Standout Saints by Sierra Wilson {Review}

 

 

 

Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World by Sierra Wilson

Illustrated by Emily Shay Tueller

 

       

 

From prophets to pioneers, from songwriters to scientists, Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World presents the fascinating true stories of twenty women and twenty men from Church history. Each one-page biography describes impressive achievements and shares stories of great faith. Readers will encounter well-known and beloved Saints such as Joseph Smith and Eliza R. Snow along with lesser-known heroes from around the world such as Hu Wei-I, who miraculously translated the Book of Mormon into Chinese, and Mere Mete Whaanga, a prominent Maori woman who helped the Church spread into New Zealand. In addition, Standout Saints includes uplifting quotes, a Church history timeline, and resources for further study.

The courage and faith of these Saints made them stand out from the world, and this educational and inspiring book helps young readers know that they too can stand out.

My Review: 5 Stars

This book is a great way to introduce children (and adults) to some of interesting people in church history. I love how stories of all races and nationalities are included, and how inspiring each story and person is. I hadn't heard some of these stories before and found them fascinating. Each story is short and sweet, hitting the highlights of each person's personal tale. 

Holy As You Are by Christie Gardiner {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Holy as You Are by Christie Gardiner

Kindle Edition, 224 pages

Published March 1st 2019 by Covenant Communication
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

When referenced in the scriptures, the word holy means to “set apart for a sacred purpose.” It is a description all women who seek to follow Christ want to embody—but the struggle between the ideal of a holy life and reality can seem far apart. In Holy As You Are, best-selling author Christie Gardiner seeks to close the gap reminding women of the holy attributes they already possess and how they can accomplish extraordinary ordinary things that will forever change the landscape and heart-scape of their worlds.
With a wealth of spiritual guidance and upbeat wisdom that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, this inspired volume challenges readers to look at their tragedies and triumphs and everything in between as sacred opportunities to choose holiness. What if ordinary is extraordinary? What if you are Holy As You Are?

My Review: 5 Stars

What an amazing book full of exactly what I needed to hear and told in a way that warmed my heart. Sometimes these types of books leave me feeling "less-than" or overwhelmed by everything I'm not, but Christie Gardiner has a way of making the reader feel like a dear friend. I was embraced by a warm hug through these pages and reminded of who I am and how to become better, and all in a gentle way that makes it feel possible.

I also felt like parts of this book were absolutely inspired for me, personally. I was at my book club talking about journals and the next morning, read her insightful feelings on that topic and I felt like it was a nudge. I also sometimes feel judged, yet I realized I do my fair amount of judging the judgers. There were so many nuggets of inspiration and sweetness and I'm excited to ponder my findings for a long time to come and to realize that I am enough.

Schedule: 

*March 25^th: http://mybookaday.com/

*March 26^th: http://empowermoms.net/

*March 27^th: https://rachellechristensen.com/blog/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*March 28^th: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/  

*March 29^th: https://brightlystreet.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Nativity Pageant by Neil K. Johnson {Blog Tour Review}

The Nativity Pageant by Neil K. Johnson

Would you rather read the nativity story or be a part of it? Using simple stage directions, easy-to-find props, and a script that's straight from the scriptures, this book helps you act out the familiar story of the first Christmas for your friends and family. Start a new tradition this season with a simple pageant you'll look forward to performing year after year.

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My Review: 5 Stars

The Nativity is one of my favorite things about Christmas, from the displays to the story and I love pondering it during the season, especially on Christmas Eve. My kids used to act things out as we read it when they were younger, but this is a great way for each character to know their part to get the full effect, especially since the Bible wording can be difficult for a younger audience to interpret. Using this book can help each person know their role in the story, giving each actor parts to speak, as well as having narrators fill in the cracks.

This little booklet tells the actors where to stand, when to sing carols that are fitting for what's happening in the story, and which props to use. This is a keeper to use for each and every family Christmas Eve.

*I received a copy from the publisher, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions.*

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Buy Links:

 

About the Author:

Neil Johnson and his current wife, Sharee, both lost their first spouses to cancer. They married and blended their family of fifteen kids, and they have fifty-two grandkids so far. Neil is very active in his church, and he always loves to see the enactment of the Nativity pageant at Christmastime. He knows many of the struggles to make the pageant meaningful, and he has tried to address them in this dramatization. 

