Book Review - Crossfire by Traci Hunter Abramson

From the back of the book: Special Agent Vanessa Lauton is living a lie. For the past year she's been posing as a member of the Dominican Republic's most powerful crime family in order to infiltrate a Caribbean terrorist organization. When her CIA contact has a heart attack, he's replaced by U.S. Navy SEAL squad member Seth Johnson - the man Vanessa nearly married six years before. And suddenly the heat is on, in more ways than one.

Terrorist kingpin Akil Ramir sequesters Vanessa and Seth in his Nicaraguan fortress, where they learn of an impending attack on American soil. The Saint Squad is dispatched to calm the storm, but even their heroic efforts can't stop multiple threats from escalating. Adrenaline rises as the squad confronts enemies who will stop at nothing to sabotage national security - and Vanessa finds herself caught in the crossfire.

Traci Hunter Abramson just has a way about her. Everything she writes is crisp and precise, drawing the reader into the suspense of the moment and making it all seem completely real. Her years of experience working for the CIA play in her favor in adding that element of believability to her stories.

I did get a little confused here and there with all the characters and all the names, but that didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. Fast-paced, attention-grabbing, and definitely another triumph for this already very seasoned author.

Book Review: The Sapphire Flute by Karen E. Hoover

The chains of magic that bind the world Rasann together are falling apart, and every mage in the land must work together to keep everything from being destroyed. If only they had a white mage, the only one who could bring completion to their net and save them all from obliteration ... but a white mage has not been found for over 3,000 years. Only a few know what fate befalls them if they cannot summon the kind of help they truly need.

One who knows is Ezeker, old and wise, learned in the ways of the magi. He has done his part, but he knows the strength of magic in the land is failing. He sees potential in one girl, Ember - but her mother will not let her attend the mage trials and begin her training, the one thing she wants more than anything.

Elsewhere in the land, an evahn and a human fell in love and married. Their daughter, Kayla, is an outcast in society because of her half status - not fully ev, not fully human. Kayla hopes that with her gift of music, she can convince the king to restore her family's honor, but instead, he gives her something she never imagined - guardianship of the Sapphire Flute, a keystone to linking all the magic into one powerful force. But she is told that she must never play it.

Each girl holds a piece of the puzzle. Each girl has something Rasann needs to stay whole. Will they find the strength and courage to do what they must, and can they do it before the evil C'Tan finds them both?

Karen E. Hoover's The Sapphire Flute is a perfect novel to introduce the world of fantasy to a reader who might never have experienced it before. The writing is evocative and creates beautiful mental pictures, but it's not so complex as to be overwhelming, as I find many fantasy novels to be. However, those who read fantasy often will not find this book too elementary. I consider it a perfect meeting place for all lovers of fantasy, those who have been reading it for years and those who might be giving it a try for the first time.

Best of all, this book is clean. It demonstrates the importance of integrity and courage, and it shows how family relationships can mean the world to those who appreciate them and allow them to grow. The closing scenes of the book are particularly touching in this regard and left me feeling utterly at peace and covered in chills at the same time.

I can't wait to see the other six volumes in this series. Karen did a fantastic job of creating her world in this first novel, and I want to see it come to life again and again.

Book Review: Abish, Daughter of God by K.C. Grant

Abish is one of the few women mentioned by name in the Book of Mormon, and as such, I've often wondered about her. She must have been a woman of tremendous faith, to proclaim her beliefs to everyone when she knew they would mock her and possibly even beat her for the things she said. Instead, she was an instrument in bringing King Lamoni's subjects to a knowledge of the truth, and aided Ammon's missionary work in that land.

K. C. Grant's first novel, "Abish: Daughter of God," explores all the what-ifs of this remarkable woman's life. Most of it is pure conjecture, as any book about Abish would have to be - we know so little about her. Conjecture though it may be, it made for a very interesting story.

