Several times I put this book down because the language was getting harder to jump over. But, I didn't get it out of the house fast enough, I guess because shortly I returned to it. The story was just that good and I needed to read it.
Being a sci fi nut, I found this to be an awesome story. Saintcrow writes of a world, our world, free of conventional customs and restraints. She manages to weave description of a complex futuristic world into the fabric of the story with ease.
The protagonist is strong and believable--flawed in just the right ways that we can route for her, identify with her, and believe in her when she rallies and saves the day. (shh, I didn't say that.)
The love interest rivals, to my mind, Edward. Yes, I said it. I like him BETTER than Edward.
Their love story is not unlike that between Edward and Belle, except the whole thing rings more true and makes more sense to me.
The antagonist in the story was a little weak. Saintcrow could have done more with that, I think. I won't say more, because I don't want to give away the punchline, but you'll see what I mean if you read it.
And I do recommend the book. IF you can tolerate serious bad language. As in every-other-word-out-of-their-mouths kind of bad. I got into the rhythm of it pretty well and go really good at substituting acceptable words when my eyes grazed over the offensive ones. But I'm not sure that's a skill I should be proud of or not. If you're not offended by that sort of thing, then go for it.
This is a fast-paced, action packed sci fi thriller that's unique and exciting. If you like strong female protagonists, love found in unlikely places, and the overarching, and ever-present, battle between good and evil, then this would be a great book for you.
Skin Hunger is the story of two people, Sadima a young woman in search of love and acceptance for herself and the magical gift she holds secret, and Hahp, a teenage boy who has been sent to the wizard academy against his will. Interestingly, Sadima's story is told in third person and Hahp's story is told in first person, alternating by chapter. Furthermore, Sadima's story happens several generations before Hahp's.
All of that I can live with. For me, the approach was unique and fresh. I didn't have a problem with it.
What I did have a problem with was ... why should I care?
I found this story to be entirely too much telling and not nearly enough feeling, showing, living and breathing of each character's story.
And what was worse, the story barely got anywhere and then completely left me hanging without any resolution at all. I understand it is a trilogy, nevertheless there was NO resolution. I can't recall a novel where that has happened before. Usually at least some part of the story comes to completion, but in Skin Hunger that's just not so.
I honestly can't say that I could recommend this book to anyone. I will likely read the next book when it comes out, and then, perhaps, I might recommend the two together. But at the moment, I'd say, don't waste your time with this book.
First of all ... Bron Bahlmann. That's a name made for a book cover if ever I heard one. And Bron was definitely made to be a writer.
Bron started writing when he was in third grade and now has his first published book before the age of sixteen. How cool is that?
I think my boys would especially love Bone Warriors. It has all the stuff that makes a young boys' hearts go all atwitter.
There's an evil necromancer who forces the souls of those who died hopeless and without fear, power the crude creations in his army of bone warriors. There are two teenage boys, who's parents have been captured by the necromancer's minions, that are determined to save them and all the people of their village at all costs. There are unlikely allies, snake-men, giants, and myriad other amazing creatures.
Bron's story is unique and well-done. It comes to the edge of really scary without being too much (in my opinion.)
I would recommend Bone Warriors to boys between the ages of 11 and 15. You can buy Bron's book from Amazon here.
rating: 3 of 5 stars At first when I started reading Hand of Isis I was thrilled that it read so much like Jo Graham's first book Black of Ships, which I loved. However, soon the similarity in voice began to distract me.
Who's head was I in? Sybil's from Black Ships? Or Charmian's from Hand of Isis? There was very little, outside of lifestyle and circumstance, to distinguish between these two characters.
I'm at a loss for what to say exactly about the voice because I love it, but I thought Charmian should stand out more from Sybil and be more herself. That being said, I love Graham's voice and am feeling conflicted, lol.
Hand of Isis tells the story of Charmian, handmaiden and half-sister to the great Cleopatra. Cleopatra has forever been an icon of the past and I found the subject matter and the crystalline way Graham wrote about her to be fascinating.
Graham wrote Hand of Isis in that beautiful lyrical way that won my heart in Black Ships and told about a time long past as though she really had been there.
Next to the voice of the main character, the only other thing that disturbed me about this book were the rather graphic sex scenes. There were only a couple throughout the entire book, but they were powerful enough to leave me feeling disappointed that I had read them. I hadn't expected them and kept thinking that they would soon be over or that something important would come of it. In the end, I just wish I'd turned the page.
