Mindy

My Fairly Dangerous Godmother by Janette Rallison

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jun 042015
 

23522181My Fairly Dangerous Godmother

Author: Janette Rallison

Publisher: Rally Point Press

Published: May, 2015

ISBN13: 9780990675723

Paperback: 396 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Some people bomb auditions. Sadie Ramirez throws up during her tryouts on TV show America’s Top Talent. Her performance is so bad, it earns her a fairy godmother through the Magical Alliance’s Pitiful Damsel Outreach Program. Enter Chrysanthemum Everstar: a gum-chewing, cell phone-carrying, high heel wearing fairy godmother in training. She misinterprets Sadie’s wishes and sends her back in time to be a part of The Little Mermaid story and then makes her one of the twelve dancing princesses. Wishes are permanent, and if Sadie wants to get back to her home, she’ll have to strike a magical bargain–one that involves stealing a goblet from a powerful fairy queen.

My Review

I absolutely love how clever Janette’s writing is.  She is a master.  Each line is expertly written, and funny.  I have been a fan of this series for a long time, and I was so excited to read this book!

I loved this book, it was so fun.  I absolutely love Chrissy and her attempts to help her charges with wishing for a way out of their problems.  Poor Sadie.  Poor, poor Sadie.  This poor girl has THE worst audition ever and gets stuck in Chrissy’s version of “help”.  Along the way she meets Donovan, who is trapped in the fairytale too.  I enjoyed how we gradually got to know him and learn his story.  (I loved him, by the way.)  I liked the twist of Sadie and Donovan getting involved in stealing back a goblet from the fairy queen, and in doing so, get to know each other.  I really enjoyed the scenes in the fairy queen’s kingdom.  Sadie’s growth as a character was fun to watch and I loved the ending.

4 out of 5 stars.  Like any book of Janette’s, there is lots of humor, fun, and romance.  With how the book ends, it seems there will be another, which makes me happy!

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Sheik’s Ruby by Jennifer Moore

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jun 032015
 

25416560The Sheik’s Ruby

Author: Jennifer Moore

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Published: May 8th, 2015

ASIN: A00VU8L9VQ

Kindle edition: 248 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Shelby wants to break away from the mold of her small town and make a name for herself in the big-city journalism world. While skiing, she meets mysterious stranger Hakim who is actually the prince of the Middle Eastern kingdom of Khali-dar.

When his enemies learn of Hakim’s connection to an American girl, they target Shelby. Fleeing to the safety of Khali-dar, Shelby falls deeper in love not only with the prince, but with his country. As she struggles to survive terrorist attacks, withstand the Sheik’s prejudice, and find her place in a world she doesn’t understand, she must choose which life she is willing to sacrifice—the comfortable one she has worked so hard to create, or the one with the man she loves.

My Review

Oh my goodness, this book is so much fun.  This was the first book that Jennifer wrote, and it is up there as one of my favorites of hers.  She is such a talented author and has such a wonderful variety of style in her writing.  I loved Shelby instantly.  She is a remarkable character.  I loved how we knew Hakim’s secret early on as we witnessed his inner struggle with it.  Hakim is a fabulous character too.  I enjoyed how Jennifer took care in writing her main characters so well, and also her supporting characters.  Nasir, Hakim’s bodyguard, was a silent but strong character, and Shelby’s mother was a doll.  I loved the jump from Culver Springs (which reminded me of my husband’s hometown) to Khali-dar and the development of Shelby and Hakim’s relationship.  Shelby was such a strong character and won the heart of everyone she came in contact with.  I love the story behind the title too and how it all ties together at the end.

4 out of 5 stars.  Another strong book from Jennifer.  I will read anything this lady writes.

Author Links

Amazon Page / Twitter / Website / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

 

 

 

The Moses Chronicles: Bondage by H. B. Moore — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews
May 202015
 

25490708The Moses Chronicles: Bondage (Volume 1)

Author: H. B. Moore

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: May 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-68047-166-3

Paperback: 236 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Moses has always felt like an outsider in his powerful Egyptian family, even though his close relationship with Ramses, the prince of Egypt, and their cousin Pentu keeps him entwined in the dealings of royalty. But when their youthful antics get them in trouble, the Pharaoh decides it’s time for all three of them to grow up and own their respective responsibilities. Now betrothed to a woman he cares nothing for, Moses wonders where his life is headed.

Miriam, a Hebrew slave, lives with a secret she cannot share with anyone. And though it has been eighteen years since she saved her baby brother, she is constantly getting in trouble for spying on him. In a desperate attempt to control Miriam, her older brother, Aaron, and her father look to find her a husband, something Miriam has never been interested in—until Caleb, a young, handsome man, confesses his feelings for her and asks her father for her hand in marriage.

When Libya advances on Egypt, Moses and Miriam are suddenly thrown together as the Egyptian royals and soldiers flee. Hebrew slaves are forced to defend the kingdom, and Miriam and Caleb are enlisted under Moses’s direction. Moses quickly sees there is more to this downtrodden people than what he’s been taught. When he witnesses the atrocities enacted against the slaves, he realizes he must leave—he must find out who he really is.

A gripping account of the events that lead to Moses’s flight into the wilderness, The Moses Chronicles: Bondage will take you back to a rich period of history replete with scandal, strife, love, and hope as God prepares a prophet to lead His chosen people.

My Review

As with any of Heather’s books, the characters in The Moses Chronicles: Bondage are brought to live with her amazing storytelling and writing.  I loved this fictional account of Moses and Miriam.  I appreciated the point of view changes between Moses, Miriam, and Bithiah.  Miriam was an especially enjoyable character.  She was a very strong, and courageous woman in hard times.  My heart broke for her with all she endured.  Another aspect I enjoyed was Miriam’s love for the brother she didn’t know.  Heather’s Moses was also a strong character that was honorable and wise.  This book is very hard to put down and reads quickly.  There is so much to this book that will keep you turning pages.  For me, it was the characters and the beautiful, gripping story.  I also enjoyed the other characters, Caleb and Bithiah especially.

5 out of 5 stars.  I can’t wait for Deliverance, the next volume in the series.

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

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Almost Super/Searching for Super by Marion Jensen

 Posted by  Book Reviews
May 122015
 

18090043Almost Super

Author: Marion Jensen

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: January 21st, 2014

ISBN13: 9780062209610

Hardcover: 256 pages

FTC FYI: I purchased both copies of these books.

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

Savvy meets The Incredibles in this fresh, funny middle-grade debut about two brothers in a family of superheroes who must find a way to be heroic despite receiving powers that are total duds.

Each leap year, on February 29th, at 4:23 p.m., every member of the Bailey family over the age of twelve gets a superpower. No one knows why, and no one questions it. All the Baileys know is that it’s their duty to protect the world from those evil, supervillainous Johnsons.

Today, Rafter Bailey and his brother Benny are finally going to get their superpowers. Benny wants to be a speedy, and Rafter hopes he gets super strength so he can save the day just like his grandfather. But when their powers arrive, they are, well, duds. Rafter can light matches on polyester, and Benny can turn his innie belly button into an outie.

Suddenly Rafter and Benny’s world is turned upside down. Especially when they realize that Juanita Johnson, the villain in Rafter’s algebra class, thinks that her family are the superheroes and the Baileys are the villains.

What if everything Rafter thought he knew about superheroes turns out to be a lie? He may not have an awesome power, but with the help of Benny and an unexpected friend, he could just be almost super.

Purchase Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

22138360

Searching for Super

Author: Marion Jensen

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: January 20th, 2015

ISBN13: 97800622009580

Hardcover: 256 pages

Summary

Rafter and Benny Bailey are back in this laugh-out-loud follow-up to Almost Super, which Kirkus Reviews called “fluent, funny, and eminently sequel-worthy,” perfect for fans of Pixar’s The Incredibles.

The superheroes of Split Rock are hunkering down, which is really just a fancy way of saying they’re hiding. Ever since those supervillainous Joneses took away their real powers, the Baileys and the Johnsons have been living in fear. But Rafter has had a taste of what saving the day feels like, and now he’s desperate to do something important.

So when he gets an opportunity to fight with a real superpower–as long as he promises not to tell his parents–he is going to take it, no questions asked. With the help of his brother Benny, his cousin Thimon, and his best friend, Juanita, Rafter Bailey is searching for super.

Filled with heart and humor, Searching for Super is a family adventure of heroic proportions.

Purchase Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My Review

This series will go down as an all-time favorite of mine.  I loved it.  I love, love, love middle grade fantasy books, and these books are why!  (I know I say that a lot, but it’s true:)  They are full of adventure, fun, humor, hilarious one-liners, super heroes with awesome super powers, and heart.  What more could you ask for?  Each book is full of fun twists and turns, but what I loved most in each book was the way the characters stuck up for one another and united with their love for family and friendship.  I can’t summarize one book without giving the other away, but trust me, this is a series your kids and you will love.

5 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Goodreads / Twitter / Website

 

What Makes Us Sisters by Bonnie L. Oscarson

 Posted by  Book Reviews
May 092015
 

24999947What Makes Us Sisters

Author: Bonnie L. Oscarson

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: April 6th, 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-62972-041-8

Hardcover: 48 pages

Reviewed by Mindy

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

Summary

Sisters take care of each other, watch out for each other, comfort each other, and are there for each other through thick and thin, observes Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women general president.

In this delightful and inspiring book, Sister Oscarson encourages all women to look beyond differences in age, culture, and circumstance in order to better nurture and serve one another. She explains that all women young or old, married or single, working in an office or running a home have unique talents and gifts to share. Focusing on the boundless blessings that Latter-day Saint women enjoy, Sister Oscarson urges women throughout the Church to live and inspire others in ways that realize their greatest potential.

My Review

Need a last minute Mother’s Day gift?  This book is full of beautiful insights and thoughtful passages of love.  Reminding us all that our differences are what makes us special in God’s eyes.  Who are we to criticize or judge others?  I love listening to Sister Oscarson’s talks.  She has a presence about her that is very inspiring and I can tell that she is a remarkable woman.  I truly enjoyed this book.

We need to care for each other, comfort each other, and [be] there for each other.

As we look beyond our differences in age, culture, and circumstance to nurture and serve one another, we will be filled with the pure love of Christ…

About the Author

BONNIE L. OSCARSON was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She attended Brigham Young University as a young adult and returned thirty-five years later to complete a bachelor’s degree. She married Paul Oscarson in 1969 and served with his as he presided over a mission and later a temple, both in Sweden. Sister Oscarson was sustained as the general president of the Young Women in April 2013. She and her husband are the parents of seven and grandparents of twenty-seven.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Love, Lucas by Chantele Sedgwick

 Posted by  Book Reviews
May 072015
 

23130126Love, Lucas

Author: Chantele Sedgwick

Publisher: Sky Pony Press

Published: May 5th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781632204172

Hardcover: 288 pages

FTC FYI: I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

When Oakley Nelson loses her older brother, Lucas, to cancer, she thinks she’ll never recover. Between her parents’ arguing and the battle she’s fighting with depression, she feels nothing inside but a hollow emptiness. When Mom suggests they spend a few months in California with Aunt Jo, Oakley isn’t sure a change of scenery will alter anything, but she’s willing to give it a try.

In California, Oakley discovers a sort of safety and freedom in Aunt Jo’s beach house. Once they’re settled, Mom hands her a notebook full of letters addressed to her—from Lucas. As Oakley reads one each day, she realizes how much he loved her, and each letter challenges her to be better and to continue to enjoy her life. He wants her to move on.

If only it were that easy.

But then a surfer named Carson comes into her life, and Oakley is blindsided. He makes her feel again. As she lets him in, she is surprised by how much she cares for him, and that’s when things get complicated. How can she fall in love and be happy when Lucas never got the chance to do those very same things?

With her brother’s dying words as guidance, Oakley knows she must learn to listen and trust again. But will she have to leave the past behind to find happiness in the future?

My Review

Love, Lucas is sweet story about Oakley, trying to move on with her life after a tragedy and life changing events.  After the death of her brother, Lucas, Oakley and her mom move to California for the spring to try to distance themselves from the pain of losing him.  Oakley’s mom gives her a notebook of letters written by Lucas that he wrote before he died, in hopes of helping her move on.  I absolutely loved this book.  I’ve told Chantele that I think she and I are kindred spirits, and I felt this way even more so reading this book.  The story flows nicely, and I enjoyed Oakley’s journey of growth.  Carson was a ray of sunshine.  He lit up the pages.  Once Oakley got over her fears of self doubt and she let him in, it was fun to see their relationship progress.  When a tragedy strikes him, it was interesting to see how she would handle it.  My favorite thing about the book were the letters from Lucas.  They were sweet, funny, and a perfect way for Oakley to heal.  Be brave and try new things, what a perfect motto for us all.

4 out of 5 stars.  A clean book with great characters and enjoyable story.  I will read anything from this author.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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