Clean Romance for Only $.99

Here are some great deals on clean, romantic books. Only $.99. Enjoy!

The Spy Prince (Princes of Valdoria Book 4)

She's intimidated by nothing...except for him. He's never needed anyone...except for her.

Prince Elliot Kane is known throughout the world for his charm, boyish good looks, and his title. He knows how to play the part well, so well that many know him as the playboy prince. But Elliot doesn't mind the moniker because it not only keeps him from having to maintain a serious relationship, it also helps to keep his biggest secret under wraps. He's a covert agent.

Give Lauren a gun, a ten-mile run through the desert, or having to face down some of the most dangerous criminals in the world...she rises to the challenge. But being partnered with the most eligible bachelor in the world, a man she's secretly had a crush on for years, she'll tremble. However Lauren has been trained by the best to be the best, even the spy prince won't throw her off of her game.

When Elliot becomes aware of one of his own committing crimes against humanity, he has to take the man down. And the only way to nail Prince Joquen, a man with diplomatic immunity, is to send another prince in. But Elliot can't do it alone. The smartest plan of attack is for Elliot and Lauren to fake a relationship to get into Joquen's inner circle. But when the lines between professional and personal blur will Lauren be able to keep her secret? Or will the spy prince finally find love?

Purchase Spy Prince here.

The Billionaire's Chauffeuress

Isaac Cooley goes to work and goes home. That's it. He's keeping his nose to the grindstone, trying to make up for a reckless past.

Whitney Ames is his housekeeper, and he doesn't even know her name. But he learns it quickly when the chauffeur position opens up and she jumps to fill it.

They're just getting to know each other when a little girl shows up on Isaac's steps, claiming to be his daughter, which isn't possible. 

Or is it? 

As the unlikely threesome struggles to make sense of their new circumstances, Whitney becomes more and more worried about the dangerous feelings she's developing for her boss. She shouldn't be having such unrealistic dreams, should she?

This is a standalone sweet romance and is appropriate for any age.

Purchase The Billionaire's Chauffeuress here.

Summer of Love: 100 FREE Romance Novels

What could be better than FREE books?

How about 100 FREE romance books?

There's this awesome giveaway right now. You can get 100 free ebooks, plus enter for a chance to win Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet, or Gift Cards. It's super easy to get the books and to enter for a chance to win one of the fantastic prizes!!

You can go here to see all the books and enter. Look all these amazing books below!! And these are all clean romance! Whatever romance genre you love, you can find it in this giveaway.

Win a Shopping Spree at Amazon!

Here's a chance to WIN a $500 Amazon shopping spree at the #1 site for reader giveaways--The Kindle Book Review. 

How? 

Just enter the BLACK FRIDAY GIVEAWAY, and you could win a $500 Amazon gift card. Ends Nov. 22. Click to enter. http://ow.ly/Ux5wI

My Son's Inventive Solutions

I've been homeschooling my youngest son in hopes of teaching him to read before he enters school, or at least has the tools to begin reading. He knows all of his letters and knows most of the sounds each letter makes. He's been sounding out words he sees. He also spells out the words he sees on packages and signs.

I've been using several methods to help him learn to read, including a set of flashcards with familiar words (like the names of family members and food items). I'm supposed to show him these cards (red lettering on 8.5 x 11 white cardstock) 3 times a day. That gets a little boring day after day. So I started having him stand across the room and then we'd count together and he'd run over to me, say the word, take the card, and then set it on the table. That worked for a while.

He decided he'd turn the tables and have me run to him, he'd say the word on the card, I'd say the word, then he'd hand it to me, and I'd set it on the table. After each card he'd say, "Good job."

Now he's invented a couple of new ways. He counts backwards before he tells me to come get the card and he also uses his Nerf gun to shoot at the word cards. Pretty inventive, I'd say.

Last night, he initiated a game of Duck, Duck, Goose while the family was sitting in the living room. We played several rounds and he understood exactly how to play, who he wanted to be the "goose," and where he needed to sit so he didn't get tagged.

Today, he wanted to play again. Unfortunately, he and I are the only two home. After tagging each other as the goose a few times, he invented a solution. He found some inflated balloons we had around the house (we had a birthday party last week) and he set those next to me as part of our game. And, when he tagged one of the balloons as the goose, he squealed with laughter as I took the balloon and chased him around the room.

