Mindy

The Believer by Stephanie Black

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Nov 272013

The Believer

Author: Stephanie Black

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Originally published: 2005

Genre: speculative fiction

Kindle: 337 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Amazon Summary

There is a place where the threat of foreign terrorism is nonexistent, where there are no arguments about religion, and no battles over politics. Welcome to New America—a place where reading the wrong book can cost you your life!

Ian Roshek finally believes in something. The young history professor has studied a contraband copy of the Book of Mormon—and he knows what it says is true. But now his newfound convictions will be put to the test as he struggles to listen to the still, small voice, while society screams in his ear.

Ian’s sister Jill and her influential boyfriend, Daniel, only see Ian as a man with religious delusions–a man who needs help. And though her facade of brutality hides it, police interrogator Alisa Kent feels a trace of compassion toward this flawed, but courageous man who stays true to his faith–despite the fact that it’s contrary to both logic and public opinion. If only for selfish reasons, she wants to know more. But soon Ian’s choices will ignite a chain of events that he, and those around him, cannot escape.

A taut, must-read thriller, The Believer will cast a lingering shadow and leave you asking what you would give up in order to feel “safe.”

My Review

Words can not describe what a crazy-good author Stephanie Black is. Her books take you to another place, a place that you are reluctant to return from. Well, in the case of The Believer, that world was a pretty tough place to be, but you know what I mean. When we first meet Ian Roshek, he is coming to the aid of a student being wrongly accused of having contraband. He is taken into custody and tortured (don’t worry, it’s not graphic) by police interrogator Alisa Kent. After the agonizing time spent in custody, Kent lets him go. It takes time for Ian to feel safe again. The only problem is, Ian really was guilty. He is a believer, and he can’t figure why Kent lets him go. What happens next sets off a chain of events that will send your mind spinning and keep you reading this awesome book until you turn the last page.

Stephanie is a gifted author. Her books are so well-written you feel as though you watching a movie instead of reading. These characters go through a lot. And by the end, you aren’t sure who to trust. There is so much going on, and not just for Ian, all the characters. All their decisions affect each other in some way. The character I found most intriguing was Daniel. Without giving much away, he has a VERY though choice to make, and on top of that is given life-changing news that will/can affect so many. Including, his chance to make himself happy. Alisa Kent was fascinating too. Every character was so well-written. The last sentence of this book brought tears to my eyes.

5 out of 5 stars. This book made me grateful for freedom of religion. The sequel to The Believer, The Witnesses, was just released last month. I will be reviewing The Witnesses next week!

Stephanie is the author of many fast-paced thrillers. She won the Whitney Award for her books Rearview Mirror, Cold as Ice, Methods of Madness, and Fool me Twice. I told you she was amazing!

I am giving away a Kindle copy of The Believer on Min Reads and Reviews. Find it here.

Author Links

Blog / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Second to No One by Natalie Palmer — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Nov 202013

Second to No One

Author: Natalie Palmer

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Published: November 19th, 2013

ISBN: 9781627468

Paperback: 253 pages

Genre: YA

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Available now through www.nataliepalmerbooks.blogspot.com and tatepublishing.com. Will be released to online bookstores November 19, 2013!

“Things change. People change. Jess and I weren’t above it.”

Gemma’s first year of high school isn’t starting out the way she hoped. Jess is back from California and before she can memorize her class schedule their summer romance comes to a screeching halt. To add to her misery the gorgeous new girl in school also has eyes for Jess and despite Gemma’s unfailing attempts to win him back she keeps finding herself alone.

But when a late night car crash lands her a three month grounding and twenty hours of community service she discovers that there’s more to life than just romance and boyfriends.

Unpredictable and heart wrenching, Second to No One is the perfect continuation to the magical beginning of the Gemma and Jess romance.

My Review

Second to No One is a very enjoyable, clean book with lots of heart and lessons for the characters. I really liked Gemma this time around. Jess was a favorite too. The author did a great job of writing with a teenage voice and some of the things Gemma thought in her mind made me laugh out loud. All the characters were well written. Drew gave me a smile lots of times. I really enjoyed the journey Gemma takes in this book. I loved the lessons that she learns too. She gets to know her sister better, steps out of her comfort zone, and most importantly gets to know herself. Gemma has to complete some community service after a late night accident and I loved the scenes at the nursing home and what came from them.

4 out of 5 stars. When Gemma and Jess finally figure things out, they are thrown with more twists and the ending was very surprising. I was not expecting it, and am eagerly waiting for the next book. Second to No One is the sequel to Second Kiss. The author does a great job at catching the reader up, but I would definitely read Second Kiss first.

Author Links

Tour Stops / Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Tate Publishing / Blog / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Author Bio

I am a writer. But more importantly, I’m a mom, which is the best thing I could have ever hoped for in my life. I have three kids who amaze me every day with their little quips of humor and intelligence. I can’t really applaud myself for how great they are, though, since I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing when it comes to mothering children. But the fact that they’re turning out so awesome and I’m the one that hangs out with them all day makes me feel pretty good about myself.

I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah where I was spoiled to have the huge Wasatch Mountains in my backyard. I graduated from the University of Utah with a major in English Literature but that’s boring. The exciting part was when I met and fell in love with the boy of my dreams. He wasn’t my first or second kiss but he was by far my favorite and it didn’t take us long to figure out that life could never be as good apart as it was together. So we got married and have been living happily ever after ever since.

When I’m not attending to my homemaking and writing duties I love to exercise because it’s the only time that I have an excuse to listen to my music uninterrupted and as loud as I want. I love all different genres of music but I run extra fast when I hear Dashboard Confessionals, Cold Play or Owl City on my iPod. Besides music I love anything that has to do with water including but not limited to drinking it, skiing on it (in liquid or powder form), basking in the sun while boating on it and (these days) lazily dreaming while my kids play in it for hours on end.

So there you have it. I’m a wife, mother, writer and iPod blasting mermaid. While my husband works his brains out I take care of our kids and conjure up storylines and characters and romantic turns of events. And someday, if we’re lucky, we’ll be as happy as we are now.

52 Life-Changing Questions from the Book of Mormon by John Hilton III and Brad Wilcox

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Nov 142013

52 Life-Changing Questions from the Book of Mormon

Authors: John Hilton III & Brad Wilcox

Published: October 2013

Publisher: Deseret Book

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-579-8

Hardcover: 256 pages

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Ready for a change in your life? Turn to the Book of Mormon! Popular authors Brad Wilcox and John Hilton III help us recognize and ponder 52 powerful Book of Mormon questions which can help us with the challenges in life. Could a simple question change your perspective?

How is it that ye have forgotten?
Have ye inquired of the Lord?
Lord, how long?
Have ye spiritually been born of God?
Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God?
Have miracles ceased?
Lord, how is it done?

One short chapter each week can inspire you in life-changing ways. Just imagine how much better your life could be one year from now!

Check out this post from LDS Living about this book.

Book Jacket Cover/Introduction

Has a question ever changed your life? “A good question … is like an alarm clock,” wrote Elder Tad R. Callister. “It awakens us out of our mental doldrums (and) jump-starts our mental engines.”

A woman was in a church meeting, studying Philippians 4:8: “Whatsoever things are true, … honest, … pure, … lovely, (or) of good report; if there be any virtue, and … any praise, think on these things.” She felt the Holy Spirit say to her, “Is there anything honest, pure, or lovely in your soap opera?”

She had to confess that the program was not lovely or of good report or praiseworthy. Then the Spirit whispered another question: “So what are you going to do about it?”

What this sister heard from the Spirit that day were life-changing questions, and her decision to give up her soap opera made a profound difference in her life.

Where can we find questions that will awaken us out of those mental–and spiritual–doldrums? Popular authors John Hilton III and Brad Wilcox help us recognize and ponder fifty-two powerful questions from the Book of Mormon–one for each week of the year. One short chapter each week has the power to change your life.

Have miracles ceased?
Have ye inquired of the Lord?
Have ye spiritually been born of God?
Know ye not that ye are in the hand of God?

Joseph Smith promised that we would get nearer to God through the Book of Mormon than through any other book. Pondering its inspired questions can propel us forward to attain that promise.

