This and That

It has been another crazy week here. I still feel like I'm behind on just about everything, but I am slowly catching up. It's all about taking things one day at a time.

1. My oldest daughter turned 18 on Thursday. The years have flown by so fast, I can hardly believe it. She is beautiful, talented, and kind. I am so proud of her and can hardly imagine how strange it will be in our home when she goes to university next year.

2. I spent Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at girl's camp. Yes, it was snowy and cold, but we didn't feel any need to prove how tough we were. We stayed at a cabin so we were out of the bitter weather. There were only two very small bedrooms, so most of us slept on the floors around the wood burning stoves. There were several tables set up with different crafts, cross country skis to use, a pond to skate on, sleds to ride and a ping pong table. We let the girls pick the activities they wanted to do and didn't really schedule anything. It was about relaxing and spending time together. I have to admit that I was glad to return home to my own bed, though.

3. The last three days, my husband took some scouts up to Camp Impeesa for the Senator Buchanan Winter Camp. Temperatures that dipped into the -40 C range kept them from doing many outdoor activities, but they had fun anyway and everyone returned safe and sound. I'm sure they are all glad to return to their own beds, too.

4. Did I mention that I am more than ready for spring to arrive? Temperatures are still dipping to -20 C quite regularly. Seriously, I'd be happy with a balmy 0 C.

5. I finally started my daughter's grad dress. The pattern making part of the job is driving me crazy. I just wish the pattern companies would produce designs with shoulders and sleeves so that I wouldn't need to draft the missing pieces in every time I sew a dress. Once I get the pattern just right, the rest should go together smoothly. I'll post pictures of the finished product in a month or two.

6. I finally finished Double Deceit and submitted it. Now the fun of waiting begins.

7. The Whitney Awards are quickly approaching and I'm working on reading all the finalists so I can vote. So far I've read 16 1/2. I should be able to catch up now that I'm finished my own revisions. Just looking at Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings is intimidating. That is a lot of pages to read, especially considering how many other books are on the list. I'm determined to finish it though.

So that is my week in a nutshell. How was yours?

2010 Whitney Award Eligible Book List

*This is just reposted from earlier in the year. There are so many books on the list and it's great to see it grow every year.

"We would love to get some more official nominees for the Whitney awards so as to overwhelm our judges with books to read--if you have an eligible book, or love someone who does, feel free to drum up some votes! If you've read some great books by LDS authors, don't be stingy--tell us about it!"
                   -Josi Kilpack-

I'm really excited to add my own book to the list. I've been wanting to do this for so long. I know this isn't the only list available, but I like to keep my own. Hopefully someone else benefits from this too.

1. Abramson, Traci Hunter - Backlash
2. Abramson, Traci Hunter - Crossfire
3. Adams, T. Lynn - Tombs of Terror
4. Anderson, Donald - Hanging by the Thread
5. Anderson, Nancy and Carroll Hofeling Morris - Leaning Into the Curves
6. Anderson, Rachael Renee -Luck of the Draw
7. Ashley, Amanda - Everlasting Desire
8. Ashley, Amanda - Everlasting Kiss
9. Autry, Clover - Chase the Wind
10. Averett, Stacy - The Bridge
    
11. Bateman, Marlene - Light on Fire Island
12. Beck, Glenn - The Overton Window
13. Bell, Braden - The Road Show
14. Bell, Michelle Ashman - Hometown Girl: The Butterfly Box #2
15. Bell, Michele Ashman - Summer in Paris
    
16. Bellon, Julie Coulter - Dangerous Connections
17. Berry, Julie - Secondhand Charm
18. Bice, Prudence - The Widower's Wife 
19. Black, Stephanie - Cold as Ice
20. Blackhurst, Deanne - Turning Hearts
21. Borrowman, Jerry - Life and Death at Hoover Dam
22. Buck, Alicia - Flecks of Gold
    
23. Bunderson, M. R. - The Mark
24. Chadwick, Linda - The Conterfeit Convert
25. Christensen, Rachelle J. - Wrong Number
26. Clarke, Linda Weaver - Anasazi Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans
27. Clarke, Linda Weaver - Mayan Intrigue
    
28. Cole, Frank L. - Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness
29. Cole, Frank L. - Hashbrown Winters and the Phantom of Pordunce
    
30. Condie, Allyson Braithwaite - Being Sixteen
31. Corpany, Susan Law - Lucky Change
32. Correia, Larry - Monster Hunter Vendetta
33. Culmone, Claudia - Harbor's End
    