We see Abish living with her parents - her father, a healer, renowned for his skill, and her mother, addicted to some of the drugs her father uses in his practice. Abish is adored by her father, unwanted by her mother, and wants to know where she fits in to the family picture. For a time, she works with her father in his trade, but then something happens to change everything. Her father had a vision of the goodness of God and the way in which He should properly be worshiped, and of the coming of a Savior. He is killed for speaking of his vision, but Abish heard his words and believed them.

Abish spends part of her childhood living in the palace as a playmate to the princess, and when she is sent home, her mother decides to arrange a marriage for her. She has fallen in love with someone else, but that's of no consequence - her mother is firm. Feeling she has no choice, Abish and her chosen love run away together, and thus begins a long period of separation between Abish and her people.

When the time comes for her to return, she meets a curious young man named Ammon, and together they discuss a way to bring the truth of the gospel to the people.

I enjoyed the story very much from a fiction standpoint. It was interesting to me to read about the traditions of the people, how they lived from day to day, and the things the author imagined might have happened to Abish throughout her life. However, I did wish that the two elements of the story that were based on scripture were given more attention. Her father's vision was only briefly mentioned, and the climax of the book, Ammon teaching the king, was only covered in the last small portion of the book. I would have liked to see more about each of these events.

That said, it was an enjoyable book. I found it well-written and I hope this author produces many more books for the LDS market.

Book Launch - A World of Difference

The book launch on Tuesday night was a huge success! We had a steady stream of people all evening long, the entertainment was great, and it was so nice to see friends and family all gathered to support us. If you'd like to see the broad array of pictures taken, visit the Valor blog at this post and this post.

I'd like to re-post a few here that are more specifically geared to my experience at the launch. First off, here is my awesome critique group, who comes out to support me in everything I do. I'm so blessed to have friends like these.
Back row: Nichole Giles, Keith Fisher, and Heather Justesen. Front row: Kimberly Job and me.

Me with Kimberly - not only is she a member of my critique group, but we are now both published with Valor.

The two of us with Karlene Browning, who used to be Kimberly's Young Women adviser as well as having been a blog friend, and then a real friend, of mine for years.

My cute table decorations. Notice the overabundance of doilies. Very Relief Society, don't you think?

Signing a book.

Thank you, everyone, who came out and made the launch so successful. It was so much fun to see you all! And thank you to those who brought socks for Operation Sock Hop. You make Arlette so happy, and she's a hard person to please. This project will continue throughout the entire run of the Secret Sisters series, so feel free to bring me socks at any of the events where I appear.

As a last note, I held a drawing for those who signed up for my mailing list that night. The winner is Jenn Johansson. Jen, I'll mail those cute striped socks out soon!

Book Review: The Sharp Edge of a Knife by D. N. Giles

The year is 1958. Mel Peterson and his wife, Jeneal, are expecting their sixth child. She's a devoted homemaker, and he is a teacher for The Church of Latter-day Saints. They both work hard, love their family, and believe whole-heartedly in their faith. But one day, that faith was tested to its very core.

On his way to work, Mel stopped to pick up two hitchhikers, not knowing they were refugees from the law. They pulled out a knife, and Mel became a hostage in a carjacking.

The next several hours were grueling as Mel struggled to understand his captors and to say the words that would keep them calm. Back at home, Jeneal felt something wasn't right, and wondered what could be happening to make her feel so ill at ease.

Offering countless prayers for guidance and deliverance, Mel's life was spared as his captors took last-minute pity on him and left him in the desert rather than slitting his throat, which had been their original plan.

This novel by D. N. Giles is remarkable in many ways.

First, it's the true story of her grandfather, told as closely to his original account as possible. D. N. did a tremendous amount of research in the telling of her story, even going so far as to conduct a phone interview with one of the kidnappers, now out of jail. She even included newspaper clippings from the event.

Second, it's written in such a way that you really believe you've stepped into the 1950's. The use of language, from the sentence structure to the colloquialisms, speaks of a by-gone era. D. N. used speech patterns traditionally used by her grandfather to bring his character in the book to life.

