Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 082011
 

Minor Adjustments

Author: Rachael Renee Anderson

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: August 2011

Softcover: 216 pages

ISBN: 978-1-59955-913-1

FTC FYI: I received a free copy from the publisher which did not affect my review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Devon Pierce is a busy man.  He owns his own internet security company in Chicago, and doesn’t have time in his life for distractions.  When Devon is asked to come to Australia to meet an old acquaintance’s son, he feels obligated to go.  Devon has been asked to be Ryan’s guardian.  His mom, Lindsay, passed away and named Devon as his guardian.  Stella Walker is Ryan’s solicitor, and Lindsay’s best friend.  Stella loves Ryan and wishes that she could of been the one to raise him.  Stella at last convinces Devon to at least get to know Ryan for two weeks before he makes his final decision.  Devon is unsure of how he would be as a father, and Stella has her doubts too.

Right away Devon sees what a sweet and agreeable child Ryan is.  Although Ryan has his “four-year old” tendencies to misbehave or be winey, Devon handles it well.  He quickly starts to love Ryan.  Stella in her kind, but pushy way, keeps asking Devon to take Ryan.  Devon reminds her that he is only doing the two week trial because she asked him too, but as their time together progresses, is Devon having second thoughts?  And, is Stella telling him everything?

Rachael’s writing is so smooth.  I love the way the relationship between the characters progress.  Especially Devon’s and Stella’s.  Trials come up for them, and I thought they are handled well.  An ex-girlfriend, selling companies, relocations, just to name a few.  There is a bunch of humor that made me smile too (Stella is a lover of random facts).  I also really enjoyed the beautiful setting of Australia.  I felt I was there with the characters, what a beautiful place.  Australian’s way of saying things are so fun and different.

4 out of 5 stars.  I really enjoyed this book.  It’s very cute and clever.  Rachael is such a great writer.  Minor Adjustments is Rachael’s third book.  Check out my review of Luck of the Draw.  To purchase Rachael’s book’s click here.


If I Should Die by Jennie Hansen

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Aug 192011
 

If I Should Die

Author: Jennie Hansen

Publisher: Covenant Communcations

Published: June 2011

ISBN-13: 978-1-60861-199-7

Softcover: 235 pages

FTC FYI: I received a free copy from the publisher which did not affect my review.

Kallene and her best friend Linda never miss their morning run together.  This morning was the same as others, but something was bothering Linda.  She is unhappy in her marriage and decides she needs to file for divorce.  The next day, Kallene was running a little behind, Linda was never late, so when Linda is not there, Kallene is immediately concerned about her friend.  She quickly jogs over to Linda’s, and hurriedly knocks on the door.  Linda’s husband Carson answers, not knowing where she is either.  Kallene doesn’t like his reaction, as he just assumes Kallene will watch their daughter Macie, and that Linda will come home once she cools down.  After a few days and still no sign of Linda, Kallene calls the police out of concern for her friend.  Detectives arrive and question Carson, making him the person of interest in Linda’s disappearance.  Secondary characters such as the nosey neighbor, another neighbor with a shady past, and her sweet but troubled cub scout were captivating as well.

This is the first book of Jennie Hansen’s that I have read.  She is a good writer and I enjoyed this book.  Kallene is a smart and likable character.  Two love interests are vying for her, and I was happy with the end result, even though I really liked both male characters.  If there was one thing that distracted me from the story a bit was Kallene’s job.  She worked from home mostly for an advertising firm, and there was some controversy over her boss taking credit for her work.  For me, the story focused too much on her job at times and took away from the disappearance of her friend.

3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Jennie Hansen has written many books. I look forward to reading more from her.  Find out more about Jennie Hansen here.

Happy Friday!

City Limits by Sheralyn Pratt

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Aug 172011
 

City Limits

Author: Sheralyn Pratt

Publisher: Bonneville Books

Published: 2010

Softcover: 213 pages

ISBN:  978-1-59955-423-5

FTC FYI-I purchased my own copy

“Whoever he was, the man was a scoot from death.  He sat with both legs dangling ten stories above street level, his hands gripping the ledge and pushing his body into a precarious forward lean.  A hundred feet below, a large crowd gathered to witness the potential suicide of a man whose name no one knew.” page 1

This is the second book of Sheralyn’s that I have reviewed.  Why? Because I love them! The Rhea Jensen series just gets better and better.  City Limits does not disappoint.

Rhea’s “missionary” (the one who converts Rhea to the LDS church) Andy is in town.  He is getting ready to start BYU, and is staying with Rhea’s boyfriend.  Rhea’s best friend Kathryn, who has recently moved to town, is suspicious of Andy’s true feelings for Rhea.

When a huge news story breaks, Kathryn needs Rhea’s help.  But that favor leads to a lot trouble for Rhea when men from a secret society show up at Rhea’s door “suggesting” she not help Kathryn with the story.  Where the story goes from here is so exhilarating and heart pounding, I didn’t breathe until I was finished, and it was way past my bedtime.

I love Sheralyn’s books.  They are so fast-paced and exciting.  The ending of City Limits is amazing.  If you are looking for a fun summer read, the Rhea Jensen series is for you.

5 stars out of 5

Content:

Car chases, explosions, kissing

Unlovable by Sherry Gammon

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Aug 102011
 

Unlovable

Author: Sherry Gammon

Publisher: Wordpainting Unlimited

Published: January 2011

ASIN: B004K1F9BA

FTC: I received a PDF copy from the author which did not affect my review

Goodreads summary: Seventeen year-old Maggie Brown is truly the poster child for Heroin Chic, complete with her jutting bones and her dark-ringed eyes. She’s struggling with her growing feelings for the new guy at school, Seth Prescott, and fears he is just another person who will let her down, like everyone in her life has done thus far.
Seth Prescott is an undercover cop assigned to Port Fare High, and despite his job, he’s developed strong feelings for Maggie. Seth’s working tirelessly to flush out the sadistic heroin peddlers that have invaded the small town of Port Fare, New York, while Maggie fights to stay alive as the search turns deadly.  Seth and Maggie’s romantic journey is one of humor, heartbreak and self-discovery as their world is about to change forever.

