Sheila

Feb 102012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: Venom
  •  Author: K.C. Grant
  • Paperback: 216 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.; 
  • Published:1st edition (January 3, 2012)
  • Genre: Romantic Suspense
  • ISBN-10: 1608611426
  • ISBN-13: 978-1608611423
  • FTC:FYI I was given a review copy of Venom. In no way did this influence the honest review given.

 

 

 

Book Description:

Samantha Evans is determined to make a name for herself in the cutthroat world of advertising. Newly hired by a prestigious ad agency, she volunteers to work on location in Mexico City as a personal assistant to the beautiful and driven creative director Katrina Edwards. At first the association seems promising. But Ms. Edwards seems preoccupied in a way that makes Samantha increasingly uneasy. In fact, many in the group seem like they are not being completely open about the project including David Ayala, the mysterious and moody photographer for whose attention the two women find themselves competing. After several strange accidents and numerous appearances by an unknown man, Samantha discovers the truth: not everyone on the team is in Mexico to create a stellar advertising pitch. When her sleuthing leads to her abduction, she is brought to the pyramids of Teotihuacán and comes face-to-face with the venomous evil of the South American crime boss known as “The Serpent.” Now Samantha must not only fight for her life, but she must also discover if she can trust the man she’s come to love.

My Review:

Samantha’s main goal is to forge ahead in her career. She volunteers herself to join a group on an advertising job to Mexico. With her being fluent in Spanish, because of her serving a Spanish speaking mission, she was the perfect candidate. Little does she know what danger she is putting herself in, both physically and emotionally. Working for her boss, the beautiful and fashionable Katrina Edwards, she never feels quite up to her level. Then Samantha is attracted to freelance photographer, David Ayala, who is also the object of Ms. Edwards interest. What was supposed to be a simple business trip turns into something strange and scary. Odd things start happening that don’t add up and everyone around her looks guilty. Samantha notices that a strange man starts following her. Then, accidents start happening to her, which don’t seem so “accidental”.

 

To make things worst, back in the USA, Samantha’s father is diagnosed with cancer. Not only is she worried about the alarming events taking place in Mexico, but she wonders if she should leave, to head home, and support her parents through this trial. As Samantha starts discovering things about her boss, and other members of her team, she doesn’t know who to trust. The unfriendly co-workers,Lin and Mike, who are keeping secrets, and the over friendly co-worker, Seth, coming on to Samantha, lead her to start delving into what is really going on. Meanwhile, Samantha is falling in love with the allusive David, and she’s not entirely sure she can even trust him.

 

K.C. weaves a mystery that is very difficult for the reader to unravel. With so many people suspect, you also have a hard time figuring out who the bad guys really are. It takes awhile to get into the intrigue, but you learn so much about the history of Mexico and its people. With the author’s colorful writing, this country and it’s beauties, and the gray areas, are brought to life. The majesty of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, are detailed so dramatically, you feel as if you are there. The sadness of so much poverty is also shown. I loved the added history that was found in this book. Most people reading this book will be surprised by the ending. Who you first thought was involved with “The Serpent”,the South American crime boss, will change with the unexpected happenings.

 

Venom’s exciting ending will not leave you disappointed. Just taking the ride, and seeing who falls in the end,(Literally!!), makes this a welcome read.

 To purchase Venom, go here to Amazon.com or Deseret Book.

 

About K.C. Grant:

 

K.C. Grant was born in rural Idaho, but has made Utah her home for most
of her life. After serving an LDS Spanish-speaking mission to Anaheim,
California, USA, she returned and continued her studies at Weber State
University, participating in a study abroad program that allowed her to
study at the Centro Mexicano Internacional in Michoacan, Mexico. She has
been a freelance writer for eight years. Much of her work appears
in family-oriented magazines such as
LDSLiving, Latter-Day Woman, Back Home, Parents & Kids, and Natural Life and  also The Deseret News/Mormon Times. She
served as president of the Bountiful chapter of the League of Utah
Writers for three years and is  also a member of the Association for
Mormon Letters and LDStorymakers. Though raising her children is still
her most important task, she combines it with the demanding job of
working out the numerous plots she has for future novels. She and her
husband of seventeen years love to travel and scout out new settings for
books. While ancient Mexico was the setting for her first published
novel,
Abish: Daughter of God, which was released by Covenant in 2010 and its sequel, Abish: Mother of Faith, released March 2011–modern Mexico was perfect for her suspense novel titled, Venom, recently released in 2012. Other publications include short stories published in Covenant’s seasonal compilations, How Will Christmas Find Us? and A Christmas to Remember, by various LDS authors.

