In the Non-Fiction Corner

 

In the Non-Fiction Corner With Lauren

The Divine Gift of Forgiveness

In his new book about forgiveness, Neil L. Andersen navigates the tough topic of repentance in a spectacular way. Repentance is not my favorite thing to read about, but Elder Andersen has convinced me it should be because of the marvelous gift that it is. He uses many stories from himself and others, scriptures, quotes and doctrinal teachings to help us understand what it means to truly repent. On the other hand, Elder Andersen also uses examples of how people had to use the atonement in their life when it was necessary for them to forgive someone else. I loved reading the authors personal stories and learning more about him and his life before he became a General Authority.

The best part of the book was when Elder Andersen talked about repentance in relation to the Plan of Salvation. The Lord wants us to repent. He isn’t angry or surprised when we sin, He has given us the opportunity to return to Him through His mercy. He knew we would all need this gift, and just like any parent, He is thrilled when we choose to use what he has given us for our benefit and when we come closer to Him. "While you have made mistakes, these sins do not describe who you are. Your identity is not defined by the sins of this world, but by the righteousness of another."

We can learn so much from the example of Adam and Eve, which Elder Andersen discusses. Elder Andersen also talks about how we can know when we are forgiven, which I think is a question all of us have. So many of my questions and concerns were addressed in this book, and I know it can do the same for anyone who wants to learn more about our divine gift of forgiveness.

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Here's the back copy:

"As surely as the sun will rise tomorrow," Elder Neil L. Andersen promises, "the Savior's divine gifts of repentance and of forgiveness, offered in the beauty of His encompassing love, are certain for those who come unto Him with full purpose of heart."

In this book, Elder Andersen writes especially to those who are "awakening" unto God—those who are just beginning to discover or who seek the divine gifts and power of repentance and forgiveness in their lives. The Divine Gift of Forgiveness is organized in such a way that readers can choose the section or chapter that applies most to them and study it without having to have read from cover to cover. Leaders can similarly recommend specific chapters to those with whom they work. Filled with powerful doctrine along with stories and experiences, this book will help all readers become more devoted disciples of the Savior.

In the Non-Fiction Corner

In the Non-Fiction Corner With Lauren

Leaning on Jesus: Strength for a Woman's Heart 

I would just like to start off by saying that I have found my new favorite author. Seriously, I think Michelle Wilson is hilarious, witty, and so relatable. Her voice really shines through and it makes you feel like you want to be friends with her in real life. And boy, does that lady know her scriptures! I loved that she gave us a book about women and for women that was real. There wasn’t story after story of women doing grand, amazing things that feel impossible to live up to. She told of every day women who do everyday tasks, just like you and me. Wilson tells of her own imperfect moments and how she found the Savior through them. I will admit, a few of her chapters did make me tear up. She perfectly portrays so many of the things that come with being a woman who is trying to find the Savior in the every day.

My favorite part of the book was her chapter on relationships. She focuses on our relationship with Jesus, but her tactics can be applied to anything. Choosing, listening, showing gratitude and wanting to love are all just little things we can do every day to show the Savior that we care about our relationship with Him. She also has a section about women in the scriptures and a quality that they possess which would could benefit us in our lives. Her chapter on Eve is beautiful and I’ll probably be thinking about the phrase, “You all might not have been here if it were Adam and Michelle” for a while. It made me laugh out loud! I loved learning about these women in the scriptures and thinking about these stories with a fresh perspective. I could not have loved this book more!

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Here's the back copy:

No books, blogs, or studies can prepare you for the complexities of womanhood. The joys and challenges that come with being a woman can often feel like a roller coaster of highs and lows, especially when sweet moments are tempered by feelings of inadequacy. If your journey through life too often feels like an unforgiving magnification of your weaknesses and shortcomings or you find yourself feeling alone, it is time to turn to the healing balm of the Savior’s love.

In this mix of memoir, insights, and inspiration, Leaning on Jesus takes readers through the ups and downs of womanhood, gives practical tools for a better life, and highlights the importance of cultivating a relationship with the Savior to find power, purpose, and peace. You’ll laugh and cry in equal measure as author Michelle Wilson describes her own experiences, delving into the common fears women of all ages and stages face and exploring each topic from motherhood to menopause with humor and heart. Find strength in this sweet reminder of your invaluable role as a woman, and catch a glimpse of your true magnificence in the Lord’s eyes.

