Shanda’s Reviews – Page 10 – LDS Women's Book Review

Banana Split (Sadie Hoffmiller #7) by Josi S. Kilpack

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Apr 082013

Banana Split (Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery #7)

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: March 2012

Softcover; 372 pages

Genre: Culinary Mystery

ISBN# 978-1-60908-903-0

Reviewed by: Shanda

Summary

Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua’i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.

Her determination to stay out of danger and to focus on overcoming her anxieties soon takes a backseat when she meets eleven-year-old Charlie, the son of the woman whose body she discovered near Anahola Beach. Charlies has some questions of his own about what happened to his mother, and he is convinced that only Sadie can help him. If only Sadie were as confident in her abilities as Charlie is.

With the help of her best friend and a local social worker, Sadie dives into another mystery with the hope that, at the end, she’ll be able to find the peace and closure that has eluded her.

Review

After the traumatic events during her visit to Boston, Sadie is in dire need of rest and relaxation. She heads to Hawai’i to recuperate, but after a few weeks the anxiety takes over. Sadie spends most of the day locked in a small condo, not even finding pleasure in cooking as she once did.

When she finally ventures out at the insistence of her friends, the Blue Muumuus, what was supposed to be a peaceful snorkeling trip ends in Sadie discovering a body trapped in the water. It’s enough to send her over the edge and into the care of a therapist.

The young son of the woman whose body Sadie found seeks her out with a list of questions about his mother. Sadie decides to learn more and use the experience to help her deal with the memories of the grisly encounter. She puts her investigative skills to use and uncovers details that lead her to think the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death may not be what they first seem.

It was interesting to see Sadie in Hawai’i, alone in a small condo with no family around her. It made me a little sad to see her so affected by what she’d gone through the past several months, and yet it was reassuring and realistic, adding depth to Sadie’s character. The description of her interaction with the woman’s dead body, while far from graphic, was creepy enough to make my skin crawl.

There was great suspense and misdirection. I often figure out the bad guy in other mysteries, but I love how Josi keeps me guessing in every book. I’m never sure of the villain until the end and I’m always surprised by something.

I’m not sure how Josi manages to keep things so fresh in this series, but she has, especially as it has grown into something bigger than I think even she expected. As long as she keeps writing Sadie Hoffmiller books, I will keep reading them. I love this series and recommend it to everyone.

Visit Josi:

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***Read Mindy’s review: Banana Split by Josi S. Kilpack***

Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Mar 252013

Second Chances

Author: Melanie Jacobson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: March 2013

Softcover: 272 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN# 978-1621083443

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary

After walking out of a thankless job at a prestigious marketing firm, feisty California entrepreneur Louisa Gibson is going into business for herself. Lou’s pioneering venture, The Mormon Bachelor, is a reality dating web series sure to be fabulous advertising for her new marketing firm. And as a bonus, she can solve a problem close to home: while Huntington Beach is crawling with eligible, sun-bronzed Saints, they’ve forgotten the vital skill of dating. Lou hopes the reality show will finally inspire this group of hangout enthusiasts to pair off. But shortly before filming begins, the unthinkable happens — Trentyn, a.k.a. The Bachelor, gets a girlfriend. And Lou needs a new leading man — fast.

Enter Nick, Lou’s devastatingly handsome ex-boyfriend. He’s the stereotypical actor: shallow, self-serving…and perfect for the job. A whirlwind of dating ensues, with Nick at the center of it all. Things are going according to plan — that is, until Lou is forced to step in as a substitute bachelorette, becoming an unwitting cast member on her own show. Despite Nick’s attempts to reestablish their friendship and the growing spark between them, Lou is determined to keep her distance. The show must go on — but what’s a girl to do when the Mr. Wrong of the past just may be the Mr. Right of the future?

Review

Louisa is the proud-but-poor new owner of her very own ad agency. After an enlightening girls’ night watching the final episode of “The Bachelor,” she is inspired to start an LDS online version called “The Mormon Bachelor.” Her mission is two-fold: attract business for her ad agency, and show the local guys that dating is more than just hanging out.

When her star bachelor gets a girlfriend days before filming is scheduled to start, a serendipitous commercial (and a bold email sent by her friend/only employee) results in Lou coming face-to-face with her actor ex-boyfriend, Nick Westman. He’s willing to participate and she is desperate.

It doesn’t take long for Lou to see that Nick has changed during the last three years. She finds herself torn between building her new business and her rekindled attraction to Nick. He’s hit it off with a couple of the bachelorettes and Lou is unsure of his feelings toward her. She has reservations about his choice of career. He is always a gentleman but keeps his emotions guarded. Louisa’s control-freak tendencies and Nick’s reluctance to open up are issues that continue to create distance between them. Will Nick find love on the show? Will Louisa survive it if he does?

Second Chances was a fun read. Melanie’s writing is smooth and conversational, making it easy to get into the story and keep turning pages. The characters are dimensional and real. The setting made me want to visit Huntington Beach next time I’m in California.

Louisa is hard-working, talented, stubborn and blind to her control-freak perfectionism. Nick put me off a bit initially but grew on me and quickly became a favorite. I enjoyed watching both Nick and Louisa change and grow throughout the story. There were several eye-opening experiences for Lou regarding her tendency to judge others prematurely, as well as her unrealistically high expectations of people. These issues made Lou a bit of a brat but also more relatable as a character.

I’m grateful that Melanie is a consistent writer because I look forward to her novel releases like holidays. Reading one of her books is like taking a little vacation and I appreciate the escape. I enjoyed the peek at the LDS dating scene in a place far from Utah. I loved the Matt and Ashley cameos.

Readers who enjoy clean romance will like Second Chances. Fans of Melanie’s other books (and “The Bachelor”) will not want to miss this one. I am happy to add another of Melanie’s books to the “Favorite Romances” section of my bookshelf.

Visit Melanie: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Find Second Chances: AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

Everything You Need to Know About Girls Camp by Stephanie Connelley Worlton – Blog Tour and Giveaway

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

Mar 122013

Everything You Need to Know About Girls Camp: The Essential Planning Guide for Leaders

Author: Stephanie Connelley Worlton

Publisher: CFI/Cedar Fort

Published Date: February 2013

Softcover; 176 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1169-5

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Summary

Everything You Need to Know about Girls Camp teaches not just the why and what of Girls Camp but, more important, the how and when. With helpful tips on everything from holding your first meeting to planning a menu to dealing with unhappy campers (and everything in between), this essential guide provides a road map to help take the stress out of planning and ultimately make your camp a success.

Review

I haven’t been to Girls Camp since I was a teenager, but after reading Everything You Need to Know About Girls Camp, I now appreciate what I didn’t back then: how much work goes into a fun Girls Camp experience. This book keeps all that work from becoming overwhelming to the new, or not so new, camp director.

Not only does the author offer organization and planning tips on both the ward and stake levels, she also encourages delegating tasks and including the Youth Camp Leaders (older Young Women) as much as possible to help the young women feel ownership of their Girls Camp experience.

Everything You Need to Know About Girls Camp discusses where to find activity ideas, options for dealing with discipline situations, and the importance of having Priesthood leaders in camp. The author also gives packing suggestions for both camping equipment and food. Recipes, popular camp songs, and blank note pages are included at the end of the book.

From long-range planning and day-to-day camp schedules to menu ideas and song lyrics, this book is an invaluable resource that camp directors are going to want to keep handy.

Find Everything You Need to Know About Girls Camp:

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

Stephanie Connelley Worlton lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains where she enjoys frequent opportunities to observe nature and appreciate God’s magnificent creations. She is a seasoned Camp Director, an avid Scouter, and a devoted youth leader. Aside from the busy schedule she keeps as a wife and mother of four, Stephanie enjoys organizing, interior design, gardening, carpentry, painting, and being involved with the youth of our rising generation. To learn more about Stephanie or her book, visit her “Kreating Krazy” blog: www.stephanieworlton.blogspot.com

**GIVEAWAY DETAILS**

Stephanie is hosting a giveaway on her blog. Read her Setting Up Camp – BLOG TOUR post for details.

Visit Stephanie Worlton:

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

The End Begins: Sudden Darkness by Margot Hovley

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Mar 072013

The End Begins: Sudden Darkness

Author: Margot Hovley

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: September 2012

Softcover; 162 pages

Genre: YA DYstopian

ISBN# 978-1-60861-144-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Goodreads Summary

“Brothers and sisters, may I have your attention,” President Green said into the megaphone. I held my breath. What would he say next? At that moment, I wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d said the moon was scheduled to turn to blood next Tuesday night. “As you know, alarming events are unfolding. People are scared and confused. Life as we have known it will never be the same, it seems.”

The news has been filled with stories of tragedy and turmoil. But world events like the recent bombings in London seem far removed from eighteen-year-old Amelie Hatch’s quiet life in Zillah, Washington. She’s content with the predictable pattern of her life—school, friends, work. But when Amelie’s father leaves on a mysterious Church assignment, concerns escalate as the family is left with few answers.

Then, in the span of moments, Amelie’s world erupts in chaos. Terrorists have attacked the US power grid. There is no electricity. Vehicles have ceased working. The nuclear facility at nearby Hanford is compromised, and radiation may be flooding the area. Without the guidance of their father, Amelie’s family faces a monumental task at the request of the leaders of the Church: members of their stake have been asked to walk to zUtah, where they will find safety in Zion.

Fleeing her home and the life she knows, Amelie sets off on the arduous journey toward the refuge of Utah. There is danger around every corner as the group faces gunfire, kidnapping, and new terrorist threats. And as she finds herself drawn to two very different men, Amelie recognizes a more personal peril—she’s in danger of losing her heart.

