Casey's Corner

It's All About a "New Beginning"

2012-01-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

New Beginnings for Young Women

For a young girl turning 12, New Beginnings is such an exciting event. And because it is probably her first experience with the Young Women's program you want to make it extra special.

Faith

Divine Nature

How to Prepare: Some people are AMAZINGLY creative while others, like me, are creative off of others creativity. (meaning I can copy someone's idea to a T!) For those of you like me, here are a few books that might help you get started.

Individual Worth

During New Beginnings we usually explain the YW Theme and Values to the new Young Women coming in. And what is the purpose of these values? To help each Young Woman to one day enter the temple. Check out this amazing video Worth Waiting For. This is a great message to share during New Beginnings or YW in Excellence.

Knowledge

Visual Aids: We LOVE these Young Women Value Posters!

Front of each Card:
- A beautiful depiction of a heroine from the scriptures.
- Below the picture: the value represented by that heroine.
-Scripture reference to the story

Back of each Card:
- Value Color / Value Name

- Value Scripture
- Value Motto
Women Represented:

Faith - Hannah
Divine Nature - Emma Smith
Individual Worth- Rebekah
Knowledge- Mothers of the Stripling Warriors

Choice and Accountability- Daughters in the Wilderness
Good Works- Ruth
Integrity- Esther
Virtue- Mary

Choice and Accountability

You also might want to check out Heart Wide Open (CD)
live what i know (CD)
and Jenny Phillips', The Parable of the Princesses (book)

Good Works

What Products are Available to Help the Girls Track Personal Progress?: Aside from their Personal Progress book, we have...

Personal Progress Tracking Charts

Stickers

and YW value cards and bookmarks

Integrity

Young Women Gift Ideas:

Value Journal

A Young Woman's Quote Book

book by Laurel Christensen

And of course Jewelry!!! (This is only a sample of our YW jewelry. To see more visit our online store and look under our jewelry section.)

Virtue

As always, if you would like to purchase any of these items or just want to learn more, click on the image.

Also, do you have any ideas or examples of what you've done in the past or are doing for New Beginnings? If so, leave a comment and share your idea!

Meet the Staff

2012-01-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

Meet the staff at Boyd's LDS Books

Michael

Favorite LDS Author(s):

Matthew Brown and S. Michael Wilcox

Favorite Genre to Read:

Doctrinal

Favorite LDS Music Artist:

Katherine Nelson and Kenneth Cope

Favorite LDS Movie:

One Good Man and The Best Two Years

Michael is the owner of Boyd's LDS Books

Cheryl

Favorite LDS Author(s):

Ogden, Skinner, Nibley and Callister.

Favorite Genre to Read:

Inspirational and Mystery

Favorite LDS Music Artist:

Alex Boye, and The Nashville Tribute Band

Favorite LDS Movie:

Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration

Cheryl has worked at Boyd's for over 9 years, giving her extensive knowledge about our products.

Marisol

Favorite LDS Author:

Chris Stewart

Favorite Genre to Read:

Drama

Favorite LDS Music Artist:

Jenny Oaks Baker

Favorite LDS Movie:

Saturday’s Warrior

Marisol is our official Spanish translator.

Megan

Favorite LDS Author:

Lisa Mangum

Favorite Genre to Read:

Mystery

Favorite LDS Music Artist:

Jon Schmidt

Favorite LDS Movie:

The Best Two Years

Megan brings humor and laughter to the store. There's just no way you can be in a bad mood when she's around.

Michael Vey: The Prisioner of Cell 25

2012-01-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

Wow! I've been slacking with the book reviews lately! I wrote this review months ago but never posted it!! So, even though I know this book has been out for awhile, I still wanted to share!

My Rating: (4.5/5 stars)

Looking for a little something to help “lighten” your kids work load now that they’re back in school? Or how about something that will help “spark” their imagination? If you’ve noticed that vacant look in their eyes after a long hard day at school, then Michael Vey just might be the solution you need to…shall we say…give them a “serge of energy”?

This book is geared towards ages 11-15, but I think it’s a book the whole family can enjoy!

Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon

2012-01-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

I Know I posted this review several months ago, but my "tech savvy" self, accidentally deleted the post. It's such a good book that I had to post it again. Especially since this year we are studying the Book of Mormon!

My Rating: (5/5 stars)

Come on! With a title like that how could this book not be good!?

Now this book is not for the faint of heart…oh wait, maybe it is. Here are 5 ways to determine if you should read this book.

You might need this book if…

1. You have a teenager who thinks it’s cool to be a little “bad”.

2. You’re feeling a little discouraged because you don’t think you’ll
ever be a Nephi or Captian Moroni.

3. You have a teenager who gives you the classic eye roll when it’s time for scripture study. Or better yet, a teenager who gives you the classic eye roll AND the dreaded sigh.

4. You want an inside scoop on the enemy’s (Satan’s) tactics.

5. If you have a teenager!

Gaunt's perspective is enlightening, his storytelling thrilling and his humor will completely win you over. Maybe it’s not so “bad” being good after all…

The "BOM" of All Study Guides!

2012-01-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

Alright, I've got a joke for ya...

When the Lamanites came to scatter King Lamoni's sheep at the waters of Sebus, Ammon was the only one brave enough to stand up to them.
So why did a whole group of Lamanites run away from one Nephite?
Because they were dis-"armed"
Why didn't they come back?
Because they were de-"feeted"

Get it? I hope so because that's all I got...

I am so excited to study the Book of Mormon this year! I LOVE reading this book, however I often find myself needing a little help with my scripture study. When I use a study guide I gain deeper insights and I feel like my scripture study is more sincere.

That's why we, at Boyd's LDS Books, want to share some of our favorite Book of Mormon study guides with you!

Cheryl

I particularly like "Unlocking the Book of Mormon" because it is a one volume commentary and even has space for you to write your own study notes.
It is a good mid-level study guide.

Mid level study guide: The newest commentary that I really like is "Verse by Verse Book of Mormon" by Ogden and Skinner. It is a two-volume commentary but not a set.

For beginner level, I would recommend "The Book of Mormon Made Easier" by David Ridges. It's great for new members or those who just find scripture study tedious and difficult to understand. It's one of our best sellers. It's a three-volume commentary but you don't have to buy them all at once.

For Companion or Family Study: "The Essential Book of Mormon Companion" takes each chapter of the Book of Mormon and gives a one page commentary and some historical info as well as the key doctrine taught in each chapter. I think this is an awesome book for couples or family study.

Other Books I like:

Michael

My recommendation for an in-depth study of the Book of Mormon is "Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon" by Joseph Fielding Smith and Robert L. Millet. I highly value the opinions of these two leading scholars. It has four volumes and includes the text of the Book of Mormon so it's not necessary to go back and forth between the commentary and the scriptures. Nearly every verse is studied; offering insights on customs, words from prophets, symbolism, connections to the Bible, moral implications etc. I think that you will find this series to be highly resourceful.

If you want to learn more about any of these books just click on them or click on the "shop" tab at the top of the blog.

In-store Promotion

Right now you can get the entire set of David Ridges "Book of Mormon Made Easier" Deluxe Edition for $89.95 (10% OFF), plus a free copy of "Mormon Beliefs".
This special offer will end Jan. 31, 2012.

Original price for both: $117.98
Sale price: $80.99

Winner!

2012-01-07T05:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much, to everyone who participated in the giveaway! We loved hearing about your New Years Resolutions.
If you didn't win this time around don't worry, we'll have even more giveaways in the future!

And now, the winner of our $25 gift certificate goes to...

Kim!!!
(Winner was chosen by using random.org)

Congratulations Kim! Just send your contact information to casey.boyd1@gmail.com and we'll mail your gift certificate to you!

Giveaway!

2012-01-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

The hustle and bustle is over, you've made your New Year's Resolution and your Christmas decorations are finally put away.........ok, well you've at least thought about taking them down.

So... I think it only right to welcome in the new year with our very first Giveaway!!!

How would you like to win a $25 gift certificate to Boyd's LDS Books?

It's easy! Here's how to Enter:
Just tell us your favorite thing about New Years in the comments below this post!

Want a chance to have two extra entries? You can do this by,

1. Subscribing to this blog
and/or
2. Sharing this link on Facebook
(Just make sure you leave an additional comment below this post for every form of entry
ex: "I shared this link of Facebook" )

Rules:

-All entry's must be made by midnight on Friday January 6th 2012. The winner will be announced Saturday and will have until January 14th 2012 to claim their prize.

- Gift Certificate can be redeemed in-store or online at Boyd's LDS Books.

Twas The Day Before Christmas!!!

2011-12-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

Twas the day before Christmas, my shopping was done,
I was ready to partake in some holiday fun!
When what to my wondering mind should appear,
A gift I forget to pick up, oh dear!

Away to the stores I flew like a flash,
With a heart full of dread and my last wad of cash.
But the stores were too crowded and the shelving was bare,
I wanted to yell, "This just isn't fair!"

