Olivia by Julie Wright

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 212012
 

 Olivia

Author: Julie Wright

Publisher: Covenant

Published: February 2012

Softcover: 211 pages

Part of the Newport Ladies Book Club Series

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary:  The Robbins household looks perfect from the outside: no dust, no stains, no wrinkles. Yet a glimpse into its heart reveals no laughter, no closeness, no joy. Olivia thinks that if she keeps everything tidy and serves delicious meals on time, family life is bound to get better. But when her husband, Nick, misses their anniversary, she realizes no amount of domestic success will compensate for failure in their marriage, or for her own failure to develop her identity, always busy as a mother, wife, and neighbor, she has forgotten how to be a unique and vibrant individual. Determined to make a change, Olivia joins a local book club, where she nurtures new friendships and explores new ideas. But her growing confidence falters when Nick declares his independence, and while her new friends lovingly encircle her with support, only Olivia can reach into the depths of her fledgling self to find the faith, hope, and love her troubled family needs.

After her disappointing anniversary dinner, Olivia tries to put it behind her.  Nick doesn’t even acknowledge their anniversary even passed.  Out running errands one day she sees a flyer taped to a door.

Looking for serious readers to join the Newport Ladies Book Club. Women only!  Eating and good conversation!  Space limited.

Olivia thinks of all the things that she needs to do.  Soccer games, schedules, dry cleaner runs, grocery shopping, school functions, Junior League meetings.  The list goes on and on.  Thinking of all that makes her tired.  Even the thought of her own lonely home makes her hurt.  After much inward discussion, Olivia decides to join the book club.  Meanwhile, her family life doesn’t improve.  Nick is still standoffish, and his silence is deafening.  Olivia wishes she knew what was wrong with him.  Nick was married before.  His two children from “The Ex”, Jessica and Kohl, feel his separation too.  Jessica is trying to plan a going away party for Kohl, who joined the marines to pay for college.  He is being sent to Africa.  Nick doesn’t want anything to do with him, Livvy wants to figure out why.  But it could cost Livvy her marriage.

Nick calls Livvy “The Giving Tree”.  Giving and giving until there is nothing left.  She calls him on that, and says he is the boy in the story.  Who takes all he can.  Nick also teases her about finding new friends.  Making her feel more hesitant and insecure.  Book club changes all that for Livvy.  It gives her confidence and courage.

I loved this book.  I loved loved Livvy.  She is too funny sometimes.  She talks to herself and always hears her mother’s words in her head.  I loved how she decides to do what she wants anyway, without Nick, to show her kids that life goes on.  And that’s not just joining the book club.  They go on picnics to the beach together, and do things the family hasn’t done in years.  I liked how flashbacks were used subtly.  I felt they never took me away from the story, and kept the current situation in my mind.  I was very proud of the woman that Livvy was at the end.  I loved (wow, saying that a lot) the other ladies in the book club too.  Especially Ruby.  I just wanted to give her a hug.  Each woman became a force in the book club, and they all grow to love each other.  Realizing that they need other too.

I’m excited for the other stories to be told in the series. Daisy by Josi S. Kilpack comes out in June 2012.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.  Olivia is a must read for Julie Wright fans.  She does an amazing job with each character.  The story is told so beautifully, I didn’t want it to end.  When I did get there, I loved how Olivia’s story finishes.  So well written.

Find out more about The Newport Ladies Book Club here.  Follow Julie Wright on Facebook and Twitter.

BARNES AND NOBLE / AMAZON / SEAGULL / DESERET BOOK

 

 

 

With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 152012
 

With a Name Like Love      CONTEST DETAILS BELOW

Author: Tess Hilmo

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Published: 2011

Hardcover: 249 pages

ISBN: 978-0-374-38465-4

FTC FYI: I received a free copy which did not affect my review.

Reviewed by Mindy

TESS IS GIVING AWAY A COPY OF WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE.  DETAILS AFTER REVIEW!

Goodreads summary: When Ollie’s daddy, the Reverend Everlasting Love, pulls their travel trailer into Binder to lead a three-day revival, Ollie knows that this town will be like all the others they visit— it is exactly the kind of nothing Ollie has come to expect. But on their first day in town, Ollie meets Jimmy Koppel, whose mother is in jail for murdering his father. Jimmy insists that his mother is innocent, and Ollie believes him. Still, even if Ollie convinces her daddy to stay in town, how can two kids free a grown woman who has signed a confession?  Ollie’s longing for a friend and her daddy’s penchant for searching out lost souls prove to be a formidable force in this tiny town where everyone seems bent on judging and jailing without a trial.”

