Book Reviews – Page 40 – LDS Women's Book Review

Marriage 101 for Men by Sherri Mills – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Sep 242013

Marriage 101 for Men: Why Taking Out the Trash is a Turn-On

Author: Sherri Mills

Publisher: Plain Sight/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: May 2013

Paperback/Kindle: 176 pages

Genre: Marriage Help/Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1462112098

Reviewed by: Shanda and Marlow (Shanda’s husband)

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

Summary

Develop a game plan for reaching that surprisingly elusive, permanent win-win solution for both you and your wife: increased intimacy and a great life together. It starts with realizing “help” isn’t helpful and challenges you to defuse the ticking time bomb of your wife having “to do it all.” By following the principles taught in the book, couples will gain more time for love and an added respect on both sides.

Marlow’s Review

My wife and I recently celebrated our 17th anniversary. I feel like we have always had a good relationship and that we communicate pretty well with each other. After reading this book, I have a greater understanding of what she has been trying to tell me for the last 17 years. How I wished I could have read this book back then! Our relationship certainly is not in the desperate state of those documented in the book, but there is always room for improvement.

Being a product of divorced parents, I can see how unresolved hurts and uncommunicated needs can lead to heartbreak. There are several warnings in the book to always be vigilant and watch over your marriage. One chapter details the tragic stories of several men who thought things were going well enough, only to learn the hard way they were not. Read this chapter specifically with an open heart and mind. It very well could be you. Do you think your wife “nags” you to do things? You may already be headed down the path.

The book is easy to read and includes many examples and analogies. My favorite analogy is how she likens rising anger and frustration to a volcano: everything looks calm and composed on the outside, but on the inside is a cauldron of frustration, anger, and resentment. Only shared shouldering of household responsibilities and completely open communication, in both directions, can prevent this from happening.

After reading this book, you, as a husband, may feel some amount of sorrow from your (possibly unknown) blasé attitude toward your household responsibilities. I know that whatever amount of frustration and sorrow you may have brought your wife, you can bring just as much joy. Step up, be the man that you are (and that your wife knows you are on the inside) and do your part! Your marriage will be stronger, you and your wife will both be happier, and your family will be blessed.

The book is written to men in general, and husbands in particular. It is a quick read with a good balance of useful content blended with real-life examples and stories. This book should be required reading for anyone who is married, who is thinking of getting married, or has an XY chromosome.

Shanda’s Review

Sherri Mills’ listening ear has heard it all over her many years as a salon owner and hair stylist. After watching yet another marriage fail, she decided to take on the enemies of miscommunication and societal “norms” in the fight to save marriages.

Marriage 101 for Men is a continuation of her first book, but geared toward men. I have yet to read I Almost Divorced My Husband, But I Went on Strike Instead, so I don’t know how the information and format compare. This follow-up is simple and straightforward, broken up in to small sections, with Reminder bullet-points at the end of each chapter, perfect for revisiting often.

Sherri doesn’t mince words. She expresses her observations and concerns for her clients in the direct manner that stems from seeing it all and brooking no time for the petty stuff, yet with a concern and care that comes from knowing and serving these people for years.

My favorite chapters were “‘Help’ is a Four-Letter Word” and “Sharing Versus ‘Helping’ End Nagging.” These chapters contain what I consider the crux of Sherri’s message: Men need to stop “helping” and start “owning” their portion of the household jobs, and women need to let go of their “do it all” mentality and communicate their needs to their husbands. When man and wife share the load of householder duties, they both have more time and energy for fun, in more ways than one.

The book goes on to explain how to do this with the use of a printed and signed “Fair Marriage Contract,” clearly stating the expectations and duties that each partner will own and complete. She also includes a copy of the contract, as well as lists with a variety of household jobs for each partner to select as theirs.

While directed toward men, women will benefit from reading this book with their husbands. There was a bit of repetition from chapter to chapter, with some of the same quotes and concepts from earlier sections stated again later in the book. This may not be bad thing, though, since it would be a good idea to revisit certain sections from time to time and some of these good points could be missed.

Both newlywed and not-so-newlywed couples will benefit from reading Marriage 101 for Men and deciding now how to prevent miscommunications and the resentment that forms due to an unbalanced division of labor. My husband and I both look forward to sitting down to negotiate our own “Fair Marriage Contract” and divvy up the household jobs we are willing to own. Though the “no nag” agreement might be difficult at first, I think this is going to be a very good thing.

