Come in. Look around.
When you have finished, find me and let's have a chat!
When you have finished, find me and let's have a chat!
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A House Divided
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Another fantastic review. And a Crowned Heart award!
Daughter of Ishmael: Promised Land, Broken Heart
Diane Stringam Tolley
Genre: Inspirational
https://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Ishmael-Promised-Broken-Heart-ebook/dp/B01MS1XJU2?SubscriptionId=AKIAJUNAWUOLIRZOFMWQ&tag=intama-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01MS1XJU2
HISTORICAL: The family of Ishmael is blessed with many daughters and when God commands their kinsman, Lehi, to flee Jerusalem with his family of many sons, Ishmael decides to join their families in marriage and leave together. His daughter Hannah hopes to wed the faithful Nephi, but she instead is given to Lemuel, a man who struggles with standing firm. As they venture to a new land, many trials and difficulties await them physically and spiritually. When Hannah’s own faith is tested to the limit, will she be able to stay strong?
Readers are introduced to Hannah at a very young age and follow her life into adulthood. She is a faithful young woman filled with hope of the wonderful husband and family she will have someday, until her arranged marriage to a weak man changes everything. Hannah’s character is well-developed and the setting of her ancient culture intertwined with her spiritual convictions is especially well done. Readers will truly be able to experience myriad emotions as Hannah is forced to make choices and decisions that take her in directions she hadn’t ever planned on. There are several twists and turns throughout the book that are riveting, though there are times the pacing is uneven. The thought-provoking themes of faith vs. obedience, and culture and tradition vs. following your heart will leave an impression long after the last page is turned. With memorable characters, vivid settings, and a roller-coaster of emotion, readers will be hard-pressed to put this inspirational story down.
Kate Campbell
Diane Stringam Tolley
Genre: Inspirational
https://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Ishmael-Promised-Broken-Heart-ebook/dp/B01MS1XJU2?SubscriptionId=AKIAJUNAWUOLIRZOFMWQ&tag=intama-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01MS1XJU2
HISTORICAL: The family of Ishmael is blessed with many daughters and when God commands their kinsman, Lehi, to flee Jerusalem with his family of many sons, Ishmael decides to join their families in marriage and leave together. His daughter Hannah hopes to wed the faithful Nephi, but she instead is given to Lemuel, a man who struggles with standing firm. As they venture to a new land, many trials and difficulties await them physically and spiritually. When Hannah’s own faith is tested to the limit, will she be able to stay strong?
Readers are introduced to Hannah at a very young age and follow her life into adulthood. She is a faithful young woman filled with hope of the wonderful husband and family she will have someday, until her arranged marriage to a weak man changes everything. Hannah’s character is well-developed and the setting of her ancient culture intertwined with her spiritual convictions is especially well done. Readers will truly be able to experience myriad emotions as Hannah is forced to make choices and decisions that take her in directions she hadn’t ever planned on. There are several twists and turns throughout the book that are riveting, though there are times the pacing is uneven. The thought-provoking themes of faith vs. obedience, and culture and tradition vs. following your heart will leave an impression long after the last page is turned. With memorable characters, vivid settings, and a roller-coaster of emotion, readers will be hard-pressed to put this inspirational story down.
Kate Campbell
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Wonderful Review of
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DAUGHTER OF ISHMAEL by Diane Stringam Tolley
If you’re looking for a love story, this isn’t it. Daughter of Ishmael by Diane Stringam Tolley is a fictionalized account of the Book of Mormon story of Lehi’s and Ishmael’s combined families’ journey from Jerusalem to the Promised Land told from the viewpoint of Ishmael’s middle daughter, Hannah.
Hannah and her sisters are aware from an early age that they are to marry the sons of Lehi, presumably in the same order as their ages. That would make Sam her intended. However her next older sister carries on a flirtation with Laman and after punishing the pair, their parents decide they should marry, leaving the oldest daughter without a prospective husband. Lehi and Ishmael decide Hannah, who is deeply religious, should marry Lemuel thus leading him away from being Laman’s shadow. Hannah is disappointed, but agrees.
