Diony's Interviews, Book Reviews & Upcoming Events

If I Should Die, By Jennie Hansen

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0000

A great mystery with a surprise ending!

One morning on a routine jog, Kallene’s running partner, Linda, confides that she’s filing for divorce. The next morning, she’s gone without a trace, leaving behind her frightened young daughter. Since Linda’s enraged husband refuses to notify the police, Kallene steps in to initiate a missing person search, not knowing it would soon become a murder investigation—or that she’d soon fall for the charming lead detective.

With Linda’s handsome brother also on her mind, Kallene must navigate the rapids of a double romance as well as the deepening suspicion in her upscale Utah neighborhood. Intrigue turns to danger as Kallene faces the consequences of hasty judgments. And when startling new evidence casts Linda’s murder as the work of a determined killer, Kallene needs the intervention of unlikely heroes to avoid being the next victim.

I'll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clarke

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:31:00 +0000

Who has not read about—or experienced—with a sinking feeling the fear that someone else out there may be using your credit cards, accessing your bank account, even stealing your identity?
In I'll Walk Alone, Alexandra “Zan” Moreland, a gifted, beautiful interior designer on the threshold of a successful Manhattan career, is terrified to discover that somebody is not only using her credit cards and manipulating her financial accounts to bankrupt her and destroy her reputation, but may also be impersonating her in a scheme that may involve the much more brutal crimes of kidnapping and murder. Zan is already haunted by the disappearance of her own son, Matthew, kidnapped in broad daylight two years ago in Central Park—a tragedy that has left her torn between hope and despair.

Now, on what would be Matthew’s fifth birthday, photos surface that seem to show Zan kidnapping her own child, followed by a chain of events that suggests somebody—but who? Zan asks herself desperately, and why?—has stolen her identity.

Hounded by the press, under investigation by the police, attacked by both her angry ex-husband and a vindictive business rival, Zan, wracked by fear and pain and sustained only by her belief, which nobody else shares, that Matthew is still alive, sets out to discover who is behind this cruel hoax.

What she does not realize is that with every step she takes toward the truth, she is putting herself— and those she loves most—in mortal danger from the person who has ingeniously plotted out her destruction.

Even Zan’s supporters, who include Alvirah Meehan, the lottery winner and amateur detective, and Father Aiden O’Brien, who thinks that Zan may have confessed to him a secret he cannot reveal, believe she may have kidnapped little Matthew. Zan herself begins to doubt her own sanity, until, in the kind of fast-paced explosive ending that is Mary Higgins Clark’s trademark, the pieces of the puzzle fall into place with an unexpected and shocking revelation.

Deeply satisfying, I’ll Walk Alone is Mary Higgins Clark at the top of her form.

Faithful, Fit and Fabulous by Connie E. Sokol

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:47:00 +0000

According to Connie, when we're unhappy, we've likely looked in the wrong direction--sideways rather then upward. In this competitive world, she says, we women can be our own worst enemies.

In her new inspiring book, she encourages you to get Back to Basics, and transform your life in just eight weeks by focusing on creating a personal life plan, setting goals and rewarding your efforts along the way.

Faithful, Fit and Fabulous is filled with humor and "I can relate" life experiences. It's the ideal life boost--no guilt, no feeling overwhelmed and no reaching for that pan of brownies. She shares gospel principles from scriptures, priceless gems from general conference addresses and much more along with ways to readily apply them in your busy daily life and shows us how to focus on priorities while enjoying the process.

So many of us reach for the moon and two days later fail and are shoveling down cake. Instead she says, be a B+ girl. Shoot for 80-85% to start then work towards refining it higher. Be realistic, be wise...don't be overwhelmed. Build "line upon line, precept upon precept" and you will create a joyful and purposeful life.

Visit her website, 8basics.com to learn more or ask her questions. Find her book here, you'll be glad you did!

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:50:00 +0000

In between a checkered past and a fairytale future, a decision awaits. Brad Cutler, twenty-eight, is a rising star at his New York ad agency, about to marry the girl of his dreams. Anyone would agree he has it all---a great career, a beautiful and loving fiancee, and a fairy tale life ahead of him ... when memories of a high school girlfriend begin to torment him. Lost innocence and one very difficult choice flood his conscience, and he is no longer sure what the future will bring except for this: He must go back to the shores of Holden Beach in search of his first love, and a forgiveness neither of them has ever known. Three people must work through the repercussions of a decision made long ago before any of them can look toward a new future.

This is the first book of Karen's I have read. She came highly recommended as a great author by a close friend. Shades of Blue didn't disappoint and I look forward to reading more of her books. The lesson on forgiveness in this book is very powerful.

Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:40:00 +0000

Someone is watching . . .

As a young widow, all Elaina Bryant wants is a fresh start. Determined to put ten painful years behind her, she returns to her hometown and moves in with her sister, Natalie. Elaina soon accepts a job working at a small bookstore owned by the handsome Ryan Hill and his mother. Despite her reluctance to become romantically involved with anyone, she is drawn to Ryan and finds herself falling in love.

But someone isn’t happy with Elaina’s new life and is watching her every move. Her tormenter seems determined to destroy her sanity and her future, but Elaina can’t convince anyone the threat is real. Natalie is preoccupied with her own blossoming romance, and their friend Peter, a police officer, seems to believe the threat has been manufactured in Elaina’s own mind as a result of her guilt and grief.

Now Elaina’s plans for a new start are crashing down around her. She knows she will have to find the answers before she can overcome the past and enjoy love and happiness again. But how can she protect those she loves when she doesn’t know whom to trust?

This is the first book of Stephanie's I've read. I bought it a while back and was slow in reading it. Once I got into it all I wanted to do was read it. Romantic-Suspense is one of my favorite genres. I will have to check out her first book now, Finding Rose.

http://www.stephaniehumphreys.net/

Perilous, by Tamara Hart Heiner

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 07:09:00 +0000

Jaci Rivera has plans for her sophomore year-- to make the honor roll and eat too much pizza with her best friends, Callie and Sara. Her biggest concern is Amanda, the pushy girl who just moved into town. What Jaci doesn't plan for is catching a notorious robber red-handed, or being kidnapped. The desperate thief drags her and her friends 2,000 miles across the Canadian border. Then Jaci finds something out about her family. Something which irrevocably connects her to their kidnapper, and makes her question their chances of escape.

Author Tamara Hart Heiner lives in Arkansas with her husband and three children. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in English. She teaches English in the mornings and spends the rest of the day avoiding the laundry and other chores, all in the name of parenting. Sometimes she gets to sit down in front of the computer and write for a few hours.

To learn more or get your own autographed copy of Perilous: http://tamarahartheiner.blogspot.com

NEW Book Review: The Upside of Down, by Rebecca Talley

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:02:00 +0000

"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.

The author:

Rebecca grew up in Santa Barbara, CA, with her sister and grandparents. She attended BYU and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communications. While at BYU, she met and married her sweetheart, Del.

Del and Rebecca are the parents of 10 wildy-creative, multi-talented children. They live on a small ranch in rural CO with 7 of their kids, a dog, cats, a spoiled horse, and a herd of goats.

When Rebecca isn't writing, she likes to date her husband, play with her kids, swim in the ocean, make jewelry, and dance to disco music while she cleans the house. She loves chocolate and ice cream. Her favorite ice cream flavor is Chocolate Seduction.

She is the author of a children's picture book, "Grasshopper Pie" (WindRiver 2003) and three novels, "Heaven Scent" (CFI 2008), "Altared Plans" (CFI 2009), and "The Upside of Down" (CFI 2011). I've also authored numerous children's magazine stories and articles.

You can find her online at: www.rebeccatalley.com

NEW Book Review: Against My Will by Robyn Heirtzler

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:20:00 +0000

from the cover:

One rainy morning. One selfish man. One evil act.In just a few terrifying moments, Carina's life changed forever.

It had been Carina's goal to keep herself pure for marriage. The man who raped her took away her virginity, her dignity, her security, her choices, her life. Carina wishes she had died that morning on the mountain, but fate cruelly let her live. She didn't know a person could feel so lost, so violated, or so worthless.

Day after day, she cowers in her boyfriend's home, unable to find the courage to even go back to her apartment. Only her best friend, Jennifer, and her boyfriend, Jove, reach through the thick curtain of emotions to try to bring her back out into the light. Yet in spite of their efforts, Carina is unsure that she will ever be able to live life again.

How can she return to a normal life? How can she face a world of so much darkness? Just when she begins to feel hope that perhaps life might go on, fate deals her the most cruel blow of all. Now, it is up to Carina to reach past her fears and find the strength to overcome her circumstances.

In Against My Will, author Robyn Heirtzler creates an intimate and emotional look into the life of a rape victim. Readers will follow Carina's journey as she deals with the emotional and physical effects of the rape, faces her attacker on the street and in court, and finds the courage and the will to fight back the overwhelming tide of despair and feel peace and happiness again in her world.

Against My Will is a book that will help the reader to better understand the pain and frustration - the devastating torment - the victims endure, enabling the reader to better reach out and help rape victims heal. For more information on helping rape victims, please visit Robyn's website, www.robynheirtzler.com.

NEW Book Review: He Loves Me Not by Christine Kersey

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:07:00 +0000

He Loves Me Not is Christine Kersey's third published novel--another good one! From the beginning of the book, her writing style draws you in until whatever else is going on around you fades to the background. Even though she writes suspense, the plot in He Loves Me Not, as well as in her other books isn't predictable like some suspense authors tend to be.

Description: Lily Jamison is all alone in the world. As a new student at the University of Nevada at Reno, she doesn't know a soul. Though she's come to get an education, she is sidetracked by the attentions of a mysterious blond man with piercing blue eyes.

Even as she begins falling for him, she receives ominous messages warning her to stay away. Refusing to believe the messages, she follows her heart, eventually coming to understand the meaning behind the warnings as she fears for her life.

Her second novel is titled Suspicions

When a neighbor boy is kidnapped for ransom, Stacey Hunter is stunned to discover that circumstantial evidence points to her husband. Not able to believe he could be involved in such a horrifying crime, she sets out to discover who is really behind the kidnapping.

Complicating Stacey’s efforts is the odd behavior of her supervisor, Patricia Summers, who has taken a keen interest in Stacey’s husband. Though uncertain of her husband’s faithfulness, Stacey presses on with her investigation to flush out the kidnapper and is faced with losing everything she loves, as well as her own life.

No Way Out: Her first novel, originally published by Covenant and now available as an ebook as well is my personal favorite

Abby Breuner fears the worst. Pregnant with her third child, and having problems at work, Abby is alarmed when her husband, Eric, vanishes without any warning. The police seem unable - or unwilling - to help. And what appeared to be a close-enough-to-perfect life gets permanently turned upside down when she finds an ominous book and a large amount of cash stowed in a forgotten corner of her closet.

Each of her novels has it's own flavor. And when you think you've got it all figured it out, Kersey, takes you on another unexpected twist or turn, leaving you uncertain and guessing, a little longer.

To learn more about Christine, where to purchase her books, and her upcoming sequel to He Loves me Not, visit her website

New Book Review, Peasant Queen, by Cheri Chesley

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:50:00 +0000

Krystal is not happy with her eldest brother's choice for her arranged marriage. In fact it sickens her.

Curtis Belvey is tall with broad shoulders, arms like tree trunks with wide brown eyes and a slack jaw. He looked at her with the interest a wolf would gaze at a lone lamb. Even worse they share nothing in common and he has a mother who seems to control even his thoughts.

Krystal goes for a walk in the woods near her home, certain if she is forced into the marriage her last hope for a good life will be completely extinguished. Lost in thought she doesn't realize how far she has wandered.

With a snap of a breaking twig and not enough time to flee she is surrounded by a group of uniformed guardsman under orders of the king to bring Krystal to him. Unwilling, but over-powered she's taken by force. Not only does she end up far from home--it's a different time and place.

King Gregory is an evil tyrant whose stolen the crown and is determined to have her.
When she falls in love with the rightful heir, she must make an impossible choice: sacrifice her one chance at happiness and agree to marry the king, or face the destruction of an entire kingdom.

This is Cheri Chesley's debut novel and her skill of writing doesn't show it. With good character development, interesting dialogue, and a moving story-line this book was even more enjoyable than I expected. For anyone who wants a light-hearted fairy-tale-type story, engaging and interlaced with intrigue, I recommend the Peasant Queen, the first in a trilogy, for readers of all ages.

To learn more about Cheri or where to purchase her book, visit http://cherichesley.com

NEW Book Review: The Star Prophecy, by Joan Sowards

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:05:00 +0000

I, Nephi, having being born of goodly parents...and so begins the first chapter in the Book of Mormon. The story of Nephi and his family fleeing their home in Jerusalem under the dark of night on their journey to the promised land.

Joan Sowards with creativity and imagination writes a fictional story, The Star Prophecy, which takes place six hundred years later. Enoch, a young Nephite wants to return to Jerusalem and find the infant Messiah. He hires a ship-builder, Omnihah to build a ship big enough to carry him across the great waters. Many people mock him when they hear of his dream. But that doesn't stop him.

"The Star Prophecy is a Book of Mormon adventure, and a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. It is rich with historic detail,adventure, romance,and intrigue. Sail with Enoch and his friends across the sea through hardship and adventure...discover if they find who they're searching for.

Joan Sowards is a talented songwriter and composer, as well as an accomplished author. The Star Prophecy is her third published novel. She lives in Arizona, but loves to travel. She has a big family she adores. Writing, composing, and doing family history research are her passions, besides chocolate and her wonderful husband.

To learn more about Joan, her music and her books, visit her personal website at http://joansowards.com

Her newest book is available at Amazon, Deseret Book and other fine bookstores.

NEW Book Review: Who's at the Door? By Dan Harrington

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:14:00 +0000

"Can you tell me what a prophet is?" The question came from one of the two young men sitting on my clay-colored sofa. Dressed in white shorts, black slacks, and conservative ties,they were easy to identify even without the name tags-Mormons.

...What had started as academic curiosity and research for an article had evolved into something personal. Something that could change my life...if I let it.

In January 2007, Dan Harrington met with two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on a cold day in Augusta, Maine. He was curious, but at first all he wanted from them was an interview.

He was raised as a Catholic, but most of what he knew about God had come from his mother. At age twenty-nine he knew there had to be more to life than just paying the bills. He wanted something more, and he wanted to write.

He prayed to God for help, wanting something meaningful that would propel him in the direction he wanted to go. Then he met the missionaries.

Who's at the Door is not just another tale of conversion. This book is about seeing life from a new perspective, gaining respect for another faith, and finding friends in unlikely places...

The ending just might surprise you.

To find out more about Dan and how to purchase his book, visit his website

NEW Book Review: The Roadshow, by Braden Bell

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:42:00 +0000

From the back cover:

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 could have a healing effect on those who participate? A pornography addict, a depressed young mother, a sick older sister, a lonely outcast, and a spiritually numb elder's quorum president are about to find out.

Here are some of LDS author, Braden Bell’s, personal thoughts.

Tell us a little about your book, The Road Show, and what inspired you to write it?

I mainly wrote it because the characters were in my mind. They seemed so real to me and I wanted to get their lives down on paper. Everything in the book is based on analogous experiences I have seen in real life: sick people made well, pornography addictions overcome, bitter people softened, and burned-out spirits rekindled through the Atonement [of Jesus Christ]. And, I have seen this happen as regular people quietly participated in what were apparently trivial, routine programs of the Church--like road shows.

What is your favorite chapter in the book and why?

Probably, it would be the last chapter when the main characters encounter a modern miracle and find the answer to their prayers. The thematic foundation for the book is found in Isaiah 61: 1-3.

What do you want readers to get from this story?

I hope mostly they will like it and enjoy it, relate to the characters. But I also hope it might help them think about others around them and create more empathy for those who struggle with heavy burdens. And, I hope it will help everyone who reads it feel closer to the Savior and hope for their own lives.

What surprised you most about getting published?

How long it took for the book to appear once I received a contract from the publisher.

Was there a person in your life who believed in you more than you believed in yourself? If so, who was that person?

My wife has been an incredible support.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes--at least as long as I can remember.

What’s one thing you like most about writing? Least?

I love the creating and even the revising. I love getting to know characters. My least favorite thing is the waiting--whether to hear back from a publisher to whom I've submitted, or waiting for the book to be published.

What advice would you give to writers wishing to have their works published?

Polish your work as much as you can, then find your most honest, critical friend and ask them to tear it apart. Join a critique group and learn to take criticism. There are so many ways I could have improved my book had I known this. I have really learned the value of direct, honest criticism as a way to improve. Then, be persistent. It will never be easy.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

Reading, gardening, walking the dog and being with my family.

Where can someone go to get a copy of your book?

Amazon, LDS bookstores--but the easiest thing might be to come to my website. www.bradenbell.com I have a link there that takes people directly to the publisher.

Braden’s book, the Roadshow drew me in quickly. The quality of the writing and the true-to-life characters made it interesting and relatable. It addresses real and serious issues that are common in many people’s lives today, but the message it sends is one of hope. My only complaint was that it wasn’t longer! I look forward to seeing more from this author.

Read about Braden's book: The Road Show
Author site/blog: www.bradenbell.com
Twitter: @bradenbellcom
Facebook: Braden Bell, author

Book Review: Sun Tunnels and Secrets by Carole Warburton

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:34:00 +0000

On a trip to the Sun Tunnels in the Utah desert, Norma and her sisters find a body on the side of the road. But this awful discovery turns out to be the least of their problems. Norma's husband just passed on, and she learn she kept a secret from her for sixty years. LaRue is keeping a secret from Norma. The sisters' young friend Tony is keeping a secret about his famous father, and Tony's mother is keeping a secret of her own. Tony is secretly in love with his friend Kelli, who recently escaped from a polygamist cult.And who is the mysterious young car thief with whom Norma feels a special connection? Everything converges in Grouse Creek at the Fourth of July celebration. Will secrets prove everyone's undoing?

Warburton's, Sun Tunnels and Secret's, will make you raise your eyebrows, shake your head and keep you in stitches as you embark on the surprise adventure with...

a group of eccentric but zany and loveable characters,family secrets, and of course mystery, Sun Tunnels and Secrets will appeal to every reader.We are giving away THREE copies. One lucky GRAND PRIZEWINNER will win a beautiful pot by Carole (who's also a talented potter)!

Blog tour runs from December 1st--December 9th.

Want to win a copy of Sun Tunnels and Secrets? It's easy.
1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know whyyou're excited to read Sun Tunnels.Remember to include your email address.
2. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you'll receive an additional entry.
****
November 30 Alison Palmer--Tangled Words and Dreams
December 1 Braden Bell--Braden's Blog
December 2 Danyelle Ferguson--Queen of the Clan
December 3 Jewel Adams--Jewel's Best Gems
December 6 Tristi Pinkston--*Tristi Pinkston
December 7 Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen--TheWrite Blocks
December 8 Diony George--Diony George
December 9 Marsha Ward--Writer in thePines

Or purchase your own copy at Amazon.com or a bookstore near you.

Book Review: Sammy's Song

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:09:00 +0000

Alma Yates, Sammy's Song is the kind of book that humbles you. The kind of book that reminds you of the intrinsic worth of the human soul, and the kind of book that leaves you a better person for having read it. I highly recommend this book!

Paraphrased from back cover:

When Sammy's mother dies in the summer of 1968, the question on everyones mind is who gets stuck with Sammy? How could Marni's parents bring someone like him to live with her normal family? And now its Marni's responsibility to babysit him.

Soon Marni discovers there are some advantages to taking care of her older cousin and that someone unique is hidden beneath Sammys uncommon exterior.

Marni isnt looking forward to taking him with her on the first day of school at all. What will people think when they find out she is related to Sammy? What will they do? And, most importantly, what will she do?

Book Review: Too Precious for Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 19:48:00 +0000

"I sat down on my bed, exhausted after a long day of emptiness. What to do now? I picked up the journal I bought a few nights earlier, toying with the cover...looking at it, I felt a sudden surge of anger and threw it on my bed. Another time, I thought to myself. But then I realized all I had was time-a whole lot of worthless, useless, unwanted time. So I picked up my journal again, and began to write..."

Amy and Chas Maddocks can hardly believe it when they discover Amy is pregnant. It's truly a miracle. During her pregnancy she faces the usual challenges--vomiting, emotional ups and downs, and frequent tiredness. Amy doesn't care what she has to go through, all that matters is she's having a baby, and she wants him more than life itself.

When Amy begins to experience unexplained pain in her second trimester, she's diagnosed with a medical condition that can't be completely resolved, until after she gives birth. Her doctor places her on a strict diet, prescribes medication, and puts her on bed rest. Despite everything, Connor, her tiny son is born twelve weeks early.

To purchase your own copy of Amy's Book visit http://amymaddocks.com

Book Review: A Future for Tomorrow--a true story

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:30:00 +0000

Haley Hatch Freeman has written an engrossing and powerful book that will take you inside the mind of a suffering young woman, a woman who is slowly being destroyed by anorexia nervosa. A Future for Tomorrow is a remarkable true story of overcoming fear. Finding faith. And miracles that happened along the way.

Haley's story brings awareness to women’s relationships with food, self-worth, and true beauty. Her story will fill you with hope, and leave you believing, if she can triumph over such a devastating illness, you can triumph over your trials and heartaches, too.

Haley was raised on a cattle ranch in a small Utah town,
and grew up loving to read. She is a wife and mother of three, and an American Sign Language interpreter for the deaf. Besides being a writer, she also is a well-received public speaker, presenting to youth and women's groups, hoping to touch and save lives. Her book has received outstanding reviews and high ratings, especially by medical professionals and fellow writers.

Here is my recent interview with Haley:

What inspired you to write A Future for Tomorrow?

Answer: Inspired is the correct word, because this book was something the Lord wanted done. Icould no longer sit comfortably at church or in the holy temple without feeling the Lord strongly
prompting me to complete His task.

What message do you want it to send?

Answer: I think anyone can be inspired by my story because it is about overcoming a trial, love,miracles, and more. To those reading it who have a loved one suffering from an eating disorder I hope it helps them understand more about the illness and truly see what is going on in the mind of someone with anorexia. To parents I hope it teaches warning signs to watch for and brings aware to depression and eating disorders in teens. To those who are suffering I hope it gives them hope for a bright and fullrecovery.

Do you still have moments when the fears of eating and worrying about your weight come back?

Answer: I honestly don’t. I have been blessed and able to leave the anorexic thoughts behind forever.I probably have a healthier relationship with food and my body than most women because of all I have
learned from my experience.

What was the pathway like for you to get your book published?

True stories are rarely accepted by publishers so it took years and the type of publishing agreement I had was different than the typical contract. Finally when the process started it was an exciting time for me because I was able to keep control of everything. I designed my cover, kept my title for my book,and had the final say in it all. That was important to me since it is my true story I wanted it to be 100%
accurate. Now I can promise my readers it is!

Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Answer: Getting a true story published is extremely difficult. When I was turned down at first I was very discouraged because I knew my book could change and even save lives.I dealt with it by having faith and being patient.
Luckily, the Lord did provide away for my book to be.

What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books
in print?

Answer: Pay for an editor to go over your manuscript before submitting to publishers and don’t give up, after each rejection submit again and again.

Do you use a critique group during the writing process? Why or why not?

Answer: I don’t have an official group but there are several people I always run my work by. I think the more people that can get their hands on your manuscript the better, even if at the end it is just helping with typos.

What books or authors have influenced your writing and what do you like to read?

Answer: My favorite type of books to read is true stories. It isn’t just because that is what A Future for Tomorrow is. Ever since I was young I found that I was deeply effect by reading about true occurrences and my life has always been uplifted by reading them.

Where can we find your book?

Answer: Deseret Book, amazon.com, soon on barnesandnoble.com and other places books are sold. But if you want a signed copy, and free shipping, www.afuturefortomorrow.com is the best place to order it!

She also has a blog, www.afuturefortomorrow.blogspot.com and a facebook page where eating disorders, self-worth, media message, and more can be discussed.

Book Review: Trapped

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:39:00 +0000

...Barely breathing, I stared wide-eyed at the now dark hallway,my ears tuning out the sounds of rain and thunder to focus on the groan of the floorboards as the intruder crossed my mother's room just through the wall. Then I heard a soft,metallic thwack. A click. A jingle. My mother's jewelry box!

I clamped a hand over my mouth silencing a gasp.

The intruder padded quickly across my mother's bedroom carpet an into the hall, where his footsteps were still soft on the hardwood floor. He moved toward my bedroom door and stopped...

When Emi Warrin wakes one night to find a thief in her mother's house, she has no idea the intruder has planted a trap-a mysterious letter that will change her life forever. Lured to the Austrian Alps with Daniel, the man she loves,Emi is thrown into a perilous, mafia-like world of feuding families and a devastating curse that spans generations.

Trapped, Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen's newest romantic suspense novel is availabe at Amazon,Barnes and Noble or Deseret Book. For an autographed copy or more information about the author, visit her blog at http://thewriteblocks.blogspot. com.

Book Review: Rebound

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Lily's life is perfect--a perfect lie. With a successful husband, a gorgeous home, and a growing family, Lily Drake has it all. But when the FBI shows up, she realizes her husband is not the man she thought he was. Meanwhile, Lily's friend Curtis is about to be drafted by the NBA, but he suddenly feels pulled to find his birth family, and no one is prepared for what he'll discover. With so many obstacles in their way, Lily and Curtis must learn to rely on each other if they're ever going to find peace and learn to love again. In this heartwarming family drama, Heather Justesen, author of The Ball's in Her Court, weaves a stirring story of hope. Reunite with your favorite characters and discover how determination, love, and faith can overcome even the toughest trials.

Rebound is a well-written, clean, and engaging romance novel that held my attention from the first chapter on. Not having read Heather's first novel, The Ball's in Her Court, I wasn't sure what to expect from her as an author. I was wonderfully surprised! Not only have I added her first book to my list of must-reads, I am looking forward with anticipation to any future ones.

Rebound is published by Cedar Fort, and is available at most LDS bookstores, Amazon or other on-line book-sellers, or you can get a personalized autographed copy on Heather's own site at http://www.heatherjustesen.com. Happy reading!

Book Review: Awakening Avery

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Mon, 24 May 2010 04:16:00 +0000

"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. --back of the cover

Awakening Avery, by Laurie C. Lewis is a thought-provoking look at facing the death of a spouse, and how someone can grow, learn, and experience from it. Happiness may be elusive at first, but through the grieving process of learning to let go and move on, it can be found again in unexpected ways.

From the Author:

Three years after my father’s passing, my husband, Tom, experienced a mild heart attack from which, thankfully he made a complete recovery. Still, those first few days impacted me profoundly and for weeks I looked at my life differently, wondering what I would do, who I would be, and where I would go if anything happened to him. Those questions became the inspiration for this book.

Awakening Avery, is available at Amazon.com, Deseret Book, and other fine bookstores or visit Laurie's Site

The Cleansing of America by W. Cleon Skousen

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but to me a book on politics or history can be dry and difficult to read. That genre usually doesn’t create an edge-of-the-seat-can’t-put-it-down reaction, star-filled eyes and a dreamy look, or repeated I-can-totally-relate-laughter.

W. Cleon Skousen’s (1913-2006), 47th book, The Cleansing of America written before his death will be publically released April 1, 2010 by Valor Publishing group.
This book refreshingly like many of his others, including best-selling. The 5000 Year Leap and Making of America, is not dry or difficult to read. In fact I was pleasantly surprised and now consider myself on the growing list of his fans.
The Cleansing of America created a myriad of thoughts and emotions for me. I found it informative, well documented, thought-provoking and a bit scary. It also precipitated some interesting dinner table conversations with my family. As of yet I have not finished it—but will.

From the cover:

“Dr. W. Cleon Skousen spent the majority of his life researching the gospel, the U.S. Constitution, the founding of America and writing numerous books and articles on the topic, and he is one of the most well-known, respected defenders of America and the gospel the world has ever known. At the time of his passing in 2006, his work was not yet finished. His book The Cleansing of America, written in 1994 and given into the care and keeping of his sons, is now being brought forth for the first time ever.
Included in these pages are the events and stages the Lord has predicted, through his servants, the winding-up scenes of this world. It helps the reader understand: the nature of prophecy, the known chronology of prophetic events, and the importance of staying close to the Lord and his prophets during the difficult and challenging years prior to the Second Coming. We are fast approaching those prophetic events. Some are upon us even now.
If we are prepared and obedient, we need not fear these events, but rather embrace them for the blessing they portend.”

To purchase this book go to http://valorpublishing.com

Book Review: Wrong Number

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:36:00 +0000

When Aubree Stewart receives a mysterious phone call on her way to work, she doesn't know what to think when the caller mentions a dead body.

At first she assumes it's some kind of prank. But the call isn t a practical joke, and Aubree soon finds herself swept up in a world of danger, intrigue, and murder.

With help from the FBI, Aubree races to protect herself and what s left of her family, but the one thing she forgets to protect is her own heart.

Wrong Number is the kind of fiction novel once you start, you don't want to put it down. Rachelle's skill at building suspense in her writing, keeps you guessing who is really behind what, capturing your attention completely.

Wrong Number is one of the best suspense novels I've read in a long time. I'm looking forward to seeing more from this new author.

For more info. about Rachelle and her book visit her blog at http://Rachellewrites.blogspot.com.

Author Interview with Rachelle J. Christensen

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:14:00 +0000

Wrong Number is her first published novel, but her second is close on its heels. Her nonfiction book, Lost Children: Coping with Miscarriage for Latter-day Saints will be released in May 2010.
What inspired you to write Wrong Number?
I wanted to enter a chapter into the first chapter contest at LDStorymakers in 2007. I came up with the first chapter of Wrong Number, it won second place, and then I went on to write the rest of the novel.

What books or authors have influenced your writing and what do you like to read?
I like to read a wide variety of books from children to YA to adult. I really like a good romance, but nothing too detailed. And yes, I love romantic suspense. It’s hard to pinpoint a certain author because I go through phases where I’ll gobble up everything I can by an author and then move on. I love Agatha Christie, Shannon Hale, Clair Poulson, Mitch Albom—and many more. A favorite book of mine is Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart. You can check out my goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1663930 list of favorites and repeat-offenders to see more all time favorites.

Do you outline or write by the seat of your pants?
For Wrong Number, I did have a very rough outline that I worked from and I talked through a lot of ideas with my brother and his wife. They helped me to come up with a believable motive for murdering more than one person. I’m actually trying to do better with outlining and I think it has helped with my current writing projects. My outlines aren’t set in stone, more jumping off points for how I want the story to flow. I like to have a general idea of the beginning, middle, and end, but my characters usually end up writing scenes in interesting directions.

How do you come up with ideas for your novels?
Lots of ways. News stories sometimes tickle my brain and I think…Hmm, that would make an interesting story if… I’ve also been inspired by dreams. Some of my working scenes are from actual dreams I’ve had where I feel like I’m the onlooker taking notes as to what these people in my dream are doing and why. The novel that I just finished writing began from a single sentence that popped into my mind just before I fell asleep. So the ideas seem to come from all over at any time of day or night, so I try to make sure I jot them down before I forget them!

What’s coming up?
I’ve got a few things I’m working on. I’ve finished an inspirational romance that I love, called Wind Song and I’m enjoying writing my WIP-working title Caller ID, so I guess we’ll see what comes up first on the docket.Do you have any advice for other authors? If you’re serious about writing, attend writers conferences and classes, join a great critique group, read novels in your genre of interest, and write, write, write! Also, learn how to take criticism and know when to apply it to your writing and when to chuck it out the window.

Where can we find your books? Anywhere books are sold. If you don’t see it, ask for it and they can order it in. Available wherever books are sold, including Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Amazon

Book Review: Brianna, My Brother, and the Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:57:00 +0000

Brianna needs a friend, someone to keep her from being lonely while she’s waiting for her missionary, Robbie, to come home. And who better for the job than Robbie’s brother, Austin? He can keep the other men at bay while giving Brianna guy-type help, like hauling her harp around on weekends to play at wedding receptions.

Austin needs a friend, too. And Brianna is the perfect choice since there's no romantic involvement — of course not, how could there be, she's waiting for his brother, after all. As a friendship develops between Austin and Brianna, Austin is free to learn what it means to be “true and faithful friends” with a girl. He begins posting his findings in blog entries that quickly gather a following of interested readers. But what will happen to his friendship with Brianna when she finds out who the real author of the blog is? Because the truth is, Austin isn't looking for just a friend anymore, but something more. Will he have the courage to tell Brianna the truth — before Robbie comes home?

Jack Weyland, has done it again with another fun and lighthearted story for young adult readers.

Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes

noreply@blogger.com (Diony) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:43:00 +0000

Caitlin McLoughlin is a public defender whose ideal is putting the guilty in prison instead of defending them...until she gets a client who changes her in more ways than one.

Parker Hathaway is charged with kidnapping a four-year-old girl and as Caitlin delves deeper in the case her reasons for defending him change, even at the risk of her own career. The kidnapping is not what it seems,and Caitlin never expected her heart to get involved.

Saving Madeline is a fast-paced thriller that weaves you through the maze of the legal system, and the fine line that can exist between right and wrong. It also reminds you that love can be found in places you would never suspect.

Rachel Ann Nunes is the bestselling author of many books and Saving Madeline, adds a whole new dimension to her writing.