Sheila

Bro. Jo’s Guide to Relationships for Single Young Adults

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jan 142011
 

Walnut Springs Press has two books that anyone who is dating, and between the ages of 16-30, will enjoy these books. After reading the book specifically for LDS Young Single Adults, I wished that I had read this book 18 years ago. I know that I will be reading up on it again if/when I start dating again. (Not that I am still a “Young” Single Adult, but there are still some great dating ideas for older people.

Speaking of dating, Bro. Jo also has a book for teenagers and how to casual date. This book is for the 16-19 crowd. Everyone with a teenager NEEDS this book! I know that my own children will be reading these books a lot! I have “talked” to Bro. Jo and he said he is working on a book about why 11-15 year olds should not date. I can’t wait until that book is published.

Bro. Jo takes the guesswork out of relationships!

Most of us want to get sealed for time and all eternity someday, somehow, to someone. You may not be anywhere near ready, you may think you’re ready but you’re not, you may be close, or you may have already arrived and are wondering, “Well, now what?” Wherever you’re at, this book is here to help!

Finally, a gospel-centered book that’s as frank as it is funny, from Dave Johnston, the writer of DearBroJo.blogspot.com. It’s the fastest-growing advice blog for LDS teens and young single adults.

Here’s what readers say about Bro Jo’s advice:

“It just seems like Bro Jo knows stuff”

“Where was this guy when I was younger?”

“Hilarious! It would be even funnier if it weren’t so gosh darn true.”

“I really like your advice site and that you are brutally honest, down-to-earth, realistic, but spiritual too.”

“What you just did … hit me like a rock in the face. Thank you.”

“I love what you do!”
Bro Jo helps make dating fun!

So how do you “casual group date,” and what you the guidelines you show follow? With “Bro Jo’s Dating Rules for Teens (and their parents),” and with tip on planning fun and appropriate dates, you’re all set!

Bro Jo gives helpful advice about lots of things, including:

How to get the attention of that guy or girl
Asking someone on a date
Getting someone to ask you on a date
Why the guy should plan, pick up, and pay
Kissing, hugging, and holding hands
Why we casual group date in the first place

You’ll also find affordable date ideas, advice on how to keep the conversation going, and much more!

Brother Dave Johnston has been married since 1991; he and “Sister Jo” have seven children (four boys, a girl, a boy, and a girl). A Business Owner, Author, Speaker, and Teacher, Bro Jo has taught Youth Sunday School, Seminary and Institute for nearly two decades (which is impressive, ’cause he’s not THAT old!) “Dear Bro Jo” now has over 10,000 readers from around the world!

You can reach Bro. Jo at his blog and check out the great things he has there. This is one website that you do want your teenager to go to.

http://dearbrojo.blogspot.com/

Sheila’s Top 10 or 20 List for 2010

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Dec 312010
 

After I was asked to make a top ten list of my favorite reads of 2010 I floundered a bit. I happily made my goal of reading 100 books in 2010. This also left me in a bind, knowing I had 100 books to choose from. I agree with Mindy, it is like asking who is your favorite child or friend.

I also have a hard time with only picking 10 so I picked my top 12 and then continued with books that I would include in my top 20. I know, I am shamelessly changing the rules here.

These are my picks in no particular order:

1. The Healing Spell by Kimberley Griffiths Little

To say that this book enchanted me, it is not just a play on words of the title. There truly was something magical about the way that Kimberley writes. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and didn’t leave the bayou until the last page. This book has stayed with me the past month since I read it. I have remembered the colorful details and rich characters. I borrowed this book from the library, but this is one book I will be purchasing for my own collection.

2. Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

This book made me laugh so hard. I loved the main character and how many strange things happened to her. (Sadly she reminded me of myself and how “things” just seem to happen to me while around men.) I loved her weird mother. The best part was the love triangle, which was more like a square. This is such a feel good book. I will be reading it again soon.

3. A Time To Die by Jeff Savage

I waited so long for this sequel in the Shandra Covington series and I was not disappointed at all. I also feel like it was the best book yet in the series. This was another book that I picked up and could not put down. I really loved the ending! I also loved the fact that Bobby is not left in perilous circumstances at the end of this book.

4. Seventh Earth by Richard Bradford

This is such an outstanding sci-fi/fantasy book.

If you are a fan of this genre you MUST read it! Richard is a great writer and I had a hard time putting the book down. I can’t wait for the sequel. It has a great storyline and it is amazing that this is Richard’s first book. He writes like a Pro!

5. I Am Not A Serial Killer and Mr. Monster by Dan Wells

There is something about these books that are so compelling. You get sucked in and are hooked until the end. I really love how you are kept guessing until the very end. In a strange way, you are cheering for John even if he has a very wacked out mind.

