Shanda’s Reviews – Page 14 – LDS Women's Book Review

Shadowed by Stephanie Black — Combined Review

Oct 312012

Shadowed

Author: Stephanie Black

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: September 2012

Paperback: 273 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN13: 9781621081968

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

Reviewed by: Mindy and Shanda

Goodreads Summary

Gifted musician Catherine Clayton was born into a life of wealth and privilege. Following the death of her father, she makes a bold decision she hopes would make him proud: she’s using the family money to establish a music school and offer free lessons to the underprivileged. A providential suggestion from an old college friend leads Catherine to select Riley, New York, as the perfect location for her new school. Hit hard by the economic downturn, Riley personifies economic hardship: peeling paint, overgrown landscapes, and damaged buildings. But the damage runs much deeper than Catherine first realizes.

Two years ago, Riley was rocked by weeks of vandalism, followed by the brutal murder of beautiful elementary school secretary Olivia Perry. Everyone in town loved Olivia—but especially the two men with whom she was caught in a love triangle. Though the murder remains unsolved, Catherine receives ominous warnings that one of these men, Adam Becket, is responsible for her death. Unimpressed by the lack of evidence against him, Catherine is drawn to the shy but endearing Adam. Could he really have been involved in Olivia’s murder?

Just as Catherine is settling in and getting to know Adam, a vandal strikes again, and it’s eerily reminiscent of the events surrounding Olivia’s murder. The death threats splashed on the walls prove that the killer is back—and this time, it’s Catherine who wonders if she’s come to the wrong place at the wrong time.

Mindy’s Review

I was so excited to read this book from Stephanie Black. Stephanie has won 4 Whitney Awards for her work, so I knew this book would be a good one. I was not disappointed. Shadowed had me on edge, just waiting for something to happen, anticipating each page eagerly. My heart went out to Catherine. Talk about bad timing, with lots of bad luck. Moving into a town that is not welcoming and down right spooked by past and current events. Catherine is a great character with lots of great qualities. I really enjoyed what took place in the story, and the outcome of who did it. I was not expecting that!

This is a great book to read on Halloween, full of suspense and heart pounding action.

4 out 5 stars.

Shanda’s Review

Shadowed is a great book to read on Halloween. Set in Riley, New York during autumn, the setting descriptions and suspenseful plot were just right for a good, scary read.

I enjoyed the characters and feel like I got to know them pretty well considering we never leave Catherine’s point of view. Each one took their turn as my suspected bad guy. I thought I had the villain pegged a couple of times, but never with much confidence until the end. Stephanie did a great job keeping me guessing.

The pace of the story was effective and kept me reading until my eyes just wouldn’t stay open anymore. Just as I would get feeling comfortable in Riley again, something would happen or hint at happening to shake things up. There are several action-packed scenes near the end that got my heart rate up and kept me turning pages.

I really enjoyed Shadowed and happily recommend it to readers who love mystery-suspense.

Read more about Stephanie Black on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Find Shadowed:

GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

Jack Be Nimble: Gargoyle by Ben English

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Oct 292012

Jack Be Nimble: Gargoyle (Book 1)

Author: Ben English

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published: July 2011

Kindle/ebook/Paperback; 426 pages

Genre: International Intrigue/Suspense

ISBN# 1463680899

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Summary

The boy came to her out of water, unexpected. He was smart and strong and goofy, as boys are meant to be, but peculiar – he remembered everything. In the span of a single summer, she made him fearless. Now, even as Mercedes Adams is at the height of her career, forbidding changes loom over the world. That night, in the hushed calm of a spring evening, two plain-faced killers watch her home, waiting to make their approach. A few hundred miles away, a brilliant technologist returns to his childhood home in order to begin a descent into darkness . . . in London, a military game theorist finds himself pursuing kidnappers . . . outside Prague, a hacker and a thief stumble upon plans for a weapon unique to the world . . . an FBI agent faces an unpredictable fugitive in Chicago, while in Germany, a sniper-turned-schoolteacher finds reasons to take up his ancient calling . . . and a sitting United States Senator finds his life and his work invaded to terrifying conclusion. In Paris, a widowed man begins to recognize the hints and patterns of a greater puzzle that will bring them together . . . or kill them all. Mercedes Adams is about to find herself at the center of a vast, tightening knot of mystery, intrigue, and globe-spanning terror borne of her family’s legacy. Rising to her aid is a small group of specially-trained men and women. And at their center? A man who remembers everything.