Third, the story is simply compelling. To see the faith of this humble man as he is driven across the desert, having no idea what is to become of him but trusting in the God who made him, and retaining his dignity ... it was very inspirational. And in the end, it was the strength of Mel's character that saved his life, as his kidnappers showed their respect for him by not following through on their original intentions for him.

I applaud D. N. for the time and devotion she gave to this book, as well as the respect and honor she paid to her grandparents by telling their story. "The Sharp Edge of a Knife" is a job very well done.



Now, read this important information from author D. N. Giles!!

The Sharp Edge of a Knife Blog Tour and Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of The Sharp Edge of a Knife, I’ve put together an exciting giveaway, with several opportunities to win. Since the book deals a lot with making choices, the prizes all have something to do with choice.

Among prizes I’ve been collecting, Lisa at Watches by Lisa has agreed to sponsor the giveaway by donating a custom made beaded watch and face. Head on over to her blog and take a look at the incredible selection.

So, choice number one: the winner gets to choose a watch band and face so that their watch is personalized to their tastes and fashion needs.

Yes, I realize that a beaded watch is not exactly a prize to be coveted by a bunch of masculine men (though it makes a great gift for the woman or girl in your life), which is why I’m also giving away more great stuff. Check out the following really cool prizes:

1. Choice between: An autographed copy of the New York Times number one bestselling novel, Wings by Aprilynne Pike—or—a non-autographed copy of The Darwin Awards, Intelligent Design by Wendy Northcutt—or—a numbered, autographed copy of Recovering Charles by Jason F. Wright. Click here to learn more about Wings, here to read about The Darwin Awards, and here to find out about Recovering Charles.

2. Choice between: A $25 gift certificate to the Restaurant Morelia in Murray, UT (Sorry out-of-state peeps, this is local to Utah.) or $25 worth of vinyl lettering by Whaddayawannasay Vinyl Lettering—you choose your quote or phrase.

Bonus prize for author types

3. You may substitute any of the above selections with the following incredible opportunity: The chance to sit in on a critique session with my wonderful, amazing, incredible critique group. While there, you will be treated to not one, but six critiques on the first chapter of your work in progress. This is no ordinary group. We have in our midst some fabulous authors including Tristi Pinkston, acquisitions editor for Valor publishing and author of the Secret Sisters series, Danyelle Ferguson, freelance editor and author of (dis)Abilities and the Gospel—who will edit via internet, since she actually lives in Kansas—Heather Justesen, author of The Ball’s In Her Court and the upcoming release, Rebound, Kimberly Job, author of I’ll Know You By Heart, and Keith Fisher, up and coming author of women’s fiction and plotting genius, and Nichole Giles, also known as D.N. Giles.

**If you are not local to Utah, but would still like this option, we will still critique your chapter online.

**If enough people enter this contest, I reserve the right to choose extra winners and give away some, or all, of the prizes left after the top three winners have made their choices.


Entries will be accepted between March 15th and April 3rd. On April 5th Nichole will announce the contest winners on her blog. Entry requirements:


1. You must be a follower of my blog.

2. You must leave a comment telling me which prize you want to win and why.

3. For those wishing to win the watch, you must go to Watches by Lisa and become a follower, then come back and tell me which watch combination is your favorite.


Extra entries:

1. Blog about this contest, then come back and leave either a url address or a link in a comment.

2. Twitter this contest, tell me where to see your tweet in a comment.

3. Follow me on Twitter @TristiPinkston.

4. Follow Nichole on Twitter.

5. Facebook the contest. If your Facebook page is private, and I’m not your friend, I can’t see that you’ve done this, so you’ll need to friend me.

6. Become a fan of The Sharp Edge of a Knife on Facebook.


You may enter this contest here, as well as on any of the tour posts at the following blogs:

March 15th Cindy Beck, Review

March 16th David J. West, review, interview

March 17th Cindy Beck, Interview

March 18th Tristi Pinkston, review (and here you are! :)

March 19th Rachelle Christensen, review

March 22nd Shanda, LDS Women’s Book Review

March 23rd Kimberly Job, review

March 23rd Keith Fisher, Interview

March 24th Heather Justesen, review

March 25th Christine Bryant, Review

March 26th Kimberly Job, interview

March 26th Heather Justesen, interview

March 27th Keith Fisher, review

March 28th Ali Cross, Review

March 29th Rachelle Christensen, Interview

March 30th Heather Gardener, Fire and Ice Book Reviews

March 31st Danyelle Ferguson review, interview

Contests and Contests and Contests ... Oh, My!!