6. Hotel On The Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

This book won the Whitney Award in the General Fiction Category of this past year’s Whitney Awards. It is a story that takes place during WW2 in California. The main character is a young Chinese boy who befriends a young Japanese girl. It shows the turmoil of that time. This story stays with you. This is a good read for book clubs.

7. Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

It seems like everyone has loved this book. It is such a sweet romance that just makes you sigh. Sarah is one of the best Regency romance writers today. Sarah’s newest book was recently released. It will definitely be on next years reading list.

8. Becoming Kate by Dixie Owens

I was right in the middle of six other books when I received this book. I picked it up to read the first chapter and never put it down until I was done. This book is so thought provoking. It deals with the idea of a brain transplant and if feelings and memories would survive from the donor. It brings up so many questions in your own mind. Dixie does a great job of showing one woman’s story and how resolution comes to this character.

9. Blink of An Eye by Gregg Luke

Gregg Luke’s books keep me on the edge. This one did not disappoint. Even though it was slightly different from his others, he delved more into his main character and his past. It has a great mystery that you search for the answer right along with the main character. I loved this one a lot!

10. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I just reviewed this book on my personal book review blog. I explained there why it took so long for me to get this book read. Once I got over the problem I had, I ended up really liking this book. Other readers have told me they had the same problem. They now are going to try reading this again after I shared my secret. Let’s just say you will not be sorry for taking the time to read this novel.

11. The Sapphire Flute by Karen Hoover

Excellent debut from first time author Karen Hoover. This fantasy book has everything. The thing that female readers will love, is that the main characters are female. But, this is not just a book for females. There is so much action that males readers will also like this book. This is the first book in a long series. I have heard bits and pieces about the next book and I can’t wait to read it.

12. Divine Intervention: A Story of Faith and Miracles by Helen and Randy Hall

If you notice, this is the only non-fiction book that made my top 10 (12) list. This personal account almost reads like a novel. It leaves you on the edge of your seat. At the same time, you left with such gratitude for life and the miracles that can and do happen. I highly suggest that you read this book. The Hall’s story is one that should be read by everyone.

My Honrable Mentions, that are in my top 20 books:

  • Band of Sisters by Annette Lyon
  • Crossfire by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • The Musician’s Daughter by Susanne Dunlap
  • Gregor and the Overlander 5 book series by Suzanne Collins
  • Lucky Change by Susan Law Corpany
  • Hometown Girl by Michelle Ashman Bell
  • Heroes of the Fallen by David J. West

The book that most disappointed me in 2010 was Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I just did not like it. I hated the ending and how Pres. Snow died. (Sadly I had a much more grisly end planned for him in my mind.) I was left feeling so unsatisfied and cheated by this third book. What happened to Prim just made me hate the ending even more. I just remember closing the book and shaking my head. I am doing it right now. **sigh** Hunger Games is on my all time top 10 list, but Mockingjay wasn’t even close.

After I read my fellow LDSWBR sisters lists, I realized that there were so many of their favorites I wanted to read but didn’t get to. Next year, you will probably see some of their favorites on my top 10 list.

The Fourth Nephite by Jeffrey S. Savage

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews, Uncategorized
Oct 252010
 

  • Title: The Fourth Nephite
  • Author: Jeffrey S. Savage
  • Hardcover: 261 pages
  • Publisher: Deseret Book (2010)
  • ASIN: B003V2CKG6



Busted. Football star Kaleo Steele is caught under the high school bleachers with the wrong group of friends. Even worse, he’s caught by his seminary teacher, Brother Mortensen. If Kaleo gets turned in, he’ll be in jeopardy of missing the regional championship game.

It doesn’t help that Kaleo has been cutting seminary class. But what’s the point? Mumbo jumbo stories about angels and gold plates and Joseph Smith? Brother Mortensen decides Kaleo is ready for an extraordinary “field trip” – one that could alter the course of his life and his heart.

Reluctantly, Kaleo meets with Ladan – a mysterious old blind man – and unknowingly begins a quest through time, landing in Palmyra, New York, in the fall of 1827.

Soon, Kaleo and a nineteenth-century girl named Jennie are caught up in a battle between treasure seekers – led by Alistair Blackburn, a necromancer hired to steal the gold plates – and the young Joseph Smith, who has sworn to keep them safe.

In his quest to find a key that will send him back to his own time, Kaleo will have to decide for himself what to believe and who to trust. Before it’s too late.


This is a great new book from Jeffrey S. Savage. LDS teens and their parents will love this book and so will adults who love YA books. I love the concept of going back in time, especially to meet the Prophet Joseph. This will be another wonderful series by Jeff. (At least I think this is going to be a series. If I am incorrect Jeff, let everyone know. It just seems to be something that would make a great series.)

