Mandi Slack's Blog, page 6

Conversations with a Moonflower....

Publisher's notes: Chris's life is anything but peaceful when she returns to Cattaraugus County to clean out her deceased grandmother's home. But her life changes forever when an Amish woman invites her to watch a moonflower open. Chris never would have believed that a simple plan could lead her on such a remarkable journey--a journey that would remind her of truths she had long ago forgotten. This touching debut by Chris Hall is guaranteed to uplift and inspire long after the story ends.

My Review: Conversations with a Moonflower is an enjoyable short read. The author begins by sharing her experience of traveling to New York to help clean out her deceased grandmother's old farm house. The time she spends at the house with her family and the Amish neighbors is priceless, and you can almost feel the sense of peace and contentment as you read her description of the area and people. During her visit she is introduced to a moonflower for the first time. Chris is captivated by the plant's simple beauty and she feels confused by the feelings the plant stirs within her. She is given a plant to take home and she soon discovers that her moonflower is more unique than she first believed. As Chris takes time to sit and visit with friends and family who comes to see her unusual plant, she is amazed at how her life begins to change. As time passes, Chris is drawn to the plant more frequently. After walking to the mailbox to pick up the mail or taking a break from yard work, she often sits for a while beside her plant. Soon she finds herself lost in conversation with her special plant, and during these conversations, Chris discovers many of the simple truths that have been hidden in her mind for years. Having suffered with ADD as a child and as an adult, Chris is able to recall her memories and work through her pain. She is reminded that she is special and that we all have the answers inside ourselves if we simply take the time to sit and listen to our hearts. Personally, I loved this book. Having suffered with ADD myself as a child and into my adulthood, I was often brought to tears as I could easily relate to many of Chris's struggles through the years. I can connect to her "pain and embarrassment" and I thought her story was especially touching. It was a wonderful reminder to settle down and take the time to think things through, to give myself a break now and again, and really take the time to listen for the answers I need in my life. I was reminded of my "moonflower", the desert, the place where I have always been able to go to find peace, to work through the problems in my life, and to just relax. I think we all have a "moonflower" of sorts; an object or a place where we can turn for comfort, quiet, and rest. We simply need to take the time to sit still and listen-- wherever or with whatever that may be. I give Conversations with a Moonflower 5 out of 5 stars.


To purchase a copy of Conversations with a Moonflower visit Deseret Book, Amazon, or a bookstore near you.

To learn more about Christine Hall, visit conversationswithamoonflower.com or follow her on Facebook

Sweet Potato Enchiladas...

Mexican food is a constant in our home! We love tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and nachos. And whenever I can add a new Mexican dish to our menu, I'm ecstatic. A year or so ago, I stumbled across a dish called Sweet Potato Enchiladas. I've made my own twists and tweaks with this recipe and we LOVE it! So I thought I'd share it today.





Sweet Potato Enchiladas....

6 sweet potatoes
1 and 1/2 packages 8oz cream cheese
4 green onions
2 teaspoons of chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
12 corn tortillas
1 19oz can of red enchiladas sauce
1 1/2 packages of shredded cheddar cheese

Directions: (pre-heat oven to 350 degrees)
1. Bring large pot of water to boil and boil sweet potatoes until tender; about 30 mins.
2. Cool and peel the sweet potatoes
3. Place potatoes in a bowl with softened cream cheese and mash with blender on medium speed
4. Add green onions (diced) chili powder, dried oregano, and garlic salt
5. Blend until smooth
6. Heat oil in skillet and warm corn tortillas
7. Place your desired amount of sweet potato filling down the center of each tortilla. Roll and place, seam down, in prepared baking dish
8. Pour enchiladas sauce over tortillas and sprinkle with cheese
9. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 or 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown

Hope you enjoy these!!  

Fall...by Jennifer Hurst

Publisher's note: Women and construction shouldn't mix. At least, that is what the client, Mr. Blackwell, thinks when Twenty-one year old Julia Dayle Halstead is promoted to project manager to remodel a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse into a bed and breakfast. However, the schoolhouse contains a secret. And it wants out.

