Lightning Tree/Sarah Dunster

Synopsis:

   "After surviving the tragic deaths of her parents and baby sister, and a harrowing trek across the plains to Utah, it's no surprise that Maggie's nights are plagued by nightmares.
   But after years of harsh treatment by her foster mother and sisters, and memories that seem to hint at an unthinkable crime, Maggie is forced to strike out on her own. To separate the truth from the dreams, Maggie faces a painful ordeal and learns that she'll need to put her trust in those around her to survive."

Review:

   What a epic story to read. I love reading fictions that are also based on history. This young lady Maggie truly has had a hard life. First with losing her parents on the trek to Utah, then losing her baby sister after the family who took them in settled in the valley. So many different emotions plague this book and you cant help feel what Maggie is feeling in the many situations that make themselves known throughout the book. The truth whether you want to hear it or not can change the course of your future.
   Sarah Dunster wrote a gripping story with tragedy, family, love, friendship, sorrow, and strength to endure. It shows how much a family, whether biological or adopted needs to have the love and acceptance of one another or things can get misinterpreted and people end up getting hurt.
   Pick up this book and get to know Maggie through the Author's eyes. Here are some links to check out if you want to know more about this book.

Author Website: http://sarah.thedunsters.net/

Author Blog: http://nosurf.blogspot.com/

Book Poster page: http://lightningtreebook.com/  

Publisher Blog http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/

Publisher Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks

Publisher Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/cedarfortbooks

Christ's Gifts to Women/Heather B. Moore & Angela Eschler

Synopsis:

   "At times, we as faithful Latter-day Saint women struggle to understand exactly who Christ is in our lives. We fail to comprehend the gifts he offers us as we strive to overcome the challenges we face. But Christ's great message to us is that he has overcome this world-He has given women great gifts that empower us and help us realize we are not alone."

Review:

   What a beautiful book. If you are a woman and struggling with who you are, or where you are going, you need to pick up this book and read it! They wove true stories of women from the bible who in their time suffered many trials, especially by being a woman. With Faith in Christ all things are made possible. No matter how far gone you think you are and don't feel like forgiveness will be yours, Look at the woman taken in adultery. As Christ put it in John 8:7 "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." We all have skeletons in our closets, but if we look to Christ, and hear his words "go, and sin no more" we can have the confidence to get up, brush ourselves off and move forward with Christ trusting us to do what is right. We may still have those days where forgiveness looks so far out of reach.......In this book it explains why it is not and how you can obtain the peace and comfort you need while being a woman in these Latter Days.
   Being out of work for so long and having some personal struggles right now in my life, this book has opened my eyes and gives me the strength to not give up and move on with my life, it could be worse. Personally I think bishops should have this book on hand to give women who come to them and are struggling. Please pick up this book and read it as often as you can! Learn about Christ's Gift to "YOU".