Christmas With The Prophets by Laura F. Willes

Christmas With The Prophets by Laura F. Willes
This wonderfully written and heartwarming collection of Christmas vignettes by all sixteen of Our beloved Prophets is a must for every Latter-day Saint library. Each chapter is devoted to little vignettes in each prophet's life during Christmas.
Joseph Smith's Christmas of 1838 was being incarcerated in Liberty Jail that had a ceiling so low, the few men couldn't even stand. Brigham Young doing Temple Ordinances all day on Christmas 1845, shows how much he cared for his people. John Taylor spent a Christmas hiding with members and one mother made him a pair of socks. Wilford Woodruff spent Christmas Day 1836 in the Kirtland Temple, which was common in those early days. Lorenzo Snow staged a play in his small log cabin on Christmas Day while in Mt. Pisgah in 1846. Joseph F. Smith, son of Hyrum Smith, felt so bad one Christmas because he couldn't afford even a dollar for his family, sobbed, then realized that his love for his family is the best Christmas gift he could give. Heber J.Grant, a man after my heart, loved to give books as Christmas gifts. George Albert Smith learned whenhe was quite ill how very important tithing was, so that Christmas became a "Tithing Christmas." David O. McKay spent one Christmas talking to some Japanese members, esp children, who sang "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam." Joseph Fielding Smith's fond Christmas was when one of hisd daughters, fearful of being caught coming down the stairs to see what Santa had left, hid underneath a table in the den while he kept reading. Harold B. Lee spotted a young boy walking in the snow without much in the way of clothes and helped this boy's family to have a good Christmas. Spencer W. Kimball started giving fifty dollars to a special member in need. Ezra Taft Benson loved to go into the canyon to cut their family tree and he had to find one that would reach the ceiling. Howard W. Hunter spent one Christmas as a boy going "Hookeybobbing" with his sister, fixing a sail to his "pushmobile." Gordon B. Hinckley made a make-shift chimney out of wood, as they didn't have a fireplace when he was growing up. Pres. Thomas S. Monson has always remembered the widows during the Christmas season, and started visiting each one in his ward when he was bishop.
At the end of each vignette, each prophet leaves a special message to stay close to the Savior, as He is the Reason For the Season. I absolutely love the cover of this special book on our beloved prophets.

Published by: Deseret Books
Date Published: November 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60641-825-4
191pp

I received this review copy from Deseret Books.

The Forgotten Carols Written & Narrated by Michael McLean & illustrated by Brandon Dorman

The Forgotten Carols by Michael McLean with illustrations by Brandon Dorman

This newly beautiful rendition of The Christmas Carols is an instant classic for children of all ages, even for us "older" children. The beautiful illustrations blend in beautifully with the story.

The story begins with Isaac and his sister Eliza believing Christmas won't be the same without their father, who passed away while fighting in a war far, far away, leaving them alone with just their mother, who has to work for a living. The two children want their mother to stay home with them, but she tells them she has to go to work. The two feel they have to pretend to love Christmas, but they really can't.
Their mother tells Isaac and Eliza Rose that a f riend from work will come and watch over them while she's at work. The friend from work tells their mother she will come on two conditions-that there not be a Christmas tree up and that she bring dinner. When the lady arrives, she brings items out of her bag one at a time and has each of them hang a special ornament on their wreath over the fireplace mantel. The first ornament is an inn andIsaac is asked to put it on the wreath. After each ornament is placed on the wreath, a personage appears. The first was a man that looked like the Innkeeper. The second was a shepherd boy playing a flute, then singing. The next ornament was some swaddling cloth tied in the shape of a bow. A woman who looked like Mary appeared to sing, then disappeared. The sitter then brought out of her backpack some sandwiches. After they ate, she took out a manger and placed it on the wreath as well. This last man was Joseph.

After these personages left and all the ornaments were on the wreath, the sitter had helped to make this a Christmas to love.

There is a CD attached to the book and there are 4 fold out pages with each of the 4 songs on each page. This beautifully illustrated book is a perfect Christmas gift for your child or grandchild. I haven't as yet played my CD, but plan on it tomorrow when my good friend is here.

