Thursday, March 21, 2013

Eureka . . . in pictures


Boarded up house along Main Street, Eureka
Since the release of "Tide Ever Rising" I've had a lot of people ask about Eureka and what it's like to visit. I always recommend a trip if you live close by. It's well worth the time and definitely a fun little town to explore. Here are some pictures from our family's last trip to see the town. We love to explore the surrounding areas and always stop in the near by ghost town of Silver City (approx. 2 mi outside of Eureka) to rock hound for minerals such as azurite, malachite and pyrite.  (Be aware of open mine shafts in the area at all times!!! They are hard to see, and if you aren't paying attention you can stumble right into one. We always keep our kids very, very close and do a sweep of the area before we explore further.)

The town is built along the hills near cedar-covered mountains. Many homes are abandoned  while others are occupied. It is a unique mix of old and new. Just outside of town is a small cemetery  The older headstones are fascinating and it's a fun place to explore the town's history.

On our way. . . . We stopped in a field near Goshen, Utah






It was a cold morning




A View of Main Street, Eureka




Museum


Porter Rockwell's Cabin along Main Street, Eureaka
During summer months the door remains unlocked and you can explore inside


A short history of Eureka's mining history taken from Wikipeida: "Eureka was originally known as Ruby Hollow before it developed into a bustling mining town. Incorporated as a city in 1892, Eureka became the financial center for the Tintic Mining District, a wealthy gold and silver mining area in Utah and Juab counties. The district was organized in 1869 and by 1899 became one of the top mineral producing areas in Utah. Eureka housed the "Big Four" mines—Bullion Beck and Champion, Centennial Eureka, Eureka Hill, and Gemini-and later the Chief Consolidated Mining Company.

Eureka's role as the central financial point for the district ensured its survival. It housed business establishments, including the second-ever JCPenney store (then called the Golden Rule Store), financial institutions, local and county governmental buildings including Eureka City Hall (1899) and a Juab County Courthouse (1892), various churches, and the meeting places for numerous labor, social, and fraternal organizations. Mining entrepreneurs such as John Q. Packard, John Beck, Jesse Knight, and Walter Fitch Sr. were important figures in Eureka and Tintic history. In 1979 Eureka was placed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tintic Mining District Multiple Resource Area, recognizing the importance of remaining buildings and sites."


More buildings along Main Street, Eureka

Eureka City Hall Building

Inside view of crumbling building with old chair along Main Street 



Sign painted on side of building for old department store



A view of Eureka City, 1911/ Wikipedia: 




Main Street, Eureka today

Store front with collapsed roof

Store advertisement 

Some buildings are occupied by local businesses while others are empty

Gatley Building

Abandoned store fronts



The old buildings and crumbling brick make for some fun photo backdrops




 Here are just a few of the minerals you can pick up outside of town near Silver City (Please respect private property and mining claims)  And if you're looking for a fun day of Rock Hounding you can head further West toward Delta.

Pyrite

Azurite

Malachite



Friday, March 8, 2013

Everything You Need to Know About Girls Camp

by Stephanie Worlton


Few callings strike fear into a woman’s heart like that of being a Girls Camp leader. Whether you’re a new camper or a seasoned leader, Stephanie Worlton is here to help.

Publisher's Note: 

Make your Girls Camp an experience to remember with Everything You Need to Know about Girls Camp. Filled with helpful tips on everything from holding your first meeting to dealing with unhappy campers, this essential guide takes the stress out of planning to make your camp a success!
Click here to learn more

Mandi's Review: 

This book brings back some fun memories of spending a week each summer at Girl's Camp. Filled with great tips, advise, and even planning sheets and time-saving lists, Stephanie Worlton's, Everything You Need to Know About Girls Camp, is a must for any young women leader or stake camp director. Worlton has helped take the guess work and anxiety out of planning a fun-filled Girl's Camp. Budgeting tips, easy meal ideas, fun song lyrics, and certification tips will help you as you work to make your camp a success. I recommend this book for anyone serving in the LDS Young Women's. 

Get a Copy Today...
       

Enter to Win:

As part of the blog tour, Stephanie will be giving away two great prizes. Visit her Kreating Krazy author blog to enter for your chance to win a "Camp Leader Survival Kit" or a signed copy of the book.  

