Review & Giveaway: Eleven Things You Probably Didn't Know About The Book of Mormon by Scot Facer Proctor

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

PURCHASE HERE

Synopsis

This is the beginning of a little series that I’ve been working on for a long time that I’m calling: “The Eleven Things” series. This is the first one called: Eleven Things You Probably Didn’t Know about the Book of Mormon. I’ve found over nearly 20 years of teaching adult and young adult institute that many miss the hidden gems in the scriptures. They miss the details and many of the “ah-ha moments” that are densely packed into Holy Writ.

You will love this book.  It is a fun read. You'll have lots of ah-ha moments.  It will excite you to learn even more about the incomparable Book of Mormon.  You will learn things you've just never known before.

Generally, if you are purchasing this eBook, you’re a self-selected student of the scriptures and likely seasoned in the scriptures, or you’re a curious student of the gospel who just thirsts for learning and wants to know more, or you unabashedly have a high degree of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) so you want to be sure you are up to date on things you didn’t know.

My Review

I wasn't sure quite what to expect from this book, but it definitely delivered on the promises in the synopsis- I loved it, it was fun, I had lots of ah-ha moments, and it excited me to read more and learn more in The Book of Mormon. The author is an experienced teacher, and I feel like this was written in the manner that he probably teaches- with enthusiasm and some dad jokes sprinkled in ;) I was impressed with his knowledge and especially appreciated that he quoted and cited his sources. The connections with historical research, gospel and scriptural words, and modern day revelation made it a rich reading experience. I read it through in just a couple hours, and it lit a fire in me to be more consistent with and deepen my scripture study. (The first thing I'm going to do is begin to highlight all the passages where God the Father is directly speaking- at least 944 words!) The "11 things" range from the translation of The Book of Mormon, the people in its pages, the plates of brass, and revelations about our time. Tears streamed down my face as I read through the conclusion of the book- testimonies and promises about The Book of Mormon from eleven leaders and prophets who greatly influenced the author. I felt the spirit testify that their promises are true and that reading the scriptures will bring peace, protection, and innumerable blessings. Highly recommend to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are interested in gaining new and exciting insights into this familiar book of scripture.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

Extras

Article about "11 Things" in Meridian Magazine

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Shootout by Sophia Summers, Rebecca Connolly, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A pro hockey player with a past. A Broadway dancer turned ice girl, and the ice that draws them together.
 
Trane wondered if he would ever be the kind of guy who settled down and had a family. He had too much in his past, too much to deal with in his present to have hope that his future would be anything other than many years as one of the best goalies in the NHL. Until he meets the new ice girl.

Former dancer on Broadway, Janae, can't seem to get a job anywhere but as an ice girl for the Detroit Comets. Her plan? To make her mark in Detroit so she can get back to Broadway as soon as possible. Things are going well. Her new dance routines for the team become an industry sensation. She predicts she'll be back in New York within the year. But then she goes out with Trane Jones. And suddenly everything she thought was important might not be.

My Review

This book stood out from the others in the series because it gave us a behind-the-scenes look at another aspect of the hockey game- the ice girls. It was so fun to see Janae come in as the new girl and ramp up the excitement and interest with her dance routines. She doesn't have it easy with the extra workouts and jealousy from some of the other ice girls, but the captain quickly befriended her and helped her navigate the politics and dynamics of the team. (The ice dance-off was hilarious and a little ridiculous with the posturing, like something you would see in a teen movie). As the goalie Trane is invaluable to the team, and he gets a lot of action and injuries on the ice. His former coach from Northbrook encourages him to start dating in order to find a partner to support him and help him experience the softer side of life. Janae's appearance in Detroit is perfect timing for him and they quickly and naturally fall into friendship and more. Their relationship is easy as they are both interested and enjoy getting to know each other. The conflict come more from external forces as Trane struggles with his abusive father trying to reconnect and Janae's sudden fame gives her the option to move on more quickly than she anticipated. I loved the ending and how things worked out for this likeable couple and their Northbrook hockey friends. A great conclusion to the series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

Welcome to Northbrook Hockey Elite! 

Six professional hockey players used to play on an elite club team together, but have all separated and now play in the pro-hockey leagues. Not all of them were friends, yet circumstances bring them together, and for the greater good, maybe they can put aside their differences.

Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances

Northbrook Hockey Elite series:

Review: Breakway by Heather B. Moore, Sophia Summers, Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

He’s trying to keep his position on the team, but everything seems to be working against him. She has one job to do and won’t let anything get in her way. Especially a hockey player.