Visit Sherri Mills:

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250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families by Jonathan Decker – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Sep 232013

250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families

Author: Jonathan Decker

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published Date: September 10, 2013

Paperback/Kindle: 256 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1462112180

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

For the first time, Latter-day Saints looking for family-friendly movies have an easy reference at their fingertips! Jonathan Decker (of Meridian Magazine, mormonmovieguy.com, and The KJZZ Movie Show) combines his love for the restored gospel with his passion for cinema in this one-of-a-kind volume, with films selected based on artistic quality and compatibility with LDS media standards.

Readers will find synopses, reviews, and discussion guides (based on the scriptures and teachings of Church leaders) for 250 excellent films from the silent era to the present. With a foreword by acclaimed director T.C. Christensen (17 Miracles, Ephraim’s Rescue), indexes by genre and gospel topic, and thought-provoking chapters on Mormon doctrine regarding media, 250 GREAT MOVIES FOR LATTER-DAY FAMILIES is the perfect film-finder (and conversation-starter) for family home evenings, dates, youth activities, and get-togethers.

Review

It is more difficult every day to find movies without objectionable material. Author Jonathan Decker has set out to make the decision of “What to watch?” easier for us. His book, 250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families, is a useful resource for those who are looking for clean, enjoyable movies they can watch with their families.

An insight shared by the author had significant impact on me and the way I view certain content in media. In the “What Makes a Good Movie?” section, Jonathan explains that he used to feel every instance of media he watched should comply to the letter of the law, and any amount of violence or language or innuendo that he saw made him feel guilty. His eyes were opened after hearing President Monson refer to uplifting themes in the musical Camelot during a talk, the same play that made Jonathan feel uncomfortable during one of the songs where Lancelot sings of his love for Guinevere, a married woman. The author then recalls a BYU film professor’s words: “The portrayal of something is not the same thing as condoning it.”

Jonathan goes on to say something I consider profound:

“I realized that, in art and entertainment, sometimes darkness must be portrayed in order to contrast it with the light. There is no good without evil, and both must be depicted for righteousness to be promoted.” –page 9

Jonathan does not use this truth as an excuse to disregard standards, however. He includes content information in every movie review so that the reader can decide for his/herself what they are comfortable viewing and what they want to avoid. I love that he does this. I also enjoy his concise but informative reviews and his grading system.

I appreciate the “Messages to Discuss” as much as the “Content Overviews” in each review. Included here are the scriptural themes, with scripture references and quotes from Church leaders, that can be found in each film. Not only is this a great way to start family discussion in general, but when you need to plan a last minute Family Home Evening, the scriptures and quotes provided keep it spiritual.

As I flipped through the pages and read his reviews, I came across a number of movies I hadn’t seen, some I had never heard of, as well as some long-time favorites. The classics appear alongside more modern films. The three indexes at the end (organized by Genre, Gospel Topic, and Rating) are incredibly handy.

I think 250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families will become a staple in many LDS homes. I look forward to referring to it many times in the future when choosing movies for my family. I hope Jonathan is already working on the next installment.

Visit Jonathan:

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Wanted by Kathi Oram Peterson-Review and Guest Post from Author

Posted by Sheila Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews

Sep 212013

Product Description:
Title: Wanted

Author: Kathi Oram Peterson

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Published: May 2013

ISBN: 978-1-62108-415-0

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

Book Description:

Rodeo veterinarian Jo Powers is accustomed to operating under pressure—but nothing could have prepared her for the shocking discovery of the armed and bleeding escaped convict hiding in her truck. Even more disconcerting is the fact that Jo knows the man in the prison jumpsuit. Jo’s split-second decision to use her medical skill to save this man’s life is just the beginning, because now he needs her help to uncover the truth. Seven years ago, Branson Faulkner was accused of a murder he claims he didn’t commit. With the hope of finding new evidence to prove his innocence, he’s risked everything to clear his name and reclaim his life—but he can’t do it alone. Jo agrees to help, even though she isn’t completely sure Faulkner is innocent. Now, as Faulkner and Jo conduct their investigation, they discover an alarming connection between a string of homicides, and one truth is clear: there’s a murderer on the loose who will stop at nothing to cover his tracks.

My Review:

Wanted is another phenomenal book written by Author Kathi Oram Peterson. I have never been disappointed with anything I have read from this author. She knows how to immediately draw you into the story and never lets the storyline drag. You are hooked and trying so hard to figure out who the bad guys are. Readers will get twisted and turned into so many directions that everyone looks a little bit guilty.