I think what was most troubling about the sex scenes was the nature of them--they were not romance in the traditional sense, but dealt with the abuse of power and the alternate lifestyle choices that were the norm in early Greece, Rome and Egypt. Homosexuality and Bisexuality were acceptable practices at that time and so they were a part of Charmian's life. I just wish I hadn't read about them. I wish there had been a warning sign "avert your eyes!" before I came to those parts. I think the story would have been just fine without them--less is more, I think in this case.
So, overall, I'd say I'm a wee bit disappointed with this, Jo Graham's second book. While it was rich in beauty and imagination, it lacked in originality from her first book and in decorum.
Have you ever read a book that entirely transported you to a different time and place? All books try, I think, but few truly succeed. Huckleberry Finn was like that for me--took me a while to get into it because of the vernacular, but after a while, I was so engrossed in the language of that time and place that I found it difficult to talk like a regular person. I heard everything in country-bumpkin redneck.
In high school I read the Iliad in Latin. I loved Latin. It spoke to me like no other language--it was beautiful, and reading the classic words of Homer in his own language was a real treat.
This week I've started reading a debut novel by author Jo Graham. It's called Black Ships and is about a priestess in the days just after the Trojan war who sees visions of the world to come.
Like when I read Huckleberry Finn, at first I found it difficult to get into the story. It's written in the classic way of times past, with the added eloquence of ancient Greece. It reads very much like a translated version of classical Latin literature.
I am almost half way through the book now and I can't read it fast enough. It's making it difficult for me to live in this world. The language is coloring the thoughts in my head, making me want to use words and phrasing that no longer exists in our modern world.
It is a beautiful language.
The way words can be strung together to paint pictures in our mind, make our blood run cold, make our hearts beat faster--it is a truly magnificent art form.
My own writing does not rival Homer or Mark Twain or Jo Graham. I write from my heart and though I admire the classical beauty of words, my heart is simple and what comes out is equally unencumbered with flowery turns of phrase. My words will likely never sing to a person in the same way that Black Ships sings to me. But I'm alright with that.
My words are my own and I will write them--they are sincere, honest, truthful to who I am. And words will never shine if they are false.
But just because I can't reproduce their beauty in my own writing, doesn't mean I can't truly appreciate writing, in this classical sense, when it's well done and engaging. It is a truly beautiful language.
rating: 4 of 5 stars Well, I think it's safe to say that I am not a very discerning reader. I like what I like and to heck with the reasons.
I liked that this book was such a fast read and painted very vivid pictures that danced in my head. I liked the flowery language and the depiction of the characters.
Yes, the characters all seemed rather shallow, but it seemed appropriate to me given the era and social expectations. I found the fluctuating circle of friends to be totally believable and Gemma's personal conflicts similarly believable.
And, having not read a lot of Victorian era, I wasn't encumbered by any expectations so the book didn't let me down there.
Where it did let me down was in it's lack of depth regarding the tragedies encountered. I don't want to give anything away, but suffice it to say that stuff happens that ought not to and the emotions expressed by those observing, privy to, or involved in the acts go largely unexpressed and entirely without consequence.
Nevertheless, the story itself was a magnet that drew me in and erased any serious reservations I might have had. I have found myself picturing the story, after having finished it, as I would a great movie I've just seen--only to then realize that it wasn't a movie at all, but a book I've read. That right there tells me that this was, for me, a great read.
rating: 3 of 5 stars I love Scot Westerfeld's books. A twist on the age-old vampire story, Peeps didn't thrill me quite as much as others of his books that I've read.
I think the thing that I disliked most, was that the story itself was really short - not a lot of meat to it. Every other chapter was a biology lesson of sorts on parasites. So, you only got the storyline every other chapter.
But the main character's voice was really strong and likable, so it was still an enjoyable book.
I loved Josi Kilpack's Lemon Tart. It was a fun and fast read, totally enjoyable from start to finish.
Kilpack managed to bring to life a whole cast of colorful characters and even while the main character was a goody-two-shoes busybody, she managed to make me really like her and route for her the whole way. I'm excited there's a new culinary mystery in the works featuring Sadie Hoffmiller, because she's just awesome.
Lemon Tart tells the story of a murdered young mother, a missing baby, an adulterous man, a pair of completely opposite detectives and Sadie Hoffmiller, the neighborhood's resident baker AND busybody. With so many balls up in the air, I wondered how Kilpack was going to put it all back together again, but she did and it was amazing.
The only reason why I didn't give the book five stars is because it was a LIGHT read. I reserve my fifth star for those books that really make me THINK and change me somehow. But sometimes, you just need a great book that you can sit down with and not worry about it churning up your soul, ya know?
