Women of the Book of Mormon by Heather B. Moore

Women of the Book of Mormon
by Heather B. Moore

LDS Non-fiction, Historical
288 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: LDS Adult

Covenant
978-1608610075
Release Date: May 3, 2010



From the publisher:

Explore the lives, circumstances, and choices of women in the Book of Mormon in this uplifting and inspiring volume that illustrates the parallels between the lives of the women of the Book of Mormon and LDS women today.

With new insights on practically every page, author Heather B. Moore explores the written and unwritten stories of the prominent women in the Book of Mormon, taking familiar material and providing vivid details about family dynamics, domestic practices, and other aspects of daily life. By exploring historic and cultural contexts to the situations of women like Sariah, Abish, Eve, Mary, and the faithful mothers of the stripling warriors, you will peek beneath the surface of the scriptural accounts to better understand both the righteous women of the Book of Mormon, and the women who didn't use their agency wisely.

Yes, I know this is not fiction. My blog. I can change the rules if I want. LDS author, Heather Moore (aka H.B. Moore), has a new book out and it's a bit different from her previous historical fiction.

Women of the Book of Mormon: Insights and Inspirations is a beautiful book that features twelve women mentioned in the Book of Mormon—Sariah, Mary, Abish and others. Heather imagines what their lives might have been like—from the physical conditions of their surroundings to family life to cultural expectations and more. She also delves into the issues they faced, the choices they made, and the consequences of those choices. Based on clues from the Book of Mormon and extensive research into the time periods in which they lived, we get an accurate peek into their lives.

Heather's insights into these women are amazing and brought up issues I'd never thought about before.

All of the information on these women is presented clearly; it's fascinating and easy to read and understand. Each chapter starts with a gorgeous piece of art, representing the woman (or group of women) being discussed. The cover image is of Mary, the mother of Christ. Isn't that just breath-taking?

I think my favorite chapter was about Sariah, wife of Lehi. Reading about what she gave up and what she had to deal with during the journey to the Promised Land overwhelmed me with gratitude for the conveniences (read: modern appliances) I've been blessed with and the ease of my life.

What I especially liked about this book is the way Heather focuses in on a particular challenge each woman meets, and then likens it to our own lives. Over and over again as I read this book, I found myself going back to a quote from the Foreword written by Kate Terry Hansen, PhD, "In so many ways we are different. In so many ways we are the same." That is the message of this book. While our lives are very different from the lives of these women, they are also very much the same—and we can gain strength and comfort from their examples.

I recommend this book to LDS women, especially those who might be feeling alone, abandoned or just need a little reminder of sisterhood.

Plot: There's not really a plot, but it's great writing.

Characters: Wonderful insights into these women of history.

Cover: Gorgeous! As are the illustrations inside.



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*Review copy provided by Heather B. Moore.

© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Gravity vs the Girl by Riley Noehren

Gravity vs. the Girl
by Riley Noehren

General Fiction
272 pages, softcover
Target Reader: Adult

Forty-Ninth Street Publishers
978-0615261652
Release Date: January 13, 2009




From the publisher:

Samantha Green has just spent an entire year in her pajamas, and she is beginning to regret it.

What's more, she is haunted by four ghosts that are former versions of herself. First up is the overachieving and materialistic attorney, who is furious with Samantha for throwing away the career she worked so hard to build. Second is the lackadaisical college student who is high on life but low on responsibility. Next is the melodramatic teenager, who is consumed with her social standing, teal eyeliner and teased bangs. Finally, there is the scrappy six-year old, whose only objective is to overcome gravity so that she can fly.

Samantha's ghosts alternate between fighting with each other, rallying around Samantha's budding sanity and falling in love with a string of good-for-nothing drummers. Despite her reluctance to do so, Samantha must rely on these spirits from the past to repair the present and ensure her future.

