Through My Eyes by Sharee Wanner

My site is live, check it out!

Please join me on a new adventure as I capture the beauty found in nature and my imagination on canvas, in photographs and as I tell my story along the way!

Through My Eyes by Sharee Wanner

#throughmyeyesbyshareewanner #acrylicpainting #oilpainting #watercolor #shareessentiments

As Wide as the Sky Review

As Wide as the Sky

by Jessica Pack

Jessica's masterful way of immersing the reader in As Wide as the Sky kept me engaged with the turn of every page. 

As the story unfolded, each of the characters came to life. I felt Amanda's pain and anguish as her son Robbie faced the consequences of his choices. I cried when I read of the gratitude he had for her unconditional love. 

I felt the numbness and despair of losing a child. I felt the regret a father had for leaving a young family and the resolution of making changes for the better as he asked his family for forgiveness. 

I felt the joy of a brighter future despite great sadness. I empathized with a mother's feelings of failure and I felt the hope of new beginnings and possibilities "as wide as the sky".

Fractured by Karen E. Hoover

Fractured Review 

by Sharee Wanner

Karen masterfully brings a whole new world to light in this fantasy adventure. I was drawn in from the very beginning with her strong characters and plot.

Sianna doesn’t have it easy and chooses to live on her own in unpleasant circumstances until her aunt finds her and takes her in. But just as things are turning around for her, everything in her life and the town of Newtimber changes. Even the people change into mythological creatures from every culture.

Siana is tasked with healing her town, her new friends and her family and defeating the evil unleashed from another dimension.

Karen brings a whole new world to life and really showcases her female protagonist in this fantasy adventure!

You’ll want to add this one to your collection for sure.

Miss Wilton's Waltz By Josi S. Kilpack ~ Book Review

Miss Wilton's Waltz

by Josi S. Kilpack

Josi's ability to bring stories to life is magic! I was drawn into Miss Wilton's Waltz right from the beginning. Her characters are well-rounded and relatable. This delightful read takes you back to a simpler time. 

Propriety and social grace are an important part of life. Lenora is shy but gifted in music. She moves to a new city to live with her aunt and teach music hoping to leave her past behind. This may be just what she needs to move on with her life and finding love amidst opposition is something she least expects.

Author Interview with Adrienne Quintana

1.       When did you decide you wanted to be an author?

I’ve always loved telling stories. I tried to write my first novel when I was twelve years old, but it wasn’t until after a mission, marriage, two moves, four children, and finally earning my degree that I decided I wanted to be an author. My younger sister encouraged me to participate in National Novel Writing Month in 2013, and the rest is history.

2.       Who has influenced your writing the most?

I don’t know that any one writer has influenced me “the most.” Everything I’ve read has influenced me in some way. Growing up, I read a lot of classics—heavy on the Jane Austen. But I also dabbled in science fiction. I loved Isaac Asimov. Later, I got into thrillers. Dan Brown is one of my favorites.  If you swirl all of that together, you get a techno-thriller with romantic elements. Poof.

3.       What is your favorite part of the writing process and why?

This is going to sound crazy, but I love the re-writing phase.  I’m a pantser, so I usually have a lot of weeding to do in my garden. I love taking the mess I’ve created and turning it into something beautiful.

4.       What is your favorite book?

I love Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. For me, it’s perfectly paced and an amazing blend of mystery and romance. Brontë’s characters are relatable, and she understand how to build tension.

5.       What attributes do you most give your characters and why?

I tend to give my characters “flaws” that I wish I had.  The main character in Eruption and Reclamation is a little bit OCD. Her obsessions stem from something that happened in the past that she can’t remember. Sometimes I wish that the skeletons in my closet would motivate me to clean instead of eat obsessively.

In my current work in progress, the main character passes quick judgement on others. This isn’t an attribute I admire.  It’s something I’m trying to overcome along with my main character.

6.       What helps you be a better writer?

Critical feedback is key to becoming a better writer. Whether I’m giving it or receiving it, feedback forces my creative brain to be more analytical. You have to be able to think as both a writer and a reader.

