Book Reviews – Page 45 – LDS Women's Book Review

Armor Up/Suit Up by Various Contributors

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jun 272013

Armor Up

Contributed by: John Bytheway, Laurel Christensen, John Hilton III, Hank Smith, Anthony Sweat, Brad Wilcox

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: February 1, 2013

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-317-6

Paperback: 104 pages

FTC FYI: I received a review copy.

Reviewed by Mindy

Back Cover

Take upon you my whole armor that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.

D & C 27:15

These words of Joseph Smith from 1830 might be more important today than ever before. You are living in an “evil day”, but it’s also an exciting day! You have many incredible opportunities all around you. Because you face a world of challenges and temptations, you need to be fully armed. In Armor Up, some of your favorite youth speakers share how to put on the armor of God–and how wearing that armor will help you conquer the difficulties that lie ahead.

My Review

Although the target audience for this book is teens, I found myself relating to many parts. I loved the honesty, heart-felt stories and life lessons from each contributor. I especially liked the chapters from John Bytheway and Laurel Christensen. John’s, for his love of Star Trek, while my love is Star Wars, but that wasn’t the only reason I loved his chapter. Brother Bytheway referred to our shields being up. Shields being our faith.

Faith, as you know, is the first principle of the gospel, which is another reason it is considered “above all.” There are many kinds of faith–faith that things will work out, faith that the sun will come out tomorrow, faith that a sibling on a mission will be okay. The most powerful faith, of course, is “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Article of Faith 1:4). The different types of faith we refer to i our gospel discussions all spring from and center in the most critical type of faith–our faith in Jesus Christ. (page 52)

He also says that teenagers equipped with shields of faith are hard to miss. (page 52) I think of my three daughters out in the world, and nothing scares me more. What I’ve tried to teach them is having faith in Jesus Christ can get you through anything.

Another chapter I enjoyed (don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed them all) was Laurel Christensen’s on Your Spiritual Sword. My 8 year old lately has had a lot of questions on learning to feel the spirit. I loved that through this chapter, I was able to help give her some answers that made sense in her 8 year old mind.

The Holy Ghost is our sword as He guides us in truth, as He guards us in our choices, and as He heals our hearts. (page 82)

I could quote this whole book, but what is the fun in that, right? Get this book, not only for your children, but for you too.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Seagull Book

Suit Up

Contributed by: John Bytheway, Laurel Christensen, John Hilton III, Jennifer Platt, Hank Smith, Anthony Sweat, Brad Wilcox

Published: 2013

Publisher: Deseret Book

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-515-6

Paperback: 131 pages

FTC FYI: Received a review copy

Goodreads Summary

The Lord needs more missionaries and He needs better prepared missionaries. He needs YOU!

From the bestselling authors that brought you Armor Up! this unique little book is intended to help teens get ready for all they will encounter as they embark on the unique adventure of missionary work. There has never been a more exciting time to be alive—and there has never been a more exciting time to be a missionary.

In Suit Up, several of your favorite youth speakers share lessons about preparing for a mission based on the scriptural advice contained in Doctrine and Covenants 4. If you’re thinking about a mission, if you’ve already started preparing, or if you’ve got your call, you’ll benefit from the messages and advice in Suit Up.

My Review

This book is geared towards those who are thinking of going on a mission. Getting ready to suit up. I also feels it can apply to us all. We all are asked to be missionaries. Each contributor took a verse from D & C 4. Putting in their thoughts and ideas to help get our youth ready for their missions. Again, I will give my “favorite” to Laurel Christensen and also Anthony Sweat and especially Jennifer Platt and John Bytheway.

Jennifer tells of an experience where one of her 18 year old students came to her with questions. She was wanting to get her temple endowments. Sister Platt was wondering why she was feeling to go to the temple when she still had 3 years before she could prepare for a mission. I don’t want to give away the story, but it had me in tears.

Again, I could quote this whole book. This book should be on the top of reading lists for anyone preparing, thinking about, or going on a mission.

I’m giving a copy away of Suit Up on Min Reads and Reviews.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Seagull Book

The Buttersmith’s Gold by Adam Glendon Sidwell — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jun 262013

Tour Schedule

The Buttersmiths’ Gold

BATTLES. BLUEBERRIES. BOVINES.

TORBJORN AND STORFJELL’S HISTORY UNFOLDS IN AN EPIC EVERTASTER NOVELLA.

