Review: A Mother's Greatest Gift

About the book:
You don’t need to be an expert to be a good mom; you just need the Lord’s help. Learn how to seek out the best parenting Guide—the Holy Ghost—in this insightful and inspiring book. With personal stories, research, and interviews, this is every mother’s must-read handbook for finding answers and keeping the Spirit in her home.

About the author:
Heidi Poelman was born in Provo, Utah. She lived in North Carolina, San Diego, London, and Mexico before planting her roots firmly back in the Beehive State. Heidi received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). Her experience includes working in public relations for high-tech companies, helping college students fight global poverty, teaching families about nutritious food storage options, writing stories for children, and her favorite post as full-time Mom. Heidi is the author of A is for Abinadi: An Alphabet Book of Scripture Heroes as well as several stories published in The Friend magazine. Her biggest fans are her husband and three children.

From Reidhead Randomness:
A Mother's Greatest Gift is a wonderful book for ALL mothers!  It helps you to recognize and strengthen your connection to the spirit and teaches you to depend on the Lord for all your parenting questions. 
The first Chapter talks about motherhood (The most important job on Earth) and why God cares so much.  It shares quotes by general authorities and stories.  Some of the next chapters cover The Holy Ghost, Promptings, Prayers from mothers, and The voice of warning.  The chapter discussing strengthening our ability to hear was very insightful.  Great quotes, scriptures and stories abound as we, the reader, are taught how we can be closer to the spirit to be able to hear and recognize the spirit prompting us.  (It was probably the longest chapter too).  The book wraps up with teaching our children to HEAR.
What a wonderful book for mothers of all ages.....whether you have young kids, teens, or grown kids, there is something for everyone.  This would make a wonderful Mother's Day gift!


I received a copy to do my review, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Party with Sweet Treats

About the book:

It’s not a party till you see these sweets! From April Fool’s Day fun to birthday bashes and graduation gatherings, Party with Sweet Treats is a full collection of easy-to-make edible crafts that are sure to impress all your guests. With so many delicious recipes and adorable treats to try, you’ll want to find any excuse to celebrate!

About the author:
When Norene’s sons became teenagers, she realized how much she missed being a room mom. Making sweet treats with the kids and throw- ing classroom parties were all a thing of the past. As a result, she created Party Pinching, a popular website where she could blog about her cute food and budget-friendly party ideas. Her adora- ble desserts have been featured in Family Fun magazine, Seventeen magazine, and Taste of Home, and have been praised by Martha Stewart and Shark Tank’s Bar- bara Corcoran. She is a frequent guest on New Day Northwest, a morning television show in Seattle, where her easy dessert demonstrations get rave reviews.
Norene’s love for celebrating special occasions with all things sweet inspired her to write Party with Sweet Treats, the perfect sequel to her first book, Sweet Treats for the Holidays.

From Reidhead Randomness:
This book is filled with lots of creative and CUTE treats.  It takes you through fun ideas of how to change the recipe and make it "your own."  Helpful tips and tricks abound as you go through the recipes and  tutorials.

After all the tutorials section, it begins with Holidays.  To kick things off, it starts with Chinese New Year (Fun panda's and dragons greet you).  All the major and some minor holidays are included with cute treats (Ladybugs, bears, mice, puppies, leprechauns, and bunnies....just to name the first few!)  Even APRIL FOOLS is included!  I can't wait to try these on my kids next year!!!  Graduation and Bridal Shower ideas are also fun ones!  There are fun themed sections also (Mexican, Bachelorette party, Beach, game night, sports, summer, and MANY MORE!!!)

The instructions are explained well, and are easy to follow.  This was really fun to look through and dream up all the fun parties I could have so I could make these fun treats!  Much thought and imagination has been poured into the cute treats!  There is really something for everyone!

I received an ebook to do my review, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: The Quantum Deception

About the book:
What starts out as a calm night in Salt Lake City turns into chaos when a passenger plane crashes into the mountains. When reformed cyber hacker Tanner Stone links the accident to an ingenious Chinese computer virus, it’s up to him to prevent it from destroying the financial data of everyone in America! Thrilling, explosive, and packed with twists, this book changes everything you know about Internet security.

About the author:
Few people understand the terrifying, yet realistic threat of computer hacking like Denver Acey. Denver has spent his entire professional career in the information technology industry where he has witnessed and even thwarted actual cybercrime. From his top-secret job working for the US government to securing computer networks at Fortune 500 companies, Denver is personally familiar with hackers and their unscrupulous activities.
But over the years, Denver has become increasingly frustrated with Hollywood’s inaccurate portrayal of cybercrime. Hackers are more intelligent and more sophisticated than simple teenagers, who guzzle down Mountain Dew while playing video games. Cybercrime is a billion-dollar business that encompasses organized crime and foreign governments. For these elite hackers, the fruits of success are iconic trademarks, innovative patents, and government secrets.
Because of his unique background, Denver decided to write a book to dispel hacking myths while highlighting the tenacity of cybercriminals. Utilizing actual computer hacking concepts and scenarios that he has experienced firsthand, Denver illustrates — in a simple way for even the non-techie to understand — how vulnerable we all are to cybercrime.

FROM REIDHEAD RANDOMNESS (guest post from Mr. Randomness):

Now I have to go back and read quantum breach, the first book in the two book series.  This was a fun read.  Quantum deception is based in the same area that I live.  Now I'll never be able to look at the NSA data complex the same.  I'll always be wondering what capabilities they REALLY have for identifying terrorist threats.  As a fan of internet security and any and all technology, this was a fairly fast read with enough factual information to make it seem reasonably plausible.  The target audience for this book would probably be adults with an interest in cyber security.

Review: Daily Tortilla

About the book:
Sopes, Tamales, Pozole, Huevos Rancheros, you’ve never had Mexican food like this! Daily Tortilla starts with the basics of tortillas, beans, rice, and salsas, and then builds to an incredibly delicious repertoire of dishes found in any family dining room in Mexico. Say “adios” to Americanized Mexican food this is authentic, south-of-the-border flavor at its finest!

About the author:
Ricardo M. James grew up in a rural town in Wyoming. He studied Spanish Pedagogy at Brigham Young University where he also taught Spanish and directed study abroad programs to Mexico. He currently owns a consulting firm that provides technology solutions to K-12 schools across the United States and South America. He lives in Springville, Utah with his wife and five kids. He blogs food goodness at RicardosRecipes.com.

