Miss Wilton's Waltz {Book Review}

A new novel from Josi S. Kilpack!?  Yes Please!  

Miss Wilton's Waltz picks up where Josi Kilpack's previous novel, The Vicar's Daughter, left off and follows the story of Cassie's older sister Lenora.  At the end of The Vicar's Daughter, we were left wondering what would happen to poor Lenora after her sister Cassie and Evan fell in love!  

Would she find ever happiness?

Lenora Wilton has spent her life hiding behind the keys of her beloved pianoforte and the vibrancy of her younger sister, Cassie. But Lenora is ready for a change and travels to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and teach music at an all-girls boarding school. She is different in Bath more comfortable with herself and enjoys the freedom and independence of her new life there. 

When Lenora meets Aiden Asher, she finds herself attracted to him, but her unexpected feelings become more complicated when she learns that Catherine, Lenora's newest and most troublesome student in the school, is Mr. Asher's niece. Catherine is a difficult student, and Lenora works hard to make progress with the girl. 

When the chemistry between Lenora and Aiden increases, they share a passionate kiss by the River Avon, and Lenora feels it is the beginning of a new forever until she learns that Aiden has withheld an important detail about his life that changes everything.  (from the book cover)

To give a bit of background... In the Vicar's Daughter, Lenora's younger sister Cassie is frustrated because she cannot have her "coming out" until older sister Lenora finds a suitable husband.  In the hopes of helping to hurry things along, Cassie begins writing to Evan, a gentleman in her fathers employ, in Lenora's name.  She was hoping that she could convince this fellow to fall in love with her sister.  But, they ended up falling in love with each other...  leaving Lenora still without a suitable husband.

Fast forward to the beginning of Miss Wilton's Waltz we find Cassie and Evan happily engaged.  But, now Lenora has plans of her own.  Plans that she has decided do NOT involve marriage.  Making arrangements with her Aunt Gwen she plans to live with her in Bath through part of the year and for the remainder of the year she will live and work at an all-girls school teaching music.  She is ecstatic for the opportunity to be herself and she loves how different she feels in Bath.  She feels confident and secure.

She loves teaching until the day that young Catherine arrives.  She is rude, belligerent, and troublesome, and apparently has been kicked out of several finishing schools.  Her shocking behavior leaves Lenora reeling and shaken.  When Catherine's guardian, Aiden Asher, finds Lenora in a less-than-favorablel situation, he promises to keep her secret IF she will help Catherine stay in school.   Feeling a bit blackmailed she agrees to help Catherine.  And as Lenora and Aiden begin to fall for each other, they share a kiss...  

Oh dear, what has Lenora gotten herself into?

I was thrilled with the opportunity to review another Proper Romance from Shadow Mountain!  You cannot go wrong with these wonderful, clean, reads!  I enjoyed this one just as much as I have enjoyed the ones before!  

You can purchase Miss Wilton's Waltz from your favorite retailer!

Thank you so much for Swinging By!

Disclaimer:  I received an advanced reader copy of Miss Wilton's Waltz free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.

Freetown DVD Giveaway! {Deseret Book Review}

Caught in the middle of a brutal civil war, six Liberian missionaries in Monrovia flee the widespread violence of their native country. Their destination: Freetown, Sierra Leone. With the help of local Church leader Phillip Abubakar (Henry Adofo), the missionaries make the difficult journey only to have their troubles compounded by a rebel fighter bent on killing one of their own. Based on true events, Freetown is a thrilling and inspiring story of hope and survival. 

Based on a true story, 6 missionaries are caught in the crossfire of a civil war between 2 tribes in Monrovia, Liberia.  Rebels have taken over the cities, driving through with guns blazing, wreaking havoc and fear on the local families.  The Rebels goal: to kill ALL the members of the Krahn tribe.  With a strong desire to teach the gospel the brave elders work in the midst of the unrest until the conflict escalates leaving them no choice but to flee the country.  Asking a local church member to help them escape the missionaries make a daring escape through rough terrain carefully concealing the identity of Elder Gaye, a Krahn.  Followed close behind by Rebels, navigating through dense terrain, rough, muddy roads and literally, driving on empty for miles (a miracle!) their faith pushes them to the limit.

This was an edge-of-your seat intense movie to the very end.  It is hard for me to imagine living in such a rough, terrifying, beautiful, place...and still having the ability to preach of God's love to the people.