Meet the Author:

Stephanie Connelley Worlton lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains where she enjoys frequent opportunities to observe nature and appreciate God’s magnificent creations. She is a seasoned Camp Director, an avid Scouter, and a devoted youth leader. Aside from the busy schedule she keeps as a wife and mother of four, Stephanie enjoys organizing, interior design, gardening, carpentry, painting, and being involved with the youth of our rising generation.  To learn more about Stephanie or her book, visit her “Kreating Krazy” blog:  www.stephanieworlton.blogspot.com
  

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Rapunzel Untangled

A Novel by Cindy C. Bennett

Publisher's Note:

Rapunzel is not your average teenager.

For one thing, she has a serious illness that keeps her inside the mysterious Gothel Mansion. And for another, her hair is 15 feet long. Not to mention that she’s also the key to ultimately saving the world from certain destruction. But then she meets a boy named Fane, who changes all she has ever known, and she decides to risk everything familiar to find out who she really is.

Filled with romance, adventure, and mystery, Rapunzel Untangled is one story you won’t want to put down. Discover the true meaning of love and friendship in this modern twist to the classic fairytale.

Mandi's Review: This is a cute book. Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy C. Bennett will leave you smiling page-after-page. Rapunzel, a lonely girl who has been "diagnosed" with a serious, life-threatening disease, discovers an entire world outside her tower when on a whim she finds Facebook and a boy named Fane Flannigan. Those who have enjoyed the original fair-tale, Rapunzel, will find this modern-twist delightful. Rapunzel's character is exactly as I imagined-- scared, excited, worried about her mother, but determined to discover life outside her tower. And Fane is the perfect blend of arrogance, empathy, and charm. All-in-all, he is the perfect "prince charming". Gothel is just as creepy as ever, and the surprising magical twists and turns throughout the story will keep you reading. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend this book to anyone who loves a fun, clean, romantic read.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

YA Paranormal Giveaway Hop






Welcome to the YA Paranormal Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer! Thanks for stopping in! In my new book, Tide Ever Rising, Kadie, a junior high history teacher, stumbles across an old can. Hidden inside is an old journal and an antique pendant. Today on my blog one winner will have a chance to win a replica 1935 antique pendant, and another winner will win a signed copy of "Tide Ever Rising. Take a minute to check out my newest paranormal/ romance novel, "Tide Ever Rising".



Kadie Reynolds loves to explore old ghost towns. So when she and her sister, Maysha, visit Eureka, Utah, it's just another ordinary trip--until they stumble across an ancient journal and a beautiful pendant hidden in the depths of a crumbling house.

Now strange dreams and premonitions are haunting Kadie as she learns more about the keeper of the journal, Charlotte Clark. With her curiosity and good humor intact, Kadie sets out on a journey to find Charlotte's still-living twin sister, Adelaide. Little does anyone know, the journal contains secrets that will plunge Kadie, Maysha, and Adelaide into a world filled with past regrets, and dark unknowns. 

Tide Ever Rising is set to be released on Feb. 12th.

For more chances to win a copy of Tide Ever Rising follow along with this month's BLOG TOUR.


To enter this giveaway (1935 replica pendant) , please follow these simple steps:

1) Follow me on Facebook (+1)
2) Follow this blog (+1) (Mandatory)
3) Follow me on Twitter
4) Add this book Goodreads (+1)

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to check out all the other amazing blogs participating in this tour.


Sunday, February 17, 2013

Random Acts of Kindness





Welcome to the Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer! Thanks for stopping in! In my new book, Tide Ever Rising, Kadie, a junior high history teacher, stumbles across an old can. Hidden inside is an old journal and an antique pendant. Today on my blog, you have a chance to win a replica 1935 antique pendant, and take a minute to check out my newest paranormal/ romance novel, "Tide Ever Rising".



Kadie Reynolds loves to explore old ghost towns. So when she and her sister, Maysha, visit Eureka, Utah, it's just another ordinary trip--until they stumble across an ancient journal and a beautiful pendant hidden in the depths of a crumbling house.

