"Motherhood Matters" by Connie E. Sokol Book Review

Read more about this book and enter the giveaway here.


Motherhood Matters: Joyful Reminders of the Divinity, Reality, and Rewards of Motherhood by Connie E. Sokol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I find it so interesting that as of late, LDS books have struck a chord with me.  Nothing against Mormons, but I am not of the Mormon faith and will never be.  I have read Christian books for years, and many have been about women, wives, and mothers.  They often leave me with a sense of guilt and/or the feeling that I am not doing enough.  Connie Sokol is not like that at all.  She is a writer who  will validate you as a mom and remind you of why you accepted this divinely-appointed calling.  I even had spiritual insight gleaned from her book concerning Rebekah that I never would have seen without her pointing it out.  She is down-to-earth, and she will never put you on a guilt trip.  And don't worry if you're not married or if you don't have any kids.  She speaks to all women.  This woman has found true joy in motherhood, and whenever I read her books, I just feel so good!  This is an ideal Mother's Day gift, or just pick it up for yourself, ladies.  You'll be glad you did!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.


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Cedar Fort Book Tours: "A Sisterhood of Strength" by Diony George Book Review

A Sisterhood of Strength: True Stories of Miraculous Service is the 2nd book book for Diony George. President Monson has repeatedly expressed that even in our busy, bustling lives, “it’s the service that counts.” And no one knows that better than the quiet, humble women of the Relief Society. Working together, faithful women form a sisterhood of service, selflessness, and ultimately strength to share with each other and the entire world.

On each page of this remarkable book, you’ll find words of wisdom and beauty that are sure to encourage and uplift you, whether it’s your turn to serve or be served. Told with heartwarming sincerity,A Sisterhood of Strength will have women everywhere rejoicing in the friendship of their own dear, loving sisters.

Here is a brief description of the book:

Experience for yourself the pure love that inspires ordinary women to serve and accept service in a truly extraordinary manner. This inspiring collection of true stories from the lives of women just like you is told with heartwarming sincerity. Perfect for sharing, this remarkable book is sure to uplift, encourage, and cheer any woman, whether it’s her turn to serve or be served.

A Sisterhood of Strength by Diony George

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It never ceases to amaze me that every time I read a "Mormon" book, I am touched deeply even though I am not a Mormon (and never will be).  I am a committed Christian, and I often find books from the LDS persuasion more uplifting than "Christian" books.

This book did not disappoint.  It is short, sweet, and powerful.  The book is full of simple stories told by women from all different walks of life.  The stories are uplifting, sacrificial, and often moving.  The stories point out the bond that we women seem to have a universal bond, and you can see this clearly in this book.  It's not about being a certain denomination or creed.  It the sisterhood we all share.  I agree that there is always something about women getting together under any circumstances that makes it quite a memorable experience.

I would have liked a little more cohesiveness.  I felt that the author tried to loosely tie the stories together, but I am one of those strange people who likes to have things categorized.  I like books like this to be broken into sections or themes, but that is really my only criticism.

This book could not be easier to read, and I can almost guarantee that any woman you know will be uplifted after reading it.  The only thing you may not like is that it ends too soon.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

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Meet the Author:

I’m a wife, mother of seven, and grandmother of two originally from Alaska, but currently live in Utah with my family and now consider myself a true city girl at heart. I will readily admit I don’t miss the giant mosquitoes or the cold and long, dark winters way up North, but I absolutely miss the fresh seafood. Fish and chips made with fresh-caught halibut is my favorite!

My beginning as a writer started in elementary school when a poem I had written for a contest was chosen as a winner, set to music, and sung by the whole school at an assembly. I wrote my first picture book, 11 pages long in fifth grade as an assignment,  bound it myself and have read it to my children several times. The next book I wrote, I was in eighth grade, 48 pages long with photograph’s and was a memoir.

The first edition of my first published novel, Torn Apart was released in July 2008, when I was 42 years old, the second edition under a new publisher was released nationally in February of 2009. So…never give up on your dream of writing. I’m currently working on my third novel.