Neil taught school for forty-four years--first drama, then English--and he loves kids. He was chosen as the 2010 Utah English Teacher of the Year. Neil has written The Drama Sourcebook and has compiled three books containing thirty plays from other authors.

Neil and Sharee live in Lehi, Utah, within easy driving distance of most of their large family.

Blog Tour:

Nov 1 Pebbles and Piggytails

Nov 2 A Bliss Complete

Nov 3 Lisa is a Bookworm

Nov 5 Rockin' Book Reviews 

Nov 7 Katie's Clean Book Collection 

Nov 7 Singing Library

Nov 9 I Am A Reader

Nov 11 Author Laurisa White Reyes

Nov 13 What's Up Fagans?

Nov 15 A Lively Hope

Nov 15 Compass Book Ratings

You Are the Mother Your Children Need by Christie Gardiner {Blog Tour Review + Giveaway}

You Are the Mother Your Children Need by Christie Gardiner

Kindle Edition, 272 pages

Published March 1st 2017 by Covenant Communications

The woman you want to be . . . the one who has within her every talent, gift, and ability to be what her children need? She’s already there. She is you. Motherhood is the toughest job you’ll ever take on: there is no interview, no job description, and no salary. When you get the position, it can be all too easy to feel underqualified and overwhelmed. But with a sweet message of encouragement, Christie Gardiner reminds women there are as many ways to be a good mother as there are mothers in this world—and there’s no one more capable of raising your children than you! In this uplifting book, mothers are encouraged to let go of the quest for perfectionism and recognize the divinity within. Discover how to own your strengths and weaknesses, and allow your true self to shine! With practical advice on learning to accept failure, holding on to your identity, and harnessing the divine help available to mothers, women will gain the confidence to embrace their uniquely perfect qualifications for the job of motherhood.

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My Review: 5 Stars

This book is geared toward mothers of the LDS (Mormon) faith. I really loved it because I often feel like a failure because I don't do this, I'm not like that, and my kids act like the other. This author uses encouraging and upbeat words to let mothers know everywhere that there is no perfect role--we are each exactly who we are specifically for the children we are raising. We should all embrace our strengths and talents, as small as they may seem, and use them to recognize how important our roles are in our kids' lives.

This book covers many aspects of motherhood, from failures to successes to helping others. My eyes were opened because I have to admit: there are occasional times when I wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?!" I was given my children because we can all learn and grow from each other and we are exactly what each other needs. These are great words to re-read for those rough patches and I plan on doing exactly that.

*I received a complimentary copy through the publisher, which did not affect my thoughts in any way.*

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Buy Links:

   

About the Author:

Christie has enjoyed participating in speaking engagements across the country where she loves reminding groups of women that with God, they are not alone and are enough. Christie's heartfelt and quick-witted writing was first enjoyed in blog form on behalf of the Utah Jazz and Illume Gallery of Fine Art. Her performing career has spanned three decades in theater, television, film, commercials, podcasting and voiceover work. She is a longtime faculty member at the Utah Conservatory of Performing Arts where she inspires young people to increase their self-esteem through participation in the arts. She enjoys serving in her church's youth program. In her spare time you will find Christie with her husband and children, in nature or in the yoga studio teaching a class. She makes her home in Utah and occasionally, the Oregon coast.

You Are the Mother Your Children Need, is Christie's debut. Look for her next book, on shelves October 2017.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule: 

*March 20th: 

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

*March 21st: 

http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/

*March 22nd: 

http://rockinbookreviews.com/, 

http://thethingsilovemost.com/

*March 23rd: 

http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, 

http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, 

http://empowermoms.net/, 

http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*March 24th: 

http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, 

http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/, 

http://brooklynberrydesigns.com/ 

Preparing for Your Endowment by Cory B. Jensen {Review}

Preparing for Your Endowment by Cory Jensen

Paperback, 161 pages

Publication: January 10th 2017

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author, that in no way affected my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: LDS non-fiction            

Receiving your endowment is a sacred experience. Sometimes in the excitement and focus of major life events like missions and marriage, the temple experience becomes secondary. However, your temple endowment can and should be a deeply meaningful experience.

Using entertaining stories and insightful teachings from the scriptures, this book helps teens and young adults replace their fears and questions about the temple with the faith and confidence necessary to make and keep eternal covenants and to experience all the blessings of temple worship.

