gratitude giveaway...

Sincere thanks to everyone who entered Gratitude Giveaways--yes, I'm a day late in announcing the winner...so I'm going to announce TWO winners, but first...

You guys crack me up!

I love all the comments left on the giveaway form. Thank you for your thoughts on my blog, my book, and to the lady from New York who wondered if I was really the person in the photo--it's really me and thank you!

With nearly 70 entries, lots of new friends made, and a fun time watching it all unfold, I'm happy to announce the winners are:

Diana Donnelly of Harker Heights Texas

AND

Colleen Turner of Land O Lakes Florida

Ladies, your books will be in the mail on their way to you in the morning.

Thank you, everyone, for your time and interest and entries.

If you'd like another chance to win a copy of My Gift to You you can still enter on Goodreads

review...The Stone Traveler by Kathi Oram Peterson

The Stone Traveler
Kathi Oram Peterson
LDS Fiction,YA Fantasy
August 2010
Covenant

Sixteen-year-old Tag can’t believe he’s in this much trouble. He’s not actually a member of the gang known as the Primes—all he did was spray paint some graffiti that caught their attention. In all honesty, ever since his dad and brother left, Tag just wants to be alone. And it’s certainly not his fault that the Primes nearly beat up his goofy cousin, Ethan. But his mom is furious about these gang-related activities and insists that Tag spend the whole summer at his grandpa’s lakeside cabin, which is not Tag’s idea of a good time. So he does what any self-respecting teenager would do: run away. But he doesn’t get far before he encounters three strange men carrying an even stranger object—a stone that glows with radiant light as bright as a thousand sparklers.

Tag doesn’t steal the stone—not exactly. He feels like he is supposed to take it. But he doesn’t expect the stone to transport him through space and time to a place he’s never seen before—a place that looks an awful lot like the ancient lands described in the Book of Mormon. And he definitely doesn’t expect to join Sabirah, the entrancing daughter of Samuel the Lamanite, on a quest to rescue her father and brother from the evil King Jacob. And he absolutely doesn’t expect to be captured by Jacob’s minions and prepared as a sacrifice to the evil idol of the city. But just as Tag faces his death, a terrible storm begins to break, and the ground cracks into jagged pieces. And he’s not sure which event will impact his life more: his captor’s knife coming at his body, the violent tempest sweeping the land . . . or the men who later appear, glowing even more brightly than the traveler’s stone.

My review:

Beneath his tough guy, gang member exterior—dyed black hair with black eyeliner and fingernails to match—Tag Quincy is a modern-day teen battling feelings of guilt and shame. He believes he doesn’t fit in anywhere, and his sense of worthlessness leads him to make choices that impact him in negative ways. Landing in trouble he is exiled to his grandfather’s Idaho cabin for the summer. A strange turn of events ultimately causes him to consider his life in a new light and helps him realize how much he loves his family.

At the first of the book, Tag’s voice doesn’t resonate with me—words and phrases he uses seem unnatural for a sixteen-year-old. However I was drawn into the book by the Kathi’s vivid descriptions and her talent for keeping up a lively stream of action as her characters face daunting trials and obstacles.

Tag becomes acquainted with a girl from another time—Sabirah—who is fighting for what she believes in. He joins her on a mission to piece her family back together. The author weaves historical detail from the Book of Mormon together with page turning adventure in this time travel saga, and also touches on some powerful emotions. As Tag endeavors to help those he comes in contact with, he learns that he is of value. He finds genuine joy in his relationships and discovers the importance of his life. It is here the author really shines. As in her other works, Kathi demonstrates her ability to portray her characters vulnerabilities in a heart-rending manner. In the final chapters of the book I felt Tag’s voice begin to ring true and I was touched by his transformation.

Though targeted for young adults, this book is suitable for all ages. My twelve-year-old also enjoyed it and remarked that it is on her to-read-again list.