Everyone knows the most coveted treasure of the Viking Age was blueberry muffins. Blueberry muffins so succulent that if you sniffed just a whiff, you’d want a whole bite. If you bit a bite, you’d want a batch; if you snatched a batch, you’d stop at nothing short of going to war just to claim them all.

Young Torbjorn Trofastsonn comes from the clan that makes them. He’s a Viking through and

through – he’s thirteen winters old, larger than most respectable rocks, and most of all, a Buttersmith. That’s what he thinks anyway, until a charismatic merchant makes Torbjorn question his place among the muffin-makers. When Torbjorn lets the secret of his clan’s muffin recipe slip, he calls doom and destruction down upon his peaceful village and forces his brother Storfjell and his clansmen to do the one thing they are ill-prepared to do: battle for their lives.

Purchase on

Amazon

About The Buttersmiths’ Gold

The Buttersmiths’ Gold is a spin off novella in the Evertaster series that tells the story of two Viking brothers and their adventurous past. The Evertaster series (Book #1 released June 14, 2012) is about Guster Johnsonville, who goes searching for a legendary taste rumored to be the most delicious in all of history. Along the way he meets a slew of mysterious characters, including two Viking brothers Torbjorn and Storfjell. The Buttersmiths’ Gold is their story. 124 pages. By Adam Glendon Sidwell. Published by Future House Publishing.

Mindy’s Review

Torbjorn accidentally lets some secrets slide out of his mouth like butter. His village is in danger of losing everything they hold dear. Even their lives. I really enjoyed this novella from about the two Viking brothers who learn a lot about each other, as well as a something they can use for their village. I really don’t want to give anymore summary. Just know there are Vikings, secrets, adventures, trolls, battles, and bovines in this delightful story.

4 out of 5 stars. Scroll down for author info, purchase info, and a Rafflecopter giveaway.

Evertaster, Book #1:

A legendary taste. Sought after for centuries. Shrouded in secrecy.

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.

Purchase on

Amazon

Book Trailer

Author Adam Sidwell

In between books, Adam Glendon Sidwell uses the power of computers to make monsters, robots and zombies come to life for blockbuster movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, King Kong, Transformers and Tron. After spending countless hours in front of a keyboard meticulously adjusting tentacles, calibrating hydraulics, and brushing monkey fur, he is delighted at the prospect of modifying his creations with the flick of a few deftly placed adjectives. He’s been eating food since age 7, so feels very qualified to write this book. He once showed a famous movie star where the bathroom was. Adam currently lives in Los Angeles, where he can’t wait to fall into the sea.

Website
Twitter
Facebook

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/2/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $25 US.

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In His Hands by Jenny Hess

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Jun 202013

In His Hands: A Mother’s Journey through the Grief of Sudden Loss

Author: Jenny Hess

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: May 2013

Softcover: 216 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 9781621082514

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Summary

With the sudden loss of a loved one comes an unavoidable fork in the road. Some succumb to anger and despair, while others seek strength in the healing power of Jesus Christ. When faced with paralyzing sorrow, how can one truly find peace and perspective? In His Hands offers a candid portrait of grief in which one family fights to find a way out of the black hole of grief and into the arms of the Savior. Author Jenny Hess invites readers on her journey from heartache to healing, from the shattering loss of her young son to her personal quest for hope. With grace and wisdom, the heavenly insights gained by one woman navigating through her darkest hours demonstrate that though grief is achingly painful, there are tender mercies to be found along the path.

Review

Recently, there has been a theme appearing in my life–in books I have been asked to review, in the last Relief Society lesson I prepared and taught, in the conference talks I have read for my morning devotional. The message surrounding me lately is of submitting my will to the Lord, realizing that I can do nothing of myself, that I am utterly indebted to my Savior, and the only thing that is mine to give Him is my will.

I was reminded of this yet again while reading In His Hands, as author Jenny Hess shares the very personal, heart-wrenching and incredibly spiritual experiences of her family after the sudden death of her four-year-old son, Russell.

She opens her heart and history for all to read, sharing the good, the bad, and even some of the ugly, while also bearing her testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, the incredible gift of the Atonement and Resurrection, and her love of our Savior and Heavenly Father. She doesn’t gloss over the pain and loss she experienced, is still experiencing, after Russell’s death, and yet I couldn’t help but feel the hope of the gospel woven through everything she shared.

