Joan Sowards

In God Is Our Trust by LC Lewis

2012-01-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

Freedom has never been free.

I recently read In God Is Our Trust by LC Lewis and recommend it to all. It is volume five in the Free Men and Dreamers series and covers the years 1816-1830, set against the backdrop of poignant American history. Even though this novel is the first I've read in the series, I had no trouble following this intriguing story.

Jed Pearson, a veteran of the War of 1812, enters politics in the state of Maryland. He genuinely cares about the issues facing America at the time. Jed owns a large farm called the Willows where he employs freed slaves, allowing them equality to his other hired workers. An evil-hearted foe from his war years continually harasses him and his family and friends, causing much heartache and damage.

The series, including this volume, winds through the lives of six fictional families—three American, two British, one slave--tying their lives together in similar causes of survival and the fight for a better life for all.

Reading In God Is Our Trust is like looking into a peep-box into the past. I can imagine the careful research Lewis must of done and the great understanding she has of the events of our history. I appreciated Lewis' dramatic illustrations of the issues of the day:

The beginning of the Industrial Revolution
The last days of the Founding Father's direct influence
Political upheaval in America as new leaders emerge
The increasingly volatile issue of slavery
The American Renaissance
Thomas Jefferson's final message to America on her Jubilee
The impact of Immigration on America
The westward migration
A new religious reformation

These issues set the stage for this generation's response to Joseph Smith's visions of angels and Deity. At first I questioned Lewis' reasons for leading the story to the restoration of the gospel, but when I honestly considered Diety's plan for America, it is where the story had to go. America's constitution "acknowledges the hand of God in the nation's founding" and provided a land of freedom for the gospel to be restored and His church to be established. We should never be shy in declaring that good news.

"I hope you'll laugh and cry with the Pearsons and their loved ones in In God Is Our Trust. I saw so many parallels between their day and ours as I conducted the research. There are great lessons for us in these glimpses of American history," LC Lewis said. She will be elaborating on them on her blog in the coming weeks.

Laurie C. Lewis tells us why she wrote the Free Men and Dreamers series:

"I’m from Maryland, but about 14 years ago, I fell in love with historic Williamsburg. There is a sacred spirit there, one felt also in other places that welcomed the great patriots—Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Franklin, Key, and others—cities like Philadelphia, Washington, and Georgetown; and places like

Fort McHenry, Hampton, Craney Island, Fort Monroe, and dozens more.

I believe it’s because God’s hand was over the events that happened in these places, moving people where they needed to be in order to accomplish His purposes for this land.

The past eight years of my research and writing have focused on an incredibly fascinating, and rather forgotten, generation of Americans. Most of us know a bit about the Revolution, and we have some basic understanding of the issues that drove us into the Civil War, but far fewer know anything concrete about the War of 1812, and yet historians will tell you that it was this period and these events that finally forged us into The United States of America.

The idea for a historic novel began back in 1998 after my first visit to Williamsburg, but I set it aside and moved on to another project. After 9/11, my heart, like most Americans', turned more tenderly to America and her history. By 2004 I submitted the first draft.

The original manuscript was set in the late 1840’s, but after much soul searching, many hours buried in American history, and a small mention in Lucy Mack Smith’s “Biography of Joseph Smith,” I knew I needed to back the books up a generation.

It was Lucy’s reference to her brother Stephen Mack’s service during the War of 1812 that was the deal-breaker. I had never before made the connection between the Smiths and the War of 1812, but there it was! Joseph Smith grew up during that war. He and his generation were affected and shaped by the critical historic events of the tragic burning of Washington, the critical Battle of Baltimore, Key’s rallying of a broken nation with his writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The generation that would take on Britain’s war machine in the War of 1812 was already unique in that they were the children of the Founding Fathers’ generation. They were the heirs of the great patriots’ vision, those charged to build a nation founded on the lofty principles of liberty and freedom, and now they would experience the great religious reformation and the Restoration led by Joseph Smith.

Buy In God Is Our Trust here.

Counting Christmas--a song. My gift to you.

2011-12-19T23:24:00.000-08:00

Every year, our family sends out an original Christmas song. This year's is entitled Counting Christmas. Print your own copy here. Click on the link below the lyrics.

And have a great Christmas!

The Star Prophecy

2011-12-09T09:42:00.001-08:00

Christmas is the perfect season to read The Star Prophecy. It is a unique approach to the Nativity story--a personal interview with the shepherds, and a chance to walk in the wise men's sandals.

Read the first chapter here.

The Star Prophecy is available at LDS bookstores and Amazon.

Have a merry Christmas, and happy reading!

The Rogue Shop by Michael Knutsen

2011-10-07T15:54:00.001-07:00

In the LDS novel, The Rogue Shop, author Michael Knutsen takes his main character Chris from the threshold of the Baptists and dumps him in Mormon country, without a wallet.

The Rogue Shop is a fun read in more ways than one, and to be truthful, it wasn't only the story that kept me reading, but Knutsen's unique writing style. I wanted to know what words he'd put together next.

The reader who picks up The Rogue Shop knows from the start it is a conversion story that has something to do with tuxedos, but has no clue they will know the business from front to back by detour of the basement before the tale is over. There also is no warning of all the fun characters they will meet: Travis the eloquent, Eva Chandler the resurging dress designer :-), Pablo the landlord. Knutsen doesn't candy coat Mormons, (okay, just a little), but sits you on the couch with their weaknesses and idiosyncrasies. At times, doctrine is explored, but with good taste.

From the back cover:
Trying to escape from his Texas Baptist upbringing and a troubled past, Chris Kerry came to Salt Lake City to get an education -- and nothing else. But keeping his promise to stay away from the Mormons proves difficult, especially with two cute college girls living across the hall. And when Chris finds a new job at a tuxedo shop, his promise unravels as he discovers new friendships, hidden secrets and a lost heritage he never imagined he had. The Rogue Shop illuminates how we recognize truth even in the most trying of circumstances. Michael Knudsen's hilarious debut will remind you about the value of faith, family, and friends as Chris learns from his past to move forward into a better future.

I enjoyed The Rogue Shop and recommend it. Meet Michael Knutsen at his blog.

Confronting the Myth of Self-Esteem by Ester Rasband

2011-10-07T11:09:00.001-07:00

Liberating. Insightful. Inspired.

I discovered Ester Rasband's book Confronting The Myth of Self-Esteem by chance one day. The title spoke peace to me. So many people, including myself, have struggle with the concept of self-esteem. It seems the more we try to grasp it, the further it slips away.

Rasband explains why the search for self-esteem will always frustrate. We can't find it without humility, which seems ironic. Our worldliness would tell us not to face our nothingness. Genuine confidence and peace found through gratitude and service brings the happiness we seek. She uses examples, quotes and stories from church leaders, and many scriptures to make her point.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book are:

"We must be willing to lay our self-esteem at the feet of the Lord and seek instead to love and obey him."

"Peace and confidence are gifts from God, and they are gifts given only when we are willing to give up our self-esteem and approach him in total humility."

I particularly loved chapter nine, "Always Remember Him" that focuses on Jesus Christ and our relationship to him. As members of the Church, we are taught we are "A Child of God" and the birthright is ours--which should add to our self-esteem in itself. But, "The inheritance, however, belongs only to the birthright son: Jesus Christ" Through his atonement, we are "adopted" and he shares his inheritance with us. This chapter gives better understanding of our relationship with Him.

I found the book healing. Read a few pages a day and let the concepts digest.

Rasband explains: “Inadequacy is the human condition and unless we tap into the adequacy of our Father in Heaven, we live in a somewhat fearful state — fearful that our inadequacy will cause us to fail and will stand in the way of our being loved and valued.”

Confronting the Myth of Self Esteem can be purchased at Amazon, or on the author's website.

Watch the book trailer and another here.

Excellent.

Haunts Haven--a fun ghost story

2011-09-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Halloween is coming! If your looking for a good ghost story for Halloween, or like reading mysteries in the Fall, may I recommend Haunts Haven, an LDS ghost story. All right, I admit I wrote it, and I admit I really like it, too.

Haunts Haven is in hardback and on Kindle and can be purchased at some LDS bookstores and Amazon.

Happy Halloween!

Winner of Chocolate Roses!

2011-09-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go to Christine Jensen, the winner of the gently speckled copy of Chocolate Roses, an LDS Jane Eyre parody.

Christine is a mom to 5 fabulous kids, and lives in Utah. She is a book reviewer for Fire and Ice, and writes a weekly fitness post and does product reviews for Outnumbered 3 to 1. Check out her sites. She also loves to read and run.

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest!

September Blog Hop

2011-09-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the September Blog Hop! Celebrate the beginning of fall with me and my blogger friends by hopping around, visiting our sites, and entering our contests! There are no limits - you can enter the contest on every blog. With 48 blogs participating, that's 48 prizes you could win. Just click on the links below to move on to the next blog.

On my blog, you can win your choice of a fun handcrafted US states and capitols apron, or a new but gently speckled copy of my novel Chocolate Roses. (Learn reason for speckles here.)

Would you like to win one of these prizes? You just need to do two things.

1. Become a follower of this blog.

2. Leave a comment in the trail telling me which prize you want to win--the US apron, or the gently speckled copy of Chocolate Roses.

That's it! You are now entered. The contest ends on Saturday night, September 24th, at midnight MST, and the winner will be contacted shortly thereafter. Please either leave your e-mail address in the comment trail or make sure it's visible through your profile so I can contact you to tell you that you're the lucky winner.

Now go visit my other friends ...

September Blog Hop Participants

1. Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author
2. Joyce DiPastena
3. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
4. Mandi Slack
5. Michael D. Young
6. Six Mixed Reviews
7. Pam Williams
8. Laurie Lewis
9. Kristy Tate
10. Marilyn Yarbrough
11. Stacy Coles
12. Kristie Ballard
13. Lynn Parsons
14. Pushing Past the Pounds
15. Sheila Staley
16. cindy Hogan

17. Jamie Thompson
18. Jaclyn Weist
19. Cathy Witbeck
20. Secret Sisters Mysteries
21. Tamera Westhoff
22. Tina Scott
23. Lynnea Mortensen
24. Danyelle Ferguson aka Queen of the Clan
25. Jeanette A. Fratto
26. Bonnie Harris
27. Melissa Lemon
28. Mary Ann Dennis
29. Stephanie Black
30. Jane Still
31. Janice
32. Laura Bastian

33. Tamara Bordon
34. Betsy Love
35. Maria Hoagland
36. Amber Robertson
37. Debbie Davis
38.
39. Christy Monson
40. Carolyn Frank
41. Rebecca Birkin
42. Melissa Cunningham
43. Emily L. Moir
44. Ronda Hinrichsen
45. Lisa Asanuma
46. Joan Sowards
47. Jordan McCollum
48. Diane Stringam Tolley

Learn more about September Blog Hop here.
Get The Code

Two More Fun Novels by Marie Higgins

2011-09-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

In my last post, I interviewed novelist Marie Higgins and reviewed her LDS romance, Winning Mr. Wrong. She gives some fun answers to the interview questions that you will want to scroll down and read. Marie and I share the same publisher, Walnut Springs Press. Today, I am reviewing her two novels Hearts Through Time and Heart of a Hero. Look for her next novel soon to be released, Secrets After Dark.

HEARTS THROUGH TIME

A love story that transcends time . . .

The first day Nick Marshal opens his new law office, a mysterious woman, Abigail Carlisle, appears and asks for help solving a murder--her own!

"Mr. Marshal, the reason I know you're the man who can help is because you––you can . . ." She cleared her throat. "You can actually see me."

Nick stifled a chuckle. "Of course I can see you. You're sitting right in front of me."

"True, but your lady friend could not . . . . You don't understand. The reason she could not see me is because, well . . ." Miss Carlisle's green eyes locked on his with something akin to fear shadowing their depths. "I'm a ghost."

Of course he doesn't believe she's a ghost until he tries to touch her. The further Nick investigates Abigail's life and the circumstances around her death, the deeper he falls for this gorgeous ghost.

Abigail's grandmother and Nick's mother both had foretold Nick and Abigail's unusual meeting through advice in earlier years. As Nick and Abigail put the pieces together, they realize it is their fate to stay together. The more time she spends with him, she becomes real to the point that Nick can finally touch her.

Through a one-hundred year-old artifact given to him by a 118 year-old woman, they are whisked back in time to 1912 to face Abigail's murderer.

Hearts Through Time is a beautiful, well told love story. Romance readers (and paranormal junkies :-) would love this timeless read.

HEART OF A HERO

Summer Bennett, a tomboy sent to her aunt's finishing school for refining, returns to her hometown of Richfield, Utah to find that Jesse Slade, her childhood rival, has grown up and is now her sister's fiance.

"That does it." Jesse picked her up and carried her to the horse, then put her feet on the ground... "You may be as bullheaded as you've always been, but you ain't walkin', not on my watch."

She slapped at his hand. "I'm not going into town with you."

"You listen to me, Miss Persnickety." He paused, his heated gaze boring into hers. "I don't care what you like or don't like, I'm takin' you to town."

