If you are curious about the reviews, or if you haven’t had a chance to read the stories, you can find the book here:

WATER

Have a great weekend!

This book is not a slow read, but you do need to read it slowly, if you understand what I am saying.

Before I get to my comments on this book, let me give you my credentials (as if that really makes a difference for what I have to say). I have taught Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday School for almost every ward I have ever lived in. I taught Early Morning Seminary one year. And, I have an uncommon religious background which, I think, has allowed me to understand other Christians a bit better.

As a young boy, I attended the Salem Baptist Church in Colorado Springs. I distinctly remember the Sunday when I confessed the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior, and according to the Pastor at the time, was thereby saved. I think it was when I was 9 years old. I appreciate that upbringing. I always knew Jesus was real. But then, right before my 10th birthday, I joined (of my own free will) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been a “Mormon” ever since.

I have always been very, very interested in scripture. I love the Bible. I believe I have read every book of the Bible at least once, and many of them, multiple times. I have spent hundreds of hours in the Old Testament, and I have read the New Testament several times. I don’t declare myself a professor of ancient scripture, but then again, I am no slouch. And I LOVE ISAIAH.

So . . . what does that have to do with this book?

Well, I was intrigued at the approach which Mr. Conis took in writing the book. He is LDS. And yet nowhere in the book is it spelled out that he is LDS.

That might bother some people. Some folks will get upset, and claim that he is trying to hide his LDS church membership from the world in a deceitful way. Others will claim he is trying to trick unsuspecting Christians into believing things about the Bible which the Mormons teach, against their will. And I think there will be some readers who sincerely like the book, up until the point that they find out he is Mormon. Then they will turn against it because they think he has lied.

What do I say to all that?  Hogwash.

Here is how I see it:

There is a HUGE amount of prejudice against Mormons when it comes to the Bible. I have come across folks who think we have a different bible (even though we use the King James Version). And others who say we always take verses out of context. And yet others who think that Mormons can’t possibly understand the Bible because our minds have been clouded with other scripture . . .

For those reasons, when I have been discussing religion with other people, I don’t always tell people that I am LDS right away. I tend to let a person get to know me a little bit first. I don’t see anything wrong with that. I have no desire to shove my religion down someone’s throat. But when they have questions, I readily answer them.

I think this is the approach that Mr. Conis has taken: Let’s talk about the Bible. Let’s talk about the great words that we find there, and not let our prejudices about each other’s religious persuasion get in the way of that conversation.

Sounds good to me. Those who dismiss the book out of hand, without giving the text a fair chance just because Mr. Conis is LDS, would not have really read and enjoyed the book anyway.

Now, what did I think of the book?

Well written. A bit long in parts, and perhaps a little repetitive as we keep going back to some themes about rain/revelation and many others. But even with the repetition, I think the parallels which the author draws between the books and verses he cites are very, very well done. So far, I have greatly enjoyed the book. I look forward to finishing it. And as for the doctrine found therein:  So far, I have not yet found a single thing to disagree with. There have been some ideas presented which will cause me to do additional research on my own, but overall, I think the interpretations shown (and most of them have been masterfully correlated with other biblical sources), are right on the money. Using selections from the Bible to support other parts of the Bible should not offend anyone who believes the Old Testament is the word of God.

I highly recommend this one. Go get yourself a copy here: http://www.thelatterrain.net  And for a 20% discount on your purchase during the virtual book tour for The Latter Rain, you can use the following discount code: Tour

http://susandayley.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/the-thorn/

If you have read the book, there are some never-before-discussed tidbits about the story which come up in the interview. Enjoy!

Her words today left me both speechless and immensely grateful for the person that she is. Her blog post lifted my spirits . . . and after the last couple of months, which have been difficult for me, I really needed it.

In fact, THIS IS WHY I WRITE.

My sincere thanks to you, Kerry! Here is a link to the review:

http://sixldswriters.blogspot.com/2010/07/so-have-you-been-to-gan.html

I hope you like it as much as I did. Also, as you can see, I have recovered from my speechlessness.

1. There is no such thing as a fiction book written for everybody. Quite a few of the bloggers took advantage of posting their reviews on Amazon or Goodreads. I had some 5-star ratings, but I also had some 1-star ratings. As far as I can tell, Romance readers (or those who prefer a more character driven story where the setting doesn’t matter much) did not like the book as well as those who prefer Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Speculative works. I think my characters do drive the story along, but not as much as some other genres.