This DVD offers a LOT of special features including:

• Behind the scenes
• Director's commentary
• Writing Freetown
• Shooting in Africa
• Music of Freetown
• Filming Freetown

This movie was rated PG-13 for thematic situations involving violence.  It also has subtitles in Spanish, French, and Portuguese.

I cannot wait to go back and watch with the directors commentary.  I hope it will answer some of the questions I had throughout the video.  It did leave me wondering at the end on what happened to a handful of the people who lived there...

The best part!  I get to giveaway a copy of this DVD to one lucky reader of Swinging On Small Hinges!  I'm so excited!  Enter using the Giveaway Tools below!  Giveaway ends Aug 26th at 11:59pm Central Standard Time.  Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond before I will have to draw an alternate.  Thanks for stopping by!  Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer:  Thank you SO much Deseret Book for the chance to review this movie!  I was not paid for this review and all opinions here are my very own.

Will My Child Be Ready? {Deseret Book Review}

A missionary's training does not begin when he or she enters the doors of the MTC. Well before that, each missionary's mother can begin laying the groundwork that will prepare her child to diligently and wholeheartedly serve the Lord and His children. 

Mothers have an immeasurable influence and a significant responsibility in raising up young men and women who are prepared to do the work of the Lord. The good news: that responsibility can begin wherever you and your child are on the path of preparation. Whether your child is two, eight, or eighteen, this unique resource written by mothers who have sent children on missions (and some who have also served as mission presidents' wives) will help you build the foundation of faith, endurance, and hard work that every missionary needs.

Even though our girls are only 5 and 9, we have talked to them on numerous occasions about the "someday" when they may choose to go on a mission...  While my oldest is convinced it isn't going to be something she wants to do (because she would get too homesick) my youngest is pretty sure she is going to China.  Either way, no matter their choice, preparing our children for ALL types of missionary work in the future is essential.  Because, after all, are we not ALL missionaries?  Of course we are!

This book by Emily Freeman and Merrilee Boyack is a great book for parents who have kids of all ages to help them prepare their kids for those big steps.  Teaching everything from obedience to service to goal-setting this book encourages parents to be sure their kids know big things (like testimony, service, prayer, scripture study) to the small things (how to cook, clean and do your own laundry!)

Each Chapter includes bullet points of what they need to know...what they need to do...and what they need to be.  References as a "Missionary Prep for Moms" course this book is infused with personal stories, scripture references and quotes from prophets.   This book would be a welcome addition in any parents library!  

You can purchase Will My Child Be Ready from DeseretBook.com or your favorite book store!  Thanks so much for stopping by Swinging On Small Hinges!

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  

Thank you DB!

What Makes Us Sisters {Deseret Book Review}

"Sisters take care of each other, watch out for each other, comfort each other, and are there for each other through thick and thin," observes Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women general president. 

In this delightful and inspiring book, Sister Oscarson encourages all women to look beyond differences in age, culture, and circumstance in order to better nurture and serve one another. She explains that all women—young or old, married or single, working in an office or running a home—have unique talents and gifts to share. Focusing on the boundless blessings that Latter-day Saint women enjoy, Sister Oscarson urges women throughout the Church to live and inspire others in ways that realize their greatest potential.

Sister Bonnie Oscarson has been one of my favorite conference speakers.  She is always so insightful and has such loving, kind advice for women.  In this little book, What Makes Us Sisters, Sister Oscarson asks all women to look carefully at one another and recognize that, while we are not all the same, we are all sisters in Christ and we all have great potential.  It is filled with inspirational pictures, some of which would make awesome "memes!"

I love these "gift sized" books (measuring 6.5" by 6.5").  They perfect for giving in a welcome basket, a special friend who needs to be uplifted, or mothers day!

You can buy a copy at DeseretBook.com as a hardcover for (currently) $14.99!

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions here are my very own!

A Heart Revealed {Shadow Mountain Book Review}

Amber Marie Sterlington, the Rage of the Season in Regency-era London, has her pick of men, and she knows what she wants most in a husband: a title and a fortune. Why would she ever marry for something as fickle as love? And why would she ever look twice at Thomas Richards, a third son of a country lord?  But when Amber's social standing is threatened, the character of her future husband becomes far more important than his position. After a public humiliation, she find herself exiled to Yorkshire. alone except for her maid, Amber is faced with a future she never expected in a circumstance far below what she has known all her life. Humbled and lonely, Amber begins to wonder if isolation is for the best. Who could ever love her now?