The story progresses from the disappearance from Jerusalem of Lehi’s family, their return for the plates of Laban, the addition of Zoram to their group, the journey through the wilderness, construction of a boat, to finally arriving at the promised land. Hannah’s sisters and even Sariah, Lehi’s wife, produce children, but Hannah does not. She and Lemuel have their ups and downs, but it isn’t until they almost finish their journey that she finds herself with child. Her heart breaks when Laman, who has only daughters, draws away her precious son. The story reaches its climax when Nephi’s people separate themselves from Laman and his followers.
The characters in this story feel realistic though in reality, we know little about the daughters of Ishmael nor his sons and their wives. The scriptures reveal little about Lehi’s daughters as well. The author has given them recognizable characteristics with which readers can relate. The various settings from the city of Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside, through the desert country of the Middle East, to the ocean and on to the American continent is researched well. Jewish customs and household duties reveal meticulous research. As young girls often do, the daughters of Ishmael, planned and dreamed of their future husbands and children and at first this retelling of this Book of Mormon story appears to be headed toward a typical romance with Hannah and Nephi as the leading characters, but it takes a sharp turn from storybook romance with the marriage of Hannah and Lemuel.
Dreams don’t always come true. Stories don’t always have happy endings. Life is full of disappointments. Yet this story is not dreary or negative, but teaches strong lessons concerning faith and obedience to God’s laws. Perhaps what we see as the end is not the end. Those following President Thomas S. Monson’s admonition at the recent General Conference to read and study the Book of Mormon may find it worthwhile to read the scriptural story and this novel in tandem to discover for themselves the truths clarified by Sister Tolley and determine which concepts and actions are simply imagination and which promote adherence to God’s commandments. Those who enjoy action stories, historical fans, and those who read human drama will find much to like in Daughter of Ishmael.
If you’re looking for a love story, this isn’t it. Daughter of Ishmael by Diane Stringam Tolley is a fictionalized account of the Book of Mormon story of Lehi’s and Ishmael’s combined families’ journey from Jerusalem to the Promised Land told from the viewpoint of Ishmael’s middle daughter, Hannah.
Hannah and her sisters are aware from an early age that they are to marry the sons of Lehi, presumably in the same order as their ages. That would make Sam her intended. However her next older sister carries on a flirtation with Laman and after punishing the pair, their parents decide they should marry, leaving the oldest daughter without a prospective husband. Lehi and Ishmael decide Hannah, who is deeply religious, should marry Lemuel thus leading him away from being Laman’s shadow. Hannah is disappointed, but agrees.
The story progresses from the disappearance from Jerusalem of Lehi’s family, their return for the plates of Laban, the addition of Zoram to their group, the journey through the wilderness, construction of a boat, to finally arriving at the promised land. Hannah’s sisters and even Sariah, Lehi’s wife, produce children, but Hannah does not. She and Lemuel have their ups and downs, but it isn’t until they almost finish their journey that she finds herself with child. Her heart breaks when Laman, who has only daughters, draws away her precious son. The story reaches its climax when Nephi’s people separate themselves from Laman and his followers.
The characters in this story feel realistic though in reality, we know little about the daughters of Ishmael nor his sons and their wives. The scriptures reveal little about Lehi’s daughters as well. The author has given them recognizable characteristics with which readers can relate. The various settings from the city of Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside, through the desert country of the Middle East, to the ocean and on to the American continent is researched well. Jewish customs and household duties reveal meticulous research. As young girls often do, the daughters of Ishmael, planned and dreamed of their future husbands and children and at first this retelling of this Book of Mormon story appears to be headed toward a typical romance with Hannah and Nephi as the leading characters, but it takes a sharp turn from storybook romance with the marriage of Hannah and Lemuel.
