The Forgiven Duke by Jamie Carie

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Sep 172012
 

The Forgiven Duke (Forgotten Castles #2)

Author: Jamie Carie

Publisher: B&H Bookes

Published Date: July 2012

Paperback/Kindle/Nook; 320 pages

Genre: Historical Romance/Adventure

ISBN# 978-1433673238

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Summary

Tethered by her impulsive promise to marry Lord John Lemon – the path of least resistance – Alexandria Featherstone sets off toward Iceland in search of her parents with a leaden heart. A glimpse of her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton – the path less traveled by – on Dublin’s shore still haunts her.

Will he come after her? Will he drag her back to London, quelling her mission to rescue her treasure-seeking parents, or might he decide to throw caution to the wind and choose Foy Pour Devoir: “Faith for Duty,” the St. Easton motto. The Featherstone motto Valens et Volens: “Willing and Able,” beats in her heart and thrums through her veins. She will find her parents and find their love, no matter the cost.

The powerful yet wing-clipped Duke of St. Easton has never known the challenge that has become his life since hearing his ward’s name. Alexandria Featherstone will be the life or the death of him. Only time and God’s plan will reveal just how much this man can endure for the prize of love.

Review

A few weeks ago I reviewed the first book in this series, The Guardian Duke. The Forgiven Duke picks up right where the first book leaves off in the story.

Alexandria is determined to find her parents by any means necessary, or so she thinks. It isn’t long before she begins to doubt whether she can go through with marrying John Lemon, not when the memory of the look in the Duke’s eyes as she sailed away keeps coming back to haunt her. Then she finds John going through her letters and reading personal information about her wealth. She gets upset with John but he manages to convince her he was just curious about her relationship with the Duke.

This is where I had an issue. In the first book, John is the one that takes Alexandria to the bank to get a credit against her fortune in the name of the Duke so she can continue on her quest. She clearly states that the Duke is in charge of her large fortune and estate, so John must already be aware of it. Unless he thinks she was making it up just to get credit in the Duke’s name, but John never mentions that he doubts it or doesn’t believe her completely. I may be misunderstanding something here, but I even went back to the first book and reread the scene. I don’t know if it was fixed before final printing though, as I have an uncorrected galley.

The adventure picks up when the Duke wants to buy a boat and hire a crew to follow Alexandria to Iceland but is kidnapped instead. As she and her group travel through the towns and landscape of Iceland, the clues Alexandria finds give her hope that she is getting closer to finding her parents. The reader is introduced to more interesting side characters. There is an incident when Alexandria first reaches Iceland that sets up for something later in the book, but to me it felt contrived. Alexandria gets her first real break from a very interesting character on the island.

For those of you who are wondering if the Duke and Alexandria actually come face to face in this book, I can assure you they do. It isn’t until 70% of the way through the book, but they do meet in a romantic and dramatic rescue, followed by something drastic that changes everything. With all of the action and suspense that builds up to the Duke and Alexandria finding each other, the remainder of the book is considerably less intense. The author still manages to end the book in a way that makes the reader want to pick up the next book immediately.

The third book, A Duke’s Promise, was released in early September and concludes the series. If you are one who likes historical romantic adventure stories, then you will most likely enjoy this series by author Jamie Carie.

Find The Forgiven Duke:

GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | NOOK 

 

 

Review of Defenders of the Covenant by Angie Lofthouse

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Sep 142012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: Defenders of the Covenant
  • Author: Angie Lofthouse
  • Paperback: 378 pages
  • Publisher: Walnut Springs Press. (March 14, 2012)
  • Genre: LDS Science Fiction
  • ISBN-10: 1599928485
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599928487
  • FTC FYI: I was given a review copy in exchange
  • for an honest review.

 

Book Description:

Publication Date: March 14, 2012
Can earth be saved?

Hannah and her friends have
been warned about the danger lurking outside of their secret refuge from
the alien invaders who devastated Earth years before. The teenagers
leaders have raised them in the Latter-day Saint faith, teaching them to
trust God, but when McKenzie and her rebellious boyfriend Jeremy decide
to run away, Hannah and Derek follow, determined to bring their friends
home.