My review: Julia has spent her whole life surrounded by her grandfather's construction business. She knows the business as well as any man and when she is suddenly promoted to site manager, she can't wait to prove her worth. She travels to Torrey, Utah, a small town near Capital Reef National Park in eastern Utah, where she is in charge of  renovating an old schoolhouse into a bed and breakfast. Right from the start, the project is riddled with obstacles. Julia struggles to keep her cool as tensions mount. She hires Mathew Rigo, a handsome cowboy, who is head of demolition. Together they discover an old box with unique carvings hidden in the wall of the building. Soon, strange things begin to happen. The site is targeted by vandals, unexplained noises, and frightening disturbances, and as Julia's relationship with Mathew progresses, she is left wondering if he is really what he appears to be. This book was filled with romance, intrigue, and suspense. I liked the story line and I thought the plot made for a very interesting story. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed the descriptions of the area. I thought the end wrapped up too fast and I would have liked a little more closure. There were a few grammatical errors spread here and there, but overall, I found this novel a fun, enjoyable read. I give Fall by Jennifer Hurst 4 out of 5 stars. (For a chance to win a free copy of Fall or a one night stay in the Bed and Breakfast featured in the story enter the author's contest below.)


Purchase your copy today @ Smashwords, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble

*In conjunction with this blog tour, Jennifer is holding a contest.  It will involve any of the blogs that Jennifer visits or where her book is featured and will close on December 31st, 2011. The entrants have to answer three questions about the book they've read (bought, borrowed, or stolen - shame on you) and post a link to Jennifer's website on their Twitter, Facebook, or blog (need link for verification).

Then the names will be entered in a random name picker generator (http://textmechanic.com/Random-Line-P...) and announced on Jennifer's website (http://www.jenniferhurst.com/) on January 31st, 2012. The winner will receive a gift certificate for a night's stay at the actual bed and breakfast where the story takes place.

Other prizes include an autographed copy of FALL, and she will randomly select 3 contestants' names to use in the sequel to FALL. Plus, they will receive a free copy of that book when it is published.

Each blog that Jennifer Hurst visits will have a different set of questions people can answer, and they may enter as many times as they want - but they can enter once per blog site that they visit. So the more sites you visit, the more you can enter your name, thus increasing your chances of winning the gift certificate, a copy of the book FALL, and your name in the sequel.

Get the book, read the book, and then read over the questions below.  Once you have your answers, e-mail them to Jennifer.   fall.jenniferhurst@gmail.com


Your privacy is respected and your email address will NOT be used for anything but the contest.Once the contest is over - your email address will be deleted from the database.

Here are the questions for you to answer:

What is the name of the cashier who works at the general store?

Who did JD think Nathan was the first time she met him?

Who does Wayne love?


If you would like to visit the other sites, go here for the master list of all participating sites:  http://fallbyjenniferhurst.wordpress.com/

Best of luck, and thanks for participating!

Awesome August Blog Hop...

Welcome to the Awesome August Blog Hop, where bloggers from all over the Internet have come together to throw a summertime party!

Every blog on this hop is offering a fun prize, and entering is quick and easy. Simply follow the instructions on each blog, leave a comment, and bop right along to the next blog. You can win multiple times, so be sure to check out all the participating blogs!

On my blog, you can win a copy of my new book The Alias.





To enter:

1. Become a follower of my blog.

2. Like my book on Amazon

3. Leave me a comment and tell me that you've done both things. If your e-mail isn't available through your profile, I'll need you to leave that, too - I can't tell you if you've won if I can't contact you!

This blog hop runs through Wednesday night at midnight, so be sure to enter before then! The winner will be notified by e-mail.

Now that you've entered my contest, come meet all my other blog friends and see what fun things they are offering!





Awesome August Blog Hop Participants

1. Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author
2. Karen Hoover
3. Michael Young
4. Kristy Tate
5. cindy Hogan
6. Julie Bellon
7. Margot Hovley
8. Laurie Lewis
9. Mandi Slack
10. Melanie Jacobson
11. Joyce DiPastena
12. Renae Mackley13. Debbi Weitzell
14. Donna Hatch
15. Carolyn Frank
16. Marsha Ward
17. Stacy Coles
18. Bonnie Harris
19. Danyelle Ferguson aka Queen of the Clan
20. Diony George
21. Lisa Asanuma
22. Susan Dayley
23. Christine Bryant @ Day Dreamer
24. Stephanie Humphreys25. Ranee` Clark
26. Tamera Westhoff
27. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
28. Heather Justesen
29. Rebecca Talley
30. Jennifer Hurst
31. Aimee Brown
32. Cheryl Christensen
33. Rachelle Christensen
34. Imaginary Reads
35. Andrea Pearson
Learn more about Awesome August Blog Hop here.
View More Awesome August Blog Hop Participants
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Snake Canyon....

