We Are Strong by Fay Klinger

Fay Klinger is a dear friend and a wonderful writer. Her new book We Are Strong leads mothers and daughters through the Young Women values with specific help for teaching strong LDS ideals. The award winning author has hit a home run again. 

Here is just one of many endorsements.

“I began reading We Are Strong! amidst a heavy personal trial in my life, and yet after reading only a few short pages, I had the desire to get on my knees and thank Heavenly Father for every small blessing in my life.

“I love how Fay uses multiple true stories and examples to teach valuable principles. These stories carry the book and entice you to read yet one more page because you can relate.

  “Bravo to Fay for tackling the topics that are easy for Moms to forget, but are of utmost importance. Her detail and straightforwardness is helpful and motivating.

“I am reminded of what an honor it is to be a woman. I have never thought so deeply about my personal commitment as an adult woman to each of the YW values. There is work to be done and I have signed my name to do it.

“I feel uplifted and encouraged. We live at a time when despair is too common. While reading Fay’s book, I have been filled with hope and determination. I can do something. I will start within the walls of my own home and work outward.”

—Lorene Elder, Stake Young Women President

This delightful children's book exemplifies the strength of women in families. This grandmother and granddaughter learn valuable lessons from each other, signifying the importance of each of us in our families. Thanks Fay, for this beautiful message.

Luisa May, known to her family and friends as Lu, loves to play games with her Grandma. When she’s bullied at school, Grandma has a special puzzle for Lu to help her see how valuable she is—no matter what others say, or how much doubt she feels within herself. Soon after, Grandma has to go to the hospital, and Lu finds out Grandma needs help recovering. Then it’s Lu’s turn to help Grandma see how valuable she is—no matter how much doubt she feels within herself. It’s a beautiful parallel for young and old alike, as each age learns from the other.

Written and illustrated with loving hands, this delightful children’s story offers a heartfelt message that unites and bonds generations. From the award-winning pen of Fay A. Klingler, I Am Strong! I Am Smart! provides to women of all ages a reminder of the tremendous gift of “girl power.”

Turn Your Sorrow Into Joy

One of my favorite books when I was a child had a little girl in it that was excited to see the circus parade. She hurried to keep up with her older brothers and sisters, but her shoe lace came untied and by the time she stopped to tie it, everyone had left her. She sat on the edge of the curb and cried.

Before long, a clown came by.

The little girl shared her story with him and asked him to help her. He picked her up and set her on an elephant, marching down the street so she would be high enough to find her brothers and sisters. 

Her sorrow turned to joy.

I've remembered that story all these years because even as a child, I recognized the value of taking action to turn sorrow to joy.

We read stories of mothers who, after losing a child to cancer, establish charitable foundations to raise money for research. MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, is a nationwide organization begun by a mother whose child was killed by a drunken driver.

People are amazing. There are stories of inspiration all around us if we only look. What sorrows have you experienced in your life? How do you turn them into joy?

Only by joy and sorrow does a person know anything about themselves and their destiny. Goethe

Those who experience sorrow must dig deep into their souls to find joy. Everyone's journey will be different, but here are some suggestions.

1.         Accept your sorrow.

2.         Talk about it with others.

3.         Journal your feelings.

4.         Find a way to give service.

5.         Allow the joy that comes from helping others to fill your life.

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.

Corrie Ten Boom

Ruby Pendant by Dorine White

My friend, Dorine has written a new mystery thriller that kids will love. She's sent me a book to give away as part of her blog tour. So leave me a message as to why you would like this book, and you may win it! Good luck!

Here's the story.

Welcome to New Orleans- home of Mardi Gras, jazz music and voodoo. Eighth grader Melanie Belaforte is home for Spring break and itching for excitement. Late one night she discovers a hidden chamber and a secret journal in her deceased Aunt Florence’s bedroom. The diary contains the writings of a mad woman, along with vague clues to the whereabouts of a ruby necklace that once belonged to Cleopatra. The ruby bestows upon the wearer the power to hear other people’s thoughts- even the thoughts of the dead! And so the hunt begins. Melanie, her best friend Sybil, and a haunting specter unravel clues that take them from crumbling graveyards, to the busy streets of the French Quarter, and then into murky swamps, all to find the prize. But they need to watch out, because a murderous cult is matching them step for step, and they won’t give up, ever.

Dorine White grew up in Maryland and attended BYU in Utah. She has a BA in Humanities with an interest in Art History and French. She lives in the beautiful, yet rainy Northwest with her husband and 6 children.
Her first book in The Cleopatra's Legacy series, The Emerald Ring, was published by Cedar Fort Books on May 14, 2013. It is a middle grade fantasy novel that involves Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra, and a magic emerald ring.
You can find me online at www.dorinewhite.com or check out my book blog at www.dorinewhite.blogspot.com.

Discovering Peace by Jennifer Ann Holt

Placing her baby girl for adoption isn't the mistake Ally is running away from, but everyone else seems to think it is. As Ally tries to move forward in her life, her past keeps pulling her back, and she wonders if she will ever find true love again. Only holding onto hope can help Ally find the peace she s seeking.

Jennifer Holt has hit a home run with this sequel to Delivering Hope. The author boldly addresses all the tough family issues involved in teen pregnancy, open adoption, and building relationships after shattering trials. This is a must read for teens. I highly recommend this book to all those who love a warm-hearted story.

Christy Monson, M.A., L.M.F.T.

Author of Love, Hugs, and Hope, and Becoming Free, A Woman's Guide to Internal Strength

“I loved reading Discovering Peace and could see myself in the

story. I loved reading how all the voices in the adoption circle were

included and the changes that can come in an open adoption. Loved

this book. Thank you, Jen, for speaking out for adoption! Go, go

adoption!”

Alison Lowe

CCLS / United for Adoption

Jennifer has a book give away on her website. Here's the link. This book is definitely worth reading! Thanks, Jenn!

http://www.jenshopefulwriting.blogspot.com/p/home_12.html