Shanda

Drops of Gold by Sarah M. Eden

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Aug 052013

Drops of Gold

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: January 2013

Softcover/Kindle/DB ebook/CD: 192 pages

Genre: Regency Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60861-569-8

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: I purchased my own copy with my own money and followed Sarah around until she signed it. (I’m kidding. About the following Sarah around part. I did buy my own copy. And Sarah did sign it. Because she’s awesome like that.)

Summary

When her father dies and leaves her completely destitute, Marion can think of only one thing to do–make a new life for herself. Commencing a life of duplicity, Marion transforms herself into Mary Wood–governess. In possession of a forged letter of recommendation and cloaked in the anonymity of her new identity, she enters a life of self-imposed servitude as teacher and caretaker of young Miss Caroline Jonquil of Farland Meadows. Her idyllic daydream vision of life at the Meadows is dashed when she finds a child desperately in need of hope and a cold and sorrowful home haunted by the past. With her characteristic sunny disposition, Marion casts her spell upon the household and slowly brings to life the long-forgotten joy of those within.

Layton Jonquil is a man tormented by the lies surrounding the death of his late wife, but he cannot deny his growing attraction for the beautiful governess whose goodness and optimism have touched his dormant heart. Their connection grows ever stronger, and despite the impropriety of harboring feelings for a servant, Layton’s heart whispers that this is the woman he’s destined to love. But when Layton’s fears about the past become too much to bear and the falsehoods in which they are entangled threaten to shatter his and Marion’s blossoming attachment, will true love conquer all?

Review

Drops of Gold is another Sarah M. Eden masterpiece. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read that I would have finished in one sitting if my body didn’t insist on sleeping at night.

I liked both Layton and Marion. Layton is a good father to Caroline as far as he is able through his grief and struggle, but not a particularly friendly person, even with his brothers. When faced with a very difficult situation, Marion doesn’t hesitate to do what is necessary to get by with as much dignity as she can. Despite her desperate and lonely circumstances, she retains a cheerful disposition and doesn’t hesitate to show love and understanding to others whenever possible. I liked Marion’s stories and the glimpses into her history and character they provided. Caroline is cute, if a bit mature for a four-year-old, though as an only child in that time period it is entirely plausible that she could have been comparatively more articulate and mature than the four-year-olds I know.

I loved how everything in the story played out, especially the ending. I felt for Marion, stranded between two worlds, belonging neither above nor below stairs. Layton was torn between preventing his staff from isolating Marion even more if he showed her any favoritism and his daughter’s desire to include Marion in events that, as governess, she really shouldn’t be participating in, especially because he found that he wanted Marion included as well. My heart broke for Marion as I learned her story, and for Layton’s as well, once the truth of his situation was discovered.

I love reading about the Jonquil brothers and can’t wait to read about more of them, specifically Corbin. I enjoyed seeing Philip and Sorrel from Friends and Foes again.

Drops of Gold is one of my favorites of Sarah’s books, which is saying a lot because I love all of them. I know when I want to read a good, clean, well-written romance that I can pick up anything by Sarah Eden and be happily satisfied. For those of you who have read Sarah’s books, I’m preaching to the choir. If you haven’t read any of Sarah’s books, what are you waiting for?

Visit Sarah:

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Find Drops of Gold:

AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

***The DB Bookshelf ebook version of Drops of Gold is only $4.99 right now!***

The Mark of a Giant: 7 People Who Changed the World by Ted Stewart – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Aug 012013

The Mark of a Giant: 7 People Who Changed the World

Author: Ted Stewart

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: May 2013

Hardcover: 262 pages

Genre: Historical Nonfiction

ISBN# 9781609071813

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free temporary digital review copy that will be removed from my device after a short time

Book Summary

Throughout the course of history, civilization has been blessed by strong-minded men and women who have impacted our world in extraordinary ways. Their imprint upon humanity is beyond dispute. And many would contend that they were no less than the result of Divine Providence—a gift of God to the human race. Who are these individuals? What is it about these few that make them different? Were they merely in the right place at the right time? Or were they somehow chosen? The Mark of a Giant examines the lives and contributions of seven men and women who changed the world: Abraham of Ur, Pericles, the Apostle Paul, Sir Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa.

