Heather Justesen

Great bread recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:34:00 +0000

Yes, I know, I've been a terrible slacker about blogging this week. I have big news to announce tomorrow, so check back and see what's going on. =) My sister asked for a good bread recipe, so I thought I'd post it here as well. I make this all the time, and we totally love it. The basic recipe came out of a book, but I've altered it some.

1 cup warm water
2 Tbsp active dry yeast (or 2 tsp instant dry yeast)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp Vitamin C powder (if you have it, if not, no worries, just leave it out).
2 beaten eggs
6-6 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt

If you have instant yeast, you don't have to let it activate in warm water, but I usually do anyway. If it's not instant, put the cup of warm water in a small bowl and sprinkle the yeast over it. Then sprinkle the Tbsp of sugar over the bowl too. Set aside while you mix all the other wet ingredients, then add the yeast mixture, then add salt, sugar, and ginger and mix. Add the flour a cup at a time until it's the right consistency--smooth, not sticky to the touch.

Turn out onto floured counter and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. Prepare a large mixing bowl with a bit of oil along the bottom and sides, pop the dough in there and then turn it over to make sure the top is greased as well (sometimes I just pour a bit more oil on top and spread it with my pastry brush). Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let rise until double. Usually about an hour, but it depends on how warm your kitchen is. Punch it down and let it rest while you grease and FLOUR two bread pans, then cut it in two and form into loaves. Set in pans and cover with plastic wrap for an hour or so or until double. Bake at 350 degrees. My book says 45-55 minutes, but mine rarely takes that long. Start checking it for appropriate browning about 35 minutes in. Let it cool only for a few minutes in the pans before popping it out. If you floured the pans well it should fall right out.

I like to make mine with half wheat, or a bit more instead of all white flour. When I do this I always add 1/4 cup of wheat gluten per batch to help it rise properly and it makes a big difference.

Also, if you get interrupted or know you won't have one long three-hour period free to do this, you can let the first rising happen in your fridge over a three-to four hour period (say, while you attend your kid's ball game or run to church). It will raise in the cold just fine, but at a slower pace. When you get back home, pull it out to finish rising, or if it's done, just punch it down and prepare the loaf pans.

I also like to double the batch and freeze three loaves (because it's just Bill and me), pulling them out to defrost in the fridge the night before I'll need them and they taste fine. Remember, there are no preservatives in the bread so if you leave it sitting out for several days it will mold faster than store bought. I always store mine in the fridge.

Enjoy!
_______________
This week's stops on my blog tour (because I was just that big of a slacker!)

Joyce DiPastena
Teri Rodeman
Valerie Ipson
Rachel Rager
Laura Bingham
Rachelle Christensen
A fun interview by Sarah Eden for her I Need Friends Friday post
Sheila Staley

Book review: "An Angel on Main Street" by Kathi Oram Peterson

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:37:00 +0000

Every year we see a new crop of Christmas stories that warm the heart and remind us what the season is really about. Kathi Oram Peterson's newest book, An Angel on Main Street is one of those special holiday offerings.

Micah Connors, his mother, and little sister have only been living in Bolton, Idaho for a few weeks, but Christmas, 1953 is not looking to be a happy one. Micah's dad died in the recent war and his mom struggles just to put food on the table. Added to that, they moved to Bolton to get Micah away from some friends who were headed down the wrong road, and his little sister, Annie, is very sick. They've had to sell all of their nice furniture to pay for her medical bills and while Micah could seriously use a new coat and shoes, he's not complaining because he's trying to be the man of the house.

When the sheriff catches Micah in the wrong place at the wrong time, they makes a deal to keep it a secret from Micah's mom. Then a mysterious stable and nativity figures begin to appear in the island at the intersection in front of Micah's building, and he begins a quest to find out who's putting it there.

Through bad choices, bad timing, and a Christmas miracle or two, this book will touch your heart and make you yearn to bring the real reason for the season back into your home. At only 99 pages, this story is just the right length to curl up with for an hour or so of relaxation.

This is the second of Kathi Oram Peterson's books. You can learn more about the author at her website or her blog. Her books are available on Amazon, Seagull Book, Deseret Book, and many, many other stores.