This probably seems silly, but to me it showed me that he recognized a problem and came up with a solution. He was bored with the way we were doing the flashcards so he came up with a new, more interesting way for him to do it. He also saw that only two of us playing the Duck, Duck, Goose game didn't make sense so he solved it in the best way he could. He thought about it and came up with a solution.

He may not be talking in long sentences, but he's thinking and he's solving problems that exist for him. For me, that's progress and I'll take it.

My Son is Reading

Any of you who know me, know that my youngest son has Down syndrome. I have been homeschooling him this year in hopes of preparing him to enter school next year.

I have taught all of my children to read. I homeschool them for kindergarten so that I can make sure they learn to read. I believe that reading is the most important academic skill they can have because if they can read, then the whole world is open to them.

For most of my kids, I have used the Spalding method, which is a phonics-based program. I also used Hooked on Phonics for some of my kids. I believe phonics-based approaches give kids the tools to decipher words and think it is the best way to teach kids to read.

Then I started teaching my youngest son. Everything I knew, or thought I knew, went out the window. I had to start from scratch and figure out how to best teach him to read. I read a lot of articles and books that said I needed to use sight words with him. So I made up flashcards with familiar words. We did that for a while, but it seemed like he needed more.

So I went back to teaching him the sounds of each letter. We do sound cards each day and he has been sounding out words now when we read. He has also learned many sight words. He still struggles with how to say the words, but he knows them.

One day, I suddenly had the idea to take the Hooked on Phonics books that I've used and make a flashcard for each word in the book beginning with book #1. I say the word and have him pick out the flashcard. I also say a sentence from the book and then have him find the corresponding words on the flashcards and lay them out into a sentence. It's working really well. He is not only recognizing the sight words, but he's also sounding out words using his knowledge of the sounds of the letters, which means he's improving his verbal skills.

The other day, we read Brown Bear, Brown Bear. I was astonished, and excited, when he started reading the book. I read the first part and he read the second part on each page. And he actually read it verbally. Yay!!!

So I know that he's beginning to read and, even better, he is saying words and using his verbal skills. It's been a long time coming, but I am so thankful to see this progress.

Aura is $.99 This Week

In celebration of the release of my newest novel, Aura, it's on sale for $.99 at Amazon for the Kindle.

If you'd like to read it but don't own a Kindle, you can download the free app from Amazon that allows you to read Kindle books on your computer. Go here to download that app.

If you prefer to read print books (and who doesn't love how a real book feels in your hands?) Aura is now available in a print version.

I sincerely appreciate your help and support in spreading the word about Aura. Word-of-mouth is THE best and most effective way to advertise a book. So, thank you to all of you who have read it and recommended it. And, thank you to those of you who have posted reviews.

Being an author is like walking around naked. You bare your soul because each book is an extension of who you are, what you believe, and how you view the world. Yes, the stories are fictional, but the way each author tells his or her story is very personal and based on his or her life's experiences. Every time I publish a book, it's like sending my child out to the world to be judged. It's exciting and stressful at the same time. Sometimes, I think it'd be easier to be a brain surgeon. Or a rocket scientist. And yet, I can't not do it. I can't not write the stories in my head that are begging to be released.

Thank you again for your support!

Sight Reading Cards

Any of you who have read my blog know that I have a son with Down syndrome. He is 5 and is currently enrolled in a virtual kindergarten class. He's doing well. He continues to surprise me with what he learns.

As much as I love seeing him learn the kindergarten curriculum, I am more interested, at this point, in helping him use speech as his primary form of communication. To this end, we have been working on sight words. I've made flashcards out of index cards and I've written down the words that are most useful and pertinent to him.

Every day we go through flashcards. To introduce some new words this week we decided to include the whole family. I read the person's name on the card, showed my son the name, and then asked him to give it to the correct person. I want him to associate those words/names with the people in his life. We then went around the house and put flashcards on the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, bathroom, plate, cup, bowl, spoon, knife, fork, table, and chair. I'm hoping this will form a connection in his brain between the words and the items they represent.

I've also introduced him to names of animals, clothing, colors, and food by showing him the word and then associating it with a picture and/or sign. That seems to work very well.

A great idea someone shared was to take a favorite book and make sight words from the book so the child would then be able to read that book.


I don't send my kids to kindergarten at school because I prefer to teach them at home that year to make sure they learn to read and understand simple math concepts. I have taught my kids to read using a phonics program and all of them have entered school reading, some even reading 2-4 years above grade level. I'm sold on phonics programs.

Then, I had my son. I've learned that phonics is much harder for him to learn than sight words. I've had to relearn and reteach myself so I can work with him. It feels like I'm doing this all backwards. But he is learning and that's what's important.

And I'm learning, learning, learning, I'm thankful for the opportunity to see reading, and learning, from a different angle. Supposedly when kids with DS master over 200 sight words, they begin  to speak more. I'm sure hoping that's true because I can't wait to hear all that's on my son's little mind.

He Will Read

I am beside myself with excitement. Last night we put in a DVD for my youngest son to watch. It's from the "My Baby Can Read" reading system. He's watched this one a few times but not very consistently. My husband and I were watching it with him and the word "dog" flashed up on the screen. My son looked at it and then made the sign for dog. No one said the word, there was not a picture of a dog, only the word and he READ it. Yep, he did. A few minutes later, "cat" came up on the TV screen and he made the sign for cat. Again, he READ the word. He had no hints, he had no other clues except for the actual word.


What a huge accomplishment and proof that he can read. Wow! I'm thrilled.

I've taught my kids to read. I don't send them to kindergarten and spend that year with them teaching them through a phonics program. We also learn math and other skills, but reading is our main emphasis. A reader can learn anything because reading opens up the world. My first grader has now read 650 books by herself. We recently had a read-a-thon at the elementary school and in two weeks she read over 800 minutes. Most of my kids go into school reading above grade level. I teach them myself because I never wanted any of them to fall through the cracks and end up not reading.

Since I've taught my other kids to read, I plan to teach my youngest son to read, but I was concerned he might not be able to read. I know that many kids with Down syndrome read, but some don't and I wasn't sure what to expect. I tend to have high expectations for my kids and I just wasn't sure what I could expect with him. Now I know. He will read. He will be able to immerse himself in the world of books and I am so excited for him to do that.

I bought a book about teaching children with Down syndrome to read in hopes that I'd be able to teach my son. And now I know. He will read! Yay!!!!!!

Read-a-Thon Fundraiser

Every year at this time, our elementary school begins its Read-a-Thon fundraiser. Each kid is supposed to find sponsors willing to pay so much money for so many minutes. I love the idea of a read-a-thon. I love the idea of kids reading books instead of watching TV or playing video games. I love the idea of kids using their imaginations as the words in books create visual images in their minds. I love everything about books.

The kids get so excited. Some read and read and read. I can feel their excitement. My own kids get very excited too, especially since the school offers prizes. But, this is where my enthusiasm ends. The student who collects the most money gets a huge prize, while the child who reads the most minutes only gets a small prize. Now, I understand this is a fundraiser and in this economy schools are suffering, but I believe that a child who reads thousands of minutes during the two week period should be rewarded appropriately. I think the message to the kids is wrong because it tells the kids that having a lot of sponsors and making money is more important than reading. Besides, kids can't control how much money someone is willing to donate, but they can control their choice to read instead of playing a video game.

I also think the program should reflect the different ages. A kindergartner is going to have a much more difficult time reading for 800 minutes (the school goal for each child) than a fifth grader, yet the younger kids don't receive any recognition until they have reached exactly the same goals as the older kids. Seems a bit unfair to the younger kids.

I have tried to convince the organizers to offer goals more in line with the younger kids and I've also tried to convince them to reward the highest minutes with the same kind of prize as the most money, but I haven't been successful. So, I've designed my own prizes for my kids according to their abilities and what they want most. What is that prize? A day home with me. Yep, that's what they both said they wanted most.

I want my kids to be readers for the love of reading and the amazing places a book can take them. I want them to have fantastic imaginations and use their minds. This read-a-thon is a great idea, but I'm not so sure the execution of the idea is the best it can be.

