Mindy’s Reviews – Page 6 – LDS Women's Book Review

Shadowed by Stephanie Black — Combined Review

Oct 312012

Shadowed

Author: Stephanie Black

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: September 2012

Paperback: 273 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN13: 9781621081968

FTC FYI: Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by: Mindy and Shanda

Goodreads Summary

Gifted musician Catherine Clayton was born into a life of wealth and privilege. Following the death of her father, she makes a bold decision she hopes would make him proud: she’s using the family money to establish a music school and offer free lessons to the underprivileged. A providential suggestion from an old college friend leads Catherine to select Riley, New York, as the perfect location for her new school. Hit hard by the economic downturn, Riley personifies economic hardship: peeling paint, overgrown landscapes, and damaged buildings. But the damage runs much deeper than Catherine first realizes.

Two years ago, Riley was rocked by weeks of vandalism, followed by the brutal murder of beautiful elementary school secretary Olivia Perry. Everyone in town loved Olivia—but especially the two men with whom she was caught in a love triangle. Though the murder remains unsolved, Catherine receives ominous warnings that one of these men, Adam Becket, is responsible for her death. Unimpressed by the lack of evidence against him, Catherine is drawn to the shy but endearing Adam. Could he really have been involved in Olivia’s murder?

Just as Catherine is settling in and getting to know Adam, a vandal strikes again, and it’s eerily reminiscent of the events surrounding Olivia’s murder. The death threats splashed on the walls prove that the killer is back—and this time, it’s Catherine who wonders if she’s come to the wrong place at the wrong time.

Mindy’s Review

I was so excited to read this book from Stephanie Black. Stephanie has won 4 Whitney Awards for her work, so I knew this book would be a good one. I was not disappointed. Shadowed had me on edge, just waiting for something to happen, anticipating each page eagerly. My heart went out to Catherine. Talk about bad timing, with lots of bad luck. Moving into a town that is not welcoming and down right spooked by past and current events. Catherine is a great character with lots of great qualities. I really enjoyed what took place in the story, and the outcome of who did it. I was not expecting that!

This is a great book to read on Halloween, full of suspense and heart pounding action.

4 out 5 stars.

Shanda’s Review

Shadowed is a great book to read on Halloween. Set in Riley, New York during autumn, the setting descriptions and suspenseful plot were just right for a good, scary read.

I enjoyed the characters and feel like I got to know them pretty well considering we never leave Catherine’s point of view. Each one took their turn as my suspected bad guy. I thought I had the villain pegged a couple of times, but never with much confidence until the end. Stephanie did a great job keeping me guessing.

The pace of the story was effective and kept me reading until my eyes just wouldn’t stay open anymore. Just as I would get feeling comfortable in Riley again, something would happen or hint at happening to shake things up. There are several action-packed scenes near the end that got my heart rate up and kept me turning pages.

I really enjoyed Shadowed and happily recommend it to readers who love mystery-suspense.

Read more about Stephanie Black on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Find Shadowed:

GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

Deadly Undertakings by Gregg Luke

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews

Oct 242012

Deadly Undertakings

Author: Gregg Luke

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: August 2012

ISBN13: 9781621080749

Paperback: 288 pages

Genre: mystery suspense

FTC FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Being an assistant to the state medical examiner in Salt Lake City might sound like a dead-end job, but Rebekah Smith loves the mystery and challenge of determining the cause of death in the bodies delivered to their morgue. Tutored by her friend and boss, Dr. Sandeep Mahesh, she gains understanding not only for her job, but also for how to mask her own troubled past.

While analyzing the corpse of a 100 year old woman, Rebekah discovers some disturbing elements: not only was the deceased woman a healthy centenarain, but she was also embalmed before anyone discovered she’d passed away. When two identical cases surface, Rebekah enlists the help of her boyfriend, special investigations officer, Josh Logan. Together they uncover shocking truths about the bizarre deaths, which eventually lead them to the nightmarish revelation they weren’t prepared for. Yet, unknowingly, the more they reveal, the closer they come to being the killer’s next guinea pigs.

My Review

5 out of 5 stars. I am starting right off with a rating today, because I can’t wait to tell you how much I loved this book. My husband gets a kick out of sitting next to me when I’m reading, especially when I’m reading spooky books. I gasp loudly, hold my breath, and shake my head too many times for him to count. This book was no exception. I loved it! I loved the mystery, the science, and Rebekah and Josh most of all. I loved them as a couple and their playful banter, even under extreme stress. I also enjoyed the point of view changes. It was interesting to see how characters in the story saw their situation. (I can’t say more :) Each character was written exceptionally well with care and detail. Gregg has definitely out done himself with this book. I can tell by reading his books that he has a brilliant mind, and have greatly enjoyed the books I have read from this great author. I also loved the Easter Egg from his Whitney nominated book from 2011, Bloodborne.