Today's stop on my blog tour: Jewel Adams

"Mormon Mishaps and Mischief" now Available for Preorder

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:14:00 +0000

This will be a quick post tonight as I really need to get to bed early, since I have to leave town by 5 a.m. to get to Kanab on time tomorrow. Last week my friends D.N. Giles and C.L. Beck got their first glimpse of the cover of their new book, "Mormon Mishaps and Mischief: Hilarious Stories for Saints." It's a compilation of stories all surrounding LDS meetings and I have a story appearing in it. It's coming out next month, but is already available for pre-order through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Borders. Both C.L. and D.N. (Cindy and Nichole) have more info about the book, some sneak previews, and announcements about their big book launch party next month. So check out Nichole and Cindy's blogs, or their LDS Humor blog they created when they were putting together this book.

Today, Aubrey Mace reviewed my book on her blog. Tomorrow, check out Anne Bradshaw's blog to check out an interview she did with me.

Come to the Boutique!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:57:00 +0000

My sister Kristi puts together this great boutique in West valley City every year. Tristi Pinkston and I will be signing there all day tomorrow from 9 to 5.

In other news, I've spent the past two days at my alma mater--Millard High School--talking to the English students about writing. It was fun, but a bit disorienting to have English teachers asking me questions about writing as if *I* were the expert. Especially since both of them graduated from the same high school several years before I did. It was cool though. Most of the kids paid attention at least most of the time. And only a couple of smart-alecs asked me if I was rich now that I published a book. haha They were disappointed when they found out it wasn't *easy* to make a living writing! I had several students approach me later and asking me writing questions and had a chance to have actual conversations a couple of them during breaks and while they T/A-ed

I had writer friends asking me about what I do when I go to schools, so I tried to record the last session, but the camera shut itself off after four minutes, so I guess they'll have to go on that. I'll have to play with it and see if I can figure out why it turned off before I head to Kanab on Tuesday.

Oh, looky there--it's not even 10 p.m. and I have a little time to write and still sleep reasonably early (for me) before my alarm goes off at 5!

Deepest apologies

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Yes, I know I promised a contest announcement for many fabulous prizes, but I'm going to have to put you all off. When I look at my schedule between now and Thanksgiving, the thought of adding one more thing to the stack makes my head hurt, so I am going to postpone until Thanksgiving weekend. Please, don't throw tomatoes (unless they are vine ripened and you promise to throw underhand--I could use some about now).

Apparently I'm getting great at letting people (mostly myself) down. My Nanowrimo count is abysmal (I just love that word, and how often does one get the chance to use it in conversation?) I still haven't finished The Hidden Branch, I have interview questions to answer and send back for my blog tour, and still haven't outlined my presentation for my school visit on Tuesday. And did I mention I have been horrible at updating my other blog? Yeah, I really need to do something about that tonight, at least.

Oh, and my PowerPoint presentation for my high school went great today, but I want to do some more tweaks to the slides before I return to hit the rest of the English classes tomorrow.

I promise to add at least one more fabulous prize to my contest in recompense for making you all wait a bit longer.

In other news, I'm going to be signing at Honey's Jubilee grocery store in Kanab Tuesday, November 17th from 4:30-7 pm after I present at a couple of the area schools. If you or someone you know lives in the area, please take pity on me and at least stop by to enter the drawing for 101 Gourmet Cupcakes in 10 Minutes. You know how I love cupcakes, and this book has got some of the tastiest-looking recipes I've ever seen! If you're not fabulously lucky enough to live in Kanab to win this prize, you can learn more and buy a copy here. Wendy Paul also has her own Youtube channel where she had videos from cooking demonstrations she's done.

Today's tour stop:

Keith Fisher's blog

"Family Home Evening Adventures" Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:32:00 +0000

I know, I know, I said I would announce the winner when I reviewed GG Vandagriff's book, The Hidden Branch, but I've been insanely busy, so I haven't quite finished the book yet. Look for a review tomorrow...or possibly Friday. Yeah, I know, I'm a slacker. But the book is shaping up pretty interesting so far.

I am, however, going to announce the winner of Rebecca Irvine's book, Family Home Evening Adventures. I used Random.org to make the decision for me and the winner was Julia! Julia, send me your address and I'll have Rebecca mail you out a copy.