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My Review: 5 Stars

This is a book that I wish I would've had years ago. I love how each chapter is broken down in a way that makes the topics relatable, as well as easy to visual and understand. My mind was opened to a few new concepts that I hadn't considered before, and I have the desire to learn more for myself through personal experience.

Each chapter takes a topic at a time. There's a "homework" section at the end of each chapter that gives the reader some additional, personal ideas for study and contemplation to make this experience right for each person. I like that because I think this is something personal and by allowing for that reflection, it truly becomes such.

I believe that different things stand out to me at different times in my life, depending on my circumstances at the time, and there were some really profound ideas that jumped out at me. I really am eager to study this out some more and to see what happens.

This is a great resource for someone who is preparing to go to the temple for the first time, as well as for those who have already been. Like I said, even I learned a few things.

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Buy Links:

   

About the Author:

Cory B. Jensen was born and raised in Utah, growing up in the shadow of the Logan temple. He developed a love for the temple early in life and has been an avid student ever since. He graduated with honors from Brigham Young University with a Masters of Business Administration. A lifelong devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a mission in Rome, Italy and is looking forward to the completion of the LDS temple there.

He and his wife, Traci, are the parents of four children. Together they currently serve as ordinance workers in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. That service has greatly blessed their lives and their marriage, though Cory still hasn’t gotten used to getting up at 4 a.m. for their shift.

He hopes that the message of this book will bless your life, enrich your personal temple experience, and help you in your journey to understanding your endowment.

Saints At Devil's Gate {Review}

Saints At Devil's Gate

Softback with gatefold, 143 pages

Published November 17th 2016 by Church Historian's Press

A beautiful art book from the Church Historian's Press, publisher of The Joseph Smith Papers.

From 1846 to 1869, some 70,000 Mormon pioneers traveled the Mormon Trail, the 1,300-mile route from Illinois and Iowa to Salt Lake City. In 2011, three award-winning Mormon painters decided to visit sites all along the historic route and capture the landscapes in oil. This full-color art book, featuring 52 landscape paintings, presents the fruit of their five-year project. Each painting is paired with journal entries or reminiscences from pioneers who made the journey. Essays by the authors and an artist interview illuminate both the art and the history of the trail.

The book gives written and visual context to the pioneers’ experience of the trail, bears witness to the land as it exists today, and links the experience of pioneers to the challenges of today.

Note: This book was published to accompany an exhibition of the same name at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City. Therefore, distribution of the book has been limited. Copies are available at the museum gift store, at store.lds.org, and at some independent bookstores in Utah.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I used to wonder what it would be like to live as a pioneer and even went as far to think it would be kind of fun. As I've gotten older and read stories about life on the trail, I've definitely changed my mind. I'm so grateful these men and women went through these challenges, hard times, and heartaches so that I can have the blessings that I do today, but I'm fine living my own battles.

This book is wonderfully done! With beautiful paintings on each page, framed by journal entries, real memories, and/or historian or artist's or curator's perspectives, this is a timeless piece that is perfect for those who want to learn more about this time period and the things these pioneers when through. I feel that the stories are really brought to life by combining the art with each thought and I loved learning more about every day life. Yes, life was really hard, but there are fantastic descriptions of the beauty around them and of good times. I'm much more appreciate of these people after reading this book. It's a great addition to any historical collection.

There is an exhibition that is available at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, UT and runs through August 2017. It's also available online at history.lds.org.

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Buy Links

LDS Store

Faith and a Life Jacket by Ben Bernards {Blog Tour Review}

Tour Schedule

 Faith and a Life Jacket by Ben Bernards

128 pages

Published: September 13, 2016, Cedar Fort, Inc.

Don’t just be prepared–be prepared well. Ben Bernards, popular youth speaker, presents this adventurous book of seven guiding rules and lessons to help train a new generation of missionaries. These invaluable lessons, from God’s measure of success to unexpected difficulties in the field, will apply to any missionary’s call, readying them for the great and challenging experiences of the Lord’s work..

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My Review: 5 Stars

This is a great book for any future missionary to use for preparation. I didn't have the chance to serve a mission, so I couldn't fully related to the different experiences that this author had, but I believe that everyone's experience would be different anyway.