From Reidhead Randomness:

YUMMY.  That is all.

Just kidding!

What a delicious collection of Mexican recipes! There are the "simple" things like Guacamole and Pico de Gallo...and the challenging ones like Tamales de puerco (I haven't been brave enough...or had the time to dedicate to this one).  Everything that I tried was AMAZZZING!  
 
I LOVE that the recipes have great instructions and pictures to help you be successful!  Another wonderful feature is that it takes the time to explain the logistics of  different things.....Salsa for example...Bulk, Heat, Spice (are the components of salsa)....And how you can make hundreds of combinations of salsas!

The Daily Tortilla covers all the bases!  It includes the basics (salsa, guacamole, etc), the main dishes, first courses, desserts and drinks!

On the back cover it states it very well with; "Say Adios to Americanized Mexican food!"


I received a copy to write this review, however all opionions expressed are my own.

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Team (4+) Runners*	Individual Runner
$35.00/person - Team Runner Pricing	$39.50 - Solo Runner Pricing
$40.00/person - Starting April 1st, 2015	$45.00 - Starting April 1st, 2015
$45.00/person - Starting July 1st, 2015	$50.00 - Starting July 1st, 2015
*A team is 4+ friends running, laughing, and dancing through the course together. You don't need a full team to get started! Get yourself signed up today and then round up your team!  Encourage them to signup ASAP...creating a team does not hold or reserve spots.  The event can sell out at any time. We can’t wait to see you! Below is all the information you will need to be ready for race day. Grab your tutus, your friends, and your running shoes and we’ll see you at the start line! Start Window The start-line window will open at 9:00 AM with waves going every few minutes until about 10:00 AM! Make sure you plan your day with plenty of time. At The Color Run, the start line is its own pre-race party with music, dancing, warmup stretching and giveaways! Course Map Library Square, Downtown SLC 200 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 What Is The Color Run? The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. Now the single largest event series in the world, The Color Run has exploded since our debut event. We have more than tripled our growth, hosting more than 300 events in 50+ countries in 2014. At more than 1,000,000+ Color Runners strong, The Color Run is on almost every single continent on EARTH! Less about your 10-minute-mile and more about having the time of your life, The Color Run is a five-kilometer, un-timed race in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. With only two rules, the idea is easy to follow: 1. Wear white at the starting line 2. Finish plastered in color! The fun continues after Color Runners complete the race with an unforgettable Finish Festival. This larger than life party is equipped with music, dancing and massive color throws, which create millions of vivid color combinations. Trust us, this is the best post-5k party on the planet! It's a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. We're making rainbows all over the world, come join us! WANNA WIN A FREE COLOR RUN!?!? a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Review: Raising an Army of Helaman's Warriors

About the book:
Turn your home into an MTC! With missionaries being called at younger ages and so many distractions and temptations to pull teens astray, parents need a plan to keep their kids on the missionary track. This practical, testimony-building approach to mission prep is perfect for parents and leaders. Start now so they can serve honorably and spread the word to all the world!

About the author:
Kevin Hinckley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Private Practice. He received his M.Ed from Brigham Young University, with an emphasis in Organizational Behavior. He has developed numerous therapeutic programs, including inpatient and day treatment programs for addiction and trauma recovery. He has worked closely with the LDS Addiction Recovery Program and is the author of The Naaman Project, a day treatment program for Pornography Addiction. A former bishop and institute teacher, Kevin has written 5 books. He is a regular presenter at Campus Education Weeks at BYU-Idaho and BYU.
Mark Ogletree has a MS in education and a PhD in family and human development. He taught in the Church Educational System for 21 years, serving as seminary instructor and principal, institute instructor, and the director of the Institute of Religion in Dallas, Texas. He has also presented marriage and family workshops in the private sector, as well as for Education Week at BYU. Presently, Mark is an Associate Professor in the Department of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University where he teaches courses on preparing for marriage and living prophets. Additionally, Mark has worked in private practice for over 20 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Mark has also published several articles in the Ensign, in academic journals, and most recently teamed up with other professors at Brigham Young University and contributed to By Divine Design–a book to strengthen marriage and family relationships.

From Reidhead Randomness:
The story of the Army of Helaman and the 2,000 stripling warriors is one of the more popular stories from the Book of Mormon.

Helaman, son of Alma the Younger, was a leader in the Nephite army. About 62 B.C. Helaman wrote a letter to Captain Moroni, telling him of the faithful and valiant young men whom he had led in battle. He called these two thousand warriors his “sons,” because of their youth and his affection for them. (See Alma 53:20–21; Alma 56:46.)

Even though these sons of Helaman had never fought in battle before, they were not afraid. Their Ammonite mothers had taught them that they would be protected if they had faith in God and obeyed His commandments.

"Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them" (Alma 56:47).

 This books purpose is to help parents teach their kids prepare to be great missionaries.  Some of the topics covered are:  Obedience and the blessings of work, how to ask and receive answers to prayers, and proper communication between family members.  There are some topics that help you as parents, such as:  learning to recognize if your using discipline or punishment.  Also covered are helping your children prepare emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 

Raising an Army of Helaman's Warriors is well written and includes lots of scriptures and quotes from leaders in the church.  One of my favorite sections was "how scriptures can be used in our homes."  There were several creative ideas that I have never tried before (using 3 Nephi 11:29 about contention, or Ephesians 4:29 for the critical talk).  I also like that there is supplemental materials listed at the end of each chapter.  These were very helpful when I was wishing for just a little more info or help on certain topics.

One thing I especially enjoyed is that I could read a chapter, and use that information for a FHE (Family Home Evening) lesson for Monday night.  I thought this would be a great way to make sure I was teaching my kids all that they should know/do...to live with HIM someday.  Maybe not all 12 chapters would be suited to do that, but certainly the majority of them would be great!

I received a copy of this book to review, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Tell me about it, Sister

About the book:
Stay spiritually strong your whole life long! This unique guide for returned sister missionaries provides counsel to help you transition into post-mission life. Filled with self-assessment quizzes, journal prompt questions, scripture study suggestions, and personal experiences from over 200 sister missionaries, this book will teach you how to make the most of life after your mission.

