Rachelle Christensen's "Lost Children: Coping with Miscarriage for Latter-day Saints"

Whether it happens to you or someone you love, there’s no way to prepare for the overwhelming sense of loss that accompanies a miscarriage. But as Latter-day Saints, we know that Heavenly Father’s plan offers solace, even in the face of adversity. Lost Children provides specific information about miscarriage and how it affects a person physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

R. J. Christensen draws on her own experiences with miscarriage and infertility to bring you a comforting guide that’s perfect for anyone who’s had to struggle through this trial. Strengthen your testimony of the eternal plan as you learn to find happiness in spite of trials and joy in spite of pain.

This is Rachelle's second book to be released this year, close on the heels of her suspense book, "Wrong Number." You can learn more about Rachelle and her writing on her blog or her website.

"The Ready Resource for Relief Society" by Trina Boice

Trina Boice has been writing and compiling resource books for years from Relief Society, to Young Women's, to Primary. Her latest book is "The Ready Resource for Relief Society." Here's the blurb:

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, preparing lessons for Relief Society just got easier with The Ready Resource for Relief Society: Gospel Principles, Part One.

Trina Boice provides a lesson summary, pertinent quotes from General Authorities, and relevant hymns for each lesson in the manual. In addition, each lesson features a helpful and attractively designed handout that you can copy for each Relief Society sister, suggestions for artwork, and even some fun object lessons!

With the groundwork done for you, you can now concentrate on the fun part of giving lessons: personalizing them to the needs of the sisters in your ward.

Take the stress out of preparing lessons, and focus on giving Relief Society lessons that will touch the hearts of your class members. With invaluable help like this, lesson preparation has never been so simple!

You can learn more about Trina's creative books on her website.

"Psychic Madman" Jim Karol and LuAnn Stahelli

Come on a journey into one of the world’s most fascinating minds. Entertainer and memory expert, Jim Karol is known to millions of fans. He has performed on NBC’s Phenomenon, the Tonight Show, the Ellen Show, and the Today Show.
Jim dazzles audiences with fun and comedy, all while demonstrating his memorization of 80,000 zip codes, the entire Scrabble dictionary, thousands of digits of pi, every day of the week since the beginning of the modern calendar, and thousands of other facts. He can memorize a shuffled deck of cards in minutes.

For decades his audiences have wondered how The Madman is capable of such extraordinary mental feats. He now shares his knowledge through life stories and technique. Jim aims to show readers just how much the human mind is capable of. Learn how Jim has developed his impressive mind, and give yourself the opportunity to tap into your own extraordinary mental abilities.


In this book, Jim Karol shares his story. You can learn more about the book, and the ghost writer, LuAnn Staheli on her blog. This is her second ghost-written book. She's also a speaker, educator, and writing coach.

"Life is Tough--I Doubt I'll Make it out Alive" by Stacy Annderson

I first met Stacy Gooch Anderson a year ago when we happened to be at our publisher's office at the same time. She was picking up books for a writer's conference that weekend, and I was dropping off my second manuscript for consideration. She was so warm and friendly, inviting me to join some email groups she was part of and asking about the status of my first book.

I've since had a few more times to speak with her in person, and get to know her online and my impression of her has own grown. This woman has so much on her plate I wonder how she's managed to keep her sanity sometimes, yet she always projects a positive outlook, expresses interest in others, and wows me in her attention to her goals. You've probably heard of her book The Santa Letters, or maybe even her Christmas picture book that was released last fall called The Legend of the Star. Unlike those works of fiction, Life is Tough--I Doubt I'll Make it out Alive is drawn off of her real life, giving a humorous look at the trials we all face in one way or another.

Here's the back cover copy from her book:

Life has been overly kind to me when it comes to handing me its lessons and forcing growth in all dimensions where once there was a young and impetuous sleepy-eyed hag.

Stacey Gooch Anderson, author of The Santa Letters, has had her share of trials as a mother. From making decisions about her career and future to dealing with illness and death in her family, she has learned that life will continue to teach her lessons in all circumstances. These lessons can be poignant, meaningful and in Stacy's case, quite humorous. Stacy reveals a life filled with laughter and wit as she chronicles her adventures of being a mother. Join her as she shared 28 life lessons that changes her perspective and helped her grow in character. Full of humor and practical advice, Life is Tough--I Doubt I'll Make it Out Alive is sure to inspire readers everywhere.

You can learn more about Stacy on her blog. Her books are available through most online retailers.

"Life's Alphabet Soup" by Terri Ferran

I met Terri for the first time (in person) at an Authorpalooza at Barnes and Noble this past February (though I had 'met' her online before), where she was signing this new book as it had just barely come out. Here's what she has posted about the book on her website:

Life's Alphabet Soup has 26 chapters starting with Allowance and ending with Zoomph. Each chapter begins with a Dr. Seuss-like poem as an intro. It's a glimpse into the life of a sometimes "working" and "non-working" mother of six who loves Dr. Seuss and chocolate, that will cause you to empathize, sympathize or just be thankful you are not her.

Take a break, grab some chocolate, a beverage of your choice and spend some time relaxing and chuckling at what life sometimes spits out for us to clean up.

Remember--they will grow up, move out, and give us a short window of opportunity to change the locks before they come back!

This is Terri's third book, but her first non-fiction title. Her fiction titles are Finding Faith and Having Hope. You can learn more about Terri and her books on her website or her blog.

"Simply Singing Time" by Allison Palmer

Have you ever searched for a book to help you planning sharing time, singing time, or other Primary activities? Allison Palmer has been producing books to help parents and Primary teacher and leaders with these things for years. Simply Singing Time is her latest volume.

Teach your children the values they need in a way they'll never forget. With these 24 fun-filled lessons you'll be singing and laughing together in no time.

This delightful new resource makes it easy for leaders, parents, and teachers alike to reinforce the lessons children are learning at church this year and helps everyone remember the songs of the gospel.

With a variety of fun activities and lots of songs to choose from, you'll never be bored by the same old songs again.

This book is available through Deseret Book, Amazon, her publisher Cedar Fort, and many other places where LDS books are sold. To learn more about Allison's collection of primary-related books, check out her website.

Mormon Mishaps and Mischief: Hilarious Stories for Saints

I admit, I do actually have a tie to this book. My friends, D.N. Giles and C.L. Beck are the ones who complied this collection of funny anecdotes--one of which was written by me. There are well over a hundred funny stories bound to tickle your funny bone, however, so don't let that deter you.

First, the blurb:

Whoever thought sacrament meeting could be so silly? In Mormon Mishaps and Mischief you'll find a unique collection of hilarious short stories from celebrated LDS authors that turn the spotlight on ordinary members to illuminate the lighter side of Mormondom. Whether it's the annual Primary program or a simple Sunday school prayer, you'll soon find that ?where two or three are gathered together? . . . there's bound to be potential for some humor. Cure your family's Sunday afternoon doldrums with a little dose of mishaps and mischief.

This book is still trickling into stores, though Deseret Book has picked it up, so it should arrive on shelves there soon. It can already be ordered through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, the publisher, Cedar Fort, and direct from the authors on one of their blogs. You can learn more about the authors at one any of their various blogs, which you can find here, here, here, here, and here (among others).

"Bright Ideas for Young Women Leaders" by Trina Boice

Looking for ideas for your Young Women's organization? Check out Trina Boice's book, Bright Ideas for Young Women Leaders.

Being a Young Women leader requires the eloquence of a Gospel Doctrine teacher, the compassion of a Relief Society president, and the stamina of a Scoutmaster, rolled into one!

On top of that, you are also expected to come up with activity ideas each week. Thankfully, this book provides wonderful ideas on all aspects of the Young Women program. Inside you will find valuable insights on:

• Structuring Personal Progress
• Implementing the Young Women values
• Organizing Girls Camp
• Planning New Beginnings and Young Women in Excellence
• Providing leadership instruction
• Increasing Parental Support
• Seasonal celebrations
• Utilizing Internet resources
• Ideas for Youth Conference
• Plus 20 other topics!

Trina has lots of other great non-fiction titles. Check out her website to learn more.

