A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection – Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
May 062013
 

TIMELESS darkerA Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection

Authors: Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Heather Justesen, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Aubrey Mace

Published: February 1, 2013

Publisher: Mirror Press

Format: ebook

FTC FYI: Received an ePub copy in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by: Mindy and Shanda

Goodreads Summary 

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection. Readers will love this collection of six sweet contemporary romance novellas, centered on a Spring Vacation, all with one thing in common: Romance.

In Moonlight Kiss, a delightful story by Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah is looking forward to the company retreat, namely because she’ll finally meet Clint—the man she’s been Instant Messaging for a few months. As a single mom, Sarah gets out . . . well, never. So adding vacation days onto the retreat so she can spend time with Clint is daring, yet exciting. She just hopes that the suave on-line Clint will live up to the man she hopes to share her heart with.

In Annette Lyon’s charming novella, Chasing Tess, Tess had been patiently waiting through three years of law school for James to pop the question. The night has finally arrived—at his graduation party. But his big announcement turns out to be completely unexpected . . . and devastating. Tess flees the party, promising herself she’ll never let herself waste time on James again. But as she makes a desperate cross-country drive, James makes his own plans on how to win her back.

Dancing at the Flea Market is a sweet romance by Heather Justesen. Mara, fresh out of the cold North Dakota tundra, spends her spring break in Texas with close friend, Anna. When the two women run into Carter, an impatient man with a painful past, it takes hearing Mara’s stunning voice at the local Karaoke club to thaw his heart. But as Mara gets to know Carter, she has to decide if the distance between their lives and homes is worth trying to bridge.

In Sarah M. Eden’s captivating novella, The Best Laid Plans, Madison gives up a vacation to Cancún with her office friends to return home and babysit her mother, who is in another sketchy relationship. The only problem with returning home is running into Derek, her ex-boyfriend who she decided to break up with before he could break up with her—Madison believes in always being one step ahead. When Derek teams up with Madison to investigate whether her mother is dating the right guy, Madison has a hard time ignoring what her heart is telling her about giving Derek another chance.

Picture Perfect, an exciting story by Heather B. Moore, follows Gemma who has never done anything out of the ordinary, until her boyfriend Randy starts to ignore her. But even cutting and dyeing her hair doesn’t get his attention. She decides to join her old high school friends for spring vacation, only to be faced with Drew, her best friend who suddenly seems interested in her as more than a friend. Gemma must determine if her heart is on the rebound or if it’s finally met its true match.

In Aubrey Mace’s enchanting romance, The Science of Sentiment, Rosie will do anything to forget Kevin, his completely perfect kisses, and the fact that he dumped her. When she arrives at her grandfather’s mountain cabin for a spring getaway, she discovers her worst nightmare—Kevin has been invited to stay the weekend too. Since there is only room for one in such a small space, Rosie is determined to kick Kevin out. But Kevin has other plans . . . which might include a reminder of why he’s the perfect kisser.

Mindy’s Review

This is a very enjoyable book full of six well-written and fun short stories.  Each one is very unique, and most importantly, clean romances with awesome characters.  I was quickly taken into each story with their fun plots and spring settings.  As I was reading each story, I was sure it was my favorite, then I would start the next one, and it became my new favorite.  Each story has its share of great kisses.  The kiss in Heather Moore’s Picture Perfect… WOW!

5 out of 5 stars.  As you finish each story, you will be happily wanting more.  I can’t wait for Summer Wedding Collection in May.  

Shanda’s Review

The A Timeless Romance Anthology series has proven that a short love story can still be big on romance. I enjoyed each one, amazed at how well each author packed a full story into a smaller page count without making it feel rushed or incomplete.

My favorite was Sarah Eden’s The Best Laid Plans. I’m going to quote my notes directly: “Sigh (big smiley face). Loved it. Maddi & Derek – great couple. Good story. Nice romance.” I agree with Mindy about the kiss in Picture Perfect. I was pleasantly surprised with the little turn the story took in Chasing Tess. It was happily not what I expected.

If you like a good romance, check out A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection. I’m anxiously looking forward to the next installment, A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection. I got a sneak peek at Melanie Jacobson’s Love Bytes and, well, I loved it.

 
Purchase Links:

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Anthology Links:

BLOG | GOODREADS |  FACEBOOK

Author links are listed above.

Parenting with Spiritual Power by Julie K. Nelson — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Mindy's Reviews
May 012013
 

Parenting-with-Spiritual-Power_coverParenting with Spiritual Power

Author: Julie K. Nelson

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: March 12, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1168-8

Paperback: 192 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Backcover

“I wish children came with an instruction manual!”

How many times have we heard this lament by a frustrated or overwhelmed parent?  Perhaps we have said these words ourselves.  There are “how-to” manuals for practically anything:  installing a new faucet, building a remote control car, baking an apple pie, refinishing an antique chair, or assembling a bicycle.  Is there a formula or a perfect manual for raising children?  Yes!  The scriptures.

In Parenting with Spiritual Power, Julie Nelson examines the lives of mothers and fathers in the scriptures (the best instruction manual) and the parenting principles we can learn from them.  Discover powerful parenting examples from Adam and Eve, the brother of Jared, and Captain Moroni, along with suggestions for personal application in this essential book.

My Review

Wow!  This book is exactly what parents need for some wonderfully inspired parenting advice.  While reading I thought to myself, yes, I need to do it this way, or this can make it so there may be less contention, etc.  Some things are so helpful, it is almost common sense.  These are lesson that we all can be doing as parents, especially myself.  I loved how the scripture references were used to support each chapter.  I am far from being perfect parent, ask my kids, but I know with the Lord’s help, I can become a better parent.

I took some notes while reading this book that I wanted to share.

  1. Our Heavenly Father is never too busy to listen.  His back is never turned.  (page 12)
  2. Each child’s feelings should be validated.  When resolving conflicts, we need to ask, gather information, and listen, listen, listen.  (page 15)
  3. Catch the child being good…  Focus on the positive we see in our children.  Teach doctrine when guiding and correcting children.  (page 21)
  4. “Parents are never failures when they do their best to love, teach, pray, and care for their children.  Their faith, prayers, and efforts will be consecrated to the good of their children.”  (Elder Robert D. Hales, page 25)

These are just a few of the helpful examples that I found while reading Parenting with Spiritual Power.  You will be lifted up and feel, that even on your worst days, you can do this.  We all need a little help and a spiritual boost.  This book gives you both.

Author Links 

Goodreads / Website

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Books & Things / Deseret Book 

Parentingwithpower

The Duke’s Undoing by G.G. Vandagriff

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Apr 292013
 

thedukesundoingThe Duke’s Undoing (Three Rogues and Their Ladies #1)

Author: G.G. Vandagriff

Publisher: Orson Whitney Press

Published Date: April 2012

Paperback/ebook: 202 pages

Genre: Regency Romance

ISBN# 978-0983953678

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: “purchased” a Kindle version when it was free on Amazon

Summary

Meet the Duke of Ruisdell, the unlikely hero of this traditional Regency Romance, after the manner of Georgette Heyer and Candice Hern.

The duke has just returned wounded from the Napoleonic wars. He is weary, cynical, and very bored. Known as the worst rake in England, he finds he has no interest in upholding that distinction, when his friend, the Marquis of Somerset, proposes a bet: “Five thousand guineas says that seducing Miss Elise Edwards will cure your ennui.” Because his friend has just lost a packet to him, he agrees that the bet be posted in White’s famous Betting Book.

The following day, while walking in Green Park, he spies a mysterious young woman, veiled, and obviously grieving. A disembodied voice, sounding strangely like that of his late adjutant, informs him, “The jig is up. That is the girl you are going to marry!” He scoffs, but is nevertheless intrigued by something about the slight figure. He even sketches her and asks if he can be of assistance to her. She declines his offer kindly.

At the opera that evening, he is captivated by a beauty across the Opera Hall. He hears the same voice, saying the same thing. The marquis informs him that the woman in question is Miss Elise Edwards. When he meets her, he recognizes her voice as that of the woman in the park. Now she is surrounded by a surfeit of ex-fiance’s, one of them dangerously unbalanced. Ruisdell discovers an actual bond between them which renders him honor bound to protect her.

Thus begins a train of unstoppable events–dangerous, humorous, devilish, and amorous–that carry his life along at such a pace that the duke soon knows not whether he is on his head or his heels. And then there is that bet . . .

Enjoy this delicious romance that will carry you back to the Regency period in English history, where manners were dictated by strict rules of fashion. It is the Jane Austen era, populated by gentlemen and ladies of leisure. These books are best enjoyed with a box of chocolates, and are guaranteed to enliven any boredom (ennui) that you may be experiencing!

Review

The heroine of The Duke’s Undoing, with her three ex-fiances, her writing of novels under the pen name “A Gentlewoman,” and her unconventional personality, intrigued me from the start. What sounded in the description like an unlikely scenario was presented quite believably by the author.

I really liked both the hero and heroine. The supporting characters were interesting, entertaining, and villainous where applicable. I was pulled into the Regency time period, with descriptions and dialogue that felt authentic and encompassing. There were scenes of fast-paced action intermingled with more sedate, dignified discourses that resemble traditional Austen-like prose.  (Didn’t that sound so Regency-ish?)

