Mindy

Armor Up/Suit Up by Various Contributors

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jun 272013

Armor Up

Contributed by: John Bytheway, Laurel Christensen, John Hilton III, Hank Smith, Anthony Sweat, Brad Wilcox

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: February 1, 2013

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-317-6

Paperback: 104 pages

FTC FYI: I received a review copy.

Reviewed by Mindy

Back Cover

Take upon you my whole armor that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.

D & C 27:15

These words of Joseph Smith from 1830 might be more important today than ever before. You are living in an “evil day”, but it’s also an exciting day! You have many incredible opportunities all around you. Because you face a world of challenges and temptations, you need to be fully armed. In Armor Up, some of your favorite youth speakers share how to put on the armor of God–and how wearing that armor will help you conquer the difficulties that lie ahead.

My Review

Although the target audience for this book is teens, I found myself relating to many parts. I loved the honesty, heart-felt stories and life lessons from each contributor. I especially liked the chapters from John Bytheway and Laurel Christensen. John’s, for his love of Star Trek, while my love is Star Wars, but that wasn’t the only reason I loved his chapter. Brother Bytheway referred to our shields being up. Shields being our faith.

Faith, as you know, is the first principle of the gospel, which is another reason it is considered “above all.” There are many kinds of faith–faith that things will work out, faith that the sun will come out tomorrow, faith that a sibling on a mission will be okay. The most powerful faith, of course, is “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Article of Faith 1:4). The different types of faith we refer to i our gospel discussions all spring from and center in the most critical type of faith–our faith in Jesus Christ. (page 52)

He also says that teenagers equipped with shields of faith are hard to miss. (page 52) I think of my three daughters out in the world, and nothing scares me more. What I’ve tried to teach them is having faith in Jesus Christ can get you through anything.

Another chapter I enjoyed (don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed them all) was Laurel Christensen’s on Your Spiritual Sword. My 8 year old lately has had a lot of questions on learning to feel the spirit. I loved that through this chapter, I was able to help give her some answers that made sense in her 8 year old mind.

The Holy Ghost is our sword as He guides us in truth, as He guards us in our choices, and as He heals our hearts. (page 82)

I could quote this whole book, but what is the fun in that, right? Get this book, not only for your children, but for you too.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Seagull Book

Suit Up

Contributed by: John Bytheway, Laurel Christensen, John Hilton III, Jennifer Platt, Hank Smith, Anthony Sweat, Brad Wilcox

Published: 2013

Publisher: Deseret Book

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-515-6

Paperback: 131 pages

FTC FYI: Received a review copy

Goodreads Summary

The Lord needs more missionaries and He needs better prepared missionaries. He needs YOU!

From the bestselling authors that brought you Armor Up! this unique little book is intended to help teens get ready for all they will encounter as they embark on the unique adventure of missionary work. There has never been a more exciting time to be alive—and there has never been a more exciting time to be a missionary.

In Suit Up, several of your favorite youth speakers share lessons about preparing for a mission based on the scriptural advice contained in Doctrine and Covenants 4. If you’re thinking about a mission, if you’ve already started preparing, or if you’ve got your call, you’ll benefit from the messages and advice in Suit Up.

My Review

This book is geared towards those who are thinking of going on a mission. Getting ready to suit up. I also feels it can apply to us all. We all are asked to be missionaries. Each contributor took a verse from D & C 4. Putting in their thoughts and ideas to help get our youth ready for their missions. Again, I will give my “favorite” to Laurel Christensen and also Anthony Sweat and especially Jennifer Platt and John Bytheway.

Jennifer tells of an experience where one of her 18 year old students came to her with questions. She was wanting to get her temple endowments. Sister Platt was wondering why she was feeling to go to the temple when she still had 3 years before she could prepare for a mission. I don’t want to give away the story, but it had me in tears.

Again, I could quote this whole book. This book should be on the top of reading lists for anyone preparing, thinking about, or going on a mission.

I’m giving a copy away of Suit Up on Min Reads and Reviews.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Seagull Book

The Buttersmith’s Gold by Adam Glendon Sidwell — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jun 262013

Tour Schedule

The Buttersmiths’ Gold

BATTLES. BLUEBERRIES. BOVINES.

TORBJORN AND STORFJELL’S HISTORY UNFOLDS IN AN EPIC EVERTASTER NOVELLA.

Everyone knows the most coveted treasure of the Viking Age was blueberry muffins. Blueberry muffins so succulent that if you sniffed just a whiff, you’d want a whole bite. If you bit a bite, you’d want a batch; if you snatched a batch, you’d stop at nothing short of going to war just to claim them all.

Young Torbjorn Trofastsonn comes from the clan that makes them. He’s a Viking through and

through – he’s thirteen winters old, larger than most respectable rocks, and most of all, a Buttersmith. That’s what he thinks anyway, until a charismatic merchant makes Torbjorn question his place among the muffin-makers. When Torbjorn lets the secret of his clan’s muffin recipe slip, he calls doom and destruction down upon his peaceful village and forces his brother Storfjell and his clansmen to do the one thing they are ill-prepared to do: battle for their lives.

Purchase on

Amazon

About The Buttersmiths’ Gold

The Buttersmiths’ Gold is a spin off novella in the Evertaster series that tells the story of two Viking brothers and their adventurous past. The Evertaster series (Book #1 released June 14, 2012) is about Guster Johnsonville, who goes searching for a legendary taste rumored to be the most delicious in all of history. Along the way he meets a slew of mysterious characters, including two Viking brothers Torbjorn and Storfjell. The Buttersmiths’ Gold is their story. 124 pages. By Adam Glendon Sidwell. Published by Future House Publishing.

Mindy’s Review

Torbjorn accidentally lets some secrets slide out of his mouth like butter. His village is in danger of losing everything they hold dear. Even their lives. I really enjoyed this novella from about the two Viking brothers who learn a lot about each other, as well as a something they can use for their village. I really don’t want to give anymore summary. Just know there are Vikings, secrets, adventures, trolls, battles, and bovines in this delightful story.

4 out of 5 stars. Scroll down for author info, purchase info, and a Rafflecopter giveaway.

Evertaster, Book #1:

A legendary taste. Sought after for centuries. Shrouded in secrecy.

When eleven-year-old Guster Johnsonville rejects his mother’s casserole for the umpteenth time, she takes him into the city of New Orleans to find him something to eat. There, in a dark, abandoned corner of the city they meet a dying pastry maker. In his last breath he entrusts them with a secret: an ancient recipe that makes the most delicious taste the world will ever know — a taste that will change the fate of humanity forever.

Forced to flee by a cult of murderous chefs, the Johnsonvilles embark on a perilous journey to ancient ruins, faraway jungles and forgotten caves. Along the way they discover the truth: Guster is an Evertaster — a kid so picky that nothing but the legendary taste itself will save him from starvation. With the sinister chefs hot on Guster’s heels and the chefs’ reign of terror spreading, Guster and his family must find the legendary taste before it’s too late.

Purchase on

Amazon

Book Trailer

Author Adam Sidwell

In between books, Adam Glendon Sidwell uses the power of computers to make monsters, robots and zombies come to life for blockbuster movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, King Kong, Transformers and Tron. After spending countless hours in front of a keyboard meticulously adjusting tentacles, calibrating hydraulics, and brushing monkey fur, he is delighted at the prospect of modifying his creations with the flick of a few deftly placed adjectives. He’s been eating food since age 7, so feels very qualified to write this book. He once showed a famous movie star where the bathroom was. Adam currently lives in Los Angeles, where he can’t wait to fall into the sea.

Website
Twitter
Facebook

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/2/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $25 US.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jun 192013

Esther the Queen

Author: H.B. Moore

Publisher: Covenant

Published: April 2013

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-417-4

Paperback: 217 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

She is a beautiful young Jewess, content in her life of anonymity… He is the most powerful king in the world… When chance brings the two together, the course of history is forever altered.

The glittering court of the Persian Empire serves as the backdrop for one of the most poignant tales of courage in the Bible, brought vividly to life in the pages of bestselling author H.B. Moore’s sweeping saga. And it begins on a dusty road in the Jewish Quarter . . .

An unexpected meeting between Esther and King Xerxes results in an immediate and unmistakable connection. When Esther is summoned to enter the king’s harem—the first step toward becoming his wife—Esther is torn between her desire to be with Xerxes and the knowledge that they will forever be divided by the secret of her Jewish heritage. Encouraged by her family to do what she must to help her people, she deftly navigates her new position in the palace, quickly becoming beloved by all—including Xerxes.

But when a treacherous plan threatens to engulf the kingdom in violence, Esther must choose between love and duty.

My Review

I loved this book. Heather’s writing is practically perfect in every way (yes, like Mary Poppins). Heather’s telling of Esther’s beauty, and kindness was described well. I looked forward to every page she was in. Even though he freaked me out, Haman was well written too. He was downright evil. Ahasuerus surprised me. I didn’t except to like him as much as I did. He had a definite presence that I enjoyed. I loved his and Esther’s relationship and thought it was sweet when they were first getting to know each other. From their first meeting at the well, to the chapter where she is brought to him from the harem, I loved it all. Esther had a way of brightening any situation. When she was first made queen, she would walk around the castle, getting to know everyone and trying to make all around her better. I was happy when she went to the harem to visit Hegai, Nan, and Sarah. She made everyone around her feel important.

5 out of 5 stars. Heather is an amazing writer. She has written many page turning books. Use the links below to find out more about her.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Till Death Do Us Part by Tristi Pinkston

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jun 122013

Till Death Do Us Part

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

Published: May 2013

ISBN13: 978-1-59992-880-7

Paperback: 245 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Will Ida Mae survive her own wedding?

When charming—and mostly bald—widower George Gilmore asked Ida Mae Babbitt to marry him, she was surprised and delighted. But now he has made another proposal—to hold the wedding in two weeks, while all his children are in town. Flustered but sure she can handle it with the help of her friends, Ida Mae
agrees.

The plan doesn’t go over so well with George’s family, however, and Ida Mae finds herself the victim of a plot to stop the wedding. At first the incidents seem like harmless pranks, but they escalate until Ida Mae finds herself in real danger—and in real pain. Bells are ringing, but are they wedding bells or death knells?

My Review

Till Death Do Us Part finds Ida Mae knee deep in trouble again. This time is seems that someone from George’s family doesn’t want her to marry George. Right away events occur that rattle her nerves, but (as always) Ida Mae stands her ground. George has not told Ida Mae that he is very wealthy, and it appears that someone from the family doesn’t want Ida Mae taking what they think it theirs. Danger lurks around every corner (and elevator) as Ida Mae and her friends try to plan her wedding to George.

There is nothing more delightful then a Secret Sisters mystery by Tristi Pinkston. I have grown to love these characters and their endearing quirks. As I’m reading I remember what a fantastic writer Tristi is. (Not that I had forgotten :) Consistent, consistent, consistent is how she writes. Every line is important and most of the time, very funny. I was thrilled to learn that Ren reminded Ida Mae of Ewan McGregor, “only without the light saber and with a temple recommend.” (page 37) I was happy that the love triangle between Eden, Ren, and Kevin was quickly solved so I could focus on other aspects of the story.

I could quote the whole book for it’s humor and cleverness, but this was one of my favorite moments:

The officers waited until Arlette got the minivan turned around, and then they climbed into their own vehicle. Ida Mae was surprised when one of them flipped on red and blue lights built into the front of the car. All the vehicles ahead of them edged out of the way, and Arlette followed the officers down the canyon and toward Federal Heights.

“If this weren’t so extremely frightening, it would be exciting,” Tansy remarked.

For once, Ida Mae knew exactly what she meant. (page 144)

5 out of 5 stars. This is the last book in the series. If you are new to the Secret Sisters, definitely start with the first.

Author Links

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jun 052013

A Change of Plans

Author: Donna K. Weaver

Publisher: Rhemalda

Published: June 1st, 2013

Paperback: 326 pages

ISBN13: 9781936850778

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

Reviewed by Mindy and Sheila

Goodreads Summary

When twenty-five-year-old Lyn sets off on her cruise vacation, all she wants is to forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. What she plans is a diversion uncomplicated by romance. What she gets is Braedon, an intriguing young surgeon. He’s everything her fiancé wasn’t, and against the backdrop of the ship’s make-believe world, her emotions come alive.
Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship—on the very anniversary Lyn came on the cruise to forget. Lyn’s painful memories are too powerful, and she runs off in a panic.

But it’s hard to get away from someone when you’re stuck on the same ship. Things are bad enough when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise’s snorkeling excursions. Then paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped, and Lyn’s fear of a fairy tale turns grim.

Mindy’s Review

I thought this book was brilliant. I loved it. I also loved how Donna threw some of my favorite movie references in it. Especially Hobbits. But, I didn’t love the book just for those reasons.

I really didn’t know what to expect when I was reading A Change of Plans, but immediately I was drawn to the cover, and while reading, what was inside it. This book has everything a reader could ask for. Romance, humor, suspense, love, hope, strong, likeable characters, and a great fast-paced plot that will keep you reading until the end. I read this book in one day because I couldn’t put it down. I don’t want to give things away, but my heart would break for Lyn. Many things happened to here, but I loved how her stunning character would help her through it. Braedon was also a fav, and Jori too. I could tell that all of Donna’s characters were important to her through her writing because of the way they all shine. Am I gushing? I’m gushing, but this book deserves it. This book has it all, I laughed and I cried.

5 of out 5 stars. I can’t wait to read more from this awesome debut author.

Sheila’s Review

I always love it when I’m surprised by a novel. Most of the time readers think they know pretty much what will happen in a story. Don’t do this when you read A Change of Plans. This book is SO much more than your typical romance. It has suspense, drama, adventure, and romance. One more thing, it will make you cry at some point as you are reading. (I’m not divulging where those moments will take place in the story.) You can be assured that you will go through a variety of emotions before you read the last page. This novel should be your first choice when you are looking for that perfect summer read.

Author Links

Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Rhemalda
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Farworld: Air Keep by Jeff Savage

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

May 292013

Farworld: Air Keep (Book 3)

Author: J. Scott Savage

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: February 26th, 2013

Hardcover: 336 pages

ISBN13: 9781609073251

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

It’s been six months since Marcus and Kyja obtained the help of the land and water elementals, but before they can secure the help from the mysterious air elementals, the two friends must first be reunited. A task easier said than done.

Master Therapass is worried that trying to pull Marcus to Farworld would put him in danger of the shadow realm, but if Marcus stays on Earth, he’ll be sent back to the Philo T. Justice School for Boys instead of being able to stay on the protected grounds of the monastery.

While attempting to return to Farworld, Marcus finds himself in the Abyss of Time, facing four doors: the Is, the Was, the Will Be, and the Never Was. What he learns in that dangerous place has the potential to change his life—and Kyja’s. But does he have the courage to tell her what he learned?

And in Farworld, a drought, floods, and blizzards have seized the land, hinting that perhaps there is a traitor in the elementals’ midst. The Dark Circle is growing in power, and as Marcus and Kyja desperately search for the air elementals, they must first answer the question “Is there anyone we can trust?”

My Review

In the past few years, it seemed that I asked always Jeff the same question whenever I saw him. “When is the next Farworld coming out?” I’m sure he was getting rather sick of me asking, but as a huge fan of the series, how could you blame me? Naturally, I was ecstatic when I heard the rest of the series was going to be completed. Air Keep does not disappoint. It has the same heart and action as the first two books and I really enjoyed how much the characters care about each other. It has been 6 months since Kyja and Marcus were together. Kyja and Master Therapass were trying to find a safe way to get Marcus to Farworld. It was taking too long for Kyja, so she decides to take matter into her own hands. As you can guess, things don’t go quite as planned. Something happens to Marcus before Kyja is able to reach him, and he sees something that could change things for both kids.

I loved this book. It felt like I was visiting old friends. But, these friends are on a very dangerous journey, while I get to come along with them unscathed.

5 out of 5 stars. Jeff is the author of many fabulous books. He has been very busy, and has had three releases in the last six months. Case File 13: Zombie Kid was released in December of 2012, and Dark Memories in January 2013.

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

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