Friday, September 29, 2023 | 
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Sharon Haddock

Contributor

Sharon Haddock is a professional writer with more than 40 years’ experience, 17 at the Deseret News. Her personal blog is at sharonhaddock.blogspot.com. Email: haddoc@deseretnews.com

Cole Spencer, the face of the 2018 Festival of Trees that raises money for Primary Children's Hospital, reaches for a measuring cup that is just beyond his reach at home in South Jordan on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. Cole, 4, has spina bifida.
Entertainment
Meet Cole Spencer, this year’s Festival of Trees poster child
Cole Spencer is a typical four-year-old: He’s busy, he talks nonstop and he’s this year’s poster child for the annual Festival of Trees.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Lasagna Skillet is one of the recipes in "Cast Iron Kitchen: Over 50 Fresh, New Recipes" by Jesseca Hallows.
Family
Cookbook review: ‘Cast Iron Kitchen’ makes cooking with cast iron easy, satisfying
The pictures of the food featured in Jesseca Hallows’ new cookbook “Cast Iron Kitchen: 50 Fresh, New Recipes” are gorgeous and the recipes are simple, destined to become family favorites. The only obvious problem? How to choose which one first?
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
"Mysteries of Cove, Vol 3: Embers of Destruction" is by J. Scott Savage and is a finalist for the 2017 Whitney Award finalist in the middle grade category.
Faith
Book review: Teens, mechanical dragons battle the big one in ‘Embers of Destruction’
In “Mysteries of Cove: Embers of Destruction,” the question isn’t so much how the young heroes will save the day but why are the grown-ups apparently willing and even happy to be serving the enemy dragons?
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Jackson, Madelynne and Luke Greenway enjoying the children’s room at the Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit in December 2017 in December 2017 in Kirtland, Ohio. The exhibit draws nearly 10,000 visitors. Their mother, Tanya, is in charge of the gathering a
Faith
Kirtland Nativity event with nearly 1,000 creches draws Christmas lovers
Creches made of nails, of glass, pressed tin, pop cans and even bullet casings draw visitors from near and far to the Kirtland Visitors Center each December.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Musicians rehearse at American Fork High School in American Fork on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, as a new professional big band.
Entertainment
New American Fork big band aims to ‘play it all’
John Miller, known as the longtime director of the award-winning American Fork High School Marching Band, is teaming up with fellow musician Roger Liston to form a unique pop/rock/jazz band they expect will have fans dancing in the aisles.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Nathan Pacheco on the cover of his newest album, released Nov. 4 for Christmas. Pacheco will be in concert in Salt Lake City, Orem and Logan through December.
Entertainment
LDS tenor Nathan Pacheco returns to Beehive State for the holidays
Nathan Pacheco is pleased with the upward direction of his singing career, given a boost when he was invited to be one of the vocalists in Yanni’s “Voices” album. He has a new album, a 17-stop tour and plans for a TV special this next year.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
"Safe House" is by Shannon Symonds.
Faith
Book review: ‘Safe House’ deals with two families affected by domestic violence
Emily and Kelly aren’t safe in their homes. Their husbands are cruel and domineering and they threaten not just their wives but their children. When a dedicated social worker tries to get them free, she finds women who are afraid to break free.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Ariel is one of the courageous Disney princesses celebrated in the 2017 Disney On Ice show.
Entertainment
Former Utah resident is principal performer with Disney on Ice “Dream Big!”
Victoria “Vika” Tugolukova, a Russian-born skater who grew up in Salt Lake City, will portray the Disney princess Ariel in the newest Disney On Ice “Dream Big!” show coming to the Vivint Arena Nov. 16-19.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
With the new butterfly biosphere opening in 2018, Thanksgiving Point will offer five venues aimed at entertaining and educating families.
Family
Thanksgiving Point to add butterfly biosphere in 2018
A “sky-breaking” rather than a groundbreaking took place at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi on Water Tower Plaza on Monday, as the Butterfly Biosphere project officially took off.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
"To Win a Lady's Heart" is a new novel by Sian Ann Bessey, released by Covenant Communications.