When I’m not imagining a new plot-line or typing frantically away at my computer, I love to spend time with my family, read (my favorite genre is romantic suspense) travel, cook or bake something delicious, sew, scrap-book, or work on crafts.

The best advice I would give on how to become a better writer is to read and write everyday!. You can find more about Diony at diony-george.blogspot.com.

To follow the entire blog tour, click here.

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Cedar Fort Blog Tour: Carnival Girl by Sonja Herbert Book Review

Carnival Girl is the 1st book for Sonja Herbert’s. This memoir chronicles the events of Sonja Herbert’s real childhood in postwar Germany, this incredible, true story is beautifully written and full of heart—A powerful reminder for readers everywhere how much God loves each one of us and how his strength can make dreams come true. 


About the Book


The only life Sonja has ever known was on the road. Now she must choose between the carnival and her convictions, between her family and her faith. This beautifully written memoir of growing up in post-war Germany and meeting the Mormon missionaries will remind you of how much God loves each one of us and how his power can make anything possible.





Carnival Girl: Searching for God in the Aftermath of War by Sonja Herbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a interesting, easy-to-read, historical novel about a time period and place about which I knew very little.  I have read a lot about WWII, but this novel dealt with Germany in the aftermath of WWII.  Furthermore, I was introduced to the plight of a half-Jew who hid in the circus to escape Hitler's wrath during the War.  I also knew nothing of Mormonism in Europe at this time.

I truly appreciated the style in which Sonja Herbert wrote this book.  She began nearly each chapter with a conversation between her and her aged but sharp mother.  As they visited, Sonja found herself going back to her childhood.  Some stories made me smile, but the vast majority of them were hard to read.  All poor Sonja wanted was her mother's acceptance and someone to love.  And all too often, she did not receive that.  Living the transient life of a carnival owner/worker was not easy, and she always seemed to walk a different path from the rest of the family.

I was so glad that there was no profanity or sex--always a plus for me.  And although I am not a Mormon, the religious faith espoused in the book was simple and sensible.  Snoja's spiritual journey made perfect sense within the story, and the reader understood that it was only by God's grace that she was who she has become today.

While I did not touch me deeply as some books do, this was a fine book that gave me insights into a difficult time period of history.  I would recommend this book to historical and religious enthusiasts alike.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.


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Meet the Author

Sonja Herbert and her five siblings were raised in a caravan, traveling the carnival circuit from town to town in post-World War II Germany.

Sonja converted to the LDS Church, later married, and immigrated to the United States, where she received a bachelor of arts degree at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, and a master of arts degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She also raised six children, taught school and ESL, and is now a freelance writer.

Besides her childhood memoir, Sonja has also written many autobiographical stories, which have been published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and other anthologies. A biographical novel about her half-Jewish mother’s experiences in Nazi Germany is almost finished.

Sonja lives in Provo with her husband and cat. You can find more about her unusual life at germanwriter.com.

This Day in History June 27, 1844

I found today's feature interesting.  I have met many Mormons in my life (of course, there will be a Mormon running for president this year), but I know virtually nothing about Mormon history.  I know who Joseph Smith is, but I learned about his death this morning.

I had no idea how much "trouble" Joseph Smith and his teachings caused.  He excommunicated his closest associates who were taking exception with many of the things he was doing.  That group formed a competing church and brought all sorts of accusations against him.  They published a newspaper against him, and the newspaper was disbanded.  Real problems resulted in Joseph and his brother being placed in prison for treason against Illinois (give me a break--treason??).

On this date in 1844, a mob with blackened faces stormed the jail and killed them.  His brother was shot in the face and instantly died.  Joseph tried to defend himself, but he fled to the window.  He was shot multiple times before falling to his death.  Sadly, five men were tried for his death and acquitted.

Even though I do not subscribe to the Mormon faith, I think what was done in this case defies justice.  It is wrong in every sense of the word, and it angers me that men were acquitted in his murder.  I just don't get it! What travesty!  But as my mom commented, they would probably have been acquitted today as well.

Enough of my ranting and raving.  For more information, please check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith
http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=041579179acbff00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD&locale=0