Abish: Mother of Faith by K. C. Grant – Countdown to Summer 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 022011
 

19 days until summer!

K.C. has been a freelance writer for eight years. Much of her work appears in family-oriented magazines such as LDSLiving, Latter-Day Woman, Back Home, Parents & Kids, and Natural Life and The Deseret News/Mormon Times. She is currently the president of the Bountiful chapter of the League of Utah Writers and is a member of the Association for Mormon Letters and LDStorymakers. Though raising her children is still her most important task, she combines it with the demanding job of working out the numerous plots she has for future novels. She and her husband of sixteen years love to travel and scout out new settings for books. While ancient Mexico was the setting for her first published novel, Abish: Daughter of God, which was released by Covenant in 2010 and its sequel, Abish: Mother of Faith, released March 2011–modern Mexico was perfect for her suspense novel titled, Venom, to be released in 2012. Other publications include a short story recently published in Covenant’s seasonal compilation How Will Christmas Find Us? by various LDS authors.

Visit K.C. on her website: www.kcgrant.com, her blog: Writer’s Corner, on Facebook: K.C. Grant and Twitter: @authorKCGrant

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?

K.C.: A good romance.

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

K.C.: I want books that don’t make my brain work too hard and that make me feel good at the end of them.

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

K.C.: I love Dutch oven-cooked food and my mouth is watering thinking of a delicious peach cobbler which is so easy, even I can do it! You just dump two cans of sliced peaches (draining off heavy syrup which you then mix with four tablespoons of corn starch and add). Then mix together a yellow cake mix according to recipe except add four eggs and spread batter over the top. Cook on low coal temperature until cake is springy on top and add whipped cream to the finished product. Yum!

LDSWBR: That is easy! Thank you so much, K.C. Have a great summer!

Abish: Mother of Faith by K.C. Grant (Covenant Communications; March 2011) is available for purchase from Deseret Book.

Have you had the opportunity to enjoy Dutch oven cobbler? What is your favorite flavor of cobbler?

***

***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

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews
May 312011
 

AMMON

Author: H. B. Moore

Published Date: June 2011

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Softcover: 288 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

FTC FYI: LDSWBR received free review copies that did not affect our review

Shanda’s Review

AMMON is the latest installment of H. B. Moore’s historical novels based on the Book of Mormon. I’ve read each book, from Out of Jerusalem to ABINADI to AMMON. Every time I think “It doesn’t get better than this,” Heather proves me wrong.

AMMON is the story of the eldest son of Mosiah. He and his 3 brothers renounce the throne and take separate paths into Lamanite territory to preach the gospel of Christ. Ammon is captured close to the border and taken to King Lamoni, but not before he sees Elena, a woman of Nephite heritage living with her family in the land of Ishmael.

Most people remember Ammon as the man who smote the arms off of the Lamanite rebels who scattered the king’s flocks at the waters of Sebus. Thanks to Heather, I will remember Ammon as so much more than that. Though some people balk at reading fictional retellings of factual accounts, I enjoy reading them because, though I know the fictional aspects of the story are the author’s creation, the perspective I gain from exploring the depths of these people’s stories makes them even more real to me.

For example, Ammon’s reaction, both physical and emotional, after the events at the waters of Sebus was something I had never really thought about. Nor had I considered the magnitude of Ammon and his brothers’ sacrifice in giving up the throne and a life of wealth and ease to travel through the wilderness to live among and serve their “enemies.”

Heather’s retelling of Ammon’s story is enthralling, intense, and unforgettable. Her writing is clear and precise. I started reading the last half of AMMON during the late morning. I was so involved in the book that when my husband asked if I was hungry, I thought he meant for dinner (I was so caught up in the story I assumed I had read straight through lunch).

AMMON gets 5 stars from me. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Sheila’s Review

I loved reading the novel Ammon! Even though I know the story from the Book of Mormon, sometimes I feel like I am reading an action/adventure novel. I love Ammon because of his courage, his humility and his undying faith.

Heather has a way of bringing these Book of Mormon heroes to life, while still staying true to scripture. I also enjoy how Heather develops all of her characters, whether big or small. I liked seeing the growth of the female character Elena. At the first she is a timid young girl and by the end she is a brave, confident woman. This all happens because of Ammon, of course.

The scene that particularly gave me chills is when Ammon spoke to King Lamoni and he collapses in his chambers. It is so inspiring to see the faith of his wife. There is so much for us to compare our lives to those of the Book of Mormon people. We can see how easy it is to be led astray. It is so frightening to see how easy it was for Zaman to be turned to evil.