Ollie travels around the South with her Reverend Father, Mother, and four sisters.  Ollie is the oldest.  It is July, 1957.  The Love family travels around the South in their trailer from town to town.  The Reverend preaches for a few days, then the family moves on to the next town. Ollie would love nothing more then to have a house with a mailbox, telephone and refrigerator.  This is what Ollie thinks of the town.

Binder was a pitiful place, worn thin from years of want. It was exactly like all the other towns her daddy dragged them through.  It was exsactly the kind of nothing Ollie had com to expect.

Except, maybe, for that boy

Ollie takes her sister, Ellen with her to pass out fliers.  On their way around town, Ollie sees an orange something in the poplars. When she tries to sneak up on it, there’s nothing there.  The girls arrive at a store and right away come to know that strangers aren’t welcome.  On the way out of the shop, Ollie sees the orange again. It belongs to a boy.  Ollie invites him to hear her daddy that night, and to bring his family. He says he can’t bring them.  His pa is in the cemetery and his mama is in jail for his murder.

This book was darling.  I loved the relationship between the Love family.  They are a family that would do anything for each other.  Even Martha, who was a bit feisty.  I don’t want to give too much of this sweet story away, but the family decides to stay in town to try to help Jimmy find out who murdered his pa.  He was not a good man, and had many enemies.  Ollie was, of course, my favorite.  There was another character that touched my heart, Mrs. Mahoney.  She was such an amazing example of unconditional kindness and love.   Jimmy was a favorite too.  His story will touch your heart.

4 1/2 stars out of 5.  With a Name Like Love is finalist for 2010 Whitney Award in the YA general category.  This truly is a great story of friendship and love of a family.  Find out more about Tess Hilmo here.  Follow Tess on Facebook.

BARNES AND NOBLE / AMAZON

Tess Hilmo is given away a copy of With a Name Like Love.  Leave a thoughtful comment, telling me something you love most about your family.  Contest ends Friday night at midnight MST.  Winner announced Saturday. Good Luck!  US ONLY.

Persuasion a Latter-Day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 082012
 

Persuasion a Latter-Dale Tale

Author: Rebecca H. Jamison

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Expected Published Date: February 14, 2012

ISBN13: 9781599559476

FTC FYI: I downloaded a copy from NetGalley, which did not affect my review.

Paperback: 240 pages

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary: “When Anne broke off her engagement seven years ago, she thought she’d never see Neil Wentworth again. But when Neil’s brother buys the house she grew up in, it seems fate has other plans in store, and Anne is woefully unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies Neil’s return. Fans of Persuasion will love this fast-paced, modern retelling of Jane Austen’s most romantic novel.”

Anne is the responsible one. Even though her sister Liz is the one living with her Dad.  The story starts with the sisters getting ready for a garage sale.  They need to sale the house. Dad is deeply in debt and this is a step to help him. Anne is a successful stock broker, and is currently single.  Anne and her sisters are converts to the LDS church.  Her parents, before they divorced, wanted nothing to do with the church.  Greg, their home teacher, comes to the house.  He’s a real estate agent, and says there is an interest in the house.  Their last name is Wentworth.  This makes Anne stop in her tracks.  Seven years ago, she dated Neil.  She was so young when they were together, 19.  She felt when he proposed that it was too soon.  Anne was also afraid of his career choice.  Neil wanted to be a police officer.  She was relieved when Neil’s brother Jack was the one interested in the house.  However, Neil comes with Jack to look.  Anne is in her “garage sale” attire, and is embarrassed. She hasn’t seen him since the day she gave the ring back, and he sees her like this?!?

What I liked most about this book was the progression of the relationship of Neil and Anne.  Time passes.  Anne’s sister Mary is pregnant and is put on bed rest.  Mary lives next to her in-laws, The Musgroves.  When she asks (or tells) Anne she needs help, Anne rushes over.  Neil has been injured and is staying with Jack, at Anne’s old house.  Neil is always on Anne’s mind, even when she starts dating Will.  A rich lobbyist.  Who may be more trouble then he’s worth.  Neil also is dating a girl named Lily. She is Mary’s sister in law.  There are many times when Anne and Neil meet up and I like the “awkwardness” of Anne in these situations.

What I like most about the book are the characters.  The author does a great job of character detail.  My favorites were Anne and Neil.  Anne is a great example of a smart, funny (even though she doesn’t mean to) girl you want to be around.  One thing I wanted more from her is self confidence.  She seemed down on herself a lot, and a little bit too worried about her appearance at times.  However, given the fact that she is still in love with her ex-finance, and he’s dating a cute young girl, it’s a bit justified.  I also really loved Neil.  What a great guy.  Reliable, strong, loyal, and fun to be around.  No wonder Anne was smitten.  I also liked how each chapter begins with Anne’s old journal entries of past events in Anne’s life.

4 out of 5 stars.  My thanks to Cedar Fort for having me be part of this Blog Tour.  Enjoy!

Find out more about the author here.  You can find Rebecca on Facebook and watch the book trailer.  Find Cedar Fort on Facebook.

Family by Design by Heather Justesen — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 042012
 

Family by Design

Author: Heather Justesen

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: 2012

Softcover: 245 pages

IBSN: 978-1-59955-920-9

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Back cover:  “Before he could think better of it, he blurted out, “I understand your concerns. I’m going to speak to my commander about getting an early discharge. My girlfriend, Rena, and I have talked about getting married. There just hasn’t been any rush.”  As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what he was thinking. Yes, they had discussed marriage, but not to each other! He and Rena had never even dated.

Tucker’s on his way to the biggest challenge of his life. Rena already has it all—except a family of her own. But neither one expected their friendship would take such a dramatic turn.

When Tucker becomes the guardian of his newly orphaned niece and nephew, he knows he can’t handle them alone, not when he might be shipped out with the Marines at any moment. Desperate, he turns to Rena for a major favor. His marriage proposal would give her everything she wants, but can she learn to live without the romance she’s always dreamed of?

As time, prayer, and a life-changing kiss work a little magic in her heart, Rena wonders if someone up there has a plan for her that’s better than anything she could’ve come up with on her own. And though it seems crazy at first, this could become her chance for a marriage that will last for eternity.”

My Review

Rena and Tucker have been friends for 10 years. They both have had their own broken heart stories and have relied on each other many times in the past. When Tucker approaches Rena with a proposal, she is stunned. Sure, they’ve talked about marriage to other people, but Rena never thought the day would come. Tucker needs her help. Rena’s decision will affect the rest of her life.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters are so well written and the story flows with a great amount of feeling and heart.  Each character is important, and I appreciated the author’s eye for detail.  Rena takes on a huge responsibility. After her decision is made, however, she never looks back.  She always has a prayer in her heart.  Even with that, there doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges.  When she is making decisions for Derek and McKensie, she thinks of their mom Haylie, and what she would do. I liked that. The author has a great way of showing real life. The children went through a terrible thing and were not immediately cured by the marriage. Derek especially needs help, and I thought it was handled in a great way.

The book is about family and design. Rena is a very talented designer, and I enjoyed being there with her. Another thing I enjoyed was the glimpses of Tucker serving his country, and the thoughts going through his mind while he was away from his new family. There is also another surprise that I thought was really clever and sweet.

4 out of 5 stars. I knew I was going to love this book when there are mentions of Harry Potter and my favorite line from Empire Strikes Back.  I want to thank Heather for asking me to be a part of her blog tour. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Also, as a special promotion for anyone who buys a book before February 5th, you can get a free ebook for her companion novella, “Shear Luck.” Once you buy a copy of her book go here (link) to get your free copy. http://www.heatherjustesen.com/shear-luck

As if that weren’t enough, Heather’s holding a host of giveaways on her blog throughout the next few weeks, see the rules at the bottom of this post to enter.

Here’s the blurb for Shear Luck:

Chelsea Robison has never forgotten the older boy next door whom she crushed on as a teen, so when she runs into him at the restaurant he’s preparing to open, it’s a delightful shock. And learning he’s available again is more than a little tantalizing.

Vaughn Krenshaw had never seen his neighbor as more than a nice kid—but Chelsea had definitely grown up in the decade since they saw each other last. He’s attracted to the feisty red head, but still struggles over his wife’s death the previous year. And then there’s his five-year-old daughter, Molly, who really liked Chelsea—until she realized the woman was dating her dad.

As Chelsea starts to wonder if their love for each other will be enough to make things work, a specter from Vaughn’s past rises, making her question whether she really knew him at all.

Here’s the links to the other review from the tour.  This is the last day to enter the contest!