Ok, I shout for joy every time a new book comes out in this favored Proper Romance series!  I have LOVED every single one I've read and I'm always ecstatic when I get to review another one.  This book, written by popular author Josi S. Kilpatrick is called A Heart Revealed and it features Amber Sterlington, belle of the season.  Amber is beautiful and could have her pick of men and she is out to get just the right husband.  She wants one with a title and a fortune.  Love?  Nonsense.  But, as we read in the teaser her "social standing is threatened" when something dreadful begins to happen to her.  I am NOT going to tell you what it is because it would really spoil the book for you.  She is forced into exile and realizes that love was NOT nonsense and she should've grabbed for it while she had the chance.  Doomed to a life of exile she is surprised by the attention of Thomas Richards and wonders if maybe, just maybe, she might not be forced to live a life of loneliness after all.

It is good.   It is really good.  Every Proper Romance I read just gets better and better.  This "dreadful thing" is unlike anything I've ever, ever, ever read in a historical romance before.  You know another thing I like about this book?  It's tasteful.  Proper Romances always are.

So, I think you will enjoy A Heart Revealed!

Disclaimer:  I received an advanced reader copy of this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.  Thank you so much!

Real Moms {Deseret Book Review}

I didn’t have gold shoes, and I didn’t have time to go shopping, but I thought I could just spray-paint some heels I owned that I never really wore. I spray-painted them and tried them out for three hours at church where they held up perfectly. I felt pretty good about myself. “Suckers who buy gold shoes when they could just spray-paint them,” I thought, congratulating myself for my frugality and my foresight for testing them out. 

As moms, we improvise. We get along. We make things work. And we make a lot of things up as we go along because, let’s face it, no manual is ever going to cover all the bases a real mom needs to touch. But if laughter and perspective and a renewed energy to face the day are what you’re after—if you too are a “real mom”—this is the book for you!

I am a real mom.  How about you?  While I've never gone so far as to spray paint myself a pair of gold shoes I have gone so far as to make things work with household items like tape and safety pins.  Some thing have worked out and some, well, not so much.  But isn't that what motherhood is all about?  Making things up as we go.  There is not one single right way to do everything and sometimes we just have to improvise, substitute or DIY.

In this book Real Moms: Making it Up as We Go, Lisa Valentine Clark (remember her?  from Pretty Darn Funny?), shares the ups and down of being the Mom.  Complete with rants and "side rants." Lisa offers the reader a humorous and insightful look at Mommyhood.  I found myself laughing along with her foibles and nodding my head yes emphatically over the things NOT to say!  She is a real mom and she helped me discover that I am a real Mom too and that that is a great thing.

Real Moms retails at DeseretBook.com as a paperback, bookshelf eBook and an audio book!  Don't forget that Deseret Bookshelf app is free and can be downloaded to Android and iPad devices!


Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.  Thank you Deseret Book!!

#Amazed By Grace {Deseret Book Review}

What is grace? What difference can grace make in our lives? How does the Savior make His power available to us? And what must we do to gain access to that power?

In Amazed by Grace, Sheri Dew discusses each of those important questions, exploring a topic that she describes as being central to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. "The most compelling, most life-changing message of all time," she writes, "is that Jesus Christ has already triumphed over sin, death, hell, temptation, and every kind of misery."

I have always loved Sheri Dew.  When I joined the church she was a counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency.  She is just so "real" that I felt like she was one person that I could really relate to.  She has never married and I appreciate her optimism and enthusiasm for life even through the trial of being single (when church expectations are otherwise).  I wish that I had been able to face the future with such bravery and faith when we were going through the trial of being childless (also something the church expects otherwise).

I have read (I think) every book Sheri Dew has published.  She is an insightful woman.  This book, Amazed by Grace, was another winner.  She discusses Grace, what it is, and the idea of it being "after we have done everything we can do."  I was blown away by the end of the first chapter when I realized that I had been defining "grace" wrong and I actually had no idea what it was or what it was all about.  It was an easy read.  Sister Dew has a special knack for making complex topics understandable for those that read them.  Sister Dew's unique style of writing is very conversational.  I would sure love to meet her in person one day!

This book is small, perfect for gifting.  (Mothers day is right around the corner!). You can purchase it as a Bookshelf eBook or as a hardcover.

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions here are my own.

To My Friends {Deseret Book Review}

"If you need a burden lifted, I want you to imagine I am in a personal, private, closed-door chat with you. I want to help you if I can." With those words, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland invites every reader of his latest book to become a friend, to receive instruction and encouragement, counsel and comfort.