In other awesome news, I just found out today that Deseret Book and Seagull Book have decided to carry The Ball's in Her Court, so you should be able to pick it up from one of them soon. Seagull didn't order very many copies, so you may have to order it--the upside of that is if enough people, ask they may stock more copies. The Sandy Barnes & Noble has a few signed copies on their shelves now, and some of the other stores are starting to get a few here and there.

I'm going to be talking to students at my alma mater over the next couple of days, which is exciting and a bit daunting. It will be the first of my school visits. I have six others in the works and a few other feelers out, so the next month will be busy with those on top of signings and my blog tour, but I'm definitely looking forward to it.

Today's stop on my blog tour is at Danyelle Ferguson's blog, Queen of the Clan.

Links to all of my Blog Tour Stops

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:34:00 +0000

I had a request for me to post all of the links to people's blogs. I had a few shift around, but this is the current list. As the blogs are posted I'll change the links to point directly to the post instead of the general blog.

November 6: Michelle Ashman Bell

November 9: Nichole Giles

November 10: Cami Checkets will post on her book blog

November 11: Danyelle Ferguson reviewed the book here, but will also do an interview here.

November 12: Keith Fisher

November 16: Aubrey Mace

November 17: Interview with Anne Bradshaw

November 18: Jewel Adams

November 20: Joyce DiPastena

November 21: Teri Rodeman

November 23: Valerie Ipson

November 24: Rachel Rager

November 25: Laura Bingham

November 27: Rachelle Christensen

November 28: Sheila Staley

November 30: Lisa Bennett

December 1: Kimberly Job

December 2: Alison Palmer

December 3: Molly Edwards

December 4: Connie Hall

December 18: Kathi Oram Peterson

Cami should be posting up later today.

Release party updates and blog tour stops

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:13:00 +0000

I know, I meant to post these photos two weeks ago, but you know how that goes. I had my Fillmore launch party on Oct 24th at my local library which went pretty well! I had a lot of friends show up and stay to talk and yummy cookies and punch.

My friend Danyelle Ferguson actually flew into Utah from Kansas to be there for me on my big day--because she's awesome.

She helped me get everything together Friday night so Saturday morning I wouldn't be too frazzled and she stayed up WAY past her bedtime two nights in a row.

If you want to see more photos, check out Danyelle's blog because she posted a ton!

Here's me and Danyelle at the library. My totally sweet mom bought this corsage for me. Isn't she the best?
This group includes Mary Greathouse, author of several books including the new Family Record Keeper. She's not part of my regular critique group, but she did edit The Ball's in Her Court for me. Everyone else is in my weekly critique group: Nichole Giles, writer of many a published article who is shopping around a really great YA fantasy right now. Me, Keith Fisher, who is working on a great women's fiction book right now, but has several other interesting books in the works as well. Danyelle Ferguson, who has a non-fiction book titled (dis)Abilities in the Gospel which is being released by Valor Publishing next summer. And Tristi Pinkston, writer of several wonderful historical books, A romantic suspense called Agent in Old Lace and some upcoming humorous mystery series starting with Secret Sisters next March with Valor Publishing.
Nichole, Tristi, Danyelle, Keith, me, and Karen Hoover with her two sons--who came all the way from Tooele. Karen has a new book also coming out with Valor Publishing next March called The Saphire Flute.

Lots of local people also turned out to support me and bought books. It was a great day. Afterwards me and most of those in the above picture came to my house for a barbecue.

This past Saturday I had another launch party at the Sandy Barnes & Noble. I also signed with:
Aubrey Mace, author of several books, including her newest--Santa Maybe, which you can find a review for on my blog. Linda Chadwick, who has her first book Second Chances, out, which I also reviewed here. and Ronda Hinrichsen, who also has her first book, Missing, just out in stores. I read her book in a previous version and it was really good. It was great to sign with these ladies and I look forward to doing it again soon.
I also had some fabulous family support. Pictured is my Aunt Marilyn, cousin Misty and her daughter McKenna, me, my cousin Carolyn and her daughter (whose name has totally escapes me. Please forgive me!) and my cousin Cindy.
I also had several high school and college friends pop in, but apparently forgot to pull out my camera--I'm such a slacker. This is Sherry, we graduated from high school together, and her daughter Shelby, who has just finished a YA fantasy book of her own. Go Shelby!

We had drawings at both parties and gave away some great prizes. Now, if you want to find out how to win some things yourself (besides the Family Home Evening Adventures book, which you'll find out how to win here, and there's only a day left to enter--so hurry!) You'll have to check back on Wednesday for details.