"I--don't--like''you." She grinded her teeth with each word.

"Too--bad--darlin'," he mocked. "You have two choices. You can get on that horse willin'ly, or I'll hog-tie you and put you there myself."

Her mouth dropped open and her mind scrambled frantically for several seconds.

He smiled annoyingly. "Time's up."

This nineteen year-old girl hasn't reformed much. Summer still thinks she's invincible, wears men's britches when it's to her advantage, and takes on capturing a band of bank robbers single-handedly, hoping to get reward money that would pay for her father's surgery and allow him to walk again.

Falling back into childhood habits, Jesse and Summer clash throughout the entire story--while falling in love. Neither understand what is happening. One argument after another and several misunderstandings later, they manage

to finally confess their love. It is a relief when everyone ends up with the right sweetheart in the end.

The Heart of a Hero is a romping read that will take you back to old west Utah, and one any romance reader would enjoy.

Buy Heart of a Hero at Deseret Book.

Buy Hearts Through Time here.

Winning Mr. Wrong by Marie Higgins

2011-08-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

Marie Higgin's novel, Winning Mr. Wrong, is a fun read, and as you can see, it has a beautiful cover. I seldom laugh out loud while reading, but I couldn't help a smirk or two at Charley's innocent blunders, one right after another.

Here is the synopsis from the back cover.

Whoever said the quest for love wasn't comical never met Charlene Randall. Charley is looking

for a man who wants to start a family, a man who will take her to the temple. Problem is, she has never dated a man for longer than three months. When she reads an internet article called "Ten Ways to Win Your Man," she decides to try it on her new coworker, Maxwell Harrington. Max was her crush in high school, but the superstar sports anchorman doesn't even remember her.

Enter ladies' man Damien Giovianni, Charley's handsome neighbor, who agrees to help her win Max over. What follows is a hilarious tale of mishaps and misunderstandings where Charley learns that what she really needs may be right in front of her.

I loved the list on how to catch a man. And my favorite line from the book is on page 84 where Charley blotches a great opportunity to talk to Max. She has just fallen and banged her head, so she's a little confused. Max comes to her rescue and she remembers one item from the list.

Give him compliments. Tell him he looks nice. His hair looks good.

"Thanks Max." She paused, trying to think of a compliment. "Um, did I ever tell you I think your butt has an intoxicating smile?"

That didn't sound right. Why weren't her mouth and mind cooperating tonight?

That second line, (with a slight variance on the b-word,) is now often quoted in our house.

I loved Higgin's characters. Though Charley is thirty years-old, she acts nineteen under the spells of her two suitors. Damien starts out as an overbearing, shun-worthy lady's man, but the more I got to know him, he changed, (maybe too quickly) into the kind of guy every girl wants to catch.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fun, light, clean romance quick reads. I'm looking forward to reading Marie's other novels, Hearts Through Time. and Heart of a Hero.

Read the first chapter of Winning Mr Wrong here.

Watch the book trailer.

****

And now for my own interview with Marie Higgins!

Hi, Marie! Thank you for the interview.

First question: Of all the heroines in your novels, which one do you relate to the most?

Well…as funny as it sounds, I do relate to Charlene Randall (Charley in “Winning Mr. Wrong”) the most. I love to make people laugh – just like Charley. Although Charley is a little more clumsy than I am…but still, we like to laugh.

Who is your favorite male love interest in your novels? With which one would you like to ride off into the sunset?
What a loaded question! lol I love all my heroes. Damien (“Winning Mr. Wrong”) because he makes my knees weak. Jesse Slade (“Heart of a Hero”) because he’s rugged and he loves to tease the heroine. And Nick (“Heart’s Through Time”) because he’s soooo dreamy!! I think I add something to all my heroes that will make me want to ‘ride off into the sunset’ with them.

For which novel did you do the most research?
I did more research with my ghost story. I had to make sure the streets nowadays were named the same streets back in 1912. I had to make sure there was still a mansion-style house in California that would have been built before 1912. I looked up websites that talked about how newspapers were run (machines, etc) in that era. I even checked the first newspapers to report the sinking of the Titanic – and sure enough, the first newspaper to report the ship’s sinking stated that all passengers survived. I really had fun with this story!

Considering writing style, which of your novels represents your best?
"Heart of A Hero”. It’s historical, it has humor, action and adventure, twists…and romance. Those are the type of stories I love writing. I also love to write a little mystery into my stories, so "Hearts Through Time" has an excellent mystery, I think.

Will there be another novel by Marie Higgins coming out in the future?
You betcha! At least one, hopefully more. My publisher, Walnut Springs Press, will start work on book #4 any day now – my historical paranormal, “Secrets After Dark”. (so far this title hasn’t changed…) This story is a little different than my others. There’s hardly any humor, but a ton of mystery and…you got it…paranormal! Witches, curses, werewolves…oh my! heehee This story is about a man who is cursed by a witch to shift into a werewolf when he has certain desires for a woman. Needless to say, I've tortured my poor hero! lol Anyway, hero is hiding himself away in the east wing of the family manor so he doesn't get close to any woman. The heroine comes to the manor to find answers about her father's death. She's a very curious woman, and so sneaks into the east wing even though she's been warned not to.
My publisher promised they'd have this story out by October. I can't wait to see the cover!!

Thank you for the interview, Marie.

Clairvoyance

2011-08-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

Finished the first draft of my WIP, Clairvoyance. Yeah! Making progress.

Pralines of Prescott, a great chocolate shop!

2011-08-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

Since my novel Chocolate Roses is set in a chocolate shop, I'm always excited to find fun shops that specialize in chocolate!

Pralines of Prescott is located on Curley St. inside the Bashford Courts Mall in Prescott, Arizona, and has been in business since 1991. The many items they make include fudge, brittle, caramel, toffee, sugar free yummies and of course pralines.

Family owned by Mary Handley, Irene Handley, (in photo), and Ashley Moser, their chocolates are homemade, and I will add, delicious! Visit their website at http://pralinesofprescott.com/

It is fun to see the transformation of downtown Prescott of the last twenty years. Several years ago, a friend scolded me for going to the antique stores and shops in the rundown old downtown, saying it wasn't safe. Now downtown is bustling with tourists and fun shops from food to crafts and clothing.

If you know of a favorite chocolate shop, please leave its name and location here in your comment.

Thank you!

Great Quotation

2011-08-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

"The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity."

Margaret D. Nadauld

Invitation to Facebook!

2011-07-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

I've changed the name of my author page on Facebook to Joan Sowards, LDS Author. I'd love to have you join me there!

Winner of The Star Prophecy

2011-07-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Jessica Tidd of California is the winner of my novel The Star Prophecy in the Sumer Treasure Hunt. Congratulations Jessica!

Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston

2011-05-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

Ida Mae Babbit and her gang of Secret Sisters ride again! This fun tale begins with an innocent obituary and a couple of falls that land Ida Mae in an upscale assisted living facility. But there is no time for convalescing from her multi injuries, there is a murder to be solved! With the help of Arlette, Tansy, Eden, Eden's coworker Kevin, and a few zany senior residents, she uncovers a cynical plot in this otherwise peaceful care center.

Author Tristi Pinkston has again charmed her readers with this book two in her Secret Sisters Mystery Series. It has something to please all readers--suspense, mystery, laugh-out-loud moments--all with a hint of romance. I enjoyed this delightful story and recommend it to all who enjoy reading a cozy whodunit.

Visit Tristi at her blog.

Buy Dearly Departed on Amazon.

Book Signing and Rollover

2011-05-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

My book signing in Cedar City, Utah was in a lovely store named Mountain West Books. It offers a wide variety of books (including LDS) and supplies in an uplifting atmosphere. Mountain West is affiliated with the furniture store next door that is chockfull of decorating accessories that are to die for. Next time you are in Cedar City, treat yourself with a visit to their stores.

It started hailing/snowing before 1 pm when I bid farewell to my hostess Britannia, and my husband and I headed toward St George. The road turned very slushy and before we knew it, only a few miles into our journey, our van began to fishtail. In seconds we spun, hit the shoulder and began to roll. I wondered if my life was over, if I'd ever see my children again, and if Dennis and I would get to serve the mission we planned on. Thankfully. after a full roll, our car landed upright. The windows had shattered and showered us. "Are you alive?" I asked, and to say I was relieved to hear Dennis say "I am" would be an understatement. He carefully opened his door, and as snow fell, came around and opened my door, We hugged, grateful to be alive! Thank goodness for seat belts and great engineering design. Blinded by tears, I began picking up my novels and items that had been thrown from the car in the roll, and tossed them back into the car hoping to get them out of the rain and snow. Most of the windows were gone from the vehicle, so there was no protection from the snow. I also found my laptop still in one piece on the ground.

Passer-bys didn't see us since we were several feet off the road down a slope. Dennis got his cellphone working and called 911. Up the road we could see another car had ran off the road, and several yards behind us, a truck had slid into the median. Later we were told there were ten vehicles that had ran off the road within that hour. Hopefully, we were the only one that rolled. To make a long story short, our car was towed back to Cedar City (totaled, of course), we got a rental car, and four hours after the accident we headed up the road again toward St. George--still very shook up.

Thank you to all the emergency personnel who came to our rescue--the highway patrolmen, the paramedics, the tow-truck driver--everyone acted concerned and cordial to our needs and made dealing with the tragedy much easier.

We are thankful to be home where we are nursing our bruises. Next time I go to Utah, I will definitely fly!

Quote for the day--Nathaniel Hawthorne

2011-04-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote to his mother from college. "I do not want to be a doctor and live by men's diseases, nor a minister to live by their sins, nor a lawyer to live by their quarrels. So I don't see that there is anything left for me but to be an author."

Mesa AZ Temple Easter Pageant. Beyond Excellent!

2011-04-12T21:50:00.000-07:00

Each year that I go to the Mesa AZ Temple Easter Pageant seems better than the last, and this year's performance is excellent.

No tickets are required, and the pageant runs April 13-14, 19-23 in English and April 15-16 in Spanish. All performances begin at 8pm at the temple, 525 E Main Street, Mesa, AZ.

The life of Jesus Christ is portrayed so beautifully by a cast of hundreds, making it the largest outdoor Easter pageant in the US. Come early to get a seat (and a parking place.) We brought our dinner with us so we could get a seat early, and enjoyed visiting with those around us.

In spite of the huge audience, the Spirit was strong and bore witness to me again, that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world. Seeing the pageant is my favorite way to celebrate Easter!

Curse of the Elfs by Anna Del C.

2011-04-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

Anna Del C, thank you for the interview! How long have you been writing?

About seven years ago, I started writing because my husband wanted to live to the ripe age of fifty. He thought my imagination would be the end of his days. He actually ordered me to write. He is awesome.

What are your books titled?

In the order they were published, they are:

The Silent Warrior Trilogy

Book 1 - The Elf and the Princess

Book 2 - Trouble in the Elf City

Book 3 - Elfs in a conquered Realm

and now:

Curse of the Elfs

Do you write your books from beginning to end, or start in the middle?

I started writing the Trilogy at the beginning. The idea for Curse of the Elfs came to me in the middle of the story, the rest came from there. I am not sure why… it just happened that way.

Was there a particular person or event that inspired you to write this story?

The last movie of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings was my inspiration. I wanted to know more about the character’s lives and couldn’t find enough. My husband said, “Why don’t you write your own.” I answered, “Yah right!” But his answer haunted me and in three days I had the draft of The Elf and the Princess in my mind. When I told him the story he came back with a laptop and told me to write it. The rest is history.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Never give up!!! Join a writer's chapter close to you right now, and learn the craft of writing from them.

Anna, do you write with music playing? If so, is the music likely to be songs with lyrics or only instrumentals?

I do have music on, though I love quietness. I have my favorite tunes in the computer where I write. Lots of them have lyrics, but a few don’t.

What is the best thing about being an author?

Meeting great people and other authors.

What would you say is the most challenging part?

Spending hours promoting my books. I would rather be writing!

Do you have a particular goal you aim to achieve with your writing?

To create a wonderful world where the reader can forget reality’s cold hand and safely enjoy fantasy. Life is tough and we need something to help us make it more fun and worth living. Fantasy is how I choose to do it.

You once told me that English was your second language. What sort of challenges did you meet in trying to write your books, if any?

Not many really. I write and my editor has to figure out what I am trying to say. (If I can't figure how a word goes in English, I put it in Spanish...he speaks Spanish very well.) We have a lot of fun when we edit the books; because of my English mess ups.

If you could give your book to only one person, who would it be and why?

A teenager in trouble...

In the hope that he/she could discover the power they have deep inside to change and become better. I want them to see that nothing is impossible if we put our minds to it.

Can you share with your fans how you describe so well your battle scenes and the sword's playing action?

My husband and I took a medieval sword fighting class at the local high school. He liked it so much that he has continued for a years now and has earned two different belts with the clan.

Where can we purchase a copy of your books?

www.amazon.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.annadelc.com

Thank you for this opportunity to visit with you and your friends!

Watch the book trailer here.

