Lydia is shocked and upset when she learns her friend Emmeline has been reading a controversial book from a strange religion. Lydia knows that she could never take such a book seriously, but out of respect for her friend, she reads it. Lydia soon realizes that this strange book will change her life and that of her family - whether they like it or not.
This book is set in nineteenth century England, and is very informative about the cultural beliefs about religion that existed. The author takes the time to develop Lydia's character so that we understand that she is a headstrong woman, full of opinions and convictions, and that her husband respects that. It is an interesting book, and I have wondered what I would do if I were in their position of choosing family, friends, business, country or faith. The book did end a little abruptly - so I am hoping that there will be a second one to completely finish the story. I am curious what happens to Madge. However, even if there isn't another one, this book was an enjoyable read.
In this book, Kim Nelson discusses why a loving God allows bad things to happen to His children by introducing and explaining four truths. They are: (1) understanding our value by understanding our role in the Plan of Salvation, (2) God is our Father and His love has no boundaries, (3) Satan will do anything possible to keep us from feeling God's love, and (4) we have a unique purpose and we are here to learn to be like our Father.
This book is fairly short, it's easy to read and understand, and the concepts are not very deep. Even those who get distracted easily could find it compelling. However, it provides a lot of things to think and ponder about. It presents idea after idea through the entire book that can have us think how we respond to the four truths that were introduced. It can make us reevaluate our beliefs.
For example, one of my favorite paragraphs in this book is: "One reason it's sometimes difficult to see the positive instead of the negative is that the world we live in can be a scary place, and we have to be aware of that to protect ourselves and those we are responsible for. We are always looking for trouble, solving problems, and putting out fires....Is it any wonder that we have to remind ourselves to be positive? For every silver lining, we have been warned about a hundred dark clouds." I have thought about that a lot and realized it is true. It has helped my perspective in trying to stay positive. It can help us to be aware of why we behave in certain ways.
I thought this book was quite profound, easy to read, and it can help bring peace and understanding about our trials for ourselves and others.
When Andrew McCammon, a windower, is called into the Stake President's office for an interview, he has no idea what to expect. But having a calling to be Bishop extended to him, plus being told that he needs to be engaged before he is sustained in two weeks, is certainly not it. Overwhelmed, Andrew doesn't know where to begin or how - until he hears the sacrament talk on family history that next Sunday.
This is a really fun book. It teaches why family history is important and how it can be an adventure. It talks about having a good attitude during trials. This book talks about people and first impressions and that things aren't always what they seem. It has romance and even a little mystery. I think it's a great choice for a light fun read this summer.
Andrea wakes up in a hospital in Los Angeles with no memories of who she is or how she came to be there. Esther and Jack, her parents, reintroduce her to a life where no previous memories exist. Her only happiness is her music, and with her music she becomes a success. However, she feels there must be more.
Matt has spent a year searching for the wife that abandoned him and his son. He knows he needs to forget her and go on, and seeing her in Las Vegas gives him the desire to move ahead with his life.
This book was a bit emotional. That is to say, I experienced all emotions while reading it. I really don't want to give anything away so I will try not to be too descriptive. I read this book very slowly and savored it. I wasn't sure through most of the book what I was hoping would happen. But I wanted love to triumph and I couldn't figure out if it would. My one minor complaint was the development of some of the characters. I had remaining unanswered questions about most of them - but especially Rick. What was the purpose of his personal vendetta against Andrea? It just didn't make sense to me. However, I loved the spiritual growth that Matt experienced, and I loved the unpredictability of the whole story. The author did a great job of pulling you in and making you think. I pondered on whether I would be the same person I am, without the memories that make up my life. I would like to hope so.
Because of a mix-up with their time travelers, Tom and Becky are left penniless with no place to go in Palmyra, 1830, instead of safe and sound with their parents in the 21st century. While their Uncle Daniel goes off preaching the gospel with the prophet Joseph Smith, Tom and Becky are left to figure out the solution on their own. With the help of some early church leaders, they have the adventure of a lifetime.
"Time Travelers in Church History: Rescue the Prophet" is a great book. The author, Rob Ficiur, did a wonderful job of describing the setting and the persecution of the saints in those early days. This novel teaches you morals and church facts while taking you on a thrilling adventure. "Rescue the Prophet" is the second in the "Time Travelers" series. Though written as a companion to the first, I think it's great on its own. I have not read the first book but I didn't miss any background as you do with so many other books. Read along with Tom and Becky as you watch this adventure unfold. I highly recommend this book to all ages.
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