Dreams don’t always come true. Stories don’t always have happy endings. Life is full of disappointments. Yet this story is not dreary or negative, but teaches strong lessons concerning faith and obedience to God’s laws. Perhaps what we see as the end is not the end. Those following President Thomas S. Monson’s admonition at the recent General Conference to read and study the Book of Mormon may find it worthwhile to read the scriptural story and this novel in tandem to discover for themselves the truths clarified by Sister Tolley and determine which concepts and actions are simply imagination and which promote adherence to God’s commandments. Those who enjoy action stories, historical fans, and those who read human drama will find much to like in Daughter of Ishmael.
Daughter of Ishmael
It's a hit!
Daughter of Ishmael
is in stores now and
The reviews are starting to come in:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I couldn't stop reading this great book!
By My Book A Day on January 13, 2017
"I couldn't stop reading this one! I loved everything about it!"
5.0 out of 5 stars
I genuinely enjoyed this one
By BoyMom on January 13, 2017
"The pacing of the book was perfect—always moving forward—every chapter, paragraph, and word essential to the story. (And I, as a writer, took a few notes. :))"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful, skillfully written and thought-provoking book!
By Marlene A. Sullivan on January 10, 2017
"Daughter of Ishmael leaves you with a better understanding of the trials we face in our own lives and the choices we make, while looking at the eternal perspective."
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oh this was an amazing novel.
By Amber on January 16, 2017
"It is not the normal kind of novel I usually read and review. But boy am I glad I did.
Absolutely loved this book. I read it in 2 days because I was so hooked and addicted."
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Character Development
By Christy Monson on January 15, 2017
This compelling novel tells the familiar scripture story from an illuminating new perspective.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A new look at a beloved scripture story
By Amazon Customer on January 14, 2017
Daughter of Ishmael really pulled on my emotions ... I was thinking about it long after I turned the last page. I highly recommend Daughter of Ishmael to readers of historical LDS fiction who enjoy conflicts that center around faith.
Looking for your copy?
Seven years old and
an integral part of the
household duties!
(Daughter of Ishmael: Chapter 1)
an integral part of the
household duties!
(Daughter of Ishmael: Chapter 1)
What do YOU think
it looked like?
(Daughter of Ishmael: Chapter 23)
it looked like?
(Daughter of Ishmael: Chapter 23)
Books by ME! Click to order.
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They like it! They really like it!
Have you ever thought about how snowmen and the song originated? I really hadn't - but my friend Diane Stringam Tolley has. A lot.
Diane has written several books, and I finally had time to read one of them during my Thanksgiving travels. I have always loved snowmen, so naturally I chose SnowMan as the first of her books to read. It is a fairly short story - only 134 pages, but I am still thinking about it a week after I finished it. It made me both smile and cry, and I will never build another snowman without remembering Diane's inspiring story. Diane's engaging writing style and her account of the life of John Benjamin Frosst will transport you to a snowy winter decades ago, and leave you with a warm feeling. I highly recommend you treat yourself and read this book.
http://www.ofeverymoment.com/2015/12/staurday-suggestion-snowman-first-song.html
Diane has written several books, and I finally had time to read one of them during my Thanksgiving travels. I have always loved snowmen, so naturally I chose SnowMan as the first of her books to read. It is a fairly short story - only 134 pages, but I am still thinking about it a week after I finished it. It made me both smile and cry, and I will never build another snowman without remembering Diane's inspiring story. Diane's engaging writing style and her account of the life of John Benjamin Frosst will transport you to a snowy winter decades ago, and leave you with a warm feeling. I highly recommend you treat yourself and read this book.
http://www.ofeverymoment.com/2015/12/staurday-suggestion-snowman-first-song.html
Newest review for Kris Kringle's Magic!
We read your story, "Kris Kringle's Magic" last year as a family.
My son absolutely loved it.
He just asked if it has a sequel.
You mentioned somewhere that it was tentatively titled, "Kris." However the only other book I can find by you is "Carving Angels." Is this the sequel to "Kris Kringle's Magic?"