I always read his books so quickly. He is an such an awesome writer. He knows how to create fantastic and realistic characters that you love to care about. The main character,Kaleo, learns a lot on his adventure. At first you think he is another sassy kid that just doesn’t “get it”. By the end of the book, his testimony grows and yours can’t help but be strengthened by what Kaleo learns from The Prophet Joseph Smith. This is a book I will be sharing with my own children and my nieces and nephews.

Another note, I loved reading the author notes at the end of the book. They are so awesome! You will get a feel of what Jeff is really like; besides being a fantastic author,he is a really great guy with a super sense of humor. Just don’t read the author notes first! You have been warned.

I bought my copy of this book at the Book Academy Writers Conference and had it signed there by the author.

My Review of, "No Going Back" by Jonathan Langford

 Posted by  Uncategorized
Oct 202010
 









  • Title: No Going Back
  • Author: Jonathan Langford
  • Paperback: 312 pages
  • Publisher: Zarahemla Books (October 5, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0978797191
  • ISBN-13: 978-0978797195


  • Product Description
  • A gay teenage Mormon growing up in western Oregon in 2003. His straight best friend. Their parents. A typical LDS ward, a high-school club about tolerance for gays, and a proposed anti-gay-marriage amendment to the state constitution. In NO GOING BACK, these elements combine in a coming-of-age story about faithfulness and friendship, temptation and redemption, tough choices and conflicting loyalties.

  • The issue of gay marriage and abuse of gay teenagers is a very hot topic right now. There are many heated feelings about the issues on both sides. This is why this novel is so timely and needed. The LDS church does not believe in gay marriage. There are many gay members of the church, that struggle daily with their same-sex attraction and “living” their religion . That means that we don’t hate them, shun them or attack them verbally or physically. They need our love and understanding like any other member of our church.

  • “No Going Back” addresses the issue of a young, male, LDS member who comes out saying he is gay. Jonathan does a good job of showing the intense feelings and fears of the main character, Paul, and how others react to him. It was heartbreaking reading how the kids in his ward, the scout council and his own father, treated him once they found out Paul was gay. He also wasn’t treated very well, by other gays,when they wanted Paul to leave the church and he would not leave. This is a novel full of many conflicts and not many of them are resolved during the book.

  • This is the way that Jonathan describes his book:
  • “Don’t know if this will interest anyone, but my novel No Going Back is a coming-of-age story about a Mormon teen who is conflicted between his religious beliefs and his gay feelings…. I don’t know if you’d call it a YA novel or an adult novel with a YA protagonist, but most of the book is written from the point of view of the 15-/16-year old protagonist and his (straight) best friend.”

  • My recommendation is this, before having a teen read the book, an adult should read it first. There has been some concern about letting gay, LDS young people read this book. Again, the child and parent must make this decision. The concerns have been about this book influencing someone towards suicide. I think that is too strong of a statement for this book, not saying that this couldn’t happen. I do feel that this book could be a good tool for families when discussing this issue; especially those families who have a teen who is dealing with same sex attraction

  • All of this is such a personal thing. Every teen and family will face this challenge differently. Jonathan Langford has shown us one person’s story and how he dealt with it. I must also say, the story is very well written; especially the main character Paul and his compassionate Bishop.

  • There is strong language and discussions about same sex attraction that some people may not be comfortable reading. This novel is, as other reviewers have stated, “gritty, brutally honest and disturbing”. I was touched by the story of Paul and Chad (His straight life-long friend) and how they came to value their friendship. It truly should not matter,when it comes to friendship, who others love. We can still be friends and not judgmental. Even though we may not agree with others beliefs or practices, we need to remain free from causing pain to others.

  • I know that others may not agree with me in this review, but I have seen friends struggle with same-sex attraction. I have seen them and the pain they have felt at others hands. I feel that this is the main message that can be found in , “No Going Back”. Ultimately the choice is up to you how you perceive this novel. If you care about the topic or want to get a new insight into what it is like to be a gay LDS teen, read this novel by Jonathan Langford.

