Monday, October 13, 2014
LDS NONFICTION: The Miracles of Jesus by Eric D. Huntsman
ABOUT THE BOOK
Foreseen by prophets before Jesus' birth, witnesses by many during his life, and read about by millions since, the miracles of Jesus are a distinguishing aspect of his mortal ministry.
Both then and now, these miracles are powerful witnesses that Jesus is the Christ, God's anointed servant and the Savior of mankind. He performed many miracles ranging from feeding multitudes to giving sight to the blind and restoring life and health to the infirm.
But these miracles were more than just blessings to the individuals involved. Each one contains symbols that teach us about Jesus, his atonement, and the greater miracles that he can work in the lives of all of us.
In The Miracles of Jesus, author Eric D. Huntsman blends perceptive doctrinal insights with historical context, literary analysis, and specific personal application. His exploration of the meaning and symbolism of each of the Savior's miracles shows us how they can bless us in the challenges we ourselves face today. Here, for example, he draws connections between the devils the Savior cast out and the demons we or loved ones may face in overcoming addiction or recovering from abuse. And we see in a new way how the promise inherent in Christ's raising of Lazarus and the daughter of Jairus can comfort us at the death of someone we love.
Fine-art paintings and musical meditations enhance our experience by illustrating Jesus' miracles and their power. Photographs of sites in the Holy Land where many of the miracles were performed give us a sense of place, reinforcing the fact that they really happened.
Through these inspirational means, we find that the miracles Jesus performed in New Testament times can become a springboard to the miracles that continue to occur in our own lives—transformations made possible through the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Huntsman knows his way around the library when it comes to the New Testament. He speaks authoritatively about Greek and Latin roots, he has a clear grasp of both textual and historical criticism. The result is a compelling book that is equal parts devotional and scholarly. There is much that will challenge us intellectually and invite us to read deeply. All of the miracles point directly to the greatest miracle of all: Christ’s Atonement, with its victory over both spiritual and physical decay.” - Michael Austin
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ERIC D. HUNTSMAN is an associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, where he serves as the coordinator of the Ancient Near Eastern Studies program in the Kennedy Center for International Studies and is affiliated with the Classics program. After graduating from BYU in classical Greek and Latin, he earned a Ph.D. in ancient history from the University of Pennsylvania. He joined the BYU faculty in 1994.
The author of the acclaimed God So Loved the World: The Final Days of the Savior’s Life and Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior’s Birth, both from Deseret Book, Dr. Huntsman has also published numerous articles on the New Testament and the writings of John.
He served as a full-time missionary in the Thailand Bangkok Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as a bishop in Provo, Utah. Brother Huntsman is an ordinance worker in the Provo Utah Temple and sings in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He and his wife, Elaine Scott Huntsman, are the parents of two children.
REVIEW
Some of the most powerful accounts in all scripture revolve around the miracles Jesus performed during his mortal life. Huntsman looks at these accounts not only as the incredible moments that they were but also the power symbolism that they involve. Using explanations of ancient language, gorgeous artwork, interesting sidebars, as well as musical references, the reader is taken on a journey through Christ's life and what it can all mean in our own lives today.
One of the things that Huntsman mentions that I found very interesting is how many people see what Christ did in terms of healing the sick or commanding the elements as 'unnatural' or 'supernatural'. He points out that since Christ is the Creator, nothing he did was unnatural. He also suggests that there are many laws that we simply may not be aware of yet. And I strongly believe he is correct.
The overall impression I got of this book was that the miracles that Jesus performed all come together to do one thing and that is identify Christ as the divine being that he was and is still. His miracles were not intended to be signs but witnesses to those already willing to believe. Such miracles are not limited to Christ's mortal life, He is still more than willing to offer miracles to us, but we have to exercise the faith necessary to accept what he offers, even when it isn't what we originally wanted.
Monday, October 6, 2014
LDS BOOK REVIEW: It is Better to Look Up
ABOUT THE BOOK
We all love to be taught with stories. The Savior shared many in his ministry, and His prophets and other Church leaders have often emulated that great example. Gospel lessons come alive when they are presented in this way.
It Is Better to Look Up gathers more than fifty of the most memorable personal experiences shared in general conference over the years and pairs them with stunning photographic images. The result is an irresistible volume filled with remarkable true accounts of God's hand in our lives.