The book is broken down into seven realistic truths from, "It's Going to Be Harder than You Think, but It's Possible with God's Help" to "Timing Is Everything, and It's in God's Hands." I thought there were a lot of gems of wisdom hidden in each chapter--things that really stuck out to me and ideas of ways that I can be a better missionary to those around me here at home.

I found this author's experiences to be entertaining, but heartwarming at the same time. The blessings are evident and I really believe that we can find blessings in every day things, if we just look. I like that he said it's not a race and goal's aren't everything (for example, the goal to baptize 50 people by the time you come home). It's encouraging, yet it doesn't glamorize things--just keeps it real. This is an overall uplifting book that I would recommend to any future missionary.

*I received a copy from the publisher. My review is voluntary and all thoughts are my own opinions.*

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Buy Links:

 

 

About the Author:

 

Ben Bernards grew up in a big Mormon family in a small farming town in the heart of Utah County where he and his 8 brothers and sisters were raised on a steady diet of Nintendo, Transformers, Dungeons&Dragons, and Star Wars. He geeks out on all that plus everything marching band, Marvel, and Tolkien (his autographed edition of Lord of the Rings is pretty much the coolest.)

He loves teaching youth the Gospel of Jesus Christ, whether it be in Seminary, Sunday School, at youth conferences or EFY. He served a mission on the Fiji Islands where he survived cyclones, rampaging natives, and swarms of giant bats while living in a hut in the jungle. (He still hasn’t convinced his wife to go back and visit.) He is the author of a new book about missionary prep for the millennial generation, which will be available in LDS bookstores this fall.

He currently works as a project manager for a certain fruity computer company in Northern California where he loves to run trails with his wife, expand his board game collection, and make plans for building his own hobbit hole in the backyard.

Defenders of the Family by Benjamin Hyrum White {Review}

Tour Schedule

Defenders of the Family 
by Benjamin Hyrum White
Illustrated by Jay Fontano



Defenders of the Family, assemble! God’s magnificent plan for us rests upon the strength of the family. In this engaging children’s book, discover the roles and teachings needed to unite your family, from devoted parents to extended members, all centered on the power of the gospel. Help your children see their families as they can be: incredible, empowered, eternal followers of Jesus.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I feel that it's important to defend the traditional family and this is a great book to explain to children what that means and how to do so. The book is set up in a comic book format, which is appealing to kids and adults of all ages. I love how simple the text and explanations are. The words are easy to understand and the pictures are bright and colorful and really bring the thoughts to life.

Each page focuses on a different aspect of what someone might do to bring strength, loyalty, and courage in today's society to defend a long-standing plan. I love how the book relates to superheroes--it's easy to relate to and to show kids, especially, how powerful they can be when they can do good things to uphold the family. This is a perfect book for families, but especially for those younger members.

*I received a copy from Cedar Fort Inc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Buy Links:

 

 

About the Author:

Benjamin Hyrum White was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He labored in the Colorado Denver North Mission and was employed at the MTC during college. Ben met his wife, Keenan, while they both were dancing with the International Folk Dance Ensemble at Brigham Young University. They each graduated from BYU with a degree in Family Science. Brother White is a seminary teacher and recently received his master’s degree in religious education from BYU, where he wrote the history of Preach My Gospel. Ben and Keenan reside in Utah Valley with their five children.

The Beautiful Balance by Michelle Wilson {Blog Tour Review}

The Beautiful  Balance by Michelle Wilson

152 pages

Published August 1st 2016 by Covenant Communications

Whether in your family, your ward, or your community, you’ve observed them: those noble individuals who are strong, patient, and stalwart in the face of adversity. When times are tough, how do they manage the challenging shift from victim to victor? Chances are they have figured out the balance of control—what they have charge of and what is in the Lord’s hands.

Trying to manage the ups and downs of life can feel overwhelming, but fortunately we’re not alone on this journey. With inspiring doctrinal insights and a healthy dose of humor, author Michelle Wilson inspires readers to let go of fear and find peace, even in the midst of lost jobs, health challenges, or everyday chaos at home. In a world that seems so tempestuous, The Beautiful Balance is a sweet reminder of exactly what we can control—ourselves—and what God controls—all the rest.

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My Review: 5 Stars 

I'll be honest. I wasn't sure that I wanted to read this book right now because I'm so busy and so stressed. Life is tough, with so many unknowns, and I'm wallowing around, wondering how in the world I'll muddle through and gain control over everything in my life. And then I picked this book up and my outlook and attitude changed drastically.