"Family Home Evening Adventures", by Rebecca Irvine

You may have heard of Rebecca Irvine's first book, Adventures with the Word of God. She's recently followed it up her second book, Family Home Evening Adventures--a guide to help you plan your Family Home Evening activities. Each month you'll find a theme with song suggestions, suggested Friend articles, a game or activity, a thought-provoking quote and a fun treat idea that goes with the theme. The book also contains a sheet and ideas for planning for success for your Monday nights.

This is what the publisher has to say about the book (aka the back-cover blurb):

Take the stress out of family home evening scripture study.
It s Monday night, and you re ready for another fun-filled, family activity. Family Home Evening Adventures is the perfect way to keep your children focused on the scriptures to build their testimonies. Filled with 12 fun seasonal activities, puzzles, questions, and lessons, this book lets you effectively plan for the entire year with a theme for each month.

Your children will learn gospel topics such as

Reverence
Love at Home
The Atonement
Feasting Upon the Word
Preparing for Baptism and others.

With this handy helper, parents can teach children to actively learn from the scriptures and increase their individual testimonies during family home evening.

To learn more, visit Rebecca's blog. This book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and everywhere else LDS books are sold.

C.Z. Bezas, "Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers"

The "well" has run dry — I feel so burned out.

Why won't they listen to me?

Am I getting through at all?

Ever had these thoughts? If so, you're not alone! Whether you have been called to work with youth, or are a parent, teaching teens can be a most exhilarating, yet demanding commitment. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers is a crucial guide to working with today's dynamic youth. Compelling, yet simple, these tips will help you burst beyond fatigue and frustration, launching you toward powerful moments with today's young men and women.

C.S. Bezas has drawn together a variety of preparation tools to help you succeed in your efforts to help the teens under your stewardhip find their spiritual wings. Covering topics like No Throwaway Kids, Spiritual Bumblebees, Dissension in the Classroom, and The Language of the Spirit, this book is filled with thought-provoking essays and reflective questions. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers is sure to keep your "well" fresh and full of the living waters of gospel inspiration.

The previous bit was the blurb from the book. I'm thinking with an intro like that, I'm totally going to have to buy it because teaching any age group can be a challenge at times--and my CTR 8s are no exception! The book is available all over the place online. You can check out Cindy's website here to read reviews, learn about her other books, check out her blog and favorite links.

"Prayers that Bring Miracles" by Stephen M. Bird

In the summer of 1983, a young Marine knocked on the door of Chaplain Bird. His face was ashen and his eyes wide with fear. He had just come up positive for the second time on a drug test and now faced certain demotion to the lowest rank, two months in the brig, and a dishonorable discharge.

The Marine explained that he was innocent and that there must have been some mistake. He went on to say that he had recently married a woman with five children. The family was living in military housing and his wife was currently receiving treatment at the base hospital for bone cancer. If he were kicked out of the Corps, his family would have no home or income.

As he listened to the young man’s story, Chaplain Bird began to pray. After the Marine finished, the chaplain heard Heavenly Father say, “I’m the only one who can help him now.”

This began a spiritual adventure for both the Marine and Chaplain Bird. As they talked, prayed, and read form the scriptures Brother Bird felt impressed to teach this young man how to pray. A few days later the Marine returned to Brother Bird’s office saying, “Chaplain, you’ll never believe what happened.”

The result of their prayer together was so remarkable that Brother Bird began to share the story with other Marines. Virtually all those who learned and used the same principles of prayer as this young Marine came back to report their own personal miracles.

The writer for this book doesn't have a personal website, but the book can be purchased at Amazon.com.

Kerry Blair's "Counting Blessings"

Kerry Blair is one of the most beloved authors in the LDS market. She's authored at least eleven books and has been actively involved with the Whitney Awards and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Whitney Awards last year. This book which came out last year is called Counting Blessings, Wit and Wisdom for Women. The blurb says:

Spiritual refreshment is only pages away in this down-to-earth collection of inspiring stories and essays. Like a wise and witty friend, Kerry Blair leads you through the rough spots of life by poking gentle fun at herself in such a vivacious way that you'll be smiling at your own foibles. You'll laugh out loud-and occasionally be moved to tears-as you discover some of life's greatest truths hidden within these simple pages. Reclaim your sanity and enrich your soul with this humorous and poignant anthology that celebrates the joy of being alive and shows how greatly each of us is blessed.