My Review

What an amazing and helpful book this is. We are so blessed that in our church we have so many wonderful resources to help us get closer to our Heavenly Father. We can attain that through thorough scripture study. This book can help you do that.

Starting at the beginning of the Book of Mormon, each chapter for each week, focuses on a different topic. Ie: keeping commandments, the twelve apostles, the rod of iron, etc. Each topic that can help you in your personal scripture study. I love that I have this book in my home to help teach my children and strengthen my own testimony about the Book of Mormon.

About the Authors

Brad Wilcox is an associate professor in the department of Teacher Education at Brigham Young University, where he also works with programs such as Especially for Youth and Campus Education Week. As a young man, he served his mission in Chile, and he was later called back to that country to preside over the Chile Santiago East Mission from 2003 to 2006. He currently serves as a member of the Sunday School general board.

Brad is the author of the bestselling book The Continuous Atonement and the BYU devotional “His Grace Is Sufficient.” He and his wife, Debi, are the parents of four children and grandparents of three.

John Hilton III was born in San Francisco and grew up in Seattle. He served a mission in Denver, and got a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. Along the way he met his wife Lani and they have five children. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Mexico and Miami. Currently, they live in Utah. John has a Masters degree from Harvard and a Ph.D from BYU, both in Education, and currently is an Assistant Professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU. He has also written several books with Deseret Book. Besides being with his family, his favorite hobbies are learning Chinese and doing humanitarian work.

Purchase Link

Deseret Book / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Guardians of the Finisher’s Fury by Frank L. Cole — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Nov 132013

The Guardians of the Finisher’s Fury

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Cedar Fort/Bonneville

Published: November 3rd, 2013

ISBN13: 9781462112210

Hardcover: 265 pages

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

Book jacket summary

Amber and Trendon are on summer break, and life seems like it’s finally back to normal. However, their vacation ends abruptly when a mysterious messenger summons them to Egypt. Dorothy and her team have found an ancient artifact, the final Weapon of Might, and they need Amber’s connection with the Shomehr to recover it.

The mission goes smoothly — until they obtain the artifact. Then everything goes wrong — very wrong. Friends become enemies, and enemies become allies. Now Amber and Trendon must race against time before the Weapons of Might are united and the Finisher’s Fury is unleashed.

This action-packed adventure from bestselling author Frank L. Cole promises entertainment, excitement, and enigma as it brings the Guardians series to an electrifying conclusion.

Back Cover

Silence settled in the room as I thought through my options. Who was I kidding? I needed to be back in the hunt to be truly happy. I could rest once we found the final artifact.

“Okay.” I tucked the tickets back into the envelope. “I’ll do it.”

“You’ll go to Egypt?” he asked, clapping his hands together.

“I’ll go to Egypt.”

My Review

I feel like I’ve been holding my breath since I started reading!

Frank has save the best for last in this exciting series. Amber and Trendon (who is still a favorite) are taken to Egypt to help Dorothy for the last time. Only, Dorothy doesn’t really seem like herself. Even her appearance has changed. Her temper is always right on the surface and snaps at everyone. Right away there are snags in their journey to find that last artifact. Something happens to Dorothy, the Architects (bad guys) are closing in and Amber finds out some interesting things about her “gift” (having the ability to talk to the Shomehr). On old enemy makes an appearance and throw everyone and everything into more confusion. This awesome conclusion is action-packed with humor (lovingly from Trendon), mystery and lots of adventure.

4 out of 5 stars. Frank’s Guardians series is one that I will enjoy over and over. My kids, I know, will enjoy this as much I did. I have loved all of Frank’s books and very excited to read more from him. I am happy to say that Frank is a pal and when I read his books, I am reminded what a cool guy he is. Frank is also the author of the Hashbrown Winters series, which I also loved. And, his agent just sold his new series The Summoner’s Handbook to Delacorte of Random House!

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

A Portrait for Toni by Annette Lyon

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Oct 232013

A Portrait for Toni

Author: Annette Lyon

Published: September 4, 2013

ebook: 279 pages

ASIN: B00EZFOM7S

FTC FYI: Received a Kindle copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Toni has no idea what she’d do without her best friend, Carter. Who else would she be able to vent to about her parents, her job at the dance studio, or her latest relationship woes? When Toni’s father lands in the hospital, Carter, as always, is there for her.

That is, until he starts questioning Toni, saying he thinks she has an eating disorder. Then she starts dating Clint, the hot new guy at the studio, and somehow that puts a deeper wedge between her and Carter. When she’s hospitalized after an on-stage collapse, and Carter stupidly starts in with advice about food and weight, she sends him away—then instantly regrets it.

One night after a performance, Toni tries to mend the hurt between them. She goes to visit Carter at work, in his art classroom at the high school. She doesn’t see him there, and instead, she stumbles onto proof that he has feelings for her that go way beyond those of a friend. Toni is left with the very real prospect of losing Carter forever, unless somehow she can return his feelings—but that’s impossible.

My Review

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the way the story was told. The point of view would change from Toni’s and Carter’s and I loved seeing their side of all that goes on in this book. Toni is a character that has been through a lot emotionally through her life. That is why, I feel, she turned to anorexia and bulimia. She feels unloved by her father, as he has been overly critical of every aspect of her life. She felt control by starving herself or binging. Carter has been hiding his feelings for Toni for many years. He stetches, paints and create portraits of Toni to help him with his feelings for her. Every time he works up the courage to tell her how he feels, something always stops him. He tries to move on, dating someone else, but Toni is always on his mind. Can Toni forgive Carter? Can Carter just forget about Toni and move on with his life? You will enjoy the journey these two take to find each other.

4 out 5 stars. Annette is the author of many awesome books. Band of Sisters: Coming Home has been nominated for a 2013 Whitney Award, and A Portrait for Toni has as well. I can tell when I’m reading Annette’s books, she is very smart and knows exactly what she is doing in this writing field. She is also one of the authors in the Newport Ladies Book Club series. Her newest installment in that wonderful series, Ilana’s Wish, will be out next year. Annette also contributes to the Timeless Romance Anthologies. These are very enjoyable novellas with different themes: Winter Romance, Spring Vacation, Summer Wedding, Autumn Collection, and coming soon is the European Collection.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

I, Spy by Jordan McCollum

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Oct 162013

I, Spy

Author: Jordan McCollum

Publisher: Durham Crest Press

Published: June 2013

ISBN13: 9781940096001

Paperback: 310 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Canada is probably the last place you’d expect to find an American spy. But even idyllic Ottawa has its deadly secrets–and so does CIA operative Talia Reynolds. She can climb through ventilation shafts, blend in at the occasional diplomatic function, even scale buildings (small ones). But there’s one thing she can’t do: tell her aerospace engineer boyfriend Danny about her Top Secret occupation.

It worked for a year, keeping Danny in the dark, keeping him away from danger, keeping her secrets. And then Talia finally catches a hot case: Fyodor Timofeyev. Russian. Aerospace executive. Possible spy?

She can make this work, too–until Danny needs her at the same time her country does. And when Fyodor targets Danny? Suddenly her schedule isn’t the only thing suffering. Now to save her country and her secrets, Talia must sacrifice the man she loves.

My Review

I knew by the first page that I was going to love this book. I absolutely loved Talia’s inner voice. She loves being a spy, and she is doing her best to keep her relationship with Danny. So many clever lines filled with lots of snark and heart. Everything about this book is enjoyable. I even learned Russian. :) Jordan did a great job of explaining the Russian and worked in the phrases and abbreviations that could have been confusing, and did it well. I loved Talia the most, but all of the characters were well-written and memorable. Elliot and Danny were fav’s too. The plot is enjoyable and I loved the action! I really could not guess what was going to happen next. There were so many surprises at the turn of each page, especially during the climax, it didn’t matter what time it was, I had to finish.

5 out of 5 stars. I, Spy has also been nominated for 2013 Whitney Award. There is a prequel short story out called Mr. Nice Spy that I can’t wait to read. In I, Spy, there was a hint of something between Elliot and Talia in the past. This prequel is about that… Also Spy for a Spy should be out this November!

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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