Thursday, August 9, 2012

Choosing Charity Blog Tour Giveaway&Review


One thing that stands out in Terri Ferran's trilogy is the growth in Kit’s character. When first we meet Kit in Finding Faith, she is struggling with being transplanted from California by her father’s job to Utah. Fortunately she is introduced to the Bridger family, establishing a good friend in Janet and the love of her life, Adam. Yet this strange Mormon culture presents challenges that will test her. Adopted after abandonment at birth, Kit depends little on God, but her love for Adam requires her to rely on faith. It was delightful to watch her growth in exploring a relationship with God and religion. Terri did an amazing job of portraying the conflicts and questions most face when considering conversion. Kit’s growth as she relies on faith is precious, especially considering the trials that accompany the challenge.

In Having Hope, Terri takes the reader away from a happy ending with Adam’s return from his mission and hands the lovers a separation that will test their outlook on their future. Kit travels to Romania to assist in a hospital/orphanage. Although spurred on by a prompting, Kit is tested at every corner—from her faith to her confidence in her relationship with Adam. The key is grasping hope in the future, not falling to present attacks.

The conclusion of this trilogy, Choosing Charity ends with a bang. Grounded in her beliefs, Kit is challenged as she looks outside of herself. Married and muddling through work and Adam’s schooling, Kit is unprepared for her birth mother to come forward. With this kink in her plans, comes an additional challenge as she deals with the ramifications of her parents’ divorce. Of all the struggles we’ve experience with Kit, I enjoyed this growth in her character the most. She is able to use her strengths and knowledge to assist others, allowing her to become an admirable character.

Giveaway Info:
As part of the tour, Terri is generously offering a grand prize giveaway of the Faith, Hope, and Charity trilogy, including hard copies of Finding Faith, Having Hope, and Choosing Charity. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post or any of the other stops on the tour. (Visit the tour page for the full tour schedule.) The more stops you comment on, the more entries you have into the contest!
Launch Party Info:
The official launch party for Choosing Charity will be held on August 11th from 3-7 PM at Seagull Book in The District in South Jordan. Terri will be joined by three other authors: Diony George, Carla Kelly, and Wendy Paul. Prizes and refreshments will be offered so come join the fun!

Relationship Time Outs







A night out a solution to bumps in your marriage? Hear me out...





Men and women are so different-we think differently, act differently and share few emotions.  Once you take out the sparks and romance you get strong contrasts. Now remove personality quirks that both genders share. What you are left with is a need for someone who understands you.

Out with your girlfriends or hanging in the man's cave, life becomes less complicated. You can talk (women) or not (men). You get all our gossip and grunts in, relate on such complicated levels (sports or fashion). Do the activities that suit you rather than compromising. Whine about your spouse...his laziness, her complaints...and then feel renewed.

The best part is coming home. You've vented and related and now you are back where you are cherished. You can dress you own style and keep your size without judging yourself.  Your physical prowess isn't tested. Away from comparisons, your love blossoms...until the next needed reminder. 

Monday, August 6, 2012

Elusive Sleep




What makes sleep elusive for some and instantly achievable for others?
More particularly, why is my spouse the opposite? I toss and turn much to the chagrin of my husband, while his head hits the pillow and he is sound asleep.  It's my opinion that having both sexes the same would be great.  Can't sleep...let's watch a movie.  

My problem comes down to an active mind and body.  Between planning out my next day or the next chapter in my novel sleep hides from me. In fact, if I don't imagine the next scene I'm listing my chores the next day. Sometimes I irritate my husband by talking. Oh...to be overwhelmed
with sleep.

I've tried different mattresses, allergy medicine, I never take naps in the afternoon.  What's missing in the equation? Any secrets out there (on a budget)?