I love Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.  Ok, I admit, I love all the apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  :)  It seems to me that whenever an apostle opens his mouth you can just feel the love and concern for us pouring out.  This new book by Elder Holland is a compilation of past talks with beautifully designed quotations pages on a rich background of color.  It's true that I have heard many of these talks before but they are still wonderful to have in a nice hardbound volume.  His words of comfort and messages of counsel are timeless. 

In this book, Elder Holland addresses these powerful messages "to my friends who love the Lord," "to my friends who want to change," "to my friends who face opposition," and more. Throughout, Elder Holland's powerful witness of the Savior shines through, for, as he writes, "I am grateful for the greatest friend any of us could ever have, in time or eternity, the Lord Jesus Christ."

I enjoyed reading through these messages.  Some I was hearing for the 2nd time but some I was hearing for the 1st time.  (I'm a convert!)  As, I was reading, I was sure wishing I had the ability to frame the beautiful artwork and hang it in my house!  This book would make a lovely gift for a dear friend or family member (think, Mothers/Fathers day is right around the corner!)

To My Friends retails at DeseretBook.com as both a Booshelf eBook and a very lovely hardcover.

Disclaimer:  I received To My Friends free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you Deseret Book for the opportunity!

Silence by Deborah Lytton {Deseret Book Review}

STELLA was born to sing. Someday Broadway. But everything changed when a tragic accident renders her deaf; she cannot hear, much less sing. Trapped in a strange new world of total silence, she must face not only the loss of her friends, her hopes, and her voice but also the loss of her identity and her life's purpose. Who is she is she's not a singer?

HAYDEN is a quiet loner, an outcast, and the only person Stella can communicate with; his profound stutter makes him speak so slowly, she is able to easily read his lips. As they find new ways to communicate despite their disabilities, their friendship grows into an unexpected—but welcome—romance. But is it a romance that can last if Stella regains her hearing and resumes her former life?

Sophomore, Stella Layne has been a quiet, shy presence her whole life.  She has always known she could sing but it was a talent that she hadn't shared much, until this year when she auditions for the school play and shocks everyone with her amazing voice.  Cast as Maria in West Side Story she goes from a virtual unknown to a most popular girl overnight.  It is during rehearsals that she meets a Hayden.  Hayden is an amazing piano player, he's handsome, and he stutters.  While others make fun of Hayden, Stella finds something in his eyes that make her want to get to know him better.

The night before the opening of West Side Story, Stella falls into a pool and hits her head during a cast party.  The next morning she discovers that her world has become silent.  Afraid and anxious Stella tries to slip into a depression but Hayden refuses to let her.  He takes her on a journey, showing Stella that a "new normal" is ok.   And that deaf or hearing, she too will be ok.  

This book was a great, clean read.  I needed a tissue by page 62!  You will cry with sadness and triumph.   Hayden is just so sweet and wonderful with Stella and I really appreciated Stella's maturity in handling this change in circumstances   She is brave and doesn't blame others or lash out.  I think you will enjoy this lovely read by Deborah Lytton!  It would be a very sweet romance for teens!  (and those are hard to find!)

Silence retails at Deseret Book as a hardcover and Deseret Bookshelf eBook!  

Disclaimer:  I received Silence free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.  Thank you!

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter {Deseret Book Review}

I'm so excited to share another amazing devotional-style book from Emily Belle Freeman called Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter!  You may recall, back in November, I had a chance to review a book called "Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas."  At the time I was frustrated and overwhelmed with the sensationalism and commercialism that surrounded one of our favorite holidays...  The Christ-Centered Christmas was just the ticket to help us focus on what mattered most:  Christ!  Author Emily Belle Freeman has taken this same approach and created another wonderful study of the Savior, this time with a focus on Easter!

One of the few titles for adults on the Easter holiday, this beautiful gift book tells the story of Jesus from Crucifixion to Resurrection in short chapters, illustrated with line art, told in the first-person narrative of seven disciples. Each section offers the author's commentary on the lessons learned from each disciple and suggests simple traditions to follow to remember how implementing the teachings of the Easter holiday can vastly enrich your life today.

Personal stories include:

Lazarus

Simon

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus

Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome

Thomas

The disciples on the road to Emmaus

Jesus Christ

In this small book Emily Belle Freeman demonstrates for us seven traditions that will lead us closer to christ while not compromising the childhood joy of the Easter season.  Starting with those who were closest to Christ she weaves the story of those who walked with him, each story bearing testimony of our Savior.  Just like the Christmas book, at the end of each chapter she offers the reader a tradition to consider, a hymn to sing, a story to tell, a lesson to share and scriptures for further study.