2009 Whitney Award Winner: Best Novel by a New Author

This debut novel, Gravity vs. the Girl is a very compelling read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. At first, I wasn't sure if the ghosts were "real" or the product of an emotional breakdown. By the time I figured it out, it really didn't matter. Without giving it away, I'll just say that I would have loved the book no matter which way it went because we are all haunted by ghosts of our past in one way or another—sort of the point of the entire book.

The writing was incredibly good. The story was hilariously funny in some places, and in others brought up that lump in my throat, making me swallow back the tears. I loved Samantha and her goofy cousin. That relationship was wonderful, all by itself.

I'm looking forward to seeing more from this writer.

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Values/Themes: Some mental illness issues; facing and accepting our past.

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© 2010 It's a Book Affair

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

The Chosen One
by Carol Lynch Williams

Young Adult
224 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: 14+

St. Martin's Griffin
978-0312555115
Release Date: May 12, 2009



From the publisher:

Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated polygamous community without questioning her father’s three wives and her twenty brothers and sisters. Or at least without questioning them much—if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her.

But when the Prophet decrees that Kyra must marry her 60-year-old uncle—who already has six wives—Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family.

The Chosen One is a heart-rending account of Kyra's struggle. She loves her family very much—that's obvious in her story. But like all teens, she is trying to find her own way between what she was taught as a child and what she truly believes.

Written in first person, present tense, this story is intense. The voice is strong, the writing absolutely wonderful. The characterization is clear and brilliant and completely believable. While not suitable for younger readers, due to some brutal violence, I think mature sixteen year olds and above will be able to handle it and will draw from it strength and hope in facing their own life challenges.

This book was a well-deserved Whitney Award winner of 2009 Best Youth Fiction. In my opinion, it's Newbery material.



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Language: I think there is some mild swearing, but I can't remember. The book was so captivating that I forgot to pay attention.

Violence: The church leaders beat Kyra and it's described in real time. A baby is punished for crying by being dunked in a bucket of ice water.

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Values/Themes: This book is about choice and finding your own way; standing up for what you believe is right.

Age Appropriate: 14 seems a little young to me, but 16 and up would be fine with this book.

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© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Devil's Food Cake by Josi Kilpack

Devil's Food Cake (Sadie Hoffmiller, book 3)
by Josi S. Kilpack

Culinary Mystery
362 pages, softcover
Target Reader: Adult women

Deseret Book
978-1-60641-232-9
Release Date: January 22, 2010



From the publisher:

It’s been years since author Thom Mortenson has been back to Garrison, Colorado. As part of the committee who invited the bestselling writer to speak at the library fundraising benefit, Sadie Hoffmiller wants everything to be perfect—right down to the homemade devil’s food cake she baked herself. Certainly, murder was not on the menu.

When Thom’s manager ends up dead on stage, Sadie jumps in to offer her guidance and expertise to investigators. But when the police refuse to take her seriously, Sadie has no choice but to pursue justice on her own. After all, is Sadie to blame if she keeps stumbling over information? Can Sadie turn her back when people intricately woven into the deception keep crossing her path? With her son, Shawn, at her side, her reputation on the line, and a full cast of suspicious characters, Sadie Hoffmiller is once again cooking her way through a case that offers far more questions than answers.

Series books: Lemon Tart (book 1), English Trifle (book 2)

Read Chapter 1

I loved this book! Sadie is at it again. Back to the perkie woman we met in book 1, Sadie is not only caught up in a murder mystery, but also finds herself the center of a budding love triangle. On the one hand, there's steady Pete, the cop from book 1; on the other hand, there's Eric—who doesn't mind Sadie's antics and never makes her feel like she's butting in where she shouldn't.

The plot in this book is wonderful! There were twists and turns, and quirky characters who kept me guessing the whole time. I couldn't put it down.

I recommend this to readers who like cozy culinary mysteries, along the lines of Diane Mott Davidson and Gayle Trent.

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Age Appropriate: For adults—the main character is older—but some teens will like it as well.

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© 2010 It's a Book Affair