Invaluable

Invaluable #1

by Holly J. Wood

Eliza Moore s sophomore year of high school is turning out to be anything but ordinary. After only half-listening to her mother s lesson on Sunday about the importance of the Young Women values, something strange begins to happen. Eliza begins dreaming about her great-grandmother, who visits her with some important lessons taught by some very special people. Each time Eliza awakens, she finds herself on a treasure hunt of sorts as she begins to understand the significance of the eight Young Women values, and she finds her life changing for the better as she strives to live them. Invaluable is the fun and inspiring story of Eliza s journey of spiritual self-discovery that will have girls of all ages excited to be part of the Young Women program.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Lds, Young Adult, Romance, Christian Fiction, Religion, Clean Romance

368 pages, Paperback

First published December 26, 2011

About the author

Holly J. Wood is an avid reader and hopeless romantic. While busy with laundry or wiping sticky substances from countertops, she loves to dream up sigh-worthy stories. Some of her interests include: travel, motivational speaking, laughing to the point of tears, dessert, and spending time with friends and family. She currently lives in Mountain Green, Utah with her husband and four young children.

To find out more about Holly or to join her newsletter with exclusive offers and new releases, visit www.hollyjwood.com.

Reviews

[Teresa G · Rating 5 out of 5]

My twelve year old daughter heard this author speak at girl's camp and came home interested in reading her book. She told me the premise and I was all for it. But, she is in the middle of another book right now so I read it first. I loved it! I loved how the author hit so many hot topics and challenges and temptations and distractions that our teenagers are facing today. I found myself sucked into the romance side of it too. Yes, it was a bit cheesy and predictable, but it felt so relevant and sincere that I didn't mind. I also was thrilled to have one more source for my daughter to hear these important truths from, and to be reminded of the wonderful eight values that can be such a strength to her in this crazy world.

[Kera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Great book. I read it in one day and couldn't put it down. When I read I often feel guilty about all the other things I should be doing, but when I read this book it made me want to be a better person which eased my guilt. =)

Holly does a awesome job capturing the way girls treat each other. Eliza (the main character) has dreams that take her to some of the greatest women in history. Eliza learns so much about how the values that the women possess and when Eliza wakes up she finds herself making better choices in her own life because of what she sees in her dreams. I LOVE how she learns the true beauty of women comes from within. That's something no girl/woman can hear enough of.

This book is darling, and I recommend it to young girls and those of us who are not so young...
it's cute with humor, the romance in it reminds me some what of Twilight, but better! It has issues that are Real in our lives and it's easy to read.

[Alaina Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I loved this book! So inspiring and relatable, and it really makes you want to be a better person along with having a great storyline.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a perfect book for a young woman to read or a young woman leader. i was trying not to distract myself with memorizing the mementos and stay with the story. The storyline was engaging and kept me turning pages.
I usually don't like it when a story is more preachy than a novel, but I have to say this novel changed my mind. I really liked the combination of the gospel immersed in a story of Eliza and her dreams of her Great grandmother that she was named after coming to her to show her why the young women values are so important and how history showed her of this. I also liked how then after Eliza has a dream she would be faced with a choice regarding that principle and the mementos her grandmother used to remind her of their importance helped her to make the right choice.
I liked how their was a love story too of course and the sweet secret admirer notes from Luke.
FAITH was a small glass tube with a white mustard seed. She saw Joseph smith propose to Emma in Harmony, Pennsylvania and then Emma's faith endure the tribulations of her husbands illegal imprisonment, death of children, and hardship with being alone. ( Matt. 17:20)Faith leads to action.
Time is a precious gift, don't waste it. Control technologies influence not let technology control you (cell phones, tv)
DIVINE NATURE was a small blue flower,(pin) Adam and eve were who they visited and even though they had outer beauty it was the inner beauty that eve emanated. We all have talents and our bodies are temples. We shouldn't waste time comparing ourselves to others.daughters of a king.
INDIVIDUAL WORTH:Palace of Shushan, in persia where Queen Esther had to be brave and approach her king uninvited and save the jews for being killed by Haman the kings advisor and friend because Mordecai wouldn't bow down before him. Individual worth is looking past outward appearance and into the heart. No gossiping, just makes your countenance dull.life friends by being on higher ground. red seashell-unique in color and design.circular pattern continues on and represents the limitless potential within all of us to put trust in the Lord.
KNOWLEDGE: almshouse in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, 1877 Anne Sullivan, blind in one eye and orphaned after her mother's death and father's abandonment, she rose above and strived for permission to attend Perkins school for blind in Boston. She learned to read and write and even got another surgery to restore her vision. She became Helen Keller's companion helping her through college at Radcliffe college gaining Helen a bachelors in Arts. she received an honorary degree from Temple University of Philadelphia. Then Eliza R. Snow, 2nd RS president after Joseph Smith's martyrdom. She had secular and spiritual knowledge to help the woman reorganize the RS.She wrote lyrics to hymns. A green key. Knowledge opens doors.
CHOICE & ACCOUNTABILITY: Jared in the BOM, King Omer's wicked son, who wanted to be king and had his daughter set into motion secret combos with Akish with her in the bargain for his wife to bring the kings head as a wedding present. (read ether) Choices we make affect not only us but those around us. Cheating on a test. Orange hourglass: Isaac newton's law of motion: every action has an opposite and equal reaction. no mistake can't be covered by the atonement.
GOOD WORKS: mother Teresa in Calcutta India, taught high school then school to the poor and who lived in slums. !950 started mission called Missionaries of Charity. Awarded noble peace prize in 1979. Power of GW lies in everyday actions. "In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." ...'by small and simple things are.. Thin yellow candle can have small spark but still capable of staring a large fire.
INTEGRITY: BOM Ammon and King Lamoni. Abish the Queen's servant was only believer. Staying true to your beliefs and putting them into action, not just claiming to be a member regardless of what others think. purple rock. Have to have faith without seeing the end of the road to continue on the right path despite the turns in the road.
VIRTUE: Mary the mother of Jesus. Radiance for inside. TRUE love is wanting what is best for another person-no matter the cost. Helping keep men pure to serve a mission. Repentance is for everyone and it is real. make the temple your goal. Yong women recognition medalion.

[Tausha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I read this book with my teenage daughter in mind. She wanted to read it so I decided to proof it quick before she read it! I loved it! It was definitely LDS lingo and written for a YA LDS audience. I loved all the gospel principles found throughout the story that was then applied to Eliza's life and what she was dealing with as a young teen in a scary world. Some of it was definitely "teen" thinking but that was intentional I believe. Life does go on after High School and Prom...but when you are there it doesn't always seem that way! It may have shown "life" through rose colored glasses but I do believe that there are strong youth today who choose to live their lives like Eliza did. I am grateful there are or I would have little hope for the future. Eliza learns thanks to dreams/visits from Great-Grandma (how cool would that be) that it feels good to be good! :) That standing for something is doable!!! Luke was a great example and I believe there are still guys out there like him! There better be I have 4 little girls who will someday need a prince. Anyway...I liked it! :) I am excited to read the next one and pass this on to my daughter. I have a feeling it will bring lots of future opportunities for some Mommy Daughter talks!

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It might be that I am just easily inspired by books, but I really took this book to heart. There were many moments when I had to pause and think about my life because this story related to much to me by the fact of being in High School with a car and friends, and boys, and family, and church. When Eliza was visited by her Grandmother in her dreams, it was meaningful and made me think and appreciate my heritage and the descriptions made the women hero examples more real, although the dreams were not odd and messed together like real dreams are. But after reflecting on the story there were somethings that seemed a little far fetched. Like a sophomore being fallen for by a senior boy and the hottest one in the school, so unfair. :)Or the fact that that popular guy is so good and righteous. The book expounded very well on issues and temptations and trials that the youth have now days and gave advice and counsel that was complete not allowing you to make your own conclusions, but I guess that's okay. The book was an easy read and inspired me and had those butterfly moments where I'm in my room screaming at the cheesiness and cuteness of teenage romances.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable is meant for YA LDS audience and has a strong religious theme along with being a sweet,clean, romance. I'm excited to let my girls read it once they are in Young Women's. It reminded me a bit of a Jack Weyland type book yet the story line was definitely different than anything I've ever read. It has beautiful messages throughout the entire book as you journey with Eliza as she learns about all the Young Women values and how she can and does apply them to her life. So fun to watch her grow and strive to become a better person. Having said that...I was also really surprised how "swoony" Eliza's little love story is as well. So cute. I really enjoyed it and I'm excited to read book 2!

[Valerie Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure what to rate this book. I think a 3.5

I really liked the story, I like that there is an author out there who is writing good books for LDS youth with good themes and story line. I didn't care for the in depth doctrine the author included. When I want to read doctrine I prefer to go right to the source-the scriptures-instead of some YA romance novel. I did a lot of skimming and skipping every other chapter. I did like the characters and how it ended up. I thought it was lame how she kept trying to convince herself that she liked Jason. If you don't like someone then don't make your self like them for their sake!

[Shellbelle19 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book! I can't wait until my girls are a little bit older to read it. I want to be a better person by reading this book! Holly you are amazing and I can't wait for the next one! I started this book Monday and finished it Tuesday night! This book really does make you think about how you are living your life, and how you can be better! Thanks so much Holly for being amazing! I want all the songs too!

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza Moore has always hated her first name, it is so old fashioned. But when her great-grandmother begins visiting Eliza in her dreams, everything starts to change. These dreams have something to do with each of the Young Women values. I really enjoyed this book!! Eliza has some challenges in her life and she discovers that she has courage and confidence has she goes through them.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story which weaves together realistic fiction with church fiction; I thought it was done really well. The character was relatable, the dialogue was written well. I really loved the parts with Eliza's great grandmother and the lessons she taught; they were fantastic and well done. Great book from a first time author, can't wait to see what else she writes.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book ever. This book helped me understand the Personal Progress values and helped me want to be better. Read this book I understood how to apply the values more to my life.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good. I love how she teaches the application of YW values that girls can use and understand. Loved the story and characters. My daughters loved it as well.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Invaluable was a great read! I loved this book so much that I have decided to check out some more books by the same author, Holly J. Wood, and I’m excited to start reading them as well. One of the main reasons why I loved this book so much was because it was very relatable to my life at the moment. I also liked that it was told in the first person; I was able to see the exact thoughts of the main character, Eliza, and connect with her through her feelings. I loved the way the author made me, the reader, route for specific things to happen based on Eliza’s feelings as well.
I loved so many of the characters, but my favorite character would have to be Luke. As odd as it sounds, he is really similar to me. He can be very outgoing and fun, but he has feelings inside that he feels like he needs to keep to himself. He doesn’t want to cause problems with other people like his friends because of these feelings, but it eventually becomes too much for him and he learns about the importance of both having sense and sensibility.
This story also taught many important lessons that I think everyone needs to hear. Eliza’s great-grandmother taught her a lot about values. However, the book also included some funny thoughts that Eliza has. She said, “Why do we need to take math, anyway? I couldn’t imagine myself wanting to be in any profession that would require using a calculator with mysterious functions, so what was the point?” I thought that this was really relatable and it showed that even through hard times, there are funny things that we experience too.
There were so many themes that this story taught, but I think that one of the most important had to do with how you treat other people. Every person is going through something all of the time. We need to be kind to everyone, no matter the circumstances. I think another theme would be that people change people. We are influenced by those we choose to keep around us, so we need to choose to be around good people who build us up. Overall, I loved Invaluable and would recommend it to anyone because of the important lessons it teaches.

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I was 15 yrs old like my daughter I probably would have given this book 5 stars. I think it is a great resource for young women. That being said, it is a bit silly and super sappy to an adults perspective. It is about a newly turned 16 yr old girl who has a crush on a senior but has some other guy in love with her and so she kind of starts to date him, finding out he is friends with her crush... that is the sappy part. The resourceful part is the girl has dreams that her great grandmother visits her in dreams and teaches her more about the YW values. They usually coordinate with struggles she is having in life. As silly as her problems seem, a lot of them really are things kids struggle with today and so I think it is something very helpful for young women. I read it to help me better understand that age and it took me back a few years, though I like to think I was never that silly... (though I was more than I want to admit...). Anyway, if you have a YW age person in your life, it would be worth recommending. It is available on ebook on deseret bookshelf. Just make sure to tell them, the ending is pretty unrealistic... buy hey, what good are low hopes...