Monday, Jan. 16 Danyelle Ferguson

Tuesday, Jan. 17 Kim Job

Wednesday, Jan. 18 Nichole Giles

Thursday, Jan. 19 Liz Adair

Friday, Jan. 20 Susan Dayley

Saturday, Jan. 21 Keith Fisher

Monday, Jan. 23 Robbin Peterson

Tuesday, Jan. 24 Julie Bellon

Wednesday, Jan. 25 Cindy Hogan

Thursday, Jan. 26 Rebecca Talley

Friday, Jan. 27 Kathleen Brebes

Saturday, Jan. 28 Debbie Davis

Monday, Jan. 30 Maria Hoaglund

Tuesday, Jan. 31 Tristi Pinkston

Wednesday, Feb. 1 Joann Arnold

Thursday, Feb. 2 Christine Bryant

Friday, Feb. 3 Rebecca Blevins

Saturday, Feb. 4 Mindy Holt

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The Ember Gods by Andrea Pearson — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jan 042012
 

The Ember Gods

Author: Andrea Pearson

Publisher: Self

Published: 2011

Paperback: 268 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

ISBN: 9781466381612

FTC FYI: I received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary:  “Jacob Clark has just returned from the world of Eklaron, where he frustrated the evil plans of the Lorkon and returned the magical Key of Kilenya to its rightful owners. His quest is far from over, though–Aloren is trapped in Maivoryl City by the Ember Gods, and Jacob can’t return to save her until he receives the potion that will protect his team from the corrosive influence of the Lorkon.

Balancing between this new world and his own proves tricky. Not only has he started his first year of high school, but his magical abilities are bringing him too much attention. He feels pulled by both sides, hoping he’ll figure out his special powers to save Aloren in time.”

This engaging sequel picks up right where The Key of Kilenya stops. Jacob has only been back from his adventure for a short time.  He is coping with his new abilities, all while starting high school. Many frustrating things happen for Jacob on his first day.  Most difficult for him is having his journal taken away, and he won’t get it back for the rest of the week. That was Jacob’s assignment from the Makalos.  Read that journal, it will help answer his questions.  He and Matt get home from school and right away are summoned back to help the Makolos. There is an army coming. He and Matt rush to help.

What was hard for Jacob during this book was his wanting to help and rescue Aloren.  The Fat Lady wants to wait until all of the rescuers can have the protection of a potion. One that takes a very long time to make.  His concern for Aloren has him not using his best judgement.  Jacob and Matt sneak and use the key to try to save her.

I really enjoyed this book!  I loved the action scenes. Especially near the end.  I did think that the basketball playing was a little distracting. I know basketball is a love of Jacob’s, but it took me away from the story a bit.  I thought the Ember Gods were really cool though, and I wanted more from them.  Really great villains. As always, the characters are well written, creative, and enjoyable.  I love this world Andrea has created.  There is an awesome surprise at the end, and I’m very excited for Kilenya Book 3, August Fortress, to see where this new information will take the characters.

4 out of 5 stars. A great action/adventure story. Find out more about Andrea Pearson here. Here is the purchase link for The Ember Gods on smashwords.

Also available from Andrea Pearson:

The Key of Kilenya

Samara: A Kilenya Romance

Cold River by Liz Adair — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Dec 142011
 

Cold River

Liz Adair

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: September 2011

ISBN: 978-1-59992-803-6

Paperback: 324 pages

Genre: Mystery suspense/romance

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: “Mandy Steenburg thinks her doctorate in education has prepared her to run any school district – until she tangles with the moonshine-making, coon-dog-owning denizens of a tiny district in Pacific Northwest timber country. She’s determined to make a difference, but the local populace still looks to the former superintendent for leadership. When Mandy lands in the middle of an old feud and someone keeps trying to kill her, instinct tells her to run. And though she has to literally swim through perilous waters, she finds a reason to stay and chance the odds.”

Mandy arrives in Limestone, Washington to start her job as the new District Superintendent.  Right away, she is given the cold shoulder from those who work in the office.  They are all still bitter that the previous Superintendent, Grange Timberlain, was let go because he didn’t have the proper education. He is still around as the “assistant superintendent”.  Everyone looks to Grange for answers.  Mandy is determined to not let it get to her.  As she tries to make friends around town, and starts to get to know the people, mysterious things happen to her.

I enjoyed what a great character Mandy was.  She is a great example of a smart lady trying to make things better for others.  At times, though, I was confused as to what type of book this was.  There wasn’t enough mystery for me. The author did do a great job of telling Mandy’s story, but there wasn’t enough action.  A friend later told me this was a romance, but the “romance’ didn’t come until there was about 50 pages left.  I did enjoy the characters, though. I really liked Mandy’s sister Leesie, she was adorable.  She really brought happiness to Mandy when she needed it most.  I also enjoyed Grange. He was a tough guy to like, at first, but I looked forward to him being there more and more.

3 out of 5 stars.

Read more about Liz Adair here. Purchase Cold River here.


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