Pro hockey player Declan Rivera is nicknamed Dice for a reason. His playing is either hot, or cold, just roll the dice. And right now, things aren’t great. He’s on his fourth trade, and once again, his contract is on shaky ground. So he vows to do everything he can to please the Denver Chargers team’s owner, even if it means taking part in the dreaded social media campaign.

Camila Brandon, daughter of the Denver Chargers team owner, is hired to amp up the team’s image and get tickets sold. This is not her first time dealing with a group of pro hockey players and working with them to turn social media into positive exposure for the team. She just has to stick to her rule of never dating a hockey player. Not even a guy like Declan Rivera, who is nothing like she expects, and makes her question her own rule.

My Review

I swear, I acquire a new favorite hockey player with each book I read in this series! Declan is attractive for his quiet protectiveness, his devotion to his mother, and his tenacity on the ice. He and Camila have amazing chemistry, and the things they had in common made their relationship naturally develop in spite of their hesitations. Camila is struggling with her perception of men since being betrayed by her former boyfriend, and also the image she portrays as a beautiful woman who wants to be taken seriously as a professional. Declan is in a vulnerable position on the team with his inconsistency, but when his head is in the right place he makes incredible plays. Camila and Declan are so good for each other as they provide encouragement, support, and friendship. The scenes with the rest of the Northbrook alumni were fun as always with their banter and loyal brotherhood. The hockey scenes were full of action and brought a sense of excitement to the story. Another great addition to this addictive sports series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

Welcome to Northbrook Hockey Elite! 

Six professional hockey players used to play on an elite club team together, but have all separated and now play in the pro-hockey leagues. Not all of them were friends, yet circumstances bring them together, and for the greater good, maybe they can put aside their differences.

Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances

Northbrook Hockey Elite series:

Review & Giveaway: Pillar of Light by Andrew Knaupp and Sal Velluto

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

In honor of the 200^th anniversary of the First Vision, Andrew Knaupp and Sal Velluto, have created a graphic novel adaption of Joseph Smith’s First Vision. “Pillar of Light” teaches youth through a talented blend of imagery and words. Their goal is to inspire young readers to build their testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and provide insights for receiving their own personal revelation. Details from all four wondrous accounts written by Joseph Smith as well as from those who heard him tell his firsthand experience are captivatingly blended together.

My Review

Graphic novels are not my usual reading material, but both the content and the quality of artwork of Pillar of Light caught my attention. It tells of the miraculous vision where God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to a young Joseph Smith, beginning the restoration of the fullness of the gospel. I appreciated the foreword by history professor Steven C. Harper and the way he makes Joseph's dilemma pertinent to young readers. The text combines elements from the various accounts to create a rich retelling. The dynamic artwork brings the setting and characters to life and uses symbolism to depict the intensity of Joseph's experience. I was also very interested in the content at the end, which includes an explanation of the source material, a page about Joseph's mother's near death experience which greatly influenced her religious feelings, and the making of a page from Pillar of Light which shows the author's and artist's process. This book is a wonderfully creative depiction and perfect for children and teens.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Extras

Click the images to view larger

Click here to view the entire book at the Latter-Day Saint Ideas website

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: Stay With Me by Becky Wade #SWMPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Stay with Me
(A Misty River Romance #1)
By Becky Wade
Christian Contemporary Romance
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
May 5th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

Loving her is a risk he can’t afford . . . and can’t resist.

When acclaimed Bible study author Genevieve Woodward receives an anonymous letter referencing her parents’ past, she returns to her hometown in the Blue Ridge mountains to chase down her family’s secret. However, it’s Genevieve’s own secret that catches up to her when Sam Turner, owner of an historic farm, uncovers the source of shame she’s worked so hard to hide.

Sam has embraced his sorrow, his isolation, and his identity as an outsider. He’s spent years carving out both career success and peace of mind. The last thing he wants is to rent the cottage on his property to a woman whose struggles stir his worst failure back to life. Yet, can he bear to turn her away right when she needs him most?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Target | Christianbook

My Review

5 stars / It was amazing

Ah-mazing. This author is seriously skilled at bringing out all the feels! I love that when I read a Becky Wade book I know I will emotionally connect to the characters, and that they don't have to be perfect, but their flaws make them more realistic and relatable. The strong spiritual thread leaves me feeling inspired and uplifted, and the message of redemption and forgiveness is one that everyone can appreciate. There is a perfect balance struck between the introspective angst and the lighter moments that brought a smile to my face as I read. Sam is my favorite in this one with his compassion and kindness, and I loved the way he allowed Gen to bring him out of his darkness. Some of the themes and struggles tackled are pretty heavy, but they are explored with grace that prompts self-reflection in the reader. The history of the earthquake survivors and the mystery of Gen's parents bring even more layers and depth to the story, and I'm so excited for the upcoming books in the series that will feature the Miracle Five.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)

Other Books in the Series

Take a Chance on Me
(A Misty River Romance #0.5)
By Becky Wade
Christian Contemporary Romance, Novella
ebook, 97 Pages
February 25th 2020

When baker Penelope Quinn steps in to help her brother’s family through a medical crisis, she’s forced into close proximity with charming Air Force fighter pilot Eli Price.

Penelope has one iron-clad dating rule—she does not date airmen. Months ago, she relaxed her rule with Eli and immediately lived to regret it. After a long deployment, he’s now back in Misty River and, to her dismay, she finds him just as tempting as always.

Eli’s spent months thinking about funny, feisty, creative Penelope. He once leveraged his focus and drive to become a pilot, his childhood dream. Now he's set on leveraging that same focus and drive in order to convince Penelope to give him one more chance.

This romantic prequel novella introduces readers to the quaint mountain town of Misty River and a brand-new series from Christy-winning author Becky Wade!

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Currently FREE

About the Author

Becky Wade is the 2018 Christy Award Book of the Year winner for True to You. She is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. Her humorous, heart-pounding contemporary romance novels have won three Christy Awards, the Carol Award, the INSPY Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award for Romance. Becky lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children.

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive:
- A $100 gift card
- A paperback copy of Stay with Me
- A hand-knit scarf
- A pair of earrings
- A package of “Georgia Blues” coffee
- A package of apple oatmeal muffin mix

ENTER HERE

Review & Giveaway: Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson #MiddlecrestAbbey #AbigailWilson #HFVBTBlogTours

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson

Publication Date: May 26, 2020

Thomas Nelson

Paperback & eBook; 336 Pages

Genre: Historical/Regency/Christian

In this new Regency romance, Elizabeth knows she must protect her heart from the charm of her new husband, Lord Torrington. She is not, however, prepared to protect her life. When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission. Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son’s absent father. There she is met by Torrington’s beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murderer, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile she must convince everyone that her marriage is a genuine love match if her new husband has any hope of uncovering the enemy. Determined to keep her son’s true identity a secret, Elizabeth will need to remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless fiend bent on her new family’s ruin.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

My Review

5 stars / It was amazing

I'm so happy to have found a new author to binge-read! I loved how this had the same kind of Gothic suspense that the Lady Darby Mysteries by Anna Lee Huber have (another binge-worthy series). It's not quite as gritty, but still a wonderfully satisfying read. The characters really came to life and the suspense kept me glued to the pages. The mystery kept me guessing which is always fun, and I felt like I was part of the investigation. It must have been so frustrating back then to not have the kind of advances in technology that we have now for helping solve crimes... but it's not like they knew what they were missing. I guess it's just frustrating for the reader ;)

Elizabeth is a character that I don't think I've ever read in the genre- a lady who has a child out of wedlock but is still able to keep him and move on with her life, however different it may be. She is traveling to take a position as a housekeeper when the story begins, and Lord Torrington throws her life into a spin. I liked how Elizabeth has a maturity about her, and is neither young nor old. She's a perfect partner for Torrington as she supports him and helps the investigation by thinking and seeing things in different ways than him. The more she gets to know him, the more she realizes that he is so much more than his reputation. I really liked how he is open with Elizabeth and finds in her a confidante and friend. It was sweet watching their friendship develop into romance... although at a most inconvenient time. A strong secondary cast of characters gave the story a variety of potential suspects, and the author skillfully brought out their personalities, revealing layer by layer as Elizabeth interacts with them. There are twists and surprises, an exciting climax, and a satisfying wrapping up of all the details. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)

About the Author

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A registered nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the national parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, May 26 Review at B**** Bookshelf Review at The Green Mockingbird

Wednesday, May 27 Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Thursday, May 28 Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Friday, May 29 Review at Heidi Reads... Review at Amy's Booket List

Saturday, May 30 Feature at Journey in Bookland Feature at What Is That Book About

Sunday, May 31 Review & Excerpt at Robin Loves Reading

Monday, June 1 Review at Probably at the Library Interview at Jorie Loves A Story

Tuesday, June 2 Feature at I'm All About Books Feature at Just One More Chapter

Wednesday, June 3 Review at Rhodie Girl Reads Review at Rejoice in Reading

Thursday, June 4 Review at Jessica Belmont Review at A Chick Who Reads

Friday, June 5 Review at View from the Birdhouse Review at Foals, Fiction and Filigree

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 5 paperback copies of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on June 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Paperback giveaway is open to the US only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Enter Giveaway Middlecrest Abbey

 

Review: Reforming Lord Neil by Sally Britton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

An arrogant lord cut-off by his family. A penniless widow in desperate need. In their reduced circumstances, can love save them both? 

Lord Neil Duncan, third son of the Marquess of Alderton, finally angers his father enough to be cut off from the family. Neil believes it is only a matter of time before he is reinstated, but time is passing slowly and he needs to eat. His so-called friends have abandoned him, no one else trusts him, and it is not until he comes upon a young widow that he finds someone who needs his help as badly as he needs hers. 

Teresa Clapham has been without a husband's provision and protection for over a year. Supporting her mother and daughter on the pittance her brother-in-law provides has required her to stretch every farthing. When Lord Neil arrives at her doorstep proposing he work for her to earn his keep, she sees possibility in the man everyone else has deemed an arrogant good-for-nothing. 

As Lord Neil works for the first time in his life, Teresa sees in him a tender heart long repressed by his family's expectations - a heart that causes her own to open once more. But her brother-in-law Frederick Clapham is less charmed by Teresa’s new servant. When Lord Neil discovers the secret Mr. Clapham has been keeping, he must decide whether to embrace the man Teresa believes him to be, or fall back on the privileged lifestyle he’s always known.

My Review

Even though Lord Neil played the villain in the first book of the series, Rescuing Lord Inglewood, in the fourth book, Engaging Sir Isaac, he started to grow on me when he proved himself a friend to Millicent. I was thrilled to learn that he'd get his own story where he is the hero! He experiences a jarring transition from total dependence on his father to complete independence- and all the responsibility that comes with it. At first glance he doesn't seem like he would be able to provide for himself, but his newfound humility combined with memories of manual labor as punishments in his youth give him the determination to be useful and no longer a freeloader. I appreciated that while he discovers the satisfaction of a hard day's work, the author realistically portrayed his mental and physical struggles as he becomes accustomed to the lifestyle of a farmhand. The compassion and friendship Teresa and her family offer are priceless to him and his self confidence grows with Teresa's belief in him and reassurances that he is a good man, that this is his true nature despite who he was before. Even with the lovely attraction that blooms between them, Teresa doesn't feel ready for a romantic relationship, especially with someone who is only a temporary presence in her life. She is still working through complicated feelings of grief for her beloved husband, who her brother-in-law claims drained her resources with a secret gambling problem. I loved the protective nature of Neil when he becomes the champion of Teresa against her brother-in-law. His character goes through a complete 180 with what he values in life and that change in perspective opens his future up wide to something he never would have imagined. A wonderful story of redemption and my new favorite villain-turned-hero!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

Don't miss the previous books in the Inglewood series . . .

Review & Giveaway: A Proper Charade by Esther Hatch

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience's elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister's antics - but when he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone.

Taken on as household staff by her brother's former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth - and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn't helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated that she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong - even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control.

My Review

A Proper Charade is full of delightful characters with endearing mannerisms. Patience is a character I can't help but like. She's impulsive and adventurous, but with a good heart that wants to please her brother and I think prove it to herself that she can be more than what society expects of her.  I most enjoyed that Anthony and Patience were genuine, especially with each other. They are sincerely seeking to find their place in the world without compromising their true selves or being forced to change for someone else or society. Their personalities complement each other- she appreciated how he grounded her, and found her  liveliness engaging. I thought it was admirable that she was not fooled by the other charming and frivolous men in higher society, but saw clearly Anthony's superior character. And the first kiss scene is so fun- definitely not the generic kisses that are often found in the genre. I found it inventive and felt that it also demonstrated their personalities in a creative way.

One thing I really appreciated in the story was that Miss Morgan, who plays the role of villainess, wasn’t overdone. She was portrayed with just the right balance of unlikeable while still being believable that Anthony would be pursuing her for so long without suspecting her true motives. The personalities of the family members and their dynamics were complex without being complicated, and added depth to the story and aided in showing more layers of Anthony and Patience. Overall this story was highly entertaining and had such a satisfying resolution and happy ending. One of my favorites of the year and I'll definitely be re-reading it in the future. Highly recommend!!!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

Don't miss the first book in the series . . .

Connect with Author Esther Hatch

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway