Blog Tour: Lori Nawyn- My Gift To You

04 Nov, 2010 by in my gift to you, utah authors 1 comment

From the back of the book: Trish Ingram works hard to maintain the perfect suburban household—or, at least, the appearance of one. By managing her outer world with lavish attention and rigid control, she’s able to ignore and conceal the darkness of her inner world, which is plagued by traumatic childhood memories of loss. Her terminally ill sister-in-law, Jamie, sees through the façade and reaches out in love to Trish, inspiring her to seek a more meaningful life and a more authentic self. But the childhood scars run deep, and despite Trish’s best efforts, she’s unable to be the wife and mother her family needs.

Devastated by the departure of her husband and daughter, Trish faces the challenge and opportunity of a lifetime. She desires to move forward in faith, but this desire alone cannot mend her family’s shattered trust. The hollow realm of denial and fear has been her safe haven. To confront pain and transcend the shadows of her past will require a level of courage she’s not sure she possesses. This gripping story of familial love and conflict tenderly reminds us that forgiveness—of self, and others—is both a difficult choice and a precious gift.

Bio: Lori Nawyn’s award-winning writing has appeared in regional and national publications including Outside Bozeman, Segullah, Deseret News, CraziBeautiful Women, and Latter-Day Woman. She is also a columnist for her local paper and a former member of Utah Press Women. One of her short stories was published in the anthology Stolen Christmas. Her first novel, My Gift to You, was released in October 2010.

Lori is currently writing her next novel, Day, about a mother’s relationship with her son. She works as a freelance artist and is the illustrator of the award-winning children’s picture book What Are You Thinking? which was released in July 2010 by ThoughtsAlive Publishing. She and her fireman husband live in northern Utah where they enjoy spending time with their four children and two granddaughters, plus an assortment of dogs, rabbits, and chickens.

Lori’s book, My Gift To You is available online at Deseret Book.

Children’s Book Review: Sunny Bunnies

02 Nov, 2010 by in margie blumberg, sunny bunnies 9 comments

Margie Blumberg (Author)
June Goulding (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: MB Publishing, LLC
First edition June 15, 2008
ISBN-10: 0962416649
4 stars

Summer’s here and these two sunny bunnies can’t wait to dig their toes into the sandiest spot in Carrot Cake Park. There, with the big sister leading the way, they’ll build a castle, fly a kite and, of course, jump the waves! This endearing rhyming tale with its cheerful illustrations captures their day perfectly–from the moment they fling their flip-flops until, home again, they say good night . . . almost

Sunny Bunnies is an ideal winter diversion for those of us who wish we were at the beach eating fudgesicles, catching waves or having a picnic in the sand. The rhyming verse is perfect for our seven year old who read it aloud without difficulty. June Goulding’s illustrations include soft colors and detailed scenes with plenty to see and find. The front and back inside cover pages are a map, which makes the trip to the shore seem even more real. My family’s favorite page was the final depiction of brother and sister playing go fish in their scuba gear with mom and dad fast asleep. This book is one they read over and over again. Hope you enjoy Sunny Bunnies as much as we did!

Head on over to Margie’s site for a Sunny Bunnies coloring page and iphone app http://www.margieblumberg.com/blumberg-sunny-synopsis.htm

We are giving away a hardcover copy of Sunny Bunnies to our readers. Simply comment below and you are entered to win. Contest Ends December 2, 2010

Review: Being Sixteen by Allyson Condie

02 Nov, 2010 by in YA contemporary 1 comment

Paperback, 240 pages
Published February 3rd 2010
by Deseret Book Company
ISBN 1606412337
5 stars

Juliet Kendall has been looking forward to her sixteenth birthday for what feels like forever. At first, it seems like being sixteen will be as perfect as she dreamed—she has great friends, a cute almost-boyfriend, a spot on the varsity girls’ basketball team, and even a car of her own. But, as the year goes on, she discovers that her sister Carly is hiding a secret, and realizes that, in fact, being sixteen may be her hardest year yet.

Being Sixteen is a coming-of-age story about two sisters and their different struggles. It addresses what it means to have a testimony, what it meant to be a friend and a sister, and what’s involved in the dealing with and overcoming an eating disorder.

The first time I saw this book on the shelf at Deseret Book I have to admit I put it back. I just wasn’t sure I was ready to read another book dealing with eating disorders. Then after reading Matched I decided I wanted to delve into more of Ally Condie’s past titles. Being Sixteen resonated with me on so many levels. It hit deep within my core and is now one of my top three favorite books of the year. I found myself in tears several times while reading. The overall message breathes truth and hope. Allyson Condie takes on eating disorders with grace and style. Her voice is poetic, and real. Here’s one of my favorite passages from Juliet, who struggles with isolation and disappointment in the wake of her sister’s disorder.

“On one level I was ashamed of how weak I was, of how I’d do anything to avoid feeling hurt. But on another level I felt almost strong, a little proud of the way I’d cut off the parts of my life that made me feel too much sadness.” p. 124

This is a book I would wholeheartedly recommend to every Young Woman I know as well as her parents. Many crucial facets of diagnosis, treatment and the long road to recovery from anorexia and bulimia are addressed. Two sister’s struggles and growing pains are woven beautifully into the pages showing that even those from strong functional families have life altering problems.

