Book Reviews – Page 36 – LDS Women's Book Review

Chasing June by Shannen Crane Camp — Blog Tour/Giveaway

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Dec 052013

Chasing June

Author: Shannen Crane Camp

Publisher: Sugar Coated Press

Publish Date: December 14th, 2013

ISBN13: 9781484191262

Genre: YA contemporary

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

June Laurie has it all—a budding career on the hit crime drama Forensic Faculty, a supportive and perfect boyfriend in her best friend Joseph Cleveland, and hopes of transferring her acting skills to the stage at college. But in a series of plot twists as dramatic as any Hollywood storyline, June’s dreams dim with a heavy dose of grown-up reality. Once she starts school at BYU, June’s days become filled with classes and the new challenge of dealing with jealous theatre majors who seem determined to give her the cold shoulder. Her happy plans for a future with “the one” take a turn, too, when Joseph dumps her to focus on preparing for his two-year LDS mission. Casting directors and the siren call of stardom beckon her back to California, while an old co-star appears on the scene to confuse things even more. Caught up in the drama of life—the type that has more intrigue, subplots, and unexpected romance than a murder mystery game—June starts to wonder if maybe her life’s script might end with a grand finale she never saw coming.

My Review

June is an absolute doll. She is an easy character to love and cheer for. June is quirky and fun. Joseph is a doll too, but things are different between them this time around. June and Joseph do love each other, but Joseph is going to leave on his mission soon and doesn’t want to hold June back. This confuses June because she sees him flirting and hanging out with other girls at school. Not only does it confuse her, she’s not happy about it. She tries making friends with her vain roommates, but there isn’t really a friendship connection there. Her friends from Forensic Faculty pay her a visit and Ryan especially is happy to see her. Which makes things even more complicated between June and Joseph.

4 out of 5 stars. Another great book from Shannen. I can always count on her books to be funny, clean, and well-written. Shannen’s writing is fun and solid, and I can see the darling gal she is in the stories she writes. I really liked the relationship between Ryan and June. It really conflicts me, because I love Joseph, but Ryan is likable and a great guy, too. But, he’s not LDS and June has told him he wants to marry in the temple. Joseph does go on his mission, and June’s career takes off as does Ryan’s. The ending definitely sets up another book, which I can’t wait to read!

Shannen is the author of many fabulous books. Her book Finding June, was a Whitney Award finalist in 2012.

Shannen is having a Facebook launch party for Chasing June.

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links (will be available when book is officially for sale, will update)

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Chasing June

by Shannen Crane Camp

Giveaway ends December 08, 2013.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Christmas from Heaven – Blog Tour and Names of Christ Ornament Set

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Dec 042013

Christmas from Heaven: The True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber

As read by Tom Brokaw

Illustrated by Robert T. Barrett

Published: October 15th, 2013

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-700-6

FTC FYI: Received a hardcover copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Inside Book Jacket Summary

From little things come big things.

Christmas from Heaven is the story of the humble beginnings of what became a beacon of hope to a war-torn land, the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much needed supplies into a Soviet blockaded Berlin.

As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of the Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, he one day offered them some chewing gum. From that small act, an idea sprang: He would “bomb” Berlin with candy. Fashioning small parachutes, he and his crew sent them floating down as the approached the Berlin airport, wiggling the wings of their C-54 as a signal to the children that their anticipated cargo would soon arrive.

Lt. Halvorsen became known by hundreds, if not thousands, of children in Berlin as “Uncle Wiggly Wings” or “The Candy Bomber”. Word soon spread, and donations of candy and other supplies poured in from sympathetic American. Lt. Halvorsen’s small idea became a great symbol of hope, not only to German children in a bombed-out city, but to all those who yearned for freedom.

My Review

I was able to attend the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas performance last year, Home for the Holidays (which I will review this week) I was extremely touched by story of “The Candy Bomber”. And to top it off, Lt. Halvorsen made an appearance as well. That was very touching. I know I wasn’t the only one with tears in my eyes. This book beautifully expresses Lt. Halvorsen’s story. I loved how there were actual pictures along with the illustrations in the book. It added a wonderful real factor to this beautiful true story. My favorite thing was the note on the very last page, written by a young girl, thanking the Flyer Uncle for the sky food. Very sweet. What an amazing story and an amazing man. This book will be a welcome addition to our family Christmas book library.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Seagull Book / Barnes and Noble

The Biblical Names of Christ Ornament Set

These beautiful ornaments depict the biblical names of Christ. My family and I decorated our tree over the weekend and put these lovely ornaments on. On the back of the case they came in, there are scriptures that reference each of the names on the ornaments. My family and I had a Family Home Evening and read each of these scriptures. These ornaments are beautiful and a great addition to our decorations.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book

Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Dec 022013

Love’s Reckoning (The Ballantyne Legacy #1)

Author: Laura Frantz

Publisher: Revell/Baker Publishing Group

Published Date: September 2012

Hardcover/Softcover/Kindle/Nook: 432 pages

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

ISBN# 978-0-8007-2041-4

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: checked out from my local library (but want to buy my own copy soon)

Summary (Goodreads)

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege’s daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other’s jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. “Love’s Reckoning” is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

Review

Love’s Reckoning was a great change of pace for me. As much as I enjoy the quick, light reads that many Christian historical romances provide, it was refreshing to read one that has greater depth and a more involved story. It was a little lengthier than most and took me several days to get through, which was nice because it gave me something to anticipate until I could read again.

