Daughters of Jared by H.B. Moore

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jul 022012
 

Daughters of Jared

Author: H.B. Moore

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: May 2012

Softcover; 201 pages

Genre: Book of Mormon Historical Fiction

ISBN# 978-1-60861-395-3

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

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.

My Review

After reading one of Heather’s books, I return to that section of the Book of Mormon and read those scriptures with a new perspective of what life might have been like for those people. I’ve always considered the daughter of Jared to be evil and that was pretty much it, yet Heather opened my mind to the possibility that she may have come to regret her actions.

Did she fear for her life after her husband murdered her father upon the throne? Perhaps she mourned as her husband became paranoid about losing the throne, going so far as to imprison and starve her own son to death. Did she feel alone and wonder if she could join the rest of her family that lived by the seashore with her grandfather, the ousted king Omer?

Daughters of Jared was just as good, if not better, than the other Book of Mormon historical fiction Heather has written. The story is naturally a bit darker (considering there is murderous plotting, imprisonments and secret combinations) and yet there is hope and light woven throughout. The reader experiences everything through Naiva, another daughter of Jared. She has to make difficult choices and sacrifices yet still manages to find happiness in being with her family. The end of the story is a bitterweet one for Naiva.

It never ceases to amaze me the story Heather can weave from the information given in just a few passages. Daughters of Jared takes place during Ether 8 and part of Ether 9. I certainly hope Heather doesn’t stop writing about this part of the Book of Mormon. What do you say, Heather? Is there more story to tell?

Purchase Daughters of Jared: AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

Miracle of the Christmas Star by Susan Dean Elzey — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Dec 072011
 

Miracle of the Christmas Star

Author: Susan Dean Elzey

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: September 2011

ISBN13: 9781599558622

FTC FYI: Received a free PDF from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Paperback 176 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Christmas Stories

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary: “Hannah died the night she was born. The new star’s light brought her back to life, but left her stricken with palsy. Sariah, Hannah’s mother, believes Hannah can be healed, if only she can find the Savior. Miracle of the Christmas Star is a tender story of love, faith and endurance that will touch your heart and remind you why miracles happen.”

Sariah lived her life with great faith. She and her husband Joshua lived in Bethlehem. It was during Hannah’s delivery, and many times later, that her faith was tested.  However, Sariah new that her faith could make it through anything.

Sariah’s aunt, Mariam, helped deliver the sweet baby on the same night that the Savior of the world was born.  The cord was wrapped around her neck so tight, they wondered if she would make it. Finally, as the star light touched down on her, Hannah breathed. Life was hard for their little family.  Mariam was extremely hostile towards them. Wondering what sins Sariah and Joshua committed to curse the family with such a burden.  One restless night, Hannah had a fever and wasn’t comfortable. Sariah was prompted to take her to the hills in the cooler air. During that time, soldiers came and killed all but a few babies in the village. Sariah and Joshua wondered why Hannah’s life was spared. They spent the night on the hill to make sure it was safe. Sariah wondered to Joshua:

“Why is she like this, Joshua?” Sariah asked. “Did we offend God?”

“Hush,” Joshua said, stroking his wife’s hair. “You could offend no one in your sweetness.  She is our baby, and God gave her to us for a purpose.  We must have faith.”

This is a beautiful story of ever-lasting love, patience, and love. There were a couple times where I had tears in my eyes. I love a sweet story that tears at your heart strings. The ending was wonderful and worth the wait.

4 out of 5 stars. All the characters were great examples of faith. I loved the supporting characters too. Joshua, of course, and Joanna.  What Sariah had to go through in her life would of been hard for anyone to endure, especially in the time when the story is set.  But she did it gracefully.  Miracle of the Christmas Star is wonderful story to read to be reminded of the blessings in your own life.

FACEBOOK / CEDAR FORT / AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE

Thanks to Cedar Fort for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour.


The Assassination of Governor Boggs by Rod Miller–Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Nov 232011
 

The Assassination of Governor Boggs

Author: Rod Miller

Publisher: Bonneville Books (Cedar Fort)

Published: 2011

Softcover: 211 pages

ISBN: 978-1-59955-863-9

Genre: Historical Fiction

FTC FYI: I received a free copy from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Backcover: “After an attempted assassination, Governor Lilburn Boggs couldn’t prove who’d taken a shot at him, leaving the identity of his assailant a mystery.  Twenty-five years later and after the passing of Gov. Boggs, Detective Calvin Pogue has been hired by the Boggs family to open this cold case and find out the truth about the assassin.  From Missouri to California and into the heart of the Utah Territory, Detective Pogue relentlessly seeks clues that lead him to the legendary Mormon gunman Porter Rockwell–who still isn’t making things easy for anyone!”

