Mindy

Silence by Deborah Lytton — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Mar 202015

Silence

Author: Deborah Lytton

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: March 3rd, 2015

ISBN13: 9781609079451

Hardcover: 320 pages

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Love is blind, but it’s also deaf. Stella was born to sing. Someday Broadway. Even though she’s only a sophomore at a new high school, her voice has given her the status as a “cool kid.” But everything changes when a tragic accident renders her deaf. She can’t hear herself sing not to mention speak. She can’t hear anything. Silence. What happens when everything you’ve dreamed of and hoped for is shattered in a single moment?

Enter Hayden, the boy with blond curls who stutters. He’s treated like an outcast because he’s not “normal.” And, yet, Stella feels an attraction to him that she can’t explain. As Hayden reaches out to help Stella discover a world without sound, his own tragic past warns him to keep a distance. But their connection is undeniable. Can the boy who stutters and the girl who’s deaf ever find a happily-ever-after? Silence is a story of friendship and hope with a lesson that sometimes it takes a tragedy to help us find and appreciate beauty and love in unexpected places.

My Review

Silence is a beautiful story. I was intrigued with the way it was told, present tense first person. I thought it was a perfect way to really get to know what the characters were thinking and I was immediately in the situation with them. I loved Stella’s journey and Hayden’s as well, in finding their way back. I loved how Hayden took care of Stella, and how he wanted to give her 17 days to teach her how to hear the world around her without sound. Very sweet. Hayden’s story was heartbreaking, but it helped me understand him even more. He had a presence about him that was so kind and protective. Both Stella and Hayden were hesitant to really admit they cared deeply about each other. Hayden being hurt by his mother and Stella still upset about her parent’s divorce. I felt for Stella too after her accident. I couldn’t imagine losing my hearing, and being faced with that.

4 out of 5 stars. Silence is a great story that you and your teen will enjoy. It is a clean book, that will pull at your heartstrings.

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Seek and Find: Book of Mormon Stories by Jason Pruett

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Mar 192015

Seek and Find: Book of Mormon Stories

Author/Illustrator: Jason Pruett

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: February 10th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781462115280

Hardcover: 32 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

About the Book

Featuring scenes from the Book of Mormon, this book will keep kids entertained as they look for their favorite scripture heroes and hidden objects in the colorful illustrations.

My Review

This book takes me back to when I was younger and Where’s Waldo was all the rage! When my daughters were younger, we loved looking at Seek and Find books together. I love that this is a Book of Mormon centered book that teaches kids about the scriptures and helps visualize them too. I enjoyed how the pages are in order of the Book of Mormon, even the introduction and witnesses. Then gives an introduction to each book of scripture and activities that go with each. Very fun! The illustrations are perfect too. I know that my 10 year old will enjoy reading this book as we wait for church to begin.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book / Deseret Book

What is Lost by Lauren Skidmore — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Mar 182015

What is Lost

Author: Lauren Skidmore

Publisher: Sweetwater Books (Cedar Fort)

Published: March 10th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781462116218

Paperback: 240 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

Angry at his failure to exact vengeance on the prince, mask maker Joch flees Venesia to find his lost love. When a red-cloaked assassin promises answers, he has little choice but to trust her-though he may be walking into a trap. Unravel the deception in this dazzling story of second chances that will keep you guessing to the last page.

My Review

Very intriguing story and a real page turner! I was immediately drawn into this world. Although I have not read What is Hidden, the author did a great job of explaining the importance of masks in the Venesia region, and what happened with Joch and the prince in the first book. I thought it was very cool to have the bad guy be the focus of the story. I know he was villainous, but I felt sorry for him at times, and I could see a change in him developing. Kit was instantly likable. She had a presence that commanded attention and I loved her spunk and smarts. The ending I saw coming, but the very last pages were a surprise and I am excited for what happens next.

4 out of 5 stars. This is a book two, but I never felt lost (LOL). I plan on reading book one as soon as I can.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

The King’s English

About the Author

Lauren Skidmore grew up in Kansas, with stints in Ohio and New York, and currently lives in Utah. She attended Brigham Young University where she earned a BA in English Teaching with an emphasis in Teaching English as a Second Language and Japanese. She then spent a year in Japan teaching and traveling. When she’s not exploring new places, you can probably find her on the internet with fifteen windows open and looking at just one more thing before actually getting something done.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter by Emily Belle Freeman — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Mar 112015

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter: Seven Traditions to Lead Us Closer to Jesus Christ

Author: Emily Belle Freeman

Publisher: Ensign Peak (Deseret Book)

Publish Date: March 3, 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-977-2

Paperback: 86 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Book Summary

Discover how the personal experiences of people who were closest to the Savior during the final week of His life can change the way your family celebrates Easter. Learn the meaning behind the wheat baskets, the forget knot, the red egg, and other traditions that will help Easter become a “High Holy Day” in your heart and in your home.

