Review for The Woman He Married by Julie N. Ford

I don’t normally join blog tours with this particular blog, because this blog is all about ME, not someone else. Lol. But sometimes I must make an exception, and this one is for Julie Ford.

I first got to know Julie about 3 years ago when she was looking for an editor to help with her book, “The Curse of the Minivan.” As you know, the journey to publishing can be long and arduous and to Julie’s credit, she persevered, worked hard, and now she has three of her books contracted for publication. “The Curse of the Minivan” is now The Woman He Married and was recently released by Whiskey Creek Press. Her second book, Count Down to Love, will be released by Bonneville Books, July 2011.





Julie is a great writer, but she still had to go through the refiner's fire with lots of submissions, rejections, and constantly working on her craft. It was probably as exciting for me, as it was for her, to see her books pop up on Amazon and to realize she is now a real, bonafide, published novelist! Her books are available for order on Amazon.


My review of The Woman He Married:
Married 11 years, three children, part-time defense attorney, elementary school volunteer, are just some of the things Josie McClain Bearden precariously balances. When she starts to suspect that her high profile husband is having an affair, Josie's carefully juggled life starts to crumble.

The Woman He Married is a journey of self-discovery as Josie comes to grips with her newly-defined self and must determine what she really wants her life to become. She also must decide if she is willing to fight against the odds in a fading marriage, or if she'll let demons of the past gain the upper-hand. A compelling plot, a roller coaster of insightful emotions, dark humor, and the steady hope in human nature, all combine into a novel that's difficult to put down.

So I’m really excited to be a part of Julie’s blog tour! Julie is running 2 contests, so be sure to check those out (below).

Contest 1: Julie is doing a fun blog tour (April 8–18) where you can enter her contest and win a signed copy of the book plus a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card by leaving a comment on MY blog. You can increase your chances of winning by visiting Julie’s blog, Queries2Reviews, and get the link for the next review, click on other reviewers and leave comments. Every day there will be a new link for that day’s review.

The winners will be announced on Julie’s blog on April 20.

Contest 2: If you read The Woman He Married between now and May 28, you can go to Julie’s blog and vote for who you feel Josie should have chosen in the end. You’ll be entered into the 2nd contest to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card.

Writers Conferences--Not to Miss!

The Storymakers Conference committee is holding a great contest this month called "Show Your Love"--prizes will include a 30-page manuscript critique from agent Sara Megibow (Nelson Literary Agency), a reserved seat next to agent Sara Crowe (#2 National best-selling YA Agent), reserved seat next to James Dashner (New York Times Bestselling author who is really cool), reserved seat next to Marcia Markland (Senior Editor at St Martins Press--agents are great, but editors make the decisions!), and more!

So I'm not entering the contest, since I know all of these people, but yeah--you should! Check out the contest rules on the Make Me a Story blog and also find out more about the Storymakers Conference here.

Another great upcoming conference is the 3-day LTUE at BYU. Cost is minimal and there are many incredible speakers lined up!

And, if you are tired of the freezing cold weather, ANWA is holding their annual writers conference in a couple weeks in Phoenix. Author Chris Stewart is the keynote. Check it out here!

Winners of Book Giveaway & Updates

Contest Winners:

Krista: KEY LIME PIE by Josi Kilpack
Andrea: CHOCOLATE NEVER FAILETH by Annette Lyon
Taffy: THE FOURTH NEPHITE by Jeffrey Savage

Email your address to heather at hbmoore dot com and let me know if you want them personalized by the author.

WRITING UPDATE:
I've been working on a new Book of Mormon novel that I've titled Daughters of Jared for now. (I'm keeping the running word count on my sidebar.)

Here is part of my pitch letter to my publisher. The committee has given me the green light on this project. Sigh of relief since I'm over 100 pages into the book.

September 14, 2010

Dear xxxxx and xxxxx,

Re: Daughters of Jared

In a similar vein as my Book of Mormon “prophet” books, I’ve decided to write a novel that focuses on the era of King Jared (#2). If you recall, in Women of the Book of Mormon, I included a chapter titled “The Daughter of Jared.” While researching that era, I was intrigued with the story that takes place in the Book of Ether and the cycle of kings’ rising and falling due to secret combinations.