As part of #100blogfest, I was asked to write a childhood memory.....
I spent the majority of my life in Emery County, Utah; a beautiful area with the mountains to the west and the majestic desert to the east.  My parents were avid outdoorsmen. My dad was a fisherman and a hunter. My mom loved archeology and she spent years volunteering at the local museum. Together they shared a passion for collecting rocks and fossils.  Needless to say, we spent the majority of our time outdoors. I have many wonderful memories of the time I shared with my parents and some of my very favorite recollections are the times I spent exploring the desert with my family. We often picnicked on the high ledges, we hiked the deep gorges, and we explored the trails and roads that weaved between the giant mesas and stretched across wide valleys. 
However, one "desert" memory stands out among the rest. When I was twelve, my parents took my sister and me camping in the desert for a weekend. We were hours from civilization. We'd spent the morning hiking, and decided to break for lunch before heading back to camp. The area was flat and desolate. The only shade was provided by sparsely growing junipers and stubby shrubs. Seeking better shade, my sister and I struck out on our own. We walked for a few moments and soon discovered a shallow gorge cut into the flat landscape. 
Curious, we explored the twisting ravine only to discover a beautiful, deeply-carved canyon below. Excited by our find, we raced back to where our parents rested and led them to our hidden gorge. We followed the ravine, and once we reached the bottom of the canyon, we were excited to discover ancient Fremont Indian petroglyphs carved into the stone ledges. I remember studying a coiled snake depiction carved into the stone and several trapezoidal figurines. The petroglyphs were unspoiled by graffiti, and hadn't been riddled with bullet holes like so many other panels in the area.  High above the canyon floor was an old Fremont ruin built under an overhanging ledge. These ruins were called "Moki" huts. My parents were ecstatic. It was an exciting find. Deciding we still had a few hours of daylight left, we hiked further into the canyon, hoping to discover more ruins.  I ran on ahead, jumping from stone to stone. Then, just as I was about to leap from a particularly high boulder, my dad suddenly yelled. His voice filled the canyon, his hand closed about the neck of my t-shirt, and I was jerked, mid-air, to the side. Out of the corner of my eye I saw movement and heard the unmistakable sound of a Great Basin rattler. 

 The snake struck the bottom of my boot as I was propelled through the air and I landed, startled, in a nearby cactus.  The giant snake coiled, and my dad quickly stepped from its path while my mother, sister, and I huddled together near the cactus patch. It took several terrifying moments, but he was able to scare the nearly 5-foot snake away. Later, after we'd all managed to gather our nerve, I asked him how he had known that I was about to land on a snake. He said he hadn't known, but he had felt something wasn't right and he had decided to catch up with me. Then just as I'd jumped, he'd noticed the snake, coiled and camouflaged beneath the rock. Amazingly, my dad reacted fast enough to save me from a deadly bite.  From that moment on, we called the canyon "snake" canyon (for obvious reasons) and it became one of my family's favorite places to hike and explore. I learned a lot that day; I had a deeper respect for nature, and of life, and I knew a greater power had prompted my dad's actions and had kept watch over me and my family.
*Written by Mandi Slack author of The Alias, fiction suspense, available on Amazon kindle for $3.99   To read my "Tornado" memory and others, visit  http://martinkingauthor.com/blog/7094550076  
These blogs are all about fun and sharing. Thank you for reading a
'#100blogfest' blog. Please follow this link to find the next blog in
the series: http://martinkingauthor.com/blog/7094550076       

Sleight of Hand...

Publisher's note: Is it possible to con your way out of hell? Fifty-two year old Daniel Cabrero thinks so and why wouldn't he? That's how he spent his entire life. But Jonah his spirit guide has reasons of his own for making sure Daniel pays for all the suffering and misery he's caused others. Still sometimes people can change, even in hell. And maybe Daniel can keep his son from following the same path.


My Review: Sleight of Hand by Deanne Blackhurst is a story about a middle-aged man named Danny, who has led a very baneful existence. He is a con man and a thief. The story begins in the middle of a con gone wrong. Danny unexpectedly suffers a heart attack and dies. He is then transported to a place called "Wasteland" where he meets his spirit guide, Jonah. At first, Danny is impressed with "Wasteland". He is given everything he could have hoped for; his dream cabin nestled in the majestic forest, all the food and beer he can consume, and a comfortable spot to rest overlooking a beautiful lake. He is smug and very self-assured until he realizes that the food does not fill, the beer does not satisfy, and he is completely alone (except for Jonah). He soon learns that in order to leave "wasteland" he is required to pay for all of his sins and misdeeds. He is forced to feel the pain of those he hurt and swindled. Guilt, sadness, despair, and physical pain are emotions Danny never expected. As the story unfolds we learn more about Danny and his wrongdoings. We follow his journey of remorse and his spirit-battle to atone for his sins.