[Megan Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is really super touching and fun. It's one that I wanted to buy for every Young Woman in the Church back when we did still did Personal Progress and had the values that are examined in this first book!

Eliza's --- and in the third book, her sister Courtney's --- teenage struggles, especially with Latter-day Saint beliefs to stay true to involved, are relatable. The series has sweet romance! There are good best friends, decisions to be made, and sweet connections to those beyond the veil and/or in history!

Overall, I really loved it. I certainly think that Holly J. Wood has writerly talent as well as a vivid imagination that I'm so glad she was able to express in such good words for sharing with the rest of us. Even with it having been a bit since I read this series, I wanted to get on here today, help support Holly, and tell everyone else to, too! So...if you read this, please consider reading this series! You won't be sorry. I also really enjoyed Holly's book Silence of Stars and would recommend it to everyone!

[Aurora Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza Moore struggles with high school life, going through several temptations and issues that plague not only Mormon life, but teenage life as well. She begins having dreams about prominent women in the Gospel who help her through the young women values.

I loved this book. Though the romance was cheesy and obvious, it was cute and realistic to how a lot of high schoolers describe their relationships. This book really tackles a lot of the issues that teens are facing in this day. While Eliza's problems seem superficial, her spectral guides talk about deeper values and how to overcome trials and temptations.

[Alli Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Moore is a teenage girl who starts having dreams where she meets her great-grandmother and learns about the different lives of women who made an impact in the scriptures. As she does this, she learns more about the young women's values and herself as a daughter of God.

I LOVED this book. The writing was a tad young in some parts but it is still an awesome book. I loved the women that she visited and how the author taught about the different values in the book. I also loved Eliza's growth in herself as a young woman and becoming closer to Heavenly Father and the Savior. And we cannot forget about Luke! Dreamboat! *insert heart eyes emoji*

[Kris Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet book about a YW who experiences what YW experience. A little predictable and things wrapped up a little neatly but my daughter and I both looked forward to reading it each night. The end has some more mature themes that created a lot of discussion between my daughter and I. I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the series.

[Megan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING!! At first the girl really bugged me and I was like "why you gotta be like dis?!" But I'm so glad I kept reading. This book strengthened my testimony a lot, helped me to better understand and appreciate the YW values, and taught me so much! I love this book and the spirit that comes with it. Everyone needs to read this!

[Ali~may · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story. I like how the young women values were emphasized each time Eliza was able to dream about her grandmother.
The story shows the struggles of teenagers in our day and how important it is to stick to the standards we’ve been given by our prophets. I would recommend to young women

[Loganjeepgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is sooo inspirational

I absolutely loved this book! It’s soon inspirational. It makes me want to be a better person and follow the young women values. When I started it I couldn’t stop!
This is the best book I have ever read!
😄🤩😁😃☺️😃👍🏻😘😂😜😃🤣😉😇

[Kandace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story incorporating the young women values. I have learned much from this story and have enjoyed how the symbolism is both discreet and yet upfront in a way that I was able to apply them to myself.

[Taila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently had a hard time looking for books that had meaningful insight about life and this has not only that but the right mix of romance, religion and everything I could ask for. Invaluable is an incredible book worth reading!!

[McKenna Wardle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was so touching and so good. Made me want to reread & reread. This book at the time helped me discover what I wanted to do with my life, and what I believe. I recommend it to all teen girls who just wanna know if your worth anything.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super church cheesy… but I obviously loved the cheese, ha! Never underestimate truth wrapped up in cheesy context;-)

Religious themes, young romance & inspiring spiritual moments mentioned within scripture heroes/heroine stories.

I was impressed.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable story wrapped together with such great life lessons! I’m excited for my daughter to read this one in a few years!

[K Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Not too peachy, or religious. I loved how real situations were faced and reading how good, and better, sometime make the best.

[Kara Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy reading this book. I enjoyed reading about the values of the young women. It reminded me of what I need to continually stand for. I kinda of wished that there wasn’t a love triangle.

[Aleha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how its like and LDS romance book, so good, and teaches a lot!!