First Line

“She struggled through mountains of falling rain, until her own bright reflection resolved itself on the skin of the train before her.”

Review

Jack Be Nimble: Gargoyle is the first in a series of novels by Ben English. The book opens with Mercedes having an interesting discussion with a mysterious older gentleman who is more than he appears. That was enough to catch my interest and make me read on to find out if these two characters meet again.

The author has a talent for writing interesting characters of varying backgrounds. The first part of the book is a series of written snapshots of each character, giving the reader a peek into their current situations and the sequence of events that eventually lead them to meet up. Because there are several characters, this part seemed to drag a bit and it took a little while to get back around to the other characters. Jack is very likable if a bit too good to be true (a famous actor AND a champion swimmer AND an author AND a trained agent.)

The first half of the book was a lot of set up for the rest of the story so it was considerably slower than last section. Once I got past the flashbacks, introductions and history of the characters, I was pulled into the action and it was like watching an intense action film. The villain’s intentions were terrifying and immense. The scenes in the building were particularly suspenseful. There were some formatting issues in my version where a number of quick scene and point-of-view changes weren’t separated by asterisks or hard returns but I was able to figure it out by context. This issue may have been resolved by now as I have an older copy.

I haven’t read a lot of international intrigue or any books by Dan Brown and similar authors, so I’m not sure how well Jack Be Nimble: Gargoyle compares to other books like it. It is a longer read (about 456 pages) and yet there is so much story yet to tell, as evidenced by the three sequels currently available. Jack Be Nimble: Tyro is the next book in the series. If you like larger-than-life heroes, interesting characters, and international suspense then there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy Jack Be Nimble: Gargoyle.

Content

Language: a few swear words here & there (dang, heck) but nothing excessive & no F-bombs

Violence: some shooting, grenade use, and hand-to-hand combat

Sex: I don’t remember any graphic sexual content, though Mercedes’ body is admired more than once

Drug Use: not that I can remember, though a minor character may have had a drink or two

Erasing Time by C.J. Hill – Blog Tour and Giveaway

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Oct 082012

Erasing Time

Author: C.J. Hill

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Published Date: August 2012

Hardcover; 368 pages

Genre: YA Science Fiction/Dystopian

ISBN# 978-0062123923

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received an uncorrected paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review

*** See giveaway details below! ***

Summary

When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home.

The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The same government has implanted tracking devices in the citizens, limiting and examining everything they do. Taylor and Sheridan have to find a way out of the city before the government discovers their secrets. To complicate matters, the moblike Dakine has interest in getting hold of them too. The only way for the girls to elude their pursuers is to put their trust in Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.

Full of adrenaline-injected chases and heartbreaking confessions, Erasing Time explores the strength of the bonds between twins, the risks and rewards of trust, and the hard road to finding the courage to fight for what you believe in.

First Line

It was as good a day as any to plan treason.

Review

I’ve always had a thing for time-travel stories. Maybe it’s the science geek in me. I know there are laws of physics that have to be dealt with and that it’s generally accepted as a bad idea all around, but I love the idea of time-travel anyway.

Erasing Time is set in the year 2447, far enough in the future that the English language is almost unrecognizable to people from the “twenties,” and the country has fractured into self-regulating domed cities who war with each other from time to time.

The technology in Traventon interested me. For instance, the government tracks its citizens with crystals implanted in their wrists. When someone sits down at a table to eat, their health statistics are displayed on a monitor. Most people proudly wear badges that display their “rank” in the city, based on wealth, position, health, and family relations as well as ratings from friends.