Yet I wanted my book to not just be a story of warning, but a story of hope, and it has become both. For the main character Naiva, the younger sister of Asherah, is able to learn the truth even though she is raised in spiritual darkness. In sharp contrast to Naiva is Asherah, who is the eldest daughter of Jared (the one referred to in Ether 8–9). Ash will do anything to reinstate her father’s throne, and instigates plans to have her grandfather, the current king, executed.

The difference in this book, compared to my other historical novels, is the approach. I’ve written it in first person, all from the younger sister Naiva’s point of view. It could even be considered women’s fiction. I’ve tentatively titled the book The Daughters of Jared and intend for it to be stand-alone. Although it might be interesting to have a mini-series of “women” novels or “groups of women” from the Book of Mormon era, alternating release dates with my regular Prophet novels and/or non-fiction works.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,
Heather Moore

Pre-Conference BOOK GIVEAWAY

I'm SUPER excited about some great books I've been reading and want everyone to know about them. So, I'm hosting an ALMA THE YOUNGER "shout-out".

Rules to be entered:

Post a review/tweet/blog/facebook on something positive about ALMA THE YOUNGER in THREE (3) different places. Some of you have already posted reviews, so that's 1 down, and the rest should be easy. You can post the same review on different sites. Just let me know in the comments that you want to be entered into the drawing.

Possible review sites:
www.amazon.com
www.deseretbook.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.seagullbook.com
www.goodreads.com
www.shelfari.com


Winners selected: by random drawing for those who post comments to this blog that you have done 3 things.

DEADLINE: September 20th

PRIZES:
1st
Chocolate Never Faileth by Annette Lyon (cookbook comes out in Oct)



2nd
The Fourth Nephite by Jeffrey S. Savage



3rd
Key Lime Pie by Josi S. Kilpack



4th
Cross My Heart by Julie Wright (comes out in Oct)



5th
One of my books (your choice) by H.B. Moore

Week #6 Winner & Book has shipped!

Updated April 2, 5:45 p.m.

"Women" is in select stores now, so there will be copies at my Saturday Signing (see below)

1. Seagull Book (1720 South Redwood Rd, SLC, UT): I left tons of signed copies there.
2. Deseret Book: Downtown Flagship store.
3. Deseret Book: Fort Union Store (signing there Saturday night 6-8 p.m.)
4. Deseret Book: U-Village (East of University Mall in Provo)

Congrats to Rebecca Irvine--you are Week #6 winner! Email me at heather @ hbmoore dot com

Thanks for your great comments, everyone.


The 6 week contest is ending just in time. This morning I picked up a couple boxes of books at my publisher. My husband came with me to carry boxes. He opened a book and said, "Why is it so short?" Most people would be impressed that it's so long. LOL.


Here's my daughter holding a copy.

I have two book signings this weekend.

April 2, 2010 - General Conference Signing - Redwood Seagull Book: Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m. Join me right before General Conference at the Redwood Seagull Book where I’ll be signing copies of my books. 1720 South Redwood Road, SLC, Utah.

April 3, 2010 - Deseret Book Ladies Night at Fort Union: Saturday 6:00-8:00 p.m. Join me for Ladies Night at the Fort Union Deseret Book where I’ll be signing copies of my books. 1110 Fort Union Blvd, Midvale, Utah.

Sample Chapters for WOMEN here

You can read the Preface and Chapter One of Women of the Book of Mormon HERE.

Thanks to the following reviewers who posted reviews for Women:

Stephanie Humphreys on Write Bravely

Kathi Oram Peterson on Kathi's Writing Nook


This is the FINAL week of the 6 week book giveaway! Which means . . . Women of the Book of Mormon is almost on the shelves!

To be entered:

1. You as the blogger make a comment and answer today's question.

2. Become a blog follower (if you aren't already)

3. On Thursday I'll pick a favorite answer or do a drawing if it's too hard to choose. I'll announce the winner here, and the winner can choose any of my novels as a prize.

