Book Blog Tour Giveaway-The Lost Curse by T. Lynn Adams

Tombs of Terror, Vol. 2 - The Lost Curse

By T. Lynn Adams

Cedar Fort, Inc.

About the Book:  When it comes to tracking down ancient treasures, Jonathon's pretty sure he knows what he's doing. But even his time in Peru couldn't prepare him for the dangers lurking in his own backyard. Now he must reunite with old friends to protect the secrets inside the sacred mountain temple of Carre Shinob. Suspenseful and surprising, The Lost Curse is an edge-of-your-seat adventure from page one.

About the Author:  Well, what do people really want to know about strange authors?  Usually they want to know the stuff they can't read off the back of the book. 

Confession time: I'm terrified of spiders, can't fry eggs, and my inability to bake a chocolate chip cookie has become family legend. But blessings come from weaknesses. None of my children have a pet tarantula. My husband volunteers to fry the eggs for breakfast. And all of my sons and daughters are expert cookie bakers. Life if like that--it compensates for our weaknesses by sending others into our lives. Isn't that wonderful? Writing books and reading them is another wonderful way we can strengthen ourselves and others. I believe it is a writer's duty to craft words that lift people and help them feel better about their personal lives and those around them, to see the good in life. That is a responsibility I take very seriously.

Kay's Kritique:  Do you like roller-coaster rides?  This review is a double review.  I bought and read Tombs of Terror, Vol. 1 before reading The Lost Curse, not that you have to read Vol. 1 first to be able to enjoy The Lost Curse.  Lynn Adams has written 2 action pack adventure stories filled with history and culture.  It was a fun to learn about different cultures and their history on the roller-coaster adventure story with twists and turns that kept me engaged and not wanting to put the books down.  I loved both books and would recommend them both.  5 Stars to both!

If you haven't already read Tombs of Terror, Vol. 1, can I tease you into reading it?  Let me tell you a little about it -- Oh and if you ever meet Lynn and she offers you an Inca Cola, take a real small sip first to make sure it's the real deal - you'll have to read Tombs of Terror to find out why.

About the Book:  When Jonathon Bradford gets lost in an ancient cavern while sightseeing in Peru, he discovers the secret behind the legendary disappearance of the ancient Inca people. In Tombs of Terror, the gripping debut from T. Lynn Adams, Jonathon is catapulted into an epic struggle between greed and honor. Now he must prove his loyalty and bravery as he battles lethal traps, starvation, kidnapping, and his own fear - all while holding the precarious fate of an entire civilization in his hands.

Giveaway Details:

I'm giving away 1 ARC Copy of The Lost Curse, if the winner lives in the US/Canada or if an International winner they will receive an eBook copy.

Super Simple to Enter:

Just Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect (GFC) and leave me a comment with your email below.

You can have extra entries as follows:

1 extra entry for Following by Email
2 extra entries for Sharing this giveaway on Facebook - leave link
2 extra entries for "Liking" our NEW LDS Book & Things Facebook Page - click to "Like"
3 extra entries if you have already read Tombs of Terror OR if you got it to read it first - just tell me in the comment where you got the book. :O)

List your extra entries in SEPARATE comments - REMEMBER THE EMAIL ADDRESS
The winners will be selected using Random.org
Last day to enter is Saturday, July 7, 2012
Winner will be announced Monday, July 9, 2012
on my Facebook page
("Friend" me while you are there)
Thanks for stopping by
Feel free to browse around the blog while you are here

 

Click Here for all The Lost Curse Blog Tour Stops

Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop!

Isn't it great, the freedoms we enjoy?

And reading is just one of many!

This is a good time of year to pause and remember 

how blessed we are to live in this Free Land,

and to give thanks for these freedoms

we enjoy every day!

   

 I picked for my Freedom to Read Giveaway

a paperback copy of one my favorite books 

and the 1st in the 

Autumn Rain Mysteries

 I want to get you hooked on this series too!

Imprints

by Rachel Ann Nunes

About the Book:  Autumn Rain receives impressions - feelings, or imprints - left behind on certain objects that were treasured by their owners. But is this ability a gift or a curse? Sometimes Autumn isn't sure…Yet Victoria's parents view Autumn's unusual talent as a special gift, and hope she can shed light on their daughter's last thoughts before she vanished without a trace.

About the Author:  Hi! I'm Rachel Ann Nunes (pronounced noon-esh), best-selling author of thirty-five published books. My husband TJ and I have seven children, three boys and four girls. I speak English and Portuguese, and understand Spanish and a lot of French. I love reading, swimming with my children, and long walks on the beach--or walking just about anywhere.

Kay's Kritique:  One of my favorite genres is Paranormal Mysteries and it can be hard to find good ones that are also a clean read.  Rachel is one of the first LDS authors that I have found to write a good paranormal mystery with a hint or romance.  I loved Autumn Rain.  She definitely walks (barefoot everywhere) to the beat of a different drummer. And as I am usually found barefoot most of the day myself (I work from home), I can definitely relate.  I definitely give this series 5 stars.

SUPER SIMPLE TO ENTER

Just follow my blog with Google Friend Connect (GFC) and leave me a comment with your email below.

You can have up to FIVE extra entries by:

1 for Following by Email
2 for Sharing this giveaway on Facebook - leave link
2 for "Liking" our NEW LDS Book & Things Facebook Page - click through to "Like"

List your extra entries in SEPARATE comments - REMEMBER THE EMAIL ADDRESS
The winners will be selected using Random.org
Last day to enter is Thursday, July 5, 2012
Winner will be announced Friday, July 6, 2012
on my Facebook page
("Friend" me while you are there)
Thanks for stopping by
Feel free to browse around the blog while you are here
Once you're done here, HOP on over to the other blogs and check out their giveaways!

LDS Bookseller Association Issues Blogger Invites to their Convention

The LDS Booksellers Association (LDSBA) would like to extend an invitation to LDS Bloggers to attend various events associated with our annual Convention, Aug. 7-10, 2012 at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy, Utah.

For those interested in attending, please review the information below, and send an email to ldsbapromotions@gmail.com by Saturday, July 7.   As there is limited spots for these events, we will let you know if you have been selected or not by Saturday, July 14.

Click here to download this LDSBA-Blogger Information

WHO?

A: LDS Bloggers interested in products that inspire and enrich families

WHAT?

A: 1st EVER Blogger Invitation to attend the LDS Booksellers Association (LDSBA) Convention, an annual and normally closed educational & trade show event for all LDS Authors, Artists, Publishers, Wholesalers and Retailers.

You will also receive a “Blogger’s Bag” of FREE gifts Friday on your way out.

WHERE?

A: South Towne Exposition Center; 9575 S. State Street, Sandy, UT 84070; Hall #4.  

Click here for a map and directions to South Towne Expo Center

WHY?

A: We recognize the value of Bloggers in the marketplace today, and we want to provide an opportunity for you to mix and mingle with a concentration of authors, artists, vendors, publishers and retailers who come together once a year. We would like to invite you to participate with us, so that you can share with your followers your thoughts on our unique Association, and to create awareness of, and provide Five Star Reviews on the EXCITING NEW products coming out for Fall and Christmas 2012.

WHEN?

A: August 7-10, 2012 – Mark your calendar & come to as many of these events as you can:

1.    Tuesday, Aug. 7 – Speed Dating; 1:00 p.m.–2:45 p.m.; Rooms 300 A-D (LIMIT 5)

2.    Wednesday, Aug. 8 – Speed Dating; 1:00 p.m.–2:45 p.m.; Rooms 200 A-D (LIMIT 5)

3.    Thursday, Aug. 9 - Author/Artists Reception; 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; Rooms 300 A-D (LIMIT 25) p.s. Light Refreshments will be served.

4.    Friday, Aug. 10 - Trade Show Floor open to Bloggers; 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Hall #4 (LIMIT 25)

HOW?

A: Just send an email to ldsbapromotions@gmail.com explaining how your Blog Followers would benefit from your attendance, which events you would like to attend, and a link to your blog for us to preview. It’s as simple as that!   

Deadline for submissions is Saturday, July 7.  Open Spots are limited so don’t delay – do it today!

We’ll get back to you and let you know if you are selected or not by Saturday, July 14.

Did we mention that there will be a “Blogger’s Bag” of FREE Gifts available Friday on your way out? 

See you there!

Click here to download this LDSBA-Blogger Information

5Min.FHE - When I Serve My Neighbor, I Serve God

 

5 Minute Family Home Evening Idea

 (to print this lesson click on the title on the next line)

When I Serve My Neighbors, I Serve God

Lesson from I Know My Savior Lives: FHE idea book

By Kimiko Hammari

Song:  I Have Two Little Hands (Children Songbook, pg. 272)

Opening Prayer: By Invitation

Scripture: Matthew Matthew 25:40; Mosiah 2:17; D&C 42:38

Visual Aid: The Good Samaritan (Gospel Art Book, pg. 44)

Lesson:  Read and discuss the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25–37.

·  According to the parable, who are our neighbors?

·  How did the Good Samaritan help his neighbor?

·  How do we love our neighbors as ourselves?