What an awesome and exciting night!

First of all, many thanks to those who came by and entered Rachelle Christensen's Scrapbox and Wrong Number Giveaway. How fun to make new friends, and I hope you all come back and hang out!

The winner of my blog's prize, a copy of my novel Agent in Old Lace, is Annette D. Congratulations, Annette! Please be looking in your e-mail for a note from me asking for your contact information so I can mail you this book. I hope you enjoy it!

Second, I want to thank everyone who participated in my Secret Sisters contest. Between you all, I had 185 entries! Wow - that is seriously impressive. I wish I could give each and every one of you a grand prize, but I can't. *sniff* I will tell you, though, who won.

Winner of the Grand Prize - Jenn Wilks!!

Winner of copy #1 of Secret Sisters - Suzanne, whose name is also Estelle Malloy (I haven't figured that one out yet)

Winner of copy #2 of Secret Sisters - Krista Lynn Jensen

Winner of copy #3 of Secret Sisters - Jolynn Rood

Ladies, I will be in touch with each of you.

Thanks so much, everyone, for participating! This has been so much fun, and I hope it was for you, too.

Now, don't forget to come hang out with me and four of my author friends at Barnes and Noble at the Gateway tonight at 6:30 - 8:00!!

Book Review: Summer in Paris by Michele Ashman Bell

Kenzie Williams is used to having her own way. To escape from their own emotional pain, her parents have created a world of social events, shopping, and high-end living, and that's the way Kenzie believes things should be - she's never known differently. But when her father declares bankruptcy, her entire existence is shattered. Without her wealth, who is she? Things are made worse when her parents announce they are sending her to Paris until everything gets straightened out ... Paris, Idaho, that is.

Kenzie goes from the land of Prada to the land of potatoes faster than she can swipe a credit card, and she doesn't know how to cope with the sudden change. In the past, she always turned to ballet for her stress relief - she's in line for a scholarship to a prestigious ballet school - but now she doesn't even have that. Where is she supposed to dance? In the barn?

A little at a time, she begins to realize what has been missing from her life, and she yearns to have a normal, healthy family. But her parents have already separated. Is it too late to find their own happy ending?

Michele Ashman Bell is a well-loved author in the LDS market, with "Summer in Paris" being her debut book on the national market. She has combined a series of winning elements: friendship, comedy, romance, mystery - and given us a heroine who truly lives up to that name. Kenzie is not perfect, and at the start of the book, she might not even be very likable. But every experience she has changes her and softens her, and by the end, you're in her corner, cheering her on. The transformation isn't too sudden, nor is it cheesy, but it comes about naturally, and you can easily see how a teenager would think and feel in those circumstances and identify with the changes that took place.

"Summer in Paris" is one of five books being debuted next Tuesday evening in Salt Lake City:

Tuesday - 16 March 2010 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
The Gateway
6 N Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1184

If you are unable to attend the signing, you can also order "Summer in Paris" here.

Day Dreamer ... and I Need Friends ... All on the Same Day!

I'm a special guest today over at Day Dreamer. Go check it out! And my thanks for Christine Bryant for inviting me to participate!

I'm also the special guest over at I Need Friends Friday, hosted by Sarah Eden.

How cool is that? It's like, a whole day dedicated to Tristi. It's Tristi Day.

I've never had a day before ...

It's My Party ...

Well, my party and four other people's, too.

Come celebrate with me, Daron Fraley, Kimberly Job, Michele Ashman Bell, and Karen Hoover as we each release a new book.

Tuesday - 16 March 2010 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
The Gateway
6 N Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT

Will there be prizes?