You'll love browsing through such gems as "In Harm's Way," by President Thomas S. Monson; "Man Down!" by President Henry B. Eyring; "Lift Where You Stand," by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf; "You Stupid Cow!" by Elder Mervyn B. Arnold; "Worldly Promises," by Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson; and dozens more. These short pieces are perfect for a quick moment of inspiration in a class, a home evening, or personal devotional time. Each one is presented with a scripture to complement the gospel message.
Featuring stories from every member of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, plus many additional leaders past and present, this beautifully illustrated book will soon become a family favorite and a precious keepsake.
REVIEW
This is an incredibly beautiful book full of wonderful stories from past and present general authorities. These stories have been shared in general conferences over many years and it's wonderful to have them all together with beautiful photographs included. This would make a wonderful collectors item as well as a valuable reference for family home evening, talks, and lessons. Each story has a lesson to teach and encourages reflection and discussion.
EXCERPTS (from Deseret Book Website)
Thursday, October 2, 2014
FAVORITE AUTHOR REVIEW: For Elise by Sarah M. Eden
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the sprawling gardens of their neighboring estates, childhood friends Miles and Elise spent countless pleasant days together in the spirited adventures of youth. They were inseparable—until Elise vanished without a trace. Miles searched, but Elise could not—or would not—be found . . .
After years spent laboring on the family plantation in the West Indies, Miles Linwood is shocked by the unexpected news: he has inherited his uncle’s estate and the title of Marquess of Grenton. Miles’s return to England is tarnished by only one thing—he is still haunted by Elise’s mysterious disappearance. So when he glimpses a woman with a startling resemblance to his lost friend, he’s shaken to the core. This is no mere shadow of the past: it is truly Elise. But his dear friend has changed—to the point that he questions whether it is really her, though he knows it is. Accustomed to rescuing Elise from childhood escapades, Miles takes her and those in her care back to his estate, even as he struggles to understand her fear and mistrust. As their friendship and feelings slowly blossom again, the shocking truth of their separated years is revealed, and Miles realizes more than ever that he must protect Elise. She slipped away once, and he cannot lose her again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SARAH M. EDEN read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been an Austen addict ever since. Fascinated by the English Regency era, Eden became a regular in that section of the reference department at her local library, where she painstakingly researched this extraordinary chapter in history. Eden is an award-winning author of short stories and was a Whitney Award finalist for her novels Seeking Persephone and Courting Miss Lancaster. Visit her at www.sarahmeden.com.
REVIEW
I finally got around to finishing this and unsurprisingly I loved it. It's no wonder that Sarah Eden is one of my all time favorite authors. I loved the characters, Miles and Elise especially. The character development is especially good as we gradually learn what led to Miles and Elise going in different directions and what has happened to Elise in the four years they have been apart. I also really enjoyed the part that Elise's daughter Anne played in the story. She is such a sweet addition to the story and her relationship with Miles is fun.
The murder mystery part of the story adds a great deal to the mystery surrounding Elise's disappearance. The author does a great job slowly revealing the events of the murders and what exactly happened to Elise that contributed to her leaving. I think what I love the most about Sarah Eden's books is how real her characters feel with real struggles and emotions and challenges. Miles struggles with trying to help Elise while figuring out why she disappeared and why she doesn't trust him, especially after how close they were growing up. Elise struggles with trusting anyone, even Miles, after all the tragedies that have befallen her. The last four years hadn't been kind to her and after how Miles hurt her she's reluctant to trust anyone and yet she desperately needs help.
It's nice to read a clean romance that has some depth to it that feels genuine. Another wonderful book from a wonderful author.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
LDS NONFICTION: The Crucible of Doubt by Terryl Givens & Fiona Givens
ABOUT THE BOOK
Faith is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. So what happens when a person has doubts?
Questioning is not the problem, according to authors Terryl and Fiona Givens. “After all,” they write, “the Restoration unfolded because a young man asked questions.” The difficulty arises when questions are based on flawed assumptions or incorrect perceptions, which can “point us in the wrong direction, misdirect our attention, or constrain the answers we are capable of hearing.”