CONTEST

Kathi is holding a Stone Traveler contest! Click here for details on how to win fabulous prizes including a Kindle!!!

Click here for my review of Kathi's last book, An Angel on Main Street, and an interview I did with her. Find out if she likes dogs or cats, chocolate or vanilla!

These past few weeks have been a jumble of trying to merge old commitments with new responsibilities.

In the middle of it all my website went down--permanently it seems--and I had to change email servers. Comments for the book contest I ran a few weeks ago got lost in the shuffle. Deleted. I know they were there . . . once . . . I just don't know where they are now.

Humble apologies!

If you see your comment here with the original contest post, you're okay. Entered in the book giveaway. Not lost. Counted among the commenters, etc.

If your comment is not there, you can assume your remarks were unintentionally lost in cyberspace. Poof. Gone. Misplaced without intentional misplacement. Please, if you see fit, feel free to comment again.

I'll try not to lose you . . . again.

For those lost, I'm extending the contest to July 31.

Sincere thanks for your understanding.

contest

I've been wanting to give away a signed copy of the new book I illustrated What Are You Thinking? in preparation for its release in July.

It's been almost two years since Valerie and I first met and started to toss around ideas. In some ways that seems like a long, long time ago. In other ways like it was just yesterday.

Initial response to the book has been wonderful, and we couldn't be more thrilled to finally have it in our hands. Valerie is a talented author whose message is sure to touch many lives. I'm honored to have been given the opportunity to be a part of her vision.

A couple of reviews:

"Fantastic! I love to see these principles taught in a fun way to kids. I will definitely share this book with my children, and strongly recommend that if you want to give your kids a tremendous advantage for reaching their highest potential, you'll do the same." --Garrett B. Gunderson, Entrepreneur and New York Time best selling author of Killing Sacred Cows

"At the earliest age our children need to be introduced to the idea that their thoughts are powerful. They need to be taught how to become more aware of how their thinking affects every aspect of their lives. Our children are not taught how to do this. I applaud this simple but powerful book for introducing this critical concept at the earliest of ages." Gordon S. Bruin, M.A., L.P.C., American Board Certified, President, Innergold Counseling Services, Inc.

In celebration, I'm giving away a copy of the book. All you need to do is comment on this post and tell me:

1. Why you'd like like to have a copy--either for yourself or a child in your life.

AND

2. Why you believe positive thoughts are so important.

The deadline is two weeks from today: midnight (mountain) Wednesday, July 7. U.S. residents only.

And the Winners Are...

For the Christmas gift package that includes three of my books, Stolen Christmas, Three Angels for Christmas, and The Magic and the Miracle of Christmas, Volume two: Kathi Oram Peterson!

For the copy of Three Angels for Christmas AND an assortment of my angel cards: L.T. Elliot!

Ladies send me the address you'd like things shipped to and we'll get everything sent to you by Christmas.

Thanks to all who participated!

Free Book Giveaway

Haley Hatch Freeman is offering a copy of her book A Future for Tomorrow HERE

Stolen Christmas Contest: Two chances to win

A contest to celebrate the release of Stolen Christmas!

Two ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this blog and/or on my other blog Hearts and Hands. Each time you comment between November 15 and December 10 you will be entered to win a Christmas gift package that includes three of my books, Stolen Christmas, Three Angels for Christmas, and The Magic and the Miracle of Christmas, Volume two.

2. Become a follower of this blog and/or Hearts and Hands. All my followers will be entered for a chance to win a copy of Three Angels for Christmas AND an assortment of my angel cards.


Order Stolen Christmas on Amazon.

An Angel on Main Street

An Angel on Main Street by Kathi Oram Peterson

My review:

The year is 1953 and Christmas looks anything but bright for eleven-year-old Micah Connors. The boy is no stranger to trouble--his mother recently moved the family to Bolton, Idaho with the hope her son could forge a new start with better friends than he left behind. But old habits die hard and Micah soon becomes acquainted with the local sheriff. The family is already awash in trials. Micah's father is dead, a casualty of the Korean War, and his younger sister, Annie, is gravely ill. The boy knows he can't add to his mother's stress so he makes a deal with the sheriff and strives to redeem himself.

