An Update & a Book Review: The Stone Traveler by Kathi Oram Peterson

Wow. It's seriously been forever since I've posted on my blog. Not just a video, but a real update. So, here's a brief blurb about what's been happening at the Ferguson house.

My oldest son started Cross Country this week. He absolutely LOVES it! I saw him out running around his school with his team earlier this week and just thought, "Wow! Is that really my kid out there, running and running, and actually liking it?" I mean, this kid has always loved to run - but he most definitely does not get that from his Mama. I tolerate running. It's great cardio and burns a lot of calories, but I'd rather be in a Zumba class burning calories than running on a treadmill (or outside where there are - gasp - hills!!!). But not my son. He can run, run, run, and at the finish line has a huge smile on his face and says, "That was awesome!"

My oldest daughter found out she's going to be a Munchkin in The Wiz for her acting class. She's super excited. And so am I! I was a munchkin in that same play when I was about her age. Only I lived in Pennsylvania and my acting class was during the summer at the Millbrook Playhouse. It's fun to see how excited my daughter is about the play, her lines, and dance. Super cute!

My youngest son is taking swimming lessons - and once again, is an excited kid. He's also my goof ball. He gets so excited and does goofy things to show off. It's hard to describe, but he makes silly faces, does silly dances and is just, well, silly!

My youngest daughter is a not so happy story. She's having the hardest time having the older kids gone at school all day. It almost makes me wish I had signed her up for preschool through the school district so she could go 4 days a week instead of just 2 days a week at the private preschool where she currently attends. It's been a difficult adjustment for her - and for mom. I really don't like all the crying and melt downs as she tries to get more and more attention. I'm hoping that we'll find a good routine that will work for both of us soon.

As for me, I spent a couple of days in bed, not feeling well. There are some advantages to not feeling well. The best one is all the books I got to read! One of which is today's review, The Stone Traveler by Kathi Oram Peterson.

I was first introduced to Kathi's writing when her first book, The Forgotton Warrior, came out - which I totally loved and am STILL waiting for the sequel! (hint, hint - Kathi!) Kathi also has a Christmas themed book called, An Angel on Main Street, which is honestly one of my favorite Christmas books ever. It's a beautiful story. So, you can bet that when I was asked to participate in this blog tour, I responded super fast with a huge YES!!!!!

Here's more about The Stone Traveler:

Sixteen year old Tag can't believe he's in this much trouble. He's not actually a member of the gang known as the Primes, all he did was spray paint some graffiti that caught their attention. In all honesty, ever since his dad and brother left, Tag just wants to be alone. And it's certainly not his fault that the Primes nearly beat up his goofy cousin, Ethan. But his mom is furious about these gang-related activities and insists that Tag send the whole summer at his grandpa's lakeside cabin, which is not Tag's idea of a good time. So he does what any self-respecting teenager would do: run away. But he doesn't get far before he encounters three strange men carrying an even stranger object, a stone that glows with radiant light as bright as a thousand sparklers. Tag doesn't steal the stone, not exactly. He feels like he is supposed to take it. But he doesn't expect the stone to transport him through space and time to a place he's never seen before, a place that looks an awful lot like the ancient lands described in the Book of Mormon. And he definitely doesn't expect to join Sabirah, the entrancing daughter of Samuel the Lamanite, on a quest to rescue her father and brother from the evil King Jacob. And he absolutely doesn't expect to be captured by Jacob's minions and prepared as a sacrifice to the evil idol of the city. But just as Tag faces his death, a terrible storm begins to break, and the ground cracks into jagged pieces. And he's not sure which event will impact his life more: his captor's knife coming at his body, the violent tempest sweeping the land... or the men who later appear, glowing even more brightly than the traveler's stone. 

My Review

There are very few writers outside of the romance/chick lit genres that I just really truly enjoy and can't wait to get my hands on their books. Kathi Oram Peterson's book are one of those few. Kathi has a gift for bringing to life complex, down-to-earth characters that I connect with. She sets up a story in today's world that pulls me in, and then BAM! There's a twist on reality as the character is sent back in time and immediately put in the middle of great conflict. The Stone Traveler was a great read and one I'm excited to share with my oldest daughter who has been digging through my LDS Fiction bookshelves all summer. You can find out more about Kathi's books at her blog or her website. You can also purchase The Stone Traveler at your local bookstore or online at Amazon through the link below.