Yet, with all of this technology, including the Time Strainer that pulled twins Sheridan and Taylor into the 25th century, language is still a barrier. Echo and his father, Jeth, are historians who understand and speak the 21st century version of English and serve as translators for the government and the twins.

Soon, Sheridan and Taylor discover that they can speak openly about escape in front of Echo and Jeth without them understanding by using idioms. For example, they can “chew the fat” about how hard it would be to “flew the coop,” etc. I found this particularly entertaining and it made me realize just how much we use idioms in every day speech.

There were other contrasting aspects that I found interesting. For example, appearances seem to be everything (numerous hair colors and styles, make up in varying degrees of intensity and design) and yet their laser guns are simple black boxes. They despise the flesh-eaters that hunted animals into extinction yet there are all types of meat substitutes on the menus attempting to recreate the flesh-eating experience.

I think a book club could have a lot of fun discussing all of these little idiosyncrasies of this new “modern” society, not to mention the “Dakine” and “Doctor Worshippers.” It’s these “Doctor Worshippers” that make me want to keep reading the series. I’m very curious to know more about them.

While I did figure out a few things ahead of time it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I found Erasing Time to be a quick read, one that kept me turning pages and left me looking forward to more.

You could win a copy of Erasing Time! Must be 18 years of age. US residents only. See details on the Rafflecopter entry form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

From Pampered to Productive by Debbie Bowen

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Oct 012012

From Pampered to Productive: Raising Children Who Know How to Work

Author: Debbie Bowen

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published Date: March 2012

Paperback; 144 pages

Genre: Nonfiction/Parenting

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1019-3

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: checked out from my local library

Summary

From television to iphones and automatic dishwashers, we’ve got it all—except each other. But there’s a simple solution. Turn forgotten to-dos into family fun with Debbie Bowen’s ten proven formulas for success. With new skills, added closeness, and a real sense of accomplishment, your whole family will soon cherish chore time. Raising responsible, hard-working kids has never been so rewarding!

Review

Hi, my name is Shanda, and I used to be a nagging mom.

When I would ask or remind my kids to do their jobs I would start with a request, then a firm reminder, than a curt demand, which would then turn into pleading, yelling, and finally threatening with no guarantee that the threats would work, even when I followed through.

After reading From Pampered to Productive, I now say just one word to get action and effort from previously reluctant kids: Consequences.

With four kids ages 15 (almost), 11, 5 and 3, I experienced a wide range of struggles in getting the kids to help, often hearing “I don’t know how,” or “I need help,” to “Do I HAVE to?” and “I ALWAYS have to do that!”

I was tired of always seeming like the mean mom and feeling guilty for asking my kids to help out.

From Pampered to Productive inspired me to make a few small changes, mostly in my attitude and perception about asking and involving my kids in the FAMILY’S work, and yet the results are impressive in our house. It’s not a miracle or fairy-godmother magic, but sometimes it feels that way. If I had to choose one thing that helped me the most, it was recognizing the housework and yard work as FAMILY work, since we all live here and all benefit from using the house and yard.

As the mom of ten kids, the author knows her stuff. I thought four kids was difficult to manage, but my hat comes off to her. I like how she involves the children in everything from assigning jobs to letting them work out their issues in family council with just a bit of guidance from Mom and Dad. She explains how our “excuses” for not involving the kids in the chores they capable of doing are cheating them out of gaining experience, learning responsibility and how to be self-starters, as well as experiencing that feeling of accomplishment after a job well-done. I love the author’s focus on actions and consequences.

There are four sections, each offering instruction, encouragement and personal stories of both success and struggle from the author. These sections are as follows:

Changing Your Mind-Set
Delegation – Your Key to Sanity
Eliminating Stumbling Blocks to Your Success
Rewards of Delegation

At 144 pages, the book is not a long read, but the information could be life-changing if you are one of us who struggle with getting kids (and maybe other family members) to do their share.

I highly recommend this book to all parents, including those with little ones who are eager to help. Now is the time to lay the groundwork so that you can hopefully avoid major struggles when your kids get older.