Review

“This is a book about history. More specifically, it is a book about how strong-minded men and women have changed the course of history.” -Introduction, 1st paragraph

I’ve always enjoyed reading about history, but often it is weighed down with excessive facts and details. Not so with The Mark of a Giant. It did not read like a history textbook, but instead felt more like sitting down with a knowledgable acquaintance and listening to their engaging retelling of history.

The author offers an efficient yet educational overview of the events surrounding each individual, their personal circumstances and the state of the world at the time they lived. His love of historical setting is apparent and the resulting “big picture” view is something I truly appreciate.

It is inspiring and humbling to read about the circumstances surrounding these peoples’ lives and their accomplishments. I had heard of or read about everyone except Pericles. My curiosity has been piqued and I’m motivated to learn more about them.

It amazes me how, despite the diversity of lifestyle, location, and personal background, each standard, belief system, discovery and accomplishment served another that was to come. They are each connected in some way and had long term effects on the entire world throughout the passage of time. This proves again the importance of studying history and those who came before us.

While the author acknowledges that these seven people were human, made mistakes, and struggled with weaknesses, he states that this only proves that imperfect people can do great things. In conclusion, he addresses the specific traits that set these individuals apart and paved the way for them to do the work they set out to do.

The Mark of a Giant is a fascinating read that I will revisit again when I need reminding that it is through the hard work, persistence, courage and faith of people like you and me that the Lord’s work is accomplished on this earth.

Find The Mark of a Giant: 7 People Who Changed the World (available in Hardcover, Kindle, ebook, CD, & Audible formats):

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Jul 222013

The House at Rose Creek

Author: Jenny Proctor

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: July 2013

Softcover: 251 pages

Genre: Contemporary LDS Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60861-894-1

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Kate Sinclair wasn’t planning on inheriting her family’s 100-year-old farmhouse. She wasn’t even planning on going back to Rose Creek. But when her aunt unexpectedly passes away, leaving her the house, she finds herself forced to confront her past, including the family she hasn’t spoken to in years.

When she finds a journal belonging to a distant ancestor in the attic of the old house, she begins a journey that reconnects her with her faith, her family, and herself.

But trouble looms. Kate’s new love interest, Andrew, has a past full of secrets. And the state department of transportation wants to bulldoze the old farmhouse for a highway project. Will Kate be able to see through Andrew’s past? Most importantly, will she find a way to save her house and hold onto the fragile threads that tie her to her family?

Review

The House at Rose Creek is a well-written debut novel with a deeper, more layered story than I expected. While it was definitely a love story, the romance was not always front and center. There was a rediscovering of love of home and family as well as a developing love and respect for those who came before. In a way, there was also a retelling of romance past as the main character reads about Ian and Jennie in his journal.

I didn’t really care for Kate at first but she quickly grew on me. I could feel the connection between her and Andrew right away. Andrew was really great, but I’m glad he had a bit of a history to keep things real. The secondary characters had dimension and personality, even if I didn’t like how they reacted some of the time, but that’s what made them more realistic. The situation with Kate’s family was relatable, tense at times and not quickly or easily resolved, but efforts and progress were still made even if everything wasn’t tied up in a pretty bow at the end. There was only one part, the sudden appearance of a former love interest, that felt a bit contrived to me.

I liked how the journal of her ancestor tied into Kate’s story and inspired her, not just in her investigation into the Church but in learning more about her family history. I, too, felt inspired to delve back into my family history. I enjoyed learning about Ian and looked forward to reading each of his journal entries throughout the story.

Readers who like a story with history and a nice romance will enjoy The House at Rose Creek. The writing is clean and easy to read, effectively evoking the emotion of the scene. I hope Jenny is hard at work on her next book because I look forward to reading more from her.

**There is a Goodreads giveaway for The House at Rose Creek open until July 31, 2013!!**

Visit Jenny:

WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Find The House at Rose Creek:

AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

Angels: Agents of Light, Love, and Power by Donald W. Parry – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Jul 082013

Angels: Agents of Light, Love, and Power

Author: Donald W. Parry

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: July 2013

Hardcover/ebook: 260 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-519-4

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a temporary digital review copy that will be removed from my device after a short time

Summary

Stories are told around the world of persons who have received help or comfort from someone they couldn’t see—an angel or spirit who guided them or in some other way gave them assistance from beyond the veil.