Now, as I said, my blog tour has officially begun. Friday, Michelle Ashman Bell interviewed me and did a review of my book, which you can find here.

Today, Nichole Giles reviewed my book.

Thanks ladies!

Busy, busy month!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:40:00 +0000

I really have been doing more than reading books for book reviews--I promise! There are actually a ton of things on my to-do list and I've been really busy. I did add nearly 13,000 words to various manuscripts last month, and I've already gotten another 4,000 or so added to my most recently one this month. I'm trying to do Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month where you try to complete a 50,000 word manuscript in November). Unfortunately, my publicity stuff is definitely going to get in the way of my writing goals this month, so I'll just be thrilled if I get halfway there.

The good part of that is everything I've got going on. First, I had my big Fillmore book launch party on October 24th at my local library--which went smashingly well. Most of my critique group made it down to see me that day, along with my totally awesome friend Danyelle, who FLEW to Utah from Kansas just to be here for me that weekend--a big thank you to her husband for letting her come because it was so great to have her here and she was such a help! Any my friend Karen Hoover who came all the way from Tooele!

This Saturday I have my Wasatch Front launch party. (If you don't live in Utah, the Wasatch front covers pretty much everything from Ogden to Payson--the biggest urban area in the state). I'm signing with Aubrey Mace (who I've been wanting to meet since she won a Whitney Award last April) and Linda Chadwick (who I met the first time in June. She's a new author too with her first book, "Second Chances" which came out last summer.) We're still waiting on final word as to whether the store will be able to get Ronda Hinrichsen's new romantic suspense book "Missing" in by tomorrow. I critiqued this book for her several years back, so I'm really excited to see it in print.

After that I have a spate of events from school visits (Millard High, North Sevier, Kanab, Orderville, San Juan, and several others coming up), my blog tour (starting Monday), putting together a fun giveaway later this month, and several signings--including two in Utah County this month, and a couple more in the Salt Lake area.

Oh, and did I mention Nano? Oh, I did? Well, you can see why I don't think I'll quite make the 50,000 word mark this month. But I'll have fun trying!

Book review and giveaway of "Family Home Evening Adventures" by Rebecca Irvine

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:08:00 +0000

You may have heard of Rebecca Irvine's first book, Adventures with the Word of God. She's recently followed it up her second book, Family Home Evening Adventures--a guide to help you plan your Family Home Evening activities. Each month you'll find a theme with song suggestions, suggested Friend articles, a game or activity, a thought-provoking quote and a fun treat idea that goes with the theme. The book also contains a sheet and ideas for planning for success for your Monday nights. I found the resources very easy to follow and adaptable to different family situations. You can win a copy of this book--read to the end to find out how.

This is what the publisher has to say about the book (aka the back-cover blurb):

Take the stress out of family home evening scripture study.
It s Monday night, and you re ready for another fun-filled, family activity. Family Home Evening Adventures is the perfect way to keep your children focused on the scriptures to build their testimonies. Filled with 12 fun seasonal activities, puzzles, questions, and lessons, this book lets you effectively plan for the entire year with a theme for each month.

Your children will learn gospel topics such as

Reverence
Love at Home
The Atonement
Feasting Upon the Word
Preparing for Baptism and others.

With this handy helper, parents can teach children to actively learn from the scriptures and increase their individual testimonies during family home evening.

Okay, so now for the giveaway--to win a copy of Family Home Evening Adventures, visit Rebecca's blog and tell me which Friend article she suggests for building your FHE activity. Then email me at Heather at HeatherJustesen dot com with the answer -and- leave a comment in the comment trail here. Don't leave the answer in your comment. She'll send out a copy of the book to the winner--which I'll announce here next week when I review GG Vandagriff's newest book. Enter before Midnight MST November 10.

