Read Shanda’s review of Torn Apart by Diony George on the LDSWBR Blog.

I happily agreed to read and review A Woman’s Worth. I hope that I can convey to readers in my review a portion of the appreciation I felt from Jerry during the few minutes I was able to speak with him.

A Woman’s Worth opens with an introduction written by Janice Kapp Perry, who comments that as she read Jerry’s recountings, “he prompted most pleasant reflections of the special women in my own life…” I agree completely. It was impossible to read about these women without remembering those who have had the most impact in my life.

Jerry shares his memories, thoughts, and experiences with several women of all ages, including Chieko Okazaki and Marjorie Pay Hinckley, in 12 short yet effective stories, most of which are only a page or two in length. In each story he shares how each woman touched his life and the lessons he learned from them. The most memorable for me included the parable of the prodigal son, a Peruvian woman who shared candy bars and dreamed of having a son, handkerchiefs, a penny, and a dinner table.

Each section is preceded by a heading appropriate to the story, such as Sacrifice, Loving Kindness, Optimism, Harmony, and Devotion. I was inspired and re-dedicated to improving these qualities in myself. It would be so fulfilling to reach the end of my life and realize that in some small way, I was able to be an example of even one of the virtues in this booklet. As a woman, my heart is full of gratitude to see that someone notices the value of these women, and treasures them the way that Jerry does.

A Woman’s Worth is a 28-page paperback booklet with an easy price tag of $4.99 or less. It would make a wonderful gift, not just for Mother’s Day, but for any woman and for any reason. A Woman’s Worth is available at Deseret Book and Seagull Book now, so get your copies before they are gone.

Jerry Johnston is a columnist for Mormon Times and has been with Deseret News for over 30 years.

FTC FYI: I received a review copy from the author that did not affect my review in any way.

Read Hillary’s review of Change It Up! by Amanda Dickson on the LDSWBR Blog.

Title: The Sharp Edge of a Knife

Author: D.N. Giles

Published Date: 2010

Published by: Golden Wings Enterprises

ISBN#: 978-0-9794340-2-0






The Sharp Edge of a Knife is based on the real life experience of Nichole’s grandfather, told using the point-of-view of both Mel (her grandfather) and Jeneal (her grandmother). I’m glad Nichole told the story using both Mel and Jeneal; it worked quite well for me. Not only do we get to experience what is happening to Mel, we also learn what Jeneal is feeling and wondering during everything.

The Sharp Edge of a Knife isn’t a long book (142 pages), but it didn’t feel at all like a short story, either. The suspense lasted throughout the book, making the quick read a memorable one. Nichole’s writing is effective & the story is engaging, with just the right amount of detail, and reflects the time period as well (1950s). It was easy to picture the events in my mind as they occurred.

It was fascinating to see and read copies of actual newspaper clippings about the event at the end of the book. I concluded my reading with a great amount of respect for Mel and understand why he was and is so loved by his large and growing family. I highly recommend this book to all readers.

Well done, Nichole!



FTC FYI: The copy of this book I reviewed was provided by the author; this has no affect on my review.



Here is the contest info from Nichole:

The Sharp Edge of a Knife Blog Tour and Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of The Sharp Edge of a Knife, I’ve put together an exciting giveaway, with several opportunities to win. Since the book deals a lot with making choices, the prizes all have something to do with choice.

Among prizes I’ve been collecting, Lisa at Watches by Lisa has agreed to sponsor the giveaway by donating a custom made beaded watch and face. Head on over to her blog and take a look at the incredible selection.

So, choice number one:  the winner gets to choose a watch band and face so that their watch is personalized to their tastes and fashion needs.

Yes, I realize that a beaded watch is not exactly a prize to be coveted by a bunch of masculine men (though it makes a great gift for the woman or girl in your life), which is why I’m also giving away more great stuff. Check out the following really cool prizes:

1. Choice between: An autographed copy of the New York Times number one bestselling novel, Wings by Aprilynne Pike—or—a non-autographed copy of The Darwin Awards, Intelligent Design by Wendy Northcutt—or—a numbered, autographed copy of Recovering Charles by Jason F. Wright. Click here to learn more about Wings, here to read about The Darwin Awards, and here to find out about Recovering Charles.

2. Choice between: A $25 gift certificate to the Restaurant Morelia in Murray, UT (Sorry out-of-state peeps, this is local to Utah.) or $25 worth of vinyl lettering by Whaddayawannasay Vinyl Lettering—you choose your quote or phrase.

Bonus prize for author types

3. You may substitute any of the above selections with the following incredible opportunity: The chance to sit in on a critique session with my wonderful, amazing, incredible critique group. While there, you will be treated to not one, but six critiques on the first chapter of your work in progress. This is no ordinary group. We have in our midst some fabulous authors including Tristi Pinkston, acquisitions editor for Valor publishing and author of the Secret Sisters series, Danyelle Ferguson, freelance editor and author of (dis)Abilities and the Gospel—who will edit via internet, since she actually lives in Kansas—Heather Justesen, author of The Ball’s In Her Court and the upcoming release, Rebound, Kimberly Job, author of I’ll Know You By Heart, andKeith Fisher, up and coming author of women’s fiction and plotting genius, and Nichole Giles, also known as D.N. Giles.

**If you are not local to Utah, but would still like this option, we will still critique your chapter online.

**If enough people enter this contest, I reserve the right to choose extra winners and give away some, or all, of the prizes left after the top three winners have made their choices.

Entries will be accepted between March 15^th and April 3^rd. On April 5^th Nichole will announce the contest winners on her blog. Entry requirements:

1. You must be a follower of my blog.

2. You must leave a comment telling me which prize you want to win and why.

3. For those wishing to win the watch, you must go to Watches by Lisa and become a follower, then come back and tell me which watch combination is your favorite.

Extra entries:

1. Blog about this contest, then come back and leave either a url address or a link in a comment.

2. Twitter this contest, tell me where to see your tweet in a comment.

3. Follow me on Twitter.

4. Follow Nichole on Twitter.

5. Facebook the contest. If your Facebook page is private, and I’m not your friend, I can’t see that you’ve done this, so you’ll need to friend me.

6. Become a fan of The Sharp Edge of a Knife on Facebook.

You may enter this contest here, as well as on any of the tour posts at the following blogs:

March 15^th Cindy Beck, Review

March 16^th David J. West, review, interview

March 17^th Cindy Beck, Interview

March 18^th Tristi Pinkston, review

March  19^th Rachelle Christensen, review

March 22^nd Shanda, LDS Women’s Book Review

March 23^rd Kimberly Job, review

March 23^rd Keith Fisher, Interview

March 24^th Heather Justesen, review

March 25^th Christine Bryant, Review

March 25^th Connie Hall, Interview

March 26^th Kimberly Job, interview

March 26^th Heather Justesen, interview

March 27^th Keith Fisher, review

March 28^th Ali Cross, Review

March 29^th Rachelle Christensen, Interview

March 30^th Heather Gardener, Fire and Ice Book Reviews

March 31^st Danyelle Ferguson review, interview

Visit the LDSWBR Blog to read Hillary’s review of I Hate It When Exercise is the Answer by Emily Watts.

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