Now strange dreams and premonitions are haunting Kadie as she learns more about the keeper of the journal, Charlotte Clark. With her curiosity and good humor intact, Kadie sets out on a journey to find Charlotte's still-living twin sister, Adelaide. Little does anyone know, the journal contains secrets that will plunge Kadie, Maysha, and Adelaide into a world filled with past regrets, and dark unknowns. 

Tide Ever Rising is set to be released on Feb. 12th.

For more chances to win a copy of Tide Ever Rising follow along with this month's BLOG TOUR.


To enter this giveaway (1935 replica pendant) , please follow these simple steps:

1) Follow me on Facebook (+1)
2) Follow this blog (+1)
3) Follow me on Twitter
4) Add this book Goodreads (+1)

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to check out all the other amazing blogs participating in this tour.


Friday, February 1, 2013

Tide Ever Rising is on Tour

Today is the official start date of the month-long blog tour featuring my newest novel, "Tide Ever Rising", which is set to be released on Feb. 12th! There will be a lot of chances to win copies of the book, as well as replica pendants. And, a big "thank you" to all of the reviewers participating in this tour!


February 1, 2013

Of Munchkins and Manuscripts

Author Cindy C. Bennett

February 2, 2013

The Musings of  a Hopeful Writer

February 4, 2013

Six Mixed Reviews

No More Divorces

February 5, 2013

Anna Del C. Dye

Love, Pray, Read

Ranee S. Clark

Geo Librarian

LDS and Lovin' It

February 6, 2013

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

No Thought 2 Small

February 8, 2013

Wordpaintings Unlimited

Roseanne's Spot

February 10, 2013

She's Got Books on Her Mind

February 11, 2013

Jennifer Ann Holt- Author

Storyweaver

February 12, 2013

Boice Box

February 13, 2013

BookJunkie411

My Life in a Laptop

February 15, 2013

Coffee, Books and Me

Getting Your Read On

February 16, 2013

I Must Be Dreaming...

February 17, 2013

Christy Dorrity Author

Kreating Krazy

February 18, 2013

Books Complete Me

Vickie Hall, Author

February 19, 2013

From The Other Side of The Mirror

February 20, 2013

Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author

Karey White

February 21, 2013

Write On

February 22, 2013

Kaisy Daisy's Corner

Bookworm Lisa

Stacy Lynn Carroll

My Guilty Obsession

February 24, 2013

Uplifting Reads

The Crooked Word

J Lloyd Morgan

February 25, 2013

A Book A Day

Why Not? Because I Said So!

Bibliophile Mystery

February 26, 2013

LDS Women's Book Review

Min Reads and Reviews

The Opinionated Consumer

February 27, 2013

The Phantom Paragrapher

February 28, 2013

Anglers Rest

As I Turn The Pages

Le Vanity Victorienne

Writer's Mirror

Bookworm 2 Bookworm

MK McClintock

Best Authors Read

Again, a HUGE thank you for all of you who participated in the tour!












Tuesday, January 15, 2013

The Alias is on tour

"The Alias" is on tour for the month of January in preparation for the coming of "Tide Ever Rising"! Come check out the reviews. And a big thank you to all of those reviewers participating in this tour!

January 16, 2013

MK McClintock

LDS and Lovin' It

Geo Librarian

January 17, 2013

Cami Checketts Books

January 18, 2013

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

January 19, 2013

The Phantom Paragrapher

For The Love of Orphans

January 20.2013

The Musings of a Hopeful Writer

Word Paintings Unlimited

Bookworm 2 Bookworm

January 21, 2013

No Thoughts 2 Small

January 22, 2013

From The Other Side of The Mirror

January 24, 2013

Author Cindy C. Bennett

January 25, 2013

Shannen C. Books

January 26, 2013

Bookworm Lisa

Monique's Musings

January 27, 2013

Six Mixed Reviews

Christy Dorrity, Author

January 28, 2013

Best Authors Read

January 29, 2013

Book Junkie 411

January 30, 2013

Kaisy Daisy's Corner

My Life in a Laptop

Blooming with Books

January 31, 2013

Writer's Mirror

Why Not? Because I Said So!

No More Divorces


Again, a HUGE THANK YOU for all who participated in this tour!

                                                        COMING SOON
                                                               February 12, 2013 



Friday, December 21, 2012

An Unexpected Angel

A novel by Janet K. Halling

Publisher's Note: Ella Davies hates Christmas. Every year she spends the holidays working, trying to forget the pain of a childhood tragedy that left her all alone. But this season, Ella's about to learn something only an angel could teach her. This modern twist on a Christmas classic will remind you that the best gifts of all are the loved ones you learn to treasure!

Mandi's Review: Ella Davies has spent her life since her mother and sister's death filled with grief, anger, and guilt, and Christmas is just another painful reminder of what she no longer has. In the traditional spirit of A Christmas Carol, Ella is visited by an unexpected guest on Christmas eve. As she journeys into the events of the past, Ella learns there is always a purpose to the trials in her life. She learns the importance of forgiveness and love.

It was Christmas Eve, and the Empire State Building was lit with red and green. The streets were jammed with traffic, and the fog was rolling in off the Hudson, turning the streetlights into misty orbs.

Ella sighed and turned away from the window and the twinkling lights below, determined not to give in to the painful memories that had been lurking in the back of her mind all day.

 I have to admit, I loved this book. It is a wonderful read that will leave you feeling the tender Christmas spirit that is often hard to find during the busy holiday rush. At first, I didn't like Ella, but as you learn her story, you feel touched and inspired by this "Scrooge-like" character. This is definitely a holiday must-read and is a perfect addition to anyone's holiday collection. You'll want to read it again every year!

Purchase a copy of An Unexpected Angel today! It would make a great Christmas gift for those you love!

Learn more about author, Janet K. Halling .


Thursday, December 20, 2012

White Chocolate Almond Divinity

This time of year my very favorite thing to cook is candy cAnDy candy! I lOvE making toffee, fudge, truffles, carmels, and especially divinity! This is one of my favorite recipes. I like to add this-and-thats to my candy to create new recipes. Last year this was a hUgE hit at the family party!

Ingredients:

2 2/3 cups white sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup slivered almonds
6 to 8 oz white chocolate chips

Directions:
Cook sugar, corn syrup, and water in a 2-quart pot over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. (On humid days, use 1 tablespoon less water.) Cook, without stirring, to 260 degrees on candy thermometer (or hard ball stage).
Beat egg whites in 1-1/2-quart bowl until stiff peaks form. Continue to beat while pouring hot syrup in a thin stream into egg whites. Add vanilla; beat until mixture holds its shape and becomes slightly dull. Fold in nuts and chocolate! 
Drop from buttered spoon onto waxed paper. Let stand at room temperature, turning candy over once, until outside of candy is firm--at least 12 hours. Store in airtight container.


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Miss. Braithwaite's Secret

A Regency Romance by author G.G. Vandagriff

Publisher's Note: Miss Braithwaite’s Secret is the final novel in the traditional Regency Trilogy: “Three Rogues and Their Ladies.” The Deseret News claims “Vandagriff writes in a style reminiscent of Georgette Heyer. Like Heyer, she centers her novel on witty characters that readers will love.”

In this novel, when Caroline Braithwaite, the Incomparable, leaves her first London Season early, the ton is left wondering why. Home in Wiltshire, she does not confide in her parents or her best friend. However, when the duke of Beverley appears at a house party to which they have both been invited, she is seriously discomposed. So is he. Fresh from a broken engagement, the last thing he wants is to partner a woman he had briefly courted in London – a woman he would have offered for before the fiancée came along. Caro fights her own attraction to the compelling duke. After all, he's already broken her heart once. She is not about to give him a second chance.

As the two slowly learn more about one another, they are surprised to find that first impressions have led them astray. While their feelings are growing progressively more intimate, they are plagued by harrowing circumstances which keep them apart and lead to new misunderstandings. How many times will Caro have to forgive Ned, the Duke of Beverley? And will he, at last, be able to prove his love?