About the author:
Andrea Faulkner Williams is a writer, marketer, wife, mother, and returned sister missionary. She served in the Illinois Nauvoo Mission as well as the Colorado, Colorado Springs Mission. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a BA in Latin American Studies, she currently works from home as a social media strategist, and serves as The Young Women’s President in her ward.

Reidhead Randomness:

 This book is very timely in its release as there are a lot of Sisters returning from the mission field.  Since the change to lower the age required to serve an LDS mission in October 2012, the amount of sisters coming home has greatly increased.  This book shares mission stories and experiences of how she transitioned back to "normal" life.  She shares some of the challenges ("wicked" songs on the radio, wearing pants again, flirting, and surfing the web) of getting back to life after mission.  This is the go to guide on how to bridge the gap between the missionary identity, and the post missionary self.  She helps you to use the wonderful things you learned on your mission (scheduling, for example) and get the next chapter of your life in motion.  There are many stories of her apprehension of shopping, dating, updating her look, and catching up on the events that took place while she was gone.  She offers tips and guidance of how she got through all these challenges.  This book is written very much to returned sister missionaries, but it was a fun read for me (I didn't serve a mission).  

As a side note, It is a "pretty" book inside...Some of the writing is in a deep purple/red color.  That gives it a nice touch and variety. 

I received a copy of this book to review, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: The Olive Tree

From Reidhead Randomness:
This beautiful hard back book with paintings and calligraphy will be a welcome addition to any home!  It is beautifully simplified and interpreted from the LDS Book of Mormon found in the book of Jacob.  The calligraphy is beautifully done, but a little challenging to read for younger kids.  Having the pictures to look at while the story is being told brings a greater depth to the story and symbolism for the younger kids.  The artwork is fabulous and adds so much to the story... and kept my 6 year old interested in the story.  Since this is a very famous allegory from the Book of Mormon, most members of the LDS church have read it many times....This was a very refreshing addition to our family scripture study of the Olive Tree.

You can find it at your favorite book store, or on Amazon

Review: I hope they call me on a Mission

About the book:
It’s never too young to prepare! This charmingly illustrated picture book teaches children what it’s like to be a missionary, from riding a bike to studying the gospel to having a companion, and everything they can do now to be ready so that when the time comes, they’ll be the best missionaries they can be. Colorful and cute, it’s a perfect gift for baptisms and birthdays.


About the author and illustrator:
Ben White is the author of 10 Questions to Answer while Preparing for a Mission. He has been a Seminary Teacher from 2003 to the present. He has a M.A. in Religious Education from BYU, B.S. in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from BYU. He is an EFY speaker and has recorded two talks with the Mormon Channel on their “For the Youth” program.
Corey Egbert has always loved books and art, so when he discovered that he could create both at the same time by being an illustrator, he couldn’t have been happier. His illustrations can be seen in The Niuhi Shark Saga books and the album covers of recording artist Rob Taylor. He lives in Buena Vista, Virginia, with his wife Natalya, son Oliver, and their cat, Rex.

And a RECENT article from KSL.

From Reidhead Randomness:
If you have read the book "The Holy Ghost is like a Blanket," you might recognize a character (since its the same illustrator).  Think of it as a fun "Where's Waldo."  This book is great for kids and helping them to know what they can do at any age to start preparing for their mission.

It begins with a letter received from an uncle on a mission.  It prompts the kids to want to know what the uncle is doing, so they write to him.  The rest of the book is the uncle answering back about what it is like being a missionary.  It covers lots of topics such as Exercise, Study and Prayer, Teaching, Work and Serve, Obedience, Eating foods (that you might not like), and many more!  After each of the topics, there is a section of "What can you do NOW?" where it gives ideas of things that kids can do NOW to prepare to serve a mission.  It wraps up with the kids being excited to serve missions.

This was a really fun book (even my 12 year old daughter liked it).  She thought it would be a great book to take with her when she goes babysitting.  She was excited to share it and thought the part where missionaries had to eat weird foods that they are not used to was a good thing to know....(even though she's NOT a picky eater herself). 

All of the ideas shared in the book would be great for any age. They are all good LIFE suggestions....not just for preparing for missions.  While the book is written for the LDS audience, I think it would benefit anyone who reads it!



I received a copy of the book for review purposes, however all opinions expressed are my own.

The Color Run Salt Lake City discount coupon code!

Want to do the Color Run!? It was so much fun last year! 
How about a coupon code?? Use code: TCRSLC2 and save $5! 

Color run coupon code: Use code TCRSLC2 and save $5!

 A global phenomenon is reaching all new heights as The Color Run Shine Tour 2015 jumps from sea to shining sea. Are you ready Salt Lake City for 8/22?! With sparkly new course elements, The Color Run is bringing you all the glitz. Dance, twirl or skip your way to sparkley goodness! Sign up today!Sign up TODAY! 

HURRY before the price increases! 

Experience the Shine Tour Aug 22, 2015!

Get your tickets now!

The Shine Tour is here! We have so many surprises in store for you! Grab your besties and spread the word because tickets will go fast!

Team (4+) Runners*	Individual Runner
$35.00/person - Team Runner Pricing	$39.50 - Solo Runner Pricing
$40.00/person - Starting April 1st, 2015	$45.00 - Starting April 1st, 2015
$45.00/person - Starting July 1st, 2015	$50.00 - Starting July 1st, 2015
*A team is 4+ friends running, laughing, and dancing through the course together. You don't need a full team to get started! Get yourself signed up today and then round up your team!  Encourage them to signup ASAP...creating a team does not hold or reserve spots.  The event can sell out at any time. We can’t wait to see you! Below is all the information you will need to be ready for race day. Grab your tutus, your friends, and your running shoes and we’ll see you at the start line! Start Window The start-line window will open at 9:00 AM with waves going every few minutes until about 10:00 AM! Make sure you plan your day with plenty of time. At The Color Run, the start line is its own pre-race party with music, dancing, warmup stretching and giveaways! Course Map Library Square, Downtown SLC 200 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 What Is The Color Run? The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. Now the single largest event series in the world, The Color Run has exploded since our debut event. We have more than tripled our growth, hosting more than 300 events in 50+ countries in 2014. At more than 1,000,000+ Color Runners strong, The Color Run is on almost every single continent on EARTH! Less about your 10-minute-mile and more about having the time of your life, The Color Run is a five-kilometer, un-timed race in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. With only two rules, the idea is easy to follow: 1. Wear white at the starting line 2. Finish plastered in color! The fun continues after Color Runners complete the race with an unforgettable Finish Festival. This larger than life party is equipped with music, dancing and massive color throws, which create millions of vivid color combinations. Trust us, this is the best post-5k party on the planet! It's a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. We're making rainbows all over the world, come join us!

Review: Parenting Principles

About the book:
Give your children a bright future in today’s dark world. Parent with confidence and love with these inspiring stories, poignant personal experiences, quotes from prophets and apostles, and scriptures to study. This uplifting book includes a full month of daily devotionals you can read together and will help you establish the gospel habits your family needs for a lifetime of happiness.

About the author:
David A. Christensen’s love and enthusiasm for being a missionary was sparked in a missionary preparation class at Ricks College in the late 60s. His love and testimony for the Book of Mormon was ignited in a religion class the following semester. These two classes combined as a new beginning for what would one day become not only a passion but also the centerpiece of his professional contribution in the Church Education System and at Brigham Young University–Idaho. David has taught missionary preparation and Book of Mormon classes for over thirty years. His testimony and enthusiasm for the restored gospel was shared with missionaries and members in the Chile Santiago North Mission where he served as president, and again in Central America when he served as president of the Guatemala MTC. He counts his eight children and growing number of grandchildren as his most important converts, and his best friend and wife, Deena Bond Christensen, his eternal companion.

David A. Christensen's official website. 

David A. Christensen's Facebook page. 

Instagram: @david.a.christensen

From Reidhead Randomness:
This was such a wonderful book! It has 31 quick read mini chapters that could be used as a daily devotional or part of couple scripture study each day for a month.  From the first pages of the introduction, I was hooked.  It starts with a fun personal story and delves right in to the meat of the book.  Each topic starts with a quote by a prophet or leader of the church, followed by an experience or story and concludes with questions and prompts to get you thinking and talking.  There are also scriptures and thoughts to go along with it.    The stories are thought provoking and enjoyable.  The parenting self examinations are very helpful.  They give great ideas and suggestions as to how you can make your life and in turn, your kids lives better.

Some of the topics covered include Obedience and Discipline, Just love them, Teaching about work, Tempers-Anger-and Voices, Christ-centered Parenting, Balancing What's Important,  Time, A Happy Home, When things don't go as planned, Rescue in love, Joy in the Journey, and MANY more!

This is a great book for any parents!  It references LDS leaders and scripture, but the principles and advice offered would benefit ALL parents of All Faiths!

One lucky reader can receive a FREE Ebook of parenting Principles!  Cedar Fort has agreed to provide an electronic copy  (.mobi or .epub).

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Review: Finger Foods

About the book:
Taste your way to deliciousness, one little bite at a time. These scrumptious and sensational finger foods are the perfect way to impress your guests for parties, receptions, and more. Try the Coconut Butterflied Shrimp, Orange and Honey Meatballs, and Lemon Tassies. Packed with recipes and tips from an expert caterer, this book is sure to make your next party a giant hit from the first little bite.

About the author:
Joyce has spent the last 40+ years catering weddings and events as a part-time hobby. She does the cooking while her daughters, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters help with everything else. Catering events range from family dinners under the locust tree to 500 guest events. Events include wedding breakfasts, dinners, and receptions, anniversary parties, prom dinners, class and family reunions, church suppers, and business luncheons.
Joyce and her husband currently live in Springville, Utah, where she cooks, gardens, and hugs grandkids.

Reidhead Randomness:

If CUTE were a category to rate cookbooks, this would win the blue ribbon....you know, because everything LITTLE .....is CUTE!  This book is packed with fun, little eats!  Some of the recipes are common (egg salad, for example), but the nice thing about them being included is that we tend to forget about the "common" things when trying to plan the food. But, some of the recipes are new to me!  I have never seen anything like it.

There are LOTS and LOTS of tempting recipes.  They are broken down into many categories ( Beverages, Meats & Sandwiches, Cheese, Fruits & Vegetables, sweets, THEMED celebrations, basics, and an index. 

The instructions are very clear, and the recipes....delicious!  Just inside the Cheese section, is a page of CHEESE TIPS that includes some very helpful and interesting information.  I can't wait to try some of the sweets recipes!  The picture of the "spread" of treats is so exciting, it makes me wish I was invited to THAT party!    BTW...."Spudnuts" recipe is included!  (Does anyone remember Spudnuts?)  There are recipes for every level of expertise...."cake mix cookies" to Cream puffs!

The photography of the food is amazing!  It entices you to NEED to make them! 

I can't wait to host a party and be able to make a WONDERFUL spread from this book!

Review: The Lazarus Game

About the book:
An amazing new video game has the power to resurrect the brightest minds of the past and see what they’d create in the modern world. There’s just one catch—it requires another person’s soul. Carter Chance, who is a teenage genius, must find a way to stop his generation from exchanging their souls for a computer-generated fantasy. This action-packed thriller delves into the enticement and dangers of virtual reality.
 
About the author:
Stephen J. Valentine received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Utah State University. He is Senior Program Manager for FamilySearch International, responsible for the online publication of billions of historical records. Stephen loves history, hiking, cooking, reading, and traveling, especially to Disneyland. Stephen resides in Utah with his beautiful wife, talented children, brilliant Schnauzer, and massive J.R.R. Tolkien collection.

FROM REIDHEAD RANDOMNESS:
(Guest post from my hubby!!!)

What would you do if you were the smartest person in the world and only a teenager?  Your parents have been divorced, and you have trouble understanding human relationships.  You'd probably be pretty cynical.  Enter our main character/hero: Carter.  He sees everyone as a means to an end, except that is, his girlfriend (or at least the girl that he would like to be his girlfriend).  Put that into the context of a computer game that has come to town that seems to have the power to grant everyone's fantasy life and you have the makings of a great story.

I liked the premise of this story and the thought of what you could do if you could harness the combined genius of  the world.   I was frustrated by the attitude of Carter toward his family and friends and the outright contempt he showed for anyone not as smart as himself.  I was hoping to see more change and character development of Carter through the book.  I would recommend this for older teens or adults who would not be negatively influenced by Carter's attitude.  Overall, I enjoyed the read and the twists and turns and surprises. 


I received a free copy of this book to review, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Sharing the Gospel through social media

About the book:
Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ has never been easier. This book was written to help bishops, ward mission leaders, stake presidents, stake public affairs directors, mission presidents, and every day member missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, learn to navigate and appreciate the potential of social media in their missionary efforts. Explanations, ideas, and strategies are provided on how to incorporate Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and other networks into Mormon missionary efforts. This ebook makes it easy for even social media beginners to effectively share the gospel online.

About the author:
Erin Ann McBride is the author of Sharing the Gospel through Social Media, Increase E-Book Sales with Social Media Marketing, and the novels, You Heard It Here First, This Just In!, and Beyond Perfection. She is also a columnist for LDS-oriented Meridian Magazine. She is a full-time social media marketing consultant and writer. She graduated from George Mason University in Communications. She lives in the suburbs of Washington, DC.


FROM REIDHEAD RANDOMNESS:
This was a quick read with only 69 pages....but they were able to pack LOADS of information in this tiny but mighty book!  It begins by introducing you to the power and influence that IS social media.  It helps you step by step to set up a facebook page, helps you understand hashtags and how tweets can go viral, what you can do on twitter, and some examples of @ __________ of church leaders and other church related things.  Another great section was the instagram background and usage information and the pinterest lay of the land.  It next goes on to help you understand youtube and where you can find different youtube church "channels".  Next topic covered is "all those other social media sites", but they are much less common and popular.  Blogging is also covered briefly.  The final chapters cover social media strategies for group leaders and some final thoughts on sharing the gospel. 

There are many references to talks given by church leaders inviting us to share the gospel.   One thing it does well is explain that there are many ways in using our social media resources to reach out to others in a personal way.  It talks about how each network tool reaches a different audience with a different effect, so certain sites may work better than others for a particular audience.

This is a great beginners guide to all that is social media!  


I received a free copy of this book to review, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Teaching Children About Sex using the temple as your guide

About the book:

It’s time for the talk. Teach your children the truth about sexual intimacy in a world of shifting values and ideas. With expert advice and age-appropriate wording, you learn how to use the temple as a beautiful analogy to discuss with your kids the sacred subject of sex. Timely and clear, this book is a must-read for parents, teachers, and leaders.

About the author:
Cherri H. Brooks grew up in Centerville, Utah and attended Utah State University where she earned her M.S. in Family and Human Development. She is the author of the LDS Living Magazine article, “Talking to Kids about Sex.” Her blog is www.timelesstemples.blogspot.com. She lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, with her husband and three children.

From Reidhead Randomness:
The idea behind this book is to make having "THE TALK" easier.  It also helps you to build a trusting and strong relationship with your kids.  It helps by easing you into the the "hot button" or taboo topics that can be awkward to talk about. 

It talks about playing doctor, self exploration, privacy, masturbation, sex, puberty, relationships, abstinence, homosexuality, abuse, harassment, rape, gender identity, same sex attraction, and definition of marriage.  Each of the sections is broken out into phases of "learners" and has a great Questions, answers and ideas section for each type of phase.

This book handles these sensitive topics with tact and grace.  You are given ideas of how to handle situations, and then reminded to invite the spirit in your life for each situation.  It also provides some guidance of what is age appropriate and which topics to address at different ages. There are talks and reports from the church leaders that are referenced to help in difficult conversations. 

This book is very much geared to religious and LDS parents.  It works to teach you the values and council of the church leaders in each of these topics to be able to teach your kids correctly....and as delicately as possible.  It is pointed out that kids will learn much at school from their peers, but that it is parent's responsibility to teach them correct principles at home.

Review: Seek & Find Book of Mormon

About the book:
Search for Nephi, Moroni, and other hidden prophets and characters from the scriptures in this fun picture game book. Featuring scenes from the Book of Mormon, this book will keep kids entertained as they look for their favorite scripture heroes and hidden objects in the colorful illustrations. Perfect for home, church, or on the go, it makes learning the scriptures fun for everyone.
 
About the author:
Jason Pruett has a BFA in Industrial Design from Brigham Young University and an MFA in Illustration from the Academy of Art University. He has created art for games and animation. Jason currently illustrates picture books and the children’s comic book Jimmy Brass, 2nd Grade Detective. He lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife.

From Reidhead Randomness:
This is a really fun "Sacrament" book.  It has definitely been a great (read as: Reverent) addition to our church bag.  The way this book is different than "Where's Waldo" type books is that they ask you to find certain people doing things or interactions that are important in church history/ The Book of Mormon.  Some of the things to find are:  The three witnesses, people trying to get the plates from Joseph in various ways, Lehi preaching to angry people, The Liahona, Lehi blessing children, The Amalicites, Rameumptom, Jesus visiting the Nephites, etc.  Its a nice change to have situations and gospel things to find.  The kind of tricky thing about this book is that the pictures are fairly simple, and the things you find have to be read, so it is geared more toward older kids (the reading), and also toward  younger kids (the easier pictures).   Overall, this is a fun book for kids, but be prepared to read (whisper) to your young kids what to find.

Review: The Bacon Lover's Cookbook

About the book:
It’s bacon time! With breakfasts, dinners, desserts, and everything in between, this full-color novelty cookbook proves that everything really is better with bacon. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for your bacon-obsessed friend or you’re a bacon aficionado yourself, you’ll love the mouthwatering recipes and fun facts in The Bacon Lover’s Cookbook.

About the author:
Christina Dymock graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications. She currently resides in Central Utah with her husband and four children who are often her inspiration for new recipes and ideas. Among other things, she enjoys cycling, skiing, wakeboarding, sewing, reading, and baking. You can contact Christina through her blog at: http://christinadymock.wordpress.com

FROM REIDHEAD RANDOMNESS:

Where do I begin?!
I.  LOVE.  COOKBOOKS.  And choosing a favorite would be like trying to choose a favorite child.....well, ALMOST.  But having said that, I think this might be my newest favorite cookbook! 

The book begins your salivary glands flowing by "teaching" you the methods of cooking bacon (Fry, bake, broil, microwave, iron, bbq) with helpful hints and tricks to teach you the PROPER way to cook bacon.  There is also a page dedicated to tips for cooking bacon to get it perfect, along with other bacon know-how.  I found it helpful and very interesting.

