Hillary

Hillary’s Top Ten List for 2010

Posted by Hillary Book Reviews, Hillary's Reviews

Dec 292010

Hello Dear Friends!

Wow, this was a tough order! How to choose JUST ten. I surprised myself when I put this list together, because I only have one non-fiction book on here. Just one!

In no particular order:

In Trying Times, Keep Trying– Merrilee Boyack

It was such a great reminder of how life throws curves at us, and it is up to each of us to remember that the trials are for our own good, and that we need to lean on Christ to get through it all.

My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions– Becca Wilhite

Not only does this make my top ten list, but it makes my “Favorites of All Time” List. There was just so much I liked about this book. Sarah was so real. I really empathized with her throughout the book. The romance was just fantastic. My favorite written scene of all time is when they are just outside the library, she can see him, but he can’t see her. Perfectly written. Really looking forward to anything else Becca writes!

Devil’s Food Cake– Josi Kilpack

I can’t get enough of Sadie Hoffmiller. I really liked this one because she met a new love interest that made her even more interesting. The story was fun, fast moving and intriguing. I even made “Evil Chicken” from the book and the hot wings. Both very yummy recipes!

Blink of an Eye– Gregg Luke

This one was sooo fantastic. We recently posted a group review, and he received very favorable reviews. It was so unique. Again! I think that would have to be my word to describe Gregg’s work! Unique. Each of his books has an angle that I’ve never read. Whether it be experimenting on people or getting lost in the jungle with potential Nephite descendants, no matter what I am never bored reading his books!

Crossfire– Tracy Hunter Abramson

Tracy does it again with Crossfire, a awesome addition to the “Saint Squad.” It is just a fantastic read and the love story is perfect- not too much lip locking, not too little. Oh, and a little thing called SERIOUS ACTION thrown in there.

I Am Not a Serial Killer– Dan Wells

Terrifyingly fabulous. All we are saying is give Dan a chance. Hum it with me…

Courting Miss Lancaster– Sarah M. Eden

Speaking of making “Favorites of All Time” list, this one nabbed a spot as well. I actually bought both this and My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions on the same day. What a great day! I enjoyed Seeking Persephone so I was sooo excited when I found out that Sarah had written a story about Harry! He is just so darn likeable! Even if you don’t like regency style reading, I think if you enjoy a good romance, you’ll like this one!

Backlash– Tracy Hunter Abramson

I was so happy when I was able to read this one. It was such a different take from the other books. Instead of a traditional romance, this one to me tells more of the “after” of the “happily ever after” marriage scenario. Though Marilyn, Kel’s wife, is mentioned briefly in the other books, we don’t really get to know her, kind of like how the others in the book feel. I really liked this new take. I thought it was very well done. Very real, and somehow still action packed! How do you do it Tracy?

The Hunger Games 1 and 3– Suzanne Collins

I just couldn’t add book two. Other than the last two pages. Sorry. I read Mockingjay not long after it came out and was so happy (though somewhat disturbed) with how it all concluded. The story is just so compelling, I don’t know how anyone could not enjoy these books. I’m looking forward to seeing the movies! I wonder who will play Katniss…?

Well, that’s all folks! With this new location in good old Mizzura, Misery, or Missouri (whichever you prefer, and for me- depends on the day :) ). I will be posting once month, probably somewhere in the middle. Regrettably, I just don’t have the access to LDS fiction like I did in Utah. Well, that and I figured you wouldn’t want me to review the anti-mormon literature which is far easier to access at the public library than I thought. I was pleased to see Lisa Mangum’s books, Brandon Sanderson and some Obert Skye here though. I might even have to read a bit more of the YA/ Fantasy category :)

Later Gators!

Wrong Number- Rachelle J. Christensen

Posted by Hillary Uncategorized

Aug 042010

Hey Kids-

Sorry I’ve missed a few weeks in there…To say my life is chaos right now would be an understatement. I’m sorry to report that it will probably get worse before it gets better, as my family is moving out of state. Anyhoo, I will try to keep up when it’s my turn.

LDS Storymakers conference this year is where I caught my glimpse of “Wrong Number.” As I scanned the inside cover, I noticed it mentioned that she had won a first chapter contest from Story Makers previously (I’m not sure which year), so with great interest I started with that award winning first chapter, and it did not disappoint.

Aubree Stewart starts her day like many of us. Well, like me. Forgetting to charge her cell phone (her being pregnant she at least has an excuse, I’m not pregnant, just naturally forgetful).So, her husband generously lets her use his. As she is driving into work, she receives a call that forever changes her life.

Because of the call, Aubree becomes the hunted. She finds herself in the witness protection program and having her first baby. Some exciting things happen (I just CAN”T tell you, you have to read it for yourself), she unexpectedly and creatively finds a way to take care of herself and her daughter, and in the process finds love.

The book spans approximately 18 months, which can be a long time in a book, but you don’t feel it too much in this one. I liked that the love she finds comes from a surprising and unpredictable source, which was a pleasant addition to the book. I personally could have used a little more sizzle, but it still worked wonderfully with what was going on.

Overall for a freshman novel, it was well done, unexpected and unpredictable. I was kept constantly on the edge of my seat, and wide awake despite the late hour I found myself in. Again. Really enjoyed it, and would highly recommend it.

Until next time!

Hillary

ftc fyi- library

In Trying Times, Just Keep Trying- Merrilee Boyack

Posted by Hillary Uncategorized

Jul 072010

Howdy Kids!

I am pleased to be reviewing one of my favorite authors Merrilee Boyack’s, new book , “In Trying Times, Just Keep Trying”. I bought this one sight unseen! I broke my cardinal rule of beg or borrow firstJ I have to say that it was a wise choice to go ahead and purchase.

Many of us go through life looking at others and what they have or don’t have and think about how unfair life is. When in reality, we each have trials tailor made for us by Heavenly Father, and some that come as a result of our choices. But either way, no one is exempt from life’s challenges. Merrilee talks about her own personal battles with cancer, being relief society president, political issues, trying to sell their home, and job loss- all at once! I complain about my problems, but reading ( she doesn’t expound too heavily ) about hers, was only proof that we all have our problems and that they are each different. She says it is “useless to compare our trials with others. For each of us, the things we are facing right now are real and significant. Comparing them to others neither makes our trials bigger nor smaller than they really are. Each of us has our own customized testing plan, designed to prove us and reveal to us what we’re made of. I love how she also talks not only of the nature of our tests, but of the timing of them as well. Sometimes we forget that part of our tests include dealing with the timing of them as well.

She talks about our choices, whether or not we be true and faithful to our covenants or we just blame everyone else and live a bitter and angry life. She quotes Elder Neil A. Maxwell who states, “We cannot expect to live in a time when men’s hearts will fail them, except the faithful experience a few fibrillations themselves. We won’t be entirely immune from feelings that go with these fibrillations. “

Because of Jesus Christ, we are able to lay our burdens down on the feet of Christ. Merrilee says “I believe that God will allow us to have more than we can bear because it is often only when we are pushed to our limits – or beyond – that we surrender ourselves to God.

The book continues by addressing each chapter as a choice we can make. Choices like being positive, learning and growing from our trials, and nourishing our bodies and souls. She has daily affirmations that she mentions, like “each day I choose to be obedient and to repent of anything that doesn’t lead me to the Savior” and “each day I seek after light. I choose light over darkness. That choice guides all my decisions”.

I think that this book was well worth buying and I loved it- absolutely loved it.

Until next week!

Hillary

ftc-fyi- purchased the copy

My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions- Becca Wilhite

Posted by Hillary Uncategorized

May 262010

Hey Friends- It’s me, Hillary

Just in case you were wondering, my blog, It’s me, Hillary is up and running! http://itsmehillary.blogspot.com

This week, I bring you Becca Wilhite’s “My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions, ” a newly released romance by Shadow Mountain.

The story tells of self-described, plain Sarah who leaves home to head to college. Sounds pretty ordinary until you get to know Sarah. I love that she considers herself average. The thing that made this story different, was that the supporting characters didn’t necessarily dispute it, but they don’t come right out and tell you that. She uses experiences from the past to put that claim together.

She has a class where she meets Ben, who she literally calls “Adonis” by accident. They start to hang out for a study group, and as time progresses, his interest shows. Well, to him anyway. Sarah has a hard time understanding and believing he truly cares for her.

Sarah was so real to me. The only thing she was missing was the thin, straight hair instead of thick and curly. I had flashbacks to high school and college dating, along with the memory of emotional struggles that went along with it. Becca Wilhite put into writing what I think goes through a lot of us “ordinary” girls’ heads. Can he really like me? Should I put myself out there? How bad will it hurt if he rejects me? Can I do this yet again? I thank her for writing a book that has been missing from the market. A book where the “average” girl learns that sometimes you really can have a romantic obsession, and live it too.

This is my new favorite romance for the year, and has made my top ten. The book doesn’t have the “early-twenties” feel to it, where you sometimes roll your eyes with how the characters act, or the situations they are in. Sarah and her friends had a maturity that made you forget they were young. The romance was realistic, hopeful and tender. There is fabulous romantic angst, and a perfect insightful scene when you get to see through Sarah how Ben feels about their relationship. Fabulous!

A big “THANK YOU” to Shanda, who assured me that I wouldn’t regret purchasing it. She was absolutely right.

Until next time!

Hillary

Ftc-fyi= purchased copy

I Am Not a Serial Killer- Dan Wells

Posted by Hillary Book Reviews, Hillary's Reviews

May 122010

Hey kids, It’s me Hillary. Here you go- my most comprehensive and insightful book review to date.

– me reading the first chapter

– me reading the middle

– me reading the ending. Holy Schmoly, what an ending!

In case you were wondering, I really liked this book. I would give it 4/5 stars! Fabulous freshman novel Dan! Looking forward to reading “Mr. Monster”.

ps- my kind of serial killer: or better said, “cereal killer”

until next week!

FTC FYI: Borrowed from a friend.

The Remarkable Soul of a Woman by Dieter F. Uchdorf

Posted by Hillary Book Reviews, Hillary's Reviews

May 052010

Hello Friends! It’s me, Hillary-

Another non-fiction! –oh my! Oh wait, that’s what I usually read…

Let me start off by saying that I was totally surprised by this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this wasn’t it. Let me clarify- It is a beautiful book. I was not expecting gorgeous photographs. I was expecting fabulous quotes and short chapters that packed a punch- and I wasn’t disappointed.

It took me literally 25 minutes to read this book. The chapters are short and easy to read. You’ll even recognize some of the antedotes from previous conference talks.

One of the quotes I really liked was, “You may think you don’t have talents, but that is false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before-colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memoires, flowing laughter” It’s definitely something to think about.

With the difficulty going on today with the economy, corruption in politics and overall pessimism, President Uchdorf quotes President Lorenzo Snow “When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated.”

Overall- I think it is a beautiful book and would make an excellent Mothers Day gift. There is just something special about books that come from the first presidency.

FTC- FYI- publisher produced copy. Had no bearing on review.

Older Entries