To learn more about K.C. Grant or would like to contact her, here are some helpful links:

Website: http://www.kcgrant.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/kcgrantauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/authorkcgrant


Blog: 
http://www.kcgrantwriterscorner.blogspot.com/ 

Jan 062012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: Queen of Common Cents: 1001 Tips and Tricks to Save Time and Money
  • Author: Michelle Snow
  • Paperback: 136 pages
  • Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (January 8, 2012)
  • Genre: Non-fiction
  • ISBN-10: 159955982X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599559827
  • Reviewed by : Sheila

Book Description:

Be it in the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, out in the garden or on vacation,bestselling author Michelle Snow, will help you save time, money and resources by teaching you everyday money and time saving tips and facts
that work! This is a must-have book for every person who wants to make
their life a little easier and their pocket book a little fatter
!
My Review:

Have you ever read one of those books with few pages(125 in this case), but the content within is very powerful? Well, Queen of Common Cents: 1001 Tips and Tricks To Save Time and Money is one of those books! There really are 1001 ideas to make you save lots of money and I feel,also help with organization. As a full-time, working single mom,I am always looking for ways to manage my home. If I can do it easier, faster and more inexpensively, then I feel great! 
This little manual (that’s what I am calling it) is going to stay front and center in my home. It is like a quick reference guide to all aspects of your life. Here are just some of the chapters that are included in this book:-Saving on Clothing-Saving on Groceries-Gardening Tips

-Making Old Things New Again through Recycling

-Saving on Household Expenses

-Entertainment, Dates, and Vacations for Dollars a Day

-Cleaning and Hygiene Tips

As you can see, their are a wide variety of topics and I have only listed about 1/3 of them.Another thing I loved about this book are the recipes included,
especially for “Quick Mixes” for things like pancakes, brownies and
Onion Soup to name a few.

So, If you are looking for practical advice that will change your life for the better, you will love this book.Do yourself a favor and purchase Queen of Common Cents…it only makes “Cents” to do it! 

You can purchase this book at Amazon.com

***I was given a review copy of this book from the publisher Cedar Fort. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.***

About the Author:
Michelle has published 3 books and over 25 articles (in peer reviewed
professional and scientific journals) and has presented her public
health research at national and international conferences.
Michelle and her family reside in Utah. They are kept company by their dog, Lady Isabella of Bromfield, four pet chickens, Hog Mama, Gertie, Argee, and
Puffy Cheeks, and two cats, Senorita Peachalina Gato and Archimedes.

You can visit Michelle at:
Facebook
Michelle Snow Website
Michelle Snow Blog
Book Poster Page

 

 

Dec 232011
 

2 days until Christmas

 

Okay, Sheila, your turn!

* * * * *

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

SHEILA: Wow! I cant think of anything. How boring am I? I like doing all of my old favorite traditions, instead of finding new things. Watching Christmas movies, drinking hot chocolate, reading Christmas stories together and singing Christmas songs together around the piano.

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

SHEILA: Inheritance, Book #4 in the Eragon series.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

SHEILA: My favorite childhood Christmas memory is the year I was 9 years old. That was the year I got the whole Little House on the Praire Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder for Christmas. I was so excited!!!! I couldn’t believe that I got the whole set just for me. Up until then, I always had to check them out from the library. (I think this is when my obsession for collecting books started! ;0)

* * * * *

Sheila’s Top Ten Reads of 2011

1. Variant by Robison Wells
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
3. Making Rounds With Oscar by David Dosa
4. The Cross Gardner by Jason Wright
5. The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
6. Unwind by Neil Shusterman
7. Don’t Fear the Reaper by Michelle Muto
8. Bloodborne by Gregg Luke
9. Count Down to Love by Julie N. Ford
10. Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black

The next 10 are right up there and so close to being in the top 10. This was a hard year to choose my favorites. There were so many I really, really liked.

What books have you read on my top ten for 2011 list?