Lemon Tart is just such a book. Grab a blankie, curl up by the fire and crack open Lemon Tart for an evening of fun and relaxation. And don't forget your favorite treat! Lemon Tart will have you drooling and maybe throwing off your blankie so you can go bake up one of it's handful of included recipes. They sound delish!
I first heard Abel Keogh speak at the 6-7-8 Writers’ Conference in June of this year. He was engaging, charming and personable. He spoke about his book, Room for Two, and what he learned about promoting it. I was intrigued by Mr. Keogh and immediately wanted to read his book.
You can imagine, then, how quick I was to jump at the chance to read and review Room for Two for you. I was eager to do it, and it did not disappoint.
Room for Two tells Mr. Keogh’s own true story. It’s sometimes tragic, certainly sorrowful, but in the end, full of hope. For a taste of what this book has to offer, here’s how the back cover reads:
"Sweetie, I'm home." I tried to put as much kindness into my voice as possible. I didn't want to have another argument - at least not right away. Silence. "Sweetheart?" A gunshot echoed from our bedroom, followed by the sound of a bullet casing skipping along a wall. Everything slowed down.
At times I found the reality of Mr. Keogh’s experience hard to bear. Sometimes I didn’t want to continue reading. But I’d read in other reviews that the book was inspiring and after becoming somewhat depressed from what I’d read, I needed to get to the inspiration part! I’m happy to report, it did not disappoint.
Not only is Room for Two an intriguing glimpse into the heart and mind of a young widower, particularly that of a man whose wife had taken her own life—and that of their unborn daughter, but it offers all of us an opportunity to try to discern for ourselves what we are made of and how we will view the challenges we face in life.
There’s a wonderful little lesson that Mr. Keogh shares—a remembered conversation with his mom. I don’t want to give it away, but it is a gem that makes the entire book worth reading. If you enjoy true stories, particularly those that feature the triumph of the human spirit over the tragedies of life, you will love Abel Keogh’s Room for Two. You can buy your own copy by clicking here. You can also go to Mr. Keogh’s own site for more information about him and his story.
Since I received a calling a few years ago to be our Ward’s Preparedness Specialist, I’ve had a soft spot in my heart for this topic. I was released after only one year, just as I felt I was beginning to get a handle on all the myriad aspects of preparedness. I should rephrase that. I was just starting to understand all that needed to be done, and still, after a year, only just getting my toes wet. What I wouldn’t have done for this book by Barbara Salsbury!
Preparedness Principles by Barbara Salsbury, managed, in a mere 354 pages, to encapsulate all the essential elements to proper home preparedness.
At first, I thought there was no way Salsbury could adequately cover all that her table of contents promised to cover in such a relatively ‘short’ book. But her writing is so succinct, her handle on the subjects so complete, that she is able to share them in a understandable and complete fashion. Even the chapter on indoor gardening, “Growing Your Own Groceries: Mighty Mini-Gardens,” was filled with enough information that I felt I could go out and do what she suggested.
Salsbury tackles subjects as diverse as how you can store a McDonalds in your cupboard to a unique way to use your thermos in an emergency and the documents you must have in your 72-hour kit. My mind has been opened to all the possibilities and with Salsbury’s excellent grasp on the subject and her ability to convey all she knows in an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand fashion, I feel like I can really do this!
I wish I had this book when I was our Ward Preparedness Specialist because I think, with its help, I would have been able to educate my Ward members on a lot more subjects and encourage them to not feel afraid about the small steps they could take. I would have recommended to them, as I do to you now, that you invest in this book.
You can buy Prepardness Principles yourself by clicking here. I encourage you to do so. Even if your interest in food storage is minimal, all of us can see the value in being prepared for any emergency that might come our way. In this day and age, I think all of us would find some comfort in being prepared.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you Barbara Salsbury for this excellent, informative and helpful book!
Recently I had the privilege of reading Caught in the Headlights by Barry K. Phillips. I had wanted to read this book since I sat behind Barry at the 6-7-8 Conference at Cedar Fort Publishing in June of this year. I was the unfortunate road block between a conversation between Candace Salima and Barry and it was hard not to get caught up in the excitement that Barry exuded.
He was fairly bursting with the great news of the upcoming release of his new book Caught in the Headlights—and his enthusiasm was contagious! So I was equally thrilled when Candace contacted me and asked if I would be willing to review Barry’s book. Willing? Absolutely! Ecstatic is a better word.
I am happy to report that Barry’s book is something to be proud of—no wonder Barry couldn’t wait to tell his friends at the conference about its release. I want everyone to read this book and I didn’t even write it!
