Don't forget to check out the blog hop from some of the other awesome bloggers who were at this event here.
One of my favorite things about the last year is the opportunity I've had to work a bit more closely with Deseret Book and Shadow Mountain. A few weeks ago, I was invited to an amazing bloggers event where we were shown some of the fun new titles and Christmas things that would be coming up. Today I wanted to tell you about a few of them and give you an opportunity to win a few free Christmas gifts for yourself.
This is a shot of all of the amazing things that they gave me, notice the wrapping paper in the front. This is a new product that Deseret Book will be carrying. It's wrapping paper made from rocks, it's pretty amazing. They told us that it cuts really nice and that it's supposed to be really nice when you're using it. I personally have no wrapping talent. At. All. So I thought try it out just to see if this paper really is any better.
Here's the shot of the present I wrapped with it, and I was really amazed with the paper. It folded just how it should have with no extra creases where you didn't want them. It almost made me look like a professional wrapper. Must be a miracle worker! I have seen several different prints in the store and I think they are all amazing. You can check it out for yourself in stores.
Now for some awesome books.
It Is Better to Look Up: We all love to be taught with stories. The Savior shared many in his ministry, and His prophets and other Church leaders have often emulated that great example. Gospel lessons come alive when they are presented in this way.
It Is Better to Look Up gathers more than fifty of the most memorable personal experiences shared in general conference over the years and pairs them with stunning photographic images. The result is an irresistible volume filled with remarkable true accounts of God's hand in our lives.
You'll love browsing through such gems as "In Harm's Way," by President Thomas S. Monson; "Man Down!" by President Henry B. Eyring; "Lift Where You Stand," by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf; "You Stupid Cow!" by Elder Mervyn B. Arnold; "Worldly Promises," by Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson; and dozens more. These short pieces are perfect for a quick moment of inspiration in a class, a home evening, or personal devotional time. Each one is presented with a scripture to complement the gospel message.
Featuring stories from every member of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, plus many additional leaders past and present, this beautifully illustrated book will soon become a family favorite and a precious keepsake.
I've already reviewed this one, you can check that out here.
Stars Were Gleaming: Christmastime is filled with thoughts of family, friends, and faith. It is a time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday and to celebrate the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. Stars Were Gleaming is the perfect way to set the tone for your holiday celebrations by pairing inspirational poetry, holy scripture, and uplifting quotations with original artwork by renowned artist Greg Olsen.
The centerpiece of the book is a new painting, created especially for this book, that features the most holy of nights, the evening of Jesus's birth. Gathered around the manger are the familiar faces of Mary and Joseph, the wise men and the shepherds, and peeking through the window is the bright heavenly star gleaming in the night sky. This beautiful book will be a treasure for many seasons to come.
Greg Olsen is an amazing artist and this book is one I'm super excited about. This book would be an amazing Christmas gift for anyone to give or receive. The artwork is beautiful and the message that goes along with each piece is amazing too.
Fire and Steel Volume 1: A Generation Rising: The strongest steel is forged in the hottest flames. From master storyteller Gerald N. Lund comes a new blockbuster series chronicling the lives of two families who will face some of the most turbulent times in history as they are tried to their very cores. Will they be tempered and strengthened by the hammering blows, will they bend to the point of breaking, or will they completely shatter?
As volume one begins, life could not be more promising for the Eckhardts. They finally have a son, Hans, the male heir they have longed for and a child of such brilliance and promise that his success seems certain. But as youthful Hans’s ambition takes him away from his family and their small Bavarian village, the winds of unrest in Europe are about to erupt into the greatest war the world has ever known.
Kicking off a story that will cross generations—and continents—the Eckhardts must brace themselves to weather the storms and turmoil that lie ahead. Only through sheer determination and fortitude will they be able to pass through the refiner’s fire and come out stronger and more united than ever before.
This book is one that I am so excited to sit down with. I was first introduced to Gerald Lund's fiction when I was 12 years old. Since that time I've read everything of his that I could get my hands on. I have to admit that his historical fiction is my ultimate favorite. I've learned many things about Church History and the life of the Savior through his amazing fictionalized accounts. This book is scheduled to come out on Black Friday and you won't want to miss it!
Ites: Meet the ites! From Aaron to Zoram, get to know the prominent people in the Book of Mormon. Whether known for fearless faith or dastardly deeds, each "ite" teaches a lesson that will help your family make good decisions and follow the Lord.
Packed with fun facts, insightful lessons, and unique activities, this exciting book will help each member of your family better understand just who's who in the Book of Mormon. Delightful illustrations bring each man and woman to life in vivid color.
The book contains 52 separate entries, each with its own lesson and activity, so it makes the perfect resource for planning your weekly family night or for quiet Sunday reading and learning. Become acquainted with the ites, and find out just how much their experiences can help us in our lives today!
I'm also way excited for this one. I can't wait to use it for some of our Family Home Evenings. I love that you can learn about all of the characters of The Book of Mormon from this book. Each page has a fun and unique picture of the character, there are scripture references, descriptions and an activity to go with each. What a great reference!
And finally the Shadow Mountain book, Sam's Christmas Wish: "We don't need no charity," insists Big Sam Edwards. It's bad enough to have lost his job a few weeks before Christmas; the thought of "do-gooders" meddling in his business is more than he can bear. "I'll be watching if anybody comes around trying to leave anything at the door!" he warns.
But the mystery of a pile of gifts left anonymously, without any tracks in the snow, works a change in Sam's heart. The spirit of Christmas fills his home with joy.
Over the years, Sam becomes one of the most generous men in town. Yet his fondest wish goes unrealized: "I wish I could do something good and do it in secret so nobody would ever know."
And then one Christmas, he gets his chance—his secret act is even more gratifying than he ever could have imagined.
This book is one that I can see becoming a must read book each and every Christmas. I'm way excited to share it with our kids and watch them enjoy the fun illustrations and learn from the story.
Wow, if you've read all of this you definitely deserve a chance to enter the giveaway! I'm giving away two of the books I've talked about here, It Is Better to Look Up and Stars were Gleaming. I'm also giving away a copy of Dining with the Prophets a really fun recipe book with recipes from the Lion House.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Labels: David Butler, Deseret Book, George Durrant, Gerald Lund, Giveaways, Greg Olsen, Lion House, Shadow Mountain Publishing