I started to cry, I sent prayers up to heaven,
Oh great! My gift would have to come from 7-11!
But then from my iPhone I heard a small ding,
A message from Boyd's! I wanted to sing!

Of course they could help! I ran to their store,
I had forgotten that Boyd's was open til 4!

That's right! We'll be open Christmas Eve from 9am-4pm
So if you have that last minute gift or stocking stuffers to pick up,
then stop on by, we'd love to help!

We also have a few Angel Moroni Christmas Tree Toppers
for ( $19.95) in stock!
We have a limited supply so you might want to act fast!

Have a very Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T08:28:00.001-08:00

I just finished reading two books this past week. I enjoyed them so much I thought I'd share.

Whisper Hollow

My Rating: (3.5/5 Stars)

Whisper Hollow takes place during the Civil War and portrays the hardships of two women who are left to tend their farm alone. Between rebel soldiers out for revenge and a budding romance between a country girl and a Yankee Solider, you're sure to stay entertained.

Minor Adjustments

My Rating:
(4/5 Stars)

If you've never read anything by this author then you're in for a treat!
What could be more attractive to a single woman then a gorgeous guy who owns his own company??? A gorgeous guy who owns his own company AND is good with kids of course! Oh wait, Devon Pierce isn't good with kids?
Not yet, but he will be... oh, he will be.
After making a few "Minor Adjustments"that is. Alright, alright! I'll quit with the cheesy puns.
I promise you'll love this witty and sweet story.

Tell us what you thought! Post your own review by leaving a comment below!

Coming Soon!

2011-12-17T19:20:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited!!!!! Casey's Corner is expanding to bigger and better things!
Starting in January this is what you'll have to look forward to...

More book AND movie reviews
(We want you to add your reviews too by leaving comments!)

Weekly blog posts that will be A-MAZ-ING!!!

Gift Ideas

AND...

Contests and Giveaways!!!!

Oh yeah, you heard right. And who doesn't LOVE free stuff?

Don't miss out! subscribe by email.
(located to the right of the blog)

The Miracle of Freedom: 7 Tipping Points that Saved the World

2011-07-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

Rating:(5/5 Stars)

I think this book should have a sub-caption that reads "History for Dummies". I’m interested in history but sometimes I feel like you have to major in it just to understand it. I don’t think that should be the case and that’s why I loved this book!

I love the fact that Chris and Ted Stewart can take historical facts and write them in such a way that is both enthralling and uncomplicated.

What an eye opener this book was. I started it naive in my understanding of freedom, but finished it well enlightened .

The Perfect Fit, Bk 3 of the Butterfly Box Series

2011-07-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Rating:(5/5)

Alright you Bachelor fans, have I got a book for you! The Perfect Fit is book three of the Butterfly Box series and my favorite so far!

I’m not a Bachelor fan myself, but I still had a hard time putting this book down. It has it all; whit, romance and suspense. If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you waiting for? If you love a good romance you'll love this series.

Cative Heart

2011-06-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

Rating (4/5)

When the first line in the book reads, “Outlaws- Please,God. Don’t let them choose me.” You know it’s going to be good. And this book didn’t disappoint me. It’s just one adventure after another for Emmalyne and Thayne and I enjoyed being on the journey with them.

The List

2011-06-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

Rating (4.5/5)

If you’re looking for a fun summer read then make sure The List is on your list!

My favorite thing about this book is the witty dialog. I love it when a story makes me laugh and this one had me chuckling all the way through. So grab your sunscreen and beach towel, because The List is the perfect book to get you ready for summer!

Crossfire

2010-02-09T07:58:00.000-08:00

My Rating: 4/5

What do you get when you send a Navy Seal to rescue an undercover CIA agent, posing as a member of a terrorist organization?...Trouble! And of course a little undercover romance. Join the "Saint Squad" once again in a novel of espionage and suspense.

Alma

2010-02-09T07:49:00.000-08:00

Rating: 5/5

Loved it! If you enjoy books like "Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites", and Orson Scott Cards, "Women of Genesis" series, you'll enjoy Alma.

Saving Madeline

2010-02-09T07:41:00.000-08:00

Rating:4/5

Inspired by real life experiences, Saving Madeline is a story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a lasting impression. This is a great read for book clubs and even provides thought provoking questions at the end of the story for group discussions.

What the Scriptures Teach Us About Raising a Child

2010-01-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

Rating: 5/5

I loved how Wilcox used scriptural parents like Lehi and Alma as examples of how to raise our children. Instead of just quoting a scripture verse and saying "this is what the scriptures tell us we should be doing," he chose actual parenting techniques from the scriptures and pointed out how these righteous parents handled certain situations.