·  How can we serve them?

Challenge: 
Part of serving God and our neighbors is showing love to everyone. This week, make a new friend by sitting by someone who is alone, playing with someone on the playground who doesn’t have anyone to play with, or inviting someone you don’t normally play with to come over to your house (with your parents’ permission, of course).

Closing Song:  A Happy Helper (Children Songbook, pg. 197) or Scatter Sunshine (Hymn #230)

Closing Prayer: By Invitation

Activity: Younger Children: Adopt a grandparent. For tonight’s activity, discuss with your family which elderly men and women in your ward or neighborhood would enjoy regular visits. Plan what you can do to make them your adopted grandparents. Then, over the next several months, tell your adopted grandparent what’s going on in your life, and, with your parents’ permission, invite them to some of the activities you are involved in (such as a sporting event or piano recital).

Older Children: Go on a service scavenger hunt. 

(Click here to print individual scavenger hunt form.)

Refreshments: 

Apple Streusel Bars

from Our Best Bites, pg. 212 by Sara Wells & Kate Jones

 

SWEET PASTRY:

2 c. flour

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. real butter, softened (no substitutions!)

1 egg, beaten

APPLE FILLING:

1/2 c. white sugar

1/4 c. flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

4 c. (about 3 medium) sliced, peeled baking apples (I’ve used Granny Smith in the past, although this time around I used Gala and they were fabulous)

GLAZE:

2 c. powdered sugar

About 3 Tbsp. milk (whole milk is best)

1 tsp. almond extract

To prepare crust, mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until you have pea-sized crumbles. Gently mix in beaten egg.

Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Gently pat about 2/3 of the crumb mixture onto the bottom of the dish. Preheat oven to 350 and set aside.

To prepare apple filling, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon and toss with apples.  Spread apples out on prepared crust. Sprinkle reserved crust mixture over apples evenly and bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.  When finished, allow to cool completely.

To prepare glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency.  Place glaze in a Ziploc bag and cut off a very small portion of one of the corners. (Or just use a fork drizzle glaze over cooled pastry and allow to harden - you can place it in the freezer to hurry things along). Cut into bars and serve.

Click Here to print entire lesson with dessert - When I Serve My Neighbors, I Serve God

2nd Annual Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop - 3 Winners

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop
Do you have or know teens that like to read?
Or do you have teens that would read if they had something fun to read?
Or do you like to read teen fiction yourself? (It's Ok to admit it - I like them too!)
Well, my Triple Hitter Giveaway is for you!  
I'm giving away 3 great reads to 3 different winners.

What are you going to do on the longest day of the year?  

Why not spend it entering giveaways as part of the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop?

Over 200 participating blogs are offering a book related giveaway and we are all linked up together so you can easily hop from one giveaway to another.  The hop runs from Wednesday, June 20 through Tuesday, June 26.

Triple Hitter #1- Released in June

Guardians of Elijah's Fire ARC

by Frank L. Cole

(You can click on his name and "Like" his Facebook page)

About the Book:  Just when she thought she was safe, Amber learns she's become a target and it seems even her closest allies can't be trusted. Now Amber, Trendon, and their classmates will have to travel through enemy territory to protect the earth from deadly destruction. Bestselling author, Frank L. Cole delivers a mind-blowing story and an addicting read for adventurers of all ages.  

(Psssst!  I read the 1st volume Guardian of the Hidden Scepter, and loved it - Click here to read my review - can't wait to read this one!)

Triple Hitter #2 - Releases in July

 The Lost Curse ARC

by T. Lynn Adams

About the Book:  When it comes to tracking down ancient treasures, Jonathon's pretty sure he knows what he's doing. But even his time in Peru couldn't prepare him for the dangers lurking in his own backyard. Now he must reunite with old friends to protect the secrets inside the sacred mountain temple of Carre Shinob. Suspenseful and surprising, this is an edge-of-your-seat adventure from page one.

(Pssst!  Have you read the 1st one in this series?  I just got a copy of Tombs of Terror and it is in my Summer Stack to read - and I have to hurry because I'm reviewing The Lost Curse here on the blog July 1 - so come on back.)

Triple Hitter #3 - Also Releases in July

Middle School Magic: The Kindling ARC

by Braden Bell

About the Book:  All thirteen-year-old Connor Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens, but when a run-in with the school bully ignites strange powers inside him, Connor's normal teenage life goes up in flames. Now he'll need his new powers to defeat the Darkness that's coming for him. Fast-paced and original, this book's guaranteed to keep you guessing!

(Pssst!  I've giving away my copy before I had a chance to read it so I can make this a Triple Hitter, so now I'll buy it to read it - Hope you enjoy!)

