Awesome Book Covers in 2013

I'm guilty. I judge a book by it's cover. Do you? At least I'm guilty of my gaze being drawn to a particular cover. And I want to read! I have always been very visual and loved art (although I have spent years at a time away from doing any kind of art work).

I couldn't help from posting about some of the book covers from 2013 that have caught my eye. My interests tend to run YA and I'm often drawn to contemporary novels, so you'll find a lot of those here. Some of the books below are from author friends and others are not. But all of them have one thing in common: they're AMAZING. (You can find a link to each book on Amazon below the book cover).

Who hasn't stared at Cassandra Clare's CLOCKWORK PRINCESS? It may be my favorite. But it's so hard to decide...

FLY AWAY                              A CHANGE OF PLANS

I love the vibrant colors in FLY AWAY. Makes me want to crawl right into that cover. And I had to add Donna K. Weaver's A CHANGE OF PLANS. Beautiful!

Help me out. Which is YOUR favorite?

SCARLET                                 (Not on Amazon yet)

 Here's another few covers that make me want to rush to Amazon and order/pre-order:

BELONGING                                FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI

HOW MY SUMMER WENT UP IN FLAMES   THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US

   ASHES & ICE                                 THE KEEPER'S QUEST

                                                          (Author Interview with Kelly Nelson)

Wow, ASHES AND ICE looks intense. And the scene on THE KEEPER'S QUEST makes me want to walk right through that gate. I love the simplicity of Elana Johnson's ABANDON. IMPOSTOR is super intriguing especially after reading the blurb.

ABANDON                                   IMPOSTOR

                       (Author Interview with Elana Johnson)

A LITTLE BIT CUPID                              REBEL SPRING

DESCENDANT  

A LONGTIME (AND AT ONE POINT ILLEGAL) CRUSH

(Author Interview with Janette Rallison)

A LONGTIME CRUSH? I married mine. And yes, I will be reading this one by Janette Rallison for sure.

POISON ME                         MIND GAMES               

             (Author Interview with Cami Chcketts)

  RIGHT OF WAY

 Am I missing any? I'd love to know which is YOUR favorite. Visit my Amazing Book Covers in 2013 Goodreads list to find out more about these books. Thanks for visiting!

THE LUXE Book Review

THE LUXE by Anna Godbersen (and, wow, only $1.99 right now on Kindle!)

I’ll admit, I read a few pages of the prologue and put this book down. For months. I finally picked it back up and decided to give it another try. And I couldn’t put it down! Intriguing characters, mystery, plot, the historical setting and the romantic element are all to blame. I also didn't notice much swearing which I appreciate. While third person isn’t typically my favorite POV, I was absorbed in each of the POV’s depicted and super impressed by the variation in characters. They felt real, with unique weaknesses, strengths and issues. I only wish I could have seen Will’s POV! I was rooting for Elizabeth and her forbidden love with her gorgeous coachman (that’s Will) the entire way. I sure hope we see more of them in the sequels. I really enjoyed this novel! 

More of THE LUXE (which are on my to-read):

4th Annual LDS Writer Blogfest

This is my second year participating in the LDS Writer Blogfest, and I happy to be! I look forward to this opportunity to share some of my beliefs as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and read what other writers thought about the amazing April 2013 General Conference.

Elder Holland's talk, Lord, I Believe, stood out to me. Wham! His words had such power! And he had such a unique way of looking at the stories and topics he shared.

In the New Testament, the father of an afflicted child approached Jesus and asked for him to have compassion on them. "Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief," the father said.  (Mark 9) I guess I never realized what a humble man this was. He humbly acknowledged his weaknesses with the desire of increased faith. I underestimated the strength of this man!

Elder Holland says, "the father asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his limitation. His initial declaration is affirmative and without hesitation: 'Lord, I believe.' I would say to all who wish for more faith, remember this man! In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won..."

Elder Holland goes on to say, "I am asking you to be true to the faith you do have. Sometimes we act as if an honest declaration of doubt is a higher manifestation of moral courage than is an honest declaration of faith. It is not!"