Gregg is the author of many books. Follow him on Facebook and Goodreads.

AMAZON / DESERET BOOK / SEAGULL BOOK

A Timeless Romance Anthology (Winter Collection) — Combined Review

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Sheila's Reviews

Oct 232012

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Winter Collection

Authors: Sarah M. Eden, Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon, Joyce DiPastena, Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Mirror Press, LLC

Published: October 1, 2012

ISBN13: 9781301381166

ebook: 269 pages

Goodreads Summary of all 6 Short Stories: Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed brand new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Winter Collection. A collection unlike any other, readers will love this compilation of six sweet historical romance novellas, set in varying eras, yet all with one thing in common: Romance.

The Road to Cavan Town by Sarah M. Eden, set in 1864 Ireland, combines Eden’s sense of humor with her signature sweet romance. Alice Wheatley walks each weekend into town, accompanied by Isaac Dancy. And while Alice finds herself falling in love with the gentleman, unfortunately he has his eyes set on the belle of the town, Miss Sophia Kilchrest. Alice must find a way to turn Isaac’s eyes toward her.

Regency author Heidi Ashworth’s delightful story, It Happened Twelfth Night, set in England 1812, follows Luisa Darlington who discovers the man of her dreams, Percy Brooksby, isn’t in love with her as much as she thought he was. When Percy’s friend, the mysterious foreigner, Mr. Flynn, visits for the twelfth night holiday, he promptly sweeps Luisa off her feet, quite literally. Luisa is left catching her breath in more ways than one.

An Unexpected Proposal by Annette Lyon is a captivating romantic novella, set in remote Wood Camp, the snowy canyon of Logan, Utah, 1880. When Caroline Simpson is forced to thwart the aggressive advances of Mr. Butch Larson, she discovers that her long-time friend, James, has genuine affection for her. But as stubborn as Caroline is, she minimizes the feelings he’s awakened in her, and it takes almost losing James to admit her true feelings for him.

In Joyce Di Pastena’s charming medieval story, Caroles on the Green, we enter England of 1151, in which Lady Isabel has a dilemma. She promises herself that she’ll marry the man who sent a ring hidden in her pastry since the man she truly loves, Sir Lucian de Warrene, has proved to be impossible and exasperating. To forget him, Isabel sets her eyes on other eligible men, only to face another confrontation with Lucian—who isn’t about to back off and leave her to her newest plot.

Donna Hatch’s enchanting novella, A Winter’s Knight, begins when Clarissa Fairchild’s coach just happens to break down in front of the most forbidding estate in the county, that of Wyckburg Castle, a place where young brides have been murdered for generations by their husbands. Clarissa is horrified yet curious all in the same breath. When she meets widower Christopher de Champs, Earl of Wyckburg, she must decide if she should flee or uncover the greatest secret in the county about her handsome rescuer.

In Heather B. Moore’s exciting turn-of-the-century story, A Fortunate Exile, Lila Townsend finds herself the victim of a broken heart—broken by the most notorious bachelor in 1901 New York City. If that isn’t bad enough, her father sends her to Aunt Eugenia’s remote farm where Lila must wait for her father’s anger to subside and the gossip columns to find new fodder. When Lila meets her aunt’s boarder, Peter Weathers, she discovers a man who isn’t afraid to stand up to her formidable family and take a chance on a woman with a sullied reputation.

Mindy’s Review

4 1/2 stars. I was very excited to review these wonderful short stories by such talented authors. As I read them, I appreciated the individual style of each talented lady. All six stories are well-written and I was immediately taken into each story. The benefit of a short story is how quick the plot moves a long. I also enjoyed the way each author introduced the plot and characters quickly, but I never felt they were rushed. It was so nice reading six fantastic romance stories that were clean, romantic, and heart pounding. At the end of each, I was wishing for more. I reveled in each story, but I must say I did have a favorite. Donna Hatch’s A Winter’s Knight. It reminded me a bit of Beauty and the Beast. With a mysterious earl, ancient curses, and one curious red head, I was instantly hooked.

I think what I appreciated the most was how strong the women in these stories were. Even though the time periods represented vary, each woman brought to the table a fire of knowing who they are. A few learned that process during the course of the story, but found themselves and stood their ground.

Sheila’s Review

I was so thrilled to get to read a collection of stories written by some of my favorite authors. I know that these women can write, and I have read their previous work. I have to say I was not disappointed. The best part is that these are clean stories full of romance. Reading this anthology was like eating a platter of appetizers: you were able to get yummy bites of everything. The only thing I didn’t like is that I would just start to get into the story and then it would be done. All of these stories could easily be continued in a longer novel.

