Book Nook Review: "THE ZION TRAIL" by Marsha Ward

The Zion Trail, by award-winning author Marsha Ward, is a masterful story of early Mormon settlers' conversion and trek west. Her knowledge of the complex and painful early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (Mormons) is evident. Historic characters and events are seamlessly incorporated with those she has created, giving readers accurate glimpses into the trials and triumphs of these western pioneers.

Ward writes with a golden quill, seemingly dipped in the very sweat, joys, and tears, of these settlers. The Zion Trail reads like a personal journal of her main character, Elijah (Lije) Marshall, whose life is forever changes when he takes a pair of tired Mormon missionaries home to dine with his family. Though his Christian parents readily accept the missionaries message and the Book of Mormon they are given, they are completely unprepared for the backlash they face when neighbors find out about their baptism and new faith.

As the persecution mounts, so does the cost to the Marshall family. Ward allows Lije’s spiritual growth to develop as gently and naturally as his social and physical maturity, and we feel his suffering over past mistakes, and his self-doubt as he is called on, again and again, to become a man in his youth.

The story Ward weaves of the trek west had me fully invested, but her introduction of a young widow and the wagon master’s edict, charging her care and that of her infant son to Lije, added additional tension and expectation to the book.

Ward’s experience in this genre shines through. She holds to the period and voice of her hero perfectly until you seriously forget that this is a work of fiction.

The Zion Trail is not just for Mormons, though they will love it. I highly recommend it to any reader who relishes a gritty pioneer story, or western saga. It’s a great read, with wonderful history and endearing characters, and a heartwarming romance that satisfies.

The Zion Trail is available here:

https://www.amazon.com/Zion-Trail-Promised-Valley-Book-ebook/dp/B01BJ326EY

Book Nook Spotlight: "THE MAGIC WAKES," by Charity Bradford

THE MAGIC WAKES

Book 1 in the Magic Wakes Series

Blurb: Since childhood, scientist Talia Zaryn has been haunted by recurring dreams, visions of an alien attack on her planet Sendek. Each time it ends abruptly with Talia's death in the capital city Joharadin, a city that she has spent her life desperately avoiding. Talia keeps these dreams a secret, hoping they are nothing more than childish nightmares. But when she is unexpectedly transferred to Joharadin she is convinced that the conflict, and her own death, is at hand. As Talia's nightmares occur with increasing frequency, they reveal the imminent invasion of a half-dragon, half-human race called Dragumon, bent on annihilation of her world.

In Sendek, magic is dead and science rules, forcing Talia to keep another secret, one that could cost her everything if it were known. Now, in order to save her planet, Talia must awaken the powers within her and rely at last on the magic that is her true inheritance.

Excerpt

A third vehicle carrying Space Exploration Foundation equipment had been attacked. The sleek bullet-shaped tram lay crumpled beside the track and spread across half a mile of protected lands like an accordion. Its silver exterior marred by scorches and patches of thick orange foam used to put out the flames. The last car in line had been ripped open. Its contents carried away while those guarding it had been left in a bloody heap in the corner. The terrorists had left forty people dead. All for the acquisition of military grade communications technology.

“There’s another reason to stop traveling for the SEF.” Talia rubbed the stone necklace resting at her throat. 

She didn’t want to look at the bodies any longer. Instead, she focused on the surrounding wilderness. Trees, grass, everything near the tracks had been burned. The reporter rambled on about the environmental disaster as if no one had lost their lives. Talia was relieved when the news feed was interrupted by the house computer, “Incoming call, SEF President Cahal.”

Talia stood and smoothed her hair back. “Accept call.”

The disturbing images were replaced by a gray-haired man in his sixties, sitting at a desk overflowing with books and papers. His normally kind face looked ashen.

“Miss Zaryn, are you watching the news nets?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. The program has taken a hit that puts us months, maybe a year behind schedule.”

“I can begin work on another satellite as soon as the parts are delivered.”

“Not this time. The board has decided it would be safer to bring you here. The parts are waiting for you, and this time you’ll have a skilled team to help. I’ve purchased a ticket from Gneledar to Joharadin for nine rising tomorrow. Your apartment will be ready by the time you arrive.”

Her knees weakened. She stepped behind the couch and leaned on the back for support. Her vision blurred, and then she remembered to breathe. “I can’t move to Joharadin.”

“Sure you can. You’ve traveled to other locations for us, and it’s about time you stayed here for a while. Who knows, maybe we’ll finally convince you to make this your permanent home.” 

It would be permanent all right. Death always was. She squeezed the couch tighter to keep her hands from trembling. There was no way out of it and no way to explain. At least not in a way a man of science could understand or accept, but Cahal had given in to her before. She had to try one more time. 

"Sir, I've always worked remotely. There's no need for me to move to Joharadin."

"Miss Zaryn, getting you here is about more than a few attacks and setbacks. The Royalists are making a big deal out of this. They’ve started an investigation into the SEF because they think we’re leaking critical information to some unnamed terrorist group.”

“You know I’m not the leak. I don’t have access to transport details.”

“It doesn’t matter what I think. The Royalists insist every member of the team be present in a face-to-face presentation." Cahal clasped his hands in front of him and leaned toward her from his desk. "That includes you. Either you move here for the next year of your own free will, or the Royalists will arrest you and drag you here anyway.” 

“Yes, Sir.” Her shoulders drooped. “Cahal, can I ship a personal project as well?” 

“You can send anything you like, as long as you’re on that tram tomorrow. Unless I can convince you to take an aeroflyer?" His eyebrows lifted in hope.

Talia sighed, "I'll be on the tram. You know I prefer to stay close to the ground."

“You're going to have to get over that. The environmentalists have been trying to phase out the tram lines for years, and these attacks have added fuel to their cause. The aeroflyers will soon be the only way to travel."

"I'll cross that bridge when I have to."

"Very well. I'm meeting you myself, so there's no backing out. I’ll come all the way to Gneledar before I let the Royalists bring you in." He winked at her and let the ghost of a smile twitch the corners of his lips. With a wave of his hand the SEF's emblem replaced his image. 

Talia collapsed on the couch and stared at the phoenix rising into a star filled sky. After a moment, the screen shut off and she rested her head in her hands. Joharadin, capital of Algodova. She had good reason to stay as far away from the city as possible but no way to explain them to Cahal. Sometimes he exuded a grandfatherly attitude toward her, but he was still a man of science. Talk of prophetic dreams would not go over well, especially as an excuse.

A small furry creature shot from under the table and bounced onto her lap. He nuzzled his way under her arms. Talia stroked his back and fluffy tail. With each movement he fanned his tail wider and purred in contentment. 

"You always know how to make me smile. Don't worry, you're coming with me." She stared into his bulging black eyes that swiveled back and forth. "Maybe I should set you free instead?"

Keeta trilled, spun in a circle, and lay down in her lap. With a laugh, she set him on the couch. She could never leave him behind.

"Raise blinds." She spoke the command and the house computer obeyed.

She rose from the couch and walked to the window. The trees blocked the view of the city, but she knew it was there. Her hometown. 

Generally, she welcomed traveling to other cities for the SEF. The weeks and months in the company of co-workers offered a semblance of a social life not available at home. But not Joharadin. Just the thought of the city from her nightmares caused her skin to crawl and her heart to race. A dull ache formed behind her eyes and she rubbed at her temple.

The light from Sendek's double suns filtered through the trees and into her living room. Flecks of gold danced with the shimmery green across the floor. The movement imitated her nerves. It was already starting.

I'll dream tonight. Talia sent her thoughts out to the trees and waited for their answer. Keeta's head popped up as if he listened as well.

We will be here when you do. The trees sang back.

About the Author:

Charity Bradford has been a voracious reader ever since her 5th grade teacher introduced her to the world of books with Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. She’s the mother of four kids that keep her on her toes, constantly reminding her that imagination still makes the world go round. Her preferred writing genre consists of a mix of science fiction, fantasy, adventure and romance. She also enjoys reading detective novels, YA in all styles, paranormal, and whatever a friend recommends. Social and Buy Links: Website Facebook Twitter Amazon Author Page Goodreads Pinterest

Book Nook Review: "Table Talk," by John and Tina Bushman.

Table Talk

 

by

John and Tina Bushman

 

 

How do you change the world? It’s a question raised in the introductory pages of Table Talk, a new release by John and Tina Bushman, and the suggested answer is one we all can guess—begin with yourself, and you will affect your family, who in turn will eventually impact the world.

It sounds simple enough in theory, but even the closest and the most vigilant of families can eventually reach a point of conversational impasse, where over scheduled lives and generational differences of opinion slow the flow of sharing to a trickle, and reduce the depth of topics covered to brief exchanges about the necessities of life.

Enter the Bushman’s book of thoughtful conversation starters, touching on some of the most important topics of our day—patriotism, values, faith, and fun. From individual self-reflection to breaking the ice at a large family fireside, Table Talk facilitates thought, and opens lines of communication through a non-threatening format that feels like a game.

The Bushmans drew upon John’s fifteen years of experience as an educator and youth speaker, and Tina’s experiences with their own family, when crafting the questions.  The Bushman’s explain their reason for writing the book:

John and I feel that Table Talk can be so helpful to families trying to establish healthy lines of communication through fun and insightful questions. We hope it will give parents a tool to get their kids talking and to help parents teach values in an informal way. As children develop a pattern of talking with their parents about a wide range of topics, they will be able to turn to their parents in times of great need. As our kids are “dished up” and “served” many positive and negative values each day from so many different sources, family discussions can help children learn their families’ values and expectations more clearly. It is in the home where these things need to be taught.

Three important tips or guidelines are provided to help parents avoid the pitfalls that stifle conversation and open sharing. A 1984 study by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints found that when partnered with religious activity in the home, such interactions have the most critical impact on the development of values and plans in children.  

Table Talk’s insightful questions inspire a variety of uses, from husband/wife sharing, to group family discussions, Family Night getting-to-know-you games, and as a springboard for a family fireside or testimony meeting. As an empty-nester, I was excited to get my hands on a copy. Our family is scattered across the country and our time together is precious. Having a ready-made list of hundreds of discussion topics on hand provides limitless opportunities to draw the family together, reconnect, and grow closer.

Could families compile such a collection of questions themselves? Probably, but will you? Having topics at the ready is half the battle, and the authors' reminders about conducting comfortable discussions on challenging topics is invaluable.

I loved this book for its potential to encourage family discussion and closeness. Table Talk would be an invaluable tool in any home It would make a great gift for any parent, and deserves a spot on every family's shelf.

Table Talk is available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Table-Talk-Questions-Discussions-Patriotism/dp/1462111467

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgEwMMXHEPI



BLESSED AFFIRMATION

I was asked to put a spiritual presentation together for a casual, round table-type discussion we call "Conversations Amongst Sisters," and I was assigned to base my "Conversations" program on two 33-year-old talks. Both were completely unfamiliar to me. One will now be a treasured favorite forever. It's President Packer's 1980 October Conference talk titled, "A Circle of Sisters." His wisdom and insight were prophetic, and his words have been like a balm to my tired mommy-wife-grandmother soul.

For anyone who thinks women are under-appreciated or under-valued by LDS men, read these words of a stunningly humble, in-touch, in-tune, LDS man and leader, and remember that they were delivered more than three decades ago, before the Women's Movement had reached its apex, and before the terms marriage and family became political hot-buttons. I can't imagine any mother who would reach the bottom of this quote and not feel honored to bear the calling of "woman." Thank you, President Packer. You made my day, even thirty years after delivering this talk.

I'm working on a book about families today, and this little quote is inspiring me. I hope it lifts your spirits as well, be you a mother, a father, or a child of parents who fought the good fight for you.

“We now move cautiously

into the darkening mists of the future.

We hear the ominous rumbling

of the gathering storm.

The narrow places of the past

have been a preliminary

and a preparatory testing.

The issue of this dispensation

now is revealed before us.

It touches the life of every sister.

We do not tremble in fear—

for you hold in your gentle hands

the light of righteousness.

It blesses the brethren

and nourishes our children.

BOOK NOOK CORNER: Introducing, "Once Upon A Baby: A Tale of Adoption"

 ONCE UPON A BABY

by

Shari Guess

Illustrations by Kate Featherstone

Drawing from personal experience, first-time, LDS-author Shari Guess debuts with an enchanting twenty-two page discussion of the spiritual miracle of adoption, showing children how their unique family composition fits into Heavenly Father's Plan for eternal families.

Once Upon a Baby focuses on couples who seek adoption because of infertility rather than those who desire to add an adopted child to a current family. Kate Featherstone's beautiful, child-geared illustrations help even the smallest child follow this story of pre-mortal promises that are complicated by a couple's inability to "grow" their own baby. 