Thanks - keep up the amazing stories.
We read your story, "Kris Kringle's Magic" last year as a family.
My son absolutely loved it.
He just asked if it has a sequel.
You mentioned somewhere that it was tentatively titled, "Kris." However the only other book I can find by you is "Carving Angels." Is this the sequel to "Kris Kringle's Magic?"
Thanks - keep up the amazing stories.
My Christmas Dreams coming true!
Every Author's dream:
To see their books received
with joy and anticipation.
Photo by: Lucas Boutilier at Naked Rain Photography
To see their books received
with joy and anticipation.
Photo by: Lucas Boutilier at Naked Rain Photography
Taking KKM and the Hot Topic of Prejudice to the Schools
Three of the classes at Coloniale School in Beaumont
The response has been overwhelming! Seven school visits so far. Hundreds of students have participated. From grades three to eight, their insight and wisdom has been nothing less than amazing! What a choice, wonderful experience!
Schools visited so far:
Bellevue, Beaumont
Beau Meadow, Beaumont
Coloniale, Beaumont
Crawford Plains, Edmonton
Sakaw, Edmonton
Schools visited so far:
Bellevue, Beaumont
Beau Meadow, Beaumont
Coloniale, Beaumont
Crawford Plains, Edmonton
Sakaw, Edmonton
My name. In lights!!!
It was a wonderful evening at the Beaumont Library.
Everyone worked so hard to make it a success.
And I finally got to see my name up in lights!
Kris Kringle's Magic Book Launch
at
Generations Bookstore in Edmonton
What a fantastic evening!
Good friends.
Good food.
Great sales!
Book Launch Party
Oh, the fun we had!
Notice the head of hair behind the table?
A young man who couldn't wait to get home before he started reading . . .
Notice the head of hair behind the table?
A young man who couldn't wait to get home before he started reading . . .
Kris Kringle's Magic
Podcast interview with Diane Stringam Tolley!
by The Marketing Mentress, Christine Till
http://www.practicalpodcasting.com/kris-kringles-magic-diane-stringam-tolley-author/
First Reviews for Kris Kringle's Magic!
The ‘voice of the story-teller’ style and the themes of ‘The Courtship of Santa and Mrs. Santa’ and ‘How They Came to Live at the North Pole With the Elves’ make this a sure winner for a read-aloud by the Christmas tree. It will also appeal to all who like to curl up with an afghan and a book filled with light, love and optimism. For those who want some depth to their seasonal reading, there are the darker themes of slavery, prejudice, and mindless class discrimination. These diverse themes are reconciled as the story reveals the difference that one person of good will and conviction can make in a society—helped along by a little magic. This book belongs in every family’s basket of “Books to share at Christmas”.
Barbara Strong
Schoolteacher - Retired
Full-time Book Aficionado
* * * * * * * * * * *
It is amazing that what is arguably the most widespread, beloved myth and legend in Christendom — that of Santa Claus and his toy-building Elves, inhabiting the North Pole — has only scattered bits of disjointed ‘backstory’ in our minds and in our culture. Who is Santa anyway? Why does he hang around with Elves? And why did they go, of all places, to the North Pole?
Diane Stringam Tolley does a masterful job of pulling the pieces together, weaving a most profound tale — one of prejudice, abuse and pain, overlain with heartening stories of compassion and kindness, romance and perfect love, all of which combine to triumph over the dark side.
This is not just another Christmas storybook for kids, though the kids will enjoy it tremendously. It is a tale that will make adult hearts believe in magic too, all year round.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He lives deeply in your heart. And at the North Pole. You will never regret reading this book to find out how they are one and the same.
LeGrand Lovell B.A./Sc., M.A., D.Litt.
Professor
* * * * * * * * * * *
‘Kris Kringle’s Magic’ is the kind of book you want to read with your family!
The world just opens up and you can see the characters as though they’re acting out the story in front of you!
I loved every minute, and my kids will too!