7.       What are your ten most favorite things?

In no particular order:

Vacations with my family

The smell of rain

Beaches

Snapdragons

Black and white movies

Reading

Creamed spinach (no, seriously it’s delicious)

Drinking water

Snuggling my kids and my dog

Date night with my husband

8.       You have two techno-thrillers published, tell us about your most interesting character in each book?

I love Jace’s dad in Eruption. He’s a presence looming in the background from the beginning, but we don’t understand his full role in the mystery until near the end.  He’s a very three-dimensional character to me and his relationship with Jace is based on my relationship with my own father.

In Reclamation, Mirlande is an interesting character. Because of the time travel, we have to wonder about her existence before and after her interaction with Jace. In a lot of ways, I think she is what Jace wants to be: a fearless, bold fighter.

9.       Can you tell us why the first page of any story is so important?

Every page of a story is important, but the first page is paramount. It should tell the reader exactly what to expect.  It makes promises that then must be delivered on. Many writers stress about creating something that is new or different when really the reader is just looking for something that is exciting and delivers as expected.

10.     Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Keep reading and keep writing.  There’s really no other way to get to where you want to go.

Author Bio:

Adrienne Quintana is the author of Eruption as well as several children’s books. When she isn't writing, Adrienne enjoys running, hiking, and matchmaking (Are you single? She probably knows someone perfect for you.) She lives in Arizona with her husband and four children, who give her love, support, and plenty of good material for Instagram.

Change ~ A Phenomenon of Nature

A phenomenon of nature, change is constantly upon us. It happens for most of us a little at a time; just as the leaves turn from green to yellow-green, to gold and then to red; changing a little bit each day. One tree can have leaves with several different colors all on the same branch!

Early autumn in Brigham City, UT

As the trees make their final change the leaves begin to fall to the ground. This change prepares the trees for winter, a rest of sorts, and then comes an awakening in the spring.

It doesn’t happen all at once. During the seemingly dormant winter, the trees are still getting moisture from the earth. Gradually tiny buds of leaves form on the trees and beautiful blossoms appear as each tree awakens.

There are trees, however, that don’t seem to have such visible and outward changes—the Evergreen tree. No matter the season, its needles are forever green; a constant through all the seasons of change.

Colors of autumn in the canyon North-East of Inspiration Point near Willard, UT

Our lives often reflect the changes we see in nature. There are times when dramatic things and events occur in us, our families, our work, our beliefs and our education that are beautiful and colorful. New babies are born into your family several weeks early—priesthood blessings are given; you graduate with a Bachelor’s degree—you’ve accomplished your goal; your child’s team takes the state trophy home—their perseverance was rewarded; the missionaries come to your door and share the gospel of Jesus Christ—prayers are answered; you are offered a promotion at work—your wife to stay at home to nurture your young children.

Some of us are confident in our knowledge of who we are and we stand out at the edge of life leading those who follow. Others are timid and shy and blend in with the landscape. We don’t discover their full beauty until we travel deeper into the forest.

Sunrise on the eastern slope of Inspiration Point near Willard, UT

No matter the season of life we may be in, there are times when we feel deep despair—like all of our beautiful leaves have fallen and we are left bare to be whipped around by the cold winds of winter. Sometimes we are like the tree with the very last leaf clinging with all its might to the branch; not wanting to let go because we are afraid of what change may bring.

In 2 Nephi we read, “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”1

 The last leaf falling—Brigham City, UT

We must remember that our lives can be renewed and blossom again after those disparaging times.

Like the Evergreen is in nature, the Savior is our constant in this world of change. We gain this knowledge as we read the scriptures. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Helaman said,

“And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”2

We must focus on the Savior’s enduring guidance; each day finding nourishment and strength in His well of living water. As we focus on His guidance and draw upon the strength that it gives us, we can participate in all the changes of life without fear—with the reassurance that life will be renewed.