On the About Me section of Kerry's website it says:

MORMON MAJOR-GENERAL

I am the very pattern of a modern Major-General,

I’ve information vegetable, animal, and mineral;

I know the books of scripture, and I quote prophets historical,

From Abraham to Joseph Smith, in order chronological;

I’m very well acquainted, too, with Mormon lit that’s fictional,

I’ve read five dozen Whitney books from romance to fantastical;

About the Cub Scout program I am teeming with a lot o’ news;

With interesting facts about the banquet that is gold and blue.

I’m very good at critter care and tending kids without a fuss,

I cook, I clean, I Visit Teach; sometimes I write – miraculous!

In short, in matters quite mundane, relevant, and trivial,

I am the very model of a Mormon Major-General!

So you can see she has a great sense of humor. You can read more about her and her books on her website or her blog.

"Forged in the Refiner's Fire" Stories About Overcoming Trials

This book has been out for a couple of years, but it's still available for purchase. It's filled with inspiring stories of how people overcame trials. Here's the blurb:

Why do bad things happen? Is there a purpose when we face a bad trial? As mortals, we can be compared to ore, such as gold and silver. Ore that is unrefined is generally impure and undesirable. Only ore that is crushed -- and then refined by fire -- becomes beautiful, pure, precious and valuable. This book was written to help you see the results of the Ultimate Refiner, the Lord, in your own life.

Within these pages, people from all walks of life share their stories of triumph over tragedy. More importantly, they reveal how they were strengthened as they passed through the Refiner's fire. They became more precious, and so can you. Look for the experiences of vocalist Merrill Osmond, LDS writers Shirley Bahlmann, Elizabeth Cheever, Willard Boyd Gardner, Tristi Pinkston, and Candace E. Salima, renowned columnist Muriel Sluyter and several people across the nation who are ranchers, housewives, writers in the national market and more. Candace E. Salima partnered with Elizabeth Cheever to co-author this book.

You can learn more about Candace, purchase a copy, or see what else she's written at her website.

Famous Family Nights Revisited in Anne Bradshaw's New Book

What is one thing you can take with you to Heaven? Family! Invest in no-fail, low-risk, wealth-building stocks and bonds that Wallstreet cannot plunder. The Family!

Famous Family Nights is described as touching, inspiring, and often hilarious. The personal experiences in this unique book highlight family home evening as a priceless tool for building strong, faith-centered families, despite the many obstacles of modern life.

An avid reader and scribbler, Anne writes books, screenplays, youth short stories, and articles. She is a member of LDStorymakers and has been with this group of writers since their first ground-breaking conference in the Little Brown Theatre in Springville, Utah.

You can read more about Anne's books here, or check out this review Janet Jensen did on the book

Mother and Daughter Teach how to Enjoy the Journey

On Sundays I'm going to try to highlight uplifting reads, which means they will mostly be nonfiction, though I may find a piece of fiction here and there that will qualify too. Today I thought we'd start with "Enjoying the Journey: Steps to Finding Joy Now" by Jaime Theler and her mother Deborah Talmadge. I won this book at a conference last spring and it's a great read that can be taken in little bites or in an afternoon.

As Latter-day Saints we strive for joy in eternal life -- but many struggle to find joy during the journey there. Let this book help you learn to rejoice and find more joy right here, right now. Clearing away the clutter, staying in touch, and living with purpose are only a few of the many tips this book provides to help you enjoy your journey through life. Specific steps in each chapter will guide you through important principles and help you apply them to your feelings, thoughts, and actions. Reach for your full potential as a child of God and find the joy the Lord intends for each of us during our journey back to His presence. Enjoying the Journey is a delightful and heartwarming message for any who need a lift.

You can read an excerpt of her book at Jaime's website, or check out her blog to find out what Jaime is up to now. Deborah's website can be found here. Both women's websites have lists and blurbs of their other publications as well.