SUPER SIMPLE TO ENTER

Just follow my blog with Google Friend Connect (GFC) and leave me a comment with your contact info below.

You can have up to FOUR extra entries by:

1 for Following by Email

1 for Sharing this giveaway on Facebook - leave link

2 for "Liking" our NEW LDS Book & Things Facebook Page - click through to "Like"

List your extra entries in SEPARATE comments

The winners will be selected using Random.org

Last day to enter is Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Winner will be announced Thursday, June 28, 2012

on my Facebook page

("Friend" me while you are there)

Thanks for stopping by

Feel free to browse around the blog while you are here

Once you're done here, HOP on over to the other blogs and check out their giveaways!

5Min.FHE - Temple Work for Our Anestors

5 Minute Family Home Evening Idea

(to print this lesson click on the title-next line)

I can go to the Temple for my Ancestors when I am older 

Lesson from Choose the Right: A Year of FHE Lessons 

by Kimiko Hammari

Song:  Family History—I Am Doing It (Children Songbook, pg. 94)

Opening Prayer: By Invitation

Scripture: Matthew 16:19 & 1 Peter 3:19

Visual Aid: Nauvoo Temple (Gospel Art Book, pg. 118) & Temple Baptismal Font (Gospel Art Book, pg. 121)

Nauvoo Temple

Lesson:  Heavenly Father has commanded all of us to receive the ordinances of the temple in order to return to Him. We need to be baptized, receive our endowment, and be sealed to our spouse. Would it be fair if someone never had a chance to accept these ordinances? Of course not.

Temple Baptismal Font

Heavenly Father loves us and wants everyone to have a chance to accept the gospel. When you are older, you can go to the temple and do work for your ancestors who didn’t have a chance to hear the gospel here on earth. You can be baptized for them when you are twelve years old. And when you grow up, you can perform other temple ordinances for them. Your ancestors in the spirit world can then choose if they want to accept the ordinances.

Many members of the Church have had sacred experiences in the temple. They have felt close to their ancestors and have felt them accept the gospel. Heavenly Father cannot accomplish all of His work without us. Doing temple work for our ancestors is one of the greatest ways we can help Him.

Thought Question:  Read Hebrews 11:40 – Why can’t our ancestors be made perfect without us?  and Do you think we need them to be made perfect?

Closing Song:  Families Can Be Together Forever (Children Songbook, pg. 8188)

Closing Prayer: By Invitation

Activity: Complete the family tree (print individual page)

Refreshments:  Key Lime Tarts

 

Key Lime Tarts

from Our Best Bites, pg. 228 by Sara Wells & Kate Jones

10 mini graham cracker crusts* (available near the regular graham cracker crusts in the baking aisle)

5 egg yolks

1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk

Around 1/2 c. lime juice.

Note:  Fresh key lime juice is best, then regular lime juice, then bottled key lime juice. If you’re going to use bottled regular lime juice, don’t. Honestly, I’m too lazy to juice those tiny little key limes, so I just juice regular limes and call it a day.

2 drops green food coloring (optional and rather controversial in the world of Key Lime Pie purists. If you don’t add it, your pies will be more authentic, but also on the yellow side.

Preheat over to 350.  In a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and lime juice.  Distribute evenly among graham cracker crusts (I used my cookie scoop to make sure things were equal). Place tart pans on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven 10-11 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature, then chill in fridge until ready to serve.

Before serving, add a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.

Sweetened Whipped Cream

1 c. whipping cream

1/3 c. powdered sugar

Combine whipping cream and powdered sugar in a large bowl. With an electric hand mixer, beat whipping cream until soft peaks form

*If you want to bake this as a single large pie, just use a standard 9″ graham cracker pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Top each slice with whipped cream before serving.

Click here to print entire lesson -  I can go to the Temple for my Ancestors when I am older 

Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop X 2 Winners

We're clearing off our shelves to make room for more 

and 2 of you could win!

There are over 125 blogs clearing their shelves with some great giveaways

Just in time for some great summer reading!

In conjunction with the launch of this new book

I'm giving away 2 hardback copies of 

 The Shapeshifter's Secret

by Heather Ostler

About the book:  Like any sixteen-year-old, Julia's used to dealing with problems. From her overprotective father to her absent mother to a teacher who definitely has it in for her. But everything changes when Julia's reactions become oddly vicious and angry---more animal than human. This action-packed adventure has it all: humor, romance, and a plot that will keep you guessing to the very last page.