Heather is one of my favorite authors. She knows how to take an already known story and make it seem like new. I am always so impressed at how thorough she is in her research. I also can tell you, if you have never read an H.B. Moore book, be ready to schedule out some time. It is hard to put the book down once you start. Her writing has such a nice flow; you become so immersed into the story you forget that you are reading a book.

Ammon is now my favorite book out of all of the books Heather has written. I gave Ammon 5 stars and it truly deserved it.

Mindy’s Review

Ammon is nothing short of amazing. This is the first book I have read by Heather Moore and I was really impressed. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Even though it is a fictional retelling of Ammon from the Book of Mormon, I was hooked. I knew Ammon’s history from the scriptures, but what I was reading was an intense adventure story, that just happen to have the men wearing kilts. Heather’s writing is so clean and smooth, it’s no wonder her books have won awards and they continue to set the example for great story-telling.

I have always enjoyed reading Ammon’s journey to the Lamanite people in the scriptures. I picture him very brave, selfless, and strong. After leaving his brothers and friends to go their separate ways, Ammon finds himself in the land of Ishmael. He is sneaking around trying not to get caught when he spies Elena, a beautiful girl who has lighter skin than the Lamanites. Ammon is seen, bound and taken to the King.

Elena is the daughter of Moriah and the sister of Zaman. Many years ago, they fled Zarahemla to not be forced into religion. Moriah makes capes and ceremonial clothes for the king, and Elena is practicing her skills in dress making. Elena has caught the eye of Gad, the blacksmith. Gad is a widower who has his sight set on Elena to be his bride. Elena keeps herself hidden; she is ashamed of her fair Nephite skin. Her family has worked hard to establish a name for themselves away from their Nephite roots. Zaman isn’t sure what to think of Ammon. Why would a stranger come to their land wanting to be a servant? Ammon is sent to the blacksmith and quickly finds friends and allies. He keeps asking the Lord when the right time is to teach these people, but learns he must be patient.

I really enjoyed how the story went from a “Book of Mormon story,” to a non-stop action suspense thriller. Something I’ve never thought of during Ammon’s ordeal was how he may have felt. Especially when he hurt and killed the men protecting King Lamoni’s flocks. The author did a fantastic job of telling us what Ammon might have been feeling, and I felt his relationship with the Lord.

5 stars. A solid book. The writing is very well done, the characters enjoyable, and the action had my stomach in nervous knots. This book is part of a series, but can be a stand alone. I look forward to reading Abinadi, Alma, and Alma the Younger.

FTC FYI- I borrowed Sheila’s copy.

Content:

Language- none

Violence- multiple instances, including weapon use & wound description, but nothing gory

Sexual- certain “fertility rites” in the Lamanite temples are referred to but no description is given

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Aug 192010
 

I had this book from the library about a month ago, but I was reading so many other things, I couldn’t get to it before it was due, so I reluctantly had to return it. I quickly got my self back on the hold list and it was slowly getting back to my turn. Until last week. I was getting my Summer Reading reward from the library, and there it was, sitting there on the shelf behind the librarian. I couldn’t believe my luck, so I grabbed it.
Let me just start with this… this book was amazing. There were many times when I cried. I was so touched and humbled by this story. I knew from history class that this was a difficult time in our country, but I really had no idea.
“The Help” is told from the perspective of three woman. Skeeter is a 23 year old white woman who has just returned from college and is wondering where Constantine is. Her black maid and best friend. But, no one will tell her the truth. Many know the truth, but won’t reveal it. Skeeter is friends with Hilly Holbrook and Elizabeth Leefolt. Miss Hilly is the queen bee of Jackson, and everyone looks to her as an example. But, it is not a good one. When she says jump, all the ladies in the community ask how high, and can I get you anything before I jump. Aibileen is Miss Leefolt’s maid and is raising her daughter Mae Mobley. Miss Leefolt is a bad mother, but really has no role model of her own. Aibileen is working one day while Miss Hilly and Skeeter are over at Elizabeth’s playing bridge. Hilly has the “brilliant” idea that Nigra’s need their own toilet in the house they are working in for sanitation purposes. Skeeter doesn’t agree with Hilly, and asks Aibileen when they are alone if she wishes she could change things. This gets Aibileen thinking.
Minny is Aibileen’s best friend. She is sassy and talks back to her employers, and gets fired a lot. Minny goes to work for Miss Celia Foote who also has a connection to Hilly, but has secrets of her own. Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny are all amazing women and each has a beautiful story to tell.
What is really enjoyed was the friendships that exist between the woman, and the one that develops. I loved how the author brought real life events into the story as well, and how those events affect the ladies. Medgar Evers, the six black girls who were bombed in the church, JFK, and many more. Each individual character was so well written and unique. All were so real to me, even the ones I didn’t like, it was like I was watching a play. I laughed and cried, and was sad when I was done, I didn’t want it to end.
Make sure you read the author’s personal story about Demetrie.
5 stars
I would recommend it to anyone, and would read it again. There was some language, but it didn’t change how I felt about the story. This is the author’s first novel.
The Help
Kathryn Stockett
Amy Einhorn Books-G.P. Putnam’s Sons / 2009
Hardcover – 451 pages
FTC-FYI: Borrowed from the library