Maggie has had a hard life.  Her mother is a drunk, and pays her no attention.  When Maggie does get noticed, her mother’s words are cruel and hurtful.  Maggie tries her hardest to get good grades, all while she is practically starving to death.  Seth’s notices Maggie and is drawn to her.  Hoping she is not involved in drugs.  Seth tries to get Maggie to warm up to him, to even talk to him.  But, she hesitates.  Maggie already likes Seth, but can’t understand what he wants with her.  The story starts when Christmas break ends, so it’s the start of a new semester.  Seth is in so many of her classes, and they keep getting paired up.  But, why?  As the story progresses their relationship gets stronger, and Maggie starts to realize, she not only likes Seth, but she may love him.  How will Seth reveal his big secret without hurting her?

Seth has two best friends, Cole and Booker.  I enjoyed their relationship.  Each of the friends has their own story of heart break, especially Booker.  Also involved in the story are drug dealers.  These are not good guys.  At times I wanted Maggie to not be so naive about what was going on around her and listen more to Seth.  I also liked how the author brought in Maggie’s co-dependant relationships.  Sad things happen with her mother, and I liked how those issues were addressed.

This was a clean book, and I appreciated that.  Unlovable is the author’s first novel.  Learn more about Sherry Gammon here.

3 out of 5 stars

Content:

Some violence, drugs, and kissing (no sex, clean)

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jul 272011
 


The Lost Hero

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher: Disney/Hyperion

Published: 2010

Hardcover: 557 pages

ISBN: 978-142311339-3

FTC FYI: I purchased my own copy

“Even before he got electrocuted, Jason was having a rotten day.  He woke in the backseat of a school bus, not sure where he was, holding hands with a girl he didn’t know.  That wasn’t necessarily the rotten part.  The girl was cute, but he couldn’t figure out who she was or what he was doing there.  He sat up and rubbed his eyes, trying to think.” page 1

Jason, Piper, and Leo are in a wilderness program for troubled kids.  Their leader, Coach Hedge, is a very grumpy guy.  It doesn’t help his mood when storm clouds start to gather.  Coach Hedge asks Jason if he was responsible, and that confuses Jason even more.  The coach doesn’t know who he is either.  He starts using words like half-blood, and monsters.  Coach Hedge is a satyr, there to protect the demi gods Leo and Piper, not knowing Jason would appear too.  Storm spirits that were disguised as students have come to destroy them.  The kids just have to hold on until reinforcements arrive.  In the battle, Piper is thrown into the Grand Canyon, without thinking, Jason jumps off and flies after her. Yes, flies.

There are lots of fun twists and turns with this book.  It is a new series by Rick Riordan, continuing the demi-god stories.  I really like what the author does with this book, and the combination of Greek and Roman mythology.  I also enjoyed how Piper, Leo, and Jason grow, and accept who they are.  They are faced with many decisions, one that could destroy the world.

4 out of 5 stars.  I read and enjoyed the Percy Jackson series.  Percy is mentioned in this book, but he’s in trouble.  Annabeth is there too, and is trying to help him.  I am looking forward to book 2 The Son of Neptune. It comes out October 4th of this year.

On a personal note, sorry for my long absence.  I got very sick and it had me down for a few weeks.  Luckily I’m on the mend.

All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jul 182011
 

All That was Promised

Author: Vickie Hall

Publisher: Bonneville Books

Published: 2011

Softcover: 231 pages

FTC FYI: I received a free copy from the publisher which did not affect my review.

“If there was one thing that made Leah Kenyon proud, it was her husband.  She stood dutifully beside him, her arm linked through his.  A polite smile crossed her oval face as members of his congregation departed the old Methodist church.” (page 1)

Richard and Leah Kenyon are happy in Cardiff.  Their beautiful homeland with its lush green valleys, and craggy mountains.  Richard is a Methodist minister.  His brother Robert also lives in town with his petty wife Abigail and daughter Amelia.  The family business is Kenyon & Sons, the local tea shop.  Robert is already bitter with Richard because he chose to leave the business to be a minister.  He doesn’t understand how anyone could devote their time that way.  One day, while Richard was walking to the store he sees a man on top of a shipping crate with a book in his hand.  Richard is intrigued.  He hears the man speaking about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and how two personages visited a young boy named Joseph Smith.  Richard feels a power coming from that man, and his message of the Prophet Joseph.  When the man is struck by a rock, Richard takes him home to help bandage the wound.  His name is Ben, and he is missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ, and Richard is very interested in what he has to say.  Ben stays for hours, Richard asks him back the next day, and by then is ready to be baptized.  Leah is skeptical.

There are many in the town who want nothing more then to get rid of the Mormons in town.  Many will stop at nothing, even killing.  Possibly Richard’s own family.  Many wonderful things happen to Richard on his journey of learning in the Mormon church.  One of my favorites was Richard’s wife, Leah.  She had doubts and truly took her time in deciding what she wanted to do with this new religion.  This book isn’t just about Richard and Leah.  Many townspeople are affected by the Mormons, and have very different reactions.

I was very impressed with this book, especially the writing.  This is Vickie Hall’s debut novel.  You can learn more about her here and here.

I would give this book 4 stars out 5.  The book was well written and characters well developed.  I did think it was a bit violent at times, but that did not change my opinion of the book.

Here is link to purchase All That was Promised.

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