C. D. Clark
Theatre Costumer/Makeup Specialist
* * * * * * * * * *
I started reading and I couldn't stop. I alternately had chills and tears all the way through.
"The world over, you say." The hair stood up on my arms.
What a wonderful story of a people whose magic is so powerful they could destroy the human race if they so desired. Yet, even when pushed beyond the bounds of all endurance, they opt to remove themselves, isolate themselves, to avoid taking revenge on their persecutors.
Through it all is woven the story of how Kris and Rebecca find each other and their life's work and show Kris for the gentle teacher he is.
This is the perfect story to read in installments on the nights leading up to Christmas, or, for that matter, at any time of year.
It is going to appeal to children and adults alike.
Delores Lowndes
Barbara Strong
Schoolteacher - Retired
Full-time Book Aficionado
* * * * * * * * * * *
It is amazing that what is arguably the most widespread, beloved myth and legend in Christendom — that of Santa Claus and his toy-building Elves, inhabiting the North Pole — has only scattered bits of disjointed ‘backstory’ in our minds and in our culture. Who is Santa anyway? Why does he hang around with Elves? And why did they go, of all places, to the North Pole?
Diane Stringam Tolley does a masterful job of pulling the pieces together, weaving a most profound tale — one of prejudice, abuse and pain, overlain with heartening stories of compassion and kindness, romance and perfect love, all of which combine to triumph over the dark side.
This is not just another Christmas storybook for kids, though the kids will enjoy it tremendously. It is a tale that will make adult hearts believe in magic too, all year round.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He lives deeply in your heart. And at the North Pole. You will never regret reading this book to find out how they are one and the same.
LeGrand Lovell B.A./Sc., M.A., D.Litt.
Professor
* * * * * * * * * * *
‘Kris Kringle’s Magic’ is the kind of book you want to read with your family!
The world just opens up and you can see the characters as though they’re acting out the story in front of you!
I loved every minute, and my kids will too!
C. D. Clark
Theatre Costumer/Makeup Specialist
* * * * * * * * * *
I started reading and I couldn't stop. I alternately had chills and tears all the way through.
"The world over, you say." The hair stood up on my arms.
What a wonderful story of a people whose magic is so powerful they could destroy the human race if they so desired. Yet, even when pushed beyond the bounds of all endurance, they opt to remove themselves, isolate themselves, to avoid taking revenge on their persecutors.
Through it all is woven the story of how Kris and Rebecca find each other and their life's work and show Kris for the gentle teacher he is.
This is the perfect story to read in installments on the nights leading up to Christmas, or, for that matter, at any time of year.
It is going to appeal to children and adults alike.
Delores Lowndes
Book Trailer for Kris Kringle's Magic!
by Lucas Boutilier
Kris Kringle's Magic Book Trailer
Kris Kringle's Magic
Synopsis:
Who is the man inside the warm, red, fur-trimmed suit?
Behind the white whiskers, rosy cheeks and beaming smile?
Told from the perspective of his wife, Rebecca, Kris Kringle's Magic is the story of the man who devoted his life to the service of the poor. The hungry. The destitute.
Who selflessly gave of his time and energy to right wrongs.
Fought for those too young or weak to fight for themselves.
A man who loved everyone.
And, by doing so, became the legend.
Read the first chapter!
Carving Angels is now available as an ebook at these outlets:
Kindle
Nook
Barnes and Noble
Second Book, tentatively titled 'Kris' will be published by Cedar Fort!
October 2012
Watch for it!!!
Watch for it!!!
Reading and Book Signing at BPL
Canadian author, Diane Tolley, read an excerpt from her novel Carving Angels to a group of seniors at the Beaumont Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Tolley also shared stories from her childhood and about being raised on a ranch in Alberta and signed copies of her novel for guests.
Christina Weichel/Beaumont News/QMI Agency
Another wonderful review!