The press release for Caught in the Headlights reads:
“From goals such as happiness, self-esteem, protecting our pride, or the perfect physique, Phillips takes a closer look at those aims prized by society and explores how we can pursue higher goals. A thoughtful, funny, and at times profound look into the real reasons we all have for the things we do, this book will entertain, enlighten, and inspire.”
I was surprised by some of the goals Barry included in the book—like the perfect physique. But when I read his take on it and how his quest for that perfect bod really became a search for _____ I understood why it had to be there. Of course it had to be there. Too many of us are way too caught up in how we look and not enough concerned with the quality of person we are on the inside.
Others, like Pride and Forgiveness, resonated with me.
On Pride, Barry said:
“Pride is about comparisons. You never become happy with what you have or what you have accomplished because you always need to keep ahead of everyone else. Rather than being happy for another’s success, you despise them for it. It’s as though you are playing a zero sum game and if anyone else gets something, you are diminished. Even if another’s success is not related to you or your world at all. And if they are in your field, your world, or your sphere, then the pain of their success is almost too much to bear. Pride brings a fear of losing that which we value most—the love and admiration of everyone we see. Of course, as we just talked about, if you are prideful, you don’t’ have their love and admiration to begin with. You just think you do.”
You have to read the book for yourself to find out what it is that Barry believes we really need when what we desire is to be proud. Here’s another little taste to pique your interest—on Forgiveness:
“One of the hardest things I’ve had to do is to truly forgive someone. That may surprise you, and I know it did me. It seems so easy to do, until you are faced with a situation where you’ve really been handed a raw deal. The truth is, most times we can usually find something we could have done better ourselves in a given situation. But that doesn’t matter. Even if you are completely in the right with no fault of your own—like the woman with the frozen turkey—the requirement is the same. Forgive.”
In addition to Pride and Forgiveness, Barry offers truly insightful thoughts on Happiness, Self-Esteem, Freedom, Control, Tolerance, Success, The Big Event, and of course, The Perfect Body. The only thing I didn’t totally love about Caught in the Headlights were the poems at the end of each chapter. It’s not that that they were bad, they just didn’t thrill me. What did thrill me were the original cartoons at the beginning of each chapter—they were really funny!
You can buy the book here, or check out your local bookstores. You can also check Barry out at his site and blog. Oh, and if you’re a Glenn Beck fan, you’ll appreciate knowing that he gave his stamp of approval on Caught in the Headlights—and you know, if Glenn likes it, it’s gotta be good! And, for what it’s worth, I approve of it too—buy this book, and buy a couple more for co-workers or friends—this book is a keeper.
Welcome Fantasy Readers the World Over! Come get a taste for a great new epic fantasy adventure and enter to win your very own copy!
Farworld: Water Keep is a glorious adventure that young and old will enjoy. This wild ride will take you to places I guarantee you have never before imagined, and you will love every minute.
I don’t want to give away the fun twists and turns that I enjoyed so much, but I will tell you—when you read this book, read with your 3-D glasses on. You will be so blown away by the wild creatures J. Scott Savage has invented for our enjoyment! There are some pretty freaky things in there that make you really wonder what it must be like inside this guys’ head.
I loved it, and I know my boys will likewise thoroughly enjoy the varied and mind boggling creatures, and the anything-is-possible vibe to this book.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars, and highly recommend it.
Don’t hesitate to pick up a copy as soon as you get the chance. In fact, you can go here to pre-order your own copy from Amazon.com. Or, you can get some of your own creative juices flowing and enter my contest to win your very own Advanced Reader Copy of Farworld: Water Keep.
**Contest**
Think about this passage from Farworld: Water Keep:
“Listen to me,” he said, his face dark and serious. “You are right. Everything does have magic in it. From the smallest of insect to the mighty trees of Before Time.” Kyja looked up at him miserably. “But not me.” Master Therapass smiled. “Even you, little one. But magic is not just spells. The magic you see on the outside—making pots and pans fly or brewing potions to make boys swoon before you—is but a tiny fraction of the power of true magic. The real power of magic lies within you. Who you are, what you do, and most importantly of all, what you may become.” Kyja wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “You really think I might have some magic inside me then?”
The wizard nodded. “I know you do.”
Now. Answer me this. Imagine Master Therapass was speaking to you, today. Sitting at your kitchen table, enjoying your homemade chocolate chip cookies and some lemonade. You are Kyja, desperately hoping that he might be right and there might in fact be some magic in you after all.
Tell me what his words mean to you. What do they tell you about yourself? About your life? How might his words change how you see things, see yourself? You can either email me at ali at aworkofheartphotography dot com or leave your entry in the comment trail for this post.