There were a few unexpected plot twists, some of which made me wonder of the Duke and Elise would ever get their happily-ever-after. The romance, when they were together, was toe-curling but clean. The main characters had some great chemistry that the author effectively portrayed without using graphic description, something I appreciate. It was easy to get caught up in the main characters’ emotions, particularly during one heart-wrenching scene that I don’t want to spoil.

The story slowed for me near the end (about 80% in) but picked back up. I liked the ending but felt like I wanted to know more. What happened later? Did things ever get resolved regarding the Duke’s circumstances? Were they ever able to settle at his palace? Considering that this is Book One of a series, I’m hoping we will get to see glimpses of the Duke and Elise’s future and have those questions answered.

The Duke’s Undoing was an enjoyable read that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone who loves a good Regency romance. I look forward to reading about the other two rogues and their ladies.

Content: some innuendo; a few references to breasts; one “curse” word; mild violence (a stabbing, a duel, attempted kidnapping) and references to war experiences

Visit G.G.:

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Find The Duke’s Undoing:

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The Big Debate: Literary Loom by Carolyn Twede Frank-Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Apr 272013
 

 

literary loom tour

 

Literary LoomProduct Details

  • Paperback: 378 pages
  • Publisher: AugustCorp Press (April 24, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0985251336
  • ISBN-13: 978-0985251338
  • FTC FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Reviewed by Sheila

 Book Description:The Big Debate (Literary Loom #1)

A bizarre corpse . . . A strange girl . . . A creepy teacher . . . A cool invention . . . Combine these with an old school and a new student anxious to fit in—and the adventure begins. Fifteen-year-old Josh’s big mouth gets him in trouble at first. But after walking in the shoes of great men of history in the Literary Loom, he uses that mouth to bring down the bad guy and ultimately solve the mystery behind the murder—and the strange girl.

Excerpt:
 Ester climbed up the steps. She was helped to the top of the pile of wood and stood upon it with her back against the stake. Josh gazed up at her, paralyzed. The executioner ascended to her side and wound chains about her frail body, fastening her to the stake. Then he descended to finish his job. There she remained, alone—Joan of Arc, the girl who had so many friends in the days when she was free; the girl who had transformed an army’s hopelessness into courage, along with Josh’s; the girl who had inspired him to follow his heart and not bend to other’s opinions, a heart that now pounded painfully at the speed of light.
 
The mental image of Mr. Ingles in a heap on the floor flashed in Josh’s head. How safe was this contraption, one with artificial intelligence that might not recognize Ester as a traveler? Josh remembered the heat, the cold, the saddle, Louis’s wounds—he felt them all. What would she feel in about one minute? His stomach tensed up at the thought.
 My Review

“But I would like to think that my invention is like a literary loom, weaving a tapestry of images spun by the author but woven into an experience by the reader that delights their mind and warms their soul.” This is what the character, Uncle Reuben, has to say about his invention. I loved this very clever idea found in this new book by Author Carolyn Twede Frank!

The Big Debate is a YA book with a very creative twist on time travel.Having books come to life is the heart of this series. You can actually go experience the book by becoming one of the characters. I really liked the main character, 15 year old Josh. He is trying to fit in at his new school and get’s stuck having to do his report with the “strange” girl Ester. This girl and her uncle open a whole new world to Josh. The students at this school are written realistically with teen personalities that ring true. The mystery in this story is compelling. The action in The Big Debate is exciting and it’s great to have such wonderful Heroes for you and your teens to cheer for. I can’t wait to read more books in this series!

Meet: Author Carolyn Twede Frank

Carolyn has always liked to create. There were always gardens full of beautiful plants in her life, plenty of frilly, homemade dresses for her daughters—and don’t leave out the puppets. Ever since third grade, Carolyn also liked to write. She is the author of Promises, a teen historical fiction novel, and the author/illustrator of two children’s picture books. Carolyn lives in Utah with her husband and teenage daughter, where she runs her puppet-related business in between family time and writing time.

How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces by Rebecca Rode – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Apr 232013
 

howtohavepeaceHow to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces

Author: Rebeca Rode

Publisher: CFI/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: March 2013

Softcover: 224 pages

Genre: Parenting/Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-4621-0407-9

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Summary

How can I have inner peace as a mother when I feel so stressed and scattered? For mothers who feel they are constantly juggling multiple demands, How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces is packed with uplifting stories, poems, quotes, and scriptures that instill fresh perspective on the work of a mother.

Review

Reading How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces was just what I needed this past week/month/15 years. There were so many things I loved and appreciated about this book. If you are a mother or know a mother, finish reading this review, then go right out and buy a copy of this book.