About the Author:   The Official Biography

Heather Ostler grew up near the mountains with a rambunctiously entertaining family. She majored in English at Utah Valley University, and soon began composing stories about masquerades, water nymphs, and shapeshifters. She and her husband, Kellen, reside in Highland, Utah with two remarkably pleasant pugs.

The Fun Biography

I like fortune cookies, lucky pennies, shooting stars, and implausible coincidences. I’m always cold and have at least 5 different flavors of hot cocoa on hand at all times. I’m a sucker for happy endings and like to eat dessert first. I think Muppets Christmas Carol is one of the best movies ever, along with The Parent Trap. English accents, cloudy days, and family inside jokes make me smile. I am a writer, and I love finding inspiration in art, music, nature, seasons, and relationships. 

Kay's Kritique:  Shapeshifter's Secret was a great beach read. I wanted to keep reading until I finished and was hard to put down when I had to sleep.  I enjoyed the characters, the mystery and some interesting twists and surprises along the way to the end.  Definitely a fun read to put on your reading list and one I would recommend. 

SUPER SIMPLE TO ENTER

Just follow my blog with Google Friend Connect (GFC) and leave me a comment with your contact info below.

You can have up to THREE extra entries by:

1 for Sharing this giveaway on Facebook - leave link
2 for "Liking" our NEW LDS Book & Things Facebook Page - click through to "Like"

List your extra entries in SEPARATE comments

Winners will be selected using Random.org

Last day to enter is Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Winners will be announced Friday, June 22, 2012

on my Facebook page

("Friend" me while you are there)

Thanks for stopping by!

Feel free to browse around the blog while you are here

Once you're done here, HOP on over to the other blogs and check out their giveaways!

5Min.FHE - Priesthood

5 Minute Family Home Evening Idea

(to print this lesson click on the title-next line)

Priesthood        

Lesson from Dad’s Night: FantasticFamily Nights in Five Minutes 

by Trina Boice

Song:  The Priesthood is Restored (Children Songbook, pg. 89)

Opening Prayer: By Invitation

Quote: “Caring for others is the very essence of priesthood responsibility. It is the power to bless, to heal, and to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel” (James E. Faust, “The Power of the Priesthood,” Ensign, May 1997, 41–43).

Visual Aid: John the Baptist Conferring the Aaronic Priesthood – Gospel Art Book #93 & Melchizedek Priesthood Restoration — Gospel Art Book # 94

Video:  “Restoration of the Priesthood,” 

Supplies: credit card, lock with key, other keys, sign that says, “Eternal Life,” umbrella, popcorn popper, popcorn

Aaronic Priesthood Restored

Melchizedek Priesthood Restored

Principle:  The priesthood is the power and authority of God given to righteous men to enable them to act in God’s name for the salvation of the human family. Earthly ordinances, such as baptism, confirmation, administration of the sacrament, and temple marriage, need to be performed by the correct priesthood authority in order to be valid in the eyes of the Lord.

Lesson: Show a credit card and ask:

·  What is it used for?

·  What do you have to do to obtain it?

·  Is it possible to have a credit card that doesn’t work?

Now talk about the priesthood and ask the same three questions, comparing our “credit” to our personal worthiness to use the priesthood.

Activity: Take a “Master” lock and attach a sign to it that says, “Eternal Life.” The only way to get “Eternal Life” is if you unlock the lock. Give several keys to the family and have each person take one and pass the rest to the next person. Explain how the keys of the priesthood are passed from one individual to another worthy individual. Give the lock to the person who has the correct key. Discuss how ordinances need to be per- formed by the correct authority or else they will not be able to open the lock of eternal life.

Game: Ask someone to hold an umbrella and keep another person in the family dry from the pretend rain that is falling. Note that the umbrella needs to be held by only one person, but both people are kept dry from the rain. So it is with the priesthood; while men can hold the priesthood, it is meant to be used to bless everyone and keep us all protected from the storms of earthly life.  

Put a popcorn popper without a lid on the floor on top of a clean blanket and try to catch the popcorn in the umbrella as it explodes in the air.

Closing Song:  Daddy’s Homecoming (Children Songbook, pg. 210)

Closing Prayer: By Invitation

Refreshments: 

White Texas Sheet Cake

From Real MomKitchen by Laura Powell

1 cup butter
1 cup water
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

 

FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
4 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

In a large saucepan, bring butter and water to a boil. Remove from the heat; stir in the flour, sugar, eggs, sour cream, almond extract, baking soda and salt until smooth.
Pour into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and cake is golden brown. Cool for 20 minutes.

For frosting, in a large saucepan, combine butter and milk. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat; stir in sugar and extract. Stir in walnuts; spread over warm cake.

Click Here to download Priesthood Lesson & White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe