Mindy

Into the Dark: The Shadow Prince by Bree Despain

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Feb 192014

Into the Dark: The Shadow Prince

Author: Bree Despain

Publisher: Egmont USA

Published: Expected March 11, 2014

ISBN13: 9781606842478

Hardcover: 512 pages

Genre: YA

FTC FYI: Received a digital copy from Netgalley

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Haden Lord, the disgraced prince of the Underrealm, has been sent to the mortal world to entice a girl into returning with him to the land of the dead. Posing as a student at Olympus Hills High—a haven for children of the rich and famous—Haden must single out the one girl rumored to be able to restore immortality to his race.

Daphne Raines has dreams much bigger than her tiny southern Utah town, so when her rock star dad suddenly reappears, offering her full tuition to Olympus Hills High’s prestigious music program, she sees an opportunity to catch the break she needs to make it as a singer. But upon moving into her estranged father’s mansion in California, and attending her glamorous new school, Daphne soon realizes she isn’t the only student in Olympus who doesn’t quite belong.

Haden and Daphne—destined for each other—know nothing of the true stakes their fated courtship entails. As war between the gods brews, the teenagers’ lives collide. But Daphne won’t be wooed easily and when it seems their prophesied link could happen, Haden realizes something he never intended—he’s fallen in love. Now to save themselves, Haden and Daphne must rewrite their destinies. But as their destinies change, so do the fates of both their worlds.

My Review

Another great book from Bree Despain. The Shadow Prince starts off strong and doesn’t let go. In the first chapter we are introduced to Haden and his mysterious life in the Underworld. He is chosen by the Oracle to bring back the Cypher. The one who can restore what was taken from the Underlords. But, she has to go back with him by choice, not forced. Haden is the rejected son of Ren, the ruler of the Underworld. His father hates him, so does his twin brother Rowan. Daphne Raines lives with her protective mom in a small town in Utah. She dreams of hitting it big in the singing world. Her long-lost father returns to take her to Olympus Hills High, a school that can help her reach her goals of singing career. Her father, Joe Vince, is a famous musician who has never been there for Daphne.

I can’t tell much else about the story without giving it away, but know you are in for a treat. I love the mythical legend behind this story, and the author does a great job of creating mysterious characters who have their own agendas. I loved Daphne instantly, but Haden took awhile to grow on me. Bree wrote this bad guy well. How are we supposed to think that Daphne would go with Haden willingly. Bree takes time to develop their relationship, while revealing back story carefully throughout the story that helps the reader get to know Haden better. While Haden has his powers, Daphne has gifts of her own. There are many exciting events that take place with great twists and surprises that will keep you wanting more when you finish reading.

4 out of 5 stars. I know this book isn’t out yet, but I am eagerly awaiting the book two.

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Rules of Engagement by Amber Gilchrist — Blog Tour Spotlight

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Feb 182014

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For Annemarie Whitted, her youngest sister’s engagement starts as a happy event, and ends as a slap in the face when she comes to the harsh realization that she’s a failure at relationships, a person in stasis. Annemarie is motivated and organized, a woman on a mission, and she’s getting married now.

Her Rules of Engagement ensure she’ll make the right choice, and her committee will find her potential eternal companions. She assigns the job to her closest sister, Lisa, and Lisa’s husband, Tanner. Of course, Tanner comes with baggage— his brother, Ben, Annemarie’s lifelong nemesis.

The war between the two of them gives a brand new meaning to Annemarie’s Rules of Engagement, and his presence isn’t helping her at all. Especially when he disapproves of her methods and questions every step she makes. Especially when their forced proximity makes each of them really see each other for the first time. Especially when she discovers that her heart has secret corners she never knew, and that the Rules might have been her biggest mistake of all.

Purchase for $4.49 at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Amber Gilchrist lives in New Mexico with her husband and three children. She writes YA for upper teens, as well as LDS Romantic Comedies. She calls her lifetime of jumping from one job to another ‘experience’ for her books and not an inability to settle down. Amber loves mysteries and a good, happy romance. She also loves to laugh. Sometimes she likes all of them together.
A fan of quirky movies and indie books, Amber likes to be with her family, is socially inept, and fears strangers and small yippy dogs. She alternates between writing and being a mom and wife. She tries to do both at the same time but her kids don’t appreciate being served lunch and told, “This is the hot dog of your discontent.” So mostly she writes when everyone else is in bed.
Amber loves to hear from readers and can be reached at ambergilchristbooks@gmail.com
If you would like to be added to her newsletter please email your address to be notified about future releases and events.