Writers Workshop April 9, Ephraim, UT

2011-04-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

I will be teaching a class on writing mystery at the workshop "Write Here In Ephraim", Saturday, April 9^th. The entire workshop is free! Meet 20 published authors. Classes from 8:30 -5. No pre-registration required. Door prizes and refreshments. 105 East 200 South at the old South Ward Church in Ephraim. Come and enjoy!

Lolly's Yarn by Anna Laurene Arnett

2011-03-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Lolly’s Yarn is a delightful collection of stories from the life of author Anna Laurene Arnett. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her childhood, her courtship with the handsome Charles Arnett, their wedding, her child birthing experiences, and their many moves across the US and even to Japan. Even before I read the last page, felt like part of the Arnett family.

I didn’t barrel through Lolly’s Yarn all in a few days as I usually do when reading a novel. True, Anna’s account of growing up and going back east to work, then meeting and falling love with Charles, played out like a romance novel and kept me reading. After that, I read a few of her stories each day and savored them—relating them to my own life. I loved that Anna enjoyed being a mother and wife--refreshing for today. I appreciated her willingness to accept the role of stay at home mom. You could feel her love and devotion to her seven children. And when they were all grown, Anna went to college and became a teacher.

Anna keeps you laughing, and in places she makes you cry. Lolly’s Yarn is a story about real people, real wars, and real happenings, Anna Laurene Arnett retells a life full of adventure with an honest voice that blesses all who will read.

Anna's son Mark made a documentary about Charles' service in WWII and named it after his father's fighter plane--"Baby Boomerang." This interesting hour interviews and real footage and photographs from the war puts you right in time period. Mark tells the story of his father’s World War II experience to the spoiled, pretentious, and ungrateful baby boomer generation that he belongs to. He succeeds in drawing us into a very personal story that explores faith, courage, love, and the inescapable fact that, in many ways, we all turn into our parents in the end.

Buy Lolly's Yarn here, and "Baby Boomerang" here.

The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley

2011-02-11T22:01:00.001-08:00

“Hmmm,” the doctor muttered.

Natalie wrinkled her forehead,

almost afraid to ask, and said, “What does that mean?”

“You do know you’re pregnant, right?”

Her breath caught in her throat. “Excuse me?”

“You’re pregnant.”

Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. “I’m what?”

Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise—she’s going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn’t what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.

Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.

Rebecca Talley grew up in Santa Barbara, CA and attended, and graduated from, BYU where she met her husband where they were leaders of the same FHE group. Happily married for over 25 years, they are the parents of 10 wonderfully creative and multi-talented children. Their ranch is in rural Colorado where they keep a dog, cats, a spoiled horse, and a herd of goats. Rebecca loves country living--a great contrast to her growing up years in California.

Not only has she authored her latest novel The Upside of Down--still hot of the press with its release in January--but she has three other published novels: Grasshopper Pie, Heaven Scent, and Altared Plans.

Welcome, Rebecca! You are a very versatile writer and I have enjoyed reading your other novels. When did you start writing?

I started making books when I was a kid and I loved to write in high school, but I put writing aside when I got married and started having babies. I decided to get serious about writing again in the mid-90s when the Internet suddenly opened up a whole new world for me. I met other writers, took classes online, and read all I could about writing. I’ve been writing ever since.

The Internet has become our window to the world. What else do you enjoy doing?

Eat chocolate, ice cream, peanut M&Ms. I love to go to the beach and swim in the ocean, but I only get to do that once a year or so. I also love to dance to disco music. I’ve recently started doing Zumba, a kind of Latin dancing/exercise program—lots of hip shaking. I love to go on dates with my husband and I love to play with my kids. I’ve also started making jewelry and flower barrettes with my kids.

You say the inspiration for The Upside of Down was the newest movie Cheaper by the Dozen. How so?

I thought it would be fun to write a similar story set in an LDS household. Since I have a large family, I drew from many of my own experiences to create my characters and establish the storyline. I had lots of fun writing it, especially as I relived some of the funny things that have happened in our family.

So is it all fun and laughs, or are you hoping readers will learn something from The Upside of Down?

I hope people realize that no matter who we are, none of us is spiritually invincible. We all need to rely on the Lord, in good times and in bad. No matter how desperate a situation may seem, the Lord can lighten our load if we’ll turn to Him. The atonement is for all of us. And, even in the midst of trials, we can have peace.

A good lesson to learn, but what is the significance of the title?

I also hope people will learn something from my book about Down syndrome and

realize that underneath it all, we’re all children of God and we all deserve love and respect, no matter our chromosome count.

Where can we purchase The Upside of Down?

Right now at Amazon, and in a few weeks at LDS Bookstores.

Thank you, Rebecca, for the interview!

Thank you!

Visit Rebecca at her blog, her website, and specifically The Upside of Down blog.

Winners of The Star Prophecy Giveaway

2011-02-02T23:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to those who won a copy of The Star Prophecy:

Esther Blair-Tull

Renee Richardson

Sarah Bibi Setar

The winner of the President Monson quote is Christine Jensen!

Thank you to all who participated in the tour for The Star Prophecy.

Reviews of The Star Prophecy

2011-01-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

The Star Prophecy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and his friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ child.

Here are a few quotes from reviewers of The Star Prophecy:

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

This was a fun book to read. Likable characters and a well written tale that left me believing this really could have happened.

Totally Tina

[Sowards] weaves her tale through both the Book of Mormon and the New Testament’s scriptural accounts of Christ’s birth in such a way that, as a reader, I was convinced it could have happened just as she told it.

Peggy Urry
I [recommend] this book to my friends and family and to you.

Tangled Words and Dreams
It’s just a beautiful story that you’ll find appropriate for any Sunday afternoon. . . This is one that will appeal to young and old alike.

Kaylee Baldwin
While reading this book, I kept thinking: I want to read this to my children!

Of Writerly Things

Joan is a great writer and storyteller. This one will pull you right into Enoch's journey.

Writers Mirror

The Star Prophecy is rich in character, story line and adventure. I highly recommend it.

Bonnie Gets a Say

The characters are wonderful and I found myself pulled into their adventure anxious to find what would happen next.

The Blessing of Family Life

A wonderful treat for any age, this story will be a family favorite in no time.

Anna del C. Dye's Blog

An inspiring story full of faith, love and persistence.

Renee S. Clark

The Star Prophecy combined so many elements that I’ve come to need in a good book—Adventure, some romance, good character development—and some things that I should seek more of—spiritually uplifting with lessons about faith and obedience.

Steve Westover, author of Defensive Tactics, reviewedThe Star Prophecy--,"[The Star Prophecy] is like a familiar friend who manages to surprise with a wonderful idea and an engaging story."

Anne Bradshaw, LDS best-selling author wrote in her review, "The Star Prophecy is a great combination of adventure and romance, and full of interesting detail relating to the time period."

Margaret Turley, author of Save the Child wrote, "This speculative fiction novel is full of faith building action, adventure and romance, making it an exciting inspirational page turner."

Diony George, author of Torn Apart "Joan Sowards with creativity and imagination writes a fictional story, The Star Prophecy, which takes place six hundred years [after Lehi left Jerusalem]."

The Road Show by Branden Bell

2010-12-30T17:01:00.000-08:00

I always wanted to write a novel that included an original song, and Branden Bell has done it with his debute novel The Road Show.

I expected The Road Show to be about a corny road show, but it is no typical ward production with humorous lines. It is a story about the healing power of Jesus Christ, repentance, and understanding the true love of Christ. Bell wrote with such insight of Christ's love for us and our responsibility to care for each other that it brought tears to my eyes. He portrayed so well the incredible spiritual experience of the cast members.

Bell developed his characters well, made me feel uncomfortable enough with Scott's pornography addiction to feel the pain he was going through, but yet care enough about him to want to pull him away from his computer in his moments of weakness. I related to Eula and Ed, grew with Curtis and Stephanie as they come to understand the power of a loving Heavenly Father.

Here is the blurb:

Scott Jenson hates everything he knows about road shows especially the cheap costumes, silly songs, and bad acting. So when he finds himself agreeing to be the road show specialist, he wonders how he can do it without becoming the biggest fool in the ward. From miscues to missed practices, Scott directs his crew of amateur actors all while hoping that no one finds out about his secret.

Is there any way that this trivial road show can have a healing effect on the lives of five troubled souls? A pornography addict, a depressed young mother, a sick older woman, a lonely outcast, and a spiritually numb elder's quorum president are about to find out. Braden Bell gives a five-star performance with Road Show: Beauty for Ashes. With true-to-life characters, humorous situations, and tender realizations, this book is guaranteed to make you smile and applaud for more.

You can buy The Road Show here.

Hear the original song here.

First review of The Star Prophecy

2010-12-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

Tina Scott has posted the first review of the Star Prophecy on her blog, "Totally Tina."

"Mrs. Sowards tells the account of Enoch and his friends as though intimately familiar with the era, and weaves her tale through both the Book of Mormon and the New Testament’s scriptural accounts of Christ’s birth in such a way that, as a reader, I was convinced it could have happened just as she told it."

Come and read her impressions of The Star Prophecy.

Thank you, Tina!

Buy The Star Prophecy at LDS bookstores and Amazon.

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin (and Interview!)

2010-12-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

Meg's Melody is Kaylee Baldwin first novel and is now available on Amazon. I very much enjoyed ready this compelling story of a young woman who shortly after her husband leaves her, discovers she is expecting her first child. Going through the ailments of the first trimester, facing the prospects of being a single parent, slowly becoming active in the Church again, Meg finds the strength to carry on . . . "and an unexpected friendship to see her through. This touching story combines romance with real conflicts to remind you it's never too late to find love - if you know where to look."

Back Cover blurb:

She paced the small confines of her bathroom as she waited the obligatory two minutes for the result. Yet, part of her sensed the truth. Not only did Austin take her self-esteem and plans for happiness, but he also took her get-out-of-this-marriage-free card.

The plus sign glared at Meg from the white plastic frame of the pregnancy test. The test fell from her hands and clattered into the bathtub as Meg’s back slid against the wall until she reached the floor.

“I’m pregnant,” she said into the quiet.

Meg never imagined she'd end up like this. With nowhere else to turn, she's forced to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to help her find her forgotten melody. Meanwhile Matt is still mourning the loss of his wife. But determined to keep things together for his daughter's sake, he decides starting over in a new place might be just what his family needs.

This touching story combines romance with redemption and real conflict to remind you it's never too late to find joy. Kaylee Baldwin's capable hand renders a sincere, heartfelt story of rediscovery and hope. Perfect for romantics of all ages, this book will captivate your heart and rekindle your belief in the magic of music.

* * *

Joan: Hi, Kaylee, and thank you for visiting my blog today! I like that you set Meg's Melody in Arizona. It adds to its unique storyline. Please tell us how you came up with the idea for Meg's Melody, and about the process you went through to get published.

I started writing Meg’s Melody about three years ago. Not wanting to shave my legs. There was this one night, mid-winter, when I didn’t want to shave my legs because it can be a real time-eater. While moping about this, I started feeling the voice of a character build up inside of me. So I pulled out a pen and a spiral notebook and wrote down a whole story about my character going on a shaving strike after her husband leaves her. It went through all of the stages of hairy legs (from prickly to soft), until she finds out she’s pregnant and decides she should shave before going to the OB. Thus, Meg’s voice was born.

I tried to write a little bit every week, but life kept getting in the way. Finally, about two years ago, I got serious about writing, joined a critique group, and finished the bulk of Meg’s Melody in about six months. It took about ten months of submitting and revising to get accepted by a publisher. Now, seven months later I finally have a copy of my book!

Joan: Why did you choose Meg for your main character's name?

Kaylee: Meg is one of my all-time favorite girl names, but it is also the name of my husband’s ex-girlfriend (you know, the one right before me, that we don’t really talk about.) So, naming a child Meg was nixed, but I can name my characters whatever I want.

Joan: I understand. My son has the same name as one of my last boyfriends, but my husband chose it. :-)

How does “Melody” in the title fit into the story?

A: Music is a big part of Meg's life. For as long as she can remember, she has felt connected with music in a way that mirrors her moods. She is also a high school music teacher. When her life spirals downward after her husband leaves, she feels disconnected from everyone and everything, including the melodies that have shaped her life. Before she can heal, she needs to let her love of music back into her heart.

Joan: After reading Meg’s Melody, I can tell music is also a big part of your life. How so?

I enjoy most music, but I especially love the piano. Growing up, my family couldn't afford a piano until I was seventeen, but I used to love listening to my friends play or tinkling around on our electric one. When we did get our old upright, I immediately signed up for lessons. Even now, when I write, I love to have music in the background (Jim Brickman is my favorite), to help me to relax and focus. I also play the violin and love making up songs and melodies to sing to my children. I can't imagine life without music!

Joan: What advice would you give aspiring writers today?

Kaylee: Just keep writing! It can get really discouraging at times, but just keep revising, learning, growing, and trying. There were many times you may want to give up, but a walk around the block, a pep talk from someone who believes in you, a personal deadline, and rewards for meeting that deadline can give you a lot of motivation to keep pressing forward.

Joan: Okay. Something off the subject of writing. How about telling us your most embarrassing moment?