The Idaho Falls Temple dressed in autumn beauty—Idaho Falls, ID

Endnotes

1—2 Nephi 31:20

2—Helaman 5:12

Photos taken by Sharee Wanner

Madison's Gift Review

Madison's Gift 

by Marie Higgins

Marie really knows how to capture the reader's emotions as she envelops them into the mystery and romance of Madison's Gift. This story is a perfect blend of fully developed characters and plot. I couldn't wait to turn each page to see what happened next!

Immortal Writers Review

Immortal Writers by Jill Bowers

Jill really knows her craft! She's taken her literary knowledge and love of reading to create robust, relatable characters and sent them on a fantasy adventure unlike any other. I was drawn in from the very beginning and felt like I was part of the story. Twists and turns engaged my imagination and brought the story to life. Jill has a talent for enlisting all of the reader's emotions as they join Liz, Curtis, Healer, Rob and iconic writers from the past to save the world from the evil dragon lord.

One more thing to check off my bucket list 🌸

Set Fire to the Rain music video by Alex Boye

This is not something you get to do every day, but what an amazing experience it was to be in a music video with such talented people. Alex Boye was super friendly and very down-to-earth. Since it was posted on YouTube it's had nearly 2,000,000 views! How cool is that? During the filming, I got to stand on the roof one of the oldest buildings on Main Street. If you’re wondering - yes, I’m afraid of heights!

The cherry on top of this great experience was performing at a concert with Alex to help raise money to renovate the building we filmed the video in.

Behind the scenes...

It's also been fun to be a model for products we test at work! Granted this shot is of the back of my head, but my hair looks great! And yes, it’s really me!

Author Interview: Marie Higgins

Today I'd like to share an interview I recently had with Marie Higgins, co-author of The Witch Hunt: the first book in her Where Dreams Come True series.

What is your favorite part of the writing process and why?

Not only do I write romance, but I love to add a little (or a lot) of mystery/suspense into my stories. For the past few years, this has been my favorite part of my writing process. I love putting on my Sherlock Holmes hat and trying to figure out the mystery and the villain’s motivation.  I absolutely love throwing twists into the story, too. This is what keeps me enthralled in my stories.

When did you decide you wanted to be an author?

Many years ago I was an avid romance reader. And of course, I loved watching romance movies. One particular movie was romantic—an unforbidden love—but in the end, the hero and heroine did NOT end up together. I was so upset that this movie hadn’t ended happy. That night I had a dream (which was very common for me at this time) about a romance, and when I woke up, that was when I decided to write my dream into a story. Most of my stories start that way now. Of course, now I have to figure out how to turn my stories into movies…

Who has influenced your writing the most?

I don’t think there has been just one person who influenced me. I give credit to the author of the first romance novel that I read – Kathleen E Woodiwiss. The book was “The Rose in Winter”. That hooked me on historical romances. But I have a lot of author friends now, and they all have a little part of helping me along the way.

You’re known for your romance writing, so what made you venture into fantasy and fairy tales?

Most of my romances were Cinderella type stories, anyway, so it wasn’t hard for me to venture into writing a real Cinderella story. The first book that led me into this direction was my YA Fantasy, “The Witch Hunt”. I had a dream one night (see, I told you that usually starts my stories…) about children being sucked into a book. I was so excited about this story—mainly because it was so very different—that I realized I could turn this into a series and call it my twisted fairy tale series. Instead, the series name is “Where Dreams Come True”.

How did you decide on the title of this book?

It was easy to find a title for this particular story. My twisted fairy tale is about three teenagers who get sucked into a fairy tale book. The story they are sucked into is about Hansel and Gretel. And, because Hansel and Gretel are kidnapped by a witch… Plus, there are other twists that I won’t tell you about, but believe me, “The Witch Hunt” is the perfect title!

Who is your favorite character in The Witch Hunt and why?

Rick Stevenson is my favorite. He and his sister are two of the characters in this story. Rick is the dumb jock. Not that he’s really dumb, but he acts that way to get attention. The jabs he and his sister give each other during the story really crack me up. All of my characters learn something about themselves in this story, and they all have to overcome one of their fears. I think Rick is the one who has the best experience doing this, and his character grows so much. I can’t help but smile when I think of him and the trials he goes through in the story.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Do NOT give up! If your dream is to become a writer, don’t let anything stop you. Do all you can to achieve your goal.