Book Review: The Noble Smuggler

I really enjoyed this book! It had mystery, intrigue, hidden identities, and romance all rolled into a beautiful story set in Kent.

Elizabeth has a difficult life as an innkeeper's daughter who is forced to serve her father's smuggler friends. But when a smuggler is shot and brought to the inn, she tends to him and starts to see him as more than a smuggler. She barely has time to recognize her feelings, however, before her father has betrothed her to an odious magistrate. Elizabeth is desperate to get away, but where can she turn?

Jonas, the Viscount Langton, infiltrates a smuggling gang to find out what truly happened to his father who died trying to stop a ship from falling into the smugglers' hands. When things go wrong, Jonas is shot and meets the lovely innkeeper's daughter. He can't reveal his true identity as the Viscount Langton, but as their connection grows stronger, he might not have any choice.

The author does a phenomenal job in setting the scene and has obviously done her homework on smuggling. The details really gave the story an extra dimension. The characters were well-drawn and believable and the romance was so tender. I loved how Elizabeth had been through so much, but her resilient spirit still kept a tiny flame of hope that she would one day find happiness. Jonas is a swoon-worthy hero, both as a smuggler and a viscount. The mystery of who is running the smuggling operation and what happened with Jonas's father kept me turning pages just as much as the romance unfolding did. The author seamlessly weaves a mystery romance together that historical fans won't want to miss. I was sad to see this one end and I really hope the Earl of Bloxley gets his own story!

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Here's the back copy:

Despite living at her father’s inn her entire life, Elizabeth Doyle has always managed to avoid involvement with the smugglers who frequently gather there. Until now. When a handsome smuggler is brought to her with dire injuries, Elizabeth risks everything to hide him—completely unaware that the wounded man is not who he appears to be.

When an opportunity arises to infiltrate the notorious smuggling gang he believes caused his father’s death, Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton, pretends to be one of them. But when he is wounded midcharade, Jonas’s life is placed in the hands of an unlikely savior: a smuggler’s daughter. Forced to flee before his wounds have fully healed, he does not think he will ever see her again—until she appears on his doorstep, seeking safe haven. Divided by their social standings yet united in their mutual desire to expose the leader of the smuggling ring, Jonas and Elizabeth are undeniably drawn to each other. Neither realizes, however, that they are dangerously close to uncovering explosive secrets from the past—secrets that will alter the course of their lives forever.

Freebie for Historical Romance Fans!

I just saw this deal and knew you wouldn't want to miss it! Annette Lyon's historical romance, War of Hearts, is free today only! I really enjoyed this one.

Download your free copy here 

Here's the back copy:

She flees to another continent, but heartbreak follows.

In December 1939, Anna, a journalist, is desperate to escape the magazine where Pete, her ex-boyfriend, also works. Heartbroken and still in love with him, Anna snags an assignment to cover the Winter War in Finland.

She arrives at a snowy battlefront only to discover that Pete is there too—assigned to be her photographer. She determines to be professional about the situation, until a battle breaks out with Russians invading camp, putting her and Pete in harm’s way—and putting their love to the test.

Jennifer Nielsen's Cover Reveal Trivia Game & A Free Book!

Welcome to everyone who is doing Jennifer Nielsen's Cover Reveal Trivia game! You'll find my question below:

#9 What were the four zones of France during the World War 2 German occupation? 

Answer the question in my comments and the first correct answer will unlock that square of the cover BUT even if the square is unlocked, be sure to still answer the question in the comments because every answer will get an entry point. 

And there are some great prizes like THREE signed books from Jennifer Nielsen, INCLUDING the choice of THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM – or – the first ARC of this new historical! That is AMAZING! Don't miss your chance to win!

You can see Jennifer's cover reveal post HERE

***And in order to add to the celebration, my award-winning romantic suspense book, All Fall Down, is FREE today!***

Download your free Kindle copy HERE 

Here's the back copy:

When terrorists take Navy SEAL Rafe Kelly's brother, he'll do anything to get him back, but will beautiful hostage negotiator Claire get caught in the crossfire?

Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes we all fall down . . .

That simple rhyme turns negotiator Claire Michaels' current hostage situation into an international incident. Claire just wants to help get everyone out safely, but as the crisis escalates she realizes she's dealing with an al-Qaeda operative who has the means to become another bin Laden---with the potential to attack America. Claire has her own personal reasons for wanting to stop al-Qaeda, but time is slipping away as negotiations break down. Can she overcome her scars of the past in order to get the hostage out alive and possibly stop an assault on U.S.national security?

Navy SEAL Rafe Kelly is on leave to recover from a knee injury he suffered during his tour in Afghanistan and he doesn't expect to be fighting terrorists on his home turf. But when he is taken hostage and his brother is kidnapped, Rafe teams up with a hostage negotiator in order to stay alive and get his brother back. The terrorist is always one step ahead of them, however, and the situation quickly turns from desperate to deadly. Will Rafe be able to save himself and his country without anyone he loves getting caught in the crossfire?

Romance for Only .99 Cents!

If you love romance, Jennifer Peel's Swoony award-winning book, Professional Boundaries, is on sale this weekend for only .99 cents!

Download your sale copy here

Here's the back copy:

In the ultimate game of tug of war, who will cross the line first?

Kelli Bryant is all set to be the new Marketing Director of Chandler Media. After all, she has the right credentials and her colleagues love her. But her plans are derailed when her promotion is given to someone else. And not just any someone else, but her old college boyfriend, Ian Greyson, her one true love, and the last person she ever wants to see again.

Ian made a terrible mistake thirteen years ago when he walked away from Kelli, so when fate intervenes and gives him the chance to reconnect with her, he takes it. But unbeknownst to him, it means stealing her promotion.

The battle lines are drawn when the two old flames butt heads about everything from office etiquette to sales goals. Their explosive relationship spills over into their personal lives as Kelli tries to keep Ian at arm's length while he desperately tries to win her back, outside of business hours, of course. Will they ever learn how to mix business with pleasure, or will they keep their professional boundaries?

In the Non-Fiction Corner: Catastrophes and Heroes

In the Non-Fiction Corner With Lauren

Catastrophes and Heroes by Jerry Borrowman covers true stories of man-made disasters. 

Borrowman is a master story teller, and you can tell he is well researched and deeply cares about his topic. I was surprised by these little-known histories that I had never heard of, but I was even more shocked that Borrowman is able to tell them as if he was there. He knows the facts, the names, and the stories all come to life in a very unique way. More than the heroes, though, Borrowman focuses on the story leading up to the disaster and the mistakes that were made.

The story I found most interesting was the breaking of the St. Francis Dam in 1928. This dam broke in the middle of the night, catching the community unaware and many were unable to escape. One of the heroes that the author describes is the policeman who became known as the “Paul Revere of the St. Francis flood.” This wise individual decided to alert as many people as he could. He would knock on every third door and yell for people to get their neighbors. He went as long as possible, perhaps saving many lives on his way. 

With this and all the other stories he tells, Borrowman looks for the positives and tells his readers what was learned from each of these disasters.

You can pre-order your copy here

 

Here is the back copy:

A century of the industrial age saw unprecedented leaps in technology and engineering, from the first flight of an airplane to the first flight of humans to the moon. But alongside these awe-inspiring achievements were horrible disasters caused by faulty engineering or careless judgement. Catastrophes and Heroes explores eight such disasters and recognizes the unheralded heroes who stepped up to save others in times of great danger.

Included in this collection are the stories of female phone operators who, despite being in the path of destruction after the Los Angeles St. Francis Dam collapsed in 1928, stayed on the job to warn others to evacuate, Ernest Hemingway, who assisted survivors in his own boat after a hurricane destroyed the Florida East Coast Railway in 1935, and Ernest Betts who, though knowing little first aid, saved thirty people after the streamliner train The City of San Francisco crashed in the Nevada mountains in 1939.

Filled with little-known stories and historical insights, this book explores the rich history of the marvels of engineering and technological advances in the span of a century and reveals how the perils, though disastrous, gave rise to heroism and compassion at a time when machines were supposed to do it all.