Jun 112014
 

CD2S-2014_300

10 days until summer!

 

Margot HovleyMargot Hovley was raised in rural Washington State, where she worked as a girl pig herder and champion produce box-maker. She now lives and plays in Utah with her big family. When she’s not storytelling, she’s hanging out with family, teaching music to the somewhat-willing, and playing sports. She loves hiking, traveling, and concocting adventures.

Visit Margot: WEBSITE/BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | PINTEREST

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LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?

MARGOT: I’m nerdy so I’m going to say Star Wars, episode 3. I’m old–it came out the summer I was 14. Me and my cousins snuck away from a family reunion at Lake Couer d’alene and drove to Spokane to see it. Blown away. I was young enough that I crushed a little tiny bit on Luke.

LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?

MARGOT: I adore hiking during all four seasons, but when it’s hot hot summer, I go around 7pm until sunset. There’s nothing quite like Holbrook Canyon at sunset, for me. It’s close enough I can be hiking within 5 minutes of leaving my house. Most unforgettable hike: The Narrows. All the way. Hiking through water. LOVE.

LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

MARGOT: Not sure if it is the best of the year, but I just finished Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt. The man is a plotting genius. At first I thought I was bugged by some of the dialogue ticks but I ended up a fan.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Margot!

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

Glimmering Light

In a world torn apart by an unprecedented terrorist attack, Amelie Hatch’s life has been thrown into chaos. Safety is fleeting, and there is no rest for a group of Saints fighting to survive.

Despite the looming threat of terrorism, Amelie’s safe arrival in Salt Lake City should have been the triumphant conclusion to her harrowing journey. With the promise of a future with her true love, Zack, she finds a glimmer of light amidst the bleak unrest of the nation. But Amelie and Zack quickly realize their journey is far from finished. With the nation’s power grid still compromised and enemy forces drawing closer, Utah is no longer a safe haven—it’s time to move on. And this time, they find themselves forced apart as they embark on separate missions that will test their endurance and threaten all they hold dear. Amelie can only wonder: does Missouri truly hold the key to their deliverance, or will they be forced to run forever?

Do summers mean family reunions for you? If so, where are they usually held?

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**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

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

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 5, 2014 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2014 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected July 3, 2014 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until July 10, 2014 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments and questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

**Book Prizes (as of 6/12/14 – more to be added to this list!)**

  • Unraveled by Julie Daines (signed paperback)
  • Any book by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or Kindle version)
  • An autographed copy of any one Sarah M. Eden book of the winner’s choice
  • Chances Are by Traci Hunter Abramson (signed/personalized paperback)
  • Choice of The Inventor’s Secret (hardback or paperback) or The Avatar Battle (hardback or audio CD) by Chad Morris (signed copy)
  • Missing Lily by Annette K. Larsen (ebook in .mobi or epub)
  • Glimmering Light by Margot Hovley (personalized paperback or Kindle)

 

Mar 072013
 

suddendarknessThe End Begins: Sudden Darkness

Author: Margot Hovley

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: September 2012

Softcover; 162 pages

Genre: YA DYstopian

ISBN# 978-1-60861-144-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary

“Brothers and sisters, may I have your attention,” President Green said into the megaphone. I held my breath. What would he say next? At that moment, I wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d said the moon was scheduled to turn to blood next Tuesday night. “As you know, alarming events are unfolding. People are scared and confused. Life as we have known it will never be the same, it seems.”

The news has been filled with stories of tragedy and turmoil. But world events like the recent bombings in London seem far removed from eighteen-year-old Amelie Hatch’s quiet life in Zillah, Washington. She’s content with the predictable pattern of her life—school, friends, work. But when Amelie’s father leaves on a mysterious Church assignment, concerns escalate as the family is left with few answers.

Then, in the span of moments, Amelie’s world erupts in chaos. Terrorists have attacked the US power grid. There is no electricity. Vehicles have ceased working. The nuclear facility at nearby Hanford is compromised, and radiation may be flooding the area. Without the guidance of their father, Amelie’s family faces a monumental task at the request of the leaders of the Church: members of their stake have been asked to walk to zUtah, where they will find safety in Zion.

Fleeing her home and the life she knows, Amelie sets off on the arduous journey toward the refuge of Utah. There is danger around every corner as the group faces gunfire, kidnapping, and new terrorist threats. And as she finds herself drawn to two very different men, Amelie recognizes a more personal peril—she’s in danger of losing her heart.

Review

Amelie (pronounced ah-may-lee) is an 18-year-old senior in a small high school in Zillah, Washington. She lives on a farm, loves music, plays piano, and works hard despite her leg that was crippled in a devastating injury as a little girl. Her father leaves town on a business trip, and other than a visit from local celebrity Ryan Cook, Amelie’s life in Zillah is nothing out of the ordinary.

Until the night the power goes out.

When Amelie and her family are instructed to pack up necessities and prepare to leave Zillah for Salt Lake City, UT, her life changes in a way she never expected. The tanks in the Hanford nuclear facility are leaking, the government is in chaos, and an EMP has wiped out electricity and communications. To make matters worse, she and her family must make the trip without their father.