Mandi's Review: Miss Braithwaite's Secret is the third book in GG Vandgriff's Three Rouges and Their Ladies Regency Trilogy. I have to admit, I've loved this series, and I am sorry to see it end. In Miss Braithwaite's Secret, Caroline a.k.a "Caro" and Ned are confronted with a wealth of misunderstandings amidst their growing mutual attraction. The romantic tension makes this novel all the more fun. Vandagriff's characters are perfectly flawed, with all the right distinctive quirks to keep them in your mind long after you've finished the book. The era in which this book is set bring many vivid pictures to mind, and you feel as if you've stepped into the past. This is definitely a series worth cuddling up with on a cold, wintry day.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Book Lovers Holiday Hop



Hi, welcome to the Book Lovers Holiday Giveaway Hop blog hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Today on my blog you can win a $10 Walmart gift card or a free e-copy of my book The Alias (learn more on Amazon.com. Just follow the link) In order to win, just follow the rules listed below. And thanks for stopping by.
1) Follow this blog (Mandatory)
2) Like Tide Ever Rising on Facebook (New book coming Feb. 2013)
3) Follow my author page on Face Book
4) Follow me on Twitter

That's it!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Turning Pages

Written by Tristi Pinkston

Publisher's Notes: With his pride and her prejudice, what could possibly go wrong? When the arrogant Blake Hansen steals Addie Preston's promotion at the library, he pretty much rubs her nose in it. But Addie, who dreams of being a full-fledged librarian, decides to stick it out. She loves surrounding herself with books and keeping her father's memory alive in the building where they spent so much time together. Soon, Addie learns that her beloved library will be torn down to make room for a larger facility, and she has to make a choice. Fight, or let go? To complicate things, she finds herself attracted to Blake, who is engaged to someone else. Will Blake and Addie ever resolve their differences?


Mandi's Review: Turning Pages, Tristi Pinkston's newest novel, is a story that will leave a smile on your face. Addie Preston, a college student who works at the local library has had a difficult life. After losing her mother at a very young age, she is faced with all the turmoil of dealing with her father's recent death. She, along with her step-mother, and younger siblings are faced with some difficult challenges. Then to compound the situation even further, Addie is suddenly passed up for a promotion she has desperately wanted-- Jr. Librarian. Blake, the man who "stole" her position then poses a whole new set of problems for Addie. This is definitely a fun book, written as a modern-day version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Addie is a fun, quirky character that I can really relate to. As a young woman, I spent hour upon hour in my local library. I remember browsing the isles and taking comfort in the unique scents that can only be found in an older library. I loved that Addie's goal was to save the original library. I have always enjoyed old, historic buildings, and there is certain charm that is definitely lacking in the new, modern libraries. I also really liked Blake's character. He is witty and arrogant, and I found the romantic tension between him and Addie a perfect addition to the story. This is a fun, clean read, and I'd recommend it for anyone who's looking for a great addition to their Christmas list.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Thankful For Books Giveaway Hop


Hi, welcome to Thankful for Books blog hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Today on my blog you can win a $10 Amazon gift card or a free e-copy of my book The Alias (learn more on Amazon.com. Just follow the link) In order to win, just follow the rules listed below. And thanks for stopping by.
1) Follow this blog (Mandatory)
2) Like Tide Ever Rising on Facebook (New book coming Feb. 2013) ( +3)

That's it!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop


Welcome to the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Halloween in my FAVORITE holiday!  I’m like a crazy mama when Halloween night finally rolls around. I create a plan of action, and the kids and I hit as many houses as we can. We trick-or-treat until our noses are frozen and our feet ache. Then we come home and dive into our loot, and when the kids finally go to bed, I sneak all the chocolate. So today on my blog I'm excited to offer a fun Halloween gift bag to one lucky winner, and a e-copy of my book The Alias to another. Just follow the rules listed below, and don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact the winners. 



Alias is available on Amazon Kindle for only $4.99....

Rules:

1) Follow this blog (Mandatory)
2) Check out my new novel coming Feb 2013 and follow on Facebook (+1)
3) Name one character from my new novel (+1)

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out all the other fun blogs! 

Happy Halloween!




Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Reading Clean Giveaway Hop

     

Welcome to the Reading Clean Giveaway Hop...hosted by  Clean Teen FictionOne Librarian's Book Reviews I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Today on my blog you can win a fun gift bag full of surprises that any reader would love! All you have to do to enter is follow the rules listed below. 



To Win:

1) Follow this Blog (mandatory)
2) Check out my new book coming Feb. 2013 and "Like" my new page on Facebook (+2)
3) Tell me the name of one of the characters from Tide Ever Rising (+2)

Thanks a bunch for stopping by!! And Happy Reading!