Yes!

Will there be entertainment?

Yes!

Will there be tons of wonderful, marvelous books to buy and authors to sign them?

Yes, and yes!

Will it be an experience never to be forgotten in all the annals of history relating to book launches?

Does a one-legged duck swim in a circle? (That would be yes.)

Don't forget that in conjunction with this book launch, I am holding a contest. Click here to read all about it. If you haven't entered yet, I heartily suggest that you do so immediately. Three more copies of Secret Sisters have been added to the pot, in addition to the already amazing grand prize.

Hope to see you next Tuesday ... really, you'll have an awesome time.

Interview with Rachelle J. Christensen

As I'm sure all my blog readers know, I'm a pretty busy person. It's hard for me to schedule in time for interviews and the like, so when I called Rachelle and asked her to come do an interview with me, I had to get a little creative.

Tristi: Hi, Rachelle? Hey, listen. I want to interview you, but I need you to go grocery shopping with me and follow me around.

Rachelle: (dead quiet)

Tristi: Um, are you there?

Rachelle: Are you sure you don't have the wrong number?

Tristi: This is Rachelle Christensen, right?

Rachelle: Yeah ... but why do I need to follow you around at the grocery store?

Tristi: I want to interview you. You know who this is, right? Tristi Pinkston.

Rachelle: Your voice does sound familiar, but I have to be careful. I get a lot of wrong numbers, you know.

Tristi: I get a ton, too. In fact, my phone number is just one digit off that of a popular store in the valley. I get calls for them all the time.

Rachelle: Okay, so, what grocery store?

We made arrangements to meet the following day. I was pushing the cart, my children dutifully holding on to the sides, like they have been taught to do. Rachelle looked adorable, as always ... I looked frazzled, as always.

Rachelle: You know, usually when I'm invited to do a blog interview and the blogger chooses an unusual place to interview me, they pick a tropical island or something like that.

Tristi: (fishing a child out of the macaroni display) I know, and I'm sorry. But my imagination has become somewhat pragmatic lately. I have to multitask. Thanks for being such a good sport.

Rachelle: No problem.

Tristi: Now, where were we?

Rachelle: We weren't actually anywhere yet ... you haven't asked me a question.

Tristi: Oh, right. Now, your book is all about a wrong number. What is the most embarrassing wrong number you've ever placed?

Rachelle: I can’t think of one that I dialed, but I can think of one I answered when I was in high school. I talked to the girl—she was all bubbly and excited—for about three minutes before I figured out she wasn’t calling me! We looked each other up in the year book, she was a senior- I was a junior, to figure out who we were talking to.

Tristi: A guy called me up and asked me out one day. Turns out he really wanted to talk to someone named Sandy. What's wrong with me? Why didn't he want to ask me out? I mean, this was before I was married and had four kids and was very unavailable. He could have asked me out, now, couldn't he? Couldn't he?

Rachelle: (looking uncomfortable) But if he didn't know you, maybe he didn't feel right about asking you out?

Tristi: What's not to ask? I was an adorable teenager, completely adorable, I tell you!

People on the aisle stopped to stare. Rachelle took the cart and gently steered it toward the deli.

Rachelle: Let's get a drink. I know I could go for some water.

Tristi: Don't tell me you're one of those water-drinking nuts.

Rachelle: I am.

Tristi: Me too. Salud!

We both filled up water cups, and I got a snack for the kids. We sat down at the nearby table. Rachelle reached across the table and patted my hand.

Rachelle: Was there anything else you wanted to ask me?

Tristi: Oh, yeah, there was. What is the most irritating wrong number you've ever received?

Rachelle: When my husband and I were first married, we moved into the USU Mobile Home Park. You kept the same phone numbers there and we soon learned that the previous owners had skipped out on all of their bills. Every day we would come home and hear the greeting tune for Discover card asking the people to pay their bill. Other times we were harassed and accused of hiding information about these people to help them escape their debt!

Tristi: That would be a good plot line for a book, too. You should think about that. So, you're a busy mom, in addition to being an author.