Question of the Week #5:
What has been your favorite Mother's Day gift to give or receive?

I love books, of course, and I frequently buy book for my mom or mom-in-law. I always love to get anything homemade--a card or a picture from one of my kids. But my favorite was when my son got 3rd place in a 5k and won a gift certificate for a massage. He gave it to me for Mother's Day. I thought it was extra thoughtful of a 13 year old.

Week #5 Winner & Official Book Launch

Congrats to this week's winner! Tamara of Chasing Dreams blog. Please email me at heather at hbmoore dot com

Stay tuned for next Monday for the final question of the 6 Week Book Giveaway

Updates:
1. Check out my recent article on Visiting Teaching at YourLDSNeighborhood
2. Finished copyedits for Alma the Younger this week
3. Spoke to a bookgroup in Tennessee--over the phone. I'm happy to do a conference call for any bookgroup!
4. Started writing the next Book of Mormon novel: Ammon (5,000 words so far)
5. A couple of weeks ago I bought plane tickets to Jerusalem--taking my kids over in May.

New Reviews for Women of the Book of Mormon:

**Kim Coates of Sometimes Hard, But Oh-So Worth It. Kim is an aspiring writer and I wish her the best of luck!

**Linda Garner of Paper and Parchment. Linda is the author of Some Secrets Hurt: A Story of Healing

**Kimberly Job of Scribbled Scraps. Kimberly's first book was just released! It's called I'll Know You By Heart and it's already receiving great reviews.

**Jewel Adams of Jewels Best Gems posted her review as well. Jewel is a popular LDS Romance author--with both print and e-books.

Thanks Ladies!

Upcoming Book Signings:
March 27, 2010 - Celebrating Sisterhood at Seagull Book
Saturday 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Join me for Celebrating Sisterhood at the North Orem Seagull Book (Center & State Street) where I’ll be signing copies of my books. For those who love WWII novels, Jerry Borrowman will also be signing with me. Lots of in-store giveaways!

April 2, 2010 - General Conference Signing - Redwood Seagull Book
Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m. Join me right before General Conference at the Redwood Seagull Book where I’ll be signing copies of my books. 1720 South Redwood Road, SLC, Utah.

April 3, 2010 - Deseret Book Ladies Night at Fort Union
Saturday 6:00-8:00 p.m. Join me for Ladies Night at the Fort Union Deseret Book where I’ll be signing copies of my books. 1110 Fort Union Blvd, Midvale, Utah.

April 30, 2010 - Official Book Launch Signing for WOMEN OF THE BOOK OF MORMON
Friday 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Join me for my first ever Book Launch Party. I’ll be doing this in conjunction with authors Deanna Buxton (Worldwide Ward Cookbook: Mom's Best Recipes) and Elizabeth Watkins (The Bishop's Bride: The Honeymoon's Over). Deseret Bookstore in Orem: 1076 South 750 East (east of University Mall)

6 Week Book Giveaway

Wow, I can't believe we are on week 5 already.

Just FYI, two writers conferences are coming up.

LDStorymakers Writers Conference
April 23-24, 2010 Provo Marriott, Utah
I'll be co-directed bootcamp with Annette Lyon, as well as teaching a workshop.

Teen Writers Conference
June 5, 2010 Weber State University, Ogden, Utah
This is the 2nd annual Teen Conference, sponsored by my editing company, Precision Editing Group.

Nikki Wilson of Mormon Mommy Writers posted her review of "Women." Thanks Nikki! I got to officially meet her at a writers conference in February.

Contest rules: In celebration of my upcoming book, WOMEN OF THE BOOK OF MORMON, here are the RULES:

Each Monday, I'll post a random question here.

To be entered:
1. You as the blogger will make a comment (answer to the question of the week of course)
2. Become a blog follower (if you aren't already)
3. On Thursday of the same week, I'll pick a favorite answer or do a drawing if it's too hard to choose. I'll announce the winner here, and the winner can choose any of my novels as a prize.