The author of the book captured elements of both the charm and the incongruity of small town living, and I enjoyed the love and unity demonstrated by Micah's close-knit family members. I found myself rooting for Micah, with the desire he would find his inner strengths, and I was anxious to learn if his sister would recover. The character of the sheriff is well-crafted, a good guy who is the backbone of the story. All the characters are engaging and I wanted to know more about each one, more depth to the promising storyline. The story illuminates the strength of the human spirit, and is sure to be an enduring Christmas favorite.

At around 100 pages the book is a quick read that will provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the holidays as it helps to recapture the spirit of the season. A wonderful gift for all ages--my eleven-year-old enjoyed it and one of my friends plans to give it to all her married children--the book would also make a nice accompaniment to giving during the Twelve Days of Christmas (for article click here).

Blurb:

Micah Connors promised his mother he would be good in their new town. But with Christmas only three days away, being escorted home by the sheriff does not bode well. Can the towering officer be trusted not to tell what happened? Perhaps the ramshackle stable that has appeared on Main Street will sidetrack him from spilling the day’s events — or maybe his interest in Micah’s widowed mother will do the trick.

The last thing Dawn Connors needs is to hear her son is in trouble. She has enough to worry about with her husband gone and her daughter, Annie, ill. Even though Micah has told his sister the rustic structure in the middle of town is simply part of the town’s holiday decorations, Annie is sure that unseen angels are building the crude stable — which means baby Jesus is coming, and he can make her better.

Terrified that his little sister might die, Micah vows to find the baby Jesus for Annie, even if it is only a plastic doll. But as Micah gets nearer to his goal he finds angels are closer than he ever would have believed.

Buy the book at: Desert Book

Interview with Kathi Oram Peterson:

She blogs here

Kathi, who are you as a person, versus an author?

My passion other than writing would be my family. But that's probably not the kind of answer you want. Let's see, hobbies...I enjoy going to the movies. Might have been to be a movie critic, but than I'd have to watch movies I don't want to. I enjoy cooking, but I'm no gourmet, more meat and potatoes. I love butter and sugar and whipping cream so it's probably best I'm not a professional cook. Now you can see why I write. I can live through my characters. I can be a cowgirl, have a black belt, and go back in time. Nothing better in my book. I do yearn to travel, but I'm more the hermit. Give me some good books, several classic movies and a pizza and I'm good. Soooo boring.

What genre(s) do you write in?

I have written children's concept and biography books K-2; YA inspirational time travel; and romantic suspense. I've also written a screenplay.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

Can't we have both? I think some of the best stories teach and entertain at the same time. My objectives are to write a story that makes people laugh, cry and think.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I'm definitely a seclusion writer. When all the kids lived at home I didn't have an office, but I had a walk-in closet in my bedroom. So I put my desk and computer in there. Totally private. I wrote some of my best scenes in the closet...that doesn't sound very good, but literally it was true. My prime time is the mornings. Especially if I'm writing the rough draft. When I'm in the throes of writing a book I usually write new stuff in the morning and spend the afternoon editing. Lately I've written in spurts, but I prefer a regular schedule. I'm hoping after the holidays my life will get back to normal...whatever that is.

Why do you write?

I've always loved reading. I had times in school when I'd write a good paper and the teacher would comment or make me read it before the class, but I really didn't think about writing books until after my first child was born. My mother suggested that I try writing a book and it stuck. I'm to the point if I don't write I become depressed. That's why I don't like writing in spurts.

What do you love to read?

I love good YA novels. A while back I spent a year reading as many Newbery winners as I could find. I loved Harry Potter and marvel at the world Rowling created. I'd love to do that. I also love romantic suspense novels. For me the best read has adventure, battles, and romance.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate hands down.