Once outside, the four teens soon realize they cannot
return to the refuge without endangering everyone there. Captured,
enslaved, and separated, Hannah, Derek, and McKenzie each learn the
unique role they must play in liberating the earth. The friends must
battle with android soldiers and attack vessels, and face their own
inner struggles to overcome the invaders. After all, not even an alien
invasion can stop the work of God.

My Review:

Defenders of the Covenant is a truly unique book. It is the first book that I have read that could be labeled as, LDS Science Fiction. The main characters are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday-Day Saints(LDS) who are trying to survive in a world that has been taken over by aliens. So that is where you get the genre label of, LDS Science Fiction. There are some very cool and unique ideas found in this story. The action is fast paced. You are seeing action from all parts of the country, from many different characters. I enjoyed Angie’s writing style and liked following each of their stories. She wrote characters that were easy to cheer for, such as Hannah, Derek and McKenzie. As they each struggled in the fight for freedom, with God on their  side, I felt like I could cheer for them.

The only down side in the whole story for me were the aliens. I’m not going to spoil things and tell you what they look like, but the bad guys didn’t feel fully realized. They felt more like caricatures of bad guys than actual aliens capable of true evil.I guess I am used to the fierce, tall, mean-looking bad guys of the sci-fi books/movies I have seen and read all of my life. My expectations were not met, considering the truly awful things they had been doing to the people on Earth, and how far advanced their technology was. Other than this, you will find a well written story, with courageous young people that work together to save Earth.

You can purchase Defenders of the Covenant HERE

Author Biography:

Angie Lofthouse is a stay-home mom of six children. Her
fiction has appeared in a variety of print and online magazines. She is
also an editor for Mindflights Magazine. Her first novel will be out
later this year. She lives in a little canyon in the foothills of the
Wasatch Mountains with her family of writers, artists, singers,
composers, illustrators and musicians.

Real Intimacy – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Sep 132012
 

Real Intimacy: A Couple’s Guide to Healthy, Genuine Sexuality

Authors: Kristin B. Hodson (MSW, LCSW), Alisha B. Worthington (BSW, SSW), Thomas G. Harrison (MSW, LCSW)

Publisher: CFI/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: August 2012

Hardcover/Kindle; 220 pages

Genre: Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1052-0

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Based on doctrinal principles and years of professional experience, counseling real people, this uplifting volume approaches marital intimacy with a genuine desire to help couples. Learn to lovingly discuss your physical relationship with your spouse, identify false worldly ideas about sex, and reconcile your differing perspectives. Informative and engaging, this book will answer all your questions as you learn to truly become one.

Review

A quick personal history: My parents divorced when I was 18 and are now each on their third marriages. My husband’s parents divorced when he was seven, his mother remarried, and his father divorced his third wife shortly before we met. By this time, both of us were frustrated with seeing marriages fail.

We were engaged within three weeks of our first kiss (yes, that was fast) but we ended up having a nine month engagement. During that time we spent almost all of our non-kissing time talking about everything we could think of before tying the knot. We wanted to know as much about each other as we could before entering marriage. We gave each other “outs,” saying if we weren’t committed to making this marriage work, we could end it all right then and move on with our lives.

Today we are celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary. Two homes, three jobs, and four kids later, we are still going strong. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but I believe the reason we have overcome these struggles so well is because we talk to each other about everything. Mutual respect and devotion to each other has resulted in what both of us consider a happy marriage. (Note: I removed the “very” before that happy because my hubby is right – there is always room for improvement.)

I am so glad I agreed to review Real Intimacy. I’ve connected with and related to more in this book than any other marriage book I’ve read.

Each section is set up with an in-depth look at the topic, a “Nuts and Bolts” overview (for those who just want to read the basics), and follow-up questions for self-evaluation and discussion with your spouse. I enjoyed reading in-depth, while my husband (who isn’t a big reader) appreciated the “Nuts and Bolts” overview. I thought that we knew each other pretty well after all of our talking these past 16+ years, but several of the discussion questions at the end of each section covered new ground for us.