Read

I attended a session at the LDStorymakers Conference presented by Rachel Ann Nunes about writing women's fiction. A point she made, which is applicable to any genre, is how important it is to read. And, not just read in the genre in which you write, but to read all across genres and get a feel for what works and what doesn't. Reading other books not only give us a feel for what's in the market, but also allows us to learn from other authors.

I used to read for pleasure. Not anymore. In fact, I find myself "rewriting" books that I read, thinking about how I might have characterized differently, used different dialogue, or used different words or sentence structures. I also find myself awed by what authors accomplish in the books I read. I love to be surprised when I read something unexpected. I love to read lyrical passages. I love to see how other authors make characters feel real or describe something so well I can see, feel, or taste it. This only happens through reading other books.

I wish I had more time to read because I see so many books I want to read. I've found that if I use my time wisely I can still read a number of books. One of my favorite books is The Hunger Games. I thought about that story even when I wasn't reading it and I still catch myself wondering what will happen to Katniss and Peeta. I also learned a lot from the author, Suzanne Collins, in how she weaved such a fantastical yet realistic story.

I love to read LDS fiction and I think we have so many talented authors in this market. The level of LDS fiction is rising every year. I bought way too many books at the conference last weekend, but I'm so excited to read each one. I'll keep you updated on my reviews.

Summer Reading Thing

I'm going to participate in the Summer Reading Thing sponsored by LDS Publisher.

My list of books:

1. Trail of Storms by Marsha Ward.

2. Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack.

3. Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston.

I wish I were a faster reader, but I'm not. And, I have so much going on this summer. Girls' Camp, Scout Camp, MTC Camp, family reunion, kids to take to college, YW, my writing website Pursue Your Writing Dream, a new blog (to be announced next week--how's that for intrigue?), my two new novels I'm working on, oh, and cleaning the house, laundry, yard work, gardening, reading with the kids, sewing, swimming, and enjoying the summer :). And my house needs to be painted in a very bad way--I'm hoping I don't have to paint it myself!

My #3 daughter was at a graduation party last weekend and was playing a game. I like to call it the "I'm going to see if I can break my nose again" game. And, well, she won, because she did, in fact, break her nose. Again. Last year she broke it backstage during a performance of her play and, now, she's broken it again. Who does that? Answer: my #3 daughter. So, in addition to all the other activities, she has to have surgery to repair her nose. Super duper!

Iwill also be attending a writing conference at Cedar Fort next week in Springville, UT. See this post for details.

Hope everyone is enjoying summer vacation!

Summer Book Trek

This is my wrap-up post for the Summer book Trek that I participated in over at the LDS Fiction blog.

This summer was crazy busy with 9 of my 10 kids at home, Wood Badge Training (for my husband--2 different long weekends in another state) for the BSA, Scout camp, drama camp, MTC camp, 4-stake Youth Conference (my husband is serving as Stake Young Men's President so he's been very involved with all stake youth activities), garden, trip to California, having my son return home from his mission to Italy, and moving that same son and my oldest daughter up to Provo this last weekend. Yep, it was insane and I'm just glad I kept my head above water :).

Here's my answers to the questions:

1. How many fiction books by LDS authors did you read? Only 2

Farworld Water Keep by J. Scott Savage
Season of Sacrifice by Tristi Pinkston

2. Did you read more than you would have read if you hadn't participated in this book trek?

Yes, I probably wouldn't have read anything.

3. Did the reviews posted by other participants influence which titles you read? How?

I liked reading the other reviews and will pick up other books based on the reviews.

4. Did the Whitney awards influence which titles you read? No.

5. Did the many, many virtual blog tours that happened this summer influence which titles you read? Yes.

How? I participated in the blog tour for Farworld.

6. Did you finish all the books you had planned to read? Yes.

7. Did you discover any new authors whom you now love? Yes. Love Tristi and Jeff, er, J. Scott.

8. Did you nominate any of the books you read for Whitney awards? Not yet.

9. Would you be interested in another LDS themed reading challenge either this winter, or next summer? Yes.

It was fun participating, though the other participants all put me to shame with the number of books they read. Wow, some of them must be speed readers! I really enjoyed reading everyone's reviews and I think it helped bring more awareness to LDS fiction.

Reading: My Confession

When I was a kid, I was an advanced reader. In fact, I was always placed in the highest reading groups, though that was the extent of challenging good readers back in the day when I was in elementary school. Because I wasn't challenged enough, I lost interest in reading.

As a teenager, I never, ever chose to read a book. I would always choose to go to the beach, play basketball, go to movies, hang out with friends, flirt with boys, or play pranks. I never had a book in my hand and I never purchased books. My family didn't read, either. We watched a lot of TV, but we never read much. Grandma did read the National Enquirer or other celebrity magazines and Grandpa liked National Geographic and non-fiction titles that either promised him untold wealth or health secrets. He also read a lot of anti-Mormon books.

Despite my lack of reading, I always wanted to write and wrote as much as I could. But, I missed out. I didn't read the classics. I don't know Anne of Green Gables. I didn't get lost in the writings of Charles Dickens. I simply missed entire worlds, ones that I now want to create.

As an adult, I've tried to "catch up" with my reading because I now realize how my lack of reading affected me. I try to read as much as I can, but with all of my kids and other responsibilities, it's hard to read everything I'd like to.

I wish I could speed-read and devour all of the great books.

I have tried to break the non-reading cycle. We converted our old living room into a library so that books are the center of attention. I also let my kids go to the thrift store regularly to fill bags with books and I let them order books at school. We also attend the library program each summer to encourage reading. I talk to my kids about books and authors and let them see me read.

Some of my kids have taken to reading. My son has read some books over and over again and can read a Harry Potter book in a few days. My oldest daughter attends all the midnight parties when a new Harry Potter comes out and devours books. My younger kids all seem to enjoy reading, especially when they can cuddle up on my lap and listen to me read.

Reading opens up so many worlds and ignites the imagination. I know that I've suffered from my lack of reading because reading is so important.

Do yourself a favor and read today!

The Whitney Awards and Other Stuff

For a list of books eligible for a Whitney Award this year you can visit LDS Publisher, LDS Fiction, or Write Bravely. Books are added each week to the list so be sure to check it out regularly. If you read a fantastic book by an LDS author, go to The Whitney Awards and nominate it. Changes have been made to the awards this year and representatives will be at the LDS Booksellers Convention in August.

LDS Fiction is hosting a Summer Reading Trek. You can still sign up and win books. You have to commit to read a book (or more) by an LDS author and then post a review before August 31. It's fun to read the reviews and see other people's reading lists.

I will be posting a review of Farworld Water Keep as well as an interview with J. Scott Savage next month. I'm still reading the book because I'm the world's slowest reader, but I do love how the main character has a disability and it's not limiting him. That really speaks to me because it's the message I want to shout about my own son.

My blog tour concluded yesterday. I've been very touched by the wonderful reviews and the great support everyone has given me. I'll leave the links up for a bit in case anyone has a chance to stop by any of the blogs. I can't express enough gratitude to all of the amazing bloggers who participated in the tour. Thank you!

I hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July weekend. We had a family picnic, watched fireworks, and took the kids swimming. We also visited Henderson Lake which is located high in the mountains with spectacular views of the valley below and other mountain ranges. The lake itself is gorgeous, surrounded by mountains and pine trees. Absolutely breathtaking.

Library Day

Our elementary school has a nice library and shares space with a branch of our public library. Each summer, the public library sponsors a reading program. This year it's, "catch the Reading Bug," and we'll be talking about bugs as well as watching butterflies go through their stages of growth. All the books on display have to do with bugs.

Today, we all watched a puppet show about a magical garden and the bugs, and other creatures, that live there. It was a cute show with marionettes. My kids were all mesmerized by the show.

Usually, my sister and I let our kids play outside on the playground equipment afterwards. The cousins all love to be together and my sister and I can visit for a few minutes. It's a nice break from summer chores and best of all, it encourages my kids to read.

I love having my children invloved in the summer reading program.

Summer Book Trek

Over at the LDSFiction blog there's a summer reading challenge. Everyone who participates is eligible for prizes. This is a no pressure reading challenge to encourage people to read LDS fiction. If you'd like to participate go here.

For my challenge I'll be reading:

1. Farworld Water Keep by J. Scott Savage
2. Season of Sacrifice by Tristi Pinkston

Yeah, I know 2 books is a little wimpy, but summer with my 9 kids (my first-born will return from his mission in 10 weeks--woo hoo--that'll make all 10 kids at home) will be crazy hectic. And, I'm still trying to finish the revisions on my LDS romance.