Rachelle: Yes. My kids are adorable. Yours are equally as adorable.

Tristi: (beaming) Yes, they are rather cute little things, aren't they? That one (pointing) just got accepted to Julliard.

Rachelle: Really?

Tristi: No. But maybe next year, when he's six.

We finished our water cups and stood up. I took the opportunity to throw five loaves of bread in the cart, and Rachelle helped me find the peanut butter with the lowest sodium.

Tristi: So, remind me where to buy your book?

Rachelle: You can buy it directly from the publisher here, or you can go into Deseret Book or Barnes and Noble. It's also on Amazon.

Tristi: So basically, I would have no excuse whatsoever not to get your book.

Rachelle: That is correct.

Tristi: And by extension, my blog readers also have no excuse.

Rachelle: Well, you did make it very easy for them to find. All those links, and things.

Rachelle helped me out to the car with my groceries, and we got the kids buckled in.

Tristi: Thanks, Rachelle!

Rachelle: Not a problem. Any time.

Tristi: What are you doing tomorrow? I need to go to Costco.

Rachelle: Oh, my! Look at the time.

You can learn more about Rachelle J. Christensen by visiting her blog and her Web site. But I don't think she'll come help you grocery shop - she only does that for me.

Open Letter: Dear Spambots . . .

Dear Spambots,

How are you? I trust you're feeling well and that your mother recovered from her knee surgery without complication.

I'm contacting you today on an entirely unrelated matter. You see, as of late, you've been trying extra hard to leave comments on my blog. You know the kind I mean ... I helped with your college paper, you have some enhancement products to sell me, you want me to enlist for your prescription drug program, you have some money for me ... well, guess what. It's not working. We've talked about this, you and I. You know I don't allow unsolicited advertisements on my blog.

I have comment moderation. That means that anything you want to post has to come through me. And I'm not allowing it. Now, I do realize that I'm just one on a list of many. I know that you go through thousands upon thousands of addresses a day. But you know what - more of us are rising up in rebellion. More of us are taking a stand and taking control of our blogs. No longer do we have to let just anyone leave a comment. When you come on our blogs, you're coming onto our turf. And our turf is getting tough.

So go your way, little spambots. Waste your time no longer.

This blog is a no-Viagra, no-dead-uncle-from-Haiti, no-amazing-scholarship, no-prescription-drug, no-porn site. In addition, if I think you're just being snarky, I'll delete those comments, too. Except for if it's me being snarky ... but again, the point is, this is my blog.

Book Review: Wrong Number by Rachelle J. Christensen

I've known Rachelle for a couple of years now, and she has always been a big supporter of mine in all that I've done, be it writing, editing, teaching - what have you. Today I'm excited to have the chance to support Rachelle in return by reviewing her first novel, "Wrong Number."

Aubree Stewart is on her way to work one morning when she discovers that she's forgotten to charge her cell phone. Her husband lets her take his, and while she's driving, it rings. The voice on the other end speaks before she has a chance to identify herself, telling her that he's taken care of everything and hid the body in a manhole.

Seven months pregnant, Aubree's emotions are already shaky, and she calls the police to report what she heard. When they come to her work and tell her they indeed did find a body in the manhole, she nearly passes out, the strain too much for her. But things get worse as she learns that her own family has been targeted and she must now go into hiding, as directed by the FBI.

The agents assigned to her case take good care of her, and she brings a beautiful baby daughter into the world while waiting for them to bring the situation to a safe conclusion. But she realizes that if she's ever going to have a life, and to give a happy upbringing to her daughter, she can't wait around forever - she must do what she can to take control of her own future.

"Wrong Number" is full of suspenseful twists and turns. When you think Aubree is safe, she's really not, and when you think she's in danger, she's really not, and the bad people are really good people and the good people are really bad people and you are wondering just what the heck is going on all throughout the story. I like stories like that. I also found it interesting that our heroine is a pregnant mother - we don't often see pregnant women playing leading roles in fiction, especially suspense fiction, and I found that a refreshing twist.