34. Dashner, James - The Blade of Shattered Hope: The 13th Reality #3
35. Dashner, James - The Scorch Trials
36. Daybell, Chad - The Keys of the Kingdom: Standing in Holy Places #4
    
37. Dayley, Susan - Redemption
38. Eden, Sarah M. - Courting Miss Lancaster
39. Evans, Richard Paul - Promise Me
40. Evens, Richard Paul - The Walk
41. Gallacher, Marcie and Kerri Robinson - Abide with Me: The Banner is Unfurled #4
42. Gashler, Stephan - The Bent Sword
43. George, Jessica Day - Princess of Glass
44. Giles, D.N. - The Sharp Edge of a Knife
    
45. Grant, K.C. - Abish: Daughter of God
46. Green, Betsy Brannon - Murder by Design
47. Grey, Sandra - Trespass
48. Gunderson, Phyllis - The Jaguar Prophecies
49. Fechner, Maggie - Growing Up Gracie
50. Feehan, Christine - Water Bound
51. Feehan, Christine - Wild Fire 
52. Fitzpatrick, Becca -  Crescendo
53. Fraley, Daron D. - The Thorn: The Chronicles of Gan Book 1
54. Guymon, Shannon - The Broken Road
55. Harrison, Mettie Ivie - The Princess and the Snowbird
56. Hatch, Donna - The Guise of a Gentleman
57. Hatch, Donna - Queen in Exile
58. Hawkes, Jaclyn M. - Journey of Honor 
59. Heimerdinger, Chris - Sorcerers and Seers
60. Heiner, Tamara Hart - Perilous
61. Hickman, Tracy - Song of the Dragon
62. Higgins, Marie - Winning Mr. Wrong
    
63. Hoover, Karen E. - The Sapphire Flute
64. Housley, Bill - Into the Dark: Escape of the Nomad
65. Humphreys, Stephanie - Finding Rose
66. Jackson, Trudi - Souls of Valor
    
67. Job, Kimberly - I'll Know You by Heart
68. Justesen, Heather - Rebound
69. Kent, Steven L. - The Clone Empire
    
70. Kilpack, Josi S. - Devil's Food Cake
71. Kilpack, Josi S. - Key Lime Pie
72. Klinger, Erin - Between the Lines
73. Kurland, Lynn - A Tapestry of Spells
74. Kurland, Lynn - One Enchanted Evening
75. Landon, Kristen - The Limit
76. Laurens, Jennifer - Absolution
77. Lewid, L.C. - Oh, Say Can You See? (Free Men and Dreamers #4)
78. Lewis, Laurie C. - Awakening Avery
79. Lightender, J.A. - Forbidden Portals: The Quicksilver Project
    
80. Lyon, Annette - Band of Sisters
81. Lyon, Jack - The Abraham Enigma
82. Mangum, Lisa - The Golden Spiral
83. Matthews, Jean Holbrook - Escape to Zion 
84. McPheters, Mike - Cartels and Combinations
85. Monson, Marianne - The Water is Wide
86. Moore, H.B. - Alma the Younger
    
87. Mull, Brandon - Fablehaven 5: Keys to the Demon Prison
88. Nawyn, Lori - My Gift to You
89. Neff, Kristoffer - No Place to Hide
90. Newell, Neil K. with William J. Hamblin - The Book of Malchus
91. Novak, Brenda - Body Heat 
92. Novak, Brenda - Killer Heat
93. Novak, Brenda - White Heat
94. Nunes, Rachel Ann - Imprints
95. Owens, Dixie - Becoming Kate
96. Owen, James A. - The Dragon's Apprentice
    
97. Perry, Anne - The Sheen on the Silk
98. Pike, Aprilynne - Spells
    
99. Pinkston, Tristi - Secret Sisters
100. Poulson, Clair M. - Deadline 
101. Roulstone, Tom - Reluctant Soldier, Reluctant Saint
102. Pratt, Sheralyn - City of Angels
103. Rallison - My Double Life
104. Sanderson, Brandon - The Way of Kings 
105. Sanderson, Brandon and Robert Jordan - The Towers of Midnight (Wheel of Time #13)
106. Savage, Jeffrey S. - A Time to Die
107. Savage, Jeffrey S. - The Fourth Nephite
108. Sears, Gale - The Silence of God 
109. Skye, Obert - Choke
110. Sowards, Joan - Chocolate Roses
     