"The Macki Bald Inn", a Review By E.A. Day

 Posted by  Uncategorized
Oct 172010
 

Title: The Macki Bald Inn
Author: E.A. Day
Paperback: 124 pages
Publisher: World Parade Books (June 3, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 098171367X
ISBN-13: 978-0981713670
When ten-year-old Alex Cooper moves from a rural, tranquil Ohio town to the middle of hurricane row in Florida, he’s not sure he’ll ever fully adjust. But soon he finds hurricane row is a breeze compared to the mysterious, secluded Macki Bald Inn–a nearby inn owned by two ladies who seem to know everything about Alex before he even meets them. What secret does this inn and it’s inhabitants harbor?
This is the first book by E.A.Day. It will have great appeal with readers aged 8-12 and many young adult readers. I liked the mystery that was revealed at the end of the book. The book is slow at the first, but picks up quickly as the main character, Alex (Lieutenant), makes friends with Miranda (Captain) and Ralph (Mate). They end up having great adventures with pirates from the past. There is
also a fun story line surrounding The Fountain Of Youth and the famous Ponce De Leon. You will also really like the parrot PDL.
This is a fast read at 123 pages. It will be fun to see what else E.A. Day writes next. I think that she should write a sequel, with these same three engaging children, having another great adventure.
E.A. Day is Emily Day, an old friend of Shanda and me. We were all in the same ward together. This is her first published book. We are so happy for her and also very proud of her accomplishment. I know that she has been wanting to attain this goal of a published book for awhile. I am so happy to share about her book with my blog readers.

You can purchase her book, “The Macki Bald Inn” from Amazon.com.
Here is some more information about E.A.Day.
E. A. Day was born in Spokane, Washington. However, because her father was in the military, she grew up all over. She has lived in the desserts of Texas, the green rolling hills of Kansas, a farming village in Germany and on the sandy shores of Florida. She draws upon her memories and experiences in these places for her writing. She’s been writing stories in her head since she can remember (especially during boring high school classes) but didn’t start writing them down until 2003. She had only one teacher tell her she should pursue creative writing (2nd grade, thank you Ms. Stadius!) and another that told her she shouldn’t. So if you love to write but haven’t yet won the junior Newberry award–don’t give up! So far, her books have been for young adults and children but if she ever grows up, she might write something for adults (probably not). She lives now in Southern California with her wonderful husband and five enthusiastic children.
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My review of, "The Musician’s Daughter"

 Posted by  Uncategorized
Sep 252010
 

Title: The Musician’s Daughter

Author: Susanne Dunlap

Publisher: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books

Published: 2009

ISBN# 978-1-59990-452-8

Paperback: 322 pages

Murder and love—from the halls of Vienna’s imperial family to a perilous gypsy camp

Amid the glamor of Prince Nicholas Esterhazy’s court in 18th-century Vienna, murder is afoot. Or so fifteen-year-old Theresa Maria is convinced when her musician father turns up dead on Christmas Eve, his valuable violin missing, and the only clue to his death a strange gold pendant around his neck. Then her father’s mentor, the acclaimed composer Franz Joseph Haydn, helps her through a difficult time by making her his copyist and giving her insight in to her father’s secret life. It’s there that Theresa begins to uncover a trail of blackmail and extortion, even as she discovers honor—and the possibility of a first, tentative love. Thrumming with the weeping strains of violins, as well as danger and deception, this is an engrossing tale of murder, romance, and music that readers will find hard to forget.

This book is promoted as a young adult/ historical fiction, but it doesn’t read like one. It is a wonderful read for any adult who loves historical fiction, a budding romance and a lot of mystery. I was surprised to read on goodreads.com, that many people did not like this book as much as I did. I have found this to be happening with many books I have read lately. I will either like a book more than others or will not like a book as much as other readers do. I really am not trying to be contrary, it just seems to be happening.

The beginning of this book hooked me from the moment I started reading it. If you would like to read an excerpt from the beginning of the book, which I found on the author’s website, you can go to my other blog to read it. It is very long, but you will be able to see why I had to read this book.

The 15 year old girl, Theresa is brave, courageous and very vulnerable at times. I liked her because of how she took charge of the family after her father died. Her very pregnant Mother shuts down and is no help to the family. It is up to Theresa to look for her father’s murderers and get a job to earn money for her family to live on. This story is told so well, first person, from Theresa.

I related so well to her because of her great love of music, which she and her father had shared. The glamorous city of Vienna came to life, and the hardships of the 18th century became more realistic. I loved the excitement and intrigue that came as Theresa visited the Gypsy (Romanian) camps for clues. There she learns of their plight during this time period and how they were ill-treated by the higher gentry and politicians. We also get to go into the very glittering palace of Prince Nicholas Esterhazy’s and experience the life of nobility. I particulary loved when Theresa, for the first time in her life, was fitted for a gown for a ball. As a “girl” I loved the idea of dressing up in finery. A warning, there is also a creepy Uncle in the background tormenting Therea.

I do know that a sequel to this book is being written. It truly was left open for a sequel. I think that more romance will be found in the next book. I enjoyed Susanne’s fast paced writing style and the wonderful details that she included that swept me away to 18th Century Vienna.

If you would like to learn more about Susanne Dunlap, her other historical fiction novels and the history behind this book, go to her website here.

This book receives 4 stars from me. I will probably end up purchasing this book. I want to read it again.

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