This insightful book offers a careful, intelligent look at doubt—at some of its common sources, the challenges it presents, and the opportunities it may open up in a person’s quest for faith. Whether you struggle with your own doubts or mostly want to understand loved ones who question, you will appreciate this candid discussion. You’ll come away feeling more certain than ever of the Lord’s love for all of His children.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
ERYL GIVENS holds the James A. Bostwick chair of English and is Professor of Literature and Religion at the University of Richmond and the author of several books. His writing has been praised by the New York Times as “provocative reading” and includes, most recently, When Souls Had Wings, a history of the idea of premortal life in Western thought; a biography (with Matthew Grow) of Parley Pratt: The Apostle Paul of Mormonism (winner of the 2012 Best Book Award from the Mormon History Association); and Wrestling the Angel: The Foundations of Mormon Thought.
FIONA GIVENS is a retired modern language teacher with undergraduate degrees in French and German and a graduate degree in European History. She is now an independent scholar who has published in several journals and reviews in Mormon studies, including Journal of Mormon History, Exponent II, and LDS Living. Along with Terryl, she is the author of The God Who Weeps: How Mormonism Makes Sense of Life. Terryl and Fiona are the grandparents of five—fonts of delight; and the parents of six—sources of intellectual challenge and inspiration.
I had hoped to have this review up today, but circumstances have made it so I just haven't read enough of the book to do it justice. But from what I've read, it's a thought-provoking book designed to help the reader move past his/her preconceptions about the world and open themselves up to the various ways that God can teach us. The authors point out that there is more than one way of knowing something. We can know something in our mind or our hearts or our conscience, or in the beauty in the world around us.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
FAVORITE AUTHOR REVIEW: As You Are by Sarah M. Eden
ABOUT THE BOOK
A horse breeder by trade, Corbin Jonquil is more at home in the stables than in the ballroom of his sprawling estate. Corbin is the quietest of the Jonquil brothers and has always faded into the background, contentedly unnoticed. When a mysterious young widow, Mrs. Clara Bentford, moves into the neighborhood, however, Corbin quickly comes to realize that being noticed has its advantages. But how to catch the eye of the lady?
According to his brothers, Corbin need only make a few simple changes to transform himself into the object of any woman's desire - dubious advice, indeed. Following a series of misadventures, Corbin and Clara slowly lower the facades behind which they've been hiding, leaving Corbin shocked by the horrors that haunt the woman he's coming to care for so ardently. When the menace of Clara's past threatens to tear them apart and tensions mount, will the couple have the courage to fight for the promise of forever?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SARAH M. EDEN read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been an Austen addict ever since. Fascinated by the English Regency era, Eden became a regular in that section of the reference department at her local library, where she painstakingly researched this extraordinary chapter in history. Eden is an award-winning author of short stories and was a Whitney Award finalist for her novels Seeking Persephone and Courting Miss Lancaster. Visit her at www.sarahmeden.com.
REVIEW
Another fabulously great clean romance from Sarah Eden. No wonder she is one of my two favorite romance writers. Once again we meet the Jonquil brothers with all their quirks. This story focuses on Corbin, the brother that raises horses for a living. Corbin's quirk is his extreme shyness that often comes across as arrogance. Which is exactly how Clara sees him when they first meet. But as Corbin teaches Edmund about horses as well as about being a man, Clara starts to realize there is more to Corbin than she originally thought. Clara's past experiences with men have been negative so she is slow to trust. As she grows to care about and trust Corbin and his family, she starts to hope for a better future, until a nightmare from her past shows up to destroy it.
I really, really love Sarah Eden's books. Not only are they well-written, with great characters, interesting plots, and beautiful settings, but they are clean! Clean romances can be hard to find these days, so it's very refreshing to me to find romances that have depth of feeling, some good kisses, and plenty of feel good moments. There always seem to be moments that I want to cheer when I read Eden's books and I always seem to laugh. If you enjoy those sorts of things as well, you may love this author's books as well.
Friday, September 26, 2014
BLOG TOUR: The Strength of Ballerinas by Nancy Lorenz
ABOUT THE BOOK
All Kendra wants to do is dance for the Manhattan Dance Company. So when her family’s forced to move to California, her dreams of auditioning are shattered. Still determined to dance, Kendra faces social isolation and family pressures in her new home. But when she’s diagnosed with a debilitating illness, Kendra must decide which dreams are worth fighting for.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nancy Lorenz currently teaches as an English adjunct at several colleges. She worked in publishing, public relations and in network television. She studied ballet in New York City at numerous studios, including open level classes at American Ballet Theater in the 1980’s, and continues to study ballet for the sheer love of it. She recommends that you love what you do, but also to branch out to the many subjects out there yet to discover. The more you learn, the more you can bring back into your art.