I was moved to tears several times. First for the loss the Hess family experienced when their son and brother passed away so suddenly, then later when my heart was touched by the Spirit as Jenny related the experiences that followed, sharing her testimony again and again. In both bitter and sweet times, the Savior’s supporting hand was evident, even if not realized at that exact moment. As a mother of a six-year-old boy, my only son, my heart ached for Jenny as I read, yet my heart was full as I felt the strength her testimony.

In His Hands is more than a book for family members suffering the loss of a loved one. It is a book for everyone. It carries a message of hope through the reality of dark times and testifies of the grand plan of happiness for eternity that exists because of the unconditional and never-ending love of our Heavenly Father and our Savior.

Watch the video about Jenny and her family on Mormon.org

Find In His Hands:

AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jun 192013

Esther the Queen

Author: H.B. Moore

Publisher: Covenant

Published: April 2013

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-417-4

Paperback: 217 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

She is a beautiful young Jewess, content in her life of anonymity… He is the most powerful king in the world… When chance brings the two together, the course of history is forever altered.

The glittering court of the Persian Empire serves as the backdrop for one of the most poignant tales of courage in the Bible, brought vividly to life in the pages of bestselling author H.B. Moore’s sweeping saga. And it begins on a dusty road in the Jewish Quarter . . .

An unexpected meeting between Esther and King Xerxes results in an immediate and unmistakable connection. When Esther is summoned to enter the king’s harem—the first step toward becoming his wife—Esther is torn between her desire to be with Xerxes and the knowledge that they will forever be divided by the secret of her Jewish heritage. Encouraged by her family to do what she must to help her people, she deftly navigates her new position in the palace, quickly becoming beloved by all—including Xerxes.

But when a treacherous plan threatens to engulf the kingdom in violence, Esther must choose between love and duty.

My Review

I loved this book. Heather’s writing is practically perfect in every way (yes, like Mary Poppins). Heather’s telling of Esther’s beauty, and kindness was described well. I looked forward to every page she was in. Even though he freaked me out, Haman was well written too. He was downright evil. Ahasuerus surprised me. I didn’t except to like him as much as I did. He had a definite presence that I enjoyed. I loved his and Esther’s relationship and thought it was sweet when they were first getting to know each other. From their first meeting at the well, to the chapter where she is brought to him from the harem, I loved it all. Esther had a way of brightening any situation. When she was first made queen, she would walk around the castle, getting to know everyone and trying to make all around her better. I was happy when she went to the harem to visit Hegai, Nan, and Sarah. She made everyone around her feel important.

5 out of 5 stars. Heather is an amazing writer. She has written many page turning books. Use the links below to find out more about her.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Living Your Covenants Every Day by Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Jun 172013

Living Your Covenants Every Day

Author: Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: 2013

Paperback/ebook: 144 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 9781609073367

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a temporary digital review copy that will be removed from my device after a short time

***Blog Tour Giveaway – See Rafflecopter entry form below***

Summary

The little things we do on a daily basis don’t just matter—they can make all the difference. Intentional daily acts focused on covenant-keeping will bind us to the Savior as we are deliberate and determined to follow Him in small and simple ways.

Drawing upon the teachings and lives of ancient and modern prophets, author Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt identifies patterns of truth that encourage increased commitment to covenant relationships while diminishing the binding grip of the adversary. Included are chapters on the need to be consistent in covenant- keeping, on recognizing Satan’s tactics and lies, on undoing self-destructive routines, on the role of the Spirit to help us both feel and follow promptings, and on the power of daily scripture study and prayer in establishing habits that reinforce and sup- port our commitment to the Savior.

Review

Living Your Covenants Every Day focuses on the importance of approaching everything you do each day with intention and purpose, that purpose being returning to the presence of Heavenly Father. By treating your activities and goals like rituals with meaning and value, you can more easily see whether they are bringing you closer to the Savior or not.

The author discusses how Satan uses lies to isolate us from others and the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior. By keeping our minds focused on why we are doing what we are doing, we can recognize these lies for what they are and avoid falling into Satan’s traps.

Each chapter includes “homework” to help reinforce the purpose of the chapter to the reader, as well as suggested reading for further study. Intentional scripture study can help us recognize patterns we can apply in our own lives and help us trust in the Lord and His timing. As we seek to do His will and follow His example, the author recommends keeping a journal to document promptings so that we will more easily recognize them in our lives and act on them quickly.