She writes such great characters whether they are the good or bad guys. I loved Jo Powers and her strong spirit and determination to do the right thing. I also couldn’t help but fall for convicted murderer and Jo’s ex-husband Branson Faulkner. There is something about him that makes you want to believe in his innocence. There are many characters, Lance, Denny, Edward and even the Sheriff, that the author leads you to believe could be involved in several murders. I had ideas of who could have been involved, but I was still surprised at the end by who was involved and why.

I loved the western flavor found in this book, along with veterinarian Jo’s love for the many animals(A wolf, deer, and skunk to name a few) that she has saved. I also loved the rich descriptions of the gorgeous Idaho wilderness. With the unending suspense, the romantic tension and the realistic telling of Idaho country life, this book is a true winner.

As I was visiting Kathi’s blog, I was so excited to find that she had posted pictures from where her book is based in Idaho. I’m an Idaho gal myself and love the beauty that can be found in that state. I wanted to share the pictures and what Kathi had to say about visiting the places where you base your novel.

“Last week I had the good fortune to find myself standing on the north bank of the Snake River beneath Table Rock Mountain. Isn’t it beautiful? This is one of my favorite spots in the world, and where I set some scenes in my novel, Wanted.

Here’s another view of the mountain from across the river. In Wanted, Jo, one of the main characters, rides her horse to the top of the mountain and looks down at the river and valley below as she tries to find answers to her father’s untimely death.

Standing beneath the mountain last week, I longed to be on top looking down just like Jo did.

But I wasn’t there for research or to recreate my novel. I was there for a family reunion. See my mother was born across the river from Table Rock Mountain. I have visited the area many times and know it pretty well.

As I stood there taking in the scenery, smelling river grass and hearing tree leaves flutter in the breeze overhead, I wished that my readers could have been there with me. I tried my best to paint the scene with words, but it’s not the same as being there.

The Snake River is as wild and impressive as I remembered. It looks shallow here because the water is so clear, but farther out there are sinkholes and rapids that are scary even in a boat.

(Side note: My mother and her brothers and sisters had to row across that river twice a day to go to school. When I was a kid and complained about walking a couple of blocks, Mom would remind me that it could be worse.)

There are many advantages to setting scenes in your novel in places you’ve been and know well.

Your descriptions come alive.
You’re able to feel emotions your characters would have from their surroundings.
And you can give attention to details that will add authenticity to your story.

I’m sure there are other reasons.

Why do you think setting a novel in places you’ve been can be a good thing?

Don’t get me wrong. I do believe an author can write amazing stories without actually visiting where they have set their books. The reason they can do that is they have done extensive research. However, visiting the actual setting makes writing about it much easier. Take it from a writer who has done both.”

Such wonderful advice from such an amazing author!

Purchase Wanted @: Amazon | Deseret Book | Seagull Book

Meet the Author: Kathi Oram Peterson

Raised in southeastern Idaho, Kathi Oram Peterson developed a love for the Snake River that winds through much of the region. She spent many happy adventures with family and friends swimming, boating, and fishing on the river. Though she now resides in Salt Lake City, she returns to the Snake River Valley often for vacations. When her children finished school, Kathi finished her English degree at the University of Utah. She worked for several years, writing and editing children’s books for a curriculum publisher. Upon leaving the workforce, she turned her attention to writing novels. Setting a romantic-suspense novel in Idaho with the river she loves came naturally.

Go visit Kathi here:

Janitors: Curse of the Broomstaff (#3) by Tyler Whitesides – Blog Tour – Combined Review

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Combined Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Sheila's Reviews

Sep 162013

Janitors: Curse of the Broomstaff (#3)

Author: Tyler Whitesides

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: September 10, 2013

Hardcover/Kindle/CD/Audible/DB Bookshelf: 343 pages

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy

ISBN# 978-1609076054

Reviewed by: Shanda & Sheila

FTC FYI: free digital review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

A secret society of Janitors with wizard-like powers continue their battle, and now, the stakes are even higher. The Bureau of Educational Maintenance is after Alan Zumbro and this time they mean business – deadly business. Spencer, Daisy, and their little team of rebels must find the source of all magical Glop and destroy it before it can destroy the world as we know it. No small task with the BEM and their monster toxites at their heels. It’s a wild and dangerous ride as they follow the trail of clues all the way to the hiding place of the mysterious aurans: guardians of a secret landfill. What they discover there will change the way Spencer sees himself, not to mention the fate of the rebels.