Question of the Week #5:
Nikki's post made me think of some people who have inspired me. One of my challenges in life is managing time and responsibilities. My mother has been an inspiration in that way. She always manages to be actively engaged and plan fun stuff for kids and grandkids, while also doing things that she loves to do. She is always willing to serve and help others as well.

Who is someone in your life that's been an inspiration?

WEEK #4 Winner & TJ Bronley

Congratulations to Krista! She is Week #4 winner. Krista, please email me at heather at hbmoore dot com.

Also, thanks to TJ Bronley, who posted his review of Women of the Book of Mormon here. He's the second "male" to read my book, and I'm happy that he enjoyed it even though it's primarily geared toward women. Thanks TJ!

In other news, I just returned from Monroe (Utah) where I did a stake fireside presentation last night. It went really great, and I was amazed at how many people turned out. I guess that the town of Monroe isn't so small after all--although they only have one church building. I have several ancestors buried in the Monroe cemetary because it's where my great-grandfather and other relatives lived.

6 Week Book Giveaway

Thanks to Julie Ford who reviewed Women of the Book of Mormon HERE. She came to me for some editing help awhile back and we became fast friends. She recently signed a 2-book contract with a publisher. Pretty exciting!

And a quick announcement, my author friend Tristi Pinkston has a new book coming out soon, a mystery called The Secret Sisters. In conjunction with the book release, she is also helping a charity: collecting socks (and donations for socks) for The Road Home homeless shelter. Check out the details here.

So . . . onto the contest:

Contest rules:
In celebration of my upcoming book, WOMEN OF THE BOOK OF MORMON, here are the RULES:

Each Monday, I'll post a random question here. To be entered:
1. You as the blogger will make a comment (answer to the question of the week of course)
2. Become a blog follower (if you aren't already)
3. On Thursday of the same week, I'll pick a favorite answer or do a drawing if it's too hard to choose. I'll announce the winner here, and the winner can choose any of my novels as a prize.

Question of the Week #4:

Since I pretty much forgot to post today until about 2 minutes ago, I thought it would be fun to find out things that you've forgotten to do. A few years ago I forgot that I had a babysitter coming over so that I could go get a hair cut. When she called me to ask why I hadn't picked her up yet, it all came rushing back.

So, what's something you've forgotten lately (or not-so-lately)?

WEEK #3 Winner & Friends' Book Launch

Congrats to TAFFY who is this week's winner! Taffy, email me at heather at hbmoore dot com.

Stay tuned for Week #4 question coming on Monday.

I have three friends who all have a new book out this month: Annette Lyon, Sarah Eden and Julie Bellon.

They are doing a triple book launch on Friday, March 12 at the Orem Deseret Book (1076 S. 750 E.) from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

I've read books by all of them and they are all fantastic writers!

I'll bringing my credit card!

6 Week Book Giveaway!

PREORDER Women of the Book of Mormon HERE.

Contest rules:

In celebration of my upcoming book, WOMEN OF THE BOOK OF MORMON, here are the RULES:

Each Monday, I'll post a random question here.
To be entered:
1. You as the blogger will make a comment (answer to the question of the week of course)
2. Become a blog follower (if you aren't already)

On Thursday of the same week, I'll pick a favorite answer or do a drawing if it's too hard to choose. I'll announce the winner here, and the winner can choose any of my novels as a prize.

Question of the Week #3:

Easy this week . . . as you know, I love to read and I'm always looking for a great book or a new author to get hooked onto. This past week, I've been reading Nefertiti by Michelle Moran, which is, of course, about the Egyptian queen Nefertiti. This book was a Target Book Club Pick and since I've never read anything by Moran and the story looked intriguing, I decided to chance it. Moran's writing style reminds me a lot of Phillipa Gregory, but much cleaner.

So . . . What book/author have you been reading that you'd like to recommend?

WEEK #2 Winner & More stuff

Congrats to Kim of Sometimes Hard, But Oh-So Worth It! blog. She is the winner of this week's book giveaway. Kim, email me at heather at hbmoore dot com. I really loved reading the ways your friends have helped you. Stay tuned for the Week #3 Question coming next Monday.


The very first review of Women of the Book of Mormon is HERE! Thanks to Michael Young, author of The Canticle Kingdom.

