Spiritual Sunday #1: Articles of Faith

I seem to be all memes in my blog posts, with themed days going on. That's okay - it gives me a starting point and ideas for what to write about. I've decided that I'd like to take Sundays to share something spiritual. 

For most people in my circle, I don't think it's a secret that I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe that my church is true, that we have living prophets and apostles today, and that Jesus Christ will come again and make things right on the Earth. In my church, we have a code, if you will, of things we believe. It's called the Articles of Faith. For today's Spiritual Sunday, I'd like to share those with you.

If you would like this free copy of the Articles of Faith, click HERE.

First and Favorite #1

 I love the "First and Favorite" trend going around Instagram right now. If you're unfamiliar, you take a picture of the first book you read by an author and pair it with a picture of your favorite book by the same author. I had a lot of fun doing this. I posted it on Instagram awhile ago, but I decided to start doing them here too. I have so many authors I love that I'll probably make this a series!

Do we share any of the same first or favorite books? Let me know in the comments!

Cover Reveal!

I am so excited that I get to participate in this cover reveal for one of my favorite authors! Remember how Mimi Matthews was featured on my Top Ten Historical Fiction Authors list? Her newest book is coming out in July, and I can't wait for it. I've loved the Somerset Stories series, and this is book 5.

Here's what it's about:

A Victorian bluestocking with a passion for lost causes attracts the unwilling attention of a frost-hearted viscount during her tumultuous debut season in Bath in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s fifth book in her acclaimed Somerset Stories series.

West Country beauty Hannah Heywood may be quiet with fashionable strangers, but when it comes to animals in need, she has no trouble finding her voice. Newly arrived in Bath for her very first season, all she desires is to find one like-minded gentleman. A man of warmth and compassion, as sensitive to animals as he is to people. But if such a man exists, he dare not approach her. Not with the tall, blond, and menacing Viscount St. Clare standing in the way.

James Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has often been described as a sentient block of ice. A man so cold and dispassionate, he would never suit a young lady of Hannah’s disposition. And she would certainly never suit him. Focused on repairing his family’s infamous reputation, James requires a diamond of the first water. The daughter of a duke or a marquess, at least, not a simple country girl with a passion for four-legged creatures.

And yet, there’s something about conscience-driven young Hannah that draws James, first to Bath, and then into one increasingly hare-brained scheme after another. She confounds him at every turn, subverting his expectations and threatening to do what no lady has succeeded in doing before—thawing his ice-cold heart.

Doesn't that sound amazing?! I've preordered of course, and you can too! Check out Mimi's website for links. You can also visit Amazon.

Now that you've read the synopsis, here's the cover!

So pretty! I can't wait for this book! What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Ten on Tuesday #3

 Today's Ten on Tuesday topic is my ten favorite modern bands/singers. I've been thinking about music a lot, and I decided I wanted to share my favorites. I have a lot of favorites from earlier time periods, but I'll share those a different week.

1. U2. I LOVE the way U2 gels. I love that they've been together since 1976 - they're my age! Okay, the band members aren't, but the band is. In my opinion, Bono has the best voice in music today. It's smoky, sultry, and sexy. I could listen to Bono for hours (and sometimes do). The Edge is a mastermind on the guitar, and Adam Clayton is my favorite bassist out there. Larry Mullen, Jr. is brilliant on the drums. I love U2 lyrics. They're so poignant and heartfelt. If I had to choose one favorite U2 song, it would be With or Without You. That song moves me. It speaks to my soul. The Joshua Tree is my favorite U2 album, with Achtung Baby a very close second.

I've been lucky enough to see U2 live three times. Each concert was so different and so brilliant. The first time I saw them was the Elevation tour. My sister and I got tickets and ended up in the general admission section. The heart-shaped stage was surrounded by hundreds of fans. Diane and I ended up on the first row at the point of the heart. We were RIGHT THERE. As luck would have it, Bono spent a good portion of that concert right in front of us. I have a picture somewhere of him looking directly at me. It just happened to be while he was singing With or Without You. Yes, there were tears shed that night. It was transcendent. 