Breakfast starts us off down our bacon fest with fabulous recipes  like applesauce bacon dippers and bacon sticky buns.  These aren't traditional breakfasts with the bacon on the side....OH NO!  They are fully integrated in each recipe.  There are also some surprises like waffle sandwiches and breakfast enchiladas.

Sequentially, lunch follows with tempting edibles like "Can't help falling in love with bacon sandwich" (Elvis inspired with bacon, peanut butter, banana and brown sugar....Ya gotta try it!), a giant cob sandwich, and a chicken bacon salad sandwich.

Not to be out done, the dinner section was the best!  There were soups, burgers, steak bites, pasta dishes, chicken smothered with bacon, chicken wrapping bacon and cheese, pizza, and skewers.  My favorite was the Chicken Bacon Jack.  DELICIOUS!

Side dishes section is full of yummy  dishes like bacon and broccoli bake, baked beans, and bacon and onion bread.

I think the funnest section is the SWEETS!  (Who would have thought to put white chocolate rice krispy treats and bacon together!?)  There are LOTS of fun recipes ranging from bacon cookies, bacon caramel dipped apples, cupcakes, brownies, and CARAMELS!  There were so many fun sweets recipes in the book that it made me think of bacon in a totally different light!  (I have heard bacon referred to as "MEAT CANDY").

A fun addition to each page is the "Bacon Bits".....a little tidbit of information relating to BACON...whether its facts about quantity purchase in the US, bacon "fests", uses for the greese, etc.  (There was a little  typo on pages 83 and 84 as they share the same exact bacon bit).

Definitely a cookbook worth having in your collection....or maybe 2 copies, since one will probably get drooled on from having a picture of EVERY. SINGLE. RECIPE....or from getting grease from all this bacon you will now be enjoying!

Did I mention there was a picture for every single recipe!:?


Cedar Fort provided me a free copy of this fabulous cookbook for me to review, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: In the Kitchen

About the book:
Savor your favorite family memories—ones that start right in your kitchen. Popular TV personality Allison Waggoner brings her family’s recipes to your table in this beautiful collection of meals. With recipes for brunch, dinner, dessert, and drinks, this cookbook invites you to create your own family memories, full of delicious food, fun with friends, and love that lasts a lifetime.

About the author:
Growing up in the chocolate industry inspired a journey filled with delicious and innovate cuisine for Allison Waggoner. Allison began her career developing her family’s gourmet chocolates, creating some of the finest, award-winning confections in the world. Her culinary designs have been featured in Crate & Barrel, Culinary Product Magazine, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Godiva Chocolatier, Walt Disney World, Fancy Food Magazine, Sally Foster Magazine, Target, Universal Studios, William-Sonoma and The Food Network. As a classically trained chef, Allison’s culinary and marketing career brought her to the attention of television executives. She first appeared as a guest host, bringing her confections and family history to the home shopping industry. Allison is presently seen in more than 80 million homes as a host on ShopHQ, a leader in retail broadcasting.
Now, Allison brings her love of food and favorite recipes to you in her first cookbook. A nostalgic collection of recipes accumulated through the course of her life and career, In the Kitchen is filled with simple, delicious dishes for every day of the week.

FROM REIDHEAD RANDOMNESS:
This is an interesting cookbook.....there is something for everyone!  It starts with Breakfast/Brunch recipes (the morning cheese danish one looking the most tempting on its 2 page picture).  She has some fun tidbits about her family chocolate business and histories of different recipes.  One of the recipes that I enjoyed was the Chocolate Cashew Butter (on apple slices).  It was really easy to make and yummy to eat!

Entrees is the next section that I discovered a wealth of tempting dinner choices.  Some of them, I might someday be adventurous enough to try....Maybe.  The entree that did jump out at me was the asian cashew chicken lettuce taco's (see...you can use the leftovers from this to make the cashew butter mentioned earlier!)  Also, the green enchiladas were yummy.  The one my 6 year old requested was the Mac and cheese.  (This has a tiny bit of cayenne and nutmeg to give it a unique flavor.) 

The next section to be......wait for it......TRIFFLED with is DESSERTS!  Some of them are fancier than my kids could appreciate.  They are more a "grown - UP" taste (Fig Crostata, strawberry mille-feuille), but there were plenty that were family treat worthy (elephant ears, salted caramel hand pies, raspberry lemonade slices, salted caramel chocolate chunk cookies...with a 2 page picture enough to make your mouth water!)

Pressure cooking provided 4 recipes that leads to cocktails that wraps up the book.

The pictures are beautiful!  They make your mouth water and entices you to add "just one more" recipe to your menu for the week.

The recipes that I tried were fairly easy to make and used common ingredients, although there are several "exotic" recipes ( Creamy Asparagus Soup with seared scallops....maybe it's just the scallops part that makes it exotic to me???!!) that you would need to make a trip to the store.

There really is something for everyone!

Cedar Fort provided me with a free copy to be able to write this review, however all opinions are my own.

Review: Gluten-Free on a Budget

About the book:
Eat more gluten-free goodness—while spending a lot less! From creamy Italian chicken to black bottom banana pie, this cookbook takes traditional family favorites to a whole new gluten-free level—and does it all without breaking the bank. With food that’s so delicious, so good for you, and so inexpensive, this is one cookbook you’ll want to use for every meal! From delicious creamy Italian chicken to warm cookies, this cookbook takes traditional family favorites to a whole new gluten-free level—and does it all without breaking the bank!