On the plus side, these stories are perfect for the busy reader. You could read one, enjoy it, finish it and then go off and run your errands. Then later that inght, you could come back and read another story. I was telling someone about the anthology. They asked if I had a favorite story out of the six, but it would be hard to choose just one. All of the stories had unique, and fun characters set in various eras. I liked the spunk of the women in the anthology. I loved the romance and the awakening that takes place when you realize that love is there. **sign**

I can see these anthologies becoming guilty pleasure for women everywhere , especially those that want to read about romance without the gratuitous sex that is prevalent in today’s society. Curl up in your jammies, grab your hot chocolate and get lost in this anthology of timeless romances!

Read more about this anthology from the Blog and Facebook page. There is a Spring Anthology coming next year!

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / SMASHWORDS

Case File 13: Zombie Kid by J. Scott Savage

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews

Oct 162012

Case File 13: Zombie Kid

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publish Date: December 26th, 2012

ISBN13: 9780062133250

Hardcover: 224 pages

Genre: Middle grade fantasy

FTC FYI: Received an ARC copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Partial from the book from Harper Collins Children’s Website: You hold in your hands a very dangerous record.

I have collected every side of the story and every piece of evidence on case number 13. Now, in this file, you will find all you need to follow the dark adventures of Nick, Carter, and Angelo, three boys who possess an unhealthy obsession with monsters, in a town so grisly, so horrific—

Whoa, whoa, whoa. You’re telling it all wrong, dude. You make it sound like it’s a scary story.

Ahem. Well, Nick, it is a scary story. In this volume alone, there are voodoo queens, graveyards—even the dreaded Zombie King himself.

Yeah, but there’s also the part where Angie gets mashed potatoes all in her face, and the part where I use my cool zombie powers to—

All right, point taken. Now, if you don’t mind . . .

You hold in your hands a very dangerous, very funny record, detailing the hilarious adventures of three boys who have an awesome obsession with monsters. This is the first volume. Read on if you dare. . . .

My Review

This is the story of three friends. Nick, Carter, and Angelo. They are three friends who love Halloween. They always dress the same and go Trick or Treating together. After planning the best costume ever, Nick is supposed to go to his great-aunt’s funeral, and miss Halloween. While he is there, Nick finds out the reason he has never met her, according to his dad, Lenora is a little strange. Once he gets to the house, Nick understands why. He wanders to the basement where he finds many strange things. Strangest of them all, is the black cat that keeps appearing and reappearing.

This is what Nick thought of the house when he first arrives.

Nick didn’t know exactly what he’d expected his aunt’s house to look like–maybe a two-story home with bricks and stucco, like where he lived. But the house they pulled up in front of was nothing like that. It was really old, and looked like it hadn’t been painted in a hundred years. And it was big, too. There were at least twenty windows on the front side alone. With long strips of yellowing white paint peeling from the walls and faded green shutters, what it looked most like was a haunted house. page 31

I’m assuming from the title that I won’t be giving much away when I say that Nick turns into a zombie. The funniest part about it is, he enjoys it. And so does his friends. Carter and Angelo are the perfect mix of humor and smarts. Angelo always has his head in a book, trying to read his way out of problem, while Carter wants to eat his way out.

Angelo swallowed. “If my book is right–and from all of your symptoms, I’m pretty sure it is–the moment you put on that amulet you invoked its ancient curse.” The house was defintely still. “You are … a zombie.”

For a second none of the boys said a word. Then they all shouted the same thing at exactly the same time.

“Awesome!” page 103

5 out of 5 stars. This is a book full of humor, gross zombie antics, and lots of fun. This is a perfect book for your middle grade reader, your teen, and you. Another favorite of mine was the chapter headings, make sure you don’t miss those.

J. Scott Savage, aka Jeff Savage, is also the author of the Farworld series. I have been waiting for the 3rd book, Airkeep, for a long time.

Preorder Case File 13: Zombie Kid on AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

Not Your Average Fairytale by Chantele Sedgwick — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews

Oct 162012

Not Your Average Fairytale

Author: Chantele Sedgwick

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press

Published: August 1st, 2012

ISBN13: 9781937254667

Genre: YA Fantasy

FTC FYI: Received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Armed with wings and a blue wand, being a fairy godmother should be easy … unless your name is Ash, and you’re a dude.

Ash Summerland has it all–good looks, popularity, and the best grades at The Academy of Magical Beings. Ready to complete his last assignment in order to graduate, Ash is confident he will get the apprenticeship he wants. When he opens the letter from the Council, he is shocked to discover he has been assigned to apprentice Lady Shenelle, Keeper of Happy Endings. A.K.A. the head fairy godmother. Ash is forced to grant three wishes to a troubled human girl named Kendall, and ultimately give her a “happy ever after”. But Kendall turns out to be more than he bargained for. Still grieving over her father’s death, Kendall doesn’t want anything to do with him. And worst of all, she doesn’t believe in happy endings.

