Search Results for: blog finding faith terri ferran

Finding Faith – Terri Ferran

“Finding Faith” is the first novel for LDS author Terri Ferran. We read of Kit Matthews, a girl who has grown up in Ventura, California. When her father announces that he’s gotten a new job in Logan, Utah, and the whole family will be moving, Kit is less than enthusiastic. She’s even less excited to discover that everyone in Utah speaks a strange language, full of things like “ward” and “stake.” When she finds out that she’s branded as different because she’s a non-member, she comes to the conclusion that Utah has nothing in it for her. But that was … Continue reading →

Author Interview – Aubrey Mace

Last week, I had the pleasure of reviewing “Spare Change.” Today I am joined by the author of that delightful chick lit romance, Aubrey Mace. Aubrey, thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to chat with me. Is “Spare Change” your first book? This is actually my second book, although it is the first to be published. The more I talk to other authors, I hear that’s pretty common. There was about a year between when I finished the first book and when I started working on this one, and there was a time that I … Continue reading →

Author Interview – Tracy Winegar on Writing

Yesterday, we spoke with new author Tracy Winegar about her new book, “Keeping Keller.” It’s the story of a young boy who has autism and the struggles his parents face as they try to care for him without fully understanding his situation. If you missed our conversation and Tracy’s insights into autism, you can click here to get caught up. Tracy joins us again today to talk about the writing process. Thanks for being here, Tracy. When did you first have the idea to write “Keeping Keller?” The idea came to me as I was trying to sleep one night. … Continue reading →

Keeping Keller – Tracy Winegar

The year is 1955, and Beverly and Warren Vance enjoy a good life. He’s a successful real estate agent, and Beverly enjoys making their home a comfortable place. They’re living the American dream, with one huge exception. Their son, Keller, is mentally challenged. Beverly is at her wits’ end trying to figure out how to deal with her son’s odd behavior. One minute, he’s peaceful and loving. The next, he’s frustrated and violent. Every minute of Beverly’s time is spent coping with him, and she feels as though she’ll never be free of stress. Making matters worse is the fact … Continue reading →

Spare Change – Aubrey Mace

Riley hates New Year’s Resolutions. She makes them every year, and every year, she fails to complete them. She thinks she’ll just skip the whole thing for once, but her mother insists. Deciding to make the easiest resolution ever, Riley sets her goal—she’ll save her pennies all year long and at the end, she’ll buy something nice for herself. This plan only lasts a short time, though. She works in a care center for cancer patients, and as she sees them come in day after day for their chemotherapy, her heart is touched and she wants to do something to … Continue reading →

Caleb’s Quest – Chris Esseltine

Do you remember the Choose Your Own Adventure Books from your childhood? I discovered them when I was about nine, and loved them. As you’re reading along, you have the chance to make choices, and depending on the choice you make, the story changes. The concept was ground-breaking and soon authors from all over were capitalizing on the idea. Books for older children were soon introduced, including a line for pre-teen girls. One story really turned me off, though – if you chose not to make out with your boyfriend, the story ended. What kind of message is that? Chris … Continue reading →

Heaven Scent – Rebecca Cornish Talley

“Heaven Scent” is the first novel by LDS author Rebecca Cornish Talley. We meet Liza Compton, a girl in her senior year of high school at a new school. Her father recently landed a job in a prestigious law firm and uprooted the family to a new area, believing that a big house and great cars would be the answer to their dreams. Instead, he spends more and more time at work and away from his family, and Liza wishes things could go back to the way they were before. Sure, they didn’t have much money, but they had their … Continue reading →

Star Shining Brightly – Marcia Mickelson

After reading LDS author Marcia Mickelson’s book “Reasonable Doubt,” I was curious to read her first novel, which was “Star Shining Brightly.” Having read both of them, I’m not sure which I liked best—they’re different enough that they don’t necessarily compete with each other. “Reasonable Doubt” is a law mystery, while “Star Shining Brightly” takes us to the world of Hollywood. Superstar Lauren Olsen was raised in a Mormon home but abandoned her upbringing when she came to Hollywood. She drinks, she’s had a string of boyfriends, and she’s starred in some movies that were violent or sexual. She has … Continue reading →

Makeover – Shannon Guymon

“Makeover” is a new LDS young adult novel by author Shannon Guymon. Sophie Reid has waited faithfully for her missionary and now it’s time for him to come home. She spends hours making the world’s greatest poster and goes to the airport to meet him, sure that her future is set in stone – a diamond, that is. Blake begged her to marry him soon after his return, but for some reason, there’s a gorgeous brunette also waiting at the airport. Turns out, she was a sister missionary serving with Blake, and they wrote to each other after her release. … Continue reading →

Week in Review – Dec 10th – 16th

Are you ready for Christmas? We have a lot of books and music ideas for you in the Media section. The Night of Las Posadas is a picture book about a reenactment of the bible Christmas story. The story is set in Santa Fe and features it’s own Christmas miracle. The Angel of Mill Street is a Christmas story about a young girl’s favorite uncle and an unusual angel. The Christmas Bird is another sweet story to share with young children this season. And don’t miss Lyle the Crocodile saving a neighbor’s Christmas in Lyle at Christmas. We don’t hear … Continue reading →