This is such a great way to study leading up to Easter!  Read a chapter each week or read one each day leading up Easter.  This tiny book will be a wonderful devotion for the whole family.  I plan to use this book in the week leading up to Easter as our nightly scripture study!  I'm so excited!

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter is available in paperback or as a Bookshelf eBook at DeseretBook.com!  

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions here are my very own.

Embark! by John Bytheway {Deseret Book Review}

An ideal talk that supports the new 2015 Mutual theme!

In this motivating talk related to the 2015 youth theme, John Bytheway explains what it means to truly embark — to get fully on board in the service of God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Using scriptures, powerful stories, and his characteristic humor, John explains that with the Savior's help, we can remain on board and eventually stand blameless before God at the last day.

Do you have kids in Young Men or Young Women?  If you do, great!  If you don't, that's ok too...neither do I.  I only have children that are Primary age, but, either way, I think you will love this CD/audio download by John Bytheway that supports the mutual theme for this year called "Embark."

Doctrine & Covenants 4:2 tells us “O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.”

John Bytheway is a popular speaker and an instructor at BYU.  He has already written dozens of books and audios and I have never read or heard one I didn't like!  Well, now he has done it again.  Embark is a recorded devotional and this talk is a great kickstart to get you thinking about what it truly means to Embark in the service of God.  Using humor (he is really funny!) he takes you through a story of 2 boys.  One who does everything 100% and one who only does things "halfway."  We quickly discover that you just cannot get by with only doing things halfway.  You certainly cannot halfway embark on a journey.  Giving half of yourself to the service of God doesn't really work our well for us either.  It really is an all or nothing thing.  He goes on to discuss the importance of giving our all to the service of God, what that looks like for us, and the blessing we will receive when we do. when we "get on board."  I loved it and have already listened to it twice!

You can purchase this talk on DeseretBook.com.  The CD version is currently $13.49 or the MP3 download is $7.99.  You can also listen to a sample.

Disclaimer:  I received this CD free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.  Thank you Deseret Book!

The Crucible of Doubt {Deseret Book Review}

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.

In The Crucible of Doubt authors Terryl and Fiona Givens address the idea that having questions, or having gospel principles that you are "stuck" on (and maybe don't agree with), isn't the issue.  Having questions is ok!  I love the idea that questions and questioning is a good thing.  If it weren't for the prophet Joseph Smith asking questions that day in the sacred grove we would never be where we are today.  The authors address the fact that it is not a matter of questions.  It is a matter of making a decision about the gospel based on misperceptions and bad information.  You don't want that!  Ask questions!  Get answers!  It's important to do this so that you will have made a decision based on sound information.

Now.  I'm sorry but reviewing this book was a tough one for me!  I really wanted to love it.  Maybe it is my noisy children that are playing in the background when I try to read?  Maybe I just have to much busy-ness in my mind right now?  Maybe it is my lack of literary knowledge, but I had a hard time getting what I really needed out of this book.  The authors are very good with words but some of the sentences left me scratching my head and reading and rereading.  Some sentences are so long and have way too many big words.  Take this sample sentence for example:

In the midst of his perplexity, of his obstinate questions, uncertainties, misgivings, and shadowy recollections that almost, but don't quite, pierce the veil, that he finds the promise, the agitations, the catalyst that spurs him from complacency to insight, from generic pleasures to revelatory illumination, from being a thing acted upon to being an actor in the shaping of his own spiritual identity.

Huh?  Now, it's not that I can't actually figure out what the authors are saying, because I totally can.  Really!  What I am saying is that...I can't read a book like this without concentrating really, really hard.  I'm so sorry to admit that I didn't even finish it.  I kept glazing over, losing my place, and putting it down.  Perhaps, one day, when I am not so distracted by little ones, I will pull this out and try again.  I know it has a great message and I wish that I could've enjoyed it just a little bit more without feeling like it was way over my head.  :(

The Crucible of Doubt is available through Deseret Book as a Bookshelf eBook, audio and hardback.

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.  Thank you DeseretBook!

John Bytheway - How Do I Know if I Know? {Deseret Book Review}

It's spiritual gut-check time! The mission age has been lowered, and now more than ever, young people are asking themselves important questions:

• How do I know if I really have a testimony?

• Am I ready to serve a mission?

• What does the Spirit feel like?

