Mindy

The Romney Family Table by Ann Romney

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Oct 092013

The Romney Family Table: Sharing Home Cooked Recipes and Favorite Traditions

Author: Ann Romney

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: October 1st, 2013

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-676-4

Hardcover: 224 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Inside the Book Jacket

Home is where good things happen–and for the Romney family, the heart of the home is the kitchen. Ann Romney, wife of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, invites readers into her home and kitchen, combining some of her favorite memories of raising a family.

Part “insider look”, part cookbook, The Romney Family Table starts out with a unique blend of personal memories, homegrown traditions, and the foods that have made family events special. Join the Romneys for family nights, summer at the lake, Christmas Eve, and many other occasions, detailed in an intimate and welcoming style.

Then, indulge yourself in scores of additional mouthwatering recipes. From the simple (Fluffernutter Sandwiches) to the sophisticated (Peppered Pork Chops with Peach-Vinegar Glaze); from the Honey-Wheat Bread Ann made regularly for five growing sons to the Buttermilk Pancakes she and Mitt shared with their Secret Service detail at the end of Mitt’s presidential campaign, these recipes will become treasures for you as they have been for the Romney family.

My Review

Everything about this book is beautiful. From the heart-felt stories, to the yummy food. I loved the inside look at the Romney family. Through the first three sections of the book, you are able to read about Ann’s family and the traditions they share. Family, traditions, and holidays. My personal favorite was family. There was one passage that I took to heart. It is also something that I am striving for in my home. With a hubby that is not home all the time, it is vital that we have dinners together. It is the best way to catch up with your kids on their day without distractions.

Several years ago, the media reported a study carried out by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital found that kids who ate dinner iwth their families at least five times a week were far less likely to take drugs, become depressed, or get into trouble. Personally, I don’t think it’s the food that does the trick, and it may be that there is more involved than just the 30 minutes or so around the table. I think that spending time in the kitchen with Mom as she prepares those meals has a lot to do with it. (page 5)

This book is wonderful addition to any home library. I’m very excited to try some of the recipes, too.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book

Winter Queen by Amber Argyle

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Oct 092013

Winter Queen

Author: Amber Argyle

Publisher: Starling Publishing

Published: June 2013

ISBN13: 9780985739441

Hardcover: 254 pages

Reviewed by Mindy

FTC FYI: Received an eArc in exchange of an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

~Becoming a winter queen will make Ilyenna as cold and cruel and deadly as winter itself, but it might be the only way to save her people from a war they have no hope of winning.~

Mortally wounded during a raid, seventeen-year-old Ilyenna is healed by winter fairies who present her with a seductive offer: become one of them and share their power over winter. But that power comes with a price. If she accepts, she will become a force of nature, lose her humanity, and abandon her family.

Unwilling to pay such a high price, Ilyenna is enslaved by one of the invaders, Darrien. While in captivity, she learns the attack wasn’t just a simple raid but part of a larger plot to overthrow her entire nation.

With the enemy stealing over the mountains and Darrien coming to take her to his bed, Ilyenna must decide whether to resurrect the power the fairies left behind. Doing so will allow her to defeat Darrien and the other invaders, but if she embraces winter, she will lose herself to that destroying power—forever.

My Review

I was immediately taken in to Ilyenna’s world. I found myself reading way past my bedtime and only stopped out of sheer exhaustion. This world that the author has created is harsh, but amazing. Your heart breaks for these characters as you read their struggles. Each character is written with care and the bad guys are the meaning of the word bad. I cheered, gasped, and cried many times. I never knew what was coming next. I really enjoyed the fairy twist and the surprises that it would bring to the story. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. There is some war violence and other violence, but nothing that affected my reading.

5 out of 5 stars. Amber is a very talented writer. I am a big fan of her writing. I really enjoyed her Witch Song series and I reviewed both Witch Song and Witch Born. Book 3 of the Witch Song series, Witch Fall, is expected this month. Summer Queen is expected next year. Currently Witch Song and Witch Born are on sale for $2.99. Winter Queen is $3.99!

Winter Queen was nominated for 2013 Whitney Award. The finalists will be announced January 2014.

Amber is also doing a YA Scavenger Hunt, more details are on her blog. She’s giving away over 17 books!

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Oct 022013

Sky Jumpers

Author: Peggy Eddleman

Publisher: Random House Children’s

Published: September 24th, 2013

ISBN13: 9780307981271

Hardcover: 288 pages

FTC FYI: Received a Netgalley copy from the publisher

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

What happens when you can’t do the one thing that matters most?

12-year-old Hope lives in White Rock, a town struggling to recover from the green bombs of World War III. The bombs destroyed almost everything that came before, so the skill that matters most in White Rock—sometimes it feels like the only thing that matters—is the ability to invent so that the world can regain some of what it’s lost.

But Hope is terrible at inventing and would much rather sneak off to cliff dive into the Bomb’s Breath—the deadly band of air that covers the crater the town lives in—than fail at yet another invention.

When bandits discover that White Rock has invented priceless antibiotics, they invade. The town must choose whether to hand over the medicine and die from disease in the coming months or to die fighting the bandits now. Hope and her friends, Aaren and Brock, might be the only ones who can escape through the Bomb’s Breath and make the dangerous trek over the snow-covered mountain to get help.

For once, inventing isn’t the answer, but the daring and risk-taking that usually gets Hope into trouble might just save them all.

My Review

Sky Jumpers is another fine example of excellent middle grade fiction, which is becoming my favorite genre to read and review. I was immediately drawn into White Rock with Hope and her friends and family. Hope is an amazing character. We meet her at the top of a cliff. Ready to jump into danger. The Bomb’s Breath is a deadly gas left over from World War III that covers the crater White Rock is in. She has been keeping this jumping from her family, knowing her parents would be terribly upset. The bombings left almost nothing and invention is what keeps the them all going. Hope strength is not in inventing, but what she discovers about herself and does for her town, saves them all.

5 out of 5 stars. Sky Jumpers is an amazing story with enjoyable characters and a very clever plot that will keep you turning pages quickly. This book is one that you can read along with your children and enjoy it as much as they will.

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Not Even Once Club by Wendy Watson Nelson

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Sep 042013

The Not Even Once Club

Author: Wendy Watson Nelson

Illustrator: Brandon Dorman

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: August 1st, 2013

Hardcover

ISBN-13: 978-1-60907-337-4

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Inside the Book Jacket

The Not Even Once Club is an adorable and appealing way to engage children in a story that will help them choose for themselves to keep the commandments and to never break them. Not even once.

Children will meet Tyler, an energetic boy who is excited to make new friends in his Primary class. They have invited Tyler to join their special club, but first he has to pass the test and keep the club promise.

With illustrations from bestselling illustrator Brandon Dorman, The Not Even Once Club is a fun and engaging way for parents to help teach their children the importance of keeping the commandments. Included in the back of the book are additional teaching helps for parents and leaders.

My Review

What an amazing book this is. I loved the children in the story. Great examples of kindness and of children wanting to do their best. The illustrations are so beautiful, they bring this book to life perfectly. All of my kids, even my teenagers, thought this book was fun and sweet. It is a great reminder for us all to promise to do what our Heavenly Father asks. The last page gives parents and children a wonderful guide that explains the LDS church’s view on the issues in the book. The Word of Wisdom, modesty, pornography, obedience and repentance. It also refers to articles and products the church has on these topics. Even for questions to discuss with your older children.

5 out of stars. Enjoy this book with your kids and grandkids and start your own Not Even Once Club!

About the Author

Wendy Watson Nelson holds a Ph.D. in family therapy and gerontology. Prior to her marriage to Elder Russell M. Nelson, she was a professor of marriage and family therapy for twenty-five years. Sister Nelson has served as a stake Relief Society president, stake Primary president, and chaired theBYU Women’s Conference. Currently, she is an institute instructor and visiting teacher. Sister Nelson was born in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, to Leonard David and Laura Byrde McLean Watson.

About the Illustrator

Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestsellerThe Wizard. He graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he studied fine art and illustration. He and his wife, Emily, have three children and live in Washington, where he enjoys working as a freelance illustrator. His work has appeared in children’s books and on numerous covers, including Pingo, The Candy Shop War, and the Fablehaven series. See more of Brandon Dorman’s artwork at BrandonDorman.com

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Seagull Book

Longing for Home by Sarah M. Eden — Blog Tour/Event Info

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Aug 152013

Longing for Home

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: August 6th, 2013

ISBN13: 9781609074616

Paperback: 400 pages

Reviewed by Mindy

FTC FYI: Received a paperback ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Twenty-six-year-old Katie Macauley has placed all her hope in Hope Springs, a small town in the 1870 Wyoming Territory. But if she wants to return home to Ireland to make amends with her estranged family, she’ll need to convince the influential Joseph Archer to hold true to his word and keep her on his payroll as his housekeeper despite her Irish roots. The town is caught in an ongoing feud between the Irish and the “Reds” the frontiersmen who would rather see all the Irish run out of town and the Irish immigrants who are fighting to make a home for themselves in the New World. When Joseph agrees to keep Katie on as his housekeeper, the feud erupts anew, and Katie becomes the reluctant figurehead for the Irish townsfolk. As the violence escalates throughout the town, Katie must choose between the two men who have been vying for her love, though only one might be able to restore hope to her heart.

My Review

Shanda reviewed Longing for Home earlier this week. Here is the link.

I was thrilled to take part in this blog tour for Longing for Home. I have long been a fan of Sarah’s books and I knew I was in for a treat. This book had everything. Romance, love, humor, tears, disputes, and a heartbreaking past. I loved how Sarah told the story through not only Katie’s eyes, but with Tavish and Joseph too. It was the perfect way to see each character properly, how they saw each other. At first, I wasn’t sure what I thought of Katie. She was so hard on everyone, mostly herself. But I enjoyed watching her demeanor soften, and for her to feel she belonged somewhere. I thought Sarah told her story brilliantly and by the end, well I didn’t want the story to end. I also loved how Sarah brought Ireland to us. The language was especially enjoyable and I could hear the accent as I read. Another favorite was Tavish. He is an instantly, likable character who tries to charm Katie, also while driving her crazy.

5 out of 5 stars. Longing for Home is at the top of my list for my favorite reads of the year.

Sarah is having a launch party for this amazing book. Here are the details:

Event Information

Date: Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: The King’s English Bookshop 1511 South 1500 East Salt Lake City, UT 84105

Event Details:

To celebrate the release of LONGING FOR HOME, we’re throwing a party–Irish Style. Authentic food. A wonderful book. An Irish-themed door prize. And perhaps a touch of blarney. Come celebrate with us!

Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of Longing For Home from The King’s English.

GET YOUR COPY NOW! Pre-order your signed copy of Longing For Home today, by either calling the store at 801-484-9100 or ordering online. Please specify if you will be attending the event and if you want your book personalized.

Facebook Link

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book

ONE MORE THING

The digital books are on sale – yes, the e-books! We have Amazon.com specials running for August and September with titles under the “A Proper Romance” brand.

August Promo Pricing:

Longing for Home $7.99

September Pricing:

Edenbrooke: $1.99
Blackmoore: $7.99

Emma: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Aug 072013

Emma: A Latter-day Tale

Author: Rebecca H. Jamison

Publisher: Bonneville/Cedar Fort

Publish Date: August 13th (have seen it on shelves)

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1260-9

Paperback: 256 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Cover Blurb

NOT Looking for Love: Single woman (23) seeks best friend to chat on the phone, shop the clearance racks, watch chick flicks, try out messy cooking projects, and eat Dove dark chocolates.

Emma isn’t so good at the whole life-coaching thing. Her first client ended up with a broken heart and is threatening to relapse in her bad habits. Now Emma has problems of her own to deal with, and all those problems start with one name: Justin.

Justin is her best friend, so it’s hard for Emma not to feel betrayed when she suspects he is falling for her childhood rival. And she knows she’s losing him despite her best efforts. No matter how much she tries, she keeps running up against obstacles. How is she supposed to help other people when she’s drowning in her own failures?

Fans of Jane Austen’s Emma will love this modern retelling of the classic romance novel. Fall in love with Emma’s latter-day tale of redemption, forgiveness, and the quest for true love.

My Review

I really enjoyed reading Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale from Rebecca Jamison last year and I love the classic story of Emma by Jane Austin. I knew I was in for a great read. Emma has her flaws, but I think that is what I liked most about her. As much as I liked Emma though, Justin was my favorite. Although I knew the story, I was taken in by the author’s take on characters and plot twists. One of my favorite characters, especially in the movie Emma starting Gwyneth Paltrow, was Emma’s dad. He did not disappoint in this version either. Very funny, and endearing.

4 out of 5 stars. Darling book with a sweet message.

Author Links

Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Trailer

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Excerpt

It was amazing how much more snow Phil could pick up with his shovel than I could with mine. He cleared three feet of the driveway before I was done with one.

“When we’re done, if you have time, you should come in and meet Harri. I think you two will get along.”

Phil stopped and looked at his watch. “I’m planning to do a couple more driveways before it gets dark.”

“I’ll go get Harri now if you’re in a hurry. She wants to meet you.”

Phil leaned on his shovel. “Harry is a she?”

“Her real name is Harriet. She moved here a couple months ago and she’s hardly met anybody. I think you’ll like her.”

Phil threw his head back, laughed, and started shoveling again. “I thought you were trying to introduce me to your new boyfriend.”

“You think I would be out here shoveling snow while my new boyfriend stays inside?” I grabbed a handful of snow and threw it at him. I didn’t mean to hit him in the face, but that’s where it landed.

Phil wiped the snow off his face and grinned. “I wondered why you were dating such a loser.” I expected him to throw a snowball at me, but he just stood there. “So you don’t have a boyfriend?”

I giggled a little at his awkwardness. “Nope. Harri doesn’t either.”

Phil threw another shovelful of snow away from the driveway. “So you . . . I mean, you and your friend are . . . available?” Phil didn’t open his mouth enough when he talked. That was the one thing about him that always distracted me. I couldn’t help staring at his mouth.

I had to force myself to look into his eyes. “Why is that a shock, Phil? Every woman in that house right now is available. You can take your pick—Harri, me, or Barbara. You’re surrounded by single women.” It was safe to assume Phil wouldn’t pick me. I was at least three inches taller than he was, and it was a rare man who dated a taller woman.

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