When I heard him say that, I thought, "yes!" He said it so well, and it needed to be said. Elder Holland bore an incredible and touching testimony at the end of his talk that has stayed with me. Very powerful.

And one last quote from his talk that I loved: "Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe."

So I'm going to hold fast to faith and the hope that I will soon be published by a great publisher!

Thank you, Kayeleen, for inviting me to participate in the 4th Annual LDS Writer Blogfest!

Other blogfest participants:

Interview with Betsy Love, author of SOULFIRE

I am lucky today to have Betsy Love, author of IDENTITY and SOULFIRE, on my blog for an interview. Betsy is fun, energetic and talented. I recently finished her novel SOULFIRE and asked her if she would be willing to answer a few questions. Thank you, Betsy, for obliging!

1. Betsy, have you ever done anything crazy or embarrassing to research for one of your novels/writing projects?
I was writing Identity, we had a young lady visiting our home who had a seizure so we called the paramedics. Once they assessed her situation (and she turned out to be fine), I started asking questions about education, procedures, etc for my current work in progress.

2. What are you reading now?

I am multi-task reading. Every week I go to an elderly couple's home and read to them. We are in the middle of HERE THERE BE DRAGONS by James Owen. I'm in the middle of two other books A NIGHT ON MOON HILL by Tanya Parker Mills and THE WEDNESDAY WARS by Gary D. Schmidt. You can see that I enjoy all different genres.

3. What are you most passionate about, other than writing?

I LOVE directing plays. I am the theater director at Clearview Cultural Center. I didn't have enough people audition for a show I wanted to do, so I wrote one. My son and daughter and a couple of the cast members helped me write the music. It was a huge success. I plan to publish it.

Wow! That is awesome! I'd love to see this play you wrote.

4. I am fascinated with the Book of Mormon setting in SOULFIRE. I loved all of the details you weaved in to make it feel authentic. Can you tell us a little bit about the research you did in preparation for writing this novel?

I did years of research, both secular and anything religious I could get my hands on. At the time that I wrote SOULFIRE most people believed the events to have taken place in central America so that's where I did the bulk of my research. I wanted to get the flavor of the jungles around Guatamala. I also modeled King Noah and Abinadi after the famous painting by A. Friberg

5. Is there a message in SOULFIRE you want readers to grasp? 

No matter what...stand for truth and righteousness at all time and in all things and in all places.

That is a powerful message, and one I certainly gleaned from the story!

6. What made you decide to write about this specific time period in the Book of Mormon— the reign of King Noah? Are there other Book of Mormon stories you’ve considered basing a novel around?

I've always loved the stories of the Book of Mormon. Several elements always intrigued me the most about this particular story. First of all I am amazed at Abinadi's willingness to die for truth, for Alma's conversion, and I've many times wondered about the women behind the men in the Book of Mormon. How might the Lord prepare the wife of a prophet. 

Yes, wouldn't it be something to meet some of those female heroines from the Book of Mormon? Zephenia is a strong character, and I loved reading her story.

7. I have to admit, Betsy, I couldn’t help but root for Gideon a little (he’s one of my favorite Book of Mormon characters!). Would you ever consider writing Gideon’s story or a sequel to SOuLFIRE in general?

I am actually working on a sequel to SOULFIRE. It follows the stories of Sari (Zephenia's sister) and Talani (the Lamanite princess). Gideon, of course plays a huge part in the story.

A sequel! I am so happy to hear that.

8. What is your favorite chapter or scene in SOULFIRE and why?

I cried when I wrote the scene where Zephenia witnesses Abinadi's death. I love it when Alma tells Zephenia of his conversion.

Ditto! That scene when Alma tells Zephenia of his conversion is wonderful.

9. What project are you working on now?

At the moment I'm developing the ideas for two stories that came to me during the writer's conference. Mostly just in the thinking process.

Thank you, Betsy, for being on my blog today! I so enjoyed your answers and look forward to your future books! 

You can find out more about Betsy and her books on her Facebook page (click here for link) and her website.