111. Stansfield, Anita - A Far, Far Better Place: Dickens Inn #2
112. Stansfield, Anita - A Loving Heart: Dickens Inn #3
113. Stansfield, Anita - Every Graceful Fancy
114. Stansfield, Anita - Tranquil Light: Dickens Inn #4
115. Stringham, Jean - The Hoarders
116. Thackeray, Christine - Lipstick Wars 
117. Thayne, RaeAnne - A Cold Creek Baby
118. Thayne, RaeAnne - A Cold Creek Secret
119. Thompson, Michelle - Taming the Wind
120. Udall, Brady - The Lonely Polygamist 
121. Warburton, Carol Thayne - A Question of Trust
122. Warburton, Carol Thayne - False Pretenses
123. Warburton, Carol Thayne - The Legend of Shannonderry
124. Watkins, Elizabeth W. - The Bishop's Bride: The Honeymoon's Over
125. Weis, Margaret and Tracy Hickman - Secret of the Dragon: Dragonships of Vindras #2
126. Wells, Dan - Mr. Monster
127. West, David J. - Heroes of the Fallen
128. Westover, Steve - Defensive Tactics
129. Weyland, Jack - Cameron Meets Madison Again
130. Weyland, Jack - It All Started with Autumn Jones
131. White, Kiersten - Paranormalcy
     
132. Wilhite, Becca - My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions
133. Williams, Carol Lynch - Glimpse
134. Wright, Jason F. - The Cross Gardener
135. Wright, Jason F. - The Seventeen Second Miracle
136. Wright, Julie - Cross My Heart
     
137. Young, Michael D. - The Canticle Kingdom

Increasing Length?

Even though I'm busier than ever this year, I'm still determined to read as many of the Whitney Award finalists as I can. I consider it a great privilege to be able to vote and I take it seriously. Right now I'm stuck in Undaunted. If I stay up for another 45 minutes or so, I should be able to finish it. The end is kind of dragging for me and I keep wanting to start another book, but I'm trying to be disciplined and read one book at a time. As it stands, I'm about half done the reading list.

Maybe it's because I have so many other things on my plate right now, but I'm convinced that the books (on average) are longer this year than last year. Maybe when life slows down a bit, I'll figure it out - just because I'm a little obsessive like that. Meanwhile, I'm off to go read into the wee hours of the morning. Tomorrow is just a bunch of housecleaning and I don't need to be totally awake for that, right?

LDStorymakers Conference and Whitney 2009

The registration for the LDStorymakers conference opened up in December. It's a great writer's conference and one I try not to miss. I remember the first time I attended, feeling a little like an imposter - a writer wanna be. Being one of those classic introverts who doesn't handle crowds well I worried about whether I would even get anything out of the conference since I knew my tendency to fade into the woodwork and observe rather than take part. But I wanted to reach my dreams bad enough so I swallowed the fears and went - although I did have to talk my sister-in-law into coming with me for moral support.

That first conference I attended was amazing. I've never felt more at home in a crowd of strangers than I did in that room full of people who understood the way I think. They understood the feeling of having a character wake you up in the night just so their story could be told. They understood the frustration of trying to decide which book to write next. They understood the absolute drive to put pen to paper and rewrite until the words flow in exactly the right way.

Since then I've looked forward to the conference every year. I've met incredible people, received encouragement and advice from authors I admire, and discovered many I call friends. Really I just went to learn a little more about how to be better at what I do, but the benefits that came on the side have changed my life. So if you're a writer and haven't attended the LDStorymakers conference, I encourage you to go. I'll be getting my registration in this week.

Last year the experience became even more incredible as they added the Whitney Awards Gala to the two day conference. It was amazing to attend the first ever awards and see wonderful LDS writers being honoured by their peers. As much as I enjoyed the Whitney Gala last year and would love to go this year, I've decided not to purchase a ticket, in the interest of saving money, since the drive from Canada to Utah eats up a large portion of my budget, and money's tight this time around. But I'll be watching online that night to finally hear who the winners are.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting impatiently for the finalists for the 2008 Whitney Awards to be announced. I know those responsible for putting the list together are hard at work and will announce the titles as soon as possible. Even though the finalists for the 2008 year aren't out yet, there are already a few books to add to the list for the 2009 awards. I love keeping a list here as it helps me keep up with what's new and I love trying to read as many as I can. So once again, I'm planning on keeping a list of books eligible for the 2009 awards.