2. Publicized genre has a great deal to do with reader expectations. I had a few reviews where certain elements of the story were judged against Fantasy, or to be more specific by sub-genre, Epic Fantasy. The genre “Speculative Fiction” still seems to be a little misunderstood in the market. Here is why I consider my book to be Religious Speculative Fiction: An underlying religious theme is present, but not overwhelming. Although similar to Fantasy in some respects, it has no myth and no magic. Although similar to Sci-Fi in some respects because the story takes place on another planet with two suns and three moons, it does not have the technology or futuristic setting of most Science Fiction. My conclusion: I will have to do a better job in the future making sure that my readers understand where The Thorn lies as far as genre classification.

3. The cover of a book also has a lot to do with those first impressions and genre expectations. Although I was pleased with the book cover when I first saw it, and I still think the cover will do well for attracting a YA audience, it may not actually fit the genre Religious Speculative Fiction very well. Some readers hated the cover. Too many of the readers expected the book to be YA Fantasy because of the scene pictured. And the book isn’t Fantasy. Even the glow-stones in the book have a scientific explanation. False expectations adversely affect the reading experience.

4. The book may end up appealing more to guys than to girls. I was pleasantly surprised that so many women did like the book. Some of them raved about it. But each of my current 1-star ratings came from a female reader. It may be too early to tell if my impression here is merely an over-generalization on my part.

5. The Chronicles of Gan series is only going to get better. Although I didn’t agree with every point made by the less-favorable reviews, I do plan on making one significant improvement: Heaven’s Garden (book two) is going to have more character development. There were so many characters introduced in book one that it was hard for some readers to identify with them. And some readers didn’t like the fact that there were so many POVs in The Thorn. If I haven’t missed counting one, there are ten characters used for point-of-view. I counted them all (even the first soldier who dies and is only on the scene for a couple of paragraphs). AH! The introductory page! Make that eleven. Dear POV punished reader: I promise to at least cut that down to half. Maybe even to just four.

In conclusion, I want to thank every single reader who took the time to read the book and post a review. Your insights were most helpful. If you haven’t put your rating out on Amazon or Goodreads, please be sure to do that!

I also wanted to mention that I’ve been collecting snippets of my favorite reviews all month long, and now I would like to share them. Please take a moment and visit my “Reviews” page by clicking on the menu bar of my website, or by going here: REVIEWS

Don’t forget to come back here and let me know what you think!

Lots of laughs.

I know Tristi personally. She makes me laugh. In fact, I think she should do stand-up comedy. Her sense of humor and skill of delivery are both quite good. In fact, at the 2009 LDStorymakers Writers Conference last spring, she had me laughing so hard that I had to wipe tears from my eyes.

This book is a little bit of a departure from her other novels, which are much more serious, but it is a jewel. The story is great fun. I liked everything about it, including the almost pocket-size hard-back form factor.

It is a fast read…almost too fast. It will leave you looking forward to future installments of this series! Go pick up a copy!

TO ORDER:  Secret Sisters

Tristi’s website
Tristi’s blog

From the back of the book:

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, didn’t mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn’t that what any caring Relief Society president would do?

With the help of her counselors Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there’s more to the situation than meets the eye. It’s all in a day’s work for the Relief Society.

Price: $15.95
Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC (March 16, 2010)
Genre: Comedic Mystery
Binding: Hardbound
Pages: 260 Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-935546-09-2
Product Dimensions: 5 x 7.5 inches

Disclaimer: Tristi is a Valor author. So am I. Valor provided me with a free copy. But I am not required to give a glowing review. Tristi is also my editor. She goes by the nickname (which I gave her), DARTH EDITUS when we are working on my manuscripts. But she is not mean or spiteful. In fact, if I said I hated the book, she would be just fine with that. Right Master Editus?

*choking* I…..   can’t………….  breathe…..

Let me tell you why I recommend that you read his book…

Heroes of the Fallen is not your average historical fiction novel based on the Book of Mormon. A skillfully woven tale of nations in decline, intrigue, faith, and hope, it is a book filled with believable dialogue and expertly crafted characters. David is very good at creating villains. His writing voice is reminiscent of more classical works, and his love for reading certainly shows. With a myriad of storylines in this one novel, the reader does need to be prepared to pay attention so as to not get lost, but I promise you it will be worth it. The series promises to be a long one, and I look forward to knowing more about the characters: Amaron, Zelph, Onandagus, Bethia, Mormon, and Akish-Antum the Gadianton Grand Master. There are many others!

I eagerly await the second book in the series.

Might I suggest that you follow David on his blog, Nephite Blood, Spartan Heart. David recently had a couple of his short stories picked up to be included in anthologies. One of them is called “Whispers of the Goddess”, and is one of the best short stories I have read in a long time. I am sure he will post links to it when he can. When I was in high school, I read a lot of fantasy. Fritz Leiber was an author I really enjoyed. My plug for David: Although reminiscent of Leiber’s style and characters (in a very general way), I think “Whispers of the Goddess” is better than anything I read by Leiber. Hands down. And it is my favorite read of David’s works.