On Mother's Day

Motherhood means…

Spending every day with my best friends. Enjoying the

simple things. Drying tears and kissing ouchies better. Motherhood means

learning what life is all about. Realizing just how much

my mom did for me! It means having renewed excitement for the little holidays

as well as the big.

Hearing the cutest things each day (oh, what funny things they say!).

Getting songs like the My Little Pony and Elmo’s World theme songs stuck

in my head (when I find myself inadvertently singing them in the shower though...

I draw the line).

Motherhood means seeing the wind pick up outside, jumping up, grabbing the kite

and calling for the kids to hurry.

Knowing where every carousel within a 15-mile radius is. Have the Primary songs memorized

once again.

Twenty extra little toe nails to paint.

Motherhood means remembering what it was like to be a kid

and getting to be a kid (in a way) all over again. Playing games like Memory and

Candy Land. Sliding down slides. Reading picture books. Running through sprinklers. Taking detours

just to get a better glimpse of a hot air balloon in the sky. 

Motherhood means having

buddies to decorate for each holiday with. And being so loved, I get an occasional

2 am wake-up call from my two-year-old just to cuddle.

Being loved. Needed.
Teaching.
Learning even more.

Seeing the bigger picture.

Motherhood means so many things.

Motherhood means

the world to me.

Thoughts on Priorities

School your passions and then do what you're passionate about.

I love that motto! I like the idea of living life purposefully, contemplating worthwhile things to be passionate about and then spending time accordingly. Making it happen in life. And my friend Britney Gulbrandsen's recent Time Management Series blog post on daily tasks inspired me to think about my priorities today and share.

• God
• Prayers
• Scripture Study
• Family
• Playing with, reading to, and teaching my kids
• Hang out with Hot Husband (never can get enough!)
• Family prayers, scriptures, F.H.E.
• Church Calling
• Other Things I Love:
• Writing
• Running (and Tennis and dancing and pretty much anything active and fun)
• Reading
• Staying connected with friends/family
• Horseback Riding (that I really don't get enough of!)
• Sleeping (sometimes I don't get enough of this either)
• Learning new things
• Feeling like I've really helped someone
• Cleaning (okay, love might be a stretch here, but I do love having clean floors!)

I gave myself only five to ten minutes to punch all of this out because I wanted to see what came to my mind first. What comes to your mind first? Give yourself five minutes to jot down your priorities, the things you love most. Then evaluate. Thinking about my priorities adds purpose to and makes me grateful for life.

Check out Britney's blog:

Image courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

SOS, What Shall I Read Next?

Read any amazing novels recently? Great, please share. I have read some great books in the past couple of weeks and need help choosing my next few to read this summer! 

What a fun, romantic read! Once I got several chapters into the novel, I couldn't put it down! The dialogue was rich, the first person POV perfect, the prose entertaining, the characters relatable. I particularly enjoyed Sir Philip. Reminded me of my husband (what a catch!).

While Edenbrooke is infused with romantic tension, it is clean enough for me to recommend to family and friends of any age. And I do recommend! I look forward to Julianne Donaldson's future novels.

This book made me even more grateful for life and good health! Definitely an emotional read, which I appreciate. The Fault in Our Stars highlights the beauty, unfairness, pain, suffering, and joy life can hold in store. This story hit home for me since my dad passed away from cancer when I was a teen.

As far as content and who I would recommend this novel to...this YA novel has a sex scene (while short and not descriptive) and a weighty premise. Although the two main teen characters don't necessarily act or talk like teenagers--they acted much older--I connected with their personalities and enjoyed reading about their journey.

Have you read anything recently that you LOVED? Here are a few on my to-read list. Which do you think I should read next?

Running Home Release - Dead Running Free

My friend Cami Checketts is offering her novel, Dead Running, FREE through April 20th! The sequels, Dying to Run and Running Home are only $.99. Be sure to check it out! (see link below)

 Love. Pray. Read.: Running Home Release - Dead Running Free: Running Home is now available! To celebrate the release, the first book in the series,  Dead Running ,  is free until Saturday, April 20th...