Kaylee: Oh, man. I thought I wouldn’t have to answer these questions anymore once I got out of school. I have too many moments to list! The most recent one, though, was the last time I went to get a massage. I took big, white granny panties with me to wear for the massage. When I left the spa, I threw them in the backseat of the car because I was going to a church activity and didn’t want granny panties to fall out of my purse. Well, about a week later, my husband comes in the house after being at a scout activity all morning, my granny panties dangling from his finger. Apparently, the boys (about 15 years old) found them in the backseat of the car on the way to the activity, and wanted to know why their leader had a pair of women’s underwear in the backseat of his car. *waggle eyebrows here* Oops.

Joan: That is embarrassing. What are you working on now?

Kaylee: I’m editing my 2^nd novel right now, a contemporary YA. I’m also working on another LDS romance that follows a minor character from Meg’s Melody.

Joan: Oooo! I can't wait to find out who it is. Thank you for the interview and best wishes for the success of Meg's Melody.

Kaylee: Thank you!

To learn more, visit Kaylee's blog.

An Angel on Main Street by Kathi Oram Peterson

2010-11-29T16:24:00.000-08:00

What a great Thanksgiving!--and now we can turn our thoughts to Christmas. I love a touching Christmas story and Kathi Oram Peterson's An Angel on Main Street is exactly that. I read it last Christmas and loved it so much that I plan to read it again this season.

Micah Connors promised his mother he would be good in their new town. But with Christmas only three days away, being escorted home by the sheriff does not bode well. Can the towering officer be trusted not to tell what happened? Perhaps the ramshackle stable that has appeared on Main Street will sidetrack him from spilling the day's events--or maybe his interest in Micah's widowed mother will do the trick. The last thing Dawn Connors needs is to hear her son is in trouble. She has enough to worry about with her husband gone and her daughter, Annie, ill.

Even though Micah has told his sister the rustic structure in the middle of town is simply part of the town's holiday decorations, Annie is sure the unseen angels are building the crude stable--which means baby jesus is coming, and He can make her better. Terrified that his little sister might die, Micah vows to find the baby Jesus for Annie, even if it is only a plastic doll. But as Micah gets nearer to his goal he finds that angels are closer than he ever would have believed.

Congratulations to Peterson for writing such a touching tale. I hope you all take the time to read this short novel, and have a great Christmas!

Other novels by this author:

The Stone Traveler

The Forgotten Warrior

Kathi Oram Peterson's blog.

Click here to watch the book trailer for An Angel on Main Street.

True Miracles With Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

2010-11-22T20:33:00.000-08:00

I admit I am a family history addict. There nothing more fulfilling than searching out those who have gone on, putting families together, and bringing those may never be remembered again, out of obscurity.

Anne Bradshaw's new book is titled True Miracles with Genealogy--Help From Beyond is a collection of inspiring research stories, about spiritual moments as help comes from beyond the veil. It is unique, comforting, and powerful. Each account can't help but touch hearts as readers come to the heady realization that there really is a world of spirits.

Anne says about her book, "I put out requests for stories on many social websites, including Facebook. Genealogists from all over the USA and from other countries responded. It amazed me to read so many unusual experiences—to learn of the many different ways researchers received the help they needed.

"I'm sure my book contains only a tiny portion of the vast number of stories that go unrecorded every year—even every day—thro

ughout the world. As someone says in the book, "Heaven is only a whisper away." It really is that close, but most times in the busy hours of our life, we're not in tune, or not ready to listen

and act.

"I began compiling seriously at the

beginning of 2010. The more stories I received the more fascinating, and compelling it was to keep going.

Once the initial call for stories went out, friends began telling others about the project and story gathering took on its own momentum.

"There was a lot of work involved in the initial story editing to make each one fit the book's style. I thought about putting different accounts into categories within the book, but as stories kept arriving, I they simply didn't fit neatly into any particular groups because each experience was unique, and as such, each one needed its own classification, which defeated any effort to make them match others."

Visit Anne's website here.

True Miracles with Genealogy is available as an ebook $2.99 and paperback from Amazon at for $8.99, shipping $3.99

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards

2010-11-17T07:55:00.000-08:00

I just received my first copy of my novel, The Star Prophecy and it is beautiful. It is a tale of young Nephite men who set sail for Jerusalem to find the Christ Child.

The back cover blurb reads:

"You are crazy. No Nephite has ever returned."

Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch's dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of his long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously--the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and the prophet Nephi.

Five Years before, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that "five years more cometh" and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great water in search of his dream--to see the face of the Messiah.

The Star Prophecy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and his friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ child.

"I love Joan Sowards' inventive mind. She begins this adventurous tale with "what if?' and tells it so well that the reader closes the book thinking 'why not?' The Star Prophecy adds a surprising new dimension to the Christmas story." -Liz Adair, author of Counting the Cost

"Action-adventure, romance, inspirational, and historical fiction all rolled into one make the Star Prophecy an exciting page turner." -Margaret L Turley, author of Save the Child

Buy at Amazon and LDS Bookstores

Oh Say Can You See? by Laurie C Lewis

2010-11-03T13:55:00.001-07:00

Laurie C Lewis has added another great historical novel in her series Free Men and Dreamers. Oh Say Can You See? and tells of the dramatic events surrounding the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of the Star Spangled Banner.

Volume 4 of this series, Oh Say Can You See? "This book is a magnificent love story—love between man and woman, love between friends, love between siblings, and ultimately, love between citizens and their country. While it tells the backstory of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” I found myself reflecting on the lyrics to another favorite song: “Oh beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life.”
Braden Bell, author of The Road Show

Volumes 1-3 of the series include Dark Sky at Morning, Twilight's Last Gleaming, Dawn's Early Light.

Laurie's other novels include Awakening Avery and Unspoken. Visit her website.

Watch the trailer for Oh Say Can You See?

Read a great interview with Laurie C Lewis here.

Today's Smile

2010-11-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror,

and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today."

So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror

and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

"H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today."

So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed

that she had only one hair on her head.

"Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."

So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and

noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.

"YAY!" she exclaimed. "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Winner of the Spooktacular Drawing!

2010-10-31T20:39:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Tammy of Salmon, Idaho, the winner of a copy of Haunts Haven!

Thank you all for entering. Happy Halloween. :-)

Family History

2010-10-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I am totally addicted to family history research and I enjoy it as much as writing.

I actually attribute my love for writing to family history. Years ago, I found a name of a woman that possibly could be my ancestor’s mother. The impression repeatedly came to sit down at the computer and write how an interview with her would go. I did and it turned into a short story. Then it grew into a novel—my first novel (unpublished)—Bridges of the Heart. Through that experience, I discovered I love writing and crafting a story as much as I love doing family history research.

As everyone else, I had planned to start genealogy in my retirement years, but about twenty years ago a friend insisted I find a babysitter and go with her for an hour to the family history center. After that I was hooked.

I used to be like the girl I met one evening sitting in the back of the family history center as the other Young Women in her class attentively listened to the missionary sister giving a tour. I asked the girl why she didn’t join her friends. “My family has been in the church for generations and our genealogy is all done,” she said, leaning back in her chair with an air of smugness.

I had to hide a smirk. “I used to think that way too,” I told her. “But as I got into researching, I found that each of my ancestors had siblings, spouses, and in-laws that still needed finding. Outside of my direct line, very few had their temple work done.”

She shrugged and I knew that was my cue to leave her alone to bask in her all-is-well-in-Zion attitude, though I knew the joy she'd miss.

Sometimes I feel guilty spending time doing family history, but in the long run, I know it is not time wasted. Every name found goes on familysearch.com. I feel warm all over finding a name that isn’t already recorded there. Making records public takes lost individuals out of

obscurity who may otherwise never be remembered.

Another good thing about researching, is that I can do it at home in my spare time, between loads of laundry, and grandchildren visits. I can do it when I’m burned out from writing on my novel. I can write my novel when I’m burned out doing family history research.

The bottom line—doing family history work brings happiness. :-)

Read Haunts Haven

2010-10-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

October is a great month to read Haunts Haven. Besides that Halloween is coming up, Haunts Haven has a real a ghost--a handsome ghost. The synopsis is right here in the sidebar. Click and read the first chapter.

Happy reading and happy haunting!

How Do You Write a Smile?

2010-09-24T20:41:00.001-07:00

Don't take me too seriously on this one, but I like my characters to be happy and I find it a challenge to write a smile. Yes, I know it’s all right to write he smiled, but sometimes it gets monotonous. In an 80,000-word novel it takes a lot of creative writing to keep your character creatively smiling.

The English language doesn’t have enough substitutes for the word smile.Grin, beam, and smirk is all my thesaurus offers. To avoid each smile from sounding like the last, the writer will sometimes use modifiers such as toothy, wide, lopsided, ridiculous, or that the ends of her mouth turn up. If the character’s eyes light up, her smile smiles differently than two pages ago.

Maybe someone should make a long list of smile descriptions, cut them in slips, put them in a jar and market it to writers. Whenever they need to write a smile, they can draw one out and, kazam! It’s done. (The inventor will probably make more money than from book royalties.)

Another word we English conversers got shorted on is laugh. There isn’t a word for an ordinary, boring huff. If it is an everyday grin—no emotion involved—there’s not a lot to choose from. Everyone laughs. If we don’t blow out our breath in a quiet laugh, we just smile, or there we go grinning again.

The best we can do is chuckle, and if you’re under sixteen you can giggle. If you are a little loony you may twitter and chortle. Boys snicker. Males hoot. Old women snort and cackle (may I never be that old.) And if you just lose it altogether, you are allowed a guffaw or two.

None of these offer what I’m looking for. Got laughs?

My Double Life by Janette Rallison

2010-09-08T10:47:00.001-07:00

Today's guest reviewer is Dylan.

My Double Life by Janette Rallison

Everyone wonders what it is like to be a celebrity for a day.

What a fun book! Any teen would love this story about Elexia, a witty honor student from a poor family, who is a dead ringer for pop star Kari

Kingsley. When Elexia's picture gets posted on the Internet, Kari's manager calls and offers her a job as Kari'

s double. Unbeknown to her fans, Kari is knee deep in debt for gambling and a shopping addiction. And to add into the mix, Kari's father happens to be Elexia's mother's celebrity i

dol.

This rags-to-riches story is fun, whimsical, and has a touch of sweet romance. MDL is a

laugh-out-loud ride that keeps you enthralled to the last page. Readers will relate easily to the realistic, likable characters, including the Nazi-ish manager. My Double Life's well thought-out plot is executed smoothl

y like a great movie.

Visit Janette's website.

Visit Dylan's blog.

Today's Smile

2010-09-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today my young adult children were talking.

Ted: Do kids really believe there are monsters under their beds?

Rex: We always had so much food storage under there that we knew there wasn't room for monsters.

Editing Song

2010-08-27T00:45:00.000-07:00

by Joan Sowards

(Tune: Christmas Bells are Ringing)

Editing, editing, here we go!
My manuscript needs shaping.
Finding typos like a pro—
None will be escaping.
Change the words that tell, not show,
Out of point of view, don’t go!
Slice, slice, cut, cut,
Anxious readers waiting!

Editing, editing to refine,
Hoping soon to publish.
Proofing carefully each line,
Delete all the rubbish.
Ousting passive verbs and such,
Adding taste and smell and touch.
Slice, slice, cut, cut,
Publishers are waiting!

Editing, editing page by page,
Ridding repetition,
So the reader will engage
To the tale’s completion.
Dialogue and tenses right,
Ditch the chitchat, make it tight.
Slice, slice, cut, cut,
Bookstore shelves are waiting!

Chocolate Roses reviews

2010-07-26T10:38:00.001-07:00

"If you haven't read [Jane Eyre], then no problem. It's still a very entertaining read." Valerie Ipson at Of Writerly Things

[This Jane Eyre adaptation is] "handled with a delightfully deft hand that makes this book very hard to put down." JDP News.

I also loved this review at Star Crossed.

"Chocolate Roses hits high marks for being a well-rounded tale with laughter and drama."

-Laurie C Lewis

"What she did right." The Write Blocks

"Chocolate Roses... is fresh and original." Parson's Posts

"Chocolate Roses is a fun read." Annie Speaks Her Mind

"Good Clean LDS romance with intrigue, humor and chocolate." Taffy's Candy

Tristi liked it at Tristi Pinkston

"I wondered, 'How would Joan take [Jane Eyre] and put it into a modern day story? Let's just say, she did a fantastic job.'" LDS Women's Book Review

"This is definitely one I will read again--perhaps on a stormy evening, wrapped up in my quilt, with a box of delicious chocolate close at hand! Kaylee Baldwin

"Mouth watering, and a sweet read." Anna Arnett

"What's not to like about this novel? Go buy it." Writer in the Pines

Joan Sowards "does a brilliant job of paralleling the two stories and making it completely believable." Arizona Forever

"Doesn't the name just tempt you to pick it up?" Tangled Words and Dreams

"It really is a quite creative and fun read." For the Love of the Written Word

"This book could be a chapter out of real life for many twenty-seven year-old single LDS girls." Anna Del C Dye's Blog

Blog Tour Chocolate Roses

2010-07-22T11:56:00.001-07:00

Love chocolate?