“We please the Lord when we choose Him. Our choices reflect our desires, therefore it is important to learn to educate our desires,meaning to learn to want what the Lord would have us want. It’s not enough to really want something; we must want it in a faithful way, anchored in hope and belief that the Lord is able and willing to bless us with our desires according to His will and timing.” –Living Your Covenants Every Day

One way the author suggests to help us keep our minds on the Savior is reading a conference talk every day. This is something I have been doing for the last several months, and I’ve found that the difference it makes in my day is noticeable. A friend of mine listens to conference talks relevant to her upcoming Sunday School lessons as she gets ready each morning. She mentioned to me that it has helped tremendously in her life as well as with her lesson planning.

Living my life with more intention and purpose is something I have been striving to do each day. Living Your Covenants Every Day has helped me see that while intention and purpose are good they must be directed toward the Savior to be effective.

Amazon * Deseret Book

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Above Rubies by Jaclyn M. Hawkes-Blog Tour

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

Jun 152013

Tour Schedule

Product Details

Title: Above Rubies
Author: Jaclyn M. Hawkes
Paperback: 400 pages
Genre: LDS fiction/romance
Publisher: Spirit Dance Books (April 22, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0985164824
FTC FYI: I was given a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description for Above Rubies

His chivalry was strangling her. He thought he was helping her—and in truth, he was. She was in desperate straits. But as honorable as he was, he was also breaking her heart. Her attraction was drowning him. When World Champion rodeo cowboy Rossen Rockland and his friends rescue a young runaway who has been abused by her foster father and take her home to his parents’ ranch, he expects her to turn out to be a pain in the neck. And sometimes she is. It doesn’t take him long to figure out that she has way more than her allotment of troubles—and far more than her share of gifts. Lovely, talented, and ravingly brilliant, Kit Star is too young, unbelievably humble, and oh, so lovable. Knowing that she needs his protection and time to grow into her potential, Rossen also figures out that what she really is, is a pain in the heart. Watch for more of the Rockland Ranch Series!

My Review:
I have loved every book that this author has written. I know that I will always read a stirring story, great characters and a sigh worthy romance. Above Rubies was no exception to what I have previously read. Main character Rossen Rockland is one of those men that all women would love to end up with. He is charming, kind and caring, but stubborn. The main female character is young and has gone through so much already in her life. She wants things to work out with the handsome Rossen, but it seems many things keep standing in the way- including Rossen.

This is an LDS fiction book so there are references to the LDS faith. If you like reading Christian romance then you will enjoy this book. The storyline moves quickly so that you don’t want to put it down. There is a mystery element included in the storyline that I also loved. The only thing I wished for was more story. It ended all too quickly for me. This book is the second book in the Rockland Ranch Romance series. This book is a clean romance that any age can read and enjoy.

Praise for Above Rubies:

I absolutely could not put this book down. It had me laughing, crying, angry and pretty much every other emotion. I can not wait for the next one in the series to come out. Keep them coming!!! ~Addicted to Books This is the second book in the Rockland Ranch Romance Series. It can be read as a stand alone or copies of Peace River can be supplied if you would also like to review it.

Amazon

Peace River (Book 1)

The police didn’t understand the danger, but she did. Her father had always been abusive, but now, with a ten million dollar Thoroughbred farm on the line, and a powerful bookie leaning on him, her father had become out of control. But how do you get away and take a world famous stallion with you? Carrie was getting desperate when a handsome and honorable but thoroughly cynical rodeo cowboy from Wyoming happened to show up with a horse trailer. He didn’t ride a white horse, but he was definitely a knight in shining armor. He’ll protect her from the mob, but can she survive falling in love with a bull rider?

Praise for Peace River

“Give me a clean romance, humor and a good looking cowboy and I’m a happy girl. LDS fiction isn’t always my favorite but I really enjoyed the characters and adventure in this book.” ~Carol – Goodreads “There was plenty of action, adventure and danger to keep me guessing just how everything was going to turn out. I didn’t want to put it down until I finished! Jaclyn Hawkes is one of my favorite LDS romance authors. You really can’t go wrong with any of her books that you pick up!” ~Cathy -Goodreads

Amazon

Author Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Jaclyn M. Hawkes grew up in Utah with 6 sisters, 4 brothers and any number of pets. (It was never boring!) She got a bachelor’s degree, had a career and traveled extensively before settling down to her life’s work of being the mother of four magnificent and sometimes challenging children. She loves shellfish, the out of doors, the youth and hearing her children laugh. She and her fine husband, their family, and their sometimes very large pets, now live in a mountain valley in northern Utah, where it smells like heaven and kids still move sprinkler pipe.

Website

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