Daughters of Jared Review

Daughters of Jared by H.B. Moore is an incredible novel. Instantly, you step into the world of the Jaredites, engulfed by culture and the importance of heritage. Moore’s ability to incorporate the factual events into her novel deserves acclaim, especially with the reference of daughters only mentioned in a few versus in the book of Ether. Her ability to weave a tale that captures your heart and imagination is brilliant.

This story came to life through many themes, particularly that of the strength of sisters. Naiva’s determinedness to stand beside her family despite their incorrect actions can be both applauded and cringe-worthy, yet it endears us to her, knowing that we are guilty of similar actions. The sweet love story of Naiva and Levi entwined amidst controversy establishes the importance of love from the heart and not for convenience or power. The distinctions of right and wrong are painted so vividly the reader has no choice but to cheer on tireless doers of righteousness and willingly curse those who choose evil.

Step into this Book of Mormon story to experience the scriptures come to life, so tangible they speak straight to your heart. Be prepared to devote a day as Daughters of Jared will capture you entirely.

Survive with Laughter

Life is difficult and love a challenge, so my recipe to survive and succeed in both is laughter. The process comes in many forms:

·         Chuckle—what may start as a sympathetic laugh can offer the chance to reflect on happiness

·         Snort—the perfect response when we’re tossed something ridiculous. It’s far better than a scoff

·         Guffaw—a challenge to life to throw us more, we can handle it.

·         Giggle—when we just encountered the most awkward or disastrous situation, a laugh of embarrassment rather than allowing tears to flow

·         Snicker—our reaction to other struggling, which should help us know we aren’t alone.

When life throws poop on us, I believe we need to choose laughter as our response. Standing straight or doubling over, let joy bubble up rather than despair bring us down. When love gives us the same challenge, can we respond to our differences with laughter? Perhaps find the humor in the ridiculousness of our battles?

Take my silly challenge and let laughter fill you up. Remember that you are not alone in life’s woes and a good laugh of any sort gives the best remedy.

Regency Revival

I love the Regency Period, so heavily influenced by Jane Austen. The simplicity of life, manners abundant and moral nature has drawn me into its clutches. If I could find a worm hole to transport me back all present concerns would be dropped in an instance.

Since handed my first copy of Georgette Heyer as a means to surviving bed rest with my twins, I have been hooked. Unfortunately I’m a voracious reader and easily swallowed her books. In my search for similar content I have been sadly disappointed until recently. Four authors, all thought not all of them are new, have revived me. Each has a different style and approach, but all are equally delightful.

Julie Klassen’s writing is an encyclopedia of knowledge. Each novel delves into a different and not so common aspect of Regency England. Although deep in content, her characters are engaging. You are immersed in their trials. When you reach the final page, you can officially label yourself well educated.

Patricia Veryan takes us back a period to Georgian times, and allows us to see the events that  influence the Regency period. Her novels are characteristically in series and I highly suggest reading in order, not for content but to follow the characters lives. She is equally educating her readers and provides a delightful balance of romance and intrigue.

Sarah Eden brings a wonderful humor to Regency. She has captured the nuances and applied them in a comical and endearing manner. Her characters are easily loved and her wit makes each chapter come alive. Rather new to the collection of Regency, she adds the perfect balance of love, reality and laughter.

Heidi Ashworth has captured Heyer’s writing of the perfect battle of wills between the hero and heroine. The twists and turns incorporated in the story draw you in eager to resolve the latest quarrel and misunderstanding.

As I devour these authors’ treats, I will never stop my endless quest to read more about the perfect period. I hope you will discover these amazing authors and once again step back into a Regency.

Summer Scramble

As summer approaches, free time for mother of school age kids disappears. Those precious moments of shopping without requests, lunch of leftovers without picky eaters, and even nap time will never be the same. At least for three months. Of course, on the positive side the homework disappears as well.

I find myself dreading the last day of school and the beginning of “I’m bored” time. Fortunately, I have young kids who can be easily entertained with toys. Heaven forbid turning into a mom who shuffles kids from one arena to another just to keep them happy. Somehow, my moments of school time peace must be captured. Errands must be endured.

So for the past few months I have been working on THE PLAN. This process has been tested and so far it’s worked. INCENTIVE- I’ve posted all the fun activities--each individual toy to crafts mixed in with playdates and paid activities. Most don't require my presence.  DETERENT- I’ve pulled out the dreaded chore list and on the top is Clean Trash Cans (those with colorful stains and stuck-on unknowns at the bottom).  PROCESS- With a few reminders in the beginning when they state “I’m bored” to look at the list followed by the threat that more comments will mean cleaning garbage cans. So armed with my plan, I hope to succeed and squeeze out a few moments of mommy time.