Even more importantly, I am glad to have this book for my children. My oldest is almost 15, counting down to getting her driver’s permit and not really thinking about marriage yet. In just a few short years, that will change. I appreciate how the authors clarify that there are many levels and aspects to intimacy, that sexual intimacy is only one part of that, and that sexuality is a gift from our Heavenly Father with the power to bond husband and wife together as well as create life.

I love how the authors clarify that a woman’s virtue and purity doesn’t change or disappear after marriage. Here is a quote from that section:

We teach our young girls to be pure and virtuous, which they should be, but don’t discuss with them how pure and virtuous they will continue to be within the confines of an intimate, marital relationship. Their virtue doesn’t change, it becomes enhanced with the added ability to create life as well as bring “life” to the relationship with their husband.

Real Intimacy covers all four aspects of intimacy: physical, emotional, sexual and spiritual. It also covers the basics of human anatomy (“Sex Ed 101”) and later, the differences in the way men and women’s brains function. The authors don’t shy away from addressing other topics such as husband and wife acting as stewards of their sex life and decided together what specifically is okay or not okay, as well as pornography, internet infidelity, sexual disorders, and when to get professional help.

In the last few years I have witnessed more than one marriage struggle and fail because of neither the husband nor wife understood the concepts addressed in this book. I appreciate the upfront and direct way that the authors address intimacy and sexuality, not as something to be embarrassed about or ashamed of, but as a sacred gift from Heavenly Father to be appreciated and enjoyed.

I wanted to include this excerpt from the back cover:

This book will teach you how to:

  • lovingly discuss your physical relationship with your spouse
  • resolve your divinely different masculine and feminine perspectives
  • overcome guilt from past transgressions
  • identify and counter false worldly ideas about sex
  • physically cherish your partner over the course of a lifetime into eternity
I highly recommend Real Intimacy to all married or soon-to-be married couples. Intimacy is a precious part of any relationship, and even more so in marriage where a couple is able to experience a level of intimacy found nowhere else. It’s worth the time and effort to protect and develop every aspect of intimacy in marriage, and Real Intimacy is an excellent resource for married couples in all stages of life.
To learn more about Real Intimacy and the authors, visit the website HERE.

Find Real Intimacy on:  

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

Paige by Annette Lyon

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 112012
 

Paige

Author: Annette Lyon

Publisher: Covenant

Published: August 2012

ISBN-13: 978-1-60861-946-7

Genre: general fiction

Paperback: 238 pages

FTC FYI: Review copy, which did not affect my review

Reviewed by Mindy

Backcover Summary: After a bitter divorce from her unfaithful husband, Paige moves from Utah to California with her two little boys and vows to make a fresh start.  She finds a job at a dental practice that helps her get back on her feet, but it’s the friends she makes at her new book club who help her realize how strong she is and who give her support to carry on as she faces the challenges of being a single mom.  She also meets Derryl, a wonderful, kind, attentive man who treats her right–something her ex never did.  Yet, Paige struggles to figure out who she is a s woman rather than a wife, how to help  her boys adjust to a broken home, and whether she can ever trust a man or love again.  As Paige leans on the book club ladies and Derryl’s ever present care, one thing becomes clear:  healing from the past requires more than a change of address.

My Review

Paige is another strong offering from Annette Lyon and for The Newport Ladies Book Club.  From Olivia, and Daisy I was able to catch a glimpse of the woman that Paige was, and I really liked her then.  Reading her own story made me appreciate her even more, and also the other ladies through Paige’s eyes.  At the first book club meeting there is always the first impressions of each character.  I love going back to those meetings through a different character’s view point, to see what she thought of someone that first night, and after that.  It shows each of their journeys, and it helps me appreciate each character more.

Paige was hesitant to go to book club.  One of my favorite quotes from her is on page 20:

For years, I’d pretty much lived in the bubble of being Doug’s wife.  I hadn’t met any new friend in–I couldn’t remember how long.  Since the divorce, I’d turned that bubble into a cocoon.  And here I was, forcing myself out of it.  Meeting new people would be good for me.  I knew this on an intellectual level;  however, emotionally, the idea made me want to drive right back home.