Faith
Book review: ‘To Win A Lady’s Heart’ romantic, engaging, a sweet read
Sian Ann Bessey has woven a sweet tale of romance, intrigue and action in “To Win a Lady’s Heart.” The story of Lady Joanna of Moreland as she comes of age, falls in love and helps rescue her father, her kingdom and herself is a charming read.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
"Code Name Scorpion" is by Donna Gustainis Fuller.
Faith
Book review: ‘Code Name Scorpion’ has romance, danger, disaster
“Code Name Scorpion” by Donna Gustainis Fuller has a bit of everything tossed into a relatively short book. It has romance, danger, disaster and even a couple of miraculous escapes. And, oh yeah, the scorpion is mentioned toward the end.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Marie Osmond and Donny Osmond perform in their Las Vegas show at the Flamingo Casino. The show has run for nearly 10 years.
Entertainment
Donny and Marie continue to rock the Las Vegas strip
Good news for Donny and Marie fans: the duo’s classy, energetic and entertaining show at the Flamingo in Las Vegas has new numbers, new costumes and new video but retains the fun and clean humor for which the Osmonds are known.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
"Weekly Letter to Your Missionary" is by Jeffrey Erickson.
Faith
Book review: ‘A Weekly Letter to Your Missionary’ is full of familiar, good advice
In 13 segments, former bishop and author Jeffrey Erickson encapsulates a variety of critical areas of advice that can help inspire and motivate positive action on the part of missionaries in “A Weekly Letter to Your Missionary.”
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Donny Osmond has the rare opportunity to play the villain in the film "CTU: Provo," screening at the 16th LDS Film Festival 2017 in March at the SCERA Center for the Arts.
Faith
‘CTU: Provo’ is a campy comedy that still entertains
It’s a little outdated and in some instances pretty campy, but the 10-year-old film made in 2007 by Alan Seawright and Jonathan Decker is still a hoot. When Provo is threatened by eco-terrorists, fans of the TV show “24" must save the city.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
James Lafferty (Jimmy) seeks some advice from Danny Glover (Edward) in the movie "Waffle Street" recently shown at the 16th LDS Film Festival 2017 at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem.
Faith
Movie review: ‘Waffle Street’ pretty unbelievable despite decent acting
“Waffle Street” just doesn’t sell well despite the effort of a couple of quality actors and the fact that it’s based on a true story. The film screened at the LDS Film Festival 2017.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Colleen Helme's latest Shelby Nichols book is called "Laced in Lies."
Entertainment
‘Laced in Lies’ debuts as the 10th in the Shelby Nichols series
Soccer mom Shelby Nichols’ mind reading keeps getting her into trouble as she tries to help out a friend, the local police and the mob boss who is pulling her further and deeper into the family business.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
The Creekside Theatre Fest staged "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in the 2016 Festival. This year, they'll open with "Oz" and "The Tempest" on June 14 and 15.
Entertainment
Creekside Theatre Fest ready to debut ‘OZ,’ ‘Tempest’ in Cedar Hills
A new theatrical organization that combines what was previously the Highland and Cedar Hills arts councils will debut two productions in June: Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and “OZ.”
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
John Lyde screened "626 Evolution" on Saturday, March 4, at the 16th LDS Film Festival 2017 in Orem at the SCERA Center for the Arts.
Faith
Movie review: ‘626 Evolution’ is a different kind of movie story
The director/producer of “626 Evolution” calls his movie “weird,” but the movie keeps the audience watching. John Lyde’s new film was screened at the 16th LDS Film Festival 2017.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
The Pickleville Playhouse in Garden City is a site for musicals and melodramas during summer months.
Entertainment
Pickleville Playhouse family celebrates 40 years of comic, dramatic success
Founded 40 years ago, Bear Lake’s Pickleville Playhouse enjoys sellout successes with stage shows that include Broadway hits and the infamous, mustachioed, Spanglish-speaking Juanito Bandito.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Hawk and Cheryl Harper run in Provo Canyon on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. The couple owns the Runner's Corner store, which was named one of the top 50 running stores in the country by Competitor magazine.
Utah
Harper family’s Runner’s Corner recognized as one of the top 50 running stores in the US
The Harper family in Orem is running away with success on foot. They have a thriving store lined with trophies and awards for marathons and competitions. They run together and bond spiritually and physically as a result.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Will Roger's father, Clem Rogers, played by Norman Large in the Pioneer Theatre Company production of "The Will Rogers Follies, A Life In Review," cavorts with some of the New Ziegfeld girls dancers.
Entertainment
Will Rogers’ ‘Follies’ lassos charm and entertainment at Pioneer Theatre
“The Will Rogers Follies, A Life In Revue” on the Pioneer Theatre stage is a satisfying look at a performer who “never met a man he didn’t like.”
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
"Hidden Deception" is by Colleen Helme.
Entertainment
Book review: ‘Hidden Deception’ keeps mind-reading heroine busy
The newest in the Shelby Nichols adventure series features the housewife detective who can read minds and is employed by her Uncle Joey to solve crimes. The problem is, Uncle Joey is a mob boss. Shelby has survived a year. Will she get through this?
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
"The Lightless Sky" is by Gulwali Passarlay with Nadene Ghouri.
Entertainment
Book review: ‘The Lightless Sky’ tells modern-day refugee story
Gulwali Passarlay’s story in “The Lightless Sky,” written with Nadene Ghouriis is one of thousands of modern-day refugees trying desperately to find a way to survive after leaving their native land.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Dru Daniels was the winner of the 12th Annual Vocal Utah Philharmonic Orchestra Concerto competition.
Family
Trump’s proposed budget cuts would hurt Utah arts and dance groups
The proposed budget cuts to the arts and humanities would have a profound effect on Utah’s theater, dance and orchestra companies, according to those who were hoping for grant approvals.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
"Doctor Who, The American Adventures" brings the popular time-traveling alien to the United States market.
Media & Books
Book review: ‘Doctor Who: The American Adventures’ provides out-of-this-world adventure
Doctor Who comes to America from the United Kingdom where he’s popular for his out-of-this-world visits to mankind with his handy sonic screwdriver. This collection of short stories are easy to read, mysterious and different from the usual fare.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
The cast of BYUtv's sketch comedy series "Studio C."
Faith
2017 LDS Film Festival offers variety of films, including those featuring ‘Studio C,’ Donny Osmond and Porter Rockwell
The annual LDS Film Festival is an opportunity for local filmmakers to show off their latest projects as well as an opportunity for film fans to see what’s new. Now in its 16th year, the festival offers feature films, shorts and family productions.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
"South Temple Street Landmarks: Salt Lake City's First Historic District" is by Bim Oliver.
Utah
Book review: Local architectural consultant reflects on transformations of South Temple
The phrase “stroll down memory lane” takes on new meaning after one jumps into Bim Oliver’s story of how Brigham Street evolved from a district of wealthy homes to what he calls Utah’s most architecturally diverse, significant and interesting road.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Liz (Elizabeth Meadows Rouse), Mary (Anne Tolpegin) and Jo (Rosalyn Coleman) talk about Liz's new boyfriend who may be a serial killer in "Women in Jeopardy."
Media & Books
Theater review: ‘Women in Jeopardy’ a bold Pioneer Theatre comedy
“Women in Jeopardy,” currently playing on the Pioneer Theatre Company stage, is clever, outrageous and very funny as three divorcees try to sort out a mystery.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
Nate Brogan as the Mad Hatter and Kelly Coombs as Alice in SCERA Center for the Arts' original musical version of "Alice in Wonderland."
Media & Books
Alice goes to school in SCERA’s original ‘Alice in Wonderland’ screenplay
Chase Ramsey and David Smith, locally known for their involvement in theater as actors and directors, have collaborated on a new musical version of “Alice in Wonderland” for young audiences. The show opens Feb. 6 at the SCERA Center for the Arts.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
"Daughter of Ishmael: Promised Land, Broken Heart" is by Diane Stringham Tolley.
Faith
Book review: ‘Daughter of Ishmael’ shares unique perspective of Book of Mormon story
The “Daughter of Ishmael” is a fictional story story based loosely on the scriptural story where the daughters of Ishmael marry the sons of Lehi and leave Jerusalem for the Promised Land.
By Sharon Haddock, Contributor
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