REVIEW
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Wednesday, September 24, 2014
CHRISTIAN FICTION REVIEW: Tried & True by Mary Connealy
ABOUT THE BOOK
Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!
Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister—and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It’s a risk—they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as “boys”—but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.
Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (see Bethany House website)Mary Connealy is an award-winning, bestselling author known for her fun and lively historical romances. An author, teacher, and journalist, Mary lives on an eastern Nebraska ranch with her cowboy husband and has four daughters and two grandchildren. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.
REVIEW
I fell in love with Kylie and Aaron right off the bat. I immediately felt sympathy for Kylie who wants to be a woman but is pressured by her father and sisters to pretend to be a man in order to establish a homestead. After her experiences in the Civil War dressed as a man, she wants desperately to be a woman again, living in a civilized area, not a homestead on the frontier. When Aaron, the local land agent, recognizes her as a woman, she is pleased to be able to act like one again. But when she is attacked and made afraid in her own home, she wonders if pleasing her father is worth it. And while she likes Aaron she isn't sure it's wise to get attached when he plans to settle on a ranch further back in the mountains. But events take on a life of their own and Kylie and Aaron are forced to make decisions quickly that may or may not work out as expected.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are great, each with their strengths and weaknesses. It's also an interesting look at the roles of men and women at the time and the different perspectives that Kylie and her sisters (who are also pretending to be men) have about their roles in their society. Kylie and her sister provide an fascinating contrast in their attitudes about being women and the limitations that their society tried to put on them because of it. I look forward to reading Shannon's and Bailey's stories (Kylie's sisters) because I have a feeling their will be plenty of fireworks, especially Bailey who is bound and determined to maintain her freedom and independence.
Monday, September 22, 2014
BLOG TOUR: Star of Deliverance by Mandy Madson Voisin
ABOUT THE BOOK
Born a slave and outcast, the young healer Emi discovers an ancient disease spreading among her people. Desperate, she races to the Capital for a cure and unwittingly finds herself in a competition to win over the Crown Prince’s heart. Staying in the game provides time to search for a cure, but it may cost Emi her life—or her heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mandy Voisin is a wife, marketer, and author. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in English. Her parents told her she’d never make a living with an English degree, so she’s dedicated the rest of her life to proving them wrong. She loves poetry and babies and her sisters. Mandy currently resides in Phoenix, Ariz., with her husband Kevin who is a sleep deprived medical student with a heart of gold and the world’s best smile. Together they chip away at their dreams.
REVIEW
When I heard this book was a retelling of the Esther story from the Bible, I was immediately interested. The Esther story has long been one of my favorites. The story did not disappoint. Emi is a great character who sets out to find a cure for one person and ends up working for her entire people who someone in the castle is determined to destroy. Ending up in the castle as one of the possible matches for the Crown Prince was not part of the plan, but it might give her the opportunity she needs to help her people. Emi sacrifices a lot to help her people which is admirable and very risky, including leaving her mentor, who is getting on in years, alone to help the sick. The Crown Prince turns out to be very likable as well, especially as Emi helps open his eyes. An interesting story that is well-presented and quite enjoyable.
Friday, September 19, 2014
BLOG TOUR: Focused by Noelle Pikus Pace
ABOUT THE BOOK
Where are your choices leading you? Regardless of our circumstances, each moment presents us with decision to make. It doesn't matter what question, trial, or success we experience—each traces back to a choice. At any given moment, we can choose to doubt, fear, worry; to be prideful, angry, depressed, or miserable—or we can choose to move forward. We can choose to be a light. We can choose to be happy. The choice is always ours, and each choice can be a step forward on the path of life we want for ourselves.
The life lessons learned by Olympic athlete Noelle Pikus Pace can equip each of us to turn daily choices and challenges into opportunities for growth. In her warm and relatable style, Noelle shares touching personal stories and teaches how these experiences can help us keep a healthy perspective on the things that matter most. She helps us to see that though all of our goals and trials are different, we each can choose to become the best versions of ourselves one day at a time.