John Bytheway suggests that we "F.E.E.L." the truthfulness of the gospel through our feelings, our experiences, the many evidences we encounter, and our logical conclusions about how a loving God interacts with His children on the earth. Like gradually turning up a dimmer switch, understanding all the ways we F.E.E.L. our testimony will help it grow brighter. 

As you read, you may discover that your testimony is stronger than you thought, and you'll also become more excited and motivated to let your light shine!

 

It's been no secret that I love John Bytheway.  When it comes to church books and audios I think I have read/listened to more of his materials than any other author.  He is definitely one of my favorites.  He has a humorous style but is serious about teaching gospel principles.  When an opportunity presented to review his newest book How Do I know if I Know, I pounced on it!  Amazingly this book comes on the heels of my study of Faith in my Young Women's' Personal Progress and has given me a lot more food for thought!  

In this book John Bytheway tells us to not think of our testimonies as a basic light switch.  It's not just "on" or "off" but rather imagine your testimony as a dimmer switch with different levels of belief and unbelief....

Our goal, he says, is to take where we are at right now on the dimmer switch and work on our testimony and slowly our light will brighten.  Sometimes we will be surprised at how much we DO know, when we were thinking all along that we didn't!  We can better understand where we are on the switch by examining our FEELings.  Feel if it is right, Experience, examine Evidences, and use Logic.   He examines each portion of FEEL in detail using quotes from scriptures and church leaders and through real life examples, Bytheway brings a reality to the question "how do I know?" and takes the reader on a path to answers that will bring the reader peace and security.

  

If you want more light on the subject there are QR codes at the end of each chapter that links you to videos to deepen your understanding of the topic and an extensive notes section that encourages you to take your research even further.

John Bytheway does it right every single time.  I have loved every Bytheway book I've read and you will enjoy this too.  This is a great book to give a young adult who is preparing for a mission, a new convert, or even a seasoned church member who would like to deepen their testimony.  It is a small size that would fit neatly into someone's Christmas stocking!

Learn more about the book by reading an excerpt or listening to a sample of the audio, at DeseretBook.com.  

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.  Thank you Deseret Book!

Believe {Deseret Book Review}

Thanks to Deseret Book, I had an opportunity to preview a new movie that comes out on September 12th called Believe.  I'm excited that I get to tell you a little bit about it!

In this movie, a little boy named Georgie, loves to play football.  (We Americans know it as soccer!).  He is obsessed!  It is all he wants to do but his mother has other plans.  After the death of Georgie’s father she wants so much more for her son and she pushes to get him into a prestigious all-boys grammar school.  His grades aren't quite high enough but the headmaster reluctantly agrees to tutor the boy since it is required that they accept a handful of “working class” children each year. 

While at an interview at the school Georgie spies a flyer on the wall for the local football tournament.  Knowing that he and his friends could have a chance to win if they entered, he devises a way to get the entry fee by stealing an older gentleman’s wallet!  This older gentleman, chases Georgie down and finds him playing football in the alley with his friends.  Intrigued by the rag tag group of kids who have a dream of winning a football tournament, he agrees to not call the police…if the boys will let him coach their football team and help them make it to the city tournament.  The boys agree and begin training with Matt, who mysteriously knows an awful lot about football…Will they win?

Inspired by true events, this funny and touching tale follows Sir Matt Busby, legendary Manchester United soccer manager, who comes out of retirement to transform a young group of scallywags into a dream team. 

So, what did I really think of this movie?

The first 30 minutes or so included a lot of flashbacks that left me a little confused at first.  I wasn’t really sure who Matt was until well into the movie.  I’m glad I stuck it out though because once we got about half way through the movie I was worried about the boys and whether or not they would win this football tournament!

There are a couple of “not very nice words” spoken by the kids.  At one point Georgie calls his mother a “lying cow” and one of his friends says “bloody hell.”  (Very British!)  

I also thought the sets were fascinating.  In fact, I’m pretty sure that this grammar school is where they filmed Hogwarts scenes from Harry Potter!  

Overall it is a feel-good movie that moved a little slow in the beginning but by the end left you biting your nails! 

Believe opens in select theaters on September 12^th!

Find out more info here:

Film’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/believesoccer

Official Website with theater locations: www.believesoccermovie.com

Disclaimer:  I was able to watch Believe free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions here are my own.

Girls Who Choose God {Deseret Book Review}

 From Eve to Esther, from the Samaritan woman at the well to the widow with her two mites, many women in the Bible have made courageous choices. All through the ages, women have chosen to help, to solve problems, to stand up for others, to strengthen families, and to follow God no matter what. 