This book is written in a way that really touched my soul. Scriptural references, humorous antidotes, fantastic quotes, and pep talks fill these pages and I feel so much better about life now. I think this author was writing directly for me.

One of my favorite quotes from the book comes when Michelle Wilson is enduring a trial and feels the words come from the Lord , "No, you do not have control over your surroundings, but there is no need to fear. I have given you control over the one thing that matters--yourself." This is for me. The book goes on to talk about the beautiful balance that comes with control--control yourself and trust the rest to God. The book then breaks down four areas of personal control--priorities, actions, attitude, and beliefs. 

I love the way each chapter is broken down in a way that is easy to internalize. There are so many thoughts found in this book that almost force me to savor and ponder. I really loved it and will be re-reading parts of it frequently. If you're wondering how to find balance in your life, this is a must-read.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review* 

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Buy Links

 

 

About the Author

 

Michelle Wilson writes magical realism and inspirational nonfiction. She is the author of "Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat?" and "The Beautiful Balance: Claiming Personal Control and Giving the Rest to God," along with other fiction and nonfiction works on the way.

She is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of the Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Michelle loves faith, family, food, and smiling. She is an expert at Guitar Hero, has a bad habit of laughing at the wrong times, and hates writing about herself in third person because it's just weird.

GIVEAWAY

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

*Aug. 22nd: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/ 

*Aug. 23rd: http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/adults 

*Aug. 24th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/

*Aug. 25th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/

*Aug. 26th: http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

I'MPossible: Desire, Dream, Do by Jeff Griffin {Review}

I'MPossible: Desire, Dream, Do by Jeff Griffin

Kindle Edition, 100 pages

Published June 21st 2015 by BalboaPress 

 

 

The sun's rays filtered in from the partially opened shades of the plane. They lit up the world in front of me and warmed my soul, knowing I was almost to my destination. The beautiful golden light replaced the grey and hazy cobwebs from my eyes, revealing the most spectacular scene I had ever seen in my entire life. I looked out the small seven-inch window and witnessed something that I'll never forget! I beheld something in this magnificent world that the majority of people never get to see. I was looking out at Mount Everest, the world's highest peak!

I was at the tail end of a three-flight journey with two layovers in between, nearly logging twenty-four hours of flight time. I hadn't gotten any real sleep in the last thirty-six hours. My bloodshot eyes were heavy, my mind was slow and sluggish, and my body was even slower in response. How did I get here? I thought to myself. Am I d-r-e-a-m-i-n-g?

As Lao and Confucius once said, “A journey of one-thousand miles begins with one step.” My story is about inspiring you to take your own journey one step at a time. It's about dreaming and accomplishing the impossible. It's not only about aiming for the sky and reaching for the stars but enjoying the journey along the way.

Begin your personal journey today, press forward to the top, and don't you ever stop. As you move toward your dreams, there will be obstacles and setbacks along the way; don't be afraid. You can get to the top of your world by following the signs and guide posts within these pages. You can do it with others! You can do it with me! We can do it together, one step at a time!

I'mpossible! - Jeff Griffin

 

 

 

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My Review: 5 Stars

 

I wasn't expecting the story that I got, based on this book description. A true story, Jeff Griffin had a horrific accident that changed his life forever. The first miracle is surviving the accident. I can't even begin to imagine the pain, the horror, the devastation, and the fear that followed, yet instead of wallowing in self pity, Jeff picked himself up and found new dreams to dream. I was completely amazed at how positive and hopeful he was and still is. 

 

Each chapter is set up in a way to cause the reader to make goals, as each of us has our own mountains to climb and challenges to endure. Full of hope, words of wisdom, and personal stories, these chapters are broken down in ways that make it seem attainable to reach the goals, instead of overwhelming. 

 

I can't believe the positive vibes that flow off the pages. I'm so much more grateful for what I do have and not wishing for what I don't. This is a great motivational book for anyone looking for inspiration.

 

Content: some difficult situations and scenes, but nothing too graphic. The author is LDS, so there are religious references.

 

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

 

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  Buy Links:

 

 

 

Jeff is offering the first chapter of his book free on his website. (Visit http://griffinmotivation.com/)