The Guardians of Elijah’s Fire by Frank L. Cole – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
May 302012
 

The Guardians of Elijah’s Fire

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: June 2012

ISBN13: 9781462110575

Paperback: 272 pages

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Just when they thought they were safe, Amber Trendon, and their classmates get yanked back into the action. With the Tebah Stick in enemy hands, Amber becomes a target, and it seems even her closest allies can’t be trusted. Now the gang will have to travel through enemy territory to protect a deadly ancient weapon that could cause the earth’s utter destruction.

This thrilling tale ups the action and doubles the danger. Bestselling author Frank L. Cole delivers an addicting read for adventurers of all ages.

My Review

Amber just celebrated her 15th birthday, and the gifts are still coming in.  One in partiuclar is puzzling to her.  There is no note telling who is was from.  It was a box with two old leather books inside.  The 1st and 2nd book of Kings.  Why was someone sending her books from the Bible.  Amber has her suspicions as to who sent it.  To top it all off, Amber keeps having dreams, nightmares really that come every night.  In these dreams, she feels that someone or something is haunting her.

This book picks up right where the first ended, and it’s just as exciting with non-stop action as in The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter.  I really, really enjoyed this.  Amber finds out some information that is shocking, and she doesn’t really know who she can trust.  Old friends and foes are back in the book, and I loved her journey.  Amber has a power, one that she isn’t sure how to use.

4 out of 5 stars.  This is a great series for kids and adults.

Find out more about the author here.  Follow Frank on FACEBOOK and his Author Event Page.

The release party of The Guardians of Elijah’s Fire is June 12 at 6:00 pm.  Fort Union Deseret Book – 1110 E Fort Union Blvd. Midvale, UT

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

Invaluable by Holly J. Wood

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
May 232012
 

Invaluable

Author: Holly J. Wood

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: December 2011

Paperback: 352 pages

ISBN13: 9781609088354

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Back cover: “Help Wanted

Sixteen year old girl seeks advice on how to reach out to a sister who has become distant, how to make up with my best friend, who spends every, moment with her new boyfriend; how to avoid losing my job over working on Sundays; and how to figure out who has been putting love notes in my locker.  Applicants are also required to provide advice on how to handle being head-over-heels for my prom date’s best friend–who happens to be the hottest guy in school.  Math tutoring a plus.  Interested persons may contact Eliza Moore.

Sounds like a tall order?  Well, that is what Eliza Moore is up against during her sophomore year of high school.  But when her great-grandmother begins visiting Eliza in her dreams, everything starts to change.  These dreams take Eliza back in time to see extraordinary women who help teach her about eight important values.  As Eliza learns more about these women and the values they lived by, she discovers the courage and confidence she needs to face her challenges–and her secret admirer.”

My Review

I really enjoyed this book.  Eliza was a great character and I was really impressed with her.  There was one thing that she did that surprised me during the book, especially after she was receiving the visits from the great-grandmother, but as I thought about it, we are all still learning in this life.  Mistakes will happen.  I looked forward to the visits from her grandmother, the people they visited, and the lessons Eliza learned.  I thought the “treasure hunt” after each visit was fun.  My one tiny complaint, was that I felt at times the story dragged a bit before her great-grandmother Eliza visited.  That being said, I enjoyed the characters and thought the author did a great job of incorporating the Young Woman values into a book.  I also really liked Luke and Jason.  I love it when boys are good examples too.

4 out of 5 stars.  I would recommend this book to any one with a daughter in YW’s or is interested in learning more about those amazing values.  My 13 year old daughter couldn’t wait until I was done so she could read it.  I love books that I can pass onto my girls, and this one is at the top of the list.  As a mom, it is also a great reminder for me to get my daughter excited about personal progress.  This book will do just that.

Learn more about Holly J. Wood here.  Follow her on FACEBOOK.

DESERET BOOK / AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

 

The 2012 Book Bloggers Cookbook Compiled by Christy Dorrity – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
May 152012
 

The 2012 Book Bloggers Cookbook

Compiled by Christy Dorrity

Forward by David Farland

Published: May 1st, 2012

ASIN: B007ZS0UBY

eBook: Kindle Version

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary:

The 2012 Book Blogger’s Cookbook is a community project from some of the blogosphere’s best book bloggers in a simple, easy to read format.  The cookbook combines a love of reading and dining to help you find books you’ll devour and recipes you can’t put down.
You’ll love The Book Blogger’s Cookbook because…The Book Blogger’s Cookbook has 50 different book reviewers from every corner of the blogosphere.  It bridges the gap between author and reader—putting you in touch with book reviewers who can separate the 5 star books from the mediocre.The Book Blogger’s Cookbook showcases great reads and provides an interactive experience with links to author and book reviewer websites. The cookbook is created for those who like to experience what they read long after they’ve closed the book.The Book Blogger’s Cookbook tells why each recipe complements its companion book.  Recipes and books combine to make the reading experience satisfying and entertaining.