My Review

I knew by just reading the first page that I was going to love his book. I loved Ash and Kendall instantly. Everything about this book made me smile. I thought Kendall and Ash worked well together. I also really enjoyed the twists and turns of the story. I loved the change in point of views for the telling of the story. I really liked being in Ash and Kendall’s heads, and seeing things through their eyes. Especially about each other. They are both hurting for different reasons, and realize how much they need someone else. I LOVED the ending. All the characters are well written and fun. I adored Kendall’s sister Ellie. I love it when authors really invest in their secondary characters, Chantele did this very well.

5 out of 5 stars. This is Chantele’s first book. It was amazing, and I can’t wait for Book 2. Find Chantele on her Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

As part of the Blog Tour for Not Your Average Fairy Tale, Chantele is giving away a Kindle and some ebooks. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Enjoy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Combined Blog Tour Review of Evertaster by Adam Sidwell

Posted by Sheila Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Sheila's Reviews

Oct 102012

Product Details:

Title: Evertaster
Author: Adam Sidwell
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Future House Publishing (June 7, 2012)
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
ISBN-10: 0615654495
ISBN-13: 978-0615654492
FTC FYI: We received review e-copies in exchange for an honest review.

“Wonderfully talented writing; funny.”

–Orson Scott Card, NYT Bestselling author of Ender’s Game

“Sidwell is a talented comedian, and that is certainly reflected in his writing. The characters are quirky and likable.” —Deseret News

Book Description:

When eleven-year-old Guster Johnsonville rejects his mother’s casserole for the umpteenth
time, she takes him into the city of New Orleans to find him something
to eat. There, in a dark, abandoned corner of the city they meet a dying
pastry maker. In his last breath he entrusts them with a secret: an
ancient recipe that makes the most delicious taste the world will ever
know — a taste that will change the fate of humanity forever.

Forced to flee by a cult of murderous chefs, the Johnsonvilles embark on a
perilous journey to ancient ruins, faraway jungles and forgotten caves.
Along the way they discover the truth: Guster is an Evertaster — a kid
so picky that nothing but the legendary taste itself will save him from
starvation. With the sinister chefs hot on Guster’s heels and the chefs’
reign of terror spreading, Guster and his family must find the
legendary taste before it’s too late.

www.Evertaster.com

Sheila’s Review:

Evertaster is a great middle grade book! It is written perfectly for this age group. My ten year old son is reading it now and is loving it. He keeps LOL at certain parts. He also keeps making comments about how he knows how Guster feels about his Mother’s cooking. Huh? I don’t think my cooking is that bad and I know that my son is not an Evertaster. Then, he grins at me.

Guster is an 11 year old boy, who is at first glance a picky eater, but turns out to be more than that. He is special, in that he is an Evertaster and has perfect “taste”. Guster doesn’t enjoy anything he Mom makes because he can taste the dirt things were grown in, for example. One night in search of something for him to eat before he starves, they stumble upon an old baker.The baker tells them of the Gastronomy of Peace, an ancient and secret
recipe that could change the world and before he can tell them the whole
story they’re attacked by mysterious chefs in red. These chefs are members of a secret society called the Cult of Gastronimati. From here on out, Guster and his family go on an adventure, in search of the secret ingredients to make the Gastronomy of Peace. This adventure is one that would make Indiana Jones envious. As they travel around the world, young readers will be entertained as they travel along with Guster to far-off places like Africa, Egypt and Norway. Your taste buds will also be taken on a ride, as scrumptious foods are described so well, that you can almost taste them as you read.

For all of you parents that are looking for a new and fun, family read- aloud that all ages will enjoy, Evertaster is here! I give it 4 1/2 stars!

Mindy’s Review:

I thought this book was adorable. The story is so fun and very well written. My favorite thing about Evertaster was Guster and his mom’s relationship. At times I thought Guster was a bit of a stinker :), I know who is he and what he needs, but he was still breaking his mother’s heart. Luckily the ending makes up for everything. I loved all that Mom did for him. Unknowingly starting their adventure in the French Quarter, getting the egg beater, toxic gravy, flying on air planes to exotic locations, all to find items that will help Guster in his quest. Zeke was a perfect smart-alec older brother, and Mariah was a doll. All the characters are fun and important to this fast-paced story. Especially Felicity.

4 out of 5 stars. Lots of humor and plenty of heart. Perfect book for a middle grade reader, and an adult who wants a smile. Many twists and turns with a pinch of adventure. Can’t wait for Book 2.

Here are some pictures of when Adam and Jarom came to the elementary school where Sheila works.