR: Thanks, Heather!

Daughters of Jared by H.B. Moore
Available in paperback or for Kindle on AMAZON

Naiva, daughter of the dethroned King Jared II, lives in the shadow of her privileged elder sister, Asherah. But when Asherah develops a secret plot to return their father to the throne, Naiva’s resentment turns to fear. Thwarting the scheme becomes more complicated when Naiva discovers that Akish, the first man who has shown interest in her, is an integral part of the plan.

Asherah traps Akish in a ploy to make him marry her, breaking Naiva’s heart and leaving her feeling more alone than ever. Somehow Naiva must find the strength to stand against the encroaching evil in the kingdom and a sister who will stop at nothing to become queen. When Akish’s wickedness escalates and threatens to destroy the bonds of sisterhood, Naiva must decide between protecting her sister and honoring her new belief in the true God—a forbidden belief that could cost her life.

*  *  *

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

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Summer 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 $25 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 HERE.

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 Summer 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes donated by the authors include:

Reality Check by Karen Tuft

Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson

Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Nielsen

Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena (choice of print, Kindle or Nook)

Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson

Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen

 

 

 

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