Links to “The Witch Hunt”:

Book trailer -  https://youtu.be/j1SbMz76fpQ

Kindle - http://a.co/f9vQK9c

Paperback - http://a/co/bWqnD0X

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Marie Higgins-

 

Since Marie Higgins was a little girl playing Barbies with her sister, Stacey, she has loved the adventure of making up romantic stories. Marie was only eighteen years old when she wrote her first skit, which won an award for Funniest. A little later in life, after she’d married and had children, Marie wrote Church roadshows that were judged as Funniest and Best Written. From there, she branched out to write full-length novels based on her dreams. (Yes, she says, her dreams really are that silly)

Marie has been married for several years to a wonderful man. Together, they have three loving daughters and several beautiful grandchildren. Marie works full time for the state of Utah, and she’s lived in that state her entire life. Marie plans to keep writing, because the characters in her head won’t shut up. But her husband smiles and pretends this is normal.

Marie Higgins is a multi-published author of romance; from refined bad-boy heroes who makes your heart melt to the feisty heroines who somehow manage to love them regardless of their faults. 

Visit her website to discover more about her – http://mariehiggins.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariehigginsxox

Facebook: https://facebook.com/marie.higgins.7543

Dusti Miller-

Dusti Miller is an avid book adventurer, frequently traipsing through the written worlds of heroes and villains alike. She enjoys putting ink on blank pages to create worlds of her own and is on a quest to find her characters’ real-life doppelgangers. So if you ever run into her and she wraps you in a bear hug while calling you by one of her characters’ names… Just go with it. Dusti lives with her husband and four children in the quaint little town of Malad, Idaho.

You can follow Dusti on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DustiDMiller

Instagram: Dusti_Miller

And Twitter: @DustiDMiller  

 try and harm Brooke. Not until he arrived, anyway.

needed to follow the storyline as Brooke had suggested, maybe the witch wou

The Watchers: Flood and Fire Review

The Watchers: Flood and Fire

By Sharee Wanner

Waking up in a strange place, Auriella finds out she is now an immortal. Much time has passed however and she wonders what has happened to her beloved Azrael. With the help of Eva and the high druid, she trains to develop her powers so she can join him in their fight against the Rebellion.

Her first task is to find a fellow Neviahan and convince him he is one of them and to come back with her. She is admonished to keep him safe because the Rebellion wants him on their side so they can control his powers. The journey takes her on a treacherous path of self-discovery and deception.

All is not as it seems when she finds out the true character of a particular pirate. Can she put her trust in him after what he's done? Will he join in her quest to overcome the evil of the Rebellion and be reunited with her beloved Azrael?

The skill and passion Deirdra possesses for her work left me excited to turn the page.

Wrinkles by Mian Mohsin Zia

Wrinkles

by Mian Mohsin Zia

Right from the start the title intrigued me. How could a story about wrinkles be considered a love story?

Mian artfully crafted a story where the characters and their interaction with one another help the reader discover that despite wrinkles on our souls caused by trials, heartache and tragedy, true love can be found.

A mother's love is a powerful thing but Xavier's story of finding love encompasses much more; the love between a man and a woman, the love parents have for their children, the love children have for their parents and the love that grows in friendships. Xavier's journey to find true love is a wonderful story of perseverance, hope and discovery.

Although some wrinkles may take a lifetime to heal; through prayer, faith and love they can be healed.

Mind Over Mind by Karina Fabian

Mind Over Mind

by Karina Fabian

Daryl isn't your average teenage boy. He's been in an institution for many years because hears voices in his head. They won't leave him alone. They've tormented him and even caused him bodily harm. When they call he must answer. That is until Josh arrives. 

Josh has learned the skill of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) from his father and to take a break from his regular life he's going to put those skills to use. His father has a colleague in Rhode Island and arranges a summer internship for Josh.

