Mindy

Persuasion a Latter-Day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison – Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews

Feb 082012

Persuasion a Latter-Dale Tale

Author: Rebecca H. Jamison

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Expected Published Date: February 14, 2012

ISBN13: 9781599559476

FTC FYI: I downloaded a copy from NetGalley, which did not affect my review.

Paperback: 240 pages

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary: “When Anne broke off her engagement seven years ago, she thought she’d never see Neil Wentworth again. But when Neil’s brother buys the house she grew up in, it seems fate has other plans in store, and Anne is woefully unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies Neil’s return. Fans of Persuasion will love this fast-paced, modern retelling of Jane Austen’s most romantic novel.”

Anne is the responsible one. Even though her sister Liz is the one living with her Dad. The story starts with the sisters getting ready for a garage sale. They need to sale the house. Dad is deeply in debt and this is a step to help him. Anne is a successful stock broker, and is currently single. Anne and her sisters are converts to the LDS church. Her parents, before they divorced, wanted nothing to do with the church. Greg, their home teacher, comes to the house. He’s a real estate agent, and says there is an interest in the house. Their last name is Wentworth. This makes Anne stop in her tracks. Seven years ago, she dated Neil. She was so young when they were together, 19. She felt when he proposed that it was too soon. Anne was also afraid of his career choice. Neil wanted to be a police officer. She was relieved when Neil’s brother Jack was the one interested in the house. However, Neil comes with Jack to look. Anne is in her “garage sale” attire, and is embarrassed. She hasn’t seen him since the day she gave the ring back, and he sees her like this?!?

What I liked most about this book was the progression of the relationship of Neil and Anne. Time passes. Anne’s sister Mary is pregnant and is put on bed rest. Mary lives next to her in-laws, The Musgroves. When she asks (or tells) Anne she needs help, Anne rushes over. Neil has been injured and is staying with Jack, at Anne’s old house. Neil is always on Anne’s mind, even when she starts dating Will. A rich lobbyist. Who may be more trouble then he’s worth. Neil also is dating a girl named Lily. She is Mary’s sister in law. There are many times when Anne and Neil meet up and I like the “awkwardness” of Anne in these situations.

What I like most about the book are the characters. The author does a great job of character detail. My favorites were Anne and Neil. Anne is a great example of a smart, funny (even though she doesn’t mean to) girl you want to be around. One thing I wanted more from her is self confidence. She seemed down on herself a lot, and a little bit too worried about her appearance at times. However, given the fact that she is still in love with her ex-finance, and he’s dating a cute young girl, it’s a bit justified. I also really loved Neil. What a great guy. Reliable, strong, loyal, and fun to be around. No wonder Anne was smitten. I also liked how each chapter begins with Anne’s old journal entries of past events in Anne’s life.

4 out of 5 stars. My thanks to Cedar Fort for having me be part of this Blog Tour. Enjoy!

Find out more about the author here. You can find Rebecca on Facebook and watch the book trailer. Find Cedar Fort on Facebook.

Family by Design by Heather Justesen — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews

Feb 042012

Family by Design

Author: Heather Justesen

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: 2012

Softcover: 245 pages

IBSN: 978-1-59955-920-9

FTC FYI: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Back cover: “Before he could think better of it, he blurted out, “I understand your concerns. I’m going to speak to my commander about getting an early discharge. My girlfriend, Rena, and I have talked about getting married. There just hasn’t been any rush.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what he was thinking. Yes, they had discussed marriage, but not to each other! He and Rena had never even dated.

Tucker’s on his way to the biggest challenge of his life. Rena already has it all—except a family of her own. But neither one expected their friendship would take such a dramatic turn.

When Tucker becomes the guardian of his newly orphaned niece and nephew, he knows he can’t handle them alone, not when he might be shipped out with the Marines at any moment. Desperate, he turns to Rena for a major favor. His marriage proposal would give her everything she wants, but can she learn to live without the romance she’s always dreamed of?

As time, prayer, and a life-changing kiss work a little magic in her heart, Rena wonders if someone up there has a plan for her that’s better than anything she could’ve come up with on her own. And though it seems crazy at first, this could become her chance for a marriage that will last for eternity.”

My Review

Rena and Tucker have been friends for 10 years. They both have had their own broken heart stories and have relied on each other many times in the past. When Tucker approaches Rena with a proposal, she is stunned. Sure, they’ve talked about marriage to other people, but Rena never thought the day would come. Tucker needs her help. Rena’s decision will affect the rest of her life.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters are so well written and the story flows with a great amount of feeling and heart. Each character is important, and I appreciated the author’s eye for detail. Rena takes on a huge responsibility. After her decision is made, however, she never looks back. She always has a prayer in her heart. Even with that, there doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges. When she is making decisions for Derek and McKensie, she thinks of their mom Haylie, and what she would do. I liked that. The author has a great way of showing real life. The children went through a terrible thing and were not immediately cured by the marriage. Derek especially needs help, and I thought it was handled in a great way.

The book is about family and design. Rena is a very talented designer, and I enjoyed being there with her. Another thing I enjoyed was the glimpses of Tucker serving his country, and the thoughts going through his mind while he was away from his new family. There is also another surprise that I thought was really clever and sweet.

4 out of 5 stars. I knew I was going to love this book when there are mentions of Harry Potter and my favorite line from Empire Strikes Back. I want to thank Heather for asking me to be a part of her blog tour. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Also, as a special promotion for anyone who buys a book before February 5th, you can get a free ebook for her companion novella, “Shear Luck.” Once you buy a copy of her book go here (link) to get your free copy. http://www.heatherjustesen.com/shear-luck

As if that weren’t enough, Heather’s holding a host of giveaways on her blog throughout the next few weeks, see the rules at the bottom of this post to enter.

Here’s the blurb for Shear Luck:

Chelsea Robison has never forgotten the older boy next door whom she crushed on as a teen, so when she runs into him at the restaurant he’s preparing to open, it’s a delightful shock. And learning he’s available again is more than a little tantalizing.

Vaughn Krenshaw had never seen his neighbor as more than a nice kid—but Chelsea had definitely grown up in the decade since they saw each other last. He’s attracted to the feisty red head, but still struggles over his wife’s death the previous year. And then there’s his five-year-old daughter, Molly, who really liked Chelsea—until she realized the woman was dating her dad.

As Chelsea starts to wonder if their love for each other will be enough to make things work, a specter from Vaughn’s past rises, making her question whether she really knew him at all.

Here’s the links to the other review from the tour. This is the last day to enter the contest!

Monday, Jan. 16 Danyelle Ferguson

Tuesday, Jan. 17 Kim Job

Wednesday, Jan. 18 Nichole Giles

Thursday, Jan. 19 Liz Adair

Friday, Jan. 20 Susan Dayley

Saturday, Jan. 21 Keith Fisher

Monday, Jan. 23 Robbin Peterson

Tuesday, Jan. 24 Julie Bellon

Wednesday, Jan. 25 Cindy Hogan

Thursday, Jan. 26 Rebecca Talley

Friday, Jan. 27 Kathleen Brebes

Saturday, Jan. 28 Debbie Davis

Monday, Jan. 30 Maria Hoaglund

Tuesday, Jan. 31 Tristi Pinkston

Wednesday, Feb. 1 Joann Arnold

Thursday, Feb. 2 Christine Bryant

Friday, Feb. 3 Rebecca Blevins

Saturday, Feb. 4 Mindy Holt

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The Ember Gods by Andrea Pearson — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews

Jan 042012

The Ember Gods

Author: Andrea Pearson

Publisher: Self

Published: 2011

Paperback: 268 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

ISBN: 9781466381612

FTC FYI: I received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary: “Jacob Clark has just returned from the world of Eklaron, where he frustrated the evil plans of the Lorkon and returned the magical Key of Kilenya to its rightful owners. His quest is far from over, though–Aloren is trapped in Maivoryl City by the Ember Gods, and Jacob can’t return to save her until he receives the potion that will protect his team from the corrosive influence of the Lorkon.

Balancing between this new world and his own proves tricky. Not only has he started his first year of high school, but his magical abilities are bringing him too much attention. He feels pulled by both sides, hoping he’ll figure out his special powers to save Aloren in time.”