* * * * *

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) – Do you, or have you ever, owned the entire set of Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder? Have you read them all? Do you prefer the books or the TV show? Do you have a favorite episode? (I know, they’re all so good it’s tough to choose a fav!)
  • 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!

 

Nov 182011
 

No Holly for Christmas

Author: Julie N. Ford

Publisher:Whiskey Creek Press

Published: Fall 2011

Paperback/Kindle: 390 pages

Genre: Romantic/Suspense

ISBN-13: 978-1611602944

Reviewed by: Sheila

FTC FYI: Review e-copy

 

Book Description:

As Brian McAlister struggles to move past being jilted not once, but twice by the only woman he’s ever loved, he’s all but given up on relationships. Then, on special assignment for the DA’s office, he crosses paths with ex-socialite turned social worker, Holly Cavanaugh Winter-and romance blossoms. Widowed, practically penniless, and reduced to shopping at WalMart, Holly is dreading the approaching Holiday Season. However, her angst isn’t due to her husband’s untimely death the previous December 25th, but because of a secret that could reveal itself unless she can find a way to avoid the coming Christmas. Love at first sight quickly turns frigid for Brian and Holly when Holly gets pulled into a manhunt for an accused murderer who now has his sights set on her. His case unraveling, Brian finds himself tasked with keeping Holly and her two daughters safe while bringing an assassin and the powerful man who hired him to justice. A heart-warming story of suspense, healing, giving and receiving, No Holly for Christmas is the perfect addition to everyone’s holiday reading list.
My Review:

No Holly for Christmas is a love story with a lot of suspense. I really like the main characters in this novel because they are not your typical hero and heroine in a romance novel. In fact, the male and female are both quite flawed. I think that is why I liked them so much. The main female character, Holly,formerly a rich socialite, is frankly a snob, and very, very beautiful. The main male character, Brian, is a jerk at times and not very sensitive to Holly or others. But, they both really grow on you as the story goes on. Julie has a wonderful way of writing, that soon you are fully invested in the story and care deeply about the characters. Holly is a single Mom. I am also a single Mom, so I probably get her, and why she acts the way she does,more than other people might. She also is a widow whose husband had been unfaithful to her before his death.Brian is aloof and acts the way he does because he has been hurt from a previous relationship. In other words, they both carry a lot of baggage.
The suspense part of the story is very good. there is one scene that totally creeped me out. A crazy man is after Holly and breaks into her home, You are holding your breath as she enters her home and realizes that someone is/has been there. That has always been something I have feared, so this scene really shook me. Brian assigns himself, he is the assistant DA, to protect Holly and her two daughters by moving in with them. There is a lot of romantic tension that takes place between Brian and Holly. But, nothing too sexual happens between the two characters which I appreciate. It does get frustrating when they keep bating each other and being stubborn. They fight and kiss and make up, then fight and kiss and make up again.
The overall story is strong, suspenseful and I love the romance. I don’t want to give anything away about how the suspense part turns out, but let’s just say it is very exciting! I love Julie’s writing and also loved her other book I reviewed called, Countdown to Love.

To purchase No Holly for Christmas go here.

To learn more about Julie’s book go visit her website here.

 

Nov 132011
 

 

  • Title: No Angel
  • Author: Theresa Sneed
  • Genre: Theological Fantasy
  • Paperback: 283 pages
  • Publisher: Brigham Distributing (August 10, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 1935217968

 

Book Description:

An angel with an attitude…

Jonathan Stewart is not at all happy about having to return to earth
as a guardian angel, but it’s required of all post-mortal spirits to
fulfill at least one angel guardianship. Fortunately, on the Guardians
Unlimited application, he had the good sense to request a client
with early-marked-death status, so he believes that while his stay
on earth will be most unpleasant, at least it will be short.
What he doesn’t know is that a spirit with EMD status can choose his or
her time of death! Jonathan’s client, Celeste Knight, has a mind of
her own and refuses death at every turn, leaving him stuck as her
guardian angel in a place he only wanted to forget.

My Review:

This book is very different from any angel and demon book I have read. The story is centered on the lives of the guardian angels and the demons known as “Sheydims” in this novel. I loved the perspective that we were given on how people’s guardian’s angels are chosen. I also loved how Heaven was portrayed. It was also equally interesting to see how “hell”; the underworld, where the Sheydim lived, was portrayed. Let’s just say, I don’t want to end up there!