Being Sixteen explores the effects of an eating disorder on loved ones and family as well as how easily faith in Heavenly Father can dim, to later be rekindled. Thank you so much to Deseret Book for sending me this book for review. It is one that I will forever remember. Five stars plus.

Teen Book Fest At PCL

01 Nov, 2010 by in provo teen fest, scott westerfeld 51 comments

On Saturday the Provo City Library held their Teen Book Fest with Scott Westerfeld as the keynote speaker. It was insanely packed full of teen readers and local authors, over 900 people. There were Q&A panels, trick or treating tables, book giveaways and games. We could only stay for a second since their red face paint marked my children for life… LOL! But, we still snuck in visits and signings with some of our very favorite people. I also spotted local authors Nichole Giles, Elana Johnson and book bloggers SueySays and Meow_mix 85 in the line to meet Scott Westerfeld. I SO hope Provo City Library is planning on doing this again next year. It was huge. See all of our photos from the event on twitter @fireicephotos

In attendance at the Teen Book Fest were:
Ann Cannon The Chihuahua Chase
Kristen Chandler Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me
Ally Condie Matched, Reunion, Being 16, Freshman for President
Chris Crowe Presenting Mildred D. Taylor, Mississippi Trial, 1955, Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of the Emmett Till Case
Bree Despain The Lost Saint, The Dark Divine
Ann Dee Ellis Everything Is Fine, This Is What I Did
Jessica Day George Dragon Slippers, Dragon Flight, Dragon Spear, Sun and Moon, and Princess of the Midnight Ball.
Nathan Hale Rapunzel’s Revenge, Calamity Jack
Dene Low Petronella Saves Nearly Everyone
Lisa Mangum Hourglass Door, Golden Spiral
Brandon Mull Fablehaven, Beyonders Series
Sheila Nielson The Forbidden Sea
Sydney Salter Swoon At Your Own Risk, By Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters, Jungle Crossing
Brandon Sanderson Alcatraz and Stormlight Archive Series
J. Scott Savage Far World Series, The Fourth Nephite
Wendy Toliver The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren, Lifted, Miss Match
Carol Lynch Williams Kelly and Me, Adeline Street, Carolina Autumn, Christmas in Heaven, If I Forget, You Remember, The True Colors of Caitlynne Jackson, My Angelica, A Mother To Embarrass Me, Pretty Like Us, The Chosen One, Glimpse
Scott Westerfeld Leviathan Series, Uglies Series, Peeps, Midnighters Series, Risen Empire Series, So Yesterday
Sara Zarr Once Was Lost, Sweethearts, Story of A Girl

We picked up some awesome goodies for a giveaway. Here’s what’s up for grabs:

  • A signed hardback of Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler
  • A bottle of The Lost Saint aqua nail polish from Bree Despain
  • Signed bookmarks from authors Wendy Toliver and Lisa Mangum
  • A signed copy of Freshman for President by Ally Condie.

To enter simply comment below with what item you’d like to win and which YA author you wish you could have met from the list of attendees.

Contest ends December 1, 2010.

In My Mailbox #19

29 Oct, 2010 by in book giveaway, saundra mitchell 47 comments


In My Mailbox is a bookish meme originally started by The Story Siren. Every week we’ll post about what books we have received that week (via your mailbox/library/store bought). The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs. This week here’s what’s in my mailbox….

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs purchased from the Book Depository
The Invisible Order Book One: Rise of the Darklings by Paul Crilley sent by publisher for review
Lifted by Wendy Toliver purchased from Fire Petal Books
Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell purchased from Fire Petal Books
Hanging By A Thread by Donald B Anderson received from author for review

And Mr. Fed Ex delivered a box of items for reviews and giveaways from Deseret Book. They were so kind and generous!

Mission To Be Happy by Michael McLean
Imprints by Rachel M Nunes
The Fourth Nephite by Jeffrey S Savage
The Water is Wide by Marianne Monson
Being Sixteen by Allyson Braithwaite Condie
Pingo by Brandon Mull and Brandon Dorman

Look for reviews on all of these titles coming soon. And thanks again to all of the publishers and authors who sent mail this week.

I’m giving away an author signed copy of Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell to our readers! Simply comment below with the title of a book you have on your wish list and you’re entered to win. Contest ends November 30, 2010.

Contest Winners

29 Oct, 2010 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Congrats to Nikki who won the Pieces of Paris necklace http://fireandicereads.com/2010/09/pieces-of-paris-by-gg-vandagriff.htm

and to Vicky http://vickyvak.blogspot.com/ who won our Lost Saint Etsy giveaway! Email us your mailing address and we’ll send out your prizes.

Our other winners this week were Christine Hellewell Jensen who won the Night World Trilogy on Facebook and Kimmispink who won Revelations by Melissa DeLa Cruz on Twitter. Thanks to all who entered. Check our right sidebar for more great giveaways!