Because it’s my blog and I’m the Queen of GrrlWrrld, I’m going to pick the answer I like best. So there. I'll give you until August 15th to get in your entries, and then I'll pick the winner! Make sure you give me some way to contact you to let you know you've won.
Seriously folks, this is a book you are gonna want on your bookshelves. And how cool to have your very own ARC, which hardly any other people have?
**Q&A**
Now, while you’re noodling over how you’re gonna knock my socks off with your answer to the magical question above, let’s enjoy a nice chat with J. Scott Savage, author of Farworld: Water Keep:
Scott and I hopped a plane for Edinburough, Scotland. It was a long flight, but we still had the energy to rent a car and drive into the countryside where we found an old, stone hewed castle. Forget jet lag, we happily hiked the time-worn stairs to gaze out at the countryside below. The rocks feel almost smooth beneath our elbows as we lean over the precipice and gaze out at eternity. In the distance we can see the waves crashing against the rocky shore. I crack open the tartan thermos we picked up at the market in town and pour us each a cup of hot chocolate. Mmmm.
So Scott, how do you like the biting chill of the Scottish countryside when it’s baking hot back home?
Aye, yer a fine lassie indeed. I feel like raisin me voice to the sky and singin yer praises. Bet I fear the wee little birdies would die of fright at the sound of me voice. Sorry, I guess it was the Tartan thermos that pushed me over the edge. I’m okay now. This is great. How can you not be inspired to write fantasy in a setting like this.
Do you have a nice air conditioned office in which to create your literary masterpieces or do you have to keep a damp rag on hand with which to regularly pat your brow?
Fortunately I have A/C. But my laptop occasionally needs a damp rag.
Standing here, overlooking the gorgeous Scottish countryside, does any of it remind you of Farworld?
Yes. At least the parts of Farworld we’ve seen to this point. Very green and lush. But other parts of Farworld remind me a lot of the deserts back in Utah. And so far I haven’t seen any men in Farworld walking around in skirts and carrying bagpipes. But hey there’s still four books to go right?
I can't wait to see what goes into them!
Scotland has a rich history of mythical beasties. What would they think of some of the creatures you’ve conjured up?
Can any fantasy creature really compete with Nessy the Loch Ness Monster? I think even JK Rowling’s Dementors would have taken one look at her and said, “Dude, let’s go back to harassing those Quidditch players.” Got to admit though that I’d really like a Frost Pinnois to go flying overhead.
Oh man! The Frost Pinnois was my favorite creature from your book! The visuals on that guy were amazing. I can still totally picture him.
And magic is no stranger in this place either. In fact, even today you’ll find many people who believe they possess magic, or that magic is all around them. Would you feel right at home in a place like this?
Either you’ve been reading my mind or reading other interviews. I do think that there is magic all around us. Especially on a day like today where everything seems to glisten and sparkle, I totally expect to see a Leprechaun come bouncing up out of the clover. I wouldn’t want to live here year round. But if I could sit up in this castle with my laptop, writing my next book, I would be in seventh heaven.
Do you possess any magic of your own? Maybe a superpower? Care to share? I promise I won’t tell.
Well, I don’t like to brag or anything, but I can grow super weeds. Seriously, nine, ten feet tall. Dogs go looking for their balls in those weeds and they never come out. The military has asked me to create an entire troop of them for dangerous duty situations, but my weeds are for the good of all mankind.
Ahh, then you'd fit right in here in Scotland--the rest of the world sees the Scottish Thistle as a noxious weed, but we Scots know the truth. But I think maybe you do too? The Thistle is one of the Scots' might jokes on the world.
You know they have a wicked sense of humor—surely you noticed that on our ride through town? Do you have any wickedly funny jokes to share?
What you mean the three old codgers who mooned us on the way over? I wonder who wrote “Go” “Home” “Yanks” on their bums with lipstick? Now that would be hazardous duty! You mean you didn’t think my farm jokes were wickedly funny? How about this. What did the skeleton order in the bar? A beer and a mop! Okay, so stand up comedy is not my strong suit.
I love it. That's just the kind of fun humor I enjoyed with your barn animals--have to admit, taht was one of my favorite parts of the book! Well, guess what Scott, I’ve got a few superpowers of my own, and I predict that Farworld: Water Keep will be a huge hit.
That is a superpower I can get behind. How can it fail with great interviews and reviews like this?
No kidding! Thanks for coming on this trip with me Scott, and for talking with me about magic and beasties—It was great fun!
It was great. Thanks for inviting me. I love hanging out with whirling girls who say, “beastie.” Thanks so much!!!!