Book launch and Contest
During the first week of the book launch, The 2012 Book Blogger’s Cookbook will be available for a reduced price of .99 cents.  Please spread the word. 
Every person who comments on one of the blogs during the tour will be entered to win a grand prize: a copy of every book featured in The 2012 Book Blogger’s Cookbook (22 in all, over $200 value). 
My Review
What a great way to find new recipes and read about books at the same time.  This book is a ton of fun with the recipes and info about some awesome books.
5 out 5 stars!  Thanks to Christy for asking me to be a part of this fun cookbook blog tour and giving a thought to some of my favorite books.
About the author:
Christy Dorrity loves to read about cooking and cook about reading. She was taught early to have a discriminating taste for both books and food. Christy grew up on a trout ranch in Star Valley, Wyoming. She taught elementary school and lives in the mountains with her husband Devon and their five young children. When Christy’s not reading or writing, she’s probably trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.

Forget Me Not by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
May 092012
 

Forget Me Not

Based of the talk from President Uchtdorf at the General Relief Society meeting September 24th, 2011.

Publisher: Deseret Book

Hardcover: 56 pages

ISBN13: 9781609011196

FYC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary: Inspired by the five petals of the tiny forget-me-not flower, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf reminds us of five things we will be wise to never forget:

To be patient with ourselves
To distinguish between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice
To be happy now
To focus on the “why” of the gospel
To know that the Lord loves each of us infinitely.

My Review

I was absolutely thrilled when my friend at Deseret Book asked me if I wanted to preview this book for her.  This talk had a great impact on me.  I loved it.  In fact, I was crying so hard, that a couple cute girls in my ward turned around to make sure I was okay.  The most important thing I learned was that I, Mindy, am not forgotten by my Heavenly Father.  I just need to come to Him with my worries, concerns, and He will be there for me.

5 out of 5 stars.  President Uchtdorf has always had a special place in my heart, and this sweet book clearly is one of the many reasons why.

I am giving away a copy of Forget Me Not. The giveaway starts today (Thursday), and ends Saturday night.  US ONLY.  What a great Mother’s Day gift!  Just leave a thoughtful comment below, and you’re entered.

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
May 022012
 

 Edenbrooke

Author: Julianne Donaldson

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: March 2012

ISBN13: 9781609089467

Paperback: 240 pages

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will she be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

My Review

This book is an absolute delight.  I loved everything about it.  Especially the twirling. :) I loved Marianne.  My heart would break for her at times, but it was all worth it in the end.  Phillip is a dream, he was my favorite.  He would light up the pages.  I laughed out loud at times, and smiled a lot while reading Edenbrooke.  Not only is this a great romance story, there is some page-turning suspense as well.  The author did an excellent job with the setting, and language of the characters.  I felt very regent while reading this. :)

5 out of 5 stars.  This is the Julianne’s first book, and she did an excellent job.  I can’t wait to read more from her.  Find out more from the author here.  I also have the book trailer for you too.  Enjoy!

FACEBOOK / TWITTER

DESERET BOOK / SEAGULL BOOK / AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

 

Motherhood Matters by Connie E. Sokol — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Mindy's Reviews
Apr 282012
 

Motherhood Matters: Joyful Reminders of the Divinity, Reality, and Rewards of Motherhood

Author: Connie E. Sokol

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: March 2012

Hardcover: 128 pages

ISBN13: 9781462110186

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: “In these hectic days where life’s demands can quickly become a heavy burden, Motherhood Matters helps you find more memorable moments and take the stress out of the to-do lists. Written with clarity, concision, and wit, this short, yet indispensable handbook is better than flowers, more guilt-free than chocolate, and gives back to the woman who sacrifices so much of herself every single day.”

My Review

This book was an absolute joy to read.  While I was reading I started taking notes, and wrote down pages numbers of my favorite quotes from many of our amazing church leaders, and from the author herself.  Many inspirational messages quotes are in this book to help you through your busy mothering days.  I was reminded to take life a day at a time, and most importantly to cherish your children.  My kids are 14, 11, and 7.  I miss the days when they were younger, but I am excited about the life we have now, and look forward to live and enjoy each day.  No matter how busy we get.  It also reminded me that my Heavenly Father loves me, and looks after me.  Even as something as simple as watching over my house because I left a curling iron on.

5 out of 5 stars. This book is a great gift for Mother’s Day for any mother no matter, what stage in her mothering she is in.

Read more about the author here. Use this link for purchase.

 Older Entries  Newer Entries