Exploring the Connection Between Mormons and Masons

2010-01-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

Rating:4.5/5

Even if you have no previous knowledge about Masons you can still read this book and understand it. Brown did extensive research on the subject and presents the information in a straightforward and factual way.

Methods of Madness

2009-11-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

My Rating: 4.5/5

What a thriller! There are tons of plot-twisting and suspense to keep you guessing on the edge of your seat until the very end. And once the killer is finally revealed, I had to go back and re-read this book a second time to find clues or odd discoveries I missed the first time around.

If you like books that get your heart pumping then you'll love Methods of Madness. The romance is very low-key as well, putting more of the focus on the murder-mystery.

Illuminations of the Heart

2009-11-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

My Rating: 4.5/5

If you enjoy a good romance then you have to read Illuminations of the Heart. It will be one of those books you can hardly put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will probably read it again.

Counting Stars

2009-11-02T13:21:00.000-08:00

My Rating:4/5

Counting Stars is a really fun read. The story is original and will give you a nice break from the mundane romance novels that are out there. You might even laugh out loud a couple of times, I know I did. It's so nice to be able to pick up a book and be surprised every once in a while. Age group focus: 18+

Shadow Hunter

2009-08-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

My Rating:

Shadow Hunter is the perfect book for men who like to read fiction. It has suspense, a military setting, and no mushy "roll the eyes romance". Now, even though I just said that it's the perfect novel for men, I read it and still enjoyed it, even without the romance. The focus of the story is solely on catching this particular terrorist. What’s so cool is that you get to see the story unfold from both the government's side and the terrorist’s side. It was very interesting and if you have a military background I think you'd really enjoy it.

Love That Lasts

2009-08-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

My Rating:

Whether you’re Newlyweds or celebrating your 45^th wedding anniversary, Love That Lasts is the perfect book to read with your spouse or on your own. I have read several books on marriage and relationships, and this is one of my favorites! Even if you already have a loving and healthy marriage, you’ll learn more about your spouse and yourself than you realized before. Love That Lasts also provides entertaining quizzes that allow you to interact with one another, and personal stories that you can relate to and apply in your own marriage. All couples have to work hard in maintaining a healthy marriage and will experience difficulty with one thing or another. So, if you’re looking for help to strengthen your relationship with your mate or if you’re just looking to add a little bit of fun and spark back into your marriage, try the fourteen secrets found in Love That Lasts!

Hard Times and Holy Places

2009-06-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

My Rating:

Hard Times and Holy Places is an inspirational book that will encourage and fortify your faith during challenges while on this earth. Although the physical hardships Kristin Belcher experienced may be different than our own, we can all relate to her feelings of frustration, loneliness, and abandonment when her life turned out differently than she had planned.

What I loved the most about Kristin’s book is her idea that we can make any ordinary place a holy place; a place of refuge and peace where we can be taught and comforted by the Spirit. I also loved Kristin’s take on the word “why”. She learned that getting through mortal trials was easier when she replaced “why” with “why not?” Through Kristin’s humor and humble testimony, Hard Times and Holy Places can become our guide to finding peace and comfort through adversity. We can learn how to laugh at our troubles and find strength and healing in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For those feeling overwhelmed or saddened by the burdens they have had to carry, Hard Times and Holy Places is the perfect gift to provide encouragement and hope.

The Hourglass Door

2009-05-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

My Rating:

The Hourglass Door is a novel that is both intriguing and mysterious. It puts a whole new spin on time travel and one thing’s for sure; it’s going to leave you wanting more. Your curiosity will be piqued before you even finish the prologue and by the last page you’ll be anxious for the next adventure to begin. It’s a fairly easy read and it gets right into the story. After I read it for the first time I found myself reading it again just to see if I missed anything or if I could piece some more of the puzzle together.

When you throw in a bit of mystery, romance, and a cute foreign–exchange student from Italy, you just can’t go wrong.

Lockdown

2009-04-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

My Rating:

Well of course I loved it! It was a little more serious than her other books, but that's to be expected since it’s based on a true story. The plot is very realistic and Traci does a great job tying everything together in the end. I found it very easy to connect with the characters in this story and was caught up in suspenseful moments where I held my breath as I anxiously read their fate.

