Earlier this year, I won The Quest for Family: Beauty from Ashes, by Jessica Clancy in a Goodreads Giveaway. This is the author’s true story of overcoming childhood abuse to become a productive member of society as an adult. Understanding Me As a Reader First, in no way is my 3-star rating a reflection on…… Continue reading The Quest for Family: Overcoming the Odds (3 Stars)
Author: Shilo Dawn Goodson
My name is Shilo Dawn Goodson. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Reading and writing are my two big passions.
I Swore I’d Never, But… Feeling Like the Outcast
Feeling Like the Outcast has been several years in the making. Back in 2017 or 2018, I started feeling like there was a specific book that I needed to write. I fought that feeling for over a year. I didn’t want to write it. While most of what I write has personal elements, this was…… Continue reading I Swore I’d Never, But… Feeling Like the Outcast
The Palisades: Who’s the Most Delusional? (4.5 Stars)
I recently finished reading an ARC of The Palisades by Gail Lynn Hanson. This book will be available on Kindle on October 24. I’m not sure when the paperback version will be released. There are two main characters, Dorothy and Ruth. Both are a bit delusional. Dorothy, who grew up in the Midwest, moved to…… Continue reading The Palisades: Who’s the Most Delusional? (4.5 Stars)
Maybe Their Blinker’s Broken: Don’t Be So Quick to Judge
This wasn’t the post I’d planned to write today. It wasn’t even on my list of potential future blog topics. Yet, as I was working at the temple yesterday, the outline for a blog about how we sometimes judge others without the full story came to me. Because of that, I felt that this was…… Continue reading Maybe Their Blinker’s Broken: Don’t Be So Quick to Judge
Casalvento: House of the Wind- Italian Vineyard Inheritance (4.5 Stars)
Recently, I finished reading Casalvento: House of the Wind by Gudron Cuillo. This book is about Erika Germoglio, who lives in New York City. Just as things in her life really feel like they are falling into place, she learns that she’s inherited an Italian vineyard. Before long, her whole life is turned upside-down. What…… Continue reading Casalvento: House of the Wind- Italian Vineyard Inheritance (4.5 Stars)
Repentance and a Food Mandoline Emergency
Lately, I’ve been thinking about a food mandoline emergency that happened almost exactly nine years ago. I won’t go into all the details of the incident, but feel free to skip ahead to the “Damage is Worse Than Expected” heading if you get a bit queasy regarding medical emergencies. Basically, I was slicing potatoes, didn’t…… Continue reading Repentance and a Food Mandoline Emergency
Cross the Line: A Nonwinning Protest to Impress Story
A while back, I entered a writing contest for “Not Quite Write.” When I entered the contest, I knew almost nothing about the company, so I entered based 100% on the contest rules. There were four rules. First, it had to be no more than 600 words. Second, it had to have someone cross a…… Continue reading Cross the Line: A Nonwinning Protest to Impress Story
How to Win a Goodreads Giveaway: Tips and Hints
In the last four and a half months, I’ve won thirteen Goodreads Giveaways. I’ve had people ask me how they can win a Goodreads Giveaway. While I wouldn’t say that I’m an expert, there are several things that I think have helped me to be successful. Of course, some of these tips may or may…… Continue reading How to Win a Goodreads Giveaway: Tips and Hints
The Seafarer’s Secret: Blackbeard and Treasure (5 Stars)
Recently, I was able to read an ARC of The Seafarer’s Secret by Carol Ann Collins. The actual book will not be published until January 30, 2024. If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend preordering this book. It has murder, mystery, Blackbeard, treasure, and a whole lot more. The story takes place in…… Continue reading The Seafarer’s Secret: Blackbeard and Treasure (5 Stars)
General Conference is Over- What I Learned- Now What?
Last week, I wrote a bit of a pre-General Conference post. I talked about some of the reasons that I looked forward to General Conference. Now I’d like to focus on what I learned from the most recent sessions as well as how my excitement matched up with each thing that I was excited about.…… Continue reading General Conference is Over- What I Learned- Now What?