Instead of a Guest Author Thursday blog post we recorded a podcast! In Season 6 Episode 1, Sheila and I welcome debut author Krista Lynne Jensen. Her book Of Grace and Chocolate was released this month. Read on to find out how to win a signed copy!

Krista shares her inspiration for Of Grace and Chocolate, what she’s working on now, her experiences with revising, and gives us a copy of her book to give away.

To enter to win Of Grace and Chocolate, find the answers to the following questions in the podcast (each correct answer gets you an entry) then email the answers to ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com. The contest ends at midnight MST on Friday, January 27, 2012.

*  *  *  *  *

1. Who provided inspiration for Scott in Of Grace and Chocolate?

2. What did Krista have to draw out on butcher paper?

3. What specific chocolate-covered treat has a role in Of Grace and Chocolate?

*  *  *  *  *

Book Launch Photos

Sheila and I were fortunate enough to attend the book launch for Sarah M. Eden’s Friends and Foes and Krista Lynne Jensen’s Of Grace and Chocolate. We’ve posted some photos below for you to enjoy while you listen to the podcast.

Happy listening!

(Click through to the blog to listen to the podcast if you can’t see the play button below. You can also find LDS Women’s Book Review Podcast in iTunes.)

Erin & Robison Wells, Sarah M. Eden, Shanda, Krista Lynne Jensen and Howard Tayler

Sarah, Shanda, Sheila and Krista

Sheila, Aubrey Mace, and Shanda

As the last hours of our first day at the LDStorymakers Conference came to a close, we were able to speak with authors Danyelle Ferguson and Lynn Parsons about their new book, (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. Tristi Pinkston also took a few minutes to share some of her thoughts about the LDStorymakers Conference. This time we remembered we had a camera!

One month ago today I was enjoying my first day ever at LDStorymakers Conference in Provo, UT. The sights and sounds have faded a bit in memory, but I was taken back to relive the excitement and energy of the conference listening to the podcasts that will be posted today and tomorrow. Part 1 of the LDStorymaker podcasts is available here.

The two days I spent at the Conference were a much needed step “out of the norm” for me, and it’s no surprise that within a few days of stepping back into my life, LIFE took over, derailing my plans to get the large amount of material we collected during those two days posted within a week. But that’s okay. After a month, it’s nice to revisit the whole conference experience again. Take a few moments on this one month anniversary of the 2010 Storymakers Conference and relive it with me. It’s almost like being there all over again.

Part 2

In Part 2 of our LDStorymakers Conference 2010 podcast, we meet up with Josi Kilpack and Heather (H.B.) Moore. They are two of the sweetest women and are always willing to take a few minutes to speak with LDSWBR. Both Heather and Josi taught classes at the LDStorymakers Conference. Josi dishes out some goods about her next book, Key Lime Pie, due to be released in August 2010. Heather shares her experiences with researching and writing her first nonfiction book, Women of the Book of Mormon: Insights and Inspirations.

]]> http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2010/05/23/ldstorymakers-2010-podcast-part-2/feed/ 0 Time Flies One month ago today I was enjoying my first day ever at LDStorymakers Conference in Provo, UT. The sights and sounds have faded a bit in memory, but I was taken back to relive the excitement and energy of the conference listening to the podcasts that will be posted today and tomorrow. Part 1 of the LDStorymaker podcasts is available here. The two days I spent at the Conference were a much needed step “out of the norm” for me, and it’s no surprise that within a few days of stepping back into my life, LIFE took over, derailing my plans to get the large amount of material we collected during those two days posted within a week. But that’s okay. After a month, it’s nice to revisit the whole conference experience again. Take a few moments on this one month anniversary of the 2010 Storymakers Conference and relive it with me. It’s almost like being there all over again. Part 2 In Part 2 of our LDStorymakers Conference 2010 podcast, we meet up with Josi Kilpack and Heather (H.B.) Moore. They are two of the sweetest women and are always willing to take a few minutes to speak with LDSWBR. Both Heather and Josi taught classes at the LDStorymakers Conference. Josi dishes out some goods about her next book, Key Lime Pie, due to be released in August 2010. Heather shares her experiences with researching and writing her first nonfiction book, Women of the Book of Mormon: Insights and Inspirations. Time Flies One month ago today I was enjoying my first day ever at LDStorymakers Conference in Provo, UT. The sights and sounds have faded a bit in memory, but I was taken back to relive the excitement and energy of the conference listening to the [...] http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2010/04/30/ldstorymakers-2010-podcast-part-1/ http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2010/04/30/ldstorymakers-2010-podcast-part-1/#comments Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:11:50 +0000 Shanda http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/?p=687 [...]]]> Old Friends, New Friends