Each of the ladies from the book club came to book club for different reasons, but they seem to have one in common, to find a friend.

There are some fun things that happen to Paige, some sad, and heart wrenching.  Christmas was hard for her.  I was able to really see what a loving character she was during the times with her sons.  She’s a great mom, and Paige finds she may need to make some difficult choices.

4 out of 5 stars.  Annette is an amazing writer.  She recently wrote a blog post about the series, and how each author would write their characters, or how the others gals would write it for them.  I laughed a lot.  Check it out.  Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, her blog, and The Newport Ladies Book Club.  The next book in the series is Athena by Heather Moore.  It comes out in November.

AMAZON / DESERET BOOK / SEAGULL BOOK

Blog Tour for:Faith, Hope and Gravity by Merrill Osmond and Shirley Balhmann Also Enter to Win Audio Book or CD from Merrill!

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Sep 072012
 

Product Details:

  • Paperback: 288 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 17, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1477681787
  • ISBN-13: 978-1477681787
  • FTC, FYI: Review e-copy

 

 

 

 

Book Description:

Faith, Hope and Gravity
is the spiritual, magical adventure of teenage Liam Kane as he
discovers some of the same lessons Merrill Osmond learned as the
world-traveling lead singer of the Osmond Brothers. Merrill, like Liam,
was often misunderstood for his visionary quests to understand those who
looked for answers to life’s questions.
Liam’s talents gain him international notoriety as “The
Prophecy Boy” who swims with dolphins, dreams of a mysterious red door,
and champions those who are misunderstood.
Surviving kidnapping, near-drowning, and imprisonment
ultimately leads to the discovery that despite inherent differences,
when people respect one another’s unique abilities, the thread of
commonality that runs through mankind grows ever stronger.
Turn the pages and join the unforgettable journey.

My Review:

Faith,Hope, and Gravity is one of those books that you read, and then immediately hand it off to your kids. This story not only entertains, but leaves so many great messages for the reader. As you read about Liam’s journey through life, and his many struggles as he tries to find his place in the world, most people will be able to relate to this character. I feel like tweens and teens especially will read Liam’s story and feel this story was written for them.

I loved reading on Shirley’s blog how Faith, Hope and Gravity came to be. Here is what she said…

“Did you know that the main character in Merrill Osmond’s book is named
“Liam?” It’s there for a reason… it means “defender”… but I also
like it because it kind of sounds like “Merrill” said backwards. 
Whether you’re an Osmond fan or not, “Faith, Hope and Gravity” offers a
thought-provoking adventure story about talents and unique abilities and
what we do with them. (And, yes, everyone has talent.)
Many people have asked how I came to write Merrill’s book. It started
after my friend, Alicia Feree, who knows sign language, joined my
writing class. She was acquainted with Merrill’s son, Justin, and
referred him to me to write his story. Once Justin’s book, “Hearing with
my Heart” was done, (CLICK HERE!)  Merrill
asked if I’d be interested in working with him on a book project. We
talked, he gave me his notes, (a LOT of notes) I read and outlined, we
talked some more, I wrote, we read, and talked some more. And what we
came up with is “Faith, Hope and Gravity.”
If going on a world-wide reading adventure while discovering insights to
make your life happier sounds good, be sure to get your copy.”
You can purchase your copy HERE!

 Now, how would you like to win some prizes offered by Merrill Osmond. There are several ways to enter on the Rafflecopter form below.

The giveaway is open to US addresses only. 

You can enter to win either: Both prizes will be given away…2 winners!!!
Audio book of Let the Reason Be Love
written and narrated by Merrill Osmond
Let the Reason Be Love – In this new medium, Merrill Osmond
continues to entertain us through real-life journal excerpts and fascinating
life stories set against a show business backdrop. But more than a melody of
family and fame, he blends into this work the harmony of his faith. Just when
we feel alone or unprepared on this stage of life, here are new tunes and steps
to motivate and inspire. The middle man in this famous family not only presents
us with a backstage pass into his unusual life, but beckons us open-armed into
his unusual heart, offering the best reason of all to keep singing and dancing.
To followers of Christ and truth-seekers everywhere, here is a gift, as
down-to-earth as a book about God can be.