Silas is a great character with good principles and a dream to go West. Eden is sweet, if a bit too submissive at times for my taste. She is used to her needs being shoved aside in favor of the selfish desires of her sister, Elspeth. Elspeth is a devious and selfish woman, though I wondered as I read if she would have opportunity at redemption. There’s a certain passage of time in the book that makes me curious about what happened to her then. Maybe nothing significant, though I doubt she could stay out of trouble for long.

Love’s Reckoning is rich with romance and anticipation. I loved visiting the eighteenth century. There are some heartbreaking circumstances that had me mourning with the characters and wishing for swift justice. Most of the book was strong and held my attention well. After a certain tragic incident though, I found that things felt a little rushed or forced. I felt a bit disconnected to the characters and floundered a bit. I hung on though, and soon things came back together, if a bit differently than I’d hoped.

As soon as I finished Love’s Reckoning, I put the sequel on hold at the library. I look forward to continuing this series and don’t hesitate to recommend Love’s Reckoning to those who enjoy Christian historical romance as much as I do.

Visit Laura Frantz:

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | PINTEREST

Find Love’s Reckoning:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

The Believer by Stephanie Black

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Nov 272013

The Believer

Author: Stephanie Black

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Originally published: 2005

Genre: speculative fiction

Kindle: 337 pages

FTC FYI: Received a Kindle copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Amazon Summary

There is a place where the threat of foreign terrorism is nonexistent, where there are no arguments about religion, and no battles over politics. Welcome to New America—a place where reading the wrong book can cost you your life!

Ian Roshek finally believes in something. The young history professor has studied a contraband copy of the Book of Mormon—and he knows what it says is true. But now his newfound convictions will be put to the test as he struggles to listen to the still, small voice, while society screams in his ear.

Ian’s sister Jill and her influential boyfriend, Daniel, only see Ian as a man with religious delusions–a man who needs help. And though her facade of brutality hides it, police interrogator Alisa Kent feels a trace of compassion toward this flawed, but courageous man who stays true to his faith–despite the fact that it’s contrary to both logic and public opinion. If only for selfish reasons, she wants to know more. But soon Ian’s choices will ignite a chain of events that he, and those around him, cannot escape.

A taut, must-read thriller, The Believer will cast a lingering shadow and leave you asking what you would give up in order to feel “safe.”

My Review

Words can not describe what a crazy-good author Stephanie Black is. Her books take you to another place, a place that you are reluctant to return from. Well, in the case of The Believer, that world was a pretty tough place to be, but you know what I mean. When we first meet Ian Roshek, he is coming to the aid of a student being wrongly accused of having contraband. He is taken into custody and tortured (don’t worry, it’s not graphic) by police interrogator Alisa Kent. After the agonizing time spent in custody, Kent lets him go. It takes time for Ian to feel safe again. The only problem is, Ian really was guilty. He is a believer, and he can’t figure why Kent lets him go. What happens next sets off a chain of events that will send your mind spinning and keep you reading this awesome book until you turn the last page.

Stephanie is a gifted author. Her books are so well-written you feel as though you watching a movie instead of reading. These characters go through a lot. And by the end, you aren’t sure who to trust. There is so much going on, and not just for Ian, all the characters. All their decisions affect each other in some way. The character I found most intriguing was Daniel. Without giving much away, he has a VERY though choice to make, and on top of that is given life-changing news that will/can affect so many. Including, his chance to make himself happy. Alisa Kent was fascinating too. Every character was so well-written. The last sentence of this book brought tears to my eyes.

5 out of 5 stars. This book made me grateful for freedom of religion. The sequel to The Believer, The Witnesses, was just released last month. I will be reviewing The Witnesses next week!

Stephanie is the author of many fast-paced thrillers. She won the Whitney Award for her books Rearview Mirror, Cold as Ice, Methods of Madness, and Fool me Twice. I told you she was amazing!

I am giving away a Kindle copy of The Believer on Min Reads and Reviews. Find it here.

Author Links

Blog / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Second to No One by Natalie Palmer — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Nov 202013

Second to No One

Author: Natalie Palmer

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Published: November 19th, 2013

ISBN: 9781627468

Paperback: 253 pages

Genre: YA

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Available now through www.nataliepalmerbooks.blogspot.com and tatepublishing.com. Will be released to online bookstores November 19, 2013!

“Things change. People change. Jess and I weren’t above it.”