Book Review: "Santa Maybe" by Aubrey Mace

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:24:00 +0000

I really liked Aubrey's first book Spare Change (which won a Whitney Award last spring) and was tickled by her second, My Fairy Grandmother, so I was totally excited when she offered to send me a review copy of Santa Maybe. First, the blurb:

Dear Santa, I've been a good girl this year. (Well . . . pretty good.) I have a nice life and there's only one thing that I really want one thing that's missing. If you happen to have an extra one lying around your workshop, I would really like a husband. I promise to take good care of him. Love, Abbie

With a successful bakery to run, super cute nieces and nephews to spoil, and plenty of good friends to keep her company, Abbie s not about to start crying over the fact that she s doesn't have a boyfriend to spend Christmas with. But when her sister convinces her to write a note to Santa, Abbie has no idea that a little Christmas magic is about to land her the man of her dreams. Or rather, that man is about to land smack dab on the floor in front of her Christmas tree with no memory of how he got there.

Now Abbie and Ben have to figure out where he came from, who he really is, and if he's actually available.

Aubrey Mace, the award-winning author of Spare Change, has done it again! This light-hearted holiday romance is sure to please even the most cynical scrooge. Told with humor, sweetness, and Aubrey's signature wit, this is one Christmas story that will keep you smiling all year round.

This book was light and fun. I really loved Abbie, and her meddling older sister--well, semi-meddling. I admit to reading the whole book in an evening (not a huge feat since it's only 184 pages, but it still took a few hours). I love that Abbie makes cupcakes whenever she's feeling blue (it made me want to whip up a batch myself. With scrumptious buttercream. Maybe strawberry flavored. Oh, sorry, off topic.)

Anyway, Santa Maybe is the perfect book to read while you curl up with a mug of hot cocoa and a plate of Christmas cookies. Or cupcakes.

You can learn more about what Aubrey's doing on her blog.

My book trailer is out!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Just had to share. This has been several months in the planning and creating stages so I'm totally excited to see it. A big thanks to Stephanie Fowers for filming and compiling the video, and the Kevin Mathie who wrote the music (isn't it gorgeous?).

In other news I've had an interview and a couple of book reviews this week.

Cindy Williams interviewed me for her blog Writer's Mirror on Wednesday.

Danyelle Ferguson at Queen of the Clan blog reviewed my book. Danyelle has a non-fiction book coming out next summer which I'm totally excited about.

Tristi Pinkston, author and reviewer of many fine books, reviewed my book on her blog.

A big thanks to all of these ladies! My big local launch party is happening at the Fillmore, Utah library tomorrow from 10 AM to 1 PM if you or anyone you know lives in the area, invite them over.

Book Review: "Prayers the Bring Miracles" by Stephen M. Bird

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:21:00 +0000

First, the blurb:

In the summer of 1983, a young Marine knocked on the door of Chaplain Bird. His face was ashen and his eyes wide with fear. He had just come up positive for the second time on a drug test and now faced certain demotion to the lowest rank, two months in the brig, and a dishonorable discharge.

The Marine explained that he was innocent and that there must have been some mistake. He went on to say that he had recently married a woman with five children. The family was living in military housing and his wife was currently receiving treatment at the base hospital for bone cancer. If he were kicked out of the Corps, his family would have no home or income.

As he listened to the young man’s story, Chaplain Bird began to pray. After the Marine finished, the chaplain heard Heavenly Father say, “I’m the only one who can help him now.”

This began a spiritual adventure for both the Marine and Chaplain Bird. As they talked, prayed, and read form the scriptures Brother Bird felt impressed to teach this young man how to pray. A few days later the Marine returned to Brother Bird’s office saying, “Chaplain, you’ll never believe what happened.”

The result of their prayer together was so remarkable that Brother Bird began to share the story with other Marines. Virtually all those who learned and used the same principles of prayer as this young Marine came back to report their own personal miracles.

There are lots of books about prayer on the market today, but even if you already have another one, this book is well worth reading. In the first chapter the author tells the story mentioned above, and lists the scriptures that he felt guided to read with the Marine. In following chapters he discusses each scripture and tells more stories to illustrate them. The book is engaging and definitely inspired. I can open this book to any page and feel the spirit of truth in them. I know I'll read it again and again.

This book can be purchased at Amazon.com.

Book trailer for "My Fair Godmother"

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:54:00 +0000

I loved this book, Janette Rallison just had the book trailer made for it!

Great video honoring our troops

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:48:00 +0000

One of my friends sent me this link. It's a beautiful song, and great video, just thought I'd share.

Book review Mark Shurtleff's "Am I Not a Man?"