What is your preferred manner of writing?

PC. I also use the laptop after a long day on the PC. Most of my research information is saved on my PC. I like sitting at my desk with all my books around me within easy reach.

What is your current book?

An Angel on Main Street. I love Christmas and wanted to write a Christmas story that would remind people of simpler times. So I set the story in the fifties, plus it was what I remember. The book takes place in a small town. I was raised in a small town, so I know what it was like. My family lived in an apartment over my father's store, like the Connors family lived over a restaurant in the book. My father worked part-time for the police department, so it wasn't much of a stretch to think up and characterize Sheriff Anderson. When I was a little girl, my mother suffered a heart attack while washing my hair for a dance recital. I remember how scared I was that she would die. Many times I'd stare down on Main Street wondering if my mother would ever come home from the hospital. I was able to use those emotions as I wrote Micah's fears about death. When my mother finally came home, she shared a very sacred experience with the family that left little doubt that there was life after death. As you can see this little book is very close to my heart.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

The world...keep it simple and remember God is in charge. I think many times we forget that. I was always taught that if I wanted something I had to do everything humanly possible and then leave it up to the Lord. That's good advice.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs. I have the cutest little Yorkie. She's my little buddy.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I hope I'm remembered for being a good mother, wife, sister, and friend. Also that my novels would long be remembered as good books the entire family could read and enjoy.


Contest:

An Angel in Your Life Contest runs from now until December 15th. Anyone can enter by simply emailing Kathi at kathiorampeterso@yahoo.com and writing about an experience you have had with someone who became an angel in your life. The winner will be announced on her blog (www.kathiswritingnook.com). A gift certificate from either Seagull Book or Deseret Book will be given to the winner and an "Angel" in his/her life. This contest celebrates the selfless, kind acts performed daily, many times unnoticed.

From the author: "If you are like me, many people have helped you through times of trouble. Let's face it, life is tough and the small acts of kindness shown to us by others needs to be remembered and celebrated especially during the holidays. Christmas brings out the best in people and I wanted to give others the opportunity to thank those who have touched their lives in a profound way. Hopefully this contest will remind us of the angels in our lives."

What Are You Thinking? is a Finalist!

Valerie and I just received word that What Are You Thinking? has been chosen as a finalist in the 2009 National Best Books Awards. According to a press release winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape: Simon & Schuster, Penguin, W.W. Norton, Revell, McGraw-Hill, Thomas Nelson, American Cancer Society, and many more.

Finalists and winners in the competition will garner national media coverage for the upcoming holiday retail season.

We are so excited!

Studio 5 Father's Day Essay Contest

And the winner is...C.S. Bezas

Cindy, I'll get your name to Haley and an autographed book will soon be on its way to your mailbox. Thanks for you comment!

Author Interview: Haley Hatch Freeman

Haley Hatch Freeman

She blogs here

Haley, who are you as a person, versus an author?

An absolute passion of mine is sign language and the Deaf culture. I can interpret for the deaf and one of my dearest friends for life is hearing impaired. Before I was married and had kids I interpreted at the MTC for the deaf missionaries and worked for the School for the Deaf and Blind.

The next thing I would consider a passion is teaching and caring for my two children and adoring my husband. I get more satisfaction from seeing my kids not only learn and love to learn than anything. My husband really is my best friend and my world so any chance I get I spend it with him.

I'm a scrapbook consultant so I host parties every month and create projects for them to assemble. I also play the piano and can’t remember when one of my callings in church hasn’t revolved around it. If it’s not the organist in sacrament then it is being the choir pianist, and don’t forget the Relief Society. I use to teach piano until my life become too full and something had to give. And I enjoy camping, playing tennis, watching my Jazz and BYU football teams, and yes I have to admit some reality TV shows.

What genre(s) do you write in?