But just who are these angels? Are they even real?

Although angels are a vital part of Latter-day Saint history and doctrine, their roles and purposes are often misunderstood. In this inspiring volume, author Donald W. Parry discusses in a clear and understandable way what we can learn from the scriptures and from modern prophets and apostles about angels and their missions.

Here you will find answers to such questions as the following:

What are angels?
What powers and abilities are angels given?
How do angels communicate with mortals?
What are the assigned missions and roles of angels?
How do angels reveal truth and teach the doctrines of the gospel?
How do angels minister to and comfort mortals?
What is the role of guardian angels in the modern world?

When just the thought of someone watching out for us can give us hope in challenging times, to realize that angels minister light, love, and power to us, whether we are aware of them or not, gives us unparalleled understanding, comfort, and peace.

Review

Angels: Agents of Light, Love, and Power is a fascinating look at the subject of angels and a more in-depth look at angels than I’ve ever taken before. It lists and discusses everything we have learned about angels from scripture and modern-day revelation, specifically what an angel is, what kind of beings angels are or can be, what angels are capable of doing, and what we know about the work of angels.

Included in the text are specific incidents, dreams and revelations regarding angels from prophets and apostles as well as some from members in early church history. By these experiences, the reader learns the importance of angels in accomplishing the Lord’s will and work here on the earth. The author limits the scope of the book’s focus to scripture and revelation from prophets and apostles so as to remain as close to the truth of angels as possible.

On a more personal note for the reader, the author discusses the influence angels can and do have in our own lives, including the revealed keys for recognizing a being as an angel of God or an angel of the devil. A lot of people, myself included, probably think the time of seeing angels has passed and isn’t something that happens very often nowadays. After reading this book and understanding the scope of angels and their work, I realize that I have felt and experienced the work of angels in my own life many times. I will definitely be paying more attention from this point on to angels and the circumstances around their appearances while studying the scriptures as well as during meaningful and spiritual experiences in my own life.

Angels: Agents of Light, Love, and Power was an educational read for me. Anyone who is interested in learning more about angels will find this book useful, interesting, and inspiring.

Find Angels: Agents of Light, Love, and Power

KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | DB BOOKSHELF | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

Countdown to Summer 2013 Winners!

Posted by Shanda Countdown to Summer

Jul 022013

We want to thank the Countdown authors and our LDSWBR followers for making the Countdown to Summer 2013 a great experience. We read every comment and enjoy getting to know you better through your answers and stories.

We love seeing the familiar names of so many loyal LDSWBR followers and we want to give a warm welcome to our new followers. We’re so happy to have you join us and hope you’ll visit often!

Before we announce the winners, we want to give a big “THANK YOU!” to the talented and generous authors who participated and donated their books as prizes for the Countdown. They are a wonderful group of people and I encourage all of you to give their books a read. I have no doubt you will find some new favorites.

For those of you who are curious about the winner selection process, here it is in a nutshell:

Each comment is time stamped and logged in a database according to date & time.
Using a sequence generator on random.org, the winners are determined by moving down the randomly generated list of numbers and coordinating them with the row numbers in the database.
First number on the list is the grand prize winner. The remaining prizes are awarded in the order listed on the Countdown posts. If an entrant has already been awarded two prizes, that prize is given to the next number on the sequence list.

That was probably more than you cared to know, but there you go. And now it’s time to announce the winners of the Countdown to Summer 2013!!

WINNERS!!

A Blind Eye by Julie Daines (signed), a bookmark AND a Mind the Gap temporary tattoo – LACEY

I, Spy by Jordan McCollum (choice of paperback or ebook) – AN ORDINARY MOM

Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or ebook) – BOOKS FOR KIDS

Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden – CINDY

A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver – SERIOUS BOOK ADDICT

Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell (signed paperback) – SERIOUS BOOK ADDICT

Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore (Kindle or Nook) – AN ORDINARY MOM

Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears (or winner’s choice of another book by Gale) – ALYSON MARTIN

Farworld: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage (personalized copy) – EMILY F.

A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson (personalized paperback) – ERIN REED

Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson (personalized paperback) – LEIGH

Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson (signed copy) – BRADEN

Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris (winner’s choice of hardcover or audiobook) – JEN

When the Butterflies Came by Kimberley Griffiths Little (signed hardcover and bookmarks) – ALYSON M.