Amazon Author Page | Website | Facebook

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In Tune by Gerald N. Lund — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Feb 122014

In Tune

Author: Gerald N. Lund

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: Dec. 2013

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-858-4

Hardcover: 182 pages

FTC FYI: Received a hardcover copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Book Jacket

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are all teachers. Not only do we have a glorious mandate to “teach all nations” the gospel (Matthew 28:19), we also have numerous charges to “teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom” (D & C 88:77). In formal and informal settings, we are constantly teaching and learning.

Not only has the Lord commanded us to teach, but He has taught us what we are to teach and how we are to are to do it: diligently and by the power of the Spirit. But how do we know if we’re “doing it right”? What signs can we watch for that the Spirit is actually present in a teaching setting?

In this insightful companion volume to Hearing the Voice of the Lord, bestselling author Gerald N. Lund brings his decades of experience working in the Church Educational System to the topic of teaching and learning by the Spirit. He discusses common misconceptions, important questions we should ask about our teaching, and the role of the Holy Ghost in the process.

“The Lord has given the responsibly to save His children to teachers,” writes Elder Lund. “The charge is clear. It is specific. It is inspiring. And, gratefully, the Lord blesses us greatly when we strive to carry out His will.”

My Review

This book is great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to be guided by the spirit when teaching. All throughout the book there are fabulous quotes, heartfelt stories, and step by step instructions in each chapter to help you be guided by the spirit of teaching through the Holy Ghost. Not wanting to quote the whole book, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite.

If we have the Spirit of the Lord to guide us, we can teach any person, no matter how well educated, any place in the world. The Lord knows more than any of us, and if we are his servants, acting under his Spirit, he can deliver his message of salvation to each and every soul. Dallin H. Oaks page 166

Parents and teachers need to do much more with the children and young people than say, essentially, “Sit down and pay attention while we tell you what you need to know.” Parents and leaders should become guides who help young people learn how to find answers for themselves. Youth need to act as agents and properly exercise their agency in order to obtain and retain strong testimonies and to become converted — instead of primarily depending spiritually on someone else. We cannot borrow from another what is necessary “to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9). With multitudes of secular influences trying to counteract the truth about and from God, no one can thrive by attempting to borrow light from the spiritual lamps of others.” David A. Bednar pages 166 – 167.

This book is a great tool for any parent, leader, or teacher seeking how to properly teach and learn from the Spirit. We have had many Family Home Evenings about this lately and I greatly appreciate any assistance in teaching my children to learn from the Spirit.

About the Author

Elder Gerald N. Lund received his BA and MS degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He served for thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, and he served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008. He is a prolific author (The Work and the Glory series, The Kingdom and the Crown trilogy, Fire of the Covenant, The Undaunted) and has received many honors for both his fiction and nonfiction works. He and his wife, Lynn, are the parents of seven children.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Seagull Book

Porcelain Keys by Sarah Beard — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Feb 112014

Porcelain Keys

Author: Sarah Beard

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: February 11th, 2014

Genre: YA

Paperback: 352 pages

ISBN13: 9781462113965

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Aria’s life is full of secrets–secrets about her mother’s death, her father’s cruelty, and her dream to go to Juilliard. When Aria meets Thomas, he draws out her secrets, captures her heart, and gives her the courage to defy her father. But when tragedy strikes and Thomas disappears, Aria is left alone to transform her broken heart’s melody into something beautiful. Porcelain Keys is a captivating love story that will resonate long after the last page is turned.

My Review

Wow, this was a good book. I could not put it down. I almost finished it in one sitting. I loved the story. I was immediately taken by Aria and her life. Thomas was fantastic too. I loved how the author pulled me into the story with subtle hints of what was to come and didn’t let go until the end. So many things happen to her and those around her, you can’t help but read all night. I know I have read a good book when I read it quickly, have tears in my eyes at some point and have a smile on my face at the end.

5 out of 5 stars. Perfect debut for Sarah. I will eagerly be awaiting more from her.

About the Author

Sarah Beard is the author of Porcelain Keys, a YA contemporary romance. She has a degree in communications from the University of Utah and splits her time between writing and raising three energetic boys. She is a cancer survivor and a hopeless romantic. She enjoys reading and composing music, and lives with her husband and children in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can follow Sarah on Twitter @authorsarahB or Facebook. Her website is www.sarahbeard.com.

Reviews

“Emotionally rich, elegant description, beloved characters–Sarah Beard delivers a fresh, new novel that will go on my list of classics.” –Stephanie Fowers, author of With a Kiss.

“Aria is a heroine worth rooting for, and the plot is an emotional melody that weaves a spell so potent, it can only be broken by reaching the end. And even then, I couldn’t stop thinking about Aria and her story.” –Heather Frost, author of The Seers Trilogy

“Emotionally gripping, this beautifully crafted young adult romance will pull at readers’ heartstrings from tragic beginning to happy ending. A must-read for fans of contemporary romance, both young and seasoned. ” –Julie Ford, author of Replacing Gentry

“Porcelain Keys is a fresh, heart-wrenching take on boy-meets-girl. Using fantastic and musical imagery to tell the poignant love story of Aria and Thomas, the author leads thereader to a swelling crescendo as if we’re part of the song—and what a beautiful song it is.” –Cindy C. Bennett, author or Geek Girl and Rapunzel Untangled

“A lyrical love story that will leave your heart singing. Porcelain Keys is a masterpiece with emotional depth, young love, and family angst. Beard takes us on a journey of self- discovery, second chances, and ultimately, sweet resolution.” –Heather Ostler, author or The Siren’s Secret

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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Reverently Quietly by Pamela Jensen — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jan 292014

Reverently Quietly: Sacrament Meeting Activity Book

Author: Pamela Jensen

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: January 7th, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1215-9

Spiral Bound: 64 pages

FTC FYI: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

Sitting quietly through a church meeting is challenging for many young children. Younger children learn differently than adults, and they need to be actively engaged. This activity book is designed to provide quiet learning experiences for children during church meetings. Keep the wiggles and boredom at bay with these church-centered coloring pages, matching games, and drawing activities. Kids will love this quiet book, and parents will love that their children are focused on gospel principles.

My Review

My kids are long past the wiggle stage, but my youngest still loves to color and draw (so does my 12 year old:). I eagerly awaited this book for the blog tour. I love church centered activities for kids, especially to do during sacrament meeting. What I liked most about this book was the opportunity for kids use their imaginations to complete some of the coloring pages. They can create their own dress, pioneer faces, a ward organist, golden plates, and many more. There is also scriptures to look up.

My family and I enjoyed this fun, church centered book, and you will too.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Hearth Fires by Dorothy Keddington

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jan 222014

Hearth Fires

Author: Dorothy Keddington

Publisher: Walnut Springs/Currawong Press

Published: Dec. 31, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-59992-894-4

Genre: Romantic/suspense

Paperback: 303 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Mackenzie Graham’s ideal assignment – writing an article on storybook homes – takes a dangerous turn when she photographs a clandestine meeting between a prominent judge, a black-market kingpin, and a crooked cop. Rescued from harm’s way by a rugged cowboy-attorney, Mackenzie finds her career and life forever changed. Flying bullets and wild bulls team up with romance and suspense in the classic Keddington tradition. This exciting new novel will warm you on the coldest of nights.

My Review

I am so excited to shout this new book from Dorothy Keddington from the rooftops! I have been eagerly awaiting a new book from Dorothy for years. Dorothy is the beloved author of Return to Red Castle, Jayhawk, Shadow Song and many others. Dorothy is also my “Aunt Rae”, so that makes it all the more exciting.

Hearth Fires is full of the same heart-pounding romance, suspense, and twists that make all of Dorothy’s books shine. Hearth Fires has a page-turning plot and well developed characters that will keep you up late reading. I loved Mackenzie and William. They had a connection that was instant and deep. I loved the kind, caring way William was with Mackenzie and when he was gone, I missed him. All of the characters are enduring and entertaining. You will be thinking about these characters, long after you finish reading. The story is so exciting, and the romance heart-felt.

5 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Goodreads / Amazon / Deseret Book

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