I can see I have made this review to be more than just a simple book recommendation… Yes, I am recommending the author here. He has more novels coming. His short stories are excellent. One of them, “Dance the Ghost (With Me)”, a Porter Rockwell tale, won first prize in its category at last years LDS Storymakers Conference. I recently read it, and in my opinion, it’s as good as Heroes of the Fallen. I look forward to David turning “Dance the Ghost (With Me)” into a novel.

Let’s sum up Heroes like this:

An epic tale of valor and degeneracy where heroes are beset on every side by wicked schemers–whose schemes, like a flood, threaten to drown them all–Heroes of the Fallen is sure to please any reader who enjoys a multi-threaded plot full of both historical wonders and vicious intrigues which rule the day. Heroes of the Fallen will have you praying for the good guys! — Daron D. Fraley, Author of “The Thorn” book one of “The Chronicles of Gan”

***

Now for some logistics on his book release…  His book launch party takes place this Friday. Here are the details:

You can order a copy of his book here: Heroes of the Fallen

Go say hi to David on his blog. Then go to his book launch. Tell him I sent you.

But I am qualified to judge one element of this book, and that is the part which pertains to the abuse portrayed in the story. For those of you who have not yet read the book, there is a young man named Tyson in it. Tyson is a witness to the abuse of his mother by his father. Those scenes in the book were really hard to read. In fact, I almost put the book down after the first chapter, never to pick it up again. Why? Not because Kimberly did a poor job with the story. Quite the contrary. She did an excellent job. Her portrayal of the situation is spot-on. So much so, that it was painful to read. And for me, it was very personal.

You see, as a young boy, I was Tyson. I witnessed my step-father do hurtful things to my mother. And the thoughts that go through Tyson’s mind in this book were very similar to the thoughts I had as a child. Thank heavens for burdens lifted by time, and the healing balm of forgiveness. I don’t hold anything against my step-father. We have talked and made peace with the past. As far as I know, he has put those things behind him.

And I don’t blame my mother, either. I understand how hard it was to have the strength to fix that part of her life. I can’t count the number of nights she loaded us kids in the car and took off down the highway, only to turn around and head back home in the morning. I think the fear of the unknown, and not knowing if she would have the means to support herself and us kids if she left for good, compelled her to keep running back.

But when I was nine, I did what my mother didn’t have the strength to do. I left. I went to live with my Dad. He remarried, a divorced mother of three, and they combined families. That journey through my teen years in a combined family wasn’t easy, but I can tell you this, I learned to love my family dearly.

I will be forever grateful that the Atonement of Christ can heal all hurts.

Why do I share this? I think Kimberly’s book is very well done. It has a very happy ending. It was a great read. I could imagine this book being recommended by battered women shelters… I think it could do wonders for someone who just doesn’t have the strength to take control of their life. It might give them that little extra bit of determination to make a change so they can be happy. Perhaps it will fall into the hands of those who really need to hear the message. Maybe it will give them hope.

Two thumbs up for Kimberly’s story. She did a fantastic job with it. The characters are real. The emotions are real. Read the book. And if you feel inspired to do so, maybe you’ll even share it with someone who might need it. You may just change their life forever.

You can order the book here: I’ll Know You By Heart

Find Kimberly here at her website, and here at her blog.

From the back cover:

The day Stephanie Roberts met Jared Wakefield, she didn’t realize they’d met before. Running from an abusive marriage and trying to safeguard her children, she turns to Jared for support, but he needs more from her than she might be capable of giving. With her abusive husband looming in her past, the difficulties they must overcome to be together seem insurmountable.

Is it possible for love to conquer all? I’ll Know You By Heart is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity. A story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal, it is ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love.

Price: $16.95
Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Binding: Trade Paperback
Pages: 275
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-935546-13-9

DISCLAIMER: This is another book by Valor Publishing. I got a free copy. But I made no promises to give a good review, so you can’t count it as compensation. In fact, if I would have hated the book, I would have said so. And unlike some politicians I hear about, I don’t take bribes. They shouldn’t either. Shame on them.

I can say without hesitation that I really liked the book. The setting of the story is in Paris, Idaho and much of the action takes place around the small towns which line the shores of Bear Lake, a clear, ice-cold body of water which lies right on the Utah and Idaho border. In my opinion, Bear Lake is one of the prettiest places in the Mountain West region.

I have been there. I’ve gone swimming in the lake. I’ve had the raspberry shakes for which Bear Lake is famous. Michele’s descriptions were spot on. So much so that I wish I could go right now and have one of those shakes.