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer Annie Barrows

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Apr 222010
 


The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Review by Mindy


Wow, my first review… I picked this book, because it was one that I loved instantly. There was something about it that caught me right away. What I liked most was the humor, and the sweet story. It takes place in 1946, after WWII. A little back ground information: the occupation by the Germans in Guernsey happened during the war, and they stayed for five years. This book is based on those events, just with fictional characters. I loved the creative way in how this is written. It’s a series of letters written to, from, and about the main character Juliet Ashton, and others in her life. Juliet is a writer who wrote a collection of popular newspaper articles about the war, that were published into a book. She receives a letter from a gentleman named Dawsey, who lives in Guernsey of the Channel Islands. They share a common like for Charles Lamb’s writings. In one of the letters written to Juliet from Dawsey, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is mentioned, and over a series of more letters, Juliet is hooked on the islands history, the people, and a character whose story is told by many who live on the island. Elizabeth is her name, and she’s the reason the society received its name and most importantly, how it came to be. During the book, Juliet is pondering on what to write her next book about, and eventually choses to write about Guernsey, and there finds the true subject of her book. So many entertaining things happen to Juliet and her friends along the way as she makes her way to visit Guernsey to tell their story of the occupation.
I could go on and on, but I don’t want to give too much away. However, there are some great lines in the book. One I thought was so funny, and one that describes my love of reading. Isola (a Guernsey resident, writes to Sidney Juliet’s friend and publisher) writes: “Mrs. Gilbert has always been a nasty one, but now I know that she can’t help it–she’s got a big pit in her Benevolence spot. She feel in a quarry when she was a girl, and my guess is she cracked her Benevolence and was never the same since.” And the part that spoke to me was a line from Juliet when she writes that books have “secret sort of homing instinct that brings them to their perfect readers.” Ahhhhh. Love that :)
One of my favorite parts of the book was the end. Isola wrote detection notes because she was trying to figure some things that were happening, and she wanted to be like Miss Marple. I was laughing out loud. I also cried in a spot, but I can’t give that away. After you read the book, let me know if you cried, and at what spot, and we’ll compare notes.
(There is a couple instances of language in the dang family.)
I hope that everyone enjoys this book as much as I did. I really could go on and on and tell you so many more great things. Read it for yourself. It put a smile on my face, and I always have a smile when I think about it.
My rating: 5 stars
Would I read it again: Absolutely. Many, many times
Recommend it: Yes, yes, yes
Would I read others books from these gals: Already have
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

Authors: Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
Publisher: A Dial Press/A Division of Random House
Published Date: August 2008
ISBN: 978-0-385-34099-1
Hardcover; 274 pages
Dearest FTC FYI: I received this book as a gift.

These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Hillary's Reviews
Apr 072010
 

Hello Friends- It’s me Hillary-

This week, I finally read a book that was loaned to me way too long ago to mention (sorry Jessica!!!). I read “These is My Words”, by Nancy E. Turner. This is one of those rare cases where I did actually judge the book by the cover, and the inside cover, and was still in no hurry. So, when I finally looked at this book, looking back at me, and the guilt of having it for so long, I picked it up. It took about 20 pages or so before I was glued, but once I was glued, I was glued. This book is fantastic!

The story is inspired by real family events, introducing us to an amazing person who is Sarah Prine. The novel takes place between 1881 through 1901 starting in Oregon and finishes off in New Mexico.