Guess's Once Upon a Baby is packed with spiritual gems from promises made in the pre-existence, through the sorrow of infertility and faith required to trust that God could yet provide a way, through to the joy of the adoption. This short book illustrates the roles of prayer and patience, and introduces the topic of birth mothers--"Tummy Mommies"--with love and dignity:

 "Tummy Mommies . . . help mommies and daddies who can't grow babies by growing a baby for them." 

Adoptive parents should find this a comfortable vehicle to help their children recognize as adoption as part of a divine plan for families. Pause and really study the charming illustrations which are so packed with thought that entire discussions could be launched from each page.

A visit to the book's web page provides readers with a glimpse into the experiences of Guess and her husband as they adopted their son, Garrett, providing the inspiration for Once Upon a Baby. 

Here's what others are saying about this unique and timely book:

"Shari Guess has written a "must read" for every LDS family. She made a relevant issue for our time seem simple, yet to the heart."

                      --Brenton G. Yorgason, PhD 

"I cried grateful tears to finally find a book for our children that explains their unique place within our family in a spiritual way."    

                           --Nancy Reynolds, CA

Copies can be purchased for $14.00 using this link.

Shari Guess has made an autographed copy of her book available for me to give away. To enter, all you have to do is post a comment below and mention that you'd like to win the book. That's it! A winner will be drawn on Friday, July 20.

  

GET OUT OF THE BOAT!

Vince Lombardi once said: "Fatigue makes cowards of us all," and let me add that Mr. Lombardi's counsel is true whether that fatigue has spiritual, physical, or emotional causes at its root. We've all felt it from time to time. We know it will pass, though we often can't dispel it in the moment of our need. This weekend, peace came in beautiful music, through sweet association with old friends, and in messages of hope and empowerment.

The words and stories weren't new. Perhaps it was my state of mind that made them fresh, or perhaps it was the evocative delivery that made them ring so true. In either case, they slingshot-ed me out of my foxhole, injecting optimism back in my heart. Every message was wonderful, (probably a sign that I had succeeded in adjusting my attitude for good reception), but a few closing points made by our visiting Church authority, really resonated with me--

1. "Yet if Thou wilt, I'll drink it up."
2. Sometimes we need the faith to do the impossible.
3. Get out of the boat!

Point one comes directly from the fourth verse of LDS hymn 191, "Behold the Great Redeemer Die," the point being, hard things will come.

In the September 2009 Ensign article titled, "Lessons From Liberty Jail," Elder Jeffrey R. Holland warns us with painful honesty, "In one way or another, great or small, dramatic or incidental, every one of us is going to spend a little time in Liberty Jail—spiritually speaking. We will face things we do not want to face for reasons that may not be our fault. Indeed, we may face difficult circumstances for reasons that were absolutely right and proper, reasons that came because we were trying to keep the commandments of the Lord."

God knows us. He knows what we're going through. He can and will consecrate them for our good, but what these events do to us, or for us, relies in large part, on how we handle our circumstances. Will we drink them up, or choke on them? Some of these experiences will make us better, wiser, stronger, more compassionate, more grateful, they'll move us onto a new path, open a new door we wouldn't have seen with our own half-closed eyes. In short, follow God, drink it up, and become more holy.

How do we do that? That's point two--having the faith to do the impossible. Now faith to do the impossible isn't a license to be reckless or irresponsible, but to follow inspiration, to leap further than you believed you could, past the light and a step into the darkness. It means to stretch muscles--spiritual and physical--beyond your comfort because He asked you to, and because like all proud fathers, He's at the finish line cheering you on.

And where do we begin? By getting out of the boat. Remember Peter? For a second, he believed he could do the impossible, and though he eventually faltered, what did he learn about Jesus, about himself, and about his relationship to divinity because of the few seconds when he did not fear? And it all began because he had the courage and faith to simply get out of the boat.

That's my motto this week--to get out of the boat! My boats are many. They pen me in and keep me . . . safe? Perhaps, but they also limit me and define my boundaries. I want to be unbounded and filled with possibilities.

What are your boats? What keeps you bounded? Weak faith? Fear of failure? Age? Lack of education? An over-scheduled life? What if none of those things had any power to define you? What would you try? What would you become? So long as our ears are tuned to His voice, we have no fear to walk, even on water. Peter did it, even if just for a few steps. But first, we have to have the courage to get out of the boat.

(Painting, "Fishermen at Sea" by Joseph Mallord William Turner)