When I first began this story, I was immediately hooked. The story-line and concept of Danny's journey through "Wasteland" was intriguing and unique. It kept me turning the pages long into the night. Danny's story wasn't a happy story, but it was a story that made you think and reflect on your own life and misdeeds. I liked Blackhurst's approach and although the story countered my belief in the afterlife, I thought it was a fun book. Blackhurst's ability to vividly describe the landscape and accurately depict the particular mood of a scene was impressive.I did, however, stumble across a few typos and grammatical errors. Some mild language was tossed in throughout the story, but overall, I found Sleight of Hand a very interesting read. This book is available through Smashwords. I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

To learn more visit about the author visit www.deanneblackhurst.com

Daughter of Helaman...an interview with Misty Moncur

I was always a very imaginative child. When I was young, a giant globe willow tree grew in our backyard. That tree was the portal to my creative world. I traveled to exotic lands, fought my way through dense jungle, conquered high mountain peaks, and won fierce battles with my trusty sword (a sword my dad fashioned from a stick) all from the comfort of my own backyard. The stories my mother read me fueled that creativity, and many of my favorite stories centered around The Book of Mormon and the heroic Nephite warriors. So today, I'm very excited to introduce Misty Moncur and The Daughter of Helaman. 
Meet Misty Moncur...
Tell us about your book. Daughter of Helaman is a fictional story based on one of the best examples of faith in the Book of Mormon.  It is about a young Ammonite girl who wants to go into battle with her brothers and the boys from her village, the boys we know as the stripling warriors.  Keturah begins training secretly with one of the young warriors, and when Helaman arrives to lead the boys, she's ready to show them all what she's made of.Daughter of Helaman is the first novel in a coming of age trilogy.  Personally, I think of it as a romance.  But it's a romance that is not resolved in the first book, and romance is certainly not the only theme in the book.  It can be read as a religious story or just an entertaining one.  It will make you laugh, it might make you cry, and you (probably) won't regret taking the time to read it.

What inspired you to write Daughter of Helaman?One day while out with my mom, I was telling her I had come to the end of a writing project and wondering aloud what to work on next.  In that way mothers have, she simply said, "You ought to pray about it." Well, of course I rolled my eyes in that way daughters have, but I did it anyway, and within the next 24 hours this beautiful story came to my mind.  It was so familiar to me I actually thought I had seen the movie somewhere. 

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?When you first hear about the story, it sounds like one of those "girl power" stories.  You can definitely read it that way if you want, but there are a lot more themes running through it—both religious and coming of age.  For example, in Daughter of Helaman, Keturah learns to recognize when the Spirit speaks to her, and in the next book of the series, The Stripling War, she learns to follow its promptings.  Her father's weapons represent the gifts our Heavenly Father has given to us.  Ultimately, Keturah can represent each of us and the book can be read as a reminder that the war in heaven continues here on earth.

When and why did you begin writing?I have always written.  I think most authors will tell you that.  I've always enjoyed it.  Grammar makes sense to me; it's one of the few things that does!  Growing up I always kept a journal, and I think that is why writing in first person (like in Daughter of Helaman) comes so naturally to me.And why?  The easy answer is that there is no other option; for me, it is either write or die inside.  But seriously, one of my high school teachers told me (a loooooong time ago) that I should be a teacher because he thought I had something to say.  Well, the teacher thing wasn't going to happen (that is someone else's calling, no way could I do it!), and I thought I didn't have anything in particular to say.  But as I've gotten older I've realized that everyone has something to say, and everyone gets to say it in their own way.  Writing is mine.


Watch The Daughter of Helaman Trailer:

Do you see writing as a career?I am just starting out, but yes.  There is no other one thing that makes me feel like myself.

Do you have any advice or tips on writing you would like to share?What works for me is taking advantage of small increments of time, even five or ten minutes.  It all adds up.I also voice record the entire manuscript a few chapters at a time as I edit them and listen to it over and over.  Nerdy, I know, but it helps me pick up on errors (like having someone walk away when they are supposedly sitting in a tree) and keep facts and details straight (it's easier to store details in my head because if I have to look them up I get distracted reading the manuscript). 