Girls Who Choose God invites young readers (and those who love them) to make important choices of their own, following the examples of great women in the scriptures. With breathtaking illustrations, beautifully told stories, and insightful discussion questions, this delightful book is perfect for sharing, reading aloud, and drawing children into the scriptures.

In this book, Girls Who Choose God, we read stories of amazing women from the bible who had a choice to make...  Our favorite was the story of Miriam and her baby brother, Moses, who was hidden in a basket among the reeds.  When Pharaoh's daughter came to the river to bathe and discovered the baby Miriam had a choice to make.  Should she stay hidden to avoid possibly getting in trouble?  Or should she speak to Paraoh's daughter in hopes of saving her baby brother?

You go on to read the choice she made and the results of her actions.  The book then asks you "What choices have you made to bring your family closer together?" 

This was a wonderful, large size picture book that I really enjoyed reading with my kids.  One thing that made it unique was the questions that propelled my family toward a discussion of why should we choose God, what does that look like and how our choices affect others.  As homeschoolers we used this as a morning devotional reading 1 story each day and discussing.  As a mother of 2 daughters I appreciate finding children's scripture stories of strong, courageous and righteous women.

Girls Who Choose God retails at DeseretBook.com for $17.99 in hardcover.

*In buying this book, you support educational and employment opportunities for LDS young women around the world. All of the authors' proceeds will be donated to Interweave Solutions. For more information about the organization's good work, visit interweavesolutions.org.

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Surviving Hitler {Deseret Book Review}

Gustav Palm kept his secret for more than forty years. He’d been a young man when Hitler invaded his native Norway. After being forced to guard a Nazi prison camp, however, Gustav took his only option for escape: he volunteered for the Waffen-SS to fight at the front.

Agnes Erdös grew up in privilege and prosperity as a child in Hungary. She and her parents were practicing Roman Catholics, but they were ethnic Jews, and after the Nazis invaded her country, Agnes and her parents were sent to the death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Miraculously, both Agnes and Gustav survived. And after the war, they found each other.

Told in their own words, Surviving Hitler is the story of two indomitable spirits who built on their life-altering experiences to overcome the past, help each other heal, and embrace a common faith in God that led them to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I have not read a holocaust book since reading The Diary of Ann Frank in high school.  It is such a horrible time in history and the outcome for thousands of innocent people is dreadful and caused me sleepless nights.  I was so horrified to discover what happens to dear Ann Frank that I have not been able to read another story like it since.  I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

When I was given the opportunity to review this book I was struck immediately by the fact that this book will show case survivors of Hitler's regime.  I gave it a chance and I'm so glad I did!  This story focuses on 2 individuals, Gustav and Agnes.

Gustav lived in Norway when Hitlers army invaded.  At the time, like so many others, he was "offered" an opportunity to join the Norwegian Battalion.  He wasn't particularly interested but after much pressure they convinced him that he owed allegiance to the socialist party and that he could be a "police officer."  Thinking "traffic police" Gustav knew that this opportunity would be better than farming so he took it.  Poor Gustav!  He was manipulated and found himself a guard at a Nazi prison camp.  He was trapped.  His heart broke for the "political prisoners" which he realized later were actually Jews and he remarks that as guards they were literally "prisoners guarding prisoners."  It's eye-opening to realize that so many members of Hitlers army were unwilling and ashamed to do his bidding - but they really had no choice.

Agnes was a young lady living in Hungary when Hitler invaded.  Her family, while of Jewish decent, had converted to Catholicism many years before.  It didn't matter, those of Jewish faith or those of Jewish decent were forced into the ghetto anyway.  Eventually, with her mother and father, she was loaded into a cramped boxcar and taken to Auschwitz.  Through a series of life-saving events Agnes made it into barracks with other healthy women who would be given the opportunity to work.  She never saw her parents again.

As you read this story you can see, amazingly, God's hand working through the tragedy as Agnes and Gustav eventually survive the war and find each other, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and happiness!

Written by their son O. Hakan Palm, and told as journal entries from the perspective of Agnes and Gustav, this book will take you to Hitler's Reich and back again.  It is amazing!  I will be holding onto this book to use while we study World War II  in our homeschool.  It is well written and perfect for High School age students.

Surviving Hitler retails currently in hardback for $17.99 and as an Deseret Bookshelf eBook for TODAY only at $9.99!  (Regular price is $19.99 so snatch it up quick!)