One of the best parts about the LDStorymakers Conference is meeting up with old friends. Another is making new friends who will be old friends next year. Part 1 of our LDStorymakers Podcast series is a collection of interviews with L.T. Elliot, Karen Hoover, Donald J. Carey, Rebecca Talley, and Heather Justesen. I was so caught up in talking with these wonderful people that I completely forgot I had my camera with me, so the only picture I have of any of them is LDSWBR with Heather. Lesson learned for next year!

Recently, Sheila, Hillary and I were able to sit down with Karen Hoover, author of The Sapphire Flute, and Candace Salima, president of Valor Publishing. We had spoken briefly with Karen at the Valor Publishing Book Launch in March, and it was nice to be able to speak with Karen about her book in greater detail. Candace is teaching a class at the LDStorymakers Conference taking place April 23-24 at the Provo Marriott Hotel. If you’re still debating about attending the LDStorymakers Conference, listen to Episode 43 and learn how much the Conference helped both Karen and Candace in their success as authors.

]]> http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2010/04/02/episode-43-karen-hoover-candace-salima-ldstorymakers-conference-info/feed/ 2 Podcast for April 2, 2010 Episode 43 Recently, Sheila, Hillary and I were able to sit down with Karen Hoover, author of The Sapphire Flute, and Candace Salima, president of Valor Publishing. We had spoken briefly with Karen at the Valor Publishing Book Launch in March, and it was nice to be able to speak with Karen about her book in greater detail. Candace is teaching a class at the LDStorymakers Conference taking place April 23-24 at the Provo Marriott Hotel. If you’re still debating about attending the LDStorymakers Conference, listen to Episode 43 and learn how much the Conference helped both Karen and Candace in their success as authors. Podcast for April 2, 2010 Episode 43 Recently, Sheila, Hillary and I were able to sit down with Karen Hoover, author of The Sapphire Flute, and Candace Salima, president of Valor Publishing. We had spoken briefly with Karen at the Valor Publishing [...] http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2010/03/16/episode-42-part-3-authors-aubrey-mace-jessica-day-george/ http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2010/03/16/episode-42-part-3-authors-aubrey-mace-jessica-day-george/#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:52:34 +0000 Shanda http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/?p=594 [...]]]> Podcast for March 16, 2010

While at the Valor Publishing Book Launch in March, we ran into authors Aubrey Mace and Jessica Day George, who had come to show their support. We took the opportunity in Episode 42 Part 3 to talk to them about what they’ve been working on and they were more than willing accommodate us. Aubrey and Jessica are sweet and funny ladies. You won’t want to miss this one!

In Part 2 of Episode 42, we take some time to speak with Candace E. Salima, President of Valor Publishing Group. Candace shared with us the how and why behind Valor Publishing, as well as some big things that will be happening for Valor Publishing in the near future. Candace had great things to say about the new authors at the March Book Launch, as well as those who have helped make Valor a success. Visit Valor Publishing at www.valorpublishinggroup.com for more information.

In Episode 42 Part 1, LDSWBR was able to interview each of the five authors whose books were released at the Valor Publishing Book Launch in March. Listen to what Michele Ashman Bell (Summer in Paris), Daron Fraley (The Thorn), Kimberly Job (I’ll Know You by Heart), Tristi Pinkston (Secret Sisters) and Karen Hoover (The Sapphire Flute) have to say about their new books published by Valor Publishing. As a bonus, you’ll also hear Karen Hoover playing her own sapphire flute in a beautiful performance. Visit Valor Publishing at www.valorpublishinggroup.com for more information.

We had such an entertaining interview with Julie Coulter Bellon, author of Dangerous Connections, during Episode 41. There’s even a blooper reel. And singing. Enjoy! For more information about Dangerous Connections, visit Julie’s blog: juliebellon.com.

]]> http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2010/03/06/episode-41-interview-with-julie-coulter-bellon/feed/ 0 Podcast for March 6, 2010 Episode 41 We had such an entertaining interview with Julie Coulter Bellon, author of Dangerous Connections, during Episode 41. There’s even a blooper reel. And singing. Enjoy! For more information about Dangerous Connections, visit Julie’s blog: juliebellon.com. Podcast for March 6, 2010 Episode 41 We had such an entertaining interview with Julie Coulter Bellon, author of Dangerous Connections, during Episode 41. There’s even a blooper reel. And singing. Enjoy! For more information about Dangerous [...] http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2010/02/19/episode-40-interview-with-author-k-c-grant/ http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2010/02/19/episode-40-interview-with-author-k-c-grant/#comments Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:30:39 +0000 Shanda http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/?p=448 Podcast for February 19, 2010
Episode 40

In Episode 40, K.C. Grant, author of Abish: Daughter of God, joins us to discuss her first published novel. We had a fun and educational discussion with Kim as she explained her research and what inspired her to write Abish’s story. Visit her website to learn more: www.kcgrant.com.

Title: M2B:) (Mission to be Happy)

Author: Michael McLean

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: November 2009

ISBN#: 978-1-60641-203-9

Hardcover, 88 pages, full-length CD included

It’s hard to NOT feel happy looking at that cover.

Author/singer/songwriter Michael McLean, well known for his Forgotten Carols, has written a handbook for those who are ready to go on a Mission 2B:) with him. Not only has he written the handbook, he has also composed a number of songs to go with it.

So many things are working to bring us down these days – poor health, economic problems, environmental issues, relationship troubles – and Michael McLean offers a bit of brightness with his short encouraging chapters and the upbeat music included with the Mission 2B:) handbook. He’s also started a blog, missiontobehappy.com, to document his experiences on his own “mission.”

The book is slightly larger than a standard jewel case, an ideal size for slipping into a purse or briefcase. The hardback cover ensures durability and provides a place to store the CD.

Michael McLean was kind enough to do an email interview with me, and I’m glad to be able to share it with you below. My review and a sample song from the CD follow the interview:

SHANDA: Once you decided to write the M2B:) handbook, how long did it take you to complete the project?

MICHAEL: I started consciously pursuing the idea of M2B:) back in February of 2009. While waiting for the songwriter bailout package (which never arrived by the way. I only got a note from the government that said I, unlike Chrysler and AIG, was NOT too big to fail) I wondered what kind of an “Inspirational Stimulus Package” I could offer myself and my friends to get through difficult times. My first draft of the book and the corresponding collection of songs was submitted on June 11th, and then there was tweaking through the summer with the goal of an early release in time for the FORGOTTEN CAROLS tour, and then a full blown released starting January 1, 2010.

SHANDA: Did the subject/chapters for the book or the music & lyrics for the songs come first?

MICHAEL: The title track and a few of the other songs were written and scattered about without being given any particular focus until I started writing the book in earnest. Then, with the idea firmly in mind for a handbook, I mapped out chapters that begged for songs to accompany them. As I wrote more I found new ideas for songs and as I explored songs I’d been thinking about they would often inspire chapters. What I love about the CD that accompanies the book is that after reading the book (and it’s a short read) all of the songs are put in context SO when you’re jogging or driving or sitting on a plane somewhere the songs can remind you, over and over again, what the book was trying to communicate.

SHANDA: Which song did you have the most fun writing?

MICHAEL: All the songs were fun to write because I needed them to help me get over some of the obstacles a middle aged, clinically depressed, type 2 diabetic faces. I chose fun, upbeat, toe tapping, make-me-smile-knowingly or laugh-out-loud songs to make the point. The song WITH PAUL AND JOHN was a hoot to write and even more fun to record because we tipped our hat at all the Beatle-esque signature production ideas. I still crack up when I sing the “ooohs” in concert.

But the TOODLE-OO song and the PILLS song were super fun as well.

SHANDA: Which chapter or song holds the most meaning to you personally?

MICHAEL: Since every chapter in the book comes from a very real chapter in my life they ALL have deep personal meaning EVEN WHEN it’s approached in a light hearted tone. Read between the lines and the real power of the book reveals itself. But as of this writing I believe Chapter 6 on FAITH and the song I DON’T NEED A SIGN THIS TIME would be my answer. Next week might be different. That’s the joy of creating a handbook that needs to be adaptable to your life as you life. (or maybe I should say “your M2B:) as you experience it”)

SHANDA: What do you feel is the most important message for readers to come away with after reading Mission 2B:)?

MICHAEL: I hesitate to answer this because I gave the first copy of this book, hot off the presses, to a friend of mine and asked for his feedback. He wrote me back after a week of listening and it was clear that what he got out of it was very meaningful and profound BUT NOT what I thought to be the most important message. His big “ah ha” moment and song were so meaningful for him at that moment that I’m glad I hadn’t defined for him what I wanted him to receive.

I can tell you that one of the things that motivated me to see this project through was my own experience of “missing” so many great moments in my life because I believed the real happiness I desired was going to happen sometime in the future. I’ll be happy when (this or that happens)…or…I’ll endure this challenge so sometime in the future I’ll get a great reward….or….Won’t it be easy to find happiness when I’ve got more money, when we get through this crisis, when my meds kick in, when I’ve lost 10 pounds, when I write that big hit song, when my musical makes it to New York, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. The happiness, the real, authentic happiness, has got to be in this moment. If I can’t find it in writing you these words, expressing myself and answering your questions right now then I’m never going to find it because this moment is all I’ve got. If I think that my joy will come AFTER I write you these answers and maybe you share my answers as part of something you’re writing and then somebody reads it and they decide to check out the missiontobehappy.com website and maybe take a chance and buy the book and CD and listen to it and it’s something they love and so they write me a thank you email THEN, maybe then, I’ll be happy. If that’s how I’m living (and I’m embarrassed to say I’ve done that too often in the past) then I’m missing it.

What’s happened to me since I’ve tried living this way is that I’m finding joy in the process as I never have before, and taken the time to celebrate the unexpected joys that manifest themselves in my life everyday.

Plus, for the first time in my life, I’ve got a CD of my own songs that I love to work out to.

Thanks Shanda for the questions and your willingness to help people discover my M2B:).

SHANDA: You’re welcome. Thank you so much for taking time to answer my questions and for sharing your talent with us!

Here is the title track from the CD. You can find the rest of my review below:

What worked for me: As I read the book for review, Chapter 7- “Your Happiness, Your Way” stood out to me. It’s a chapter about deciding who we will allow to influence us, as well as trusting in Heavenly Father. I really liked one sentence in particular: “He invites us to worship Him because He knows we become like what we worship, and He wants us to share in His incomprehensible joy.”

I also like that there are journal pages provided for recording personal experiences.

A song that quickly became my favorite is #4 on the CD, titled “You Don’t Know (How Long This Thing is Gonna Last)” – with vocals by Rick Logan; produced by Michael McLean and Guy Randle. It’s headed straight to my playlist.

What didn’t work for me: My first time through the CD, as I followed along with the lyrics in the book, I wasn’t sure it would be something I would listen to repeatedly. But as I listened to the CD again in preparation to write this review, more of the songs started to really grow on me. The upbeat rhythms and tone of the music is pretty catchy- exactly what Michael McLean was aiming for, I’m sure.

Rating: 4 out of 5 (I appreciate the positive messages)
Would I read it again? There are a few chapters I wouldn’t mind revisiting from time to time.
Would I recommend this book? Yes; especially for those who need encouragement from someone who can relate.
Would I read more of Michael McLean’s books? Sure.

FTC FYI: LDSWBR received a free review copy of this book from the publisher. It did not affect my review of the book.

There’s a BIG CONTEST going on at the LDSWBR Blog! From December 1 through December 24 we’ll be posting daily author posts in the Countdown to Christmas 2009 Event & Contest. Comment on each author post to enter! Visit http://ldswbr.blogspot.com for contest rules and to find out how you could win a $25 eGift Card from Deseret Book or one of several (we’re up to 16 now!) books donated as prizes by generous LDS authors!  Have a very Merry Christmas!

This Christmas podcast is full of wonderful book gift recommendations for everyone in your life. Episode 39 is also a good summary of the many books that we’ve discussed on the podcast this past year. Our listeners are in for a treat as we actually sing (and not too badly, either) and you’ll want to listen through to the end of the podcast for our blooper reel. The blooper segments are just from Episode 39 and show how dangerous Christmas cookies and chocolate are in the late hours of the night! Have a very Merry Christmas!