The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen – TARA OLIVER

Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George (signed copy) – MELODY ANTHONY

Isabelle Webb: The Grecian Princess by N.C. Allen (winners choice of Kindle copy or signed paperback) – MELODY ANTHONY

Love Spell by Stan Crowe (choice of ebook format downloadable from Smashwords) – SHAUNA WHEELWRIGHT

And the winner of the $50 Amazon gift card is….

SHAUNA WHEELWRIGHT!

Congratulations! Winners will be notified by email shortly, so keep an eye on your inbox and spam folder.

Thanks again to everyone who participated. We couldn’t do this without you!

Have a great summer and happy reading!

Love Spell by Stan Crowe – Countdown to Summer 2013

Posted by Shanda Countdown to Summer

Jun 292013

From a young age, Stan’s mother instilled in him a love of reading and writing. At age five, he won a local library writing contest, and became “published” for the first time.

In 2004, Brigham Young University awarded Stan with a Bachelors of Science in civil and environmental engineering, and he spent several years designing homes and prescribing work for bridges.

In the midst of all this, he produced a science fiction anthology in 2006. In 2012, Breezy Reads Publishing picked up his romantic comedy The Cinderella Project. And thus he transformed himself from Captain Kirk into Don Juan.

Stan lives with his wife and children (final count to be determined) in Pleasant Grove.

* * *

LDSWBR: What books do you plan/hope to read this summer?

STAN: I’d love to finish Mircea Eliade’s “No Souvenirs,” I’m also working on book 1 of “The Brotherband Chronicles” by John Flanagan. I’ve still got a couple of Hugh Nibley volumes to read, and those are beasts in and of themselves, but if I keep chipping away at them…

LDSWBR: Did you ever go to summer camp, and/or what is your most memorable camping experience?

STAN: I’ve been to several summer camps. My most memorable experience? Too many to name, but here are a few.

Getting locked in a porta-potty by scouts from another troop
Riding the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands Utah
Having one of our scout leaders go over a cliff and fall fifty feet in the middle of the night, and watching the EMTs carry him to a helicopter on a stretcher the next morning

LDSWBR: If you could have a summer home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

STAN: I agree with my wife’s choice: somewhere along the coast of the Olympic Peninsula, preferably up near the Quileute tribal reservation.

LDSWBR: Thanks, Stan!

* * *

Find Love Spell

KINDLE | NOOK | SMASHWORDS | GOODREADS

Clint Christopherson’s love life is a running joke. When a crazed gypsy curses him with the best wish he could ever ask for, the punchline stops being funny. Now, even his barest touch drives girls mad for him. Desperate to reverse the curse, he turns to his last hope: an attractive private investigator who may be able to locate his missing gypsy. If only Clint knew who it was he just hired…

I asked a lot of camping-related questions this year. What question suggestions do you have for the next Countdown to Summer?

* * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Comment on each Countdown to Summer 2013 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions HERE.

If you don’t already follow LDSWBR through email, Facebook or Twitter (those cute little book buttons on the sidebar) you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. Following LDSWBR is not required but it is nice to know that our book reviews are useful to other readers.

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes generously donated by the authors as of 6/29/2013 (more added throughout the countdown!):

A Blind Eye by Julie Daines (signed), a bookmark AND a Mind the Gap temporary tattoo
I, Spy by Jordan McCollum (choice of paperback or ebook)
Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or ebook)
Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden
A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell (signed paperback)
Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore (Kindle or Nook)
Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears (or winner’s choice of another book by Gale)
Farworld: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage (personalized copy)
A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson (personalized paperback)
Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson (personalized paperback)
Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson (signed copy)
Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris (winner’s choice of hardcover or audiobook)
When the Butterflies Came by Kimberley Griffiths Little (signed hardcover and bookmarks)
The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen
Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George (signed copy)
Isabelle Webb: The Grecian Princess by N.C. Allen (winners choice of Kindle copy or signed paperback)
Love Spell by Stan Crowe (choice of ebook format downloadable from Smashwords)

By commenting and participating in the Countdown to Summer 2013 you agree to the following:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 10, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2012 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected July 2, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until July 10, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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