Broadway compilation CD by Merrill
Osmond

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go visit other blogs on this tour to read interviews with Merrill and enter other giveaways!

August 24th–
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

Aug 27- http://shirleybahlmann.blogspot.com/

Aug 28-http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

Aug 30- http://1000wrongs.blogspot.com/

Aug 31

http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/

Sept 4- http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/

Sept 5-http://joansowards.blogspot.com/

Sept 7-http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/

Sept 10 – http://tamarahartheiner.blogspot.com/

Sept 12- http://bythebecks.blogspot.com/

Sept 13- http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/

Sept 14- http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/

Sept 17- http://www.debbiesinkspectations.blogspot.com/

Sept 18- http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

Sept 20- http://www.kathiswritingnook.com/

Sept 24-http://www.queenoftheclan.com/

Sept 27- Susan http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/Sept 28-http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/
October 1-Jewel Adams www.jewelsbestgems.blogspot.com

About the Authors:



Merrill
Osmond is a world-class entertainer, producer, author, motivational
speaker and renowned lead singer of the Osmonds. Merrill and his
siblings have produced 47 platinum & gold records and Merrill has
written the lyrics for five #1 hit records. Merrill is a co-founder of
the Osmond Foundation, which originally produced “The Children’s Miracle
Network” Telethon. He has produced presidential inaugural events for
both Reagan & Bush. Merrill is excited to release his first novel,
Faith, Hope & Gravity.



Shirley
Bahlmann has written a wide variety of genres, including historical
fiction, novels, biographies, how-to, and how-not-to books. One of her
favorites is a children’s book titled “When the Chicken Crossed the
Road” which comes with instructions and a chicken-colored washcloth so
you can roll your own chicken! Shirley finds the most annoying thing
about being a prolific writer is sleep, because she’d rather be writing.

 

Website: http://shirleybahlmann.com/

Blog:
http://shirleybahlmann.blogspot.com/
www.merrillosmond.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/merrilldavisosmond
Twitter:

Demons by Heather Frost — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 052012
 

HARDCOPY GIVEAWAY!

Demons

Author: Heather Frost

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Publish Date: September 11, 2012

ISBN13: 9781462110346

Genre: YA Fantasy

Hardcover: 432 pages

FTC FYI: Review PDF copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Kate’s life is far from normal. She can see auras, her boyfriend is immortal, and her powers make her a target. But now that the Demon Lord is hunting her, things are about to go from dangerous to truly deadly. Packed with action, mind-blowing plot twists, and characters you can’t get enough of, this is a fast-paced, heart-pounding read from cover to cover.

My Review

I was so excited when I was asked to participate in this blog tour.  I really enjoyed Seers, and I was anxiously awaiting the next chapter in Kate and Patrick’s story.  There is still the danger of Kate being hunted, but knowing who to trust is a big challenge.  There are secrets, and many twists and turns.  I really, really enjoyed how Heather took this story to many levels.  Kate is a Seer, she can see auras, but there is something special about her that makes her wanted by the Demon Lord.  Far Darrig is back, and he has a secret too.  Toni is back too, and is still a favorite.  Even in serious situations, he’s cracking the jokes.  Demons gives the reader more to enjoy with Patrick’s and Kate’s relationship.  There is a great mystery involving the Guardians.  It is rumored that some Guardians are getting sick, and dying off.  How can an immortal being die?  The climax of this book is a gripping page turner, and the epilogue had me shocked, it BLEW ME AWAY.

5 out of 5 stars.  I got to a point where I could not stop reading, and I’ll say it again.  The ending of this book is one of the best I’ve ever read.

Read more about Heather on her website.  Follow her on Facebook, and her Facebook Fan Page, and Goodreads.

Pre-order Demons at AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

I am very pleased to announce that I will be giving away a Hardcover copy of Demons (US Only). Thank you Cedar Fort!  Just leave a thoughtful comment below, and you’re entered! Good Luck.  Contest ends September 12, 2012.

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