I do have one question for you. Which type of list do you prefer - alphabetical by author, or alphabetical by title? I'm also asking for the names and authors of any books you know of, written by an LDS author and published in 2009 that need to be placed on the list.

Whitney Award Benefit Auction

The Whitney Award Benefit Auction is taking place throughout the month of November. This is a great way to support the Whitney Awards and also to do a little Christmas shopping. Everything in the auction is donated and new items are being added daily. A variety of items are available, including clothing, signed books, and author servies. The proceeds will go directly to the Whitney Academy. Please take advantage of this opportunity to support LDS literature.

2007 Whitney Award Winners

My husband pointed out to me last night, that after all the lists and reminders to nominate that I've put on my blog, I should at least post the winners. Can't believe I forgot. I must still be tired from the trip. Anyway, here they are...

2007 Whitney Awards

*****

Best Novel of the Year

On the Road to Heaven
by
Coke Newell

*****

Best Novel by a New Author

Dragon Slippers
by
Jessica Day George

*****

Best Romance/Women's Fiction

Counting Stars
by
Michele Paige Holmes

*****

Best Mystery/Suspense

Sheep's Clothing
by
Josi Kilpack

*****

Best YA/Children's

Fablehaven 2: Rise of the Evening Star
by
Brandon Mull

*****

Best Speculative

Book of a Thousand Days
by
Shannon Hale

*****

Best Historical

Out of Jerusalem: Land of Inheritance
by
H. B. Moore

Home Again

I'm finally home after six days away. The LDStorymakers conference was wonderful, and my brain is overloaded with information. I also attended the first Whitney Award Gala and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's probably the closest I'll ever get to being in an Oscar-like setting. The whole weekend was great.

The conference felt like a family reunion for authors and it was great to put faces to all my blogging friends. I had a chance to visit with Tristi Pinkston and Julie Coulter Bellon, picking their brains for a little writing advice. I talked with James Dashner about trying to get him to come to Canada for a school visit. Autumn sat with us at the award gala, and I also got to meet Ali, Don, Shanna - and that's just the short list.

Before we left, I was seriously considering cutting about fourteen inches of hair off and going with a new shorter look. But I was so busy, I just didn't get around to it. I guess that's a good thing. So many people came up to me at the conference, greeted me by name, and introduced themselves. They all said they recognized me because I look just like the portrait I have on this blog. It was tempting to straighten my hair the second day and see how many people I could fool.

I took a great class on writing a synopses, doing research and sat in on two great presentations by editors, Kirk Shaw from Covenent, and Lisa Mangum from Deseret. There was so much information, I'm glad I wrote everything down, to study later. Of course, I bought many books at the bookstore and got them all signed. My kids love it when I bring them home signed books.

And speaking of my kids, it was sure nice to be able to leave them with my dad and my mother-in-law taking turns supervising them. The best part was coming home to find that the house was still clean, the dishes were done, they were still getting along, and when they heard me come in the door, I received the most enormous bear hug. What a great thing to come home to.

Deadlines

I love deadlines. Without them, I tend to mosey along without any real motivation; with them, self-imposed or otherwise, things happen. As a seamstress, I'm used to working under the tightest of time frames. Customers come to me and they always need their dresses yesterday. The jobs that get finished first are the ones that have a deadline. Those that say they just need it when I have a few moments will find I rarely have a few moments.

When the Whitney Award finalists were announced, I decided to try to read as many of them as I could. On January 21st, I received the email asking me to be part of the voting academy for the Whitney Awards. While I was excited, I also knew it would be a lot of reading and the deadline was the 20th of February. There were 26 books that made it as finalists. I had already read three of the them, leaving me with a month to read 23 of them. So yesterday, I read the final words in the final book, leaving me a few hours to really think about how I wanted to vote.

Every book had things I loved about it, and a few had things I didn't like. I kept notes on each book as I finished it so I could look back and remember my initial impressions. A few people asked me how I could keep so many stories straight as I read them so fast. It wasn't a problem, because I always read fast and I always read lots of books (sometimes I have several going at once.) I enjoyed the excuse to read books I wouldn't pick up on my own and I truly felt that I read some of the best books LDS authors have to offer. I'm actually going to miss the excuse to read. Not often does the family tell me to go read a book rather than cook dinner or some other household chore.

I also had another deadline to meet as the entries for the LDStorymakers 1st chapters contest needed to be postmarked by the 21st of February. Over the last month I've been writing, rewriting and polishing so I could get those in the mail - which I did yesterday. So the reading is done, the chapters are sent, and it is time to move on to the next thing. There is LDStorymakers boot camp to prepare for, a manuscript to submit and another novel finish. At least I don't have time to be bored.

Upon the Mountains by Gale Sears

"World War I is raging in Europe. As America is drawn into the bitter conflict, Nephi Erickson comes to believe enlisting with the Marines is not only his duty, but also his best chance at making some much-needed money. He feels he has failed in his promise to care for his wife, Alaina, and their small daughter, Katie. As he leaves their tranquil Salt Lake City hillside home for a barren battlefield where disease can be as deadly as the enemy, Nephi has no idea that Alaina is carrying their second child--a child he may never see.

"With her husband half a world away, Alaina derives some solace from the fact that her younger sister, Eleanor, lives nearby. Nineteen-year-old Eleanor--the only woman studying medicine at the University of Utah--is soon immersed in researching treatments for the influenza pandemic ravaging the world, a scourge that will soon touch her life all too closely."

This book took me a little while to get into, as I felt there were too many characters and it jumped around a little. But I was soon caught up in the beautiful way Gale Sears uses words. The emotions she uses when she portrays war and the effects on the soldiers are powerful. I enjoyed this book and the way it made me think about the first world war on more human terms.

How to Take the Ex Out of Ex Boyfriend by Janette Rallison

"Boyfriends are supposed to be loyal, caring and handsome. Giovanna's boyfriend Jesse may have the last two down, but he's seriously lacking in the loyalty department. When her twin brother, Dante, runs for student body president, Jesse campaigns for the opponent. In the heat of the moment, Giovanna dumps Jesse and becomes Dante's campaign manager. But she almost immediately regrets her decision. Beating the mayor's son at school politics and winning her boyfriend back are going to take a lot more risk than Giovanna ever dreamed she'd take."

Janette Rallison has written a fun book with an intriguing plot. The characters are entertaining and reminded me of my own high school days. There were scenes in the book that had me laughing out loud. This is one I'll definitely pass on to my teenage daughter.

Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George

"Many stories tell of damsels in distress, who are rescued from the clutches of fire-breathing dragons by knights in shining armor, and swept off to live happily ever after.

Unfortunately, this is not one of those stories.

True, when Creel’s aunt suggests sacrificing her to the local dragon, it is with the hope that the knight will marry Creel and that everyone (aunt and family included) will benefit handsomely. Yet it’s Creel who talks her way out of the dragon’s clutches. And it’s Creel who walks for days on end to seek her fortune in the king’s city with only a bit of embroidery thread and a strange pair of slippers in her possession.

But even Creel could not have guessed the outcome of this tale. For in a country on the verge of war, Creel unknowingly possesses not just any pair of shoes, but a tool that could be used to save her kingdom…or destroy it."

This book took the age old damsel-in-distress story and turned it on its head. Creel, the main character, isn't about to let life beat her down. She is clever and creative (and I love that she fascinated by fabric and embroidery). Even the dragons are not your standard fire breathing, eating people creatures we are used to reading about. The author has given the dragons wonderful personalities. The story sparkles with description and humor. It is an enjoyable book and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Well of Ascension (Mistborn Book 2) by Brandon Sanderson

"The impossible has been accomplished. The Lord Ruler - the man who claimed to be god incarnate and brutally ruled the world for a thousand years - has been vanquished. But Kelsier, the hero who masterminded that triumph, is dead too, and now the awesome task of building a new world has been left to his young protege, Vin, the former street urchin who is now the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and to the idealistic young nobleman she loves. As Kelsier's protege and slayer of the Lord Ruler she is now venerated by a budding new religion, a distinction that makes her intensely uncomfortable. Even more worrying, the mists have begun behaving strangely since the Lord Ruler died, and seem to harbor a strange vaporous entity that haunts her.
Stopping assassins may keep Vin's Mistborn skills sharp, but it's the least of her problems. Luthadel, the largest city of the former empire, doesn't run itself, and Vin and the other members of Kelsier's crew, who lead the revolution, must learn a whole new set of practical and political skills to help. It certainly won't get easier with three armies - one of them composed of ferocious giants - now vying to conquer the city, and no sign of the Lord Ruler's hidden cache of atium, the rarest and most powerful allomantic metal. As the siege of Luthadel tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows."

