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.

Finding Sheba by H. B. Moore

Finding Sheba 

By H. B. Moore

Dr. Lyon has discovered who attempted to assassinate his dearest friend, the Coptic pope. Only a handful of his colleagues would know the importance of the knowledge he had. Realizing the gravity of his situation, he had to let them know of the deception he'd discovered.

Learning who she can trust is the first item of business for Jade, the young apprentice. She travels across the world to join Lucas Morel, an Egyptologist who wants to know what happened to Dr. Lyon as bad as she does.

The young woman paused. She knelt next to one of the fallen; too big to be a woman although dressed as one. She lifted the wig, but her worst fears were realized. It was her father, the king of Sheba, murdered in an ambush. Grief and sadness turn to anger as she vows to find out who did this and find the king's ring - the ring of Sheba.

Heir to the throne, she is now Queen of Sheba. She must rely on her captain of the guard and maid servant to help her as this mantle falls upon her. After he saves her life, she is surprised and pleased at the feelings of her heart for him. Sadly, she tells herself it cannot be. She is the Queen and cannot marry for love. She must marry royalty. She travels to meet Solomon and her life takes a new course.

Omar is working deep undercover to find the clues that will lead to finding the Queen of Sheba's tomb. What he doesn't know is who's behind the accidents that keep happening to block the way.
Weaving the story through centuries

A letter from Alem's grandmother has a clue to aid him in finding the truth, but when he discovers an important artifact, he soon realizes there is no reward for doing so; only excruciating pain.

Mia is also working undercover, but she knows more than she can tell Omar. She is the best at what she does and will do what ever it takes to keep the Coptic Pope safe.

Jade and Lucas' paths cross Mia, Omar and Alem - also hoping to discover the burial place of Sheba. Realizing the danger they are in, they form an alliance.

Finding Sheba is a thrilling and suspenseful love story woven between past and present. Although it's a work of fiction, the story brought history to life as I accompanied Omar, Jade, Mia, Alem and Dr. Morel as they traveled through the desert to uncover the truth of what happened to the Queen of Sheba.

Love Hugs and Hope by Christy Monson & Lori Nawyn

There are scary things that happen to all of us-young and old. I love the way that Lori's illustrations bring added insight to Christy's words. When we express our feelings with words and art, it helps us learn to deal with the hard times we go through. By focusing on the love, hugs and hope we can feel peace that we can be happy again. 

Join me tomorrow for an interview with the author - Christy Monson!

Book Review of Athena—Book 4 of the Newport Ladies Book Club Series

Book Review of Athena—Book 4 of the Newport Ladies Book Club Series

Athena is a successful woman and is quite content to be single. She owns her own business and keeps herself busy with work—lots of work. Her casual relationship with Karl is suddenly at an end when she hesitates at his desire to take it to the next level. He accuses her of being a workaholic. Trying to prove otherwise; she joins a book club, and in the process, meets Grey—the owner of a used book store. Her mother also thinks she needs to make a change in her life. She tries to help by setting Athena up with single Greek men. Athena realizes that she needs to do things differently.

The changes that come, however, are not what Athena expected—tragedy hits her family and she is needed to help care for her ailing father. Through it all she receives support and love from her new-found friends at the book club. Opening her heart to others, helps her to see how much she really does need Grey.

Athena is very well written and my favorite so far!

Children

      Children are the most amazing creations. I do have one complaint, however...they grow up way too fast and then before you know it they are out in the world starting their own adventure. And the only thing that you can do is hope that you have taught them enough and given them enough of the character building experiences that they will need to be strong and successful in all that they do. Just the other day, Nate and I were the only ones home and while we were in the kitchen he said, "It sure would suck if it was just us two in the family!" That's for sure! I love the busy, noisy life we have with all of us in the house.   

Live Each Day to the Fullest!

I recently found out that one of our good friends, Randall Gilbert, passed away last night. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts go out to his family. Here are a few thoughts that came to mind....Live each day to the fullest. Say "I love you" to those you care about. Treat others with kindness and respect. You never know, it may be the last time you get that opportunity. God calls us home on His time and we never know when that might be. Make every moment count. I am so thankful for those who have come across my path through the years. I love you all and I am so grateful to have you as family and friends. Thank you for making each day brighter!

Mothers

I am very grateful for my mother! The things she has taught me will be with me always. I am more than blessed to be a mother. I have such wonderful children and I love them so much! Each one of them has a different personality, different likes and dislikes, different talents and abilities which make our family well rounded. Thank you for the love and appreciation that you showed me yesterday. Thank you mom for showing me what it means to be a mother.

The Savior

The gift I am most thankful for this Christmas is the love that the Savior has for me. It is unconditional. He is truly interested in all that is going on in my life. Whether I am having a good day or a not so good day, He is there to lift me up and strengthen me. When I look at the pictures of the Savior by Liz Lemon Swindle, I feel like He is right there with me to help me through.
Picture of Christ
The challenge today is not convincing others that Jesus is real, but that He is relevant. Developing a relationship with Jesus means spending time with Him. In a world filled with distractions it can become easy to forget the Lord. By putting a picture of Christ in your home, you are creating a reminder to yourself, and those you love, to make time for the Lord each day. Go to
http://www.pictureofchrist.org for a free picture of Christ.

Gratitude

I am truly grateful for all those who have walked across my path and have touched my life with hope, love and light. Whether it be directly or indirectly, that moment will be remembered forever.

Laney's Testimony
November 26, 2011

When a tragic accident took the life of 20 year old Laney Peacock her family was devastated. Her loss left a hole in the family that is impossible to fill but her family has found some peace in her testimony that she left behind. Weeks before the accident Laney documented her feelings about the Church and her love of the Savior. After her death, her family discovered this testimony in her journal and have shared it with others as they continue to heal and have hope for the future.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=1074&sid=18166430&title=november-26-2011

Love

Kelly and I recently celebrated our 27th Anniversary. When we got married that cool, windy November day back in 1984, it was for eternity. We were so much in love. Nothing could have been better that day! Everyday since then has been an adventure. We've had good times and our share of trials, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. I love Kelly more today than ever. Happy Anniversary babe!