Do you love motherhood? Your answer is probably mixed. Yes, we all enjoy being moms, but man, is it hard! We are stretched to the limit, more maxed-out than a credit card, and weary in body and soul. Ours is the work of angels, but it is work. (page 11)

I love that Rebecca addresses the issue of guilt early on in the book. It’s a serious issue that so many mothers struggle with, myself included. When I get my hands on a hardcopy, “Chapter 2: How to Win When You Just Can’t Win” is going to be the most underlined section of the book, followed closely by the chapter about perfectionism.

Moms have only one supervisor: ourselves. So we make up for that by becoming our own worst critics. We correct and cross-check and second-guess ourselves until we can’t see straight.  (page 14)

I loved the visual comparison of the things holding us back to barnacles on a ship. I loved the idea of a “Judgement Free Zone” where there are “No critics allowed.” I loved the spin she put on “How Not to Make Everything Work” in Chapter 12. I loved her conversational, comfortable writing style, like reading an encouraging email from a friend. I loved the examples and quotes from poems, prophets and scriptures shared throughout the book. I loved the The Motherhood Quiz at the end. (After 15 years of mothering, I Aced that thing. Which means I sound a lot more like my mom than I thought.)

Even on the best days, those have-it-all-together days, we still have to admit that perfection is painfully far away. (page 21)

I highly recommend How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces. I read the book straight through and look forward to going back to read certain sections when I need a boost or a reminder. I’m pretty sure every mother I know can relate to the thoughts, feelings, and experiences Rebecca shares. I don’t usually give star ratings on my LDSWBR reviews, but this one gets 5 stars from me.

Visit Rebecca:

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Find How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

 

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Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Apr 222013
 

Fairy Godmothers, Inc.Fairy Godmothers, Inc.

Author: Jenniffer Wardell

Publisher: Jolly Fish Press

Published Date: April 27, 2013

Hardcover: 302 pages

Genre: Fairytale Romance

ISBN# 978-0-9886491-4-9

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received an uncorrected digital proof in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary

In a world where fairy tale situations are as much a fact of life as death and taxes, everyone knows hiring Fairy Godmothers, Inc. is the best way to assure that your beautiful daughter or enchanted frog of a grandson will get the happily-ever-after he or she deserves. Sure, sometimes a little love potion is required to make sure those quotas stay up, but what Prince Charming doesn’t know won’t hurt him. 

Kate, an experienced Fairy Godmother, who’s enough of a romantic to frustrate her rigidly rule-bound boss, has just received a specialty assignment from one of the company’s board of directors. Cinderella—Rellie for short—was placed with an appropriately wicked stepfamily years before, and now needs the dress, ball, and handsome prince to complete her happily-ever-after. The fact that Rellie isn’t sure this is her dream come true—balls are fun, but princes tend to be less interesting than fluffy bunnies—isn’t something management considers a problem.

Complicating things a bit is Jon, the youngest son of the royal family, who meets Kate, and is smitten, but isn’t quite ready yet to reveal his true identity. After all, it’s his older brother Rupert who’s supposed to marry Rellie, which means pretending to be a lowly civil servant will give him the chance to spend more time with Kate. (As long as he can get the ball arranged, and stop Rupert from getting himself into trouble over his “self-actualization” business, he should have the perfect opportunity to explain everything and get started on making a little magic with the Fairy Godmother of his dreams.) 

But, of course, things never ever happen as planned.

Review

Fairy Godmothers, Inc. was such a fun read. I was entertained from the first chapter to the last. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion. I loved Jon, Kate, Lawton, and even Rellie by the end. As a romance, I knew Jon and Kate would eventually end up together, but there were a few unexpected twists with other characters I didn’t see coming and I wasn’t sure quite how things would work out until the very end.

I read Fairy Godmothers, Inc. pretty much straight through. (The kids had to eat and I had to sleep, at least for a few hours.) Even though the  book is approximately 300 pages long, it moved at a good pace and didn’t seem overly long. I was pulled into the story and thought it was well-written and pretty clean overall. The characters were interesting (Bubbles was effectively intimidating, considering her name), and I cared about what happened to them.

It’s obvious that the author had fun writing this story. A lot of fairytale, a bit of magic, some intrigue and a generous dose of romance all combine to make Fairy Godmothers, Inc. easily one of my favorite reads this year.

Content: There is some mild innuendo; a few side characters consume alcohol but I don’t recall the main characters ever partaking; one mild “curse” word; older teens and adults will probably enjoy this book

Visit Jenniffer Wardell: 

BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS

Find Fairy Godmothers, Inc.:

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