This book was not something I would normally pick up, and it took me awhile to get into it. But I finally did read the whole thing (all 592 pages). I enjoyed Brandon Sanderson's writing style and the world he created although I did find the story dragged in some places. The characters were interesting and well-developed. Even though I don't think I'll become an avid reader of fantasy, I am tempted to pick up the next book in series when it comes out just to see what happens next.

Hazardous Duty by Betsy Brannon Green

"Savannah McLaughlin is running a little late. Those extra few minutes could mean she may never see her daughter again. The only clue Savannah and the police have to six-year-old Caroline's disappearance is a note with a cryptic verse of scripture. With no signs of progress, Savannah is desperate enough to call the one man she knows can help--the one man who absolutely despises her.

If anyone can find Caroline, it's Major Christopher Dane. The Army often calls on him to discreetly extract people from dangerous situations. But can Savannah trust him and the band of misfits Dane surrounds himself with? Or will the betrayal that took place in their dark past exclude any chance of a bright future?"

This book kept me on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out who the 'bad guys' were. The characters had depth and with every chapter we would find out a little more about what made them act the way they did. There were elements of romance sprinkled through the book, but it didn't end with the standard 'happily ever after'. It could easily stand on its own, but there is the promise of a second book following the same characters. I can't wait for it to be released.

First Day by Allyson Braithwaite Condie

Jobs. Missions. College. Love. In the sequel to Yearbook, the characters are in the middle of it all. Two and a half years after we left off, Andrea Beckett is a junior at Cornell University in New York. She's caught up in the whirlwind of finals, decisions about jobs . . . and decisions about love, too. Dave Sherman has returned home from his mission, and they will have to decide where their romance is going. In addition to everything else, Andrea just received the assignment to teach early-morning seminary to a group of eight high school students, who all have their own decisions to make and challenges to overcome. Meanwhile, Andrea's brother Ethan is serving a mission in Brazil. The language is new, the culture is different, and sometimes being Elder Beckett is harder than he expected.

I have to admit, I had a hard time getting into this book. The chapters jump from character to character, all written in the first person, so I often found myself trying to figure out who was speaking. Every time I started caring about what was happening, the chapter would end and I would lose the momentum of the story. That said, the characters were well-developed and believable, as were the situations they found themselves in. The book was well written and the author definitely has a way with words.

The Deep End by Traci Hunter Abramson

"Matt’s hands balled in frustration. . . . He couldn’t even acknowledge that he knew the dark-haired beauty down the street — much less that he was married to her. . . . He had walked into this marriage knowing full well that he would be married to a woman in the Witness Protection Program, and that they would have to spend their first year of marriage pretending they didn’t know each other.

But little do CJ and Matt know the extent of the danger and loneliness that will haunt their lives. A world-class swimmer with Olympic aspirations, CJ faces overwhelming odds that threaten to drown all her hopes and dreams. Will the deep end prove to be a dead end for CJ and Matt?

In a story where reality is as tentative as the waters of competition, and happiness is as elusive as the forces of evil that conspire to end all their dreams, CJ and Matt’s race for safety becomes a marathon of fear."

As a highly unathletic person myself, I found all the details of a swimmer's training for the Olympics fascinating. It was also interesting to think about how involvement in the witness protection program would affect all aspects of a person's life. The story moved forward at a brisk pace, with a multi-layered plot and interesting characters. I enjoyed reading it and will definitely pick up more books by this author.

Land of Inheritance by H.B. Moore

This is the fourth and final book in the "Out of Jerusalem" series by H.B. Moore. It continues on with the story of Lehi and his family in the promised land. Even though they have found a land of plenty, the family is still divided over religious issues. After Lehi dies, Laman and Lemuel try to take over the leadership of the family, even though Lehi had instructed them to follow their younger brother, Nephi. After the family groups split, those who follow Nephi leave the settlement to forge their way to a new home. They feel they have finally found safety and peace. Of course, Laman and his followers have different ideas.

It's interesting to read another view of what may have happened once Lehi and his family landed in the promised land. I could tell there had been lots of research into the area and the type of food and plants they may have eaten and used for medicine. I also liked how the author brought in another tribe so Nephi's family wasn't just interacting among themselves. This story followed true to scripture and added new dimension to the account from the Book of Mormon. I enjoyed the read and am looking forward to more from this author.