The novel is unique because it is written in the format of a journal. However, for the most part, it doesn’t read much like a journal. The story tells of Sarah’s family chosing to move from the Oregon area to New Mexico via wagons, foot and horseback. Sarah is the only girl of 5 children, having had one sister die not long after birth. The trail starts out with excitment and fun, however as time passes, we soon read of the heartache from family being killed by attacking Indians, attacking illness and the pain of men with bad intentions. When they reach one of the forts, they are further accompanied by a troup from the army that helps to protect and guide them the remainder of the trek. Though there is much pain, there is also much hope, as Sarah’s dear friend marries her brother, and Sarah begins feelings of innocent, young love.

When they reach their destination, life does not suddenly become easy, as they are still in Indian territory, still have criminals that wander from home to home, seeking innocence, and there is still the pang of death.

As all of this is going on, we learn that Sarah Prine is no ordinary woman. She is fiercly independent, strong, caring and overall an amazing woman. The book is not without humor, as in one instance, she is headed to the new bank to deposit money she has earned on her own.

“I went to one of the [teller] windows and introduced myself, and after I told the man what I wanted to do, he had the gall to sniff in my face and tell me to let my husband handle my money and not trouble myself with the confusion of it all.”

“Oh, I said, how confusing is it? If it makes you confused I surely don’t want this bank holding my five hundred dollars. Well, he perked right up and said, five hundred dollars? Mrs. Elliot, I believe we can be of service to you after all…

we offer one point nine percent interest, annually, he said.”

“I stood up. Well, I told him, I can turn this around in supplies and stock and see about twenty-five percent on cattle as long as there is no drought, and a hundred and fifty percent on soap, more if there is a drought. It’s a little at a time, but it comes right in steady as a clock. In case that’s confusing to you, Mister, it’s called profit.” and up she left. Gotta love gumption!

And seriously how often do we, as “modern” women feel this same way:

“All day long I was at wit’s end alone with these children, and just barely heated up some scraps of beef from yesterday…to make a stew, when here comes Jack (her hubby) and some other soilder I don’t even know as company for dinner, and on top of that asked me to cut his hair and draw him a bath as he was too tired to haul the water.” (the soldier took one look at her and politely excused himself) “When he left, I turned to Jack Elliot and said “If you are too tired to haul water, you are too tired to bathe in it, and I am fit to be tied. Your supper is on the stove…and April has lost the scissors under the house through a crack in the floor so there will be no haircut tonight. If that don’t please you, then I will put on a uniform and ride out of here tomorrow morning and chase around the countryside and you can wear this apron and tend these crying chidren and this drafty house from dark to dark and then tell me you think I should haul you a bath.”

My kind of woman.

There is definite cause that this book has won awards. I would recommend it even for the reader who does not enjoy a pioneer story as it has less to do with the pioneers and more to do with just Sarah. I highly recommend it!

ftc fyi- borrowed for a looonnng time- but gave it back yesterday.

Abish: Daughter of God by K.C. Grant – Book Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Feb 222010
 

Title- Abish: Daughter of God

Author- K.C. Grant
Publisher- Covenant Communications
Published Date- January 2010
ISBN#- 978-1-59811-567-3
LDS Women’s Book Review was privileged to have K.C. (Kim) Grant, author of Abish: Daughter of God, join us this past weekend to record Episode 40 of the LDSWBR podcast. We had a wonderful discussion and the podcast will be available soon at www.ldswomensbookreview.com. In the meantime, I’d like to share a brief review of K.C. Grant’s first novel, Abish: Daughter of God.

Not much is known about Abish, one of only a few women mentioned by name in the Book of Mormon (see Alma 19). K.C. Grant has taken what is mentioned, coupled with months of research, and written a detailed story of what Abish’s life experiences may have entailed.

As I’ve read the Book of Mormon through the years, I have often wondered what every day life was like for the Nephites and Lamanites in the Promised Land, especially for the women and mothers. Reading Book of Mormon historical fiction like Abish offers a glimpse into what life was possibly like for them and I find those possibilities fascinating.

During the podcast, K.C. Grant shared with us how she first became interested in telling Abish’s story, her time spent studying in Mexico, the months she spent researching, as well as what she is working on for the future. We had a great time and want to thank K.C. (Kim) for joining us on the podcast.

Learn more about Abish: Daughter of God on K.C. Grant’s website: www.kcgrant.com as well as her blog: Writer’s Corner by KC Grant.


Watch for Episode 40, coming soon!

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