Visit Michael's blog Writer Mike here to learn more about his book and his other reviews.


Alma the Younger update: Final edit is into my editor and I'm finishing the chapter notes. Moving forward!

6 Week Book Giveaway!

Contest rules:

In celebration of my upcoming book, WOMEN OF THE BOOK OF MORMON, here are the RULES:

Each Monday, I'll post a random question here.

To be entered:
1. You as the blogger will make a comment (answer to the question of the week of course)
2. Become a blog follower (if you aren't already)

On Thursday of the same week, I'll pick a favorite answer or do a drawing if it's too hard to choose. I'll announce the winner here, and the winner can choose any of my novels as a prize.

Question of the Week #2:
I've been reading Annette Lyon's Band of Sisters this weekend. Although I read it in pre-publication stage, it's even more fun to read the final book version. I forgot that it was a tear-jerker though (darn you, Annette!). But as I'm on the journey with the 5 Military Wives who are forming strong friendships as they meet each week for lunch (their husbands are deployed together in Afghanistan), I've been thinking of some of my close friendships that have helped me over the years.

Last fall I went to lunch with two friends, and we were chatting about the usual stuff. I don't talk about my books much with my non-writer friends because I don't want to always be focusing on "me". But that day my two friends seemed to have a lot of interest in my WIP, Alma the Younger. So it got me talking and we ended up having a pivitol discussion about their relatives who had fallen away from the church, then came back full force. This was exactly the journey Alma the Younger took, so it was incredible to hear personal stories. I am forever grateful for that one conversation with those friends in helping me characterize and establish motivations for Alma the Younger.

So, long story over, question of the week is: How has a friend helped you when you least expected it?

Week #1 Winner & Other Updates

Winner for Week #1 is Michelle!! Congrats. Email me: heather at hbmoore dot com and let me know which book you'd like me to send.



The 6 WEEK book giveaway contest will continue on Monday, contest guidelines here.



Other Updates:
1. Visiting the Tax Man today. I've spent part of the week working on spreadsheets of expenses, both for writing, my editing company, my husband's consulting company, and various other write-offs. Crossing fingers for a refund :-)



2. Working on edits for Alma the Younger. It's pretty strange to have two books coming out so close together, thus going through the editing process back to back. Normally I'd probably be drafting something new, but that will have to wait.



3. I'm really excited for three books that are written by good friends of mine--all will be released in the next week. If you are looking for CLEAN books that are also well-written (a hard combination to find), I can guarantee these are books you can share with your friends, teenagers, and mothers. If you haven't read anything by these authors, I'll give a quick intro:




Josi S. Kilpack: I just call her Josi of course, but she is pretty adamant about keeping her "S" initial in her name. She is the Whitney Award winning author for the suspense novel, Sheep's Clothing, which is quite creepy. But she decided to lighten up her writing and wrote Lemon Tart, a culinary mystery--meaning that the main character loves to cook and solve mysteries. The next book in the series is English Trifle (equally delicious), and just out this month: Devil's Food Cake. I was able read book 4 in advance--it will be out in August, 2010 (Key Lime Pie).









Annette Lyon: Annette has been a mentor to me since the very beginning of my writing journey. Last night she gave me a copy of her hot-off-the-press Band of Sisters. The cover is awesome and although I've read the pre-published manuscript, I'm excited to read the book version. The story is one of Annette's best (which says a lot because she is a top LDS writer), and she has also won the Best of State in Fiction with one of her novels.














Sarah M. Eden: Another lady who uses an initial, but Sarah is just fine. She is a little newer in my arsenal of writer friends, but she's definitely a keeper. She has a great story of going from self-publishing to landing a book contract for Courting Miss Lancaster. It will be hitting shelves in two weeks, and if it's anything like the other books I've read of hers, I'll be in heaven. If you've ever wanted to read a Regency Romance that's both clean and well-written, this is the author for you. And if you haven't read Regency before, well, I hope we can still be friends.

6 Week Book Giveaway!!

Since the time has literally creeped up on my for my next book's release date, Women of the Book of Mormon, we'll have to settle for a 6 week book giveaway.

So, in anticipation and celebration of my upcoming book, here are the RULES:

Each Monday, I'll post a random question here.

To be entered:

1. You as the blogger will make a comment (answer to the question of the week of course)

2. Become a blog follower (if you aren't already)

On Thursday of the same week, I'll pick a favorite answer or do a drawing if it's too hard to choose. I'll announce the winner here, and the winner can choose any of my novels as a prize.

Question of Week #1:

Since Spring Break is coming in April, I thought it would be fun to see what your favorite spring break vacation was, either with your kids or growing up. In Utah, we used to have short spring break's, but now they are a full week. Last year we went to Palm Springs with another family. It was great--read three books, did a lot of swimming and eating :) How about you?

Book Drawing Winners & Upcoming Signings

Congrats to the following Fab Five who won copies of Land of Inheritance!

Krista of Wyoming

Mary of Arizona

Karen of Utah

Danyelle of Kansas

Alex of Utah

You know who you are--I'll be emailing you separately.

Upcoming Book Signings:

December 4, 2009 - Lindon Seagull Book 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Friday. I’ll be signing “Alma” and “All is Bright” (Christmas Story Compilation) during Friday Lunch Hour! 677 North State Street, Lindon, Utah

December 11, 2009 - Sandy Seagull Book 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Friday. I’ll be signing “Alma” and “All is Bright” (Christmas Story Compilation) during Friday Lunch Hour! 31 West 10600 South, Sandy, Utah

December 18, 2009 - Orem Seagull Book 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Friday. I’ll be signing “Alma” and “All is Bright” (Christmas Story Compilation) during Friday Lunch Hour! 111 South State Street, Orem, Utah

December 19, 2009 - Spanish Fork Seagull Book 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Saturday. I’ll be signing “Alma” and “All is Bright” (Christmas Story Compilation) with Annette Lyon and Julie Wright! 1052 South Main, Spanish Fork, Utah

Happy Thanksgiving!

FIVE Book Giveaway!!

FIVE BOOK GIVEAWAY!! Extended through Monday!

The holidays are coming and what better gift than a book? So to get everyone motivated I'm giving away FIVE copies of Land of Inheritance--hardcover edition. This is the 4th in the Out of Jerusalem series and won the 2007 Whitney Award for Best Historical.

How to enter the drawing: Go to my website and sign up for my newsletter here.

On Tuesday, November 24, I'll draw five names from those who signed up between November 19-23. I'll announce the winners here and notify each one individually. You can request a personalization.

Good luck!

ALMA Blog Tour & The Hidden Branch

Sheila Staley of the LDS Womens Book Review podcast posted her review and a short interview she did with me on her blog today. Sheila is one great woman--she teaches school and she is an aspiring writer. She's very fun to be with and has an awesome sense of humor (which you can kind of tell by the title of her blog :)

Why Not? Because I said so!

This is a picture of me with the LDS Womens' podcast ladies when we were all at the Whitney Award Gala last April. Check out Sheila's blog, as well as the podcast. Annette Lyon and I were interviewed in Episode #35, and I just saw they have Episode #36 up--with Josi Kilpack and Michele Paige Holmes, two of my favorite authors.

*****************************************************************

If you love mysteries, you need to check out the giveaway that GG Vandagriff is doing for her latest romantic suspense novel: The Hidden Branch. Anyone who purchases her book online or in the store before September 17th will qualify for the Alex and Briggie gift package and a chance to win an autographed set of the entire series.

Rules:

1. Email GG your name and address (email is listed on her website: http://ggvandagriff.com/)

2. Tell GG where you bought the book

Week #10 Winner

Thanks everyone for participating in my 10 week countdown book giveaway.

I really enjoyed all of the comments! It was fun to get to know everyone better. If you didn't win or if you are interested in reviewing my ALMA book on your blog in September, check in next Tuesday when I will post the entry rules for winning a review copy of Alma.

This week's winner is Kate. She runs a blog where she posts great recipes. Kate, email me at heather at hbmoore dot com

Have a great weekend.