Find From Pampered to Productive:

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (See Content Warning)

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Sep 242012

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)

Author: Robin LaFevers

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Published Date: April 2012

Hardcover; 549 pages

Genre: Historical Fantasy

ISBN# 978-0-547-62834-9

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: checked out from my local library

Summary

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

First Line

“I bear a deep red stain that runs from my left shoulder down to my right hip, a trail left by the herbwitch’s poison that my mother used to try to expel me from her womb.”

Review

I can honestly say I’ve never read a book quite like Grave Mercy. Despite being well over 500 pages long, I read it quickly, drawn in and fascinated by the dark story of Ismae and her training as an assassin. Like the series name (His Fair Assassin) suggests, there a number of darker elements revolving around treachery, death, and warfare.

I felt for Ismae and everything she had suffered in her life. I liked seeing her character gain wisdom through experience and become more trusting of her instincts. While I was intrigued by Ismae and her ability to overcome death, I really liked Gavriel Duval. The contrast between these two characters taking different approaches to reach a similar end created conflict that added interest to their growing attraction to each other.

The historic setting and “serving” of various saints (formerly worshiped as “gods”) made me curious to learn more about the time period. I wanted to know if these were actual beliefs and places or a result of world-building by the author.

Ismae and Gavriel Duval were not the only well-drawn characters in the book. There were a a number of side characters with depth and history. The scenes involving de Lornay and the Beast were fun to read. I became just as devoted to the young duchess-to-be as the other characters, and my heart broke for her during one particular part of the book.

The villains are despicable and the intrigues are many. There was one twist I saw coming early on, but that didn’t ruin anything for me. Instead it kept me reading to see when the other characters would figure it out.

While Grave Mercy is technically YA, because of some of the darker themes I would personally consider it more adult. The next book, Dark Triumph, is scheduled to be released in Spring 2013. I will probably read the sequel eventually as I am curious about what is going on with that character’s assignment and situation, especially in regard to how her story intersects with Ismae’s in Grave Mercy.

Content Warning

a few instances of swearing (heck, dang)
mature themes of death, murder, espionage & serving Mortain, the saint/god of Death, as well as discussion of methods and tools for killing
mention of a man’s “member,” talk of rougeing certain parts of a woman’s upper-body anatomy, “womanly charms” (innuendo)
Ismae must pose as Gavriel’s mistress for the mission, so he visits her room at night to maintain the illusion but sleeps in a chair
there is one part near the end where two characters lie together in dire circumstances but there are no details given and whether or not “something” actually happens isn’t discussed.

The Enchanted Truth by Kym Petrie

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Sep 182012

The Enchanted Truth: A Modern-Day Fairy Tale for Grown-Up Girls

Author: Kym Petrie

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group

Published Date: September 18, 2012

Hardcover/Kindle; 40 pages

Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale

ISBN# 978-1608323685

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Summary

In this humorous and insightful tale, a modern day princess finds herself single and asking for magical intervention to change her sorry love life. Rather than casting a spell to bring Prince Charming to her rescue, a savvy fairy godmother gives the tenderhearted damsel an unexpected gift. By entrusting her true thoughts and desires to an unlikely confidant, the young royal soon discovers that the person who could make her life everything she dreamed it would be has been with her all along.

As author Kym Petrie herself realized, every woman needs a froggy friend and a secret journal—and enough adventures with the girls to keep her heart pounding and her mind racing. Life is meant to be about happy beginnings . . . you can never have enough of them.

First Line

“This isn’t an ordinary ‘Once upon a time…'”

Review

The Enchanted Truth is a quick read that ended a little differently than I expected, but I’m actually happy about that. Touted as a good book to give as a gift, at only 40 pages long The Enchanted Truth is a quick read. I enjoyed the story in general and appreciated its message to women of all ages.

The book kept me engaged for the duration, though the constant alliteration and ever-changing descriptors for each character became a bit distracting after a while. Phrases such as “anxious aristocrat” and “glowing guest” were cute at first, but got old after awhile. Still, it wasn’t enough to make me stop reading and the overall message is a good one.

Find The Enchanted Truth:

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