His first assignment is to be a friend to a younger boy and learn all he can from the doctors and nurses as they work with the patients who live there. Josh earns Daryl's trust and teaches him the skills he needs help him deal with and manage all that's going on in his head. 

Daryl's newly developed skills help him learn control and shield his mind from the aliens invading his mind and the nightmares of the other patients in SK Mental. His fears are more manageable every day and he really likes Josh's friendship. Will this newfound knowledge be enough to get him out into the real world and deal with all that he'd encounter? What about the alien world that has been in his head all these years? It has to be real. What will happen to them if he refuses their call?

As he watches the progress Daryl is making, Dr. Malachi isn't willing to concede the fact that it's Josh's knowledge of NLP that are the key to helping Daryl live in the real world. If he does, what will that say of him as a doctor?

I thoroughly enjoyed the full spectrum of emotions I experienced with the turn of each page! I'm looking forward to Mind over Psyche and the adventure that awaits!

Motherhood

Who knew that being a mother would be so rewarding? Yes, there are days that will try you like never before but there are so many more days that you'll be able to use those trials to make things turn out to be the best ever!

When you first look into your newborn baby's eyes, fresh from heaven you are filled with so much love your heart can barely contain itself.

As your child grows, so does your capacity to love. You welcome your second son into the family and you teach, learn and grow as a family with each new day.

You know there are more you need to shower with love so you welcome your first baby girl to the family. With play time, nap time, school, cartoons, yard work, house chores, grocery shopping, laundry, vacations, reading and changing diapers, you learn to manage your time so you can get everything done.

Motherhood can be exhausting but when your little boy brings you a handful of dandelions your heart melts and the exhaustion disappears. "I love you mama!"

Then your baby boy joins the wonderful adventure here on earth and the joy increases more than you thought possible! Camping trips, dinosaurs, princess dresses, doll houses, scouting, football and soccer. Bee stings, skinned knees, teepees in the backyard, crackers and chocolate chips.

Life as you know it changes for the better and your family is complete when your baby girl is born.

Kitty cats, painting, cowboys and indians, GI Joe's and Barbie's, homework, choir concerts, dancing, Eagle Scouts, Young Womanhood Awards, sewing, school plays, football championships, college, missions, marriage, dauther-in-law, grandchildren, and stories, writing, cowboy action shooting, archery, cars, and gardens.

We become a forever family by growing closer to God through trials of faith, hope in a bright future, and increasing our testimonies. Love between husband and wife grows with each amazing gift God sends to your home. You become better people as you work, play and love together.

All these amazing things have made life as a mother fulfilling and rewarding. I am so thankful for the blessings of my husband and children, motherhood, fatherhood and eternal families.

My Journey to Nauvoo: Day 1 Photos

With the execption of a stop somewhere around 2 am to switch drivers, the busses were on the road all night long. We tried to sleep - some of us even had success. Our first stop of the day was in at the rest area in Lincoln, NE at 7 am for breakfast and bathroom breaks. (Why is the line to the women's room so much longer than the men's?) A question we may never know the answer to. 

From sun up to sundown we enjoyed some beautiful scenery. The biggest difference being the lack of mountains. 

Sunrise on the prairie

The monument to Abraham Lincoln

The sun brightening my view and the words below enlightening my understanding as I learn something new.

Beauty of the morning sun

Abe up close

Next stop: Big Springs, to stretch our legs, obtain liquid refreshment and snacks for the long road ahead and for more bathroom breaks

Rolls and rolls of hay

Fields and fields of corn. Everything's so green!

Wide open spaces dotted with barns and homesteads

The weather is sunny one minute and the next, clouds are rolling in and rain threatens

Beautiful architecture

and then it begins to rain 

Water towers everywhere

Sunset in Missouri

Grandma Wanner's Peanut Brittle

I know it's only October, but as the seasons change, I find myself thinking of the fun things we do during the holidays. 

Christmas traditions at our house include making candies and chocolates. Our family favorites are: Peanut Clusters, Peanut Brittle, English Toffee, Caramels and Pecan Turtles! 

Here are some photos of the Peanut Brittle making process from Christmas 2014.