2. Depeche Mode. Dave Gahan is right up there with Bono in the sexy voice department. Another singer I could listen to for hours. I love the edgy, electronic sound that Depeche Mode is famous for. Their lyrics are poetic. The songs are memorable. My favorite Depeche Mode album is Violator, and I'd be hard pressed to choose just one favorite song. I love almost every DM song out there. I was able to see them live in Las Vegas. That concert was awe-inspiring! I loved every second of it. I was there with my other sister, Shelley. We had an amazing time. We sang our hearts out and spent the entire concert on our feet, dancing. When it was over, we left on an emotional high. It was brilliant. The next morning, we found out about the mass shooting that took place. We were right there. We almost stayed at the Mandalay Bay (thankfully, we decided to get on the road and ended up staying in Mesquite). We felt so lucky that our concert wasn't targeted. It could have been. So easily could have been. It was an experience I never want to have again. I'm grateful that I have my memories of the concert to look back on. Sadly, I'll never be able to see Depeche Mode as it was again. Andy Fletcher passed away a couple years ago, and the band will never be the same. I'm so glad I got to see them before he passed.

3. INXS. Speaking of amazing voices, Michael Hutchence. MICHAEL HUTCHENCE. Oh my goodness, that voice. Honestly, he ranks right up there with Bono and Dave Gahan. I've loved INXS for as long as I remember listening to music. I've seen them live too, but sadly, not while Michael Hutchence was alive. The fellow who replaced him for a time was fantastic though, and sounded so much like Michael. I think my favorite INXS song would be Never Tear Us Apart. I love their sound and I love how playful they can be, but also serious and sexy. Good music!

4. The Cure. Ah, Robert Smith. The one time I've seen The Cure live was at an outdoor festival in Salt Lake. It was so fun, but I do wish they'd stuck to more well-known songs. They played their entire new (new at that time) album, and it was unfamiliar. I wanted to hear my favorites! It was still fun - Robert Smith is WEIRD. He looked like a big spider hunkered over the microphone. I had to laugh at that! He's an amazing singer though. I love that voice! My favorite Cure song is Lovesong.

5. Imagine Dragons. I was introduced to Imagine Dragons by my students several years ago. I immediately fell in love with their music. It's the kind of music that gets in your head, but not in a bad way. I haven't had the chance to see them live yet, but I hope to! I did have tickets once, but I got so sick that I couldn't go. I was bummed! Someday. My favorite ID song is Radioactive.

6. One Republic. I really like One Republic, not to be confused with One Direction, whom I do NOT like. One Republic feels like a band for adults, not teenagers. I like that. I like their sound and their lyrics. I'd love to see them live someday! I'd pick Love Runs Out or Apologize as my favorite songs.

7. Adele. That voice! Oh, that voice. The first time I heard Adele, I was in awe. I've always wished I was that powerful, but I don't even come close. I love the emotion, the strength, and the storytelling in Adele's songs. My favorite is Rolling in the Deep, and I love to sing it even though I'm definitely nowhere near her league. Someday, I hope to see her in concert.

8. Coldplay. Coldplay is my go-to on a dreary day. Their songs are so mellow and calming. They're good for my anxiety! I'd love to see them live. My favorite Coldplay song is Fix You. When I was first starting to notice that my mental health wasn't as it should be, I listened to that song on repeat for HOURS. It really did have a calming effect on me, and made me feel like maybe I could actually be fixed. It was lovely!

9. Def Leppard. I don't actually seem like a Def Leppard fan, but I adore them! I like the harder sound, and that it's not metal-sounding. I can still understand their lyrics and hear their voices loud and clear. I think they're brilliant! One time, they played the Eastern Idaho State Fair and boy, do I wish I'd gone! Missed opportunity. My favorite DL song is Pour Some Sugar on Me.

10. R.E.M. I went through a pretty big R.E.M. phase in my 20s. My brother was really into them and got me hooked. I've liked them ever since. I used to be able to play Superman on the guitar, but since I haven't played the guitar in years (maybe even decades?), I can't anymore. I bet I could pick it back up though. I love so many of their songs, but if I had to choose, I'd probably choose It's the End of the World as We Know It.

There you go! Do we share any favorite bands? Let me know in the comments!

Ten on Tuesday #2

This week's Ten on Tuesday focuses on my Top Ten Adult Historical Fiction Authors. It was HARD to narrow it down, because HF is my favorite genre and I love SO MANY authors! 