My book, A Future for Tomorrow, is a work from my heart as it is a non-fiction account of an extraordinary part of my teenage life. However, now I am playing with a fiction series for pre-teens to young adult.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

Both. My first book was written for the purpose of bringing awareness to the seriousness of anorexia. It aids in the prevention of this illness as well as give parents a tool in helping their loved one as they one endure and overcome this disease. I hope that while I teach, it also entertains my readers, not with laughs, but with the intensity and drama of the situation.

Currently, I am writing purely for entertainment purposes. Mostly because I don’t have another traumatic experience to share, thank heavens. I fell in love with the entire writing and publishing process and don’t want to let it go.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I only write at home in my comfy sweats. There is usually something else going on around me whether it is my husband’s sports game, or my children laughing. I have no problem multi- tasking, usually I enjoy sitting by my husband, not so much breaking up a fight with the kids, and taking a peak at the score, all while creating another twist for my characters to overcome.

Why do you write?

There was a powerful moment in which I knew I was not only suppose to, but personally commanded to write my book. It is depicted in A Future for Tomorrow. You’ll have to read it to fully understand the magnitude of that experience. I now write because I’m hooked.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate, unless I’m pregnant I can’t stand chocolate during those 9 months—with both children this happened!

What is your preferred manner of writing?

My friend and fellow writer introduced me to a cleaver little gadget called the Neo. It has changed the way I write forever. I can now actually do so without being removed from my kids. The Neo is a little typing system that is only a word processor. It’s easy to take with me so I just bus it along wherever the little ones need me to be.

What is your current book?

A Future for Tomorrow is an extraordinary non-fiction account of the author’s actual battle against anorexia nervosa as well as a spiritual triumph against evil. You will be brought into the anorexic mind, shown the fierce war against depression and self-depreciating thoughts and actions; and witness the gravity of the destruction this disease can do. A deeply edifying experience will occur as you journey with the author to the eternal world. There, angels confirm to her gospel truths such as the intensity of Christ’s love, and the sacred and holy nature of our Father’s plan for his children here on Earth.

Besides giving a voice to those of us who have experienced this illness, and giving hope to them and their loved ones, I hope my book also helps the reader realize their divine worth and feel edified as they experience this journey along side me.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Seek to find out your divine worth and live in a manner that reflects that knowledge.

Dogs or cats?

I love all animals. I was sad to find out last year that my son is allergic to cats so there goes that idea. But we love the dog we have!

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

Someone who makes others feel good about themselves, a survivor, a loyal daughter of God, a great mother and wife.

Today I Live and A Future for Tomorrow

When I attended the recent LDStorymakers Conference in Provo I met someone who left a lasting impression on my life. When I first saw Haley Hatch Freeman I was struck with her beauty--tall with long blond hair, Haley could easily pass for a top model. But as I talked with her for several minutes what really impressed me was the fact that her beauty is far more than skin deep.

An anoxeria survivor Haley possess a strong and valiant spirit. Her journey through despair, and her triumph over the disorder that left her near death, attest to remarkable courage. That she chose to write a book--A Future for Tomorrow--and unveil her experience, in pursuit of helping others, touched me deeply. She deftly conveys the message that our Father in Heaven knows and loves us--that we are all of infinite worth to Him--as she brings hope and comfort to those struggling with eating disorders and self-esteem.

Haley has teamed with Karen Eddington to spread the message of the importance of self-esteem. The founder of the Cauliflower Retreat, Karen is the author of the highly acclaimed book Today, I Live.

Take the opportunity to visit Haley's blog where she is offering a copy of Today, I Live for a simple price: leave a comment on her blog naming three of your best traits. Deadline to enter is midnight tonight.

Essay Contest

Rachel Leavitt from the blog The Beginning of Motherhood is seeking essays on birth. The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to a holistic Japanese spa in Salt Lake. Details can be found here. Scroll down to the post that announces the contest.