Reviews by Molly
My Review:
If you are looking for something that is sweet and lovable to give to your children for Christmas to read, or to any book lover for that matter, then look no further than this ADORABLE Christmas book. Diane Stringam Tolley is super talented and created a fun, inviting story for kids of all ages.
Set in the North Pole, Santa's oldest elf has stopped working. Stopped carving. Even though he was one the best carver in all the Pole. When a special visit from his youngest grandchild, he dreams again. He believes again. And, though he's blind, he begins to carve again.....and what results is beyond just a beautiful carving.
Through this special book, both children and those who are young at heart, will learn that it's not about giving up. It's about believing. Anything is possible if you have the faith, if you believe, and you try, you can achieve anything. I highly recommend this book with 5 Books. It's a fun, fast read and really brings about the joy this Christmas season. I can't wait to put this on the bookshelf permanently to bring out each Christmas and share the joy of Ms. Tolley's writing and love, with my family.
My Review:
If you are looking for something that is sweet and lovable to give to your children for Christmas to read, or to any book lover for that matter, then look no further than this ADORABLE Christmas book. Diane Stringam Tolley is super talented and created a fun, inviting story for kids of all ages.
Set in the North Pole, Santa's oldest elf has stopped working. Stopped carving. Even though he was one the best carver in all the Pole. When a special visit from his youngest grandchild, he dreams again. He believes again. And, though he's blind, he begins to carve again.....and what results is beyond just a beautiful carving.
Through this special book, both children and those who are young at heart, will learn that it's not about giving up. It's about believing. Anything is possible if you have the faith, if you believe, and you try, you can achieve anything. I highly recommend this book with 5 Books. It's a fun, fast read and really brings about the joy this Christmas season. I can't wait to put this on the bookshelf permanently to bring out each Christmas and share the joy of Ms. Tolley's writing and love, with my family.
TV Interview!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011, I will be on ABC4, Good Things Utah to be interviewed by Amanda Sumner.
I'm just a bit excited!!!
Another wonderful review!
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705395213/Novel-Carving-Angels-illustrates-triumphs-over-trials.html
Almost blown off the road in Centerville. They do things big here in Utah.
Nothing but excitement on this book-signing tour!
http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Centerville-cleans-damage-caused-by-102-mph/c3BXMAimVEexiIoEUIBHxA.cspx
More Reviews!
This is the first book review of this type for me, but it isn’t difficult for ‘Carving Angels’. This is a wonderful story of love, family, and inspiration. It brings Santa, elves, reindeer, and Christmas into your home. It’s full of heart-warming situations and great lessons for little ones. While reading ‘Carving Angels’ to our 6 and 8 year old boys, we laughed and cried together, and imagined what a truly magical world we live in. Thank you, Mrs. Tolley, for sharing it with us. We will be watching the skies on Christmas Eve.
R. Craig Runyan, College Professor
More Book Signings!
Chapters, Whyte Avenue, Edmonton
October 8, 2011
Carving Angels Book Launch party and first Book Signing! Both are a Fantastic Success!
Photos by Kallie Tolley Photography
Papa Adam, an elderly elf and former chief carver for Santa, has given up.
Blind, frail and useless, he counts the minutes in every day as he waits to die.
But a challenge to carve, given by his youngest granddaughter, reawakens Papa Adam. Helps him to realize that he is not finished. And definitely not useless.
The two of them, the very oldest and youngest members of North Pole society, begin a remarkable project that will change their community forever.
And prove that the most paralyzing thing you can do is underestimate or undervalue anyone. Especially yourself.
And that with love and encouragement, anything is possible.
Blind, frail and useless, he counts the minutes in every day as he waits to die.
But a challenge to carve, given by his youngest granddaughter, reawakens Papa Adam. Helps him to realize that he is not finished. And definitely not useless.
The two of them, the very oldest and youngest members of North Pole society, begin a remarkable project that will change their community forever.
And prove that the most paralyzing thing you can do is underestimate or undervalue anyone. Especially yourself.
And that with love and encouragement, anything is possible.