About the author:
Chandice Probst is the Founder of popular website, www.glutenfreefrenzy.com which is known as the #1 gluten free giveaway site and provides individuals with recipes, reviews, giveaways and much more. She is Co-Founder and CEO of Gluten Free Calendar, which hosts Celebrate Celiac™ events and Celiac Awareness Nights with professional athletic teams nationwide to promote celiac awareness, raise proceeds for non-profit research facilities and achieve the companies slogan of Unity in the Gluten Free Community™.
Chandice founded the Celiac Disease Foundation Arizona East Valley Chapter in 2009 and enjoyed serving as the President for four years. She has a Bachelors of Science in exercise and health wellness from Arizona State University and graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. Recently she joined the Delight Gluten Free Magazine team as a regular contributing writer and is also an Expert Among Us writer for SheKnows.com. Chandice has been featured on ABC 15 Sonoran Living, Channel 12 Arizona Midday and in print publications, Women’s World, The Arcadian Journal and Total Kid Magazine. She was a regular contributor on Channel 3 Your Life A to Z in Arizona for over a year as their gluten-free guru before her family made the move to St. George, UT. In her spare time, she also teaches gluten-free cooking classes and seminars and enjoys being a guest speaker nationwide at different gluten-free expos and events. In addition to her above professions, Chandice considers her role as a wife, mother and everyday cook to her family to be of greatest value.
Tana Besendorfer has been a passionate cook since the age of 11. She got her first job at her hometown restaurant, Mom’s Café, making pies. Tana is known by all who associate with her as one of the greatest cooks. She is a foodie with focus on health and nutrition to heal the body. Tana is currently a buyer for Real Foods Market where she seeks out the best products to be featured in these one of a kind stores. Her greatest passion is still cooking with and for her family. She especially loves making the holidays more enjoyable for everyone with themed, nutritious food that would put a smile on anyone’s face. Friends of the family often congregate at her home just to enjoy her “famous” cooking.

FROM REIDHEAD RANDOMNESS:
(Guest post from my mom...who eats strictly GLUTEN FREE)

This cookbook offers a great variety of totally gluten-free recipes that are easy on the budget.  It has everything from favorite sweet and sour Chicken with ham fried rice, to ice cream sandwiches.  It also has a shopping list and things to stock in your panty for the recipes.  (It even mentions FOOD STORAGE for Gluten Free!!!)  There are great photos of most of the recipes and they truly are a feast for the eyes.  The large pictures really make this cookbook stand out as high quality.  Each recipe has simple to understand instructions.  This book is very well done, and as a celiac myself, I highly recommend this book.  There are many recipes that are close to the things you normally miss, eating gluten-free.  I am just thrilled with this book.  The foods are absolutely delicious! 

I have tried the recipe for sweet and sour chicken with ham fried rice and it is very close to my favorite Chinese restaurant that I used to go to.  The flavors are great and the textures are very good.
I also tried the danish and it was yummy!  My husband had it for breakfast for several days.  I was surprised to see a recipe for peanut butter cookies made without flour.  I was skeptical but I made it and they turned out very tasty.  (They did crumble very easy though.)   You couldn't really pick them up and hold them like a regular cookie, but the taste was great!  My favorite recipe so far has been the poppy seed cake.  It is fantastic!  The only thing I had issues with was that I had to bake it for 20 mins longer than the longest time specified.  I think it may be because I live in a high altitude area and maybe I should have added more flour.  But the cake is moist, and just mouthwatering.

Another thing that was different to me, was using so many types of flours.  I have been eating gluten free for 10 years and I have pretty much used the same 3 flours for my recipes.  I can't believe the difference using coconut, almond, sorghum and other special flours, have made in the taste.  I am just loving the new flavors that these recipes bring.

The one thing I looked for and didn't see in the recipes however, was how many servings each one made.  Being an empty nester, I mostly just cook for my husband and myself, so I want to be able to scale the recipe down.  The recipes all seem to be for a large family.  We had several meals/servings out of each recipe that I made. 

In the front of the book is the story of the two women who made this book.  It really gives you a feel of knowing that they are real people like me. 


Over all this book is now going to be one of my favorites, and I am looking forward to trying many many more of the recipes.


 Cedar Fort sent me a free copy of this book to review, however all opinion expressed are my own.

Review: 52 weeks to fortify your family

About the book:
Arm your children against the fiery darts of the adversary. These small and simple daily devotionals will help them make good decisions and strengthen their testimonies. Designed to get your family studying the scriptures, this book includes a new theme for each week and new scriptures, quotes, and questions for each day so you can discuss the gospel together. Quick and easy, this book will help keep your family close to the Spirit.

About the author:
Nicole Carpenter is an advocate for strong families. She believes in focusing first on strengthening mothers so they can fortify their children. Nicole is a mentor, speaker and founder of MOMentity.com, a blog and online community for mothers, reaching out to moms in over 7 different countries. She is the creator of the Define Your Time™ time-management e-course and the Mothers of Magnitude Academy. Nicole’s parenting column publishes regularly on KSL.com and has been syndicated in several other online news sources. Nicole graduated with a B.A. degree in Public Relations from Weber State University, where she also met her husband, Marty. They reside in Syracuse, Utah and are raising four incredible children, including a set of identical twins. And — to make it all happen — she may or may not rely on Diet Dr Pepper and chocolate-covered toffee hidden in the fridge.

From Reidhead Randomness:
The book is broken into four sections: value lessons, life lessons, gospel lessons and holiday lessons.  Each lesson starts with 'daily scripture discussions' where each day of the week starts with a short sentence or two and then has some scriptures to read and discuss. At the end of each chapter/week there is a 'quote', 'thoughtful questions', and a 'supporting conference address'.

Its nice that each week is one topic, and then you move on to another topic the next week.  (This keeps things interesting!)  You can jump around as your family needs, or just go cover to cover.  (If you do jump around, there are little boxes in the front table of contents that you can check off as you complete them).  If your kids are young, there might not be much "discussing" going on.  If that is the case, you could just read an extra day of the thought/ scripture.  If your kids are older and you want to stretch out the devotional time each day, you could always just read the whole weeks worth of scriptures and do a daily "TOPIC" study...instead of doing it over a week. 
 
We already do daily scripture study with our kids each morning, but this was a great addition to our mornings.  I think if you are looking to just get started, this would be a great resource to you.



Thanks to Cedar Fort for providing me a copy of this book to review.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Review: Colorful Cooking

About the book:
Finally, a fun and easy way to get your children to eat more fruits and veggies—and cook everything themselves! Youngsters will learn all about nutrition and healthful living as they cook their way through the rainbow with yummy recipes like Blueberry Pancakes, Sweet Potato Fries, and Pineapple Sherbet. Each recipe includes nourishing, colorful ingredients and step-by-step photos to guide your child to a lifetime of wholesome eating.