So go on over and sign up. It'll be fun!

What I'm Reading

The other day, it was cold and windy. The wind was so forceful, in fact, that it knocked over the goats' shelter. My husband and I trudged out to the farthest point of our property to repair the shelter.

It took a while to make it suitable for the goats again so we were outside for a long time. When we finally finished, the wind had successfully whipped my hair into knots, frozen my nose, and given me an earache. I was happy to get back to my house.

My husband built a fire and I made hot chocolate. I grabbed a book and settled on the couch in the living room. I love, love, love reading a book next to a blazing fire, especially when the cold has sliced right through me. The book I chose to read: Spires of Stone by Annette Lyon.

I am truly enjoying this book. I love the relationship between two of the characters--their insults are quite creative and snappy. The writing is so easy to read and I love learning about the history as well. The story is woven so effortlessly, too. I'm excited to read to the end so I can find the answers to all the questions that are swimming around my head. Will they get married? Will he fess up? Will I ever know what happened between those two? Can I slap the one brother?

So, I'm going to go build a fire, snuggle up on the couch, and read more Spires of Stone.

Book Tag

I've answered some of these questions in my last post, but I will play along because it's fun. I love to read how everyone else answers these questions.

My Reading: When I was a kid, I was an advanced reader. Back then, the teachers weren't quite sure how to address my needs. They sent me to the next grade for reading, but that didn't seem to help much. Somewhere along the line, I lost interest in reading. I also lost my mother and my world changed dramatically. I lived with my grandparents. My grandfather spent his retirement watching soap operas and reruns of Roseanne. My grandmother read all the time, but it was the National Enquirer, Star, Globe, and Weekly World Report (I tried unsuccessfully to convince her that a baby cannot be born with a ring on its finger, that a baby's birth weight couldn't be 30 pounds, and that spaceships hadn't found where God lives). Weekly World Report did convince me that people actually bought and read outlandish fiction (some of those people, like my grandmother, even believed the fiction to be true). As a result, we didn't read much. I read my assignments for school and college, but never read for pleasure until my sister gave me the first Ariana book by Rachel Ann Nunes. After I read that book, I realized that I enjoyed reading and dove into it head first. I now read every day and buy as many books as I can.

Total Number of Books Owned: This is hard. As I wrote in an earlier post, we turned our original living room into a library, with shelves from the floor to the ceiling, to house all of our books. I'd love to have one of those huge libraries where you need a ladder to reach the top shelves, but for now I can reach the top shelves in my library. We have so many books and on Saturday, after my son's soccer game, I let my kids go to the thrift store and pick out more books. While there, I happened to find Peace Like A River by Leif Enger which Josi Kilpack had reviewed so I snatched it from the shelf. I'll count all my books one of these days, but not today.

Last Book I bought: I did buy Peace Like A River but it was at the thrift store. The last book I bought retail was Ghost of a Chance by Kerry Lynn Blair. I'm reading it right now and truly enjoy the humor and the story. I'm a Blairfanatic (is that a word?).

Last Book I Read: The First 2000 Years by Cleon Skousen. He has an amazing store of knowledge about ancient times and prophets. I learned a lot while reading this book as a companion to the Old Testament. I'm now on the next book in the series.

Five Meaningful Books: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli spoke to me because the main character is so different from what's "cool" and despite the ridicule from the other kids, she's happy, kind, and thoughtful. Teaching by the Spirit by Gene R. Cook made me think differently about teaching and speaking in Sacrament Meeting. Raising Up a Family Unto the Lord by Gene R. Cook taught me principles about raising a family that I hadn't considered before. Believing Christ by Stephen E. Robinson helped me to see how important it is to not only believe in Christ, but to believe Christ when he tells us to come unto Him and that through Him we can be with Heavenly Father again. Of course, the scriptures would be included. I would also add the series I'm currently reading by Cleon Skousen because these books have made me see and understand things I didn't before. His books have helped me to remember and truly digest the stories in the Old Testament.

I tag: Karlene Browning, Patricia Wiles, David Woolley, and Terrie Bittner.