Covering topics from letting go of expectations and pressures to finding a healthy life balance, from standing up for ourselves to standing for righteousness, world champion Noelle Pikus Pace infuses readers with the enthusiasm and confidence to get a little closer to their goals each and every day.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
NOELLE PIKUS PACE became the first American woman to win the Overall World Cup Title in skeleton in 2005. After playing a variety of sports through high school and college, her exceptional strength in skeleton made her favored to win the gold medal in the 2006 Winter Olympics. An unfortunate accident prevented her from competing, but the following year she came back to win the World Championships by the largest margin in the history of the sport. Noelle competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics and was the top U.S. finisher, placing fourth.
She retired after the Olympics to spend more time with her family. Following a miscarriage in April of 2012, Noelle and her husband, Janson, decided that she would try one last time to earn an Olympic medal, on the condition that the family would all travel together. Competing in 32 national and international competitions over two years, Noelle finished on the podium 29 times and concluded her career by triumphantly winning the silver medal at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, and jumping into the stand to share the moment with her family and the world.
Noelle earned a bachelor’s degree in 2005 and a master of business administration degree in 2007. Noelle and Janson have two children, Lacee and Traycen.
REVIEW
A wonderful book full of inspiring stories of persistence in the face of loneliness, discouragement, and tragic accidents. Noelle Pikus Pace thrilled a lot of people including herself when she won a silver medal in skeleton at the Olympics in Sochi, but it was a long difficult road to get there. In this book she describes some of the key experiences she had a long the way that helped her land on that podium. I found the book to be warm and heart-felt and easy to appreciate. The stories helped me to consider carefully some of the choices I'm making in my own life that I might want to change to help me become the person I want to be rather than settling for who I already am. A truly wonderful book that I can recommend whole-heartedly to anyone who wants to read not only some really interesting stories about some of the experience's Pace has had as an athlete, but some of her struggles and successes as a person.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
CLEAN ROMANCE REVIEW: Drops of Gold by Sarah M. Eden
DROPS OF GOLD
Jonquil Brothers #2
by Sarah M. Eden
Covenant Communications, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-60861-569-8
Clean Regency Romance
Source: Purchased
All opinions expressed are solely my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK
When her father dies and leaves her completely destitute, Marion can think of only one thing to do--make a new life for herself. Commencing a life of duplicity, Marion transforms herself into Mary Wood--governess. In possession of a forged letter of recommendation and cloaked in the anonymity of her new identity, she enters a life of self-imposed servitude as teacher and caretaker of young Miss Caroline Jonquil of Farland Meadows. Her idyllic daydream vision of life at the Meadows is dashed when she finds a child desperately in need of hope and a cold and sorrowful home haunted by the past. With her characteristic sunny disposition, Marion casts her spell upon the household and slowly brings to life the long-forgotten joy of those within.
Layton Jonquil is a man tormented by the lies surrounding the death of his late wife, but he cannot deny his growing attraction for the beautiful governess whose goodness and optimism have touched his dormant heart. Their connection grows ever stronger, and despite the impropriety of harboring feelings for a servant, Layton's heart whispers that this is the woman he's destined to love. But when Layton's fears about the past become too much to bear and the falsehoods in which they are entangled threaten to shatter his and Marion's blossoming attachment, will true love conquer all?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SARAH M. EDEN read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been an Austen addict ever since. Fascinated by the English Regency era, Eden became a regular in that section of the reference department at her local library, where she painstakingly researched this extraordinary chapter in history. Eden is an award-winning author of short stories and was a Whitney Award finalist for her novels Seeking Persephone and Courting Miss Lancaster. Visit her at www.sarahmeden.com.
REVIEW
Sarah Eden is one of my all time favorite authors. Not only does she write clean romance, but she writes it very well. Her characters are flawed human beings with plenty of challenges making them easy to relate to, but they also have the values and character traits to keep going even when life is really hard. I think one of the things that I especially enjoyed about this one, (besides reading about the Jonquil brothers again) was the way the characters dealt with some painful secrets. Secrets can be so destructive and they definitely play a major role in the story; secrets between family members, secrets between employer and employee. These secrets cause major problems in the relationships between the different characters. And yet despite the painful secrets, it's also sweet to see the difference that one person can make in the lives of others, in this case, Marion arrives at Layton Jonquil's home and quickly realizes that it's not a happy place. But with her own natural optimism and tender stories she finds a way beyond her own painful memories to help Layton and his daughter find healing and peace. A beautiful love story, but not just romantic love, also parental love, brotherly love, and the way that love helps bring healing.
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