I received my review copy from Deseret Books.

Publisher: Deseret Book
Date Published: Nov 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60641-844-4
33pp

Cartels And Combinations by Mike McPheters

Cartels And Combinations by Mike McPheters

When Mike called me a few weeks ago to ask me if I would be interested in reviewing his upcoming new fiction novel, I was very excited, as he had called me last year to ask my assistance in setting up a Fireside in my Stake here in Kennewick WA and to ask if I'd be interested in reviewing his first book Agent Bishop: True Stories From An FBI Agent Moonlighting As A Mormon Bishop. One interesting sidenote to mention is that a retired police officer in my ward, our SA Rep, also helped set that Fireside up since he worked with Mike when they both lived in Pendleton, Oregon and that Mike was Don's Bishop.
Anyway, Mike has hit a homerun with his first novel. This riveting novel is an eye-opener to the world of drug cartels and drug lords and how and why they do what they do. This novel is based on a true story.
Elena Guzman, almost 18 and about ready to go off to BYU-Idaho, isn't so gung-ho on her parents Mormon faith. While standing at a Youth Conference to bear her testimony, she feels a warm feeling as she shares her feelings. A few hours later, while her grandfather is sharing the family history with her, a drug cartel abucts her and whisks her away deep into Mexico. Elena learns how her Uncle Ruben and another relative, who work in the orchards and being treated by two white teen brothers. These brothers felt that the Mexicans should not be getting the jobs that the white people should be getting. The Mexicans could actually get paid more in the US than in Mexico and Ruben and Hector would work hard.
Elena's father, Enrique, is a DA and has been working very hard in convicting these drug traffikers and sending them to prison. Enrique's nephew, Tito, son of Ruben, takes over The Brotherhood, promising his father to run the business without shedding any blood. The competition is The Vultures, the head drug lord having been kicked out of The Brotherhood by the Crocodile, who dies, leaving Ruben to take over.

The reason Elena has been taken is due to El Gordo's three sons being in jail in San Diego, so Elena is being held in exchange for releasing his sons. Federico, one of The Brotherhood, has infiltrated into The Vultures, has promised to look after Elena and to help her escape.

Before Ruben dies, he has Tito attend a meeting with other drug lords and he, along with Ruben feel uncomfortable with all the secret oaths, signs and secret combinations that these evil men are doing because they are doing Satan's bidding. Tito had never committed any murders, as he felt that was wrong. Ruben's nephew Miguel had served his mission in Mexico and he invited Miguel and his companion to visit and have dinner and having them there was foreign to him, but he started reading parts of the Book of Mormon and had Tito read a few highlighted scriptures while he was on his deathbed. Tito's sister was so impressed with what the Missionaries had to say and how they acted, she became baptized.
How Enrique, his FBI friends and Tito are able to rescue Elena, is a surprising turn, so won't spoil the ending and aftermath for you. Mike has a great way of implementing very unique, but viable solutions to the drug trafficing and illegal immigration issues. We need to work together as a nation to train and educate the illegal immigrants in their countries.

This novel will make you look at issues with a better perspective, esp since this novel was written by one who knows his subject only too well.

I received this book from Cedar Fort, though indirectly from Mike.

Published by: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Date Published: November 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59955-487-7
239pp