You can read an excerpt here.

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.  Thank you so much Deseret Book!

The Lincoln Hypothesis {Deseret Book Review}

 Abraham Lincoln became the sixteenth US president during a very dark time in America's history. Author Timothy Ballard explores the crucial role that President Lincoln played to bring this nation closer to heaven. Readers will see Lincoln as a man inspired of God who invoked a covenant relationship between America and its maker—not unlike the national covenants invoked by righteous leaders in the Book of Mormon. In addition, The Lincoln Hypothesis reveals documented evidence that Abraham Lincoln did, in fact, check out the Book of Mormon as he struggled with making some of the most critical decisions of his presidency. Did he read it? Did it influence him? Was the Book of Mormon a key factor in Lincoln's success and the healing of a nation? 

The author states, "As you read, you will, like a prosecutor reviewing a case, or like a jury determining a verdict, identify valuable pieces of evidence that can be fully substantiated. You will also identify pieces of evidence that cannot. I ask you to consider all the evidence and weight it accordingly. Through this study, many questions regarding the interplay between the restored gospel and the Civil War will be answered. New questions may emerge that will not be so easily answered. Either way, in the end you will find yourself on a most exhilarating investigative journey."

I wasn't sure what to make of this book...I'm still not exactly sure what I make of it?  Did Lincoln read the Book of Mormon??  In his book, The Lincoln Hypothesis, author Timothy Ballard takes a look at the evidence that points to the idea that Abraham Lincoln did not only read the Book of Mormon, but that many of his leadership decisions were directly influenced by what he read.  Starting with the birth of our nation Ballard examines George Washington and how the country was founded to give us an idea of where nation started.  Then using first hand accounts from a prime witness, Lincoln's secretary of state, William Henry Seward, he investigate the leadership decisions that Lincoln makes comparing them with scriptures, stories and heroes from the Book of Mormon itself.  He also makes comparisons between Abraham of old and Abraham Lincoln himself demonstrating how he relied heavily on God to assist him in his life.  An easy to read, conversational tone makes this book easy to understand and a treat to read.  Not only do you learn a lot about our 16th president, you learn a lot of history about the church and what the nation was going through during this pivotal period in time.

Did Lincoln read the Book of Mormon?  I suppose we may never know for sure, but after reading through this book it may be easier for you to decide for yourself!  

The Lincoln Hypothesis currently retails for $20.69 in hardback at DeseretBook.com  or as a Deseret Bookshelf eBook for $11.99.  

About the Author: TIMOTHY BALLARD graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University in Spanish and political science, then went on to receive and MA (summa cum laude) in international politics from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Tim has worked for the Central Intelligence Agency as well as an agent for the Department of Homeland Security. He is also the author of The American Covenant: One Nation under God. He lives in Southern California with his wife and six children.

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.  Thank you Deseret Book!

Marriage Isn't For You {Book Review & Giveaway!}

What is the best marriage advice you ever received?

For author Seth Adam Smith, it was the advice from his father, who said, "Marriage isn't for you. It's about the person you marry." These few words completely change the way Seth looked at his relationship with his wife. His thoughts on the subject became an online phenomenon. Paired with beautiful images, they are now available as a book—the perfect gift for newlyweds, those who are celebrating an anniversary, or anyone who wants to learn how to make a relationship stronger.

Marriage Isn't For You...

This little book (size 7x7 and only 48 pages) is big in advice for the newly married and the old n' married alike.  When Seth Smith started feeling concerned about marriage and feeling apprehensive about his future bride, (was she the right one, was he making a mistake, would she make him happy??) he asked his father for advice.  Before his wedding his father told him this:  "Seth, you are being selfish.  Marriage isn't for you.  You don't marry to make yourself happy...you marry to make someone else happy."    Seth described this advice as shocking and revelatory.  The more he looked at marriage the more he realized that his future bride really WAS the one for him and he knew that he wanted to do everything in his power to make her smile...   Marriage wasn't for him...it was for her!  

This book is adorable and would make such a good wedding shower gift!  The advice given is so sweet and tender.  The pictures are fun too!

Learn more about the author by visiting Seth's links!

https://www.facebook.com/SethAdamSmith

https://twitter.com/SethAdamSmith

http://sethadamsmith.com/

You can currently purchase Marriage Isn't for You from Deseretbook.com for $14.99 in hardcover.

Would you like to try to win a free copy?  Enter the rafflecopter below!  Deseret Book is giving away 5 copies!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.  Thank you Deseret Book!