Gemma’s first year of high school isn’t starting out the way she hoped. Jess is back from California and before she can memorize her class schedule their summer romance comes to a screeching halt. To add to her misery the gorgeous new girl in school also has eyes for Jess and despite Gemma’s unfailing attempts to win him back she keeps finding herself alone.

But when a late night car crash lands her a three month grounding and twenty hours of community service she discovers that there’s more to life than just romance and boyfriends.

Unpredictable and heart wrenching, Second to No One is the perfect continuation to the magical beginning of the Gemma and Jess romance.

My Review

Second to No One is a very enjoyable, clean book with lots of heart and lessons for the characters. I really liked Gemma this time around. Jess was a favorite too. The author did a great job of writing with a teenage voice and some of the things Gemma thought in her mind made me laugh out loud. All the characters were well written. Drew gave me a smile lots of times. I really enjoyed the journey Gemma takes in this book. I loved the lessons that she learns too. She gets to know her sister better, steps out of her comfort zone, and most importantly gets to know herself. Gemma has to complete some community service after a late night accident and I loved the scenes at the nursing home and what came from them.

4 out of 5 stars. When Gemma and Jess finally figure things out, they are thrown with more twists and the ending was very surprising. I was not expecting it, and am eagerly waiting for the next book. Second to No One is the sequel to Second Kiss. The author does a great job at catching the reader up, but I would definitely read Second Kiss first.

Author Links

Tour Stops / Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Tate Publishing / Blog / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Author Bio

I am a writer. But more importantly, I’m a mom, which is the best thing I could have ever hoped for in my life. I have three kids who amaze me every day with their little quips of humor and intelligence. I can’t really applaud myself for how great they are, though, since I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing when it comes to mothering children. But the fact that they’re turning out so awesome and I’m the one that hangs out with them all day makes me feel pretty good about myself.

I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah where I was spoiled to have the huge Wasatch Mountains in my backyard. I graduated from the University of Utah with a major in English Literature but that’s boring. The exciting part was when I met and fell in love with the boy of my dreams. He wasn’t my first or second kiss but he was by far my favorite and it didn’t take us long to figure out that life could never be as good apart as it was together. So we got married and have been living happily ever after ever since.

When I’m not attending to my homemaking and writing duties I love to exercise because it’s the only time that I have an excuse to listen to my music uninterrupted and as loud as I want. I love all different genres of music but I run extra fast when I hear Dashboard Confessionals, Cold Play or Owl City on my iPod. Besides music I love anything that has to do with water including but not limited to drinking it, skiing on it (in liquid or powder form), basking in the sun while boating on it and (these days) lazily dreaming while my kids play in it for hours on end.

So there you have it. I’m a wife, mother, writer and iPod blasting mermaid. While my husband works his brains out I take care of our kids and conjure up storylines and characters and romantic turns of events. And someday, if we’re lucky, we’ll be as happy as we are now.

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Nov 182013

Stealing the Preacher (Archer Brothers #2)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Published Date: June 2013

Softcover/Kindle/Audible/Nook: 352 pages

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

ISBN# 978-0764209666

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free digital galley from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Summary (Goodreads)

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can scarcely believe it when he’s forced off the train by a retired outlaw and presented to the man’s daughter as the minister she requested for her birthday. Worried this unfortunate detour will ruin his chances of finally serving a congregation of his own, Crockett is determined to escape. But when he finally gets away, he’s haunted by the memory of the young woman he left behind–a woman whose dreams now hinge on him.

For months, Joanna Robbins prayed for a preacher. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. A man to help her discover answers to the questions that have been on her heart for so long. But just when it seems God has answered her prayers, it turns out the person is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett to stay in her little backwoods community? And does the attraction between them have any chance of blossoming when Joanna’s outlaw father is dead set against his daughter courting a preacher?

Review

I’ve really enjoyed the Archer brothers’ series so far. I liked Stealing the Preacher–Crockett is a great guy. I love how everyone expects him, as a preacher, to be horrible at shooting and unfamiliar with hard physical labor but he proves them wrong, earning their respect.

Joanna Robbins is a likable character, young and maybe just a bit naive, but full of faith. She is friendly, but with a streak of fire for what she believes in, and loyal to the end. I really like the clean but chemistry filled, not-too-descriptive kisses. I love when I can feel a little swooney when characters kiss but not distracted by too much intimate detail. Another thing I appreciated was that Crockett was up front and direct with Joanna whenever it was needed.

This is the third book from Karen Witemeyer I’ve read, and it certainly won’t be the last. Short-Straw Bride is my favorite so far. I look forward to reading Neill’s story (A Cowb0y Unmatched, part of the A Match Made in Texas novella collection coming January 2014). What I like about her writing is that it’s fun to read and not overly preachy. Stealing the Preacher had a bit more than her others because Crockett is, after all, a preacher, but it was woven into the story appropriately without feeling like a sermon.

Overall, Stealing the Preacher is another enjoyable Christian historical romance and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.

Visit Karen Witemeyer:

WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Find Stealing the Preacher:

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