This book was very intriguing.  Although, it is fiction based on historical facts, it had me thinking.  Calvin Pogue is an interesting character.  He’s suffered a war injury, and is separated from his daughter.  His thoughts are of her, especially when he sees toy horses in shop windows.  Calvin takes the case, even though he knows it may be useless. He asks William Boggs (Lilburn’s son):

“Why now?” Pogue asked.

It’s as I wrote in my letter to Mr Pinkerton.  That night has haunted our family ever since.  We’ve suffered the consequences of that gunshot these twenty-five years, and the man who shot my father hasn’t.  He ought to be the one who’s suffered for what he done.”

If you like a good mystery with historical facts and characters mixed in, this book is for you.  I also liked reading Porter Rockwell’s version of events through letters.  Also, there is a surprise at the end that had me stunned.

Happy Thanksgiving!


All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jul 182011
 

All That was Promised

Author: Vickie Hall

Publisher: Bonneville Books

Published: 2011

Softcover: 231 pages

FTC FYI: I received a free copy from the publisher which did not affect my review.

“If there was one thing that made Leah Kenyon proud, it was her husband.  She stood dutifully beside him, her arm linked through his.  A polite smile crossed her oval face as members of his congregation departed the old Methodist church.” (page 1)

Richard and Leah Kenyon are happy in Cardiff.  Their beautiful homeland with its lush green valleys, and craggy mountains.  Richard is a Methodist minister.  His brother Robert also lives in town with his petty wife Abigail and daughter Amelia.  The family business is Kenyon & Sons, the local tea shop.  Robert is already bitter with Richard because he chose to leave the business to be a minister.  He doesn’t understand how anyone could devote their time that way.  One day, while Richard was walking to the store he sees a man on top of a shipping crate with a book in his hand.  Richard is intrigued.  He hears the man speaking about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and how two personages visited a young boy named Joseph Smith.  Richard feels a power coming from that man, and his message of the Prophet Joseph.  When the man is struck by a rock, Richard takes him home to help bandage the wound.  His name is Ben, and he is missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ, and Richard is very interested in what he has to say.  Ben stays for hours, Richard asks him back the next day, and by then is ready to be baptized.  Leah is skeptical.

There are many in the town who want nothing more then to get rid of the Mormons in town.  Many will stop at nothing, even killing.  Possibly Richard’s own family.  Many wonderful things happen to Richard on his journey of learning in the Mormon church.  One of my favorites was Richard’s wife, Leah.  She had doubts and truly took her time in deciding what she wanted to do with this new religion.  This book isn’t just about Richard and Leah.  Many townspeople are affected by the Mormons, and have very different reactions.

I was very impressed with this book, especially the writing.  This is Vickie Hall’s debut novel.  You can learn more about her here and here.

I would give this book 4 stars out 5.  The book was well written and characters well developed.  I did think it was a bit violent at times, but that did not change my opinion of the book.

Here is link to purchase All That was Promised.

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!

AMMON by H.B. Moore – Countdown to Summer 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 052011
 

16 days until summer!


Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of several historical novels which are set in Ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She is not old and doesn’t remember the time period, so google.com has become a great friend. Although she has spent several years living in the Middle East, she prefers to forget the smells. Heather writes under the pen name H.B. Moore so that men will buy her books. She is also the author of one non-fiction book, which took her much too long to research and write, so she is back to novel writing.

Visit Heather’s website: www.hbmoore.com and her blog: my writer’s lair

Follow Heather on Facebook: Fans of H.B. Moore and on Twitter: @heatherbmoore

Read our combined review of AMMON by H.B. Mooore.

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?

HEATHER: I’d finish reading Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran, then for fun I’d pick up either a James Rollins or Harlan Coben thriller.

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

HEATHER: Loaded question! Some of my “must-reads” include Possession by Elana Johnson, The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan, Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff, The List by Melanie Jacobson, My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison, The Pharaoh’s Daughter by NC Allen, a book by Holly Black and book by Bree Despain since I’ll be meeting them.

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

HEATHER: Pulled Pork Sandwiches
I cook this one outside in a crock pot so that it doesn’t make the whole house smell (does that count?). Pork shoulder (or Butt), Kosher Salt, Liquid Smoke. Sprinkle and rub Kosher Salt into pork shoulder, drizzle with liquid smoke on both sides. Put in crockpot before bedtime, let cook overnight on LOW. Serve the next afternoon or evening. If you want to start in the morning, cook on HIGH for 4 hours, then turn to LOW. Pull apart and serve over rice or on sandwich buns. Yummy!

LDSWBR: Thanks, Heather!

AMMON by H.B. Moore (Covenant; June 2011) is availabe for purchase from Deseret Book.

Watch the book trailer for AMMON below:

Do you have a recipe you love but makes the house smell? Have you cooked something outside overnight before?

***

***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!

 Older Entries  Newer Entries