Cartels And Combinations by Mike McPheters

Cartels And Combinations by Mike McPheters

When Mike called me a few weeks ago to ask me if I would be interested in reviewing his upcoming new fiction novel, I was very excited, as he had called me last year to ask my assistance in setting up a Fireside in my Stake here in Kennewick WA and to ask if I'd be interested in reviewing his first book Agent Bishop: True Stories From An FBI Agent Moonlighting As A Mormon Bishop. One interesting sidenote to mention is that a retired police officer in my ward, our SA Rep, also helped set that Fireside up since he worked with Mike when they both lived in Pendleton, Oregon and that Mike was Don's Bishop.
Anyway, Mike has hit a homerun with his first novel. This riveting novel is an eye-opener to the world of drug cartels and drug lords and how and why they do what they do. This novel is based on a true story.
Elena Guzman, almost 18 and about ready to go off to BYU-Idaho, isn't so gung-ho on her parents Mormon faith. While standing at a Youth Conference to bear her testimony, she feels a warm feeling as she shares her feelings. A few hours later, while her grandfather is sharing the family history with her, a drug cartel abucts her and whisks her away deep into Mexico. Elena learns how her Uncle Ruben and another relative, who work in the orchards and being treated by two white teen brothers. These brothers felt that the Mexicans should not be getting the jobs that the white people should be getting. The Mexicans could actually get paid more in the US than in Mexico and Ruben and Hector would work hard.
Elena's father, Enrique, is a DA and has been working very hard in convicting these drug traffikers and sending them to prison. Enrique's nephew, Tito, son of Ruben, takes over The Brotherhood, promising his father to run the business without shedding any blood. The competition is The Vultures, the head drug lord having been kicked out of The Brotherhood by the Crocodile, who dies, leaving Ruben to take over.

The reason Elena has been taken is due to El Gordo's three sons being in jail in San Diego, so Elena is being held in exchange for releasing his sons. Federico, one of The Brotherhood, has infiltrated into The Vultures, has promised to look after Elena and to help her escape.

Before Ruben dies, he has Tito attend a meeting with other drug lords and he, along with Ruben feel uncomfortable with all the secret oaths, signs and secret combinations that these evil men are doing because they are doing Satan's bidding. Tito had never committed any murders, as he felt that was wrong. Ruben's nephew Miguel had served his mission in Mexico and he invited Miguel and his companion to visit and have dinner and having them there was foreign to him, but he started reading parts of the Book of Mormon and had Tito read a few highlighted scriptures while he was on his deathbed. Tito's sister was so impressed with what the Missionaries had to say and how they acted, she became baptized.
How Enrique, his FBI friends and Tito are able to rescue Elena, is a surprising turn, so won't spoil the ending and aftermath for you. Mike has a great way of implementing very unique, but viable solutions to the drug trafficing and illegal immigration issues. We need to work together as a nation to train and educate the illegal immigrants in their countries.

This novel will make you look at issues with a better perspective, esp since this novel was written by one who knows his subject only too well.

I received this book from Cedar Fort, though indirectly from Mike.

Published by: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Date Published: November 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59955-487-7
239pp

Dangerous Connections by Julie Coulter Bellon

Dangerous Connections by Julie Coulter Bellon

Julie is the queen of espionage and is as good as Helen MacInness in this genre, as she was my favorite back then.

Dr. Tyler Winthrop has just finished a tour of duty in Iraq and is meeting his dad in France for some rest and relaxation. When Tyler notices a couple of things of his dad's left unattended in his hotel room, he suspects something is wrong, as his dad never leaves his belongings, especially his watch, behind. He realizes his dad has mysteriously disappears, though he has left a strange note for Tyler to go home to the states, but this just makes him more determined than ever to find him and find out what happened to his bag and laptop while he was helping to deliver a baby onboard his plane. When Tyler happens upon Isabella Floret and her brother, Marcus, working to thwart a terrorist plot to kill thousands of American military, he decides to help bring them down.
When Isabella and Tyler are abducted, they aren't sure of who to trust and are able to elude the terrorists for a time. When they seek help from the American Embassy, Tyler finds a special book his friend in Iraq had given him to read that had been stolen with the rest of his stuff. Tyler finds that Isabella is very strong and quite the fighter and can get out of tough situations and comes to admire her.

When they find out that a popular French spot has been targeted, they will stop at nothing to see these terrorists come to judgment. The action is non-stop amidst the french backdrop of this super suspenseful thriller. Julie, you've outdone yourself!!!!

I received my book from Julie.
Published by: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Date Published: March 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59811-919-0
208pp

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

With each novel Stephanie writes, she keeps getting better. I absolutely love her cliffhangers, she is so good at what she does, as she grabs you from the start and pulls you in. Way to go, cousin!!!