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

"When Dashti, a maid, and Lady Saren, her mistress, are shut in a tower for seven years for Saren’s refusal to marry a man she despises, the two prepare for a very long and dark imprisonment.

"As food runs low and the days go from broiling hot to freezing cold, it is all Dashti can do to keep them fed and comfortable. But the arrival outside the tower of Saren’s two suitors—one welcome, and the other decidedly less so—brings both hope and great danger, and Dashti must make the desperate choices of a girl whose life is worth more than she knows."

"With Shannon Hale’s lyrical language, this forgotten but classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm is reimagined and reset on the central Asian steppes; it is a completely unique retelling filled with adventure and romance, drama and disguise."

I love reading re-tellings of fairy tales and this was no exception. Based on "Maid Malene" by the Brothers Grimm this version is set on the Asian steppes, where there is adventure and romance and everything in between. Shannon Hale has a beautiful way with words and creates believable and likable characters. I liked how the book was written in diary form and even included entries like "I'd write more if I had something to say." The story was fun to read and I look forward to more from Shannon Hale.

Loyalty's Web by Joyce DiPastena

"In twelfth century France, King Henry II of England has just finished quashing a rebellion by his power-hungry sons and now seeks to tame the lawless barons who supported them in this corner of his "Angevin empire." To this end, the king has sent the Earl of Gunthar as his royal representative to ensure that Prince Richard and his former cohorts faithfully adhere to the terms of the peace treaty.

Far from being welcomed with open arms, Gunthar no sooner steps foot in the county of Poitou than he is greeted by a series of assassination attempts. All appear to be linked to the former rebellious prince through the agents of the family and friends of young Heléne de Laurant. A clever, intrepid young woman, she realizes that the only way to prove her loved ones’ innocence is by exposing the true assassin. Heléne races against time—and dark secrets of the past—to unmask the killer before the kingdom plunges back into war.

Fierce determination gives way to mutual attraction as Heléne and Gunthar spar over the identity of the traitor. But their blinding magnetism almost causes them to overlook an even deadlier threat from an entirely unexpected direction."

This book was very detailed and gave an interesting picture of life in the twelfth century. The characters came to life for me and kept me interested in what finally happened to them. I thought the author did a good job in telling a complicated tale, keeping everything well ordered and tying up loose ends tidily. If you like historical romance, give this book a try.

Bullies in the Headlights by Matthew Buckley

"The Buckley boys are headed back to school for another year. Unfortunately, so are the Hagbarts — and they're out for revenge. Matthew Buckley and his brothers may have won a single small battle over the summer, but the war is far from over. Luckily, though the Hagbarts may be meaner, the Buckleys are smarter — or were smarter. The sight of Matthew's underwear at the top of the school flagpole loudly states that the Hagbart bullies are getting expert help from someone quite clever.

Soon the war of wits escalates to an incredible scheme designed to get the ultimate revenge on the Hagbarts. But now that Matthew has been learning that he's supposed to do good to those who hate him, what will he do when a little push becomes a great big shove?

Take a hilarious trip back to school in this delightful adventure with its message of forgiveness that will echo long after the last page has been turned."

This is a fun book the whole family will enjoy. The author has a light-hearted way of writing. all the little details remind me of growing up in a large family and the chaos that sometimes prevails. I love how the kids come up with all sorts of crazy schemes to get back at the bullies, and in the end it is something a primary teacher said that helps them do the right thing.

The Operative by Willard Boyd Gardner

"Consumed with unbearable guilt, Kam Daniels, an ex-Seattle policeman, is unable to forget the horrific accident he is certain he could have prevented. Desperate to escape his anguish, he takes a job halfway across the world and leaves everything behind: his home, his career, and his beautiful, bewildered wife — CIA agent Rhiana Daniels.

When an undercover operative is kidnapped by a fanatical Arab faction in Yemen, Kam's knowledge of the language and culture prove to be invaluable, and he is recruited to help rescue the agent. However, the mission becomes even more complicated when he learns that one of the team members is his estranged wife.

Traveling with a research group sponsored by Brigham Young University, Kam and Rhiana attempt to navigate the obstacles that distance and time have placed between them, even as they confront dangerous militants determined to prevent the agent's rescue by any means necessary."

This book was full action and intrigue and always kept me guessing at who the "good guys" really were. There was a great sense of place through the author's descriptions. Sometimes I felt like the plot got lost in all the action, but I did enjoy this book and how faith was woven into the story. My favorite character was actually a minor character named Darrin who I would like to read more about.