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Book Review- Contagion by Joanne Dahme

28 Oct, 2010 by in mystery, running press, YA historical fiction 2 comments

Paperback, 400 pages
Published September 28, 2010
by Running Press Kids
ISBN 0762437383
4.5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads: In her fourth novel Joanne Dahme creates another page-turning tale in which a young woman named Rose strives to rid Philadelphia’s water of the deadly typhoid bacteria. Set in the late 19th century, Rose Dugan is a young wife who is actively involved in her community. But when her best friend is killed while working at Philadelphia’s Water Works’ gardens, the mystery around her death pulls Rose in. Will she save the city from a deadly typhoid outbreak that is threatening the city’s water system? Will Rose unravel the mystery behind her best friend’s murder—a fate that was actually meant for her?

If you are looking for a creepy Halloween read, look no further. Contagion is the perfect mix of history and mystery.

The first thing that drew me into this book was the setting. I spent much of my childhood visiting parks in Philadelphia so I could imagine the places described and air of the novel. Historically based novels are fascinating to me.

The main heroine is Rose, a young girl of 18 who is forced to grow up quickly she and her 25 year old husband are left without parents. Both are passed control of the family business. However, husband Patrick is a power hungry contractor who just keeps looking more sinister and slimy as the plot unravels. He’s one you’re going to loathe.

As the city of Philadelphia battles with numerous outbreaks of Typhoid the suspense and political mudslinging between Patrick and his competitors begins to increase. There are so many subplots going on, it feels like a cross between Sherlock Holmes, Clue and a creepy BBC mystery show I used to watch as a kid. But I just couldn’t put this book down!

I had a couple of distractions due to typos and punctuation problems in the finished copy. And, it bothered me that there is romance blooming between a married woman and widowed man…no matter the circumstances.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and all the work put in to making it solid historically. The author is versed in water issues and she explores the logistics of it with ease and in a way that is not boring for teens.

Contagion is a page turner with a twisty plot and rich descriptions. I’d say pick it up and give it a try for a night with all the lights on! Check out other titles by Joanne Dahm on Goodreads.

Books For Trade

27 Oct, 2010 by in new YA fiction Leave a comment

With the holidays coming I want to clear off my bookshelves and make room for new titles! I’ve always lived by the philosophy that you can never have enough books, but my bookshelves are starting to disagree. So I have to part with some. I’d love to trade titles from my list with other book bloggers and readers. Here’s what’s available:

YA
Defining Twilight by Brian Leaf
Gone by Michael Grant
The Host by Stephenie Meyer-hardback
My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Salter
Monster Slayers by Lukas Ritter-hardback
Need by Carrie Jones
Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli
The Vampire Diaries Awakening and Struggle by L.J. Smith

Adult
A Complete Guide To Faeries and Magical Beings-Cassandra Eason
Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll-hardback
Hasta La Vista Lola by Misa Ramirez- hardback
Wonderland Revisited by Keith Sheppard
Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder
Picking Dandelions by Sarah Cunningham
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
The Inferno by Dante Alighieri

LDS Fiction
A Love Like Lilly by Kay Lynn Mangum
An Honest Heart by Richard Siddoway
Flying Home Rachel Ann Nunes
Heaven’s Touch by Greg Olsen-hardback
Jumping Off Places by Laura Stratton Friel
Meet Your Match by Stephanie Fowers
My Not So Fairy- Tale Life by Julie Wright
Renaissance Beauty by Heather Simonsen
Bright Blue Miracle by Becca Wilhite
Shadows Of Eden by Timothy F. Bone
Winter Star by Larry and Lisa Laycock

Middle Grade
Judy Moody Gets Famous by Megan McDonald-2 copies
Brothers Below Zero by Tor Seidler-4 copies
The Wizard of Ooze by David Farland-hardback

Advanced Reader Copy
Ostrich Boys by Keith Gray

If you are interested in any of these books please email me at fireandice.heather@gmail.com with the title. I have wish lists on Goodreads, Deseret Book and Amazon to give you an idea of the kinds of books I’m looking for. What are some of your wish list items for up and coming to be released titles?

Waiting on Wednesday- Deadly Little Games

27 Oct, 2010 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Our Waiting on Wednesday is the third novel in the Touch Series by L Stolarz. If you are looking for a cliffhanger action packed series this is the place to look! It’s one of my favorites.

Deadly Little Games
By Laura Faria Stolarz
Publisher: Hyperion
To Be released: December 28, 2010
ISBN-10: 1423131606

Camelia and Ben have discovered a powerful bond: They both possess the power of psychometry, the ability to sense things through touch. For Ben, the gift is a frightening liability. When he senses a strong threat or betrayal, he risks losing control and hurting people. Camelia’s gift is more mysterious. When she works with clay, her hands sculpt messages her mind doesn’t yet comprehend.

Before either teen has a chance to fully grasp these abilities, an unresolved family tragedy resurfaces in Camelia’s life, irrevocably changing everything she cares about…