Dates? Romantic torture or success

While writing my latest novel, I've .realized that I truly have no experience in the art of dating. Dinner and a movie hardly qualify as a true date (Sorry, sweetheart. It works now, but would have got you nowhere:)

My claim to three boyfriends seems contradictory since I found them at dances and then hung out for a few months until things fizzled (shocker, I know). My husband and I met online, courted through emails and only have a few dates prior to our wedding as the 1000 miles between us proved a hindrance.

So, dear readers, I'm interested in your dates...past or present, failures and successes. . No hanging out stories--I've mastered that! What made it successful, and what caused it to flop? I'd like reality to spin into my writing. Thanks.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

The last five days, my husband has been out of town visiting a terminally ill relative. From his absence, my mind has pondered the meaning of the phrase, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Certainly I missed my husband, yet in his absence we ate simple child friendly meals earlier and got to bed on time. Did I miss his presence or was there more?

As much as I missed his company in bed, what I yearn for most was his influence on our home. All of us are more jovial when he is around. He makes me relax more, smell the roses. I’m not run by a clock, instead I flow and smile. Our daughters laugh more. They have a playmate at the table and a companion to share goofy cartoons.

I suppose it reflects on his presence, but I would venture to change the saying to such—“Actions make the heart grow fonder”.  How often have you sat in the same room, completely content to go about your own duties? It isn’t your companion’s presence that completes you. What about when a love one dies? Do you mourn their absence over their actions? Would you be content to have their body in the room and say, now all is well?  I think not.

It’s their actions, the way they affect us and everything around us that we miss the most. We feel a void without their example, their kindness, and love. If this is true, then it presents a challenge—can we create an influence through our actions that will leave a mark, cause others to remember us tenderly? If so, forget leaving to insure that you won’t be forgotten. Complete an act of service and your deeds will be remembered far longer than your presence will be missed.

Queen in Exile Review & Contest

Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch

Rumors of war hang over Princess Jeniah's peaceful country of Arden, a land that shuns both magic and warfare. Following a lifelong dream, Jeniah forms a telpathic bond with a revered creature called a chayim,
who is prophesied to save her kingdom. But when a Darborian knight comes upon Jeniah with her chayim, he sees only a vicious monster about to devour a maiden, and he slays the beast.

Devastated by the loss of her chayim, and fearing that her own magic is evil, Jeniah doubts her destiny. When an enemy invades Arden City, they slaughter the people,
storm the castle, and execute the entire royal family except the princess. Rescued by the knight who slew her chayim, Jeniah is now heir to the throne of Arden and the only hope for freeing her people from tyranny.

On the run and hunted by enemy soldiers, Jeniah must place her life and the fate of her kingdom in the hands of this trained killer. Torn between embracing her destiny as queen of Arden, and her love for a mere knight, she must ultimately rely on her magic to save herself and her people from death and tyranny.

My Thoughts

Donna Hatch as the uncanny ability to weave a story with suspense and romance equally entwined. Few can truly develop a romance that begins with innocence and grows with a natural pace. Kai and Jeniah’s love is sweet and passionate the two wrapped with perfect skill. The growth of their characters pulls the reader on cheerfully.

I am not one to read many fantasy novels because the complications surrounding the development of another world, yet Donna has defied others and created a world that is believable and easy to envelop. Her ability to describe her surroundings is enviable. What stood out the most was that the story of Jeniah and Lai held you captive, not the environment they were placed in.

I was hooked from the first page. It flowed with an ease of a master, not one contriving each scene. Never once will you attention waver. All other duties and desires will fade away once you sit down to read Queen in Exile. I enjoyed the Guise of a Gentleman, but this one surpassed it. If I could...no wait I can, I give the story six out of five stars.

Want to win one of three copies of Queen in Exile? It's easy.

1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why you're excited to read Queen in Exile. Remember to include your email address.
2. If you tweet about the blog tour, post about it on your blog or facebook, or become a fan of  Romance Author Donna Hatch on Facebook, leave the link in the
comments section and you'll receive additional entries.

March 7-Peggy Urry
March 8-Janette Rallison
March 9-Lydia Lindsey
March 12-Anna Arnett
March 13-Barbara White Daille
March 14-Valerie Ipson
March 15-Valerie Steimle

All entires need to be left by Midnight
MST, Sunday, March 18, 2012.