Shanda’s Review

In the Janitors series, Tyler Whitesides has created a magical, adventure-filled world that middle-grade boys and girls will enjoy visiting again and again. With humor and lots of Glopified action, Spencer and Daisy continue to battle threats to education and learn to use even more magical cleaning supplies as they form new alliances and new enemies.

Germaphobe Spencer must deal with an increased level of gross in order to overcome the new challenges facing him and Daisy as they battle the BEM. From a week at an exclusive school to trekking through an expansive landfill, it seems that Spencer and Daisy will never defeat the BEM and find what they seek. They don’t know who to trust when betrayal follows betrayal.

Though this third book is over 300 pages, it reads quickly. The Janitors series is great for 8-12 year olds who love adventure and magic, but parents might enjoy it just as much. There is a fair amount of disgusting (they deal with a lot of garbage after all), and readers are introduced to a fun character who takes trash-obsession to a whole new level.

Spencer experiences some self-discovery about his abilities, as well as learning what Daisy is capable of beyond her sweet, somewhat gullible personality. Even Dez’s character experiences a little growth. I was concerned that in Book 2 (I have the ARC, so this might be different in the final version), Dez bullies Spencer in front of Spencer’s mother (both emotionally and physically by pinching him) and she says nothing while he and Daisy sit there and take it. I wouldn’t want kids to think that if they are bullied and their parents don’t notice or say anything that they should just accept it. There are times, though, that Spencer does stand up to Dez. In Curse of the Broomstaff, Spencer is learning to stand up to Dez more often, and even shows some maturity when he is concerned for Dez’s welfare without subjecting himself to more bullying.

Fans of the first two Janitors books will enjoy Curse of the Broomstaff. I’m curious about how many books are planned for the series, because the story definitely isn’t finished yet. I suspect many young readers are happy to know that there are more Janitors books to come.

Sheila’s Review

Janitors has become one of my favorite Middle Grade series. As a teacher, I’m often asked by students and parents what books/series I recommend they read. Janitors is one that I highly recommend and often do.

There is so much to love about this third book. (I also strongly advise you read the first two books in the series because it will make your read so much more enjoyable.) The main characters, sixth-graders Spencer and Daisy, have grown into their roles as true heroes and rebel fighters. They prove over and over again how much they have learned, and save the day quite often in this book. They are awesome using their magical weapons/tools: flying brooms, Glopified mops,and plungers. The action escalates in book three and is as messy as ever. (This is in reference to the world’s greatest school cafeteria food fight!)

What is truly funny is the message from the author at the beginning of the book.

“Dear Reader,

Here it is: the third installment in the JANITORS series. And I must admit, this is definitely the trashiest book I’ve ever written. No, literally. This book is full of garbage.

This time, our young heroes must venture deep into an enchanted landfill. They will battle heaps of living garbage and hike through distorted trashscapes as they discover a mysterious group of kids living among the refuse, harboring a centuries-old secret that could save the future of education. As you can see, I take garbage very seriously.”

It is so true! Poor Spencer who hates germs and getting dirty has his hands full. I loved all of the new characters and creatures that were introduced. Tyler really hiked up the intensity of the action and suspense. It was also a plus to see more interaction between Spencer and his father Alan. I think they both learned a lot in this adventure about themselves and each other.

As with the other books, the ending leaves you wanting more with Spencer’s new title and mission. What is that title and new mission? I’m not saying anything, except that you need to read Janitors Book 3: Curse of the Broomstaff to find the answer. With engaging and bright characters, beefed-up energy and action, and written especially for elementary age kids, (even though teens and adults will love the books too!) the Janitors series needs to be put on your children’s to-read list today.

Visit Tyler Whitesides:

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Shadows of Valor by Elsie Park – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Sep 102013

Shadows of Valor

Author: Elsie Park

Publisher: Jolly Fish Press

Published Date: September 7, 2013

Hardcover/Paperback/Kindle/Nook: 252 pages

Genre: Historical/Medieval Romance

(PB) ISBN# 978-1-939967-07-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital uncorrected galley in exchange for an honest review

Summary

On the surface, Graywall is content and booming. Lord Shaufton, who presides over the city, is a fine ruler. The poor are well-cared for, the area is popular, and morale is high—but within Graywall’s roots, something dark is stirring. This darkness threatens to overpower the once-peaceful town, until a mysterious figure appears: The Shadow. 