I also really liked the characterizations in the book. In fact, because of the setting, and the laid-back wholesome lifestyle which is represented by the Williams family, the book made me feel a little homesick. My mother is a lot like Frankie Williams. I grew up on a small chunk of paradise in Cody, Wyoming. The property has a fish pond, a huge garden, lots of yard to care for… my parents even have chickens. But I digress…

Kenzie Williams, a spoiled and selfish teen at the beginning, blossoms into very nice young lady who is not afraid to work. I was very impressed by the transformation. In fact, I think this book would make a fantastic gift for any young person who feels… ENTITLED. My own teens are pretty good kids. But a little nudge toward working harder and appreciating what they have, definitely wouldn’t hurt them at all. I plan on having them read the book. Sneaky, aren’t I?

The book is fun. It’s a clean read. And Michele is a very good writer. I highly recommend it!

***

Kenzie Williams feels like she has it all; wealth, friends, popularity and talent. But when her father tells her that he has declared bankruptcy, her whole world in New York City turns upside down. Her parents’ solution while they sort through their financial and marital problems is to send Kenzie to live with her relatives in Paris . . . Idaho!

Feeling like she’s been sentenced to three months in Hickville Prison, Kenzie arrives in Idaho feeling like a square peg, with name brand clothes, in a round, horribly podunk, hole.

Leaving everything she loves behind, Kenzie is forced to get up at the crack of dawn, do chores, and hang out with her cousin’s loser friends. She feels like she’s about to die until she meets Adam White, the town outcast, whose been accused of killing his best friend and is being blamed for some trouble that’s been happening around town.

Not only is Adam the best-looking guy she’s ever seen, but he’s also the most fascinating guy she’s ever met and Kenzie is determined to get to know him and find out his secret. But, the longer she stays in Paris, the more she realizes, Adam isn’t the only one keeping secrets.

Price: $14.95
Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC
Genre: YA Coming of Age/Romance
Binding: Trade Paperback
Pages: 210 Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-935546-17-7
Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches

You can order the book here:   Summer in Paris

***

DISCLAIMER: I received a PDF copy of this book from Valor Publishing, the same publisher who carries my novel. Since reading a PDF version of a novel on a computer is not easy on the eyes, I can honestly say that no bribes were taken in exchange for this review. I may or may not get an actual hard copy of the novel. But I hope I do, so I can have my daughters read it. I think they will like it a lot.

There are a few parallels with the Shannara series, but they are not readily noticeable, and The Sapphire Flute remains quite unique. I personally thought it was a very enjoyable read, and a great fit for the mainstream Fantasy genre.

My strongest praise for the book, however, comes not just because the book is well written, with likable characters who you can root for, and a creative magic system on Rasann, but because the book is CLEAN. I have read a fair amount of modern fantasy yarns, and many of them resort to graphic descriptions of sex or lust to interest their readers. Not so with The Sapphire Flute. This is a book I would allow my youngest daughter and my youngest son to read.

In fact, I did have one of my older daughters read it, and she said, “Dad! It was amazing!”

That is high praise from a girl who reads a lot!

My only gripes with the book: I thought the story moved a bit fast in some scenes. That doesn’t bother me much, however, because I can see that it is really two, almost separate stories following two main characters, their stories woven together. It just makes the reader have to pay close attention in order to keep things straight. The second disappointment is also minor, and is related to the first. From the beginning of the story, the reader knows that these two young ladies are going to cross paths. But they never quite do. Or at least not in this first book of the series. I will just have to wait for the sequel!

***

From the book:

It has been 3,000 years since a white mage has been seen upon Rasann.

In the midst of a volcanic eruption miles outside of her village, Ember discovers she can see magic and change the appearance of things at will. Against her mother’s wishes, she leaves for the mage trials only to be kidnapped before arriving. In trying to escape, she discovers she has inherited her father’s secret–a secret that places her in direct conflict with her father’s greatest enemy.

At the same time, Kayla is given guardianship of the sapphire flute and told not to play it. The evil mage C’Tan has been searching for it for decades and the sound alone is enough to call her. For the flute to be truly safe, Kayla must find its birthplace in the mountains high above Javak. The girls’ paths are set on a collision course…a course that C’Tan is determined to prevent at all costs.

Price: $19.95
Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC (March 16, 2010)
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Binding: Hardbound
Pages: 370 Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-935546-07-8

Karen’s blog: http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com

Valor Publishing (where you can order a copy): http://www.valorpublishinggroup.com/Books/the-sapphire-flute.php

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher, the same publishing company which is publishing my own novel. In fact, my book and Karen’s book are being released on the same day. But, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, even though I do like Karen, and will probably have to sit next to her at some future book signing. If I would have hated the book, I would have withdrawn from the Virtual Book Tour, and not done a review!