New York, New York!

I was so lucky to be able to spend the weekend with my mom and siblings in New York City (thanks to my husband for being super dad!). The last time we all took a trip together was when I was FOUR, so this was super special. Thought I'd take a minute to reminisce and share a few pictures.

 Me at the Belvedeere Castle in Central Park

 This quote is so true :)

 Happy Birthday to the best mom!

 At FAO Schwarz (where we saw--no joke--Angelina Jolie and two of her kids)

Say "cheese"...I mean, "Ahh!"

 This one is for my husband who would have loved the history in the Arms and Armour section of the MET.

The whole clan. What a fun trip!

My trip to Savannah, Georgia with my husband a few years ago inspired REWIND TO YOU. Traveling always seems to rejuvenate and inspire me. Has traveling ever inspired a story you've written?

Recent Reads

 It has been awhile since I've posted the books I have read in that past few weeks! With a trip to New York and back (pictures to come), I had some extra time to read on the plane. A few of these are from authors I met at the ANWA conference in February. Others were recommendations from fellow writing friends and literary agents at the conference. So many great books and so little time :)

SING ME TO SLEEP by Angela Morrison

The characters in this book had my heart wrapped around their story. Beth undergoes a major physical transformation in this novel, but it was her internal/emotional transformation by story's end that made it so memorable. Beth discovers an outer beauty, inner beauty and an incredible talent hidden under her own mask of insecurity. And she's not the only one who notices! Enter Derrek and Scott (hotties). Both of whom I was rooting for at different parts throughout the book. I smiled, laughed and cried. Finished the book. And cried again.

SOULFIRE by Betsy Love

 I nearly finished this entire book in one sitting on a flight home from a fun trip. This book was really good.  Zephenia longs to feel God's guidance in her life, and she struggles to find a husband who shares the same desire. It has been awhile since I've read a story set in the Book of Mormon era; it was refreshing!

MAKE IT HAPPEN by Kylee Shields

 I am happily married and yet I still felt very inspired by this book. I particularly enjoyed the chapters "No Fear" and "Make It Happen." Makes me want to conquer fear, set goals and forge ahead to make them happen!

Kylee Sheilds incorporates several great LDS quotes into each element of single life she touches on while also adding her own thoughts. How frank and yet how optimistic she is! MAKE IT HAPPEN supports the importance of family while also encouraging single adults to face the future with optimism and faith, being proactive in worthy pursuits along the way.

TAKEN BY STORM series by Angela Morrison

Michael and Leesie drew me in and wouldn't let go. I read the entire series in no time, and the ending did not disappoint! This third installment of the TAKEN BY STORM series made me realize why I like Michael's character so much. Lessie saves Michael in TAKEN BY STORM. Michael saves Lessie in CAYMAN SUMMER. I loved the change that took place in both of the lead characters by the end of the series.

THE KEEPER'S QUEST by Kelly Nelson

Book 1 of The Keeper's Saga Kindle Edition for $2.99 on Amazon

I loved reading more of Chase Harper's adventures with Ellie and the magic counter that transports him through time! This series is fun, clean and engaging. 

Chase encounters a host of obstacles as he tries to finish out his senior year at Hillsboro High while also fulfilling Master Archidus' wishes as a Keeper of the Protector's counter. To make matters worse, a new beau is after Ellie, and I kinda like him! Ellie now has two great guys vying for her. Poor Chase!

Then Sniffers lead Chase into a trap with bait he can't resist... Lives and love are at stake in this second installment The Keeper's Saga. I can't wait for the third!

HAVE YOU FILLED A BUCKET TODAY? by Carol McCloud

Through sweet, simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heart-warming book encourages positive behavior as children see how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation, and love on a daily basis.

What a sweet book! This is my latest favorite children's book. My children and I love it. My four-year-old daughter keeps paying me compliments and then says, "See Mom, I just filled your bucket!"

Currently Reading:

Have you read any of these? What is on your current to-read list?