The main character, Jonathan Stewart, is quite the odd guardian angel. He doesn’t want to do this job and so he chooses someone, Celeste with EMD status, who is supposed to have a short life span on earth and will be marked for an early death. Jonathan is not a pleasant angel and he hates Earth. His earthly experience had not been a good one as a human, so he doesn’t want to go back at all. Nothing really goes well for Jonathan in this book until he starts changing his bad attitude about everything. Celeste teases him about being “The Grinch”. 

Let me tell you, there is A LOT that happens in this book. You will see humor, happy things, scary things (The Sheydim are just down right creepy), and also some very tense moments. There is something that happens at the very end that brought me to tears and left me feeling so good about myself and life in general. It happens in the last two pages, so when you read there, you will know exactly what I mean. 

No Angel will keep you reading and not wanting any interruptions. Theresa does a wonderful job teaching many life lessons, without beating you over the head. Learning to love and to accept love, was my favorite theme. If you have an open heart, you will be greatly enriched by reading No Angel. 

The Author:

My Photo

“I love words! Words teach, uplift, and
inspire, or they tear down and destroy. I take words very seriously, and
the words that I choose are meant to cause reflection, and to bring
hope.”

Purchase Links for No Angel

**I was given a review copy of No Angel. In no way did this influence the review that was given. **

Nov 052011
 
  • Title: Identity
  • Author: Betsy Love
  •  Paperback: 310 pages
  • Genre: Mystery/Suspense
  • Publisher: Brigham Distributing (July 13, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 193521795X

Book Description:

While vacationing in Mexico, two
similar-looking young women find themselves caught in a chain reaction
of mistaken identities. Amelia is a wealthy heiress and business owner,
and Savannah is a sweet Mormon girl deciding whether or not to serve a
mission. When they end up on the same flight to Phoenix, Savannah and
Amelia unravel the sequence of events that wreaked havoc on their trips,
and they make plans to resolve the subsequent misunderstandings. But
their flight is cut short when the plane crashes, killing one of the
young women and plunging the other into a world of intrigue and deceit
where identity means everything.
 
 
My Review:
The biggest mystery in the story truly happens after the plane crash. Which girl survived? The surviving girl has a case of amnesia and can’t remember anything that happened. Savannah is different after the accident, but the doctors, friends and family all blame the personality differences on her head injury. Now it is up to the reader to look at all of the pieces and figure out the puzzle.As the clues are given, it might be easy to figure out who truly had survived the plane crash.
Another aspect I liked about the book (besides the amazing cover!) was the other storyline going on at the same time. The people in Amelia’s life, her fiance Brent, Step-Father Marc,and disgruntled step-siblings all play a part in the book. In their world of super powered business people, the atmosphere is cut-throat and ruthless. A company takeover is at the forefront and Amelia is stuck right in the middle. She is not sure who she can trust. The suspense circulating around this segment of the story is very good and keeps you guessing the whole time. Any violence in the story revolves around these particular characters. As a reader you can see a vast difference between the lives of Amelia and Savannah. Most of the action parts happen at the beginning and the end of the book, and involve many bad guys,gals and guns.
 
Savannah has been raised in a strong, LDS family where her Dad is the current Bishop of the ward. This young lady has always done the right thing, and is teased by her siblings that she is a perfect child. Betsy wrote such a loving family in the Freemans and it shows in their actions. This book clearly shows people who are not familiar with the LDS faith (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints…often called Mormons) what an LDS family “looks” like in most cases. The Freeman family has a loving Mom and Dad, siblings that support and love each other, go to church together each week, and pray and read scriptures together. Even if you are not LDS, you will still enjoy this book and will be able to relate to the kindness, love and caring they show to others. 

Without giving much more away, I will sum this up by saying, that Identity was well written, had characters that you connect with quickly, especially Savannah’s family…LOVED them! You will enjoy this LDS mystery/romance and may or may not figure out the surprise ending before it’s revealed. 
 
You can purchase Identity here at Amazon.com   or at Barnes and Noble.

 
If you would like to learn more about Author Betsy Love please visit her at her blog here.  Or you can also go to her blog:Identity-LDS Mystery Romance Novel 
**I was given a review copy of Identity from Walnut Springs Press. In no way did this influence the review that was given.**