1. Sarah Sundin

Sarah is first on my list for a great reason: she write World War II fiction, and that's my absolute favorite era. I've read every one of her books and I've loved every one of them. They're all five stars for me! Sarah is a master at bringing history to life. She creates strong characters who are so relatable and realistic. I feel like I'm right there when I read one of her books. I don't think I could choose one favorite among them, because I love them all so much. Sarah is a gem, and sends me signed bookplates for every book. One of these days, my dream is to actually get to meet her and get them signed in person!

2. Nichole Van

Nichole Van write the dreamiest slow burn romances. Hoo boy, do I love her stories! One thing she's a master of is the flawed villain/hero. Her most recent book is probably my favorite: A Heart Sufficient. It features a fellow we all love to hate: Tristan, Duke of Kendall. I disliked him through the previous books in the series, all while also loving him. I do not make sense, I know. Nichole is just such a great writer that it works that way. You love them and you hate them and you can't wait to find out more. I have all of her books on Kindle, and decided that wasn't enough, so I got them all in hard copy. Now I need a signing that I can get to... (hint hint)

3. Sarah M. Eden

I love Sarah Eden's books! They're so sweet and wonderful. She is so good at storytelling and so good at making you feel like you could be part of the world she's writing in. She does grumpy sunshine super well, which I love because that's one of my favorite tropes. Reading a Sarah Eden book is always time well spent. Sarah comes up to Southeast Idaho from time to time, so I've been able to meet her and get all my books signed. I do love signed books!

4. Jen Turano

Every time I read one of Jen Turano's books, I catch myself laughing out loud. Seriously. I can't stop! Her characters are just so funny and witty. They're people I want to picnic with, even though I wouldn't be invited because I am definitely not New York 400 material. Still. They're just delightful people who are a blast to read about. I doubt I could ever make it to a signing (I'm wondering if Jen Turano does signings?), but I can always hope.

5. Heidi Kimball

If you haven't read anything by Heidi Kimball, go fix that right now. She's such a fantastic writer. She draws you in and you're right there living the story. I think my favorite of hers is Where the Stars Meet the Sea (2020). I was teary eyed for so much of it. Not because I was sad, but because I loved it so much! Her other books are must reads as well! Goal: make it to a book signing, because I need these signed!

6. Sian Ann Bessey

So far, I have read all of the Georgian Gentlemen series, which I love. I own a whole bunch of other books that I'm getting to. I'm very interested in her medieval books. I haven't read a ton of books set in that time period, so I'm excited to see what one of my favorite authors does with it. I think one of my favorite things about Sian's books is how they're full of things that could absolutely happen and they're not weird about it. Does that even make sense? I just like that I could be there and it would make perfect sense for me to be. Fun fact: Sian Ann Bessey lives in my hometown, and has done a couple of events here. I've been able to meet her and get my books signed!

7. Rebecca Connolly

I love Rebecca Connolly's historical fiction books so much! They're full of really fun people, crazy situations, hope, and love. I especially loved the Spinster Chronicles. Probably because I am one... I just found those ladies so delightful. I would have loved to be able to take tea with them and write fun, secret columns! I'm just about ready to jump into the third Cornwall book, and I can't wait! Goal: also make it to an event where Rebecca is so that I can get my books signed. I have them all on my Kindle, and also in hard copy.

8. Mimi Matthews

Oh my gosh, Mimi Matthews! Could I even choose a favorite series from her? No, no I could not. I've loved every one of her books and for good reason. They're just amazing. I'm very character driven in my reading, and Mimi's characters are top notch. I have so many book best friends thanks to her. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book to come out! I am trying to be strong, but I may have to push the checkout button on my Amazon cart with all her books in hard copy. I have them on my Kindle.

9. Julianne Donaldson

Julianne Donaldson was my introduction to sweet historical romance with Edenbrooke. It's one of my all-time favorite books. Philip - SWOON. One of the highlights of my summer last year was getting to meet Julianne and have my copy of Edenbrooke and Blackmore signed. I do believe it's time for a reread.

10. Nancy Campbell Allen

Nancy Campbell Allen's books are So. Much. FUN! I love steampunk, and NCA is a genius at it. Her books don't fall into the weird steampunk category - they feel like they could be happening. They're so clever and amazing! I loved getting to meet her last summer and have my books signed. Always a highlight for me!

I was going to do an Honorable Mention list as well, but I decided that I'll do other Ten on Tuesday posts where I can showcase all my other favorites. There were so many that I was afraid I'd miss someone!

Now you have a whole bunch of reading to do. You're welcome.