I loved this book! I liked it much better than the Twilight Series, though I liked those too.
In this story, relationships are built between humans and an invader race of aliens. You'd expect to just hate the invaders, but Stephanie Meyer manages to make them likeable, even sympathetic. There are interesting twists and turns between the relationships that develop between humans, between aliens and even between the human/aliens, or hosts and souls.
Stephanie Meyer's writing has matured a great deal from the Twilight books and really stands up to scrutiny in The Host.
I have never read a book like Season of Sacrifice before. The closest I've come is Gerald Lund's series The Work and The Glory. However, unlike The Work and The Glory, Season of Sacrifice takes very little creative license with the historical facts.
Season of Sacrifice tells the story of those Mormon pioneers who were called to establish a route between southern Utah and the San Juan valley. They are respectively referred to as the Hole-in-the-Rock pioneers because they had to blast their way through a small crevice in the rock to make a road wide enough for the wagon train to pass through.
In particular, the story follows the lives of Ben Perkins, Mary Ann Perkins and her sister, Sarah--Sarah and Ben are Tristi's own ancestors, so the story was close to her heart and I believe she does it justice.
I enjoyed the book and was fascinated by all the challenges the pioneers were forced to overcome. They lived by the theme that if God had willed for them to cross the rocky desert, He must have provided a way for them to do so. That kind of obedience and faithful dedication is inspiring to me and I enjoyed reading about all the opportunities they had to prove themselves to Father and He to them. They obeyed and He never failed to reward them.
My one disappointment with this book was that I felt that in an effort to not spare any important historical information, Tristi sacrificed some storytelling. There were a few scenes where I felt rushed and didn't have a good handle on what was happening in the scene all around and I wished things could just slow down a little bit and let me feel, see, hear and taste what was happening.
However, if you're interested in Church history, or even just the history of the settling of the west, I would still highly recommend this book. If you're looking for more information on polygamy, A this would not be the book for you: While the topic is addressed, it is done so quite briefly and without any specific information. But as a telling of the epic adventure of a small group of Saints who undertook a death defying trek to obey the command of their God, this is a true star in the heavens. A worthy addition to your collection of 'good books'--Tristi Pinkston's Season of Sacrifice.
Where was this book when life was particularly trying for me? When I got the opportunity to participate in Candace’s blog tour, it was short notice with little time to read (and I’m a slow reader.) However, I had to jump at the chance because I’m a fan of hers. It was quite unusual then, when I managed to read the whole book in one sitting because I found it so captivating.
A collection of personal experiences by a variety of authors, this book deals with many tender subjects from infertility to substance abuse, from life-threatening injuries to lifestyle-altering job concerns, and everything in between. I believe I’ve read a book or two that tried to address these issues, but it seems to me they always tried to make me feel like somehow, somewhere, I had failed to do something that would have made these trials easier to bear.
What I loved about Forged in the Refiner’s Fire, is that the people sharing their stories, shared their whole stories—the good, the bad, and the ugly. They did not paint themselves as saints worthy of translation. They willingly showed their faults and shared the lessons they learned while suffering through their tribulations.
I was truly touched by the stories, the personalities that shone through the words and the testimonies that were shared. This book will have a place on my bookshelf because it promises to be timeless in its value for me—for though I do not seek trials, I know they will not stop coming until I have stopped living!
I am grateful for this book and all it strives to offer its readers. I encourage you to read it for yourself, whether you are currently experiencing a challenge, or have in the past, you can bet you likely will in the future, and the stories contained in Forged in the Refiner’s Fire might just offer you the keys to enduring it well.
What prompted you to want to produce a book like Forged in the Refiner’s Fire?
Elizabeth Cheever, my co-author, is the one who came up with the original concept. When she approached me, I was very busy but drawn to the whole idea of Forged in the Refiner’s Fire. While we were deciding the direction we wanted the book to go, Elizabeth came up with a list of questions that would shape the kind of stories we wanted. We needed stories of real people going through real life trials and tribulations. Those people needed to have made it through that trial and drawn closer to God in the process. And even then, I did not understand the powerful book that would come to be, not until I held the first copy in my hands.
Can you share any experiences you might have had while compiling it?
During the compilation and writing of the introductory chapter (Elizabeth) and the concluding chapter (me), Elizabeth and I were in full writer and editor mode. I can’t speak for her, but for me I could sense the power of the stories but was very wrapped up in grammar, punctuation, structure, flow and order of the stories. So no, I felt no special experiences. But the first day it came out my publisher brought me a case of books to the hospital where Alvin was. We cut it open and Alvin settled back in his bed while I read to him. Three pages into the book I began to cry until I could no longer read. That was when the full magnitude and power of what Elizabeth and I had pulled together hit me. It was all we had hoped for and more. Average people with tremendous trials who’d made it through. That is Forged in the Refiner’s Fire.
