Book Review - Dawn's Early Light by L. C. Lewis

Yesterday, we celebrated Thanksgiving, a holiday that commemorates the people who came to this country to seek freedom from their oppressive ruler and to gain the ability to worship as they chose. As I think on all the many reasons I have to be thankful, the fact that I was born in a time and place of such freedom is high on my list. Thus, it's very appropriate to take a little time today to think about the ways in which that freedom came to be - through the courage of brave men and women who stood up for their beliefs and weren't afraid to face their challenges, and overcame them, often at the cost of their own lives.

L.C. Lewis has written an incredible series to honor some of those very first men and women, the first generation raised on American soil after the Founding Fathers established the government that would set us apart from every other nation on earth. The newest installment in this series, "Dawn's Early Light," has just been released, and I'm honored to receive a copy to review.

Being a historical fiction author myself, I was immediately struck by the richness of Lewis's language and how I felt sucked into the era, and with the nearly seamless way history is blended with fiction. Writing historical fiction is hard. Finding a balance between facts and fantasy, seeking ways to deliver the information without sounding stiff - it's always a challenge. I believe Lewis has risen to that challenge.

I felt myself filled with compassion as young farmer-turned-soldier, Jed Pearson, returns home after a long absence to discover fugitive slaves hiding on his land. Rather than turning them over to the law, he immediately leaves his home again to guide them to safety, even though he's only been home a few minutes. He put the safety of those children of God ahead of his own wants and comforts because he knew what would happen to those slaves, should they be returned, and his sense of justice and mercy would not allow it. I loved seeing the story go forth on both sides of the Atlantic, and how it all came to a conclusion.

As the years roll by and we find ourselves more separated from these events that gave us our freedom, it becomes easy to forget. Fully two hundred years passed from the founding of the nation until my birth - I was born in 1976 - and it would be natural for me to let those important historical landmarks fade in my mind. After all, aren't they just stories, passed down from generation to generation? No, they are not, and we would be a very ungrateful nation if we didn't learn everything we could about our history and share that knowledge with our children. I confess, I haven't read the first two novels in L. C. Lewis's series, but having read the third, I'm going to get the first two, read them, and give them to my children to read as part of their education in what makes us free.

Readers: leave your comments in the trail for this post and be entered in a drawing to receive a free copy of this book, as well as a chance to win this beautiful necklace, compliments of L. C. Lewis.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday Soliloquy - Prayers That Bring Miracles by Stephen M. Bird

As is often the case, my Sunday Soliloquy for this week comes by way of a book I read. Today's thought-provoking read was "Prayers That Bring Miracles," by Stephen M. Bird. I lived in the same ward with the Birds for a number of years and always found myself looking to them as examples of devotion to family, dedication to the gospel, and diligence in their church service. It was no surprise to me to discover this same integrity of purpose in the book Stephen wrote.

The book begins with an experience Stephen had while serving as a chaplain in the military. One of the men in his care had tested positive for drug use, even though he'd been clean for some time. He was anxious for help. Stephen knew that only the Lord could help this young man, and so he taught the principles of prayer, as guided by the Spirit. The remainder of the book takes us through those same principles, helping the reader to understand the process of prayer more deeply than before.

I first read this book about ten years ago, and as I read it again this afternoon, I reflected on how I've changed in those ten years. I was in a different place spiritually then, as well as in life - then, I only had two children, both very young, while today I'm facing the teenage years with trepidation. Back then, different things about the book struck me than did today. I think that's how it is - we learn lessons when we're ready to learn them. We can read, or see, or hear, the exact same thing on two different occasions, and come away with two different messages. Last time, I was left with a stronger testimony that God answers prayers. Today, I'm more deeply contemplating the experience of prayer, and how we can make our prayers most effective.

I was particularly moved by the chapter which dealt with the manner in which we address God. Do we start our prayers casually, without really thinking about it, or do we take the time to push our other cares to the side and really approach him? Having four children, as I do, those quiet moments are often nonexistent, but I can still create that room in my mind. I can humble myself mentally and come before Him reverently, even when all around me is total chaos.

I've always had a close relationship with God, so much so that I'll often carry on a conversation with Him in my mind throughout the day that lasts for hours. This has blessed my life in so many ways, and yet, I wonder - have I taken this for granted? Have I become so casual in my relationship with Him that I'm forgetting to show Him the honor and the reverence that should always go into my conversations with Him?

I was also touched by the chapter on gratitude. The timing on this comment may seem a little trite, coming the week of Thanksgiving, but this book points out the crucial importance of thanking God in everything. He doesn't give us everything we ask for because we sometimes ask for things that would harm us. We should be grateful for everything we get, and everything we don't get. If all our prayers were answered the way we wanted, we would be miserable people. We wouldn't have grown or progressed at all, and we won't know how to hold our own in the face of opposition. Tonight I'm grateful for the things I didn't get, recognizing that He's the only one Who knows what I really need, and always loves me enough to give it to me.

Those are my thoughts this Sunday. They are thoughts of reverence, of gratitude, and hopefully thoughts of change and repentance, that I can do better this next week and always be aware of His hand in my life and to show proper reverence and appreciation.

You can purchase this book here.

If you'd like to read other reviews on this book, click here and here and here.

Stolen Christmas ... An Anthology of Christmas Stories

It's almost Thanksgiving, and what better way could there be to celebrate Christmas than talking about a new Christmas story anthology? Some might argue that turkey consumption is the best way, but I disagree.

"Stolen Christmas" was put together by LDSPublisher, who holds a contest every year for the best Christmas short story. She gathered up the winners from the last few years and put them into this cute, sentimental, touching, humorous book, with stories from ...

* Roger Bonner
* Don Carey
* Laura Craner
* Joyce DiPastena
* Sarah M. Eden
* L.T. Elliot
* Gussie Fick
* Melanie Goldmund
* M. Gray
* Taegyn Hutchinson
* Angie Lofthouse
* Lori Nawyn
* Tristi Pinkston
* Brian C. Ricks
* Sandra Sorenson
* Janice Sperry
* Christine Thackeray

Did you notice my name on there? Yes, sir (or yes, ma'am, depending on your gender) I have a story in this book. "Arrows to Heaven" took the award two years ago, and I was downright tickled.

Pop on over and purchase your own copy of this charming book. It's perfectly priced for your yuletide gift-giving, and everyone on your list from grumpy Uncle Frank to your sweet little grandmother will love it. And so will your visiting teachers, your home teachers, your neighbors, your co-workers, your in-laws, your mailman, your paperboy ...

And We'll Have Fun, Fun, Fun ...

I've had a pretty fun weekend!

First of all, I headed over to the Orem Costco and visited with Stacy Gooch Anderson, author of "The Santa Letters," at her signing.She looked beautiful, her table looked lovely, and it was fun to hang out for a few minutes.Then last Saturday, I went up to the Salt Lake Valley and participated in a boutique with Heather Justesen. We had pretty good foot traffic, and when we weren't busy, I got some editing done.It was fun to hang out with Heather and her sisters, who ran the boutique, and to have a day out and about.

A Funny

My four-year-old was brushing my hair while I worked on the computer. He started bringing in all kinds of hair clips, combs, and brushes so he could make me look "perfect." My mom was staying with us at the time, and he grabbed her hair brush too.

"We can't use that," I told him. "It's Grandma's."

"It's okay," he told me. "You won't get wrinkles."

Come Play with Me!

I'll be at this boutique all day, selling my books and handmade scrapbook pages. Come visit me and my friend Heather Justesen at our table!

Sunday Soliloquy - The Sanctity of Life

I spent several hours this afternoon at the bedside of my aunt, who took a fall last night and broke her hip. We don't know if surgery is an option or not, and we're waiting to see what happens. I was deeply touched to see her granddaughters gather around her hospital bed, just showing their love and support, wanting to do whatever they could to help her. Aunts and uncles came in and it was almost like a family reunion at the hospital.

This morning I sat in church and glanced behind me to see a new baby asleep in his father's arms. The baby was probably about two months old, with fat little cheeks, and he looked utterly content. He knew he was safe, he knew he was loved, and he was watched over and protected in his slumber.

Last June, I heard the news I never wanted to hear - my father has cancer. He's been on chemotherapy, but the doctors aren't holding out a great deal of hope. I count every minute as gold right now.

I can't help but think tonight about the cycle of life. We come into the world as helpless infants, completely dependent on our families for everything we have and for our every need. We are tiny, we are valuable, we are precious. Then as we grow up, each breath we take is a blessing. Our bodies, our ability to walk and talk - it's all a miracle. At the end of our lives, we have years of experiences to our credit, and we are every bit as precious as we were as infants. Our lives have impacted those around us. We have touched hearts through our words and actions.

I have been present at birth and at death. I consider each to be a sacred event, touched by the hands of angels bringing the new souls in and ushering the experienced souls out. Heaven draws very near to earth in those moments, reminding me that life is a gift, a treasure, and life is sacred.

I don't know what the outcome will be for my aunt, or for my dad. But I do know this - I will continue to cherish life every day. I will be grateful for each moment I get to spend with my loved ones. I will recognize the family ties that bind us together, wherever we may be, on this side of the veil or that one.

Life is truly a beautiful gift.

Twilight Inspired Scents ... To Die For!

I'm trying to remember if I've ever mentioned Urban Botanic on this blog. Hmmm ... let me think ... oh, yeah. Here, and here, and here. I sort of like the stuff. Okay, I really, really like the stuff. I have had the most fun creating my own scents, and sniffing others' creations, and I could go on and on about it, but I digress. Ahem.

Because I love the stuff so much, I am a natural choice to help spread the word. Custom Scents Online has taken the Twilight phenomenon and (brilliantly, might I add) created scents using the Urban Botanic products that are based on the characters from the Twilight series. That's right - you can order a scent that was designed for your favorite Twilight character, or the town, or ... well, you'll just have to see for yourself. Now, to celebrate the release of the New Moon movie, you can get Vampire Venom, the newest creation. I sniffed a sampler this afternoon (wait, I'll do it again. Hold on) and loved it.

What does all this have to do with you, I can hear you asking. Well, I'll tell you! Right now!

1. Go to Custom Scents Online. Scroll down through all the descriptions of the fragrances, and choose the one that sounds the most enticing to you. Keep in mind, these fragrances are high-quality, and they can be worn by persons who can't ordinarily wear perfume. I fit into that category, and I've never had a problem with these scents - they are amazing.

2. Come back here and leave a comment in the trail for this blog. In your comment, tell me which fragrance sounded the best to you.

3. In one week, I will randomly draw a name from all the commenters, and then ... and then ... (are you ready?) you will receive a one dram sampler bottle of the scent you chose ... and ... and ... be entered in a grand prize drawing for a bath and body set in that same fragrance. Can you believe such riches, just for visiting a blog? Nay, I believe this is true generosity!

So, get busy! Hop on over to Custom Scents Online. Pick your scent. Come tell me all about it. Allow me to help you become a winner. Allow me that moment of greatness, and you shall not regret it. Contest ends at noon on Monday, November 9th - check back for the name of the winner!

And the winner is ... Cheri!! Thanks for playing, everyone!

Shudder - Jennie Hansen

We're taught in Young Women's to date returned missionaries. We feel good about going out with a young man when we know he holds the priesthood. After all, those are the two hallmarks of the perfect guy, right? Check those two items off the list and then you can get down to ice cream flavors and favorite movies. The important stuff is done.

That's what we all think ... but what if everything you thought turned out to be a lie?

Clare thought she'd found the perfect guy in Blaine. He was everything she'd been looking for - returned missionary, priesthood holder, the works. What she didn't know was that his temper ruled his life, and he was soon controlling her, leaving bruises when she didn't comply with his often unrealistic demands. Clare was just looking for love to fill up the holes in her heart, and she didn't realize a spider's web was weaving around her.

Darcy, Clare's roommate, is appalled when Clare announces that she wants Blaine to take over the empty third bedroom in their apartment. Darcy puts her foot down, but soon Blaine insinuates himself into their living space, and she leaves. She knows Clare is in over her head, but she can't make the girl see reason.

Darcy finds a place to live with a sweet older woman who is recovering from a car accident. It was no accident, the woman claims, although her ramblings are chalked up to trauma. It's not long, though, before Darcy suspects that her new friend is telling the absolute truth. Throw in a handsome home teacher, and things get even more interesting.

Meanwhile, Clare's situation is getting worse and worse, and Darcy can only watch from a distance, waiting for her friend to come to her senses and call.

I enjoyed Jennie Hansen's new novel, "Shudder." I appreciated the way it approached abuse on the dating scene and pointed out that even "nice guys" can become violent - I hope young women read this novel and see that there's more to choosing their dates than the RM card. I did sense some discrepancies in Darcy's characterization - she's very firmly adamant about not letting Blaine move in, because she's concerned about the appearance of evil, but then she drives 450 miles (and then makes a return trip) alone in a car with the handsome home teacher without giving that whole "appearance" thing a second thought. Putting that to the side, I found this book to be an exciting, gripping read. I've always enjoyed Jennie's novels and will add this one to my Jennie shelf.

(This book was published in 2009 by Covenant Communications, and I received a free copy for review.)