Recent reads

While on a trip I was able to finish these two books which I have been wanting to read for a while.  Foggy with a Chance of Murder is from one of my favorite authors, G. G. Vandagriff.  Set on the foggy Southern California coast, the two main characters are dealing with issues of loss and betrayal while one of them becomes the target of terrorists.  A neighbor becomes a trusted confidant who shares his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I enjoyed the character development in this story.  The suspense part of the plot was not as much of the focus, and some of it was a little far-fetched but still enjoyable.  I would have liked to see more loose ends tied up at the end, but overall I found this a fun and inspiring read.

Garden Plot is by a new author to me, Kristen McKendry.  Set in Eastern Canada, the main character is also dealing with loss and betrayal while trying to keep her business, a high-end half-way house for those coming out of drug rehab, going and taking care of her daughter.  This process is complicated by finding the body of a resident in her garden.  The characters in this story were appealing and drew me into story.  The plot follows a more traditional mystery format complete with police detective and with elements of romance and a misunderstood visiting teacher. The main character used humor to keep herself sane which also kept me smiling. I enjoyed this book even more than Foggy.

17 Miracles, the summer sensation

I viewed 17 Miracles in a theater while in Utah for the LDS Booksellers convention a couple of weeks ago.  I had heard so much about it, including how after its release in June regional attendance for this movie in Utah was beating all the other summer blockbusters and how theaters in Utah, Idaho & Arizona kept adding more screens as the summer went on to handle the demand.  Word of mouth was obviously a strong factor, so I wanted to see what the buzz was about as we would have the movie on DVD & Blu-ray in the store on September 13, 2011.

I attended with my son & his wife, and we got there a little late and had to sit in the front as the theater was almost full.  We have heard a lot about the Willie & Martin handcart companies and their tragedies, and I was concerned that I might find the movie a little bit of a downer.  While the film pulled no punches and coming prepared with tissue is definitely advised, I found the movie an inspiring tear-jerker instead of depressing one.  The story focuses on the miracles that transpired during the handcart journey as told mostly through the viewpoint of Levi Savage who, while returning to Utah from a mission to Siam, met the company coming from England in New York and was recruited to be a captain as they desperately needed his pioneering experience.  He was opposed to starting so late in the season season but pledged to help all that he could.  All his fears came true, but the miracles that occurred along the way showed that the hand of the Lord was over the company.  I was most struck by the sacrifices that were made to help each other and by the expressions of gratitude amidst severe trials for the privilege of sacrificing to come to Zion.  We truly came to care about and admire these characters.  As far as the acting was concerned, all I can say is I wasn't noticing the acting as I became too involved in the story--usually a sign of excellent acting.  Below is a link to the trailer.

After the movie, we spent quite a while talking about it and googling George Paddley & Sarah Ann Franks to find out what happened later.  I can't share what we found out without being a spoiler, but I would be happy to share with anyone who has seen the movie the amazing "rest of the story."  I can definitely recommend this movie as worth seeing.  It is rated PG and is appropriate for probably age 10 & up.   Click here to go to our website & read more.  Prepurchases through September 12 benefit the BYU Management Society Silicon Valley chapter scholarship fund.

The Work, Nashville Tribute to the Missionaries Release Concert

While I was in Utah for the LDS Booksellers Convention the first week of August, I attended the release concert for the Nashville Tribute Band's newest album, The Work, A Nashville Tribute to the Missionaries, at the Sandy Amphitheater.  I'm not a real fan of country music in general but had come to enjoy Nashville Tribute's previous album honoring the pioneers (Trek).  There was the usual electric feel that comes with a live performance, but when they opened with "Children, Go Where I Send Thee," I was hooked.  Jason Deere was the announcer and shared many of the stories behind the songs.  There were many inspiring songs, many of which got the audience clapping, but the title song The Work made you want to clap and stomp your feet.  It was an amazing experience to feel the spirit in such circumstances.  

 

We experienced a thunderstorm downpour during three songs in the first half of the performance, but instead of dampening the enthusiasm, it seemed to energize the crowd as we watched the stage hands move the speakers under cover. Special guest performances at the concert (and on the CD) include David Osmond, The Jets and Billy Dean.  Michael McLean also come to help perform a song he co-wrote with Jason Deere.  Having seen these songs performed in person, I now appreciate them even more as I listen to the CD while driving around in the car.  

 

I actually got to meet some of these amazing performers at the convention before the concert, and they signed a CD for me.  The core band members are all successful LDS country music performers and/or songwriters.  Songwriter Jason Deere is the moving force behind their coming together to write and perform music honoring Joseph Smith, the pioneer and now missionary work.  Some other band members for The Work include Katherine Nelson, Due West, and Dan and Ben Truman and Ryan Innes.  This definitely was one of the highlights of my LDSBA convention experience.

Summer 2011 Fiction Extravaganza! All fiction at least 10% off

We are kicking off our summer sales season with a summer-long fiction sale--all fiction is now on sale for at least 10% off through September 3, 2011.  Some of our new fiction is on sale for even more.  Included is young adult and children's fiction as well as used and clearance fiction titles.  No minimum number of books is required to receive the discount.  Come look for entertaining stories of suspense, romance, history and inspiration as well as great young adult fiction/fantasy and children's titles for summer vacation relaxation.  Read and enjoy!

Spring and Mother's Day's Sales

Featured Mother's Day items on our website
Click here to see great ideas for women & mothers

Art & Decor Spring Sale
Just in time for Mother's Day, we are having our semiannual Art & Home Decor sale through May 7, 2011. All framed art is on sale 20% off regular price. Matted prints and plaques are 10% off. Hanging and tabletop decor is on sale 10% while Christus statues are 20% off. We are no longer able to include Willow Tree figurines in our sales but have several new pieces in stock.

If you have been thinking you would like some art or home decor you've seen in our store for yourself or someone else, now is the time to act! Pathways to Eternity, Sandra Rast's beautiful painting of the Oakland Temple, is available as a giclee in two different sizes. Much as we love having this and other beautiful art in the store, we would love to have them go to a good home.

Spring Clearance
We also have many deep discounts on selected clearance books, music & video, up to 72% off, while supplies last. Click here to see some of our clearance items.

Books & Things Catalog
If you have not received a Books & Things catalog, we have extras in the store while supplies last. There are many clearance items at huge savings available while supplies last. Also included are featured new releases, many of which are also on sale. Look on the back of your catalog for a 20% off coupon that can be redeemed in the store or by phone. The Books & Things sale prices are also available on our website, beehivebookstore.com

New Shelf Reliance partnershp

We are excited to now be able to offer the full range of Shelf Reliance THRIVE food storage, food rotations shelves and emergency preparedness products at the lowest prices available.

Click here to check out the various products and planning tools that can be used to upgrade, add to or start your families preparedness planning. Feel free to call us and ask questions. The current price list can be downloaded from the home page of our website, www.beehivebookstore.com, under the Thrive food image. We have samples in the store so you can see how tasty Thrive food is. We have had customers express the opinion that one would have to be pretty desperate to actually eat freeze-dried food. One taste of Thrive freeze-dried pineapple is all it takes to convince them otherwise. We also can now offer Thrive in the smaller pantry-size cans and pouches in addition to the standard #10 cans.

A great discounted price is now available through our store until April 17 on a complete 3-month food and water package for 2 adults for those who want to get a jump start on their storage. Premium freeze-dried strawberries in #10 cans are also on sale during April for those who order through our store.

Let us help you and your family get prepared!

Ladies Night April 2011

We enjoyed the fun and food at our Ladies Night event Saturday, April 2, 2011, after the afternoon session of conference. Our special Conference sale was also available between session 11 to 1, but during Ladies Night we had a treasure hunt, door prizes and food not to mention seeing and chatting with old and new friends. We're sorry we forgot to take photos to share!