The only thing I didn't really like was the length of the book. The time frame stretches over a few months, and I would have enjoyed knowing a little more about what Aubree did during those months. I think we could have seen another fifty pages in there. But that's a good thing I didn't like, because it means I was enjoying myself and wanted more.

You can visit Rachelle's blog here, her website here, and you can purchase her book by clicking the ultra-handy Amazon link below. And, you can also head back over here on Wednesday, when I'll be interviewing Rachelle, and don't forget to scroll down to the previous blog to check out Rachelle's awesome contest.

Wrong Number Giveaway ... With Awesome Prizes!!

This contest is now closed. Thank you!!

Book Review: Love Your Body by Brooke Parker

I think it's safe to say that we all have issues with our bodies, to one extent or another. Some wish their noses were a little smaller, or a little perkier. Others wish their hair was a different color. Others detest their bodies to the extent that they hurt themselves to attain what they consider to be the "perfect" shape for them. We each fall somewhere on this continuum - it seems that even those who have healthy body images wouldn't mind changing one or two things about themselves.

I've struggled with my weight since I was ten, when I started having symptoms of thyroid imbalance. Over the years, as my medication has been adjusted here, there, and everywhere, I've gone up in weight and down in weight ... but mostly up. Hormone imbalances and the gain that comes along with pregnancy didn't help, and I've been pregnant four times. I am not one of those who loves their body.

But I should be. My body does amazing things. It breathes in and out, it functions even when I'm not aware that it's doing anything, and it gets me where I need to go. I can reach out to others, I can give hugs, I can care for my family. I can be creative, I can enjoy nature ... I really am very blessed. My body is a tool I use to live my life, and I should appreciate it more than I do.

"Love My Body" discusses these very things. It's not just about watching what you eat, although you are encouraged to make healthier choices. It's about believing in yourself, and understanding that you are one of God's creations and as such, worthy to be nurtured.

I very much appreciated this opportunity to read Brooke's book. She is a nutritionist, and so she counsels people on their eating habits on a daily basis. She developed a good relationship of trust with her reader in this book, and I know I'll be referring back to it often as I seek the information, and inspiration, I need to love my own body.

Walnut Springs Press will be giving away 5 copies of Love Your Body: A Diet-Free Approach to Balanced Eating as part of the online book book tour. The contest starts February 17th and will close on March 5th at midnight, MST.

Entering the contest is easy--all you have to do is blog, tweet, follow, or comment and then fill out this little form.

1. Become a follower of the blogs where these reviews appear. You can follow one of our reviewers or you can follow all. Each blog followed is another chance to win, and you can follow them all, and get credit for those you are already following.

Here are the participating blogs:

Walnut Springs Press
Brooke Parker RD
Of Writerly Things
Random-ish by Nichole
Queen of the Clan
Rachelle Writes
The Write Blocks
Tangled Words and Dreams
*Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author
Why Not? Because I Said So!
LDS Women's Book Review
Cami's Book

2. Post a comment on the reviews.

3. Blog about the contest or one of the reviews. Spread the word. Just remember that the blog post either needs to link to the contest or to one of the reviews.

4. Follow us on Twitter. Maybe you use Twitter, maybe you don't. But if you do, you should follow us.

http://twitter.com/walnutspringspr
http://twitter.com/brookeparkerrd
http://twitter.com/camichecketts
http://twitter.com/valerieipson
http://twitter.com/Rachellewrites
http://twitter.com/LDSWBR
http://twitter.com/nicholegiles
http://twitter.com/TristiPinkston

5. Tweet about the contest or one of the reviews.

6. Become a fan of Love Your Body on Facebook. Brooke is constantly updating her fanpage with articles, recipes, and helpful hints.

7. Post about the contest on Facebook.

8. Mention it on GoodReads, Shelfari, Google buzz, or any other social media site you belong to where such a mention would be appropriate.

Keep track of everything you do, and then don't forget to fill out the form so you get credit!


I received this book from the publisher at no cost to myself.