Abigail Wyatt is beginning to believe her younger brother Derek has left his demons behind him by starting over. He's getting his career off to a good start by making jewelry with stones. When a dinner party with his parents fizzles after not talking with them in five years, he literally runs, leaving Abigail tied up. His pushy landlord is after the back rent Derek owes and when she is found murdered in a nearby park, he knows he will be the number one suspect.

When the police question Abigail about her brother, she gives up more information that puts her brother in a darker light. When it looks more and more like Derek is being setup, with the help of friends, she digs into the troubled murdered woman's past, finding a long ago murder that could tie-in to this murder.

When Abigail and her brother are injured, things begin to get suspicious and that she is getting too close to the truth and that someone will stop at nothing to silence her. Abigail even seeks for the murdered woman's mother to find out what was troubling her daughter and finds more than she bargains for.

I highly recommend this nail-biter of an ending. If you enjoy top-notch suspense, you'll love this newest from the queen of LDS suspense. As the title says, it reminds us of the hit song "Cold As Ice" throughout the novel.

I received my copy from Stephanie Black.

Published by: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Date Published: August 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60861-013-6
296pp

Tennis Shoes Adventure Series: Sorcerers and Seers by Chris Heimerdinger

Tennis Shoes Adventure Series: Vol. 11: Sorcerers And Seers by Chris Heimerdinger

Well, it's about time we get to read more about the adventures of Jim Hawkins, his sister Jenny and Garth Plimpton, plus all their children and the Book of Mormon and New Testament characters we've come to love. The first time I heard Chris was close to finishing this Volume was last year and the deadline came and went, so we found out it was being released early Sep of this year. Well, the wait was well worth it, but Chris, please not keep us in suspense another five years!!!!

For those not familiar with the Tennis Shoes Adventure Series, the first Volume is entitled Tennis Shoes Among The Nephites. Jim, Garth and Jenny embark on a fascinating and terribly exciting journey into Book of Mormon and New Testament lands, winding up in Frost Cave, Wyoming that takes them on a time travel journey of mass proportions.

In this volume, we find Jim and Jenny side by side with the Mortal Messiah in Gethsemane and Golgatha, while witnessing the wrath and rejection of His followers, ones who cannot comprehend His full earthly mission to save mankind.

Joshua Plimpton, Chief Captain of the Nephites, is on a quest to destroy the vilest of villains to rescue the Golden Plates. He has both the sword of Laban and the Liahona with him. He has times of struggling with his faith, but he manages to realize whose side he is fighting for and his faith becomes strong with the aid of Hamira, one of King Omer's granddaughters. They come in contact with huge Mastadon's as they journey towards Cumorah.

We continue to savor the exploits of Appollus, our fearless andcourageous Roman Centurion, who shows Meagan just how much he loves her when she is seriously injured by a "Gadianton Ghost."

It's surprising for the group when they find how adept Huracan, the black jaguar is, who has been with the group for a long time as well as Rafa, Harry's constant companion and a Perigrine Falcon, who appears to know when things will happen to warn the group ahead of time.

Other characters we're friends with are Gidgiddonihah, who died and was brought back to life to change history, Rebecca, Josh's 10 year old sister, who was also born in Book of Mormon days, Marcos,a former Gadianton Robber, Mahonri Moriancumr, the brother of Jared, Pagag, son of Mahonri Moriancomr and Ryan Champion, former boyfriend of Meagan. And,then we have Steffani, Jim's daughter and the most athletic of the Hawkins children and constant companion to Pagag.

If you love time travel as I do, you'll love this series and if you want to know more about The Book of Mormon and its characters, you'll love this series and book. Also, for those who have listvened to tvhe book on CD, you miss out on the Chapter notes at the end of each chapter. I very highly recommend this next installment, but hope to see it come to a huge climax soon, especially since one main character has ended up back home in Utah where he started out from.

I bought my autographed copy from Chris.

Published by: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published Date: 7 September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60861-087-7
491pp