As much a figure of fear to the unruly as legend to the innocent, The Shadow is an enforcer of justice and aid to the King. Due to an outrageous export tax set by King Edward, smuggling has tainted the kingdom, so The Shadow is sent to hunt the smugglers down. Contrary to legend, The Shadow is simply a man known as Sir Calan who, although talented and just, struggles to keep his dark thoughts of revenge from becoming ruthless action.  

Due to sheer coincidence, The Shadow learns of a deadly plot against Lord Shaufton on a journey to Graywall. Now, he must enter a pseudo courtship with Lord Shaufton’s daughter under his original guise of Sir Calan, all while old emotions are stirred by the lovely Elsbeth, Lord Shaufton’s niece. Elsbeth, it seems, is the only woman who can heal his troubled soul, but she has a story of her own. What transpires is a glorious tale full of deceit, greed, inner struggles, betrayal, and most of all—love.

Review

Shadows of Valor is a story of ladies and knights, including one with a secret identity, in a tale of intrigue, valor, adventure, and seemingly unrequited love. Sometimes I’m in the mood for a light romantic read that isn’t heavy on historically accurate dialogue and doesn’t shy away from what some consider romance novel cliché. Shadows of Valor fit this mood for me, and I was pleasantly entertained reading about Elsbeth and her dealings with The Shadow and Sir Calan.

The pace of the story kept things moving well and the writing was enjoyable. There were a few things I noticed in the uncorrected proof that I hope were caught before final publication, ie., “had to of” instead of “had to have”, as well as a few phrases that felt too modern for the story. The intrigue and all of the “bad guys” are easy to figure out almost from the beginning (which could be intentional), yet Shadows of Valor is still a fun, quick read that many readers who like historical/medieval romance will enjoy.

Visit Elsie Park:

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Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Sep 092013

Blackmoore

Author: Julianne Donaldson

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: September 9, 2013

Paperback/Kindle/CD/DB Bookshelf: 320 pages

Genre: Regency Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60907-460-9

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital uncorrected proof from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

**Visit The King’s English Bookshop page for details on Blackmoore‘s Launch Party on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013 at 7 PM!**

Summary

Kate Worthington knows her heart and she knows she will never marry. Her plan is to travel to India instead—if only to find peace for her restless spirit and to escape the family she abhors. But Kate’s meddlesome mother has other plans. She makes a bargain with Kate: India, yes, but only after Kate has secured—and rejected—three marriage proposals.

Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore determined to fulfill her end of the bargain and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. But when it comes to matters of love, bargains are meaningless and plans are changeable. There on the wild lands of Blackmoore, Kate must face the truth that has kept her heart captive. Will the proposal she is determined to reject actually be the one thing that will set her heart free?

Set in Northern England in 1820, Blackmoore is a Regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn how to follow her heart. It is Wuthering Heights meets Little Women with a delicious must-read twist.

Review

Blackmoore is an enthralling, heart-twisting romance with a depth that I greatly appreciated. There were highs and lows throughout as well a heart-pounding-yet-clean chemistry that carried me through the darker elements of the story. I kept turning pages, needing to know how things would turn out for Kate because somehow they must, even though she was determined to stay unmarried and travel to India with her aunt.

The details were expertly done, not too heavy, but enough to picture Blackmoore in my mind with minimal effort. The descriptions of the stark beauty of the moors and Robin Hood’s Bay had me pulling up Google so I could see the area for myself. When Kate hears a woodlark’s song for the first time I was so moved by the scene that I again searched online so I could hear what she was hearing.

The characters were interesting and dimensional, even those that made a minimal appearance in the story. I loved every scene with Henry. My heart broke for him in a way that I did not expect. I ached for Kate and what she felt she must endure. I loathed Kate’s mother. I wanted to know more about Henry’s grandfather, and Herr Spohr, and even the townspeople.

I was easily swept into the story, setting, and emotion of Blackmoore. I experienced elation, anticipation, disappointment, frustration, yearning and freedom right along with Kate. I wanted everything for her. I love they way Julianne writes the hero so that the reader knows exactly what he is feeling without being in his head. It is subtle yet so very effective.

Though Blackmoore carries a bit darker and more serious tone than Edenbrooke, it is a well-written and memorable love story that fans of clean-but-still-toe-curling romance will enjoy. I highly recommend it.

Visit Julianne Donaldson:

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Find Blackmoore:

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***Special pricing in September for Kindle versions of Blackmoore and Edenbrooke!!***

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