About the author:
Jacque Wick was born in Denver Colorado. She studied education at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, and later came back to Denver where she studied computer science at Colorado Women’s college. She then worked in the computer science field. She later met and married her husband.
Tragedy stuck as Jacque’s husband died at a young age. She then began her life as a single mom to a toddler and baby. She developed and sold teaching materials to schools and retail outlets. She was recognized through Scottsdale Women’s News as a pioneer of her time building a home business to stay home with her children. Jacque moved to Texas to be closer to her aging father. For over ten years Jacque taught children alongside selling her educational materials.
Two of her greatest gifts were her two children left to her from her husband. Recently Jacque became a grandmother. She lives in Arizona with her little dog Kanga.



 FROM Reidhead Randomness:
Healthy and Fun Recipes That Kids Can Make was very fun for my daughter (age 6).  The recipes are healthy, and everything is depicted with children doing ALL the cooking. The recipes in this book are easy and inexpensive to make. They use common ingredients, and most seem like the kids would actually like them.  


This cookbook is broken down into seven parts (by color).  Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue & Purple, Brown, and "rainbow". There is also a section that has "teaching" information...to help them learn about the foods, kitchen safety, list making, etc.  It has lots of helpful tips and techniques.

It is a beautiful hard back book with gorgeous pictures and even better recipes.  I love that the recipes are healthy, easy for kids, and tasty!  I also love that they are color coordinated.  

This is a great teaching tool to help your kids in the early stages of their cooking adventure.

Thanks to Cedar Fort for providing me a copy of this book to review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Fearless Fabulous YOU!

About the book:

Stay Fearless and Fabulous at every age and stage of your life with inspirational insights, motivational quotes and helpful checklists to face challenges with grace and make the changes in life that are right for you.

Make yourself your Number One priority and project your Amazing Authenticity and Brilliance. Motivational muse, wellness advocate, business woman and breast cancer survivor Melanie Young, author of International Book Award- winning, Getting Things Off My Chest, shares her tips on how to:

• Recharge your mental batteries and revalue your self worth
• Release negative energy and embrace positive change
• Reconnect with your amazing talents and turn road blocks into building blocks
• Reframe the vision of who you want to be and how you want to project yourself
• Reclaim the person you are destined to be and the life you want to live

If you feel stuck in a rut and need a re-energizing mental boost, keep this book by your bed to remind yourself every day that You can choose to be Fearless & Fabulous.

About the author:

Author Melanie Young has made a career of turning challenges into opportunities as a wine and food marketing and communications specialist. When breast cancer took her on an unexpected detour in 2009-2010 she seized the opportunity to make positive lifestyle changes to stay healthy, manage stress, eliminate fear of recurrence and rethink how she wanted to live her life with renewed purpose. Writing was her therapy and voice to help inspire others to face life’s challenges with grit, grace and wit. Her first book, Getting Things Off My Chest, helps newly diagnosed women navigate their breast cancer journey with confidence. In Fearless Fabulous You! Melanie’s message is: “Be CEO- chief empowerment officer- of your life. Find your passion and purpose; be your own wellness advocate and believe in your self-worth.”

• Follow Melanie on Twitter @mightymelanie
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FearlessFabulousMelanieYoung
• Blog: www.melanieyoung.com
• Email: melanie@melanieyoung.com

 Reidhead Randomness:
There are five sections in this book: Recharge, Release, Reconnect, Reframe and Reclaim. Each section contains very short chapters (seriously like 2-3 pages) which just take a few minutes to read. At the end of each chapter are quotes, and a "Fearless & Fabulous Five" list.  These highlights five points she made in the chapter.

In the beginning of the book, she talks about making a "to-care" list.  She suggests starting with the things that will take care of yourself, and then figuring out how to fit everything else in.  

In the next few pages is a list of 10 tips to reset and recharge.  I REALLY need to work on them.

She moves on to talk about self worth.  I really liked the quote:  "No matter where you go or what you do, being content with yourself and comfortable in your body will make those around you feel more at ease.

Throughout the book, there are lots of fun graphics with quotes that are certainly Pinterest worthy!

The whole book was amazing!  Another favorite section was "Reflect but don't dwell."  If you know someone who is stuck in the past (it may even be you), this is the 3 pages for you!  

I love how she shares personal experiences to help you come to recognize and resolve different challenges we all face.

This is a great book and very helpful.  It's a quick read...and you can do it in very small bites!  You can read one chapter per day, or per week and focus on each of the areas.  If you need reminding, you can always refer to the Fearless & Fabulous Five list at the end of each chapter.

Thanks to Cedar Fort for providing me a copy of this book to review.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Review: Scripture Puzzlers book

About the book:

Master the scriptures and have fun doing it! Find hidden messages, work through puzzles, and unscramble clues as you learn the essential truths found in scripture mastery passages. Perfect for seminary, Sunday School, family night, personal scripture study, or missionary preparation, this book of puzzles is anything but trivial!

About the author:

MaryAlice Wallis is the co-author of the award winning LDS Puzzle Pals and LDS Puzzle Pals- Prophets and Apostles. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She is a longtime member of the Golden Quill Writers Group and past member and presenter at American Night Writers Association, Northwest Chapter. She freelance writes children’s literature and Young Adult fiction and is currently writing a homeschooling resource book. MaryAlice and her husband David homeschooled their four children and are experiencing life as half-empty nesters. Their family loves traveling to the beach from their home in the Pacific Northwest.

Charolette Lindstrom is the co-author of two other puzzle books; LDS Puzzle Pals and LDS Puzzle Pals- Prophets and Apostles (under the name C G Lindstrom). She has written many puzzles for The Friend magazine and has stories published in The Friend, The New Era and Cricket magazines. She is an original member of the Golden Quill Writers Group in Southwest Washington. She is also a member of the American Night Writers Association (ANWA). A graduate of Utah State University, she currently teaches 2nd grad in Longview, Washington.

 Reidhead Randomness thoughts: 

The Scripture Puzzler book was a really fun addition to my primary on Sunday.  It is a great resource to have in our closet for an extra time filler if our sharing time/singing time runs short.  (In the front of the book, it says the individual pages may be photocopied for educational and personal use.)

I found that the puzzles were geared more for senior primary.  They have puzzles for many different topics:  Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants.  There are also sections of: references and hits, tips for solving, and an answer key.

Some of the puzzle types included in the sections are:  Word search, cross word, matching, word scramble, hidden message, letter drop, missing letter words, scripture find, code, letter clue, and word scramble.

Thank you, Cedar Fort publisher for the free copy of this book to write this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.