HEROES OF FAITH: TRUE STORIES OF COURAGE AND STRENGTH by MARLENE BATEMAN SULLIVAN

This is one of my favorite type of book I love reading, as it has 24 true stories of faith by LDS people.  Books like these are so faith-promoting and keep your faith and testimony strong with great examples as these Saints.
The first part are by steadfast Missionaries with two young men who foiled the killing of Joseph Smith by William Law and  others, who had been spreading lies about the Prophet.

The next section talks about Missionary Heroes, with stories about Wilford Woodruff and a young man who felt he was too shy to be a missionary and felt he was rude, but he baptized many.

The next segment shares some Challenged Saints, especially a blind Harpist and Curt Brinkman, who lost both legs in an accident, who ended up being one of the first para-olympians who also won the Boston Marathon.

We also have Ellis Reynolds Shipp, one of only wo female pioneer doctors who fought her way through school, illness, raising her children and earning recognition.

The last segment is on War-Time Hereos with two brothers serving together with one saving the other brother's life after another soldier had said the one was dead   Another soldier spent 3 years in a POW Camp in Japan.

I highly recommend this soul-stirring book to everyone, LDS or not, it's that good and for everyone.

Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Published Date:  August 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4621-0466-6
176pp

EMMA: A LATTER-DAY TALE by REBECCA H. JAMISON

When I started to read this enchanting and funny modern telling of Jane Austen's Emma, I didn't knows what to expect.  The first two chapters din't quite hook me like Persuasion did, but it finally hooked me.
Emma works as a receptionist for a dentist, but is bored by not having a more importan job.  Her mother, by the time she had reached Emma's age of 23, had accomplished much more, so she felt like she could never accomplish anything or measure up to her mom.   She even placed an ad in a paper looking for a friend,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                but not love.  She started Life Coaching a new young girl she felt needed help, but when Harri had issues with Emma's meddling, she finally realizes it's her life that needs fixing. 
She tries fixing harri up with Phil when Phil doesn't like Harri, when Harri seemed interested in Rob who was interested, but Emma was against the match and thought Harri was interested in Hank, wsho was actually in love with someone else.  Emma thought Hank was interested in her and when their friend Jena, popular country singer who just wanted some normal time with her mom was upset with all the fans hanging out at her front porch, she caused some problems for Emma.  She realized when Harri had feelings for Justin, Emma's best friend, that she loved JustinThere were a few very funny scenes, the first being when the Thanksgiving Turkey caused a few problems and the skiing trip caused even more mayhem.
I look forward to more good stories from Rebecca, as she is now a favorite of mine

I received my Kindle copy from Cedar Fort.
Publisher:  Cedar Fort, Inc.
Date Published:  August 13, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-46211-260-9

PERSUASION: A LATTER-DAY TALE by REBECCA H. JAMISON

I had this book beside me next to my keyboard as a book to read next,  but it took awhile.  Becky told me early this year I was on her list for the blog tour for Emma, so I was able to read this excellent debut novel just two weeks ago. 
Anne Wentworth is a young 27 year old CPA in Virginia, helping her family in selling their old family home.  When she finds the brother of her ex-fiance has bought the house, she is uncertain of what to do or how to react.  When Neil starts dating a young friend o hers, she realizes she still has feelings for him.  When she was dating Neil years earlier, her parents were not supportive of their dating, esp with Neil wanting to be a police officer and not having a college degree and that she was just 19.
She starts dating a guy that seems nice, but too polished for her.  She starts feeling as if this guy is stalking her, so Neil and some strangers help keep her safe.
I liked all the characters except for her mother, sister Mary and the floozy dating Anne's dad.
This was a light read, but I thooughly enjoyed this debut romantic novel.

I bought my copy from amazon.

Publisher:  Cedar Fort, Inc.
Date Published:  feb 14,  2012
ISBN: 978-1-59955-947-6
240pp

STAGES: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY by JAY OSMOND with KANDILYN OSMOND and TERRI SHOEMAKER

When I first received my pdf of Jay's book from his niece Amy, who also published this book, I needed a kindle version for my pc, so I found a used copy on amazon for 4.00 that turned out to be a new copy, so I had it easy to read for my hands.  I absolutely adored Jay's Stages and the way he laid out his life for all to read and enjoy.

From his early days on The Andy Williams Show when he would smile with those toothless smiles to the current days touring with Merrill and Jimmy, you know how genuine Jay really is.  We learn how great a drummer he truly is, that he dated Debbie before Donny did, that he has a fantastic sense of humor and is the best friend anyone can ask to have.  Jay is also the first Osmond to go to college and actually work outside of show business.  Jay even met his wife while working in the admissions office at BYU.  Jay took time off from show business, believing he needed to find out who Jay really was, so much as to hibernate in his apartment for a time.  When Jimmy and Merrill asked him to join them in touring when Wayne had to retire after his stroke, he was more than willing to help.  This is a family that sticks together like no other.  Jay has said he could never be a solo act like Donny, Marie, Jimmy or Merrill.  Jay has a penchant for details, like names, dates and places like I do, so Jay, if you ever read this, we need to meet.  and, make sure you bring Merrill and Jimmy. LOL

Jay has been an exceptional Home Teacher, going the extra mile, always calling his families when he's on the road or making sure he gets someone to check on them.  Jay is now finally a grandfather.  Once he felt sorry he'd never served a regular mission for The Church, but after talking with his Home Teacher one day, he came to realize all The Osmonds performing had been set apart as special missionary ambassadors and they hadn't been released, so he said he needed to do his part. 

One time while performing, Alan got too close to Jay, causing him to break Jay's nose.  I know the feeling, as my sister Debbie kicked me, causing her to break my nose.  I was around 20, she 15.  Anyway, they finished their performance, then Jay was taken to the ER for sutures.  For the longest time, Jay was angry with Alan, but did finally forgive him.  Jay is very sensitive, even though he is easy-going.

Jay was against the building of their studio in Orem, but was great in producing the show and doing the Choreography.

If you like autobiographies like I do, you'll love Jay's, as you'll come to know the real, up close and personal Jay Osmond.

I got my pdf copy from Amy Osmond Cook and bought my hardbound copy from amazon.

Publisher:  Sourced Media Books
Date Published: January 1,  2010
ISBN: 978-0-9841068-4-4
294pp