Left to Love and My Forever by Jolene B. Perry

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Contests, Mindy's Reviews
Aug 012012
 

Left to Love

Author: Jolene B. Perry

Publisher: Next Door Publishing

Published: June 8, 2012

ISBN13: 9781477548363

286 pages

FTY FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Leigh’s life is shaping up to be pretty perfect.

She married the father of a little boy she fell in love with. They live in a nice house, on a quiet street, and her hobby of a sewing business is keeping her busier than she ever imagined. She’s back in touch with her brother who she hasn’t seen since she was a child, and her new husband has an “in” for his dream job when he graduates in the spring.

But when her small symptoms begin to lead up to something big – she has to face the shattering realization that her cancer is back.

Leigh struggles with her new marriage, her faith, her desire to adopt the little boy who calls her mom, and the strength to keep fighting for her life.

My Review

I am a huge fan of Jolene’s and her stories.  When I asked to read and review The Next Door Boys last year, I instantly fell in love with the characters.  I was so excited to know that Jolene had written more for Leigh and Brian.

Leigh’s cancer is back, with a vengeance.  So much is different for Leigh this time around, especially her faith.  As Brian struggles to help her, and Leigh struggles with her own feelings of trying to adopt Brian’s sweet son Nathan, while his mom is in jail.  Leigh lets the cancer get the best of her, and finds herself questioning her faith. While dealing with her long absent brother Joseph, and why he left the family so many years before.

There were so many things I loved about this book.  My heart broke for Leigh, but also Brian as he wanted to help her so much, but didn’t know what to do for her.  Nathan was a ray of sunshine in the story, what a sweet kid he is.  I feel that Leigh learned a lot during her cancer treatment, most of it learned from a visit from an old friend.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.  I cried a lot, but also smiled a lot.  Jolene is such a talented author, and I loved being a part of these amazing stories.

My Forever

Author: Jolene B. Perry

Publisher:

Expected Publish Date: August 3, 2012

ISBN:

178 pages

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: A novel about finding your place in the world when nothing goes as planned…

Told from the POV of Dani (Danielle), a high school senior.

A companion novel to The Next Door Boys and Left to Love.

My Review

Dani is the daughter of a pastor.  She has a big family, and feels a little lost in all the chaos sometimes.  Right when we meet Dani, she finds out she’s pregnant.  She feels lost, but knows deep down that she shouldn’t be the one to raise the baby.  Not being able to turn to her family, she turns to a boy Michael who shared with her a couple years back that he was adopted.  Dani tells him she is pregnant, and he tells her about LDS Family Services.  Right away she feels that is the path for her.

I loved this book.  I think that it is my favorite from Jolene.  A lot a tragedy happens to Dani, but also a lot of good.  I loved her experiences, and how she learns to have the Holy Ghost be her guide.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

I have an exciting giveaway for you!  Jolene is generously donating her series in eBook, PDF form, to one lucky winner. 

The Next Door Boys, Left to Love, and My Forever.

I am also giving away the paperback copies on my review blog MinReadsandReviews.com if you would prefer that.  You can enter both places.

Please leave a comment below, and you’re entered.  Winner announced August 8th, 2012.

Read more about Jolene and her books on her blog.  Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

The Beginning of Better Days by Sheri Dew and Virginia H. Pearce

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jul 252012
 

The Beginning of Better Days-Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith

Author: Sheri Dew & Virginia H. Pearce

Publisher: Deseret Book

Expected Publish Date: July 30, 2012

ISBN13: 9781606418512

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Back cover: How important are women in the restored church of Jesus Christ?  We learn something about the answer to that question from a simple historical fact.  In 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith took time to attend several meetings of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo and give personal instruction to the women there.  He did this at a time of great personal turmoil, when persecutions were raging and his responsibilities were heavy.  He did it at a time when society barely acknowledged women as having any kind of status at all.  On six separate occasions, he taught the women personally about their privileges, their opportunities, their obligations, and the blessings the Lord had in store for them in his Kingdom.

The Beginning of Better Days includes Joseph Smith’s six timeless sermons to the women of Nauvoo, along with personal essays from Sheri Dew and Virginia H. Pearce that helps us better understand the sermons and their relevance for Latter-day Saint women today.  “We have attempted to share a little about our own processes of discovery regarding the sermons,” write the authors.  “This is what worked for us.  What works for you may be similar–or it may be completely different.  The important thing is to dig in.”

My Review

This book was amazing.  While I enjoyed reading the sermons from the Prophet Joseph, I also took to heart the beautiful essays from Sheri Dew and Virginia Pearce.  What I took most out of it was being more charitable.  Charity is something that I need to work on.  Also, letting people serve me too.  I am very independent, but I know that I can’t do it all alone.  A sister in my ward that I visit teach mentioned that she always signs up for things in our Relief Society binder to serve others.  She has Wednesday afternoons off from work, and finds that when she opens her heart to service, she finds slots available for those days so she is able to help.  I really admire that quality in her, and will take her example in my own life.

My favorite quotes came from the last two pages from Sheri Dew.

 By the very nature of what he chose to teach women, Joseph Smith established expectations for every woman who would have the privilege of living in this great, culminating dispensation–the one foreseen by prophets since the beginning of time, the dispensation of the fulness of times. Our dispensation.  And the first expectation is that we learn how to receive the truths, the spiritual gifts, and the privileges the Lord has offered to his true followers. page 78

If we are willing to become the women the Prophet Joseph admonishes us to become, women who are true followers of Jesus Christ, the encroaching darkness in the world will actually provide our opportunity.  For the women of the world will look to us in increasing numbers and will see in the gospel a better way. page 79

5 out of 5 stars. A beautiful and moving book to add to your library.  Joseph’s words to the sisters in 1842, still apply to us today.  Even more so.

Pre-order from Deseret Book or Seagull Book.

Witch Song by Amber Argyle

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jul 182012
 

Witch Song

Author: Amber Argyle

Publisher: Rhemalda Publishing

Published: September 2011

Paperback: 305 pages

ISBN13: 9781936850167

FTC FYI: Purchased from Amazon

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary:  The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fades, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can’t stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn’t, there won’t be anything left to save.

My Review

Shanda reviewed Witch Song last year when it came out. Check it out, here. Since the sequel, Witch Born, is coming out in September, I thought it would be fun to review it again, and remind readers about it.

Witch Song is a very enjoyable read.  Full of magic, romance, suspense, and heart.  The songs sung by the witches were my favorite. Beautifully written.  Each character is well written too.  I loved Joshen, Captain Parknel, even Senna’s faithful dog Bruke.  The villain Espen was intriguing, and I found myself wanting more from her.  The author did a great job of making me turn pages late into the night with all the cool spells, seed belts, and battles.

4 out 5 stars.  Look for the sequel to Witch Song, Witch Born coming out in September 2012. Follow Amber on FACEBOOK / TWITTER / BLOG.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

 

Daisy by Josi S. Kilpack

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jun 302012
 

Daisy: The Newport Ladies Book Club

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: April 2012

ISBN13: 9781609070083

Paperback: 269 pages

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. And no one knows that better than Daisy. Raising two kids as a divorced, single mom, Daisy has faced each and every one of the obstacles in her life with courage and determination.
Now with her oldest daughter ready to have a baby of her own, her youngest daughter ready to graduate from high school, and her new husband, Paul, ready to embrace the life of an empty-nester, Daisy feels like she might finally be able to check “motherhood” off her list of things to do.

Except life often has a mind of its own. When, at age of forty-six, Daisy suddenly finds herself facing a very different future than the one she had planned–and an uncomfortable evaluation of the past she thought she understood–she realizes that there is still some growing up she needs to do.
Looking for a distraction to escape the growing tension at home, Daisy joins the Newport Ladies Book Club, where she meets Paige, Athena, and Olivia–unlikely friends who offer encouragement and support when Daisy’s perfectly crafted life is turned upside-down.

My Review

Daisy has had a difficult life.  She was pregnant at 17, and never married her daughter December’s father.  They broke up, and Daisy went home to her Catholic parents.  She worked, while her mother helped by taking care of December.  She then met Jared about 10 years later, and had Stormy.  They married, but things weren’t perfect.  Daisy got pregnant again, and this baby was supposed to save their marriage. Daisy miscarried, and her and Jared divorced.  Daisy knew all about the life of a single mother.

Daisy know has been married to Paul, her “prince”, for 3 years.  They both have older kids, and are looking forward to a life without kids and responsibilities they bring.  Every though Paul’s daughter Mason is older, as well as Stormy, Daisy seems to be counting the days Stormy moves out, and her and Paul can have the life they have both always dreamed of.

Life doesn’t always happen the way you plan…

I loved this book.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters of the Newport Ladies Book Club through Daisy’s eyes. Enough time has passed since I read Olivia by Julie Wright, and the details of the book club meetings are now in Daisy’s perceptive.  I enjoyed the book club meetings, and it was as if reading them for the first time.  I loved Daisy’s character, she is a very strong, smart gal.  I enjoyed her journey, and the lessons she learns about herself, her family, and also the joys of close friendships.  Most of all, how she needed to ask others for help.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.  Read more about the Newport Ladies Book Club.  The next book is Paige by Annette Lyon, and it comes out in August of this year.

Follow Josi S. Kilpack on FACEBOOK and  TWITTER.

DESERET BOOK / AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / SEAGULL BOOK

 

The Kindling by Braden Bell

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jun 202012
 

The Kindling

Expected Publish Date: July 10, 2012

Publisher: Cedar Fort

ISBN13: 9781462110278

Paperback: 304 pages

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary:  All thirteen-year-old Conner Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens. He didn’t mean to set anyone’s gym shorts on fire or make school lunches explode. But now that the strange powers inside him have been ignited, Conner’s normal teenage life is about to go up in flames!

This fast-paced novel is non-stop fun for kids and parents alike. With characters you can’t help but root for, a plot that keeps you guessing, and plenty of humor, it’s a guaranteed thrill ride from cover to cover!

My Review

Conner, Lexa, and Melanie are noticing strange things that keep happening around them.  A creepy guy that no one else can see, kids being set on fire, and teachers that are acting really odd.  The three notice that the teachers seem to be getting them in trouble on purpose. That’s when they start to really worry.

That is the only summary I’m going to give you, I don’t want to give anything away. There are some great twists and turns, and so much action.  You are just going to have to read it and see.  I will say this, my favorite part is when the kids go to Disneyworld, and they have quite an adventure in It’s a Small World.

This is such a fun book, with some great action scenes and dangerous tense moments.  It also has great humor, and lots of heart.  I loved the relationship between the 3 kids, and the teachers.  The author writes teenagers very well, and you can tell has had experience in that area.  A very fun read that will keep you turning pages until you are through, and wanting more.

4 out of 5 stars.  The Kindling is Braden’s 2nd book.  His novel The Road Show was released in 2010.  Find out for out the author here, and on his blog.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER

The Kindling has not been released.  Look for it with these links below coming soon.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / CEDAR FORT

Becoming Bayley by Susan Auten

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jun 062012
 

Becoming Bayley

Author: Susan Auten

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: May 2012

eBook

ASIN: B008224CBQ

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Partial Goodreads Summary:

Bayley Albrecht’s dream is to play soccer on BYU’s South Field. When she is invited to soccer camp the summer before her senior year in high school, she just knows she’s one step closer to her dream. Things get even better when she meets Matt Macauley, the star of the men’s soccer team. When they decide to write each other while Matt is on his mission, Bayley figures her life can’t get any better. But it certainly can get worse…

Becoming Bayley is the story of one girl’s journey through self-discovery, of the definition of true love, and of the realization that as a daughter of God, she is of infinite worth.

My Review:

Bayley is a tom boy.  Her sister is always teasing her because Bayley doesn’t like to wear make-up, and Bayley is always teasing Fin, saying she won’t walk down the driveway with out it.  When we meet Bayley she is packing up for soccer camp at BYU.  All Bayley wants is for the girls coach to see her play.  As Bayley soon realizes, life doesn’t turn out how you want it to.  The coach is called away for a death in her family, and Bayley is bothered by a rival’s little brother.  At a devotional, she listens to fellow soccer player’s testimony on how he decided to go on a mission.  Immediately she is attracted to him.  With the help of her roommates, she gets a makeover and is ready to meet Matt after the last big game.  Only one problem, will Matt even be there?

I was lucky enough to read this for the author last year.  I was immediately drawn in to the story, I read it in one day.  I was so thrilled for Susan when she told me Deseret Book was publishing it as an eBook.  Bayley is a great character to read about.  All of her life she wanted to play soccer, and during a practice, something happens to her that could change all of that if she lets it.  One character that really surprised me throughout was Fin.  She really helped Bayley through her trials.  Fin does something for Bayley that had tears flowing.  Matt was also a favorite.  I loved the letters they would write to each other while he was on his mission.  This book is a perfect example of how we need our Heavenly Father’s strength and guidance through our lives.  There were so many parts of the book where there was a big smile on my face.  Especially when Matt and Bayley are at the South field at BYU.  Many times there were tears also.  The author does a great job of character development.  Each character was important and was written well.

4 out of 5 stars.  Very enjoyable read, and make sure a kleenex is handy too.  This is the author’s first published novel.  Read more about Susan here.

DESERET BOOK / AMAZON 

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