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter offers hope for an Easter filled with the Spirit of Christ as we offer our finest to Him in deepest gratitude for His sacrifice. Return to the spiritual roots of this holy celebration with this beautiful gift book that will help bring you and your family closer to Jesus Christ.

Personal stories include

Lazarus
Simon
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus
Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome
Thomas
The disciples on the road to Emmaus
Jesus Christ

My Review

Another beautiful book focused on the Savior by Emily Belle Freeman. I loved the scriptures referenced, the personal stories, and wonderful insight given by the author. I love how this book is organized. With the chapters listed above there is a scripture, and at the end of the chapter, my favorite part, the tradition. With hymns, a story to tell and a lesson to share. A perfect summary of each chapter to help us remember Him. There were many passages in the book that I enjoyed, but this one especially.

As Easter approaches, we too must prepare. Make ready your heart. Make ready your home. Make ready your celebration. And then … remember. (page 73-74)

What I loved most about reading this book was the reminder to me to slow down, remember Him, make more room for Him in my life. Yes, at Easter, but more so everyday.

Author Links

Daily Closer to Christ / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Seagull Book / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

About the Author

EMILY BELLE FREEMAN is a coach’s wife, a mother to four children and a few others who have found refuge in her home, author of several bestselling books, and sought-after inspirational speaker. Her days are spent watching over teenagers, her flock of pampered chickens, and a rabbit that she adores. She finds great joy in studying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a desire to find their application in everyday life. For a few minutes every day Emily forgets about the laundry, leaves the dishes in the sink, and writes. She coauthors a blog that is a stopping place for hearts seeking all that is good: www.multiplygoodness.com.

He Knows My Name — Video Review

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Mar 102015

He Knows My Name

Distributed by Covenant Communications

Release Date: March 16th, 2015

FTC FYI: I received a code from Covenant to preview the movie before release.

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

Rebekah is fascinated by the man her neighbors call Jesus. Her mother is not so sure. One day she brings Jesus home—a simple act that will forever change their lives.

My Review

This is an absolutely beautiful story of a young girl named Rebekah. One day she is out with her mother and they see Jesus preaching, and after she is fascinated by Him and His messages. Her mother, Sarah, is skeptical, and doesn’t want Rebekah to wonder from her responsibilities. Sarah’s father is blind and needs help. Rebekah is given the task to go to the market for fish, and sees Jesus there. She then brings him home, and one simple act changes things for everyone, especially Sarah. There is also a tender story about Ruben, the grandfather, as well.

My family and I loved this video! I watched it three times, and each time the tears came. My youngest daughter especially loved it, and it was tender to watch her reactions to Jesus and Rebekah. The scenery is lovely and perfectly depicts the time period. The story is sweet, and Rebekah was fun to watch. This movie will be a perfect addition to your home for the Easter holiday, and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Seagull Book / Amazon

See the Trailer!

Wishing on Baby Dust by Lydia Winters

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Mar 042015

Wishing Baby Dust

Author: Lydia Winters (Lindzee Armstrong)

Publisher: Snowflake Press

Published: January 2015

ASIN: B00R2BJ9K2

ebook: 322 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Infertility stinks. No one knows that better than Megan. After six years of insanity-inducing hormone drugs and desperate prayers, all she has to show for her efforts are enough negative pregnancy tests to fill a bassinet. All around her women are accidentally getting pregnant—like her star piano student—while Megan remains hopelessly barren.

Megan’s never felt so alone. But she’s not the only one struggling.

Christina has just entered the world of infertility, made worse by the fact her husband isn’t ready to be a father. Their marriage, already hanging in the balance, is being torn apart.

Then there’s Kyra, the mother of a precocious three-year-old. She’s shocked to be struggling with secondary infertility. A baby is priceless, but sometimes Kyra feels like she’s being forced to choose which commandment to keep: stay out of debt, or multiply and replenish the earth.

When Megan and Christina are assigned as Kyra’s visiting teachers, they all realize that what you see isn’t necessarily what’s beneath the surface. Some secrets aren’t worth the cost of keeping them.

My Review

I absolutely loved this book. Although I never struggled with infertility, my heart broke for these women and what they endured. Having pregnancies of my own, I related to their feelings of wanting a baby. The author did a fantastic job of capturing each woman’s individual character, personality, and unique situation. I cheered for them, laughed with them, and cried with them. This book reads really fast, and I instantly was taken into the story. I could tell the author did her homework when it came to the knowledge of procedures of infertility, having gone through it herself. This book is perfect reminder for us all to kind and loving to each other, not truly knowing what the other may be going through.

5 out of 5 stars. This is Lydia’s debut novel. Find out more about her with the links below. I can’t wait to read more from her.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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