I was quickly pulled into the story. After the power goes out and the situation is revealed, I started wondering about what my family and I would do in similar circumstances. I was suddenly aware of how much I need to work on our emergency preparedness.

I liked Amelie, though sometimes she was too hard on herself. She’s a strong female character, not flighty or flirty. I admired her determination to walk the distance, despite the pain and discomfort from her leg. She’s an easy character to sympathize with, and I experienced every emotion she did. Other than a few phrases Amelie used that felt more like something her grandma would say (ie, “dratted boy”) I enjoyed her voice and read the book in a single sitting.

This was a story that made me think, but was also suspenseful enough to keep me turning pages. Several things happen that I won’t spoil here. I’m hoping this is a series because I’m curious to know what happens in this post-attack America. I wonder if other groups of Saints from around the West were called back to Salt Lake City. How was it for them? Did they encounter the same issues Amelie’s group did?

Readers looking for a clean YA Dystopian novel with suspense and bit of romance will enjoy Sudden Darkness. Don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to update your 72-hour kit after reading it.

**Interesting tidbit: The day after I finished this book I read on a news site that officials had discovered multiple tanks leaking nuclear waste in Hanford, WA. I had never heard of Handford before reading Sudden Darkness and then eerily there was news about the leaks the next day. Creepy!

Visit Margot Hovley:   BLOG  |  TWITTER  |  GOODREADS

Find Sudden Darkness:  AMAZON  |  DESERET BOOK  |  SEAGULL BOOK 

 

Dec 112012
 

 14 days until Christmas

 

Margot Hovley was raised in rural Washington State, where she worked as a girl pig-herder and champion produce box-maker. She now lives and plays in Utah with her big family. When she’s not storytelling, she’s hanging out with family, teaching music to the somewhat-willing, and fooling with techy gadgets. She loves hiking, traveling, and concocting adventures.

Visit Margot:  AUTHOR BLOG | SELF-RELIANCE BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS

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LDSWBR: Do you top your Christmas tree with a star, angel, or something else? Does it have special meaning to you?

MARGOT: I have a large star on the top of my tree that means a lot to me. We bought it while traveling in Denmark–where my husband served his mission and where a book project of mine is set. I love Denmark! I wish we could have real candles on our tree like they do. Well, I sorta wish that. I don’t want to burn my house down, lol.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas movie? Why is it your favorite?

MARGOT: It’s hard to choose a favorite Christmas movie, but I’ll go with How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I love so many things about this movie. It’s narrated by Boris Karloff, the famous movie Frankenstein. His voice is amazing! I glued myself to the TV as a kid when it would be played each year. Isn’t it fantastic how an author, Dr. Seuss, wrote such a memorable story that his made up word (Grinch) has become part of our language? I ended up marrying a guy with a super low voice (he sings super-bass in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) and you oughta hear him sing “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

LDSWBR: What Christmas gift have you been most excited to give?

MARGOT: My #6 child was born near Christmas and I was definitely excited to present her to the family as a Christmas gift of sorts. The hospital even put her in a stocking. Cutest gift ever.

LDSWBR: It would be a blast to hear your husband sing that song. Thanks, Margot!

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Purchase Sudden Darkness

AMAZON | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

The news has been filled with stories of tragedy and turmoil. But world events like the recent bombings in London seem far removed from eighteen-yearold Amélie Hatch’s quiet life in Zillah, Washington. She’s content with the predictable pattern of her life school, friends, work. But when Amélie’s father leaves on a mysterious Church assignment, concerns escalate as the family is left with few answers. Then, in the span of moments, Amélie’s world erupts in chaos. Terrorists have attacked the US power grid. There is no electricity. Vehicles have ceased working. The nuclear facility at nearby Hanford is compromised, and radiation may be flooding the area. Without the guidance of their father, Amélie’s family faces a monumental task at the request of the leaders of the Church: members of their stake have been asked to walk to Utah, where they will find safety in Zion. Fleeing her home and the life she knows, Amélie sets off on the arduous journey toward the refuge of Utah. There is danger around every corner as the group faces gunfire, kidnapping, and new terrorist threats. And as she finds herself drawn to two very different young men, Amélie recognizes a more personal peril she’s in danger of losing her heart.

Seuss foodie poll: Green eggs and ham or roast beast and Who pudding? 

* * * * *

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

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Christmas 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 $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

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

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2012, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins December 3, 2012 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 2012 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each posts required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 27, 2012 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Book Prizes (as of December 11, 2012)(more to be added- at least 20 books have been donated!)

  • Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack (signed paperback copy)
  • Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick (paperback or ebook)
  • Deadly Undertakings by Gregg Luke (personalized paperback)
  • Turning Pages by Tristi Pinkston (personalized paperback)
  • Athena by Heather B. Moore (autographed paperback)
  • The Kindling by Braden Bell (paperback, signed if desired)
  • Sudden Darkness by Margot Hovley (personalized paperback)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts: