Mindy

The Keeper’s Calling by Kelly Nelson

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Feb 022015
 

KeepersCallingCover.inddThe Keeper’s Calling

Author: Kelly Nelson

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: February 2012

ISBN13: 978-1-59992-844-9

Paperback – 312 pages

FTC FYI: I was gifted an audio copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Chase Harper’s to-do list for senior year never included “fall in love” and “fight for your life,” but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest imagination. In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected rescuer comes to her aid.

My Review

This book has been on my to-read list for a while, so when I was approached by the author to review an audio copy, I was thrilled.  This is the first book I have listened to, and I really enjoyed the change.  I listed while I drove around town running errands, and I was taken on an enjoyable ride.

I have a soft spot for books that have Utah settings. The Keeper’s Calling starts off in Zions.  Chase goes out on his bike, and finds an old relic similar to a pocket watch in a cave.  What happens next is an exciting ride that leads him to Ellie.  Together they start a journey that doesn’t end where they started.  The author does a great job of writing a teenage boy.  Chase is immediately likable and I found myself cheering for him.  Ellie is also a doll, and is fun to watch as she tries to adjust to a different life.  This book is very fun and I enjoyed Chase’s journey as he figures out how to adjust his life to be a keeper.  I was happy with the result of him not staying in the Old West in the beginning and how Chase and Ellie had to adjust to their new circumstances.  I also loved what a caring, thoughtful guy Chase was.  I also enjoyed how their relationship wasn’t instant, it developed in a more realistic way.  I thought the jumps into different time periods were very exciting too!

4 out of 5 stars.  I am excited to read the rest of the books in the series.  Book 4, The Keeper’s Council, was just released in January!

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble 

 

 

 

30 Minute Meals for Families by Shauna Evans

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jan 312015
 

61OPJoq0+2L30 Minute Meals for Families

Author: Shauna Evans

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: June 2014

ISBN: 9781462114283

Paperback: 150 pages

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

Summary

Skip the drive-thru and feed your family the food they deserve. With 30-Minutes Meals for Families, enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals like Savory Chicken Squares, Cheese Ravioli with Creamy Marinara, and Enchilada Bake, all in 30 minutes or less! You’ll have dinner on the table faster than you can say ‘I’ll have fries with that.’

My Review

Anyone who knows me, knows that dinner is struggle at my house.  Don’t get me wrong, I make my kids dinner, but I know I could do a better job at mixing it up.  This book is perfect for any family that needs a great meal quickly.  There is a great variety of yummy meals your family will enjoy.  Not only are there exceptional dinner options, but great breakfast and lunch recipes, too.

Author and Purchase Links

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

 

Eruption by Adrienne Quintana — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jan 302015
 

22616883Eruption

Author: Adrienne Quintana

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: January 13th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781462115365

Paperback: 288 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Jace Vega has finally landed her dream job—working for Omnibus, an up-and-coming tech firm. But a mysterious message from her future self sets Jace and her old friend Corey racing to piece together clues before Omnibus destroys their future—and their past. This fast-paced thriller will keep you guessing till the very last page.

My Review

Excuse me while I catch my breath…  Great story with excitement around every page.  In the beginning, I was screaming at Jace, she frustrated me at first, but what an awesome character she turned out to be.  I realized that I would probably be just like her, not knowing who to trust and being too trusting, all at the same time.   I think that that is what made her most relatable.  So many choices and decisions for her and so many things she had to face, all while trying to chose between Corey and Damien and the turns her life could take her with any choice.  The storyline with the tablet was so cool, all that was found in it and all the secrets that were hidden.  All of Jace’s quirks and breathing techniques were for a good reason, which is slowly revealed through the book.  The last fourth of the book is, WOW, make sure you aren’t needed for awhile, because you will want to find out what happens.  Great ending, too!