Why did you choose to compile stories as opposed to writing a book yourself?
I actually am going to write a book about everything Alvin and I have been through over the last six years, but to me, there’s seems to be more power in the collective stories of others. While a certain reader may not connect with Robin’s story they may certainly be hit hard by Donna’s. With the compilation we manage to have something for everyone.
How did you come to work with Elizabeth Cheever?
Elizabeth and I met at the very first LDS Storymakers Writers Conference in the spring of 2004. She is a shy woman, but very tall. We were both unpublished authors at the time. There was something about her that drew me to her, so I shot her a smile and invited her to sit with me on the front row of the auditorium. I told her tall women needed to stick together and I’d snagged us some seats with leg room. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Turns out we had a world of things in common. When she approached me with the idea, I couldn’t say no.
Forged in the Refiner’s Fire has a strong message of personal worth and the love of God—do you feel it is your mission to share His love with His children?
With everything in me I believe that is part of my mission. We are so beloved by our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. If we only stop to consider the sacrifice they both made.
Jesus descended from His heavenly throne to come into a world where His message would be rejected by His own. He was ridiculed, scorned and scoffed at. At the conclusion of the crowning glory of the world’s history and future, the Atonement, Jesus Christ was betrayed by a childhood friend, one of his own apostles. After having literally bled from every pore because the agony was so excruciating, that we might gain eternal life, He was arrested, rushed through a kangaroo trial, mocked and beaten with the cat of nine tails (a whip with sharp objects sewn into multiple tails) which tore at His flesh causing the blood to run freely. He was betrayed by the very people he’d come to save and ultimately crucified. And as our Lord and Redeemer hung on that cross, after enduring unimaginable agony, He said, “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.”
Now step back for a moment and consider the parent, Heavenly Father, who had to watch this and could not step in and stop it. As His bled from every pore He couldn’t rush to His side, cradle Him in His arms and whisper, “It’s okay, Son. I won’t let them hurt you anymore.” No, in order to save us all, He had to allow Jesus Christ to suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane and then die in a cruel and excruciating fashion. His Father’s heart must have torn from the sheer agony of not being able to protect the Son He loved so much.
And it was all because they love us. Oh yes, I do believe that is my mission.
How has the creation of Forged in the Refiner’s Fire differed from other books that you have written?
It was so exciting to literally let the Gospel of Jesus Christ flow out of me. It was an incredible experience and one I am anxious to repeat. But I am a lover of fiction and my first book, Out of the Shadows . . . Into the Light, was a page-turning romantic suspense, which is my favorite genre. It was so much fun to write and I am loving writing fiction again.
My second book, 13 and 0: Reflections of Champions, was one I was approached to write by my publisher. Never in a million years would I have anticipated writing a sports biography. Not in any parallel universe or any period in history. But it turned out to be a wonderful experience. I count it a privilege and a blessing that I was able to bring the story of these young men who achieved the perceived impossible to the written word. A university nestled in the Rocky Mountains took the national title in football in 1984. Wow, it was a blast to write and I love having young athletes read it and realize the characteristics of true heroes rather than those we see in the media.
Is Forged in the Refiner’s Fire available in stores? Where can my readers buy a copy?
It is available, but the numbers are dwindling. Forged is in another print run, even as we speak. But in the meantime, to insure your readers can continue to purchase copies until those books hit the shelves, they can go to my website: http://candacesalima.com/inPrint.htm.
Are there any parting words you would like to share with my readers?
Hope. The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings hope to the most faint-hearted of us. And with that hope comes an understanding that we are not alone and were never meant to walk this thorny path of mortality alone. Jesus Christ stands as our Lord, Savior and Redeemer and through Him we can gain the strength to get up and keep moving forward, keeping our eye single to the glory of God and He who waits to welcome us home. You are not alone, you’ve only to look to Him.
Heaven Scent by Rebecca Cornish Talley, is a poignant LDS young adult novel. It tells the story of Liza Compton, a high school basketball star with a world of opportunities before her. However, Liza is disheartened by her father’s change in attitude toward her family and it makes her question his love for her and the security of her home life. When tragedy forces Liza to face those things she most fears, we are given a sweet opportunity to learn and grow right along with her. If you love LDS young adult novels, than this book might just be the one for you!