We truly enjoyed our interview with Rachel Ann Nunes, author of Saving Madeline, and GG Vandagriff, author of The Last Waltz. We had a great time discussing their books as well as several other topics, and there was much laughter to be had. We know you’ll enjoy Episode 38 and listening to both of these fun, intelligent, and talented women! Thanks Rachel and GG!

Our interview with the very intelligent and talented Gregg Luke. Gregg is such a gentleman and we had a great time chatting with him about his three mystery-suspense novels: The Survivors, Do No Harm, and Altered State. Enjoy!

What makes a good podcast?  How about laughing as much while editing the podcast as you did while recording it? Authors Josi Kilpack and Michele Paige Holmes join us for a great discussion in Episode 36.

]]> http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2009/08/29/episode-36-interview-with-authors-josi-kilpack-michele-paige-holmes/feed/ 1 Podcast for August 29, 2009 Episode 36 What makes a good podcast?  How about laughing as much while editing the podcast as you did while recording it? Authors Josi Kilpack and Michele Paige Holmes join us for a great discussion in Episode 36. Podcast for August 29, 2009 Episode 36 What makes a good podcast?  How about laughing as much while editing the podcast as you did while recording it? Authors Josi Kilpack and Michele Paige Holmes join us for a great discussion in Episode 36. http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2009/07/09/episode-35-interview-with-authors-annette-lyon-and-heather-h-b-moore/ http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2009/07/09/episode-35-interview-with-authors-annette-lyon-and-heather-h-b-moore/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:00:01 +0000 Shanda http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/?p=88 Podcast for July 9, 2009
Episode 35

Authors Annette Lyon and Heather Moore delighted us with their presence in Episode 35!  These two talented women have published several novels and have more on the way.  Don’t miss this episode!

]]> http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2009/07/09/episode-35-interview-with-authors-annette-lyon-and-heather-h-b-moore/feed/ 0 Podcast for July 9, 2009 Episode 35 Authors Annette Lyon and Heather Moore delighted us with their presence in Episode 35!  These two talented women have published several novels and have more on the way.  Don’t miss this episode! Podcast for July 9, 2009 Episode 35 Authors Annette Lyon and Heather Moore delighted us with their presence in Episode 35!  These two talented women have published several novels and have more on the way.  Don’t miss this episode! http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2009/05/16/episode-34-tristi-pinkston/ http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2009/05/16/episode-34-tristi-pinkston/#comments Sat, 16 May 2009 19:00:51 +0000 Shanda http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/?p=840 Podcast for May 16, 2009
Episode 34

Sheila & I have a blast with author Tristi Pinkston as we discuss her four novels as well as her upcoming series. Tristi also shares some info about next year’s StoryMakers Conference. Join us, and be prepared to laugh!

It’s Whitney Award time again! In Episode 33, we interview so many wonderful authors and Storymaker Conference attendees! We talk to several Whitney Award finalists as well as Whitney Award winners after the Gala, and we hope you’ll have as much fun listening to this podcast as we had recording it! AND I found Bron Bahlmann’s interview with us (which I apologize in the intro for losing) so I’ve added that in as well.

Join Sheila as she interviews author Rebecca Talley and they discuss her books, her blogs, her website, and her ten children.  They have a good discussion despite a microphone malfunction.  Thanks Rebecca!

Hillary, Sheila, and I discuss several books many of which are Whitney Award finalists.

Join us in Episode 30 for our wonderful discussion with Josi Kilpack, author of Lemon Tart.  We learned (and laughed) a lot and had a blast!

In Episode 29, we discuss a large number of books we were able to read in the month of January. There’s something for everyone, enjoy!

At a loss for good gift ideas?  Don’t forget that books make great gifts.  In this episode, we discuss classic Christmas favorites, new Christmas favorites, as well as some great books to enjoy throughout the entire year.  Merry Christmas!

We’re privileged to have authors J. Scott Savage and James Dashner join us for Episode 27.  Get the inside scoop on J. Scott Savage’s book Farworld:Waterkeep and James Dashner’s book The 13th Reality:Journal of Curious Letters.  As always these gentlemen were informative and hilarious!  You won’t want to miss this interview!