One thing I love about Traci Abramson is that she’ll briefly introduce a character in a book and then make them the main character in a later book she writes. For example, in Freefall she introduces us to an all LDS group of Navy Seals and you are briefly introduced to one Seal named Tristen. However, it isn’t until Lockdown that he actually becomes the main character. It’s great because you can continue to follow the characters you love, but experience a completely different story at the same time.

Lockdown is a novel that will intrigue you during the very first chapter, shock you when you least expect it, and leave you eager for the next adventure.

Lemon Tart

2009-03-25T05:14:00.001-07:00

My Rating:

I love a good mystery, especially when it leaves you with a surprise ending! Now, I do have to admit that this book is different from the others I’ve read. First of all our heroin, an “independent detective,” is not a young and curious 20 year old but a slightly more mature, witty and sassy 50 year old with a lot of spunk and a knack for getting into trouble. Move over Angela Lansbury, there’s a new girl in town who’s cook’n up a storm…literally. Sadie is a bake-a-holic with a motto that a “warm pan of homemade chocolate brownies can cure anything” (hmmm…she actually might be on to something there).
I loved this book for several reasons. First, at the end of the chapters you’ll find authentic “Sadie Recipes” (usually for something Sadie cooked in the previous chapter).
Second, this mystery kept me guessing. I seriously thought I had the whole thing figured out for several chapters until another clue would appear and let me suspect someone else. When the true murderer was revealed I was shocked.
I enjoyed the story from beginning to the end and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you like fast paced mysteries that start as soon as the book begins than you’ll love Lemon Tart. I only have one word of advice…Make sure you read this book with a snack; otherwise you might start feeling a little munchie.:-)

Traitor and Tribunal

2009-03-07T17:06:00.000-08:00

My Rating:

This is a great read for those who enjoy a little history woven into a fictitious story. Now my brain is only about 10% history driven and 90% romance driven, but Sandra Grey did a great job intermingling fact and fiction in keeping me engrossed through out the whole book. I learned a lot about the war in France, the resistance, and the Gestapo without ever realizing I had diverted from the story and was actually reading history. (And just as a side note, there’s definitely a romance worthy of reading in this story along with a few shockers that I didn’t see coming!)
For those of you who are real history buffs, check out the historical notes for each chapter at the back of the book where Grey provides even more information about World War II.
In summary, when there’s gallantry, conflict, romance, and espionage all woven into one story…who wouldn’t love Traitor? And no worries guys, the romance is very low key. Both men and women would enjoy reading this novel.

Tribunal (Sequel to Traitor)

My Rating:

Yes, It’s true! The sequel to Traitor is here and it picks up right where Traitor left off…but the plot thickens!!! We now have a couple of new characters who bring unexpected twists and havoc into the lives of Marie, Rolf, and Hans. And certain decisions must be made that could mean life or death for some. But I don’t want to be a plot spoiler so, if you’ve read Traitor and want to know more, you’ll just have to read Tribunal. Believe me, it’ll be worth it.

I Just Got A Letter From Allyson Pringle

2009-02-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

My Rating:

Don’t let the pink cover fool you- this is no ordinary teenage story. For one thing the main Character Kendall, is a boy in his senior year of high school. The story is told from Kendall’s perspective and to be honest, wasn’t what I expected at all. It surprised me, in a good way, and I instantly became impressed with the story. Kendall is an ordinary LDS teenager, but I love how Anya Bateman portrays his character as being valiant and true to his beliefs even when it isn’t considered “cool”. I know teens will be able to relate to Kendall’s yearnings to be popular among his peers as well as his struggles to do the right thing even though he must stand alone. Even though this book is fictitious it contains great messages and I absolutely love the fact that it doesn’t promote teen dating. How often does that happen in a teenage novel? In fact, it places emphasis on remaining friends until after missions. How refreshing!

Royal Target

2009-02-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

My Rating:

You know the famous line “If you build it they will come” from the movie Field of Dreams? Well, “If Traci Abramson writes it, I’ll read it!” I was so excited when I found out Royal Target was coming out and what it was about, I mean come on! Janessa works for the CIA and is given the assignment to help protect the royal family after they’ve received numerous death threats. In order to do this she must become engaged to the prince! This has romance and action written all over it. How could I not get excited!? There’s a handsome prince, royal jewels, beautiful dresses, girls with guns… It’s every girls dream! (well except the part where people are trying to kill you) Anyway, I read it and loved it. No surprise there. I love Traci’s writing style. The romance is there, but so is the suspense! And come on, we all know those are the two things that can make or break a book. If you read Royal Target and like it, be on the lookout for another book Traci’s writing called Lockdown. It’s due out sometime in March of 2009!