Now don't run off! Check out Kathi's CONTEST!

Kathi is giving away some awesome weekly prizes during her blog tour . . . as well as one huge prize at the end - a Kindle! So be sure to go check out this post on Kathi's blog and start entering right away! I know I am (I would LOVE a Kindle!)

Would you like to comment?

Annette Lyon said...

High praise, indeed! Sounds like ones I should hand over to my oldest daughter too.

Ben Spendlove said...

My oldest daughter is eight. Too young for this, or not?

Laura S. said...

Kathi's contest is so awesome. Such generous prizes! I haven't gotten around to the bookstore lately, but I can't wait to pick up The Stone Traveler. I'll have to check out her other novels, too! Thanks for the review. :)

Redhead said...

Great Review thanks! Meagan W.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Hi Ben

Good question. My daughter is 9 1/2 and is a really great reader. Right now, she's reading the FarWorld series by J. Scott Savage. I think The Stone Traveler is a good fit for her because she's a pretty mature reader. If your daughter is into those kinds of books (Harry Potter, and other longer novels), then this would be a good fit. But if she's still into middle grade chapter books, then you may want to wait a bit.

Tracy Loewer said...

Great compliments for Kathi! I'm definitely looking forward to reading her books - especially since I'll be able to share with my kids as well.

Christina Dymock said...

I am with you on the sick days. There's always an up side and reading in bed is one of my fav. things to do. Great review!

Why Not? Because I Said So! said...

I am right there with you in line when it comes to Kathi's books. You always seem to get a lot more out of the story than the cover and blurb on the back implies.

I hope that you will be feeling better soon.

M.R.Bunderson said...

Danyelle, I hope you're feeling better soon. Thanks for the review and the heads up on the contest. I think I've entered all the comments I need so far . . .

MTeacress said...

Good to know that my youngest can enjoy it too. Thanks for the review. Feel better soon. :)

Emily M said...

Great way of describing the book in your review! Fantastic blog!

Chantele Sedgwick said...

I loved this book too! Great review!

Glynis Peters said...

I left Kathi's blog with a lizard on my tail. I think I have lost it along the way.

Loved your review about her book. I enjoyed my visit, thanks.

Anonymous said...

I didn't realize this one might be okay for my daughter, too.

Peggy Urry said...

Sounds like a great read.

Samantha Vérant said...

First: Zumba is so much fun! Shake those hips, those shoulders. Well, shake everything. Yes, I'm here on Kathi's blog tour, but I'm glad I found you. BACK TO KATHI: Thank you for your clear, thoughtful and concise review. With one word "BAM," you brought excitement to the concept of time travel. Cool.

Anonymous said...

Your review was great. My grandson loves these fantasy and time travel books. Can't wait to get it for him.

brendajean said...

Her Christmas story is one of our family favorites too. Thanks for the review.

Krista Van Dolzer said...

Danyelle, thanks for your review (and for sharing a little about your family).

My oldest is in twice-a-week preschool for the first time (he's three), one that a few of the moms in the neighborhood have organized. This past week was my first week to have the kids over here, and I tell you, it just about killed me:)

Elizabeth Morgan said...

This book looks awesome!

Jenn Adams said...

I keep hearing good things about this book, and about Peterson in general, so I'll definitely check it out. And the contest? Yeah. How cool is that.

I have the same problem with my 4-year-old. She wants me to play with her The. Entire. Time. her older siblings are at school. So I feel your pain! :o) If you have any brilliant ideas, let me know!

Elise said...

Kathi masterfully uses a mix of reality from the Book of Mormon and fantasy from her own creativity. The book was so enjoyable! Thanks for your review.

Jilly Bean said...

What a fun contest. Can't wait to read the book.

Lori Bottomley said...

Really can't wait to read this book!