What is your favorite hobby besides writing?I'm laughing at you for even asking this.  Is there anything else?  Most of my favorite hobbies are related to writing.  I like to read and blog.  But I also like to play the piano and crochet when I have time, and I enjoy spending time with my family.Thank you Misty for joining us today!!  To learn more about Misty Moncur visit Misty's blog today!



                                                             Purchase your copy today



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Easy Easy Strawberry-Pistachio Muffins

One of my favorite past times is baking with my children. We like to chose fast, non-complicated recipes to cut back on stress and mess. And one of our very favorite things to bake is muffins. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do....




Strawberry-Pistachio Muffins          

2 boxes Jiffy Strawberry muffin mix
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup of whole milk
1 box of instant pistachio pudding (1oz)
Sprinkle some crushed nuts on top before baking and mm--mmm-good!!

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix muffin mix, eggs, milk, and pudding in a bowl. Pour mix into muffin tin. Bake for 14-16 minutes. Cool and enjoy!!

This works great for all the Jiffy muffin mixes. I've made chocolate chip muffins with chocolate pudding. Lemon-Rapsberry muffins with the raspberry muffin mix, a box of lemon pudding, and poppy seeds.

Unlovable...

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet Sherry Gammon, author of Unlovable. Immediately, I was drawn to Sherry's sweet personality and as I learned more about her and her new novel, Unlovable, I was intrigued. Unlovable, the first novel in The Port Fare series, is a coming of age story, filled with intrigue and romance.

Meet Sherry Gammon....
 Tell us about yourself.
I am first and foremost a mom. It is the best job I have ever had, and the hardest! I began writing when I was 11, poetry. In college, I took a writing class and was hooked!
When did you first start writing Unlovable?
Three years ago. I wrote it in 2 months, then I spent a year or two rewriting/editing it.
What inspired the story? 
Unlovable was loosely based on two girls I knew growing up. It was a way for me to deal with their difficult lives.

 Is there a theme or moral that the story tried to convey? 
never, Never, NEVER give up!


Author Sherry Gammon

What is your favorite part of a book and why? 
The ending… because I LOVE happy endings!
What is your favorite hobby besides writing? 
Taking pictures! I'm not very good, but I love doing it and messing around with Photoshop!
How did you develop your characters?
I gave most of them a character trait of mine so I could relate to them better, then tried to think of people they reminded me. I would ask myself, "What would so-and-Thank you for the interview!! And don't forget to check out Unlovable today. Available on Amazon kindle for only $1.99!!
Visit Sherry Gammon's official author page
                                        Purchase your copy today

All that was Promised

Publisher's note: An encounter with a Mormon missionary and his unusual message of a "restored gospel" leaves Richard Kenyon, a young Methodist minister, questioning his life's work when he cannot deny a growing testimony of this peculiar American religion. But Richard soon finds himself struggling to recognize the promised blessings of the gospel when violent persecutions shakes the fledgling Church in Wales.

My review:
Set among the rolling hills and lush greenery of Wales, All that was Promised is a novel that clearly depicts the trials and persecutions faced by early converts to the Mormon church. Richard Kenyon is a Methodist minister, who lives a humble life with his wife, Leah. They are happy and content with their lot, until one day, Richard happens upon Ben Lachlan, a Mormon missionary. Touched by Ben's message, Richard seeks to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Leah is stunned by her husband's willingness to accept Ben's teachings, and when her husband enters the waters of baptism, she is terribly confused. As the story progresses, Leah begins to feel the stirrings of the spirit and she is deeply touched by the miracles she encounters. She struggles with feelings of doubt and fear, but soon, she can no longer deny the truth of the gospel. However, affliction is quick to follow. Robert Kenyon, Richard's wayward brother, is angered by his brother's choice to join the Mormons. With the help of an evil man bent on driving the Mormon converts from the land, the townspeople are stirred to riot. Persecution is rampant and you are touched by the steadfast faith of these new saints.

When I first received this novel, I was immediately impressed by the stunning cover art. I enjoyed the story and Vickie Hall proves undeniable talent in her ability to vividly describe the setting and characters. Hall's obvious knowledge of the history of Wales and the era in which this novel took place is enlightening. At times the plot moved a little slowly, however, I thought Vickie Hall's first novel was a great read, especially for those who love early Mormon History.  I give this novel 4 out of 5.


To learn more visit www.vickiehall.com or her blog at www.authorvickiehall.blogspot.com
To purchase your copy today, check out All That Was Promised