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:56:00 +0000

When I first heard that Utah State Attorney General Mark L Shurtleff had written a book and that Valor was publishing it I admit I wondered if it was only being published because he was well known rather than for content. However, I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened the book and began reading. Shurtleff has a lyrical way of story telling that adds to the story, rather than making me feel bogged down with description. The prose was true to the time period and felt very authentic.

A few details about the story. Am I Not a Man: The Dred Scott Story is the true tale of Dred Scott, a man who was a slave back in the 1840s and 1850s (earlier than that, actually since he has a nearly-grown daughter when the story begins.). He and his wife had been taken from a slave state and lived in a free state for some months or years. During this time the laws were such that if a slave was taken to a free state by their masters they were automatically considered free. While they were there, his wife gave birth to a daughter. They later returned to a slave state and Dred Scott sued for his freedom. The courts granted it, but his previous owner's family decided to pursue the matter and got the ruling overturned a couple of years later.

Dred Scott wouldn't give up however, and eventually the case went before the Supreme Court, where the justice issued his opinion that the blacks were not real men after all and deserved no consideration. This declaration so infuriated many of the citizens in the free states that it catapulted Abraham Lincoln--a relatively unknown candidate--into the presidency and pushed the country into the Civil War.

This story is used as a case history for law students all over this country, which is how Shurtleff learned about it years ago. He's dedicated considerable time over the years studying the history, visiting the sights and speaking with Dred Scott's descendants.

The story reads like a novel, pulling the reader into the story and heartaches of Dred and his family. The book can be purchased at Amazon.com and will soon be in stores everywhere. If you live along the Wasatch Front and would like to meet the author, he is having a big book launch party at Barnes and Noble at the Gateway in SLC on November 3.

Disclaimer: just because the FTC seems to think I need one. The publisher provided me with a free soft-bound, unedited advanced reader edition for this review. However, we had already ordered a limited-edition hard copy, and I would have done the review regardless. But I'm keeping the ARC anyway.

My books have arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:09:00 +0000

Today was a serious red-letter day for me. I still marvel to think that a little plot idea I had eight or so years ago has finally morphed into a book of my own. There were lots of little milestones, from actually finishing the manuscript, to sending it on each successive round of critiques (two by groups of friends, plus a professional edit by Josi Kilpack and various edits between each of them). Then there was the nail-biting process of submission. Finally I got my contract--which was a huge day. I remember I was totally alone at home, late in the evening when found my contract in my email--it was more than a day old already because I hadn't expected it to come yet so I hadn't been anxiously waiting (laying in wait from six week after submission until something comes through can totally drive one insane).

I remember jumping around my house--alone because my husband had dropped me off after our trip north and then gone to run an errand. My cell phone was acting up (my cell phone is always having trouble when I get a contract, or my friend Danyelle calls me to discuss the latest excitement on her own book--seriously, it's happened three, or is it four times now!) so I ended up chatting online with my friend to tell her, and jumping around alone, celebrating for twenty minutes or so until my husband came home.

I took one final look at the manuscript (because no matter how many edits we've already done, a writer could keep tinkering for years. There's always something left to tweak). Then I waited, and waited and waited for my turn to do edits. Just as I was about to go full swing into promotions I got the word that my book was being postponed from the original publication date in June to October.

Though that was a let down to have to wait even longer, it turned out to be a good move as National Adoption Awareness Month is in November, when my book (which deals with adoption issues) will be available in most bookstores. Also, It's been relatively easy to get into bookstores because they are having promotions for the holidays, so I may get more exposure this way than I would have in the summer.

In the meantime, I got the contract for my second book, which was also totally awesome. =) We went through edits (Heidi is a saint if even half of her writers are as featherbrained as I am). And the book cover arrived. That was totally cool.

But nothing was as great as hearing the door to my parents' store (where I work twice a week) open and hearing the tread of the UPS man's footsteps. I leaped from the desk where I was working on the weekend deposit and ran around the displays so I could see him while I asked--"is it my book?"

I saw my mom lean over the stack of boxes and confirm that yes, one of them did have my books in it. Now, the UPS guy has never been especially chatty. Friendly and polite, yes, but I've never seen him hang around for a second longer than necessary. However, when he realized it was copies of MY BOOK he waited to watch me feverishly trying to cut through the plastic invoice holder that crossed the opening between the flaps (and loaned me his box opener because I was having trouble). I pulled away the packaging and beamed as this beautiful sight greeted me!

Oh, yes, they're mine, all mine! Except for the one I sold less than five minutes later. Or the one half an hour after that. Or the third one a couple of hours after that. But somehow that's even cooler. Not only do I now have copies of the book I wrote, but three other people already have copies on their own nightstands, bookshelves, or dinner tables (or with any luck, propped open being read while they ought to be doing something else!).

Once more I have to say a big thanks to my editor Heidi Doxey for being so fabulous to work with, and to Angela Olsen for the gorgeous cover.

Do I look happy?

Just a quick note

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:07:00 +0000

I just posted a list of all the fun stuff I'm up to right now over at the Cedar Fort Authors blog, so you might want to go over and read more details about the events now listed in my sidebar.

My author copies are supposed to arrive to my excited little hands on Monday, and I didn't mention this on the other blog, but my book trailer is very nearly finished and I'm so excited to show the world. Hopefully I'll have that ready to show everyone by mid week.

By Love or By Sea book trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:33:00 +0000

All right, I got the link from Rachel Rager this morning, but my day has just been busy, so here's her book trailer. Hope you like it.

Rachel Rager's book "By Love or By Sea"

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Alice Lind Frank never forgot the boy she loved when she was just six years old, even after he was lost at sea. Now a young woman, Alice has found happiness in living and working with her grandparents, and in the affections of Clarence Hielott, the wealthy shipyard owner who intends to make Alice his bride.

When a ragged sailor appears in town, Alice is reminded of the young boy who once held her heart. Upon learning that the sailor is in fact her childhood love, Caleb, she finds herself falling for him again.

But Clarence refuses to let this ghost from the past destroy his plans for the future. He exposes the secrets of Caleb’s past, and Alice realizes that the boy she once knew is now a man with a dark history. Soon Caleb and Clarence are locked in a fierce competition for Alice’s heart.

Rachel Rager is a new writer who states she was a hopeless romantic from the start. And she states: "When I sit down to read a book and relax, I want to be swept away; I want to be entertained; I want to forget about the trouble in my own life and enjoy a little romance. That is what you will find here. Romance. Good, clean wholesome ROMANCE!"

You can read an excerpt of her book at her website, or check out her blog. If I can find her book trailer again (what happened to that link?) I'll post that as well.

If you post a comment on my blog (please, you'll have to come to the actual blog for this one, Facebook posts won't count) Rachel will enter you to win a copy of her book. So post away!

By Love or By Sea is available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and many other place LDS books are sold (even though there's no LDS content, it's just clean fiction.)

Book review of Linda Chadwick's "Second Chances"

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:23:00 +0000

I first met Linda at a conference our publisher held in June, then managed to connect with her again through Facebook and some other groups. Not having read the back cover blurb before starting to read her book, I had no idea what it was even about before I started reading. This book is YA, though I think adults would enjoy it equally as well.

After Larry Porter's wife dies, he is left as sole caregiver to two teens and a daughter in elementary school. This would be tough enough under the circumstances, but over the preceding years, Larry has focused on his career, wanting to become more successful, make more money, rather than take the time to make memories or grow strong bonds with his children. His teenage son and daughter hold more than a little resentment when Larry re-prioritizes to put them first and doubt that he's sincere.

When his older daughter starts to act out and his son Chris is badly beaten up things go from bad to worse until Larry wonders if he will ever be able to pull it all together again, or if his family is fractured forever.

This was well-crafted and smartly plotted with good characterization and a compelling story that pulled me along to the end. I look forward to seeing what Linda has to offer us in the future.

This book can be purchased on Amazon, from the publisher, Desert Book, or most anywhere else LDS books are sold.

All kinds of cool contests

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:14:00 +0000

I hope my friends forgive me if I miss them, because there are lots of fun things going on right now.

My friend Rachelle is giving away a prize for the amazing Workbox company (huge scrapbook/crafters dream organizer). You can choose from one of two prizes, and the winner gets entered to win one of the really big organizers--which is worth $1200. Seriously, if you love to craft, and don't have huge amounts of space, you have to check this out. There are lots of ways to enter.

My friend Nichole is giving away a free copy of Zion's Promise: Amidst War's Alarms, which is a hardcover of the third volume of this series.

Tristi's isn't really a contest, and there's no prize, unless you think meeting your goal is prize worthy--which it totally is. On her challenge blog she has announced the beginning of the newest quarterly challenge. Originally it was supposed to be a write a book in a month contest, but has since evolved to whatever project people need to get done, whether revision, new writing, edits, etc. I intend to finish my WIP, which still needs about thirty pages, more or less. I also want to completely edit and revise my third book (if we count the one with the contract as my first book and ignore all of the other books I wrote or mostly wrote or did a good chunk of work on before I submitted The Ball's in Her Court--which should be released next week) which I still need to name. Seriously. Anyway, the plan is to have it ready for submission by Halloween, which would be good since my book should hit stores around then and I'm hoping to be very busy with publicity.

And if you've just been looking for an excuse to get back into shape, or a lose a few pounds before the holidays, check out Cami Checketts blog Fitness for Moms, in which she is having a fitness contest which will culminate in lots of awesome prizes--including a copy of my book, The Ball's in Her Court. Even if all you want to do is drink 8 glasses of water a day and eat 4 or more servings of vegetables you get two points each day--how easy is that? There are other ways to earn more points (like, you know, cutting sweets or actually exercising, too). Go read up on it now.

I know there were more awesome things, but I can't remember what they all were, and it's far too late for me to be up anyway. Just as a note, check out my new blog where I'm going to post of information about great, clean reads you can give your kids, mom, cousin, sister or Relief Society president without worrying what they'll contain. It feeds to my new Facebook fan page so if you Facebook you can get a notice each day about something new and interesting you might want to check out.

Please, feel free to pass on any of these contest, blogs, fan pages, etc to anyone you think might be interested.

Win one of Shirley Bahlmann's books

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:21:00 +0000

This week Anne Bradshaw is giving away one of Shirley Bahlmann's books on her blog. The free book is entitled "Pioneers: A Course in Miracles" and is one of seventeen books this prolific author has published, several volumes of which contain true pioneer stories. Check it out and enter to win!

Book review: Against the Odds by Jewel Adams

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Last month I was offered the chance to review Jewel Adam's book Against the Odds. Though I've known who Jewel is for several years, I hadn't had a chance to read any of her books. Jewel writes for both adults and teens and specializes in clean romances. Many of the books promote faith, though even those that don't feature characters with strong morals.

Against the Odds is just such a book. First, the backliner:

Tired of dealing with an unfaithful husband after seven years of marriage, Raine Edmunds finally gets a divorce. Wanting to start over, she leaves her successful modeling career behind and goes to a ranch near Roswell, New Mexico to stay with her best friend. The ranch is the perfect place for her to take stock of her life and all she's accomplished.

Then Raine meets Hayden, her friend's brother-in-law, and the opposite of all the other men she has ever known. As their friendship blossoms, so does her love of ranch life. She discovers that what she wants most-what her heart truly desires-is right in front of her.

Everything about Raine and Hayden's love is against the odds. Now they must prove to each other and to themselves that no matter what trials assail them, their love will be strong enough to overcome any obstacle.

The characters face issues and fears many of our society have to deal with every day and handle them in realistic ways. This is a light, quick read finishing off at 210 pages, just right to curl up with on a free afternoon. It's available in ebook on her site, or in hard copy from Amazon.com. Check out her website to learn more.

Call for adoption/reunion stories

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Justesen) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:57:00 +0000

If you haven't noticed from my previous posts, my book, The Ball's in Her Court is about a woman who was adopted out of foster care and decides she needs answers to her past. With National Adoption Awareness month looming in November, I want to do a series of posts about people's adoption stories, as well as some about reuniting with family down the road. It's such a difficult process--on both ends.

So everyone knows about adoption, but how many people have heard of open adoptions, where the lines of communication remain opened between the birth families and adoptive families? This can range from yearly letters back and forth, to including the birth families in major celebrations and backyard picnics.

There is quite a bit of controversy about open adoptions in some circles, just as there will always be controversy about adoptees and birth families searching for each other years later. The fact is, there are no pat answers, and no two situations are the same. No matter which road those involve choose, adoption is something ripe with emotion on all sides, both good and bad. I hope to celebrate the good during the month of November and hope you'll join me.

And, if you have a story about adoption, foster care, or adoptive reunion that you'd like to share, please send me an email at {Heather at Heatherjustesen dot com}. If anyone would prefer to remain anonymous, I'd be happy to keep their identities secret.