What I Read

Candace Salima has suggested we write about what we read and why.

A few years ago, after adding a larger living room to our house, we decided to rearrange some of the other rooms. Since we had books stashed in kids' rooms, in the basement, in our bedroom, in a bookcase in the living room, in boxes in the garage, and under couches and beds, we decided to build shelves and make our original living into our library and house all of the books in one place. Of course, I fantasized that the books would be organized similar to real libraries--silly me--at least most of the books are in a central location.

My kids love books. One of their favorite "rewards" is to go to the thrift store and fill a bag with "previously loved" books. I love books, too. I buy books through the book clubs at my kids' school, from Amazon, at bookstores, at Walmart, and wherever I can find books I want to read. I love to go to the bookstore and just "smell" all the books. I love to handle them in my hands and touch the pages. I recently walked through a bookstore in Denver, CO that's 3 stories high and filled with so many books my eyes popped out of my head. Yes, we love books.

Since my library is filled with picture books (I've read at least a million picture books through the years), easy readers, chapter books, middle grade novels, and young adult novels, that's what I read a lot. I loved Princess Academy (Shannon Hale) and Stargirl (Jerry Spinelli).

We do have a section in the library dedicated to my husband's passion--LDS doctrinal books--but I don't select books from that section as often as I should. However, I am currently reading The Third Thousand Years (Cleon Skousen) as an accompaniment to my Old Testament study and have found this series to be quite enlightening and helpful as I attempt to digest the stories of the ancient prophets. But, I still gravitate toward fiction.

I also have shelves for my adult fiction choices which tend to be LDS fiction. I'm currently reading Ghost of a Chance (Kerry Lynn Blair) and am loving it. I love the voice of the main character, Samantha Shade. Blair's humor is woven throughout the story and it makes me want to meet the author in person because she must be one funny woman. I am enjoying this book very much.

I read LDS fiction because I do not want to wade through trash and profanity to try to find the story. I want to be entertained. I want to learn. I want to see characters with my values. I want to feel the spiritual growth of the characters. I want to think about something differently. I generally feel "safe" in choosing an LDS fiction book. I have come to expect certain standards from the publishers of LDS books and I know what I'm getting. I don't have to worry that I'll be spiritually offended.

I believe the quality of LDS fiction has increased greatly and we will continue to see more growth from LDS authors. I love to read books by people I "know" and admire. I also want to see the market grow and flourish.

I read LDS fiction for many reasons, but the main reason is because I enjoy it.

The Importance of Reading

The countdown to school has begun. The summer has whizzed by and now we're planning our school shopping. We'll start school in a month and we all know how fast a month will pass--in the blink of an eye.


My son (#8) will enter first grade. I don't send my children to kindergarten because I want to make sure they learn to read and do simple math (and I'm a big baby and want to keep my kids home as long as I can). I use a phonics-based program. I've used the Spalding program because that's what our elementary school once used. Now, however, each grade in our elementary school uses a different phonics program. This past year I used Hooked on Phonics and that seemed to help my son grasp reading. (He loved to read all the books included with the program). I've found that while I liked aspects of the Hooked on Phonics program, I also felt it was missing some pieces so I added parts from the Spalding program.


Even with all of the practice with these programs, I truly believe the most important factor in helping a child learn to read is to read with that child. Reading with a child not only helps that child in his/her reading skills, it also communicates a love for that child as well as a love for reading. Lets' face it, children rarely do what we say, they do what we do. If they see that we enjoy reading and that we'll take time out to read with them, we set a powerful example.


It's appalling to me that we have so many children that get pushed through the school system without the fundamental reading skills they need to succeed. Once a child can read, he/she can do anything. Reading unlocks the imagination and stimulates creativity. Reading can take us to fantastical worlds and to real life situations. We can live vicariously through, and learn from, a character or situation without ever leaving the safety of our own home. We can experience embarrassment, fear, anger, euphoria, love, jealousy, envy, hate, pride, humility, and the list goes on. We can learn about the world around us and the people who populate it. No wonder we are counseled to read good books. Literacy is vital to our very existence.


Let's do our part and take a few minutes to read with a child today!


(Just as I finished this post, my 3 year old ran in with her favorite, tattered book in her hand and asked me to read it to her, so I took my own advice).