This engaging sequel picks up right where The Key of Kilenya stops. Jacob has only been back from his adventure for a short time. He is coping with his new abilities, all while starting high school. Many frustrating things happen for Jacob on his first day. Most difficult for him is having his journal taken away, and he won’t get it back for the rest of the week. That was Jacob’s assignment from the Makalos. Read that journal, it will help answer his questions. He and Matt get home from school and right away are summoned back to help the Makolos. There is an army coming. He and Matt rush to help.

What was hard for Jacob during this book was his wanting to help and rescue Aloren. The Fat Lady wants to wait until all of the rescuers can have the protection of a potion. One that takes a very long time to make. His concern for Aloren has him not using his best judgement. Jacob and Matt sneak and use the key to try to save her.

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the action scenes. Especially near the end. I did think that the basketball playing was a little distracting. I know basketball is a love of Jacob’s, but it took me away from the story a bit. I thought the Ember Gods were really cool though, and I wanted more from them. Really great villains. As always, the characters are well written, creative, and enjoyable. I love this world Andrea has created. There is an awesome surprise at the end, and I’m very excited for Kilenya Book 3, August Fortress, to see where this new information will take the characters.

4 out of 5 stars. A great action/adventure story. Find out more about Andrea Pearson here. Here is the purchase link for The Ember Gods on smashwords.

Also available from Andrea Pearson:

The Key of Kilenya

Samara: A Kilenya Romance

Mindy’s Top Ten Reads of 2011 – Countdown to Christmas 2011

Posted by Mindy Countdown to Christmas, Special Features

Dec 212011

4 days until Christmas

It’s Wednesday, which means Mindy’s up. Take it away, Mindy. :)

* * * * *

LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

MINDY: I think it would be fun to go see the lights at Thanksgiving Point. My sister raves about them, and I think they would be beautiful.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

MINDY: I really have been looking forward to reading Crossed by Ally Condie, and The Death Cure by James Dashner.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

MINDY: I am not good with surprises, ask my husband. I like knowing things in advance, even presents. When I was younger, a lot younger :), I really wanted Hysteria by Def Leppard. I asked my sister for it, but there wasn’t an album shaped gift under the tree. In my “sneaky” ways, I cut along the tape line, unwrapped the small box, and saw there was a note inside, telling me where to find my real gift. I did feel bad about being sneaky, but the funny part was, she knew I would do that. That’s why she put me on a treasure hunt.

* * * * *

Wow, this was hard. To narrow it down, I chose some of my favorite that I rated 5 stars on goodreads. Last year, I cheated, and had too many favorites. This year, I’m playing by the rules.

Mindy’s Top Ten (in no particular order)

Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black
Tuesday’s at the Castle by Jessica Day George
The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice
My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison
Variant by Robison Wells
Pumpkin Roll by Josi Kilpack
Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon by Dennis Gaunt
City Limits by Sheralyn Pratt
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
The Cross Gardener by Jason Wright

What are you favorites from my list? Merry Christmas!

* * * * *

To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

**Required entry (+1) – Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

Bonus entry (+1) – Confession time: tell us if you have ever peeked at your Christmas presents early and how you felt about ruining the surprise. Was it worth it? If you are a non-peeker, was there ever a time you were tempted to peek?

Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

Book prizes donated by their authors:

Winners choice of Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, or Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson

Winner’s choice of Secret Sisters, Dearly Departed, or Hang ’em High by Tristi Pinkston

Montana Summer by Jeanette Miller

Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon

Not My Type by Melanie Jacobson

Cinder & Ella by Melissa Lemon (ebook)

Pride & Popularity by Jenni James

The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice

Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black (paperback or Kindle)

The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry

Winner’s choice of one of the books in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series by Josi S. Kilpack (including Banana Split which will be released in February 2012)

Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden

Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson

Circle of Secrets by Kimberley Griffiths Little (autographed hardcover!)

Indelible by Lani Woodland and a swag bag!

Identity by Betsy Love

The Hainan Incident by D.M. Coffman (autographed copy)

Count Down to Love by Julie N. Ford

Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett

The Breakup Artist by Shannen Crane Camp

Seers by Heather Frost

Don’t forget to comment! Merry Christmas and happy reading!

Cold River by Liz Adair — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews

Dec 142011

Cold River

Liz Adair

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: September 2011

ISBN: 978-1-59992-803-6

Paperback: 324 pages

Genre: Mystery suspense/romance

FTC FYI: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: “Mandy Steenburg thinks her doctorate in education has prepared her to run any school district – until she tangles with the moonshine-making, coon-dog-owning denizens of a tiny district in Pacific Northwest timber country. She’s determined to make a difference, but the local populace still looks to the former superintendent for leadership. When Mandy lands in the middle of an old feud and someone keeps trying to kill her, instinct tells her to run. And though she has to literally swim through perilous waters, she finds a reason to stay and chance the odds.”

Mandy arrives in Limestone, Washington to start her job as the new District Superintendent. Right away, she is given the cold shoulder from those who work in the office. They are all still bitter that the previous Superintendent, Grange Timberlain, was let go because he didn’t have the proper education. He is still around as the “assistant superintendent”. Everyone looks to Grange for answers. Mandy is determined to not let it get to her. As she tries to make friends around town, and starts to get to know the people, mysterious things happen to her.

I enjoyed what a great character Mandy was. She is a great example of a smart lady trying to make things better for others. At times, though, I was confused as to what type of book this was. There wasn’t enough mystery for me. The author did do a great job of telling Mandy’s story, but there wasn’t enough action. A friend later told me this was a romance, but the “romance’ didn’t come until there was about 50 pages left. I did enjoy the characters, though. I really liked Mandy’s sister Leesie, she was adorable. She really brought happiness to Mandy when she needed it most. I also enjoyed Grange. He was a tough guy to like, at first, but I looked forward to him being there more and more.

3 out of 5 stars.

Read more about Liz Adair here. Purchase Cold River here.

Miracle of the Christmas Star by Susan Dean Elzey — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews

Dec 072011

Miracle of the Christmas Star

Author: Susan Dean Elzey

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: September 2011

ISBN13: 9781599558622

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

Paperback 176 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Christmas Stories

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary: “Hannah died the night she was born. The new star’s light brought her back to life, but left her stricken with palsy. Sariah, Hannah’s mother, believes Hannah can be healed, if only she can find the Savior. Miracle of the Christmas Star is a tender story of love, faith and endurance that will touch your heart and remind you why miracles happen.”

Sariah lived her life with great faith. She and her husband Joshua lived in Bethlehem. It was during Hannah’s delivery, and many times later, that her faith was tested. However, Sariah new that her faith could make it through anything.

Sariah’s aunt, Mariam, helped deliver the sweet baby on the same night that the Savior of the world was born. The cord was wrapped around her neck so tight, they wondered if she would make it. Finally, as the star light touched down on her, Hannah breathed. Life was hard for their little family. Mariam was extremely hostile towards them. Wondering what sins Sariah and Joshua committed to curse the family with such a burden. One restless night, Hannah had a fever and wasn’t comfortable. Sariah was prompted to take her to the hills in the cooler air. During that time, soldiers came and killed all but a few babies in the village. Sariah and Joshua wondered why Hannah’s life was spared. They spent the night on the hill to make sure it was safe. Sariah wondered to Joshua:

“Why is she like this, Joshua?” Sariah asked. “Did we offend God?”

“Hush,” Joshua said, stroking his wife’s hair. “You could offend no one in your sweetness. She is our baby, and God gave her to us for a purpose. We must have faith.”

This is a beautiful story of ever-lasting love, patience, and love. There were a couple times where I had tears in my eyes. I love a sweet story that tears at your heart strings. The ending was wonderful and worth the wait.

4 out of 5 stars. All the characters were great examples of faith. I loved the supporting characters too. Joshua, of course, and Joanna. What Sariah had to go through in her life would of been hard for anyone to endure, especially in the time when the story is set. But she did it gracefully. Miracle of the Christmas Star is wonderful story to read to be reminded of the blessings in your own life.

FACEBOOK / CEDAR FORT / AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE

Thanks to Cedar Fort for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour.

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