My family has read Rebecca’s other published work Grasshopper Pie and found it to be incredibly fun and entertaining. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a writer with such a whacky and creative approach to life (which I love, but how would that translate into a YA novel?), but Heaven Scent was very different. The mother of ten children, Rebecca has a unique insight into the minds of children and their worlds—that insight is evident in this, her latest book.
Look for Heaven Scent on Amazon.com, or in your local LDS Bookstore. You can't miss it--it's the one with the gorgeous pink cover. I am grateful Rebecca has taken the time to answer a few questions I thought my readers would be interested in. Thank you Rebecca!
On Writing:
With such a busy household, how do you find time to write?
I just fit it in whenever I can. I try to write every day, but that doesn’t always happen. If I write while the kids are sleeping that seems to work the best, but again, that doesn’t always happen. I’ve also given up other hobbies and interests to carve out time to write (though I’ll never give up my chocolate time).
What has been your favorite part of the writing process? And your least favorite?
I love seeing the story take shape. I love words and stringing them together to create a story that’s uniquely my own. It’s way cool when it all comes together.
My least favorite part is marketing/promoting. I’d much rather spend my time writing, but I’ve learned that marketing/promoting is a very important part of the process.
How long did it take you to write this book and then to get it published?
I’ve worked on this particular story for years. It started as a short story in high school. I then decided to expand it and worked on it between pregnancies, nursing newborns, toddlers, kids, teenagers, and caring for my ailing grandparents (who raised me).
I submitted it to Cedar Fort in November 2006. It was accepted in May 2007 and was published in February 2008.
Do you have any advice to aspiring writers?
Never give up. If your dream is to be published, keep working toward that goal. Network with other writers, attend conferences, and join critique groups. Read, Read, Read. Write, write, write. And, love what you do.
On Your Family:
One of your children is an artist and illustrated your children’s picture book Grasshopper Pie. How do you encourage your children to follow their dreams?
I try to encourage them with my words and actions to pursue what makes them happy. I’ve sat through sports, concerts, plays, talent shows, and read lots and lots of stories in an effort to help my kids find and develop their talents. I want each one to follow his or her dreams.
Do your children support you in your writing pursuits?
Absolutely. My husband is also very supportive. He’s driven me to conferences, watched the kids while I attended conferences, and bought me books and computers to help me. I could never write without my family’s support and encouragement.
On Heaven Scent:
On the Dedication page of Heaven Scent, you speak to your mother “whose fragrant visits have strengthened me and my testimony and inspired this story.” What did you mean by that?
My mother wore a very distinctive perfume. It was an oil-based scent that worked with each person’s body chemistry to produce a unique fragrance. My mom passed away when I was nine years old. Over the years, especially during trials, I have smelled her perfume and felt her so close I could almost reach out and touch her.
Do you know any Liza’s? Is she modeled after anyone you know?
I knew an amazing basketball player in high school. She could sink a shot from anywhere on the court. Liza isn’t based on anyone in particular, though.
In your book Heaven Scent, one of Liza’s challenges is that she does not have a variety of skills or talents that she can rely on. What is the message you hope readers will learn from Liza’s experience?
I hope people will realize they have many talents. Some may not be as developed as others, but we all have talents.
If you could sum up the moral of this story in one sentence, what would you say?
No matter what life brings, there is always hope.
Where can my readers get a copy of Heaven Scent?
It is available at Deseret Book, Seagull, Amazon, Barnes and Noble (online), Target (online), and independent LDS bookstores.
Any final thoughts about your book, your family, or the writing process that you would like to share?
It’s really a dream come true for me to have this book published. I’m thrilled every day I’ve been given the opportunity to share this story with others.
Thank you so much for the review and the interview, Ali. I so appreciate your time and willingness to host my book tour. Thank you!
~~
Thank you Rebecca for allowing me the privilege to interview you and to participate in your blog tour--it was an honor!
I had planned to do it today but I am way too busy so ... stay tuned and I'll announce the winner on Monday.
I was a bit disappointed that my little contest didn't totally boost Tristi's sales (I underestimated my immense power of persuasion) so each of you will only be entered into the drawing once. I will notify the lucky winner on my blog and by email.
The prize is a $15.00 certificate to Amazon.com ~ however, if you'd like I'd also be willing to buy you a copy of Tristi's book Season of Sacrificeas your prize (it is not currently available on Amazon,) and have it shipped to your home. So, the winner may choose.
So you have a couple days to imagine what you would do if YOU are the lucky winner!
Author of the young adult urban fantasy series, DESOLATION ~ book one, BECOME, just came out November, 2011! Former opera singer, professional photographer .... whatever. It's the life I have now that matters! Wife, mom, writing ninja extraordinaire!
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