Love Jane Eyre?

Then you're going to love the blog tour

(July 26-August 6)
for Chocolate Roses by Joan Sowards.

Janie Rose Whitaker’s world revolved around her chocolate shop until Roger Wentworth and his young daughter moved into the apartment across from Janie’s. Anyone would think Roger fit the mold of the “perfect” guy, but soon Janie discovers secrets that could keep them apart forever. Though she resists getting involved in Roger’s complicated life, they are drawn further into a bittersweet relationship.

You will laugh, cry, and crave chocolate as you read this LDS parody of the classic novel Jane Eyre.

We have two great prizes up for grabs!

Win either a copy of Chocolate Roses (2 winners)

or this fabulous apron created by Joan!

All you have to do is leave a comment

(along with your email address if it isn't on your blog profile)

and answer the following question.

What's your favorite type of
chocolate: white, dark, or milk?

The more blogs you comment on the
more entries you'll receive.
All comments must be left by

midnight MST on August 8 to be eligible.

July 26

Margaret Turley
Nichole Giles--
Joyce DiPastena--JDP News

July 27
Deanne Blackhurst--Annie Speaks Her Mind
Tristi Pinkston--*Tristi Pinkston

July 28
Taffy Lovell--Taffy's Candy
Alison Palmer--Tangled Words and Dreams

July 29
Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen--The Write Blocks
C.S. Bezas--For the Love of the Written Word

July 30
Sheila Stayley--Why Not? Because I Said So!
LDSWomen's Book Review

August 2
Kerry Blair--Now & Here
Marsha Ward--Writer in the Pines

August 3
Kaylee Baldwin--Kaylee Baldwin
Amy Orton--Amesbury Reads

August 4
Anna del C.--Anna del C. Dye's Blog
Laurie Lewis--A View from the Other Side

August 5
Valerie Ipson--Of Writerly Things
Anna Arnett--Insights and Ramblings from Anna Arnett

August 6
Lynn Parsons
Danyelle Ferguson--Queen of the Clan

Chocolate Roses can be purchased
from Deseret Book, Amazon, and of
course your local LDS bookstore.

Author interview!

2010-07-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

Walnut Springs Press published an author interview with me on their webpage. Please come visit. There are three photos of my family through the years.

I'm still sad about my music website not working. The problem/glitch has still not been detected. If there is a song you need, email and ask for it (using the address to the

right) and I will email the pdf to you.

Chocolate Rose's blog tour will be starting in two weeks. I am excited! We will give away a copy of the novel and one of my cute homecrafted aprons.

Redemption by Susan Dayley

2010-07-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

My guest reviewer today is Kristy Stapley

I loved reading The Story of Jonah, Redemption, or subtitled The Terrible City by Susan Dayley. It captured my attention from the beginning, telling Jonah's life from his childhood to his later years when he met the big fish. It is obvious that Dayley did her research about the cities, travel, geographic layout, and ancient customs.. The story is entertaining, is a good pace, never dragged, and was just the right length.

Honestly, I found Redemption intriguing, yet still an easy read. The author gives believable explanations why Jonah made the choices he did.

This is Susan Dayley's first published novel. I recommend it and look forward to seeing what she will publish in the future.

It is the eighth century BC. No Hebrew will purposely venture into the Assyrian Empire, whose practice of barbarous slaughter casts a shadow of fear over all of Israel. But God calls Jonah, an Israelite prophet, to cry repentance to the evil empire’s capital—the great and terrible city of Nineveh. Fearing the Assyrians and doubting the wisdom of the divine call, Jonah flees in the opposite direction. But in a series of miracles, God gives Jonah a second chance to obey. Journey with Jonah in a wealth-laden ship of Tarshish, hear his prayers inside the belly of a great fish, witness his struggles working in a desert caravan, and feel his terror as he finally arrives in Nineveh. And while Jonah does eventually preach in the great city, the prophet still has some lessons to learn . . . With historically accurate details, Redemption is a story of repentance, trust, and God’s love for all his children.

To learn more about Redemption, and Susan Dayley, visit her blog.

Enter a drawing on June 16, 2010 at Walnut Springs Press to win a free copy of Redemption.

2010-07-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

A fun video chock full of good advice for writers.

Author interview

2010-07-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

Visit my author interview at Michele Ashman Bell's blog.

Book Review of Chocolate Roses

2010-06-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

Check out this book review of Chocolate Roses on Queen of the Clan.

Excerpt:

"I was pleasantly surprised with how well done th

e story was. I loved the quotes from the original Jane Eyre at the beginning of each chapter - it lent a feeling of connection between the classic and the new, and you could see how the modern day Janie felt connected to her

favorite heroine, Jane." -Danyelle Ferguson

I hope you all will read and enjoy Chocolate Roses!

-Joan

An Arizona Haunted Inn--The Gadsden Hotel

2010-06-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

Haunts Haven is about a haunted hotel in southern Arizona. I will be featuring a few in case anyone is traveling through Arizona and would like to visit a real haunted hotel. :-)

The Gadsden Hotel in Douglas has been a favorite destination for ghost hunters for many years. It is one of the last grand hotels. Originally built in 1907, a fire leveled the hotel, but was rebuilt in 1929. The solid white Italian marble stairs pictured on the right survived the fire--the ones that history claims Poncho Villa rode his horse up during the Mexican Revolutionary War.

Tiffany stained glass windows light the second story at the top of these beautiful stairs. This cute furry fellow greats visitors on the landing.

This is a fun hotel to visit, though the ghost aspect hangs heavy on the first time visitors. The hotel has the "quaint" feeling of the past. It has restaurants and beauty parlor.

In one of the banquet rooms, I found this enchanting old Story and Clark piano.

Visit the Gadsden Hotel website and read about their many ghost visitors.

Interview with Laurie Lewis, author of Awakening Avery

2010-06-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

Last month, I reviewed Awakening Avery (here) and I am happy to to have this opportunity to interview author Laurie C Lewis today as part of her novel's blog tour. Read yesterday's post below to learn how to win a copy of Awakening Avery.

I love the ocean and am a collector of shells. To honor Awakening Avery's therapeutic tale by the sea, I will be giving away four shells from my collection (separate from the book drawing). To win the shells, leave a comment on this post and become a follower. Winner will be announced on my wedding anniversary, June 12.

Joan: Welcome Laurie! I loved reading Awakening Avery. I found it refreshing and therapeutic. You have several previous novels to your credit. Is there one person in your life that has had the most influence on you to become a writer?

Laurie: I really did it to make my children proud of me and to inspire them to reach for their own dreams. I was a housewife who had to go back to work when my husband lost his job some years ago. Since I never completed my college degree, the jobs I could get were limited. My writing lifted my spirits and reminded me that we are all so much more than the sum of what we do everyday. I wanted my children to know that as well.

Joan: What ideas prompted you to write Awakening Avery?

Laurie: My husband, Tom, suffered a heart-attack seven years ago, (He's fine now!) While riding to the hospital in the ambulance, so many thoughts flooded over me--Who would I be? Where would I go? What would I do if something happened to him? And what would I say to the children? It's every spouse's worst nightmare. That's where the seeds of "Awakening Avery" were sown.

Joan: There are so many fun and touching scenes in Awakening Avery. I laughed out loud in places, and cried in others. What is your favorite part of Avery’s story?

Laurie: I have several favorites--I love the breakfast scene with Avery, Teddie, Rider a

nd Gabriel. It still cracks me up. And I laugh over every scene with Emilia and Gia and the flamingo rug. My favorite tender scenes are probably the letters. I really wanted them to feel real. And I'm partial to George's lines. He's priceless.

Joan: I loved those scenes too. Why did you choose Maryland and Florida for the setting of your story?

Laurie: Wow, good questions! These are two important sites I love and know. I live near Baltimore, and the Inner Harbor area is very familiar. We go there frequently. I fell in love with Anna Maria Island and the Ca d 'Zan over a four year period when we went to Florida each spring to watch our youngest son pitch for Indiana University in an annual tournament at Bradenton. I went back to tour the Ca D'Zan with a notebook and pen to capture the details. I always knew I would set a book in those places.

Joan: I love the ocean and appreciated that you set the story by the sea. What are your feelings about the ocean? Calming? Healing?

Laurie: Yes, both. The sound and smell of water takes me back to my childhood. We camped on a river and we boated in the bay. I feel at peace by flowing water. Anna Maria was a healing place for me. I explain below.

Joan: What advice would you give to unpublished authors desiring to be published?

Laurie: 1. See who is publishing books like the one you want to write and submit or query to them.
2. Strengthen your core skills--vocabulary, grammar, punctuation.
3. Get a notebook and jot down great words, great characters, settings, ideas, dress, etc. Pull from here when you write.
4. Write about something you know or at least love enough to get the details right

Joan: What is something about you that most people don’t know, that you’d like to share?

Laurie: I was a kidney donor for my daughter five years ago. We started the process a year earlier but we ran into a lot of snags as we worked to get me cleared to donate. It was a very emotionally trying time, and it coincided with our trip to Florida. Tom had to return home for work, and I spent most of that week walking the beaches of Anna Maria alone, praying for a miracle, and calling doctors to see if I had been cleared yet. Clearance didn't come during that week, but Anna Maria calmed me and brought me peace at a time when I needed peace desperately.

Amanda gave birth to a beautiful baby boy last year, and she and her husband are expecting a baby girl on July 29th, the fifth anniversary of her transplant. Poetic, isn't it?

Joan: And how good it is to hear she is doing well. What a gift you gave her! Thank you, Laurie, for a great interview.

Visit Laurie's blog and website, .

Laurie is also the author of the Free Men and Dreamers Series Featuring
Volume One: "Dark Sky at Dawn",
Volume Two: "Twilight's Last Gleaming", and
Volume Three: "Dawn's Early Light", due October 2009.
Double Finalist in the National Best Books 2008 Competition

Read the following post to learn how to enter to win a copy of Awakening Avery.

Awakening Avery--Contest!

2010-06-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Visit my blog (here) on Thursday, June 10 when I host Laurie Lewis. And if you leave a comment, you are not only entered to win the grand prize offered by Laurie's book tour, but will be entered to win four lovely sea shells from me.

Avery can't cope with the death of her husband and is finally convinced by
her son to return to the family's Anna Maria Island vacation spot. With the
help from some new-found friends, Avery swaps her house with a widower
named Gabriel. As Avery and Gabriel step into each others lives, they begin
a correspondence that leads to spiritual and emotional awakening for each
of them.

Laurie's blog tour is giving away 3 fabulous prizes.
Two readers will win their own copy of Awakening Avery! Yeah. There will be one lucky grand prize winner who will also win a beautiful necklace. The contest opens June 2 and will close June 13 at midnight MST.

June 1 Sheila Stayley
Why Not? Because I Said So!

LDS Women's Book Review

June 2 Alison Palmer
Tangled Words and Dreams

June 3 Kimberly Jobs
Scribbled Scraps

June 4 Nichole Giles
Random-ish by Nichole

June 7 Deanne Blackhurst
The Book of Deanne

June 8 Tristi Pinkston
*Tristi Pinkston, LDS
Author

June 9 C.S. Bezas
For the Love of the Written Word

June 10 Joan Sowards
Joan Sowards

June 11 Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
The Write Blocks

Entering the contest is easy--all you have to do is blog, tweet, follow, or
comment and then fill out this little form HERE.

1. Follow our reviewers blogs.
(1 entry for each blog you follow.)

2. Leave a comment on a
review. (1 entry for each review you comment on.)

3. Blog about Awakening Avery, the contest, or a review. (3 entries
for each blog post.)

4. Follow us on twitter. (1 entry
for each person you follow.)
Walnut Springs Press

Nichole Giles

LDS Women's Book Review

Sheila Stayley

Kimberly Job

Joan Sowards

4. Tweet about the contest. (2 entries for each tweet.)

5. Post about the contest on your Facebook. (2 entries for each facebook post or status update about the contest.)

6. Become a fan of Walnut Springs Press on Facebook. (1 entry for becoming a fan.)

7. Anything else you can think of that
will spread the word. (3 entries for every social media site you post
on.) If you mention it on goodreads, shelfari,google buzz, make it your
status on gmail chat, MSN or yahoo messenger let us know. We'll reward your
creativity with entries.

My Dog Passes Away

2010-06-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Our faithful, loyal Springer Spaniel, Scout, passed away Friday night. He is mentioned in the back-of-the-book author bio in Chocolate Roses and Haunts Haven. We will miss him greatly. Thank you Scout for 12 plus years of companionship, service and unconditional love!

Rest, Rest for the Weary Writer

2010-06-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

The poem I posted on the ANWA blog tells the plight of too many writers. I hope you enjoy it!

Awakening Avery by LC Lewis

2010-05-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Laurie C Lewis has written yet another intriguing novel. Awakening Avery is the story of a woman who had recently lost her husband. Realizing his death had taken a greater toll on her emotional well-being than she could have anticipated, she--at the urging of her children, takes a beach house in one of her favorite vacation spots, Anna Maria Island, Florida.

I very much enjoyed this character-driven novel. Not only Avery, but each supporting character takes his/her own journey of growth. I personally love staying on the beach, so reading this novel was also a beach holiday for me. I could feel the ocean breezes, heard the waves rolling in and the winging of the seagulls.

Join me again on June 10 when I post an interview with Laurie.

Here is the blurb from the back of Awakening Avery:

"You're depressed," the doctor declared.

"Ya think?" is author Avery Elkins Thompson's sarcastic response to the astute diagnosis for the malaise that set in following her husband's untimely death. Avery's carefully controlled world is imploding, and her adult children fear they are losing her too.

"You're just a shadow of the person you used to be...We'd gladly give you up for a while if it meant getting you back."

Avery can't write, and questions about their father's death leave the family mired in pain. "We need a healing place," her oldest son tells her, suggesting she find it on Anna Maria Island, Florida, a former family vacation spot.

When Avery returns to Baltimore to sell the family's waterfront condo, she meets rodeo-ers-turned-real-estate-brokers Teddie and Rider Davis, and Avery's quiet life will never be the same again.

The Davises help arrange a short-term house swap with widower Gabriel Carson from Anna Maria, whose overprotective parenting has resulted in two self-centered, twenty-something daughters. Avery and Gabriel are in for the summer of their lives as they step into one another's messy, complicated worlds.

Still, venturing out on her own again is challenging for Avery, whose experiences at the Ringling's magnificent Ca d'Zan mansion, and with the quirky characters she meets there, eventually awaken her to truths she has long forgotten - that as crazy as life can be, it is possible to laugh and love again.

To find out how you can win a copy of Awakening Avery on Laurie's blog, click here. The winner will be drawn on May 31st. Good luck!

Awakening Avery can be bought at any LDS bookstore and Amazon.

Read chapter one of Awakening Avery.

2nd Annual "Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig Clues and Win" Contest

2010-05-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our second annual “Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win” Contest! Last year, some author friends and I put together a month long contest where we gave away a prize a day for the entire month of June. The contest was so successful that my friends and I have decided to do it again…only this time we’ve gathered together enough prizes to last through the first week of July! Again, we have something for everyone: romance, fantasy, mystery, suspense, historicals, contemporaries, young adult and middle grade fiction; children’s picture books; and a variety of non-fiction titles. We also have some exciting non-book prizes: a hand crocheted book tote and cell phone case; a book/jewelry combo; a Mary Kay cosmetic assortment; a The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe DVD; and (you aspiring writers won’t want to miss this one!) a free edit/critique for the first 50 pages of an unpublished novel by a three-time published author!

How can you enter to win one of these awesome prizes? Just follow the rules below!

SUMMER TREASURE HUNT RULES:

You can send in an entry for each day’s prize, or only for those prizes that strike your fancy. The rules are simple:

(1) Go to the website or blog indicated for each day, find the answer to the question for that day, then email the answer with your name and AND MAILING ADDRES to jdipastena@yahoo.com. I promise you will not wind up on any mailing lists. This is only to facilitate the receipt of your prize. All entries will be deleted at the end of the contest.

(2) Please send a separate entry for each day and type the day you are entering in the subject line. (Such as: Summer Treasure Hunt, June 1; Summer Treasure Hunt, June 2, etc).

(3) Deadline for each day: Midnight PST

(4) The winner will be contacted and announced on the day following the deadline.

All winners will be “drawn” by WWW.RANDOM.ORG <http://WWW.RANDOM.ORG> .

You do not have to wait until the designated day to enter. You can start sending in your entries right now, or begin entering at any point along the way. And check back here each day between June 2nd-July 9th to read the names of the winners.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Joyce DiPastena at jdipastena@yahoo.com.

And now…let the treasure hunt begin!

June 1
SPONSOR: Donna Hatch
PRIZE: Queen in Exile, (fantasy romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: The princess must rely upon her magic to save whom? (Hint: Look under “Bookshelf” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.donnahatch.net
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Amber Nielson of Vermont
ANSWER:Herself and others from death and tyranny

June 2
SPONSOR: Laurie Lewis
PRIZE: Awakening Avery (women's fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: Avery's signal that she isn't handling her husband's death very well comes to her when she tosses what into what? (Hint: Look under “books &reviews, then click on the cover to Awakening Avery and read the first chapter)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.laurielclewis.com <http://www.laurielclewis.com>
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Barbara Stilwell
ANSWER: The remote into the TV

June 3
SPONSOR: E.A. West
PRIZE: Riley's Mission (PDF: romantic suspense)
QUESTION: Where does Jade sit after she sees Aziz Khadoul? (Hint: Click on “Books” tab, then on “excerpt” link for Riley’s Mission)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://eawest.mcphitty.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Judy Cox
ANSWER: An empty wheelchair

June 4
SPONSOR: Jenna Dawlish
PRIZE: Sprig of Thyme (Victorian romance), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the hero in Jenna's first novel Love Engineered? (Check out “The Library” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.jennadawlish.com <http://www.jennadawlish.com>
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Ginny Romney
ANSWER: Charles Lucas

June 5
SPONSOR: Rachael Renee Anderson
PRIZE: Divinely Designed (contemporary LDS romantic comedy), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the title of Rachael's second book, being released in August? (Hint: scroll down to Rachael’s “Goodreads” titles on the right hand sidebar))
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/
<http://rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/> USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karin Tollotson of PN
ANSWER: Luck of the Draw

June 6
SPONSOR: Linda Kay Garner
PRIZE: Some Secrets Hurt (picturebook), autographed copy, plus a handmade cuddling blanket.This picture book is for all ages. It is simple enough to be understood by a very young child, meaningful enough to appeal to teenagers, informative enough to be helpful to parents, and powerful enough to reach out to a wounded adult.
QUESTION: The only thing worse than finding out that your child is being sexually abused is ____ ____ ____? (Hint: Listen to 5 minute KSL TV interview on the right side of the website or dowload the free Parents’ Guide)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.somesecretshurt.com <http://www.somesecretshurt.com/>
International ENTRIES Accepted
WINNER: Laura Lewis of North Carolina
ANSWER:Not finding out

June 7
SPONSOR: Danielle Thorne
PRIZE: (New/Sealed) The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Widescreen DVD)
QUESTION: In Danielle Thorne's novel, Turtle Soup, what is the name of the marine biologist who inspires Sara Hart to name her deli Turtle Soup? (Hint: read the blurb for Turtle Soup on Danielle’s website homepage)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.daniellethorne.jimdo.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Carol Rainbolt of AZ
ANSWER: Jack Brandon

June 8
SPONSOR: Larry Hammersley
PRIZE: Lab Partners (sweet 1950’s romance), ebook
QUESTION: What are the first names of the hero and heroine in the short story Lab Partners? (Hint: Check out “WIP Report” post for April 4, 2010)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://larryhammersley.blogspot.com/ <http://larryhammersley.blogspot.com/>
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTriES
WINNER: Mina Gerhart
ANSWER: Leroy and Jody

June 9
SPONSOR: Linda Weaver Clarke
PRIZE: Melinda and the Wild West: (historical romance, YA and adult), autographed copy
QUESTION: What was Melinda doing when she first met Gilbert and why did he act flustered and then abruptly turn and briskly stride away? (Hint:. Click on “Sample Chapters” tab, then on the book title for Melinda and the Wild West to read a sample chapter.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com <http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com>
OPEN TO USA AND CANADA ENTRIES
WINNER: Cassandra Cantrell of Utah

ANSWER: She was wading in a stream and her skirt was hiked up, showing her bare legs and feet.

June 10
SPONSOR: Angela Morrison
PRIZE: Taken by Storm (Penguin/Razorbill 2009), YA romance, autographed hard cover
QUESTION: A legendary LDS author of over 30 books for teens called Taken by Storm, "An amazing story written with a clear, refreshing and creative voice." Who was it? (Hint: check “Taken By Storm” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.angela-morrison.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Diana Donahoo of IL
ANSWER: Jack Weyland

June 11
SPONSOR: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
PRIZE: Trapped (romantic suspense with a hint of paranormal fantasy), autographed copy
QUESTION: The first trap Emi Warrin encounters is a mysterious letter. To where does it lure her? (Hint: Read the book summary under the Trapped tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: rondahinrichsen.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Amanda Isbell of UT
ANSWER: the Austrian Alps

June 12
SPONSOR: Anne Patrick
PRIZE: Journey to Redemption (inspirational romantic suspense), free download
QUESTION: What did Royce use to do for a living in my upcoming release, Out of the Darkness? (Hint: Look under the “My Books” link for Anne’s new release, Out of the Darkness)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/ <http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/>
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Cindy Schuerr of WS
ANSWER: He played pro football

June 13
SPONSOR: Rebecca Talley
PRIZE: Altared Plans (contemporary LDS romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: What is unique about my youngest son? (Hint: Watch the YouTube video Extra C posted on the right side of Rebecca’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com <http://www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com>
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Rachel Stanley of AZ
ANSWER: He has an extra chromosome/Down Syndrome

June 14
SPONSOR: David J. West
PRIZE: Heroes of the Fallen (historical fiction), autographed hardcopy)
QUESTION: What is the name of my favorite author? (Hint: Scroll through David’s June blogs. He promises you’ll find the answer!)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://david-j-west.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Tawnya Mayo of UT
ANSWER: Robert E Howard

June 15
SPONSOR: Jennifer Stewart Griffith, author of Choosing Mr. Right and Delicious Conversation
PRIZE: FREE edit and/or critique of first 50 pages of a novel
QUESTION: What is the Japanese word for the hairstyle worn by sumo wrestlers? (Hint: Check out Jennifer’s favorite sumo blog, Sumo Beautiful. Look for Hama Bijin’s April 13th post)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://sumobeautiful.blogspot.com/ <http://sumobeautiful.blogspot.com/>
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES as long as the manuscript can be emailed to Jennifer and is in English
WINNER: Tracy Astle of CA

ANSWER: Chonmage

June 16
SPONSOR: Rebecca Irvine
PRIZE: Family Home Evening Adventures (non-fiction book of FHE lessons), free e-book on CD
QUESTION: What is the title of the first book written by Rebecca Irvine? (Hint: Read “about me” on Rebecca’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.rebeccairvine.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Tracie Travis of CA
ANSWER: Adventures of the word of God.

June 17
SPONSOR: Marilyn Bunderson
PRIZE: The Mark (YA Fiction), autographed copy with a bookmark
QUESTION: In a deleted scene from my book, The Mark, Jon loses a bet to Shae. What does he have to do to pay up? (Hint: Found in post titled "Deleted Scenes From The Mark" dated April 15, 2010)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.mrbunderson.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karen Haas of NC
ANSWER:Go country line dancing

June 18
SPONSOR: Heather Justesen
PRIZE: Winner’s Choice: The Ball’s In Her Court (contemporary inspirational) or Rebound (contemporary romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: How much did the FBI agent expect John's bail to be set at? (Hint: Click on "My Books" tab, then "read more" about Rebound.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: HeatherJustesen.com
OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Colleen Conklin of AZ
ANSWER: About half a million

June 19
SPONSOR: Nichole Giles
PRIZE: The Sharp Edge of a Knife (inspirational historical, based on a true story), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the correct title of the humorous anthology I coauthored? (Hint: Look in the right hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.nicholegiles.blogspot.co <http://www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com/> m <http://www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com/>
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Taffy Lovell of UT
ANSWER: Mormon Mishaps and Mischief

June 20
SPONSOR: Karen Adair
PRIZE: Trendy blue/brown crocheted book tote with matching cell phone case (Check out Karen’s “Diva Strings” website for examples: http://www.divastrings.com/index.html)
QUESTION: Where did Karen learn how to type and what speed did she finally top out at? (Hint: Check Karen’s “Bio” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.kbadair.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Becky Drew of AZ
ANSWER: A class in middle school /120 words per minute.

June 21
SPONSOR: Lynn Parsons
PRIZE: (dis)Abilities and the Gospel (nonfiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: What are three of the topics I list on the parent page of my website? (Look on “Parent Page” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.lynndparsons.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karin Tillotson of PN
ANSWER: ADD/ADHD

June 22
SPONSOR: Kinzie Monroe
PRIZE: Reservations for Two (inspirational romance), autographed CD
QUESTION: What was Maggie doing when she and Carson first met in Reservations for Two? (Hint: click on the “Excerpts” link on Kinzie’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://kinziemonroe.blogspot.com/ <http://kinziemonroe.blogspot.com/>
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Paige Child of UT
ANSWER: Roller blading

June 23
SPONSOR: Michele Ashman Bell
PRIZE: Summer in Paris (YA romance), autographed copy and Eiffel Tower bookmark
QUESTION: What is Michele "dreaming of"? (Hint: found on sidebar above picture of Eiffel Tower
WEBSITE/BLOG: micheleabell.blogspot.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:

June 24
SPONSOR: Jaimey Grant and JaysDesign Jewelry
PRIZE: A signed copy of Redemption, a Regency romance by Jaimey Grant, and a 19" hand-knotted strand of freshwater pearls ($45 value) handmade by Jay T Lyons of JaysDesign Jewelry <http://jaysdesignjewelry.etsy.com/> .
QUESTION: Artist Jay T Lyons did a sketch for the cover of an upcoming Regency romance of mine. What is the sketch of and what is the title of the upcoming book?
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://sites.google.com/site/jaimeygrant/jaytlyons
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Cydni Tongish of UT
ANSWER: A prison hulk for the cover of Retribution

June 25
SPONSOR: Christine Thackeray
PRIZE: Lipstick Wars (LDS Women’s Fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the angel who needs a vacation in my recent pamphlet, “Could You Be an Angel Today? (Hint: Play the book trailer for “Could You Be an Angel Today” on Christine’s home page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.christinethackeray.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Carissa Cantrell of UT
ANSWER: Gladys

June 26
SPONSOR: Bonnie Harris
PRIZE: Mary Kay Satin Lips Set, Travel Size Satin Hands Set and a set of mineral eye colors
QUESTION: What is the name of my African Gray and African Desert Tortosie? (Hint: Read “About Me” in the left hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Sharline Mata of Costa Rica
ANSWER: Paris

June 27
SPONSOR: Teralee Deighton
PRIZE: Cup of Comfort for New Mothers (personal essay anthology)
QUESTION: Name the editor of Cup of Comfort for New Mothers
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.adamsmediastore.com/category/cup-of-comfort-series?r=COC_Bookstore
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Susan Arroyo of UT

ANSWER: Colleen Sell

June 28
SPONSOR: C. LaRene Hall
PRIZE: Martha’s Freedom Train (middle grade historical), autographed by both author and illustrator
QUESTION: How many short stories has C. LaRene Hall published in the humorous anthology, Mormon Mishaps and Mischief? (Hint: Look in the left hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.clhall.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:Chris Okelberry of UT
ANSWER: 14

June 29
SPONSOR: Sarah M. Eden
PRIZE: Courting Miss Lancaster (Regency romance), autographed copy
QUESTION: In his "I Need Friends Friday" interview, what reason does Edward Cullen give for not sleeping at night?
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.sarahmeden.com/2009/11/i-need-friends-friday-edward-cullen.html
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Teryn Ercanbrack of UT
ANSWER: Because I'm a monster.

June 30
SPONSOR: Marcia Mickelson
PRIZE: Reasonable Doubt (LDS Suspense), autographed copy
QUESTION: In what country was author, Marcia Mickelson born? (Hint: Click on “About Marcia” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.marciamickelson.com <http://www.marciamickelson.com>
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Patricia Cochran of TX
ANSWER: Guatamala

July 1
SPONSOR: Kimberly Job
PRIZE: I'll Know You by Heart (romantic suspense), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the title of my current work in progress? (Hint: Look under “My Books” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Archana Subramaniam of GA
ANSWER: A change of heart

July 2
SPONSOR: Joan Sowards
PRIZE: Haunts Haven (an LDS ghost story), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the town in which the story of Haunts Haven takes place? (Hint: Found on sidebar synopsis of story)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://joansowards.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Jobie Marshal of OR
ANSWER: Cassady Springs, AZ

July 3
SPONSOR: Margaret L. Turley RN
PRIZE: Save the Child (Reality Fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: Where can you listen to an audio interview with Margaret L. Turley about her book, Save the Child? (Hint: Click on link at the bottom of Margaret’s bio on her “About the Author” page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://margaretturley.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Heather Perry of UT
ANSWER: AuthorsRoost.com

July 4
SPONSOR: Joyce DiPastena
PRIZE: Illuminations of the Heart (sweet medieval romance, a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist), autographed by author
QUESTION: Who were gifts usually given to on Epiphany during the Middle Ages? (Hint: Click on “Stolen Christmas” tab and read excerpt from “An Epiphany Gift for Robin”)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES:
WINNER: Lexie Hogan of UT
ANSWER: Small children

July 5
SPONSOR: Cindy R. Williams
PRIZE: Chase McKay Didn’t Get Up Today (Arizona Glyph Award Finalist and Southwest Book Awards Finalist), a snuggle, giggle children’s picture book
QUESTION: There is a picture of Cindy holding two dragons on her website, www.cindyrwilliams.com <http://www.cindyrwilliams.com/> . The names of the dragons are in the caption below the picture. What are their names? (Hint: Look on the “Book” page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.cindyrwilliams.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Diane Pollock of Iowa
ANSWER: Thundertail and Sparkin

July 6
SPONSOR: Gail Pallotta
PRIZE: Love Turns the Tide (inspirational romance with suspense), free e-book on CD with a pendant necklace and matching earrings.
QUESTION: Who comes to Cammie O'Shea's rescue after she has a break-in at her unit in Destin, Florida? (Hint: Scroll down to: MORE ABOUT THE BOOK)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.gailpallotta.com
<http://www.gailpallotta.com> OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Jeanette Jackson
ANSWER: Vic Deleona

July 7
SPONSOR: Danyelle Ferguson co-author of soon-topbe-released non-fiction book.
PRIZE: (dis)Abilities and the Gospel (non-fiction), autographed copy (Yes, this is your second chance to win a copy, this one signed by the co-author)
QUESTION: What is the date and location of Danyelle's book launch? (hint: check out Danyelle's sidebar.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.QueenOfTheClan.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

July 8
SPONSOR: Karen E. Hoover
PRIZE: Sapphire Flute (YA Fantasy), autographed copy
QUESTION: How many bloggers have posted their reviews of The Sapphire Flute? (Hint: Check out the list under “Sapphire Flute Blog Tour” in the right hand side bar and count ‘em up)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:

Chocolate Roses is featured on LDS Bookcorner this week!

2010-05-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Roses, my 2nd published novel, is featured on LDS Bookcorner's Fiction Daily Chapter this week. This is a service that breaks down the first chapter of a novel and sends it in short segments throughout the week.

To check out LDSBookcorner, or to sign up for future daily chapters click here.

To read the first chapter of Chocolate Roses, click on the Chocolate Roses book cover at the right (on this site) in the sidebar.

I personally love the story of Chocolate Roses. People ask me which of my novels I like the best, and I really can't choose. I like them both. I love the ghost aspect, characters, and the solution in Haunts Haven, but I'm partial to the love story in Chocolate Roses. The first-person aspect of it allowed me to write in my own thoughts and dumb humor--the freedom to "write off the top of my head." In both stories, I enjoyed writing the subplots and weaving everyone's story together.

So here is the back cover blurb:

A modern LDS parody of Jane Eyre set in a chocolate shop, Chocolate Roses is rich read. You'll find yourself wanting to curl up in your favorite chair with the book in one hand and a supply of chocolate in the other.

She’s in love . . .
He’s out of reach . . .
Is there any hope?

Janie Rose Whitaker’s world revolved around her chocolate shop until Roger Wentworth and his young daughter moved into the apartment across from Janie’s. Anyone would think Roger fit the mold of the “perfect” guy, but soon Janie discovers secrets that could keep them apart forever. Though she resists getting involved in Roger’s complicated life, they are drawn further into a bittersweet relationship.

You will laugh, cry, and crave chocolate as you read this LDS parody of the classic novel Jane Eyre.

(My daughter Kristy penned that line and never got credit. :-) Thank you, Kristy!)

“I’m a big fan of Joan Sowards, so I picked up Chocolate Roses with great expectations. It’s every bit as scrumptious as the title implies. Once again, this creative, funny writer will leave you wanting more, more, more!”
—Kerry Blair, best-selling LDS author

Chocolate Roses is a fresh and modern retelling of the classic novel, Jane Eyre. Peppered with loveable characters and countless moments of humor, you’ll find yourself drawn into Janie’s life and her plight with the unattainable Roger Wentworth. Grab a box of chocolates and settle down for one delectable story.
—Amesbury Reads

Chocolate Roses can be purchased from Amazon, Deseret Book, and your local LDS bookstore.

The Route by Gale Sears

2010-05-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

We can't begin to understand the challenges of aging and the aches of growing old until we have an elderly person in our life. Gale Sears' The Route gives insight, touches our heart, makes us ponder on the these years of retirement that might not be as joyous as we'd hope. She also makes the point that our attitude determines a lot of how we deal with it, and how it deals with us.

The Route is a different kind of story--no mystery, only love stories in retrospect--no car chases. The story's true promise is that the reader, when finished, will have a bit more understanding of humankind.

Carol, a middle-aged wife and mother who has taken on a Thursday route to deliver meals says: "The fellowship I've shared over the months with these scrappy older folks has elevated my perspective on what I once considered to be the dastardly process of getting old."

In the beginning of the story, Carol is pondering the meaning of life. On a trip to the grocery store to find some energizing dark chocolate, she sees a sign asking for volunteers to deliver meals to the elderly--and that is where her adventure begins.

Buy The Route on Amazon.

Visit Gale's website here.

Leave a comment and be entered into a drawing to win a copy of The Route. Deadline 1s my birthday May 13.

Congratulations to Connie Hall for winning a copy of The Route!

Haunts Haven reviewed by Jennie Hansen

2010-05-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

Jennie Hansen reviewed Haunts Haven at Meridian Magazine today!

"Soward's characters are wonderful, even the more minor ones. They're colorful, distinctive, and memorable. Each time I expected the cliché, I was surprised... Teens and adults both will enjoy this one." -Jennie Hansen

BYU Women's Conference

2010-05-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of my book signing at BYU Women's Conference. It was a lot of fun. I sold several copies of each of my novels, Haunts Haven and Chocolate Roses.

I shared the table with Mormon Times columnist Jerry Johnston. His booklet A Woman's Worth, reflections on women who have influenced his life, was recently released--just in time for Mother's Day. I have enjoyed the touching vignettes that I have read so far.

BYU Women's Conference was wonderful as always. I chose all the right classes (for me) and the spirit of joy and testimony I walked away with makes me want to return again next year--for at least the tenth time. I hope it will be a tradition I'll repeat until I'm 93.

Shadow of the Crown by Jeri Gillchrist

2010-05-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Shadow of the Crown by Jeri Gilchrist is a romantic suspense adventure set in Denmark. Teira Palmer, an American, comes to work in her ancestor's homeland. As soon as she arrives, she begins researching about her grandfather who had been part of the Danish Resistance, but after his tragic death, he was accused of treason. Strange things begin to happen, including attempts on her life. It is obvious that someone doesn't want her there or want her to unearth the truth about her grandfather.

Shadow of the Crown is like taking a tour of Copenhagen. Teira's quest takes her to locations such as the Krongborg Castle, Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid statue, and many more. I have been to Denmark, so this novel brought back many wonderful memories and I enjoyed researching on the Internet about the places she mentions. Somehow I had missed that the Oresund Bridge had been built between Denmark and Sweden since I had visited. What an awesome endeavor!

Shadow of the Crown was well written, well researched and is a great read.

To purchase Shadow of the Crown, click here.

Visit Jeri Gilchrist's website here.

Read about Jeri's other novels here.

The Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch

2010-04-16T09:55:00.001-07:00

Donna Hatch has authored another great Regency novel titled The Guise of a Gentlemen. It is number two in the Rogue Heart Series. The first book is The Stranger She Married featuring Cole Amesbury which I very much enjoyed reading and have previously given a review.

Each book is a stand-alone story, about a different brother of the Amesbury family, and the family members wander in and out of each other’s books. Jared Amesbury is the daring and impulsive hero of The Guise of a Gentleman.

Here is the back-of-the-book synopsis:

The widowed Elise is a perfect English lady living within the confines of society for the sake of her impressionable young son. Her quiet world is shattered when she meets the impulsive and scandalous Jared Amesbury. His roguish charm awakens her yearning for freedom and adventure. But his irrepressible grin and sea-green eyes hide a secret.

A gentleman by day, a pirate by night, Jared accepts one last assignment before he can be truly free. Elise gives him hope that he, too, can find love and belonging. His hopes are crushed when his best laid plans go awry and Elise is dragged into his world of violence and deceit. She may not survive the revelation of Jared’s past…or still love him when the truth is revealed.

The Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch is available at Wild Rose Press, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Mormon Mishaps and Mischief - a fun book!

2010-04-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

It is good we can laugh at ourselves, knowing we are a peculiar people. Very peculiar. Nicole Giles and Cindy Beck, in a way only they can, have captured some of our most hilarious moments.

Here is the blurb from the back of the book:

Ward meetings have never been so funny!

This collection of humorous anecdotes from celebrated LDS authors shows off Church members at their finest. From primary pranks to cheeky comments made by Zion’s youth to high priests hijinx, no age group is immune to the potential for humor.

Though it may not be in the official Word of Wisdom, laughter really is the best medicine. Whether you’re a senior missionary, or an eight-year-old graduating to senior primary, you’re bound to get a kick out of these silly stories.

Read about:

*The preschooler who was afraid of being eaten by ‘Sunbeans’

* Establishing Zion in Cougar Stadium

*The ‘oddmonition’ of Paul

*The 14^th article of faith

*Doing battle with the “Laman Knights”

*A young women outing that almost landed the class behind bars…and lots more!

Perfect for those long Sunday afternoons, Mormon Mishaps and Mischief will keep your family laughing all week long!

Visit Mormon Mishaps and Mischief 's website.

Queen of Exile by Donna Hatch--just released!

2010-04-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

As much as I enjoyed The Stranger She Married, I am looking forward to reading Donna Hatch's recently released Queen of Exile. Donna is an excellent Regency writer, and I'm sure her newest novel will be as well written as her others.

"Queen in Exile weaves a glorious tale of romance and mystery with an exiled princess, a dark hero, and magic. Princess Jeniah is strong-willed and kind and Kai, the Darborian knight, is the type of hero that every girl secretly wishes they could have--incredibly handsome, loyal to a fault, and one that will always protect you. Queen in Exile is a spellbinding read."-Amesbury Reads blogspot

Here is the synopsis:
Rumors of war hang over Princess Jeniah’s peaceful country of Arden, a land that shuns both magic and warfare. Following a lifelong dream, Jeniah forms a telepathic bond with a revered creature called a chayim, who is prophesied to save her kingdom. But when a Darborian knight comes upon Jeniah with her chayim, he sees only a vicious monster about to devour a maiden, and he slays the beast.

Devastated by the loss of her chayim, and fearing that her own magic is evil, Jeniah doubts her destiny. When an enemy invades Arden City, they slaughter the people, storm the castle, and execute the entire royal family except the princess. Rescued by the knight who slew her chayim,
Jeniah is now heir to the throne of Arden and the only hope for freeing her people from tyranny.

On the run and hunted by enemy soldiers, Jeniah must place her life and the fate of her kingdom in the hands of this trained killer. Torn between embracing her destiny as queen
of Arden, and her love for a mere knight, she must ultimately rely on her magic to save herself and her people from death and tyranny.
Rachel Anderson also says "Donna Hatch is a skillful author that draws the reader into her fantasy world filled with duocorns and wrywolves. . . .[Donna Hatch] is a proven regency romance writer. I'd say she stepped it up a notch by moving into the fantasy genre."

Click here to read the entire first chapter.

Missing by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

2010-04-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have been on several choir tours, but never like the one Stacie Cox experiences during the BYU-Idaho choir tour in British Columbia.

When Stacie stands to sing a solo during a concert at the Craigdarroch Castle, she sees, standing in the back of the room, four-year-old Becka, who months earlier had been kidnapped from Rexburg. Before the song ends, a woman leads the child out of the building.

Though she had never previously met Becka, she had been very involved in the initial search in Rexburg. Now that Stacie knows the girl is in Victoria, she becomes obsessed with rescuing her. She risks her life--for this young stranger.

Stacie must also deal with her guilt-ridden past and memories of another little girl that haunts her dreams.

When the talented and handsome Matt Brennan helps Stacie in the search, she tries to resist the attraction she feels for him, for she has resolved to never fall in love, to never marry. Yet he gains her friendship and trust.

Missing will keep your interest to the last page. It is a story of commitment, courage--and change of heart.

Buy Missing wherever LDS books are sold. Ronda's next novel, Trapped, will soon be released. Visit Ronda at her website.

Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack

2010-03-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

This culinary mystery keeps you reading from the first sentence, "The first police car went by at 9:23 according to the clock on the microwave." Author Josi Kilpack keeps you guessing, leaving no stone unturned until the murder is solved. The main character is 56 years old--no college-age beauty--and I found it refreshing. She had much energy and wits about her--and of course there was a subtle romance that will probably carry on into Josi's next mystery English Trifle.

Can't wait to try the recipes!

Chocolate Roses--Share a funny story about a kiss.

2010-03-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Roses is at the printers!

Janie Rose Whitaker’s whole world revolved around her chocolate shop until Roger Wentworth and his daughter Emily moved in next door. Anyone would think he fit the mold of the “perfect guy,” but soon Rose discovers the secrets of Roger’s life. The more Rose resists getting involved in his complex life, the further they are drawn into a bittersweet relationship. You will laugh, cry, and crave chocolate as you read this humorous LDS, Jane Eyre parody.

Since Chocolate Roses is a love story, I invite everyone to tell a funny story about a kiss--in good taste, of course. My story is the classic one. My date, hoping to get a kiss at the doorstep, leaned against the doorbell. My father greeted us seconds later. Needless to say, there was no kiss.

Illuminations of the Heart by Joyce DiPastena

2010-03-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

I truly loved reading ILLUMINATIONS OF THE HEART.

The author, Joyce DiPastena fell in love with the Middle Ages when she first read Thomas B. Costain’s THE CONQUERING FAMILY in high school. A graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree specializing in medieval history, Joyce lives in Arizona with her two cats, Clio and Glinka Rimsky-Korsokov.

Click here to read author interview with Joyce.

Synopsis:

"Clothilde." He spoke the name on a breath like a prayer. Then he lowered his head and kissed her.

Her heart is lost in that first embrace, her world is shaken to its foundations. There is just one problem; her name is not Clothilde. It is Siriol de Calendri. Trained in the art of illumination in the far-off city of Venice, Siri is directed by her late brother's will to the county of Poitou in France, where she enters the guardianship of her brother's friend Sir Triston de Brielle. Once in Poitou, Siri hopes to find employment in an illuminator's shop - until Triston unexpectedly snatches her heart away with a kiss.

Triston is a man of quiet honor and courage, but the guild he carries for the death of his late wife, Clothilde, has left him numb and hesitant to love again. Worse yet, Siri bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love. Or does she? Her merry laughter and twinkling eyes are very different from his late wife's shy smiles and quiet ways. Yet when he gazes into Siri's face, all he sees is Clothilde.

Then Triston's past returns to threaten them both. Will his tragic life with Clothilde be repeated with Siri? Trapped between the rivalry of the king's sons on the one hand and a neighbor out for vengeance on the other, Triston realizes it would be safer to send Siri away. But how can he bear to lose her again?

Siri is determined not to be cast off and not to live in another woman's shadow. She has illuminated many a priceless book with pen and paint. But can her own vibrant spirit illuminate the darkness in Triston's soul and make his heart beat for her alone?

This is Joyce's second novel, the first is Loyalty's Web, another delightful tale about the Middle Ages. Visit Joyce DiPastena at her fun blog.

Coyote's Grand Adventure by Tina Scott

2010-03-20T21:49:00.001-07:00

The Sharp Edge of a Knife

2010-03-16T20:12:00.001-07:00

The Sharp Edge of a Knife by D. N. Giles is a true account of a religion teacher kidnapped by two cons and driven across Arizona into New Mexico. The men only want the teacher's car to take them eastward to where one of them knows he can get his hands on post office money. They think the only successful way to get the money is to kill the "preacher."

Through constant prayer, the teacher is inspired in what to say to these men that softens their hearts into not killing

him, ultimately saving his own life.

DN Giles does a great job in capturing this fascinating

story--one we all should read.

With God, all things are possible.

To read interview with DN Giles, click here.

The Right Promotion

2010-03-12T00:09:00.000-08:00

My children live to make movies. They have several shorts on YouTube and have entered a few film festivals and even won awards. Listen to Mom—bragging again.

But an interesting thing happened within the last week. My sons and their friends made a live video version of the opening song “After Today” of The Goofy Movie released back in '95. After winning first place in the Phoenix Valley Institute Film Festival in November 2009, they put it on YouTube. In a little over three months, it had earned 5,000 views.

On Thursday of last week, the view count skyrocketed by thousands! After doing an Internet search, they found that two popular video sights had posted and recommended it.

Within a week, the video has had over 112,000 views. It just goes to show what can happen with the right promotional support.

Click here to watch “After Today.” (You can also watch it in Japanese, Spanish, and French.)

Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

2010-03-02T13:15:00.000-08:00

Sarah Eden's novel is released this week! Find Courting Miss Lancaster in LDS bookstores. Congratulations Sarah!

Harry Windover adores blonde, green-eyed Athena Lancaster, but alas, a penniless man like himself has no hope of winning a young noblewoman's hand. To add insult to injury, Athena's brother-in-law and guardian, the Duke of Kielder, has asked Harry to assist Athena in finding the gentleman of her dreams. But the lovesick Harry is cunning as well: as the weeks pass, he introduces Athena to suitors who are horrifically boring, alarmingly attached to their mothers, downright rude, astoundingly self-absorbed, and utterly ridiculous.
Athena can't comprehend why she is having so little success meeting eligible and acceptable gentlemen. Indeed, her circle of admirers couldn't be less admirable--nothing like the loyal, gentle friend she's found in Harry. But how long can Harry's scheme be hidden before it is discovered? And what will Athena do when she uncovers Harry's deception?
Escape into a charming regency world in this delightfully romantic comedy of manners that will entertain you to the very last word.

Purchase Courting Miss Lancaster at Deseret Book

Visit Sarah Eden's website

Interview with Sarah here.

Cover announced for Chocolate Roses

2010-03-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

This delicious cover is for my soon-to-be released novel Chocolate Roses.

Please rejoice with me by eating your favorite chocolate!

(Too bad it clashes with my heading. I'll have to figure what to do about that.)

Online Book Reviews on Haunts Haven

2010-02-28T17:58:00.000-08:00

Ali Cross

Amazon

Deseret Book

Six LDS Writers and a Frog

de Queen of the Clan

Joyce DiPastena

Nicole Giles

LDS Women's Book Review

Contest winner!

2010-02-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Karen Adair, the winner of the SimplyMemzelle ghost apron!

Thank you to all who entered the contest and those who became followers and have made comments on my blog.

L C Lewis--Free Men and Dreamers

2010-02-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

Weight Watches Recipes Blog

2010-02-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

My daughter is blogging her way through her Weight Watchers experience. She has posted the recipes she has used and developed. They are very yummy!

Visit her blog

Joan Sowards

In God Is Our Trust by LC Lewis

Counting Christmas--a song. My gift to you.

The Star Prophecy

The Rogue Shop by Michael Knutsen

Confronting the Myth of Self-Esteem by Ester Rasband

Haunts Haven--a fun ghost story

Winner of Chocolate Roses!

September Blog Hop

Two More Fun Novels by Marie Higgins

Winning Mr. Wrong by Marie Higgins

Clairvoyance

Pralines of Prescott, a great chocolate shop!

Great Quotation

Invitation to Facebook!

Winner of The Star Prophecy

Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston

Book Signing and Rollover

Quote for the day--Nathaniel Hawthorne

Mesa AZ Temple Easter Pageant. Beyond Excellent!

Curse of the Elfs by Anna Del C.

Writers Workshop April 9, Ephraim, UT

Lolly's Yarn by Anna Laurene Arnett

The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley

Winners of The Star Prophecy Giveaway

Reviews of The Star Prophecy

The Road Show by Branden Bell

First review of The Star Prophecy

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin (and Interview!)

An Angel on Main Street by Kathi Oram Peterson

True Miracles With Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards

Oh Say Can You See? by Laurie C Lewis

Today's Smile

Winner of the Spooktacular Drawing!

Family History

Read Haunts Haven

How Do You Write a Smile?

My Double Life by Janette Rallison

Today's Smile

Editing Song

Chocolate Roses reviews

Blog Tour Chocolate Roses

Author interview!

Redemption by Susan Dayley

Author interview

Book Review of Chocolate Roses

An Arizona Haunted Inn--The Gadsden Hotel

Interview with Laurie Lewis, author of Awakening Avery

Awakening Avery--Contest!

My Dog Passes Away

Rest, Rest for the Weary Writer

Awakening Avery by LC Lewis

2nd Annual "Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig Clues and Win" Contest

Chocolate Roses is featured on LDS Bookcorner this week!

The Route by Gale Sears

Haunts Haven reviewed by Jennie Hansen

BYU Women's Conference

Shadow of the Crown by Jeri Gillchrist

The Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch

Mormon Mishaps and Mischief - a fun book!

Queen of Exile by Donna Hatch--just released!

Missing by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack

Chocolate Roses--Share a funny story about a kiss.

Illuminations of the Heart by Joyce DiPastena

Coyote's Grand Adventure by Tina Scott

The Sharp Edge of a Knife

The Right Promotion

Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

Cover announced for Chocolate Roses

Online Book Reviews on Haunts Haven

Contest winner!

L C Lewis--Free Men and Dreamers

At this time, 2010, we need to learn from our past to protect our freedoms in the future. Free Men and Dreamers is about those who had the vision and gave their lives to obtain those freedoms.

Free Men and Dreamers Series FeaturingVolume One: "Dark Sky at Dawn",Volume Two: "Twilight's Last Gleaming", andVolume Three: "Dawn's Early Light"Double Finalist in the National Best Books 2008 Competition

Volume 3: DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT

Volume One: DARK SKY AT DAWN

Volume Two: TWILIGHT'S LAST GLEAMING

Weight Watches Recipes Blog

Free Men and Dreamers Series Featuring
Volume One: "Dark Sky at Dawn",
Volume Two: "Twilight's Last Gleaming", and
Volume Three: "Dawn's Early Light"
Double Finalist in the National Best Books 2008 Competition