4 out of 5 stars.  I can’t wait for more from this author.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

About the Author

Adrienne Quintana is the second of nine children born to professional oil artist, John Horejs, and his wife and business partner, Elaine. She spent her early years playing on the banks of the Snake River in southern Idaho while her father built a geodesic dome house. When the family wasn’t traveling around the country to art shows, Adrienne spent many happy hours reading in her unfinished, tent-like bedroom. Love of reading soon blossomed into a desire to write. If the family’s antiquated computer could be resurrected, a collection of short stories involving local characters and their epic battles with fire-breathing dragons would be sure to entertain.

After completing high school via correspondence, Adrienne studied Music Education at Mesa Community College. She took an 18 month break to serve a church mission in Montreal, Canada, where she gained invaluable life experiences and a few pounds from the local delicacies. After the completion of her mission and a month abroad in Europe, Adrienne moved to Utah with the intention of continuing her education at Brigham Young University, but these plans were short-lived when she met her husband-to-be while working at an investment company. Soon after their marriage, the Quintanas packed up and moved to Minnesota, where Adrienne worked while her husband earned a Law degree.

After four children and a move to Arizona, Adrienne completed her Bachelors of Science and Communication at the University of Phoenix. In the throes of housekeeping, potty-training, and carpooling, Adrienne discovered that she could find time to accomplish her goals—often in the quiet hours after the children were in bed. Since her graduation in 2012, those quiet moments have been used to fulfill a life-long dream of becoming a writer.

Eruption-blog-tour

 

 

Betrayed by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen — Blog Tour/Giveaway

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jan 232015
 

24175524Betrayed

Author: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

Published: January 2015

Publisher: Covenant

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-481-5

Paperback: 291 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

1851: Niagara Falls, New York The evidence has been well hidden—the Thayers were confident that it was safe from the clutches of the ruthless Murphy Gang. But it has all been in vain. The lawless group is closing in on the family homestead, and seven-year-old Penny is given only one instruction: Run. After two long years eagerly anticipating her fiancé’s return, twenty-year-old Julia Barrett is ready to make a fresh start with Adam Wolcott—even if it means putting her dream of traveling west with the Mormons on hold. But when Adam’s return is overshadowed by the unexpected arrival of a young orphan girl in desperate need of help, Julia is drawn into a dangerous mystery that will threaten all she holds dear. Charged with the protection of little Penny, Julia quickly finds herself relying on the help of Tom Harrison, an endearing young man who has long admired her from afar. Torn between two suitors, Julia soon uncovers a shocking trail of corruption and deceit—a discovery that pulls her inescapably into the race to locate telling evidence that Penny’s family gave their lives to protect . . .

My Review

Oh my goodness this book was so good!  I was on pins and needles the whole time.  Betrayed starts off strong and barely gives you time to catch your breath until the last page.  Ronda creates a perfect web of secrets and with every page there was something new to worry about.  Just when I thought I had it all figured out, BAM!  Another exciting twist.  Julia was amazing and I really, really liked Tom.  Adam, well, he had issues.  Sometimes I would be yelling in my head at him (and Julia) while I was reading.  I loved the setting of Niagara Falls and this cover is so beautiful.  What was really intriguing was the Underground Railroad twist.  I loved how involved Julia and her family were in protecting others.  Who stole the show for me was Penny.  She was so brave and had to endure so much.  I thought the ending was fantastic and bittersweet at the same time.

5 out of 5 stars.  I can’t wait for more from this author.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

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Keeping Kate by Lauren Winder Farnsworth — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jan 212015
 

22616865Keeping Kate

Author: Lauren Winder Farnsworth

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: January 13th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781462115631

Paperback: 320 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

“Don’t you love me, Kate? Has everything you ever felt for me really disappeared in less than ten minutes?”

“I do love you,” I said woodenly. “I always will. But you’ll never hear it from me again.”

Kate Evans has never had a real family—and she’s never dreamed of falling in love. But when she gets a job taking care of a little girl on a lonely Utah ranch, Kate’s determined to make a life for herself.

Right up until the moment she meets her irritable employer . . .

Sparks fly in this LDS twist on the classic Jane Eyre. Equal parts suspenseful, entertaining, and romantic, it’s an addicting read that’s sure to capture your heart.

My Review

Confession.  I have never read Jane Eyre.  I know, I know, you can throw your arrows now.  LOL!  I did, however, really enjoy this retelling of Jane Eyre.  Kate has had a very sad life, but I loved that she didn’t let it break her spirit and her faith in her Heavenly Father.  I was also glad that the author didn’t let that back story be the whole focus of the book.  The glimpses into her life, told by Kate to others, was perfect.  I thought Kate was amazing.  A little stubborn at times, but that is what made her enduring.  Kate arrives in Oakley (which had me dying since my grandparents have a cabin up there that we still go to) and is right away taken with Thorne Field, not so much taken with Tyler.  I loved the progression in their relationship and especially how she was able show him how much he really did love Addie too.  Of course, nothing in life goes how you plan and I enjoyed the turn the story makes with some fun characters and a new life.  I did wonder about one character, but happy she was no longer in the picture.  Tyler also grew on me when he stopped being a stinker and I was thrilled with the end result of the book!

4 out of 5 stars.  I look forward to more books from this debut author.

About the Author

Lauren Winder Farnsworth was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is an avid reader, a chocolate enthusiast, a musicophile and a CPA—which, yes, is somewhat unusual for a novelist, but don’t let that freak you out. She obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Utah, went to work as an auditor of various financial statements, and then decided that writing down the stories swimming in her head sounded like a good creative outlet on the side. Having obtained two degrees from the same institution has made Lauren somewhat of a compound collegiate fan, and the only entity that holds more of her heart than the University of Utah is her husband, Bryan. Lauren currently lives in South Jordan, Utah, where she spends entirely too much time watching Gilmore Girls and looking for excuses not to clean.

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Cedar Fort

Blog Tour Stops

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Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance — Blog Tour/Giveaway

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jan 142015
 

24127387Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance

Authors: Melanie Jacobson, Jennifer K. Clark, Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: January 1st, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-62108-934-6

Paperback: 162 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

They say a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but as mistaken identities abound, three heroines will put this age-old adage to the test! Showcasing a trio of LDS fiction’s finest authors, Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance is a heartwarming collection of short stories that begs the question: can true love really conquer all?

Storybook Romance by Melanie Jacobson —New York City book editor Ellie Hanover has discovered a groundbreaking manuscript that may be just what she needs to save her job. But when her anonymous correspondence with the author begins to develop into more than a professional relationship, Ellie is left wondering if her real find is actually Mr. Right.

He Loves Me Not by Jennifer K. Clark —When Kenedee spies her boss leaving flowers on her desk, she’s swept into a whirlwind of infatuation. If only he didn’t have a girlfriend . . . Undeterred, the young woman enlists in the scheme her employer’s brother has put in motion for the company’s sake in hopes that she can win over the man of her dreams. But even foolproof plans can go awry.

Fools of Us All by Julie Daines —The course of true love is never smooth, as Jane discovers when a case of mistaken identity results in a date with the man she’s admired from afar for years. But she knows all too well that masquerading as her twin sister can only go on for so long before the truth comes out.

My Review

I very much enjoyed these three romance novellas from these great authors.  I have read books from each of these ladies, so I was looking forward to these novellas.  Each were very well written.  Each read quickly and had fantastic characters.  I love and appreciate clean books that have great stories, and these novellas did not disappoint.  I especially liked the settings.  Storybook Romance was especially fun, seeing as how being an editor would be my dream job.  But, Ellie did not have my dream boss.  In He Loves Me Not, it would be very fun to live and work in Moab.  And in Fools of Us All, I actually felt really sorry for Jane.  I was pleased with how she finally makes a decision about one particular person in her life (and it wasn’t the cute doctor).  Jane was an amazing girl who takes care of her mother after the accident that killed her father.  This story was a little more deeper than the others, only because of what Jane has and had to endure.  Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of romance and mistaken identities to go around!

4 out of 5 stars.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

For author links, please look at the author’s name at the top.

Blog tour schedule

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