Review

Amelie (pronounced ah-may-lee) is an 18-year-old senior in a small high school in Zillah, Washington. She lives on a farm, loves music, plays piano, and works hard despite her leg that was crippled in a devastating injury as a little girl. Her father leaves town on a business trip, and other than a visit from local celebrity Ryan Cook, Amelie’s life in Zillah is nothing out of the ordinary.

Until the night the power goes out.

When Amelie and her family are instructed to pack up necessities and prepare to leave Zillah for Salt Lake City, UT, her life changes in a way she never expected. The tanks in the Hanford nuclear facility are leaking, the government is in chaos, and an EMP has wiped out electricity and communications. To make matters worse, she and her family must make the trip without their father.

I was quickly pulled into the story. After the power goes out and the situation is revealed, I started wondering about what my family and I would do in similar circumstances. I was suddenly aware of how much I need to work on our emergency preparedness.

I liked Amelie, though sometimes she was too hard on herself. She’s a strong female character, not flighty or flirty. I admired her determination to walk the distance, despite the pain and discomfort from her leg. She’s an easy character to sympathize with, and I experienced every emotion she did. Other than a few phrases Amelie used that felt more like something her grandma would say (ie, “dratted boy”) I enjoyed her voice and read the book in a single sitting.

This was a story that made me think, but was also suspenseful enough to keep me turning pages. Several things happen that I won’t spoil here. I’m hoping this is a series because I’m curious to know what happens in this post-attack America. I wonder if other groups of Saints from around the West were called back to Salt Lake City. How was it for them? Did they encounter the same issues Amelie’s group did?

Readers looking for a clean YA Dystopian novel with suspense and bit of romance will enjoy Sudden Darkness. Don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to update your 72-hour kit after reading it.

**Interesting tidbit: The day after I finished this book I read on a news site that officials had discovered multiple tanks leaking nuclear waste in Hanford, WA. I had never heard of Handford before reading Sudden Darkness and then eerily there was news about the leaks the next day. Creepy!

Visit Margot Hovley: BLOG | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Find Sudden Darkness: AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

The Power of Starting Something Stupid by Richie Norton – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Mar 052013

The Power of Starting Something Stupid: How to Crush Fear, Make Dreams Happen & Live Without Regret

Author: Richie Norton with Natalie Norton

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: March 5, 2013

Hardcover; 320 pages

Genre: Motivational Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-009-0

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free softcover ARC in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary

“Perfect book for these uncertain times.”
—Steve Forbes, Chariman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media

“Richie Norton has written a book about courage. The courage to do work that matters and to do it with your heart and your soul. Go make something happen.”
—Seth Godin, author of The Icarus Deception

What if the smartest people in the world understand something that the rest of us don’t? (They do.) What if they know that in order to achieve success, they will sometimes have to do things that others may initially perceive as stupid? The fact of the matter is that the smartest people in the world don’t run from stupid, they lean into it (in a smart way).

In The Power of Starting Something Stupid, Richie Norton redefines stupid as we know it, demonstrating that life-changing ideas are often tragically mislabeled “stupid.” What if the key to success, creativity, and fulfillment in your life lies in the potential of those “stupid” ideas? This deeply inspiring book will teach you

How to crush fear, make dreams happen, and live without regret.

How to overcome obstacles such as lack of time, lack of education, or lack of money.

The 5 actions of the New Smart to achieve authentic success.

No more excuses. Learn how to start something stupid—the smartest thing you can do.

Drawing on years of research, including hundreds of face-to-face interviews and some of the world’s greatest success stories past and present, Richie shows you how stupid is the New Smart—the common denominator for success, creativity, and innovation in business and life.

Review

How’s that for a catchy title? It certainly grabbed my attention. I wasn’t sure what to expect but was intrigued enough to agree to participate in the blog tour.

I am so glad I did.

The Power of Starting Something Stupid opens with an intensely personal, life-changing moment for the authors. Heartbreaking events led to a pivotal question and the making of Gavin’s Law: Live to start. Start to live.

The author writes in a clear, conversational style that had me sailing through the book in just a few hours. The content flowed seamlessly from one chapter to the next. There are several excellent quotes throughout the book relating to the material, as well as a number of success stories from people who started something that others initially thought were stupid ideas.

I found Gavin’s Law, the Bezos Test, and the START principle to be highly motivating. The section on procrastinating was something I really needed to read. I was validated by what the author wrote about authenticity. My eyes were opened when he discussed the difference between accepting and receiving.

The author also addresses the subject of fear, specifically that the higher our aspirations, the more fear we will experience. He shares how to overcome that fear, and assures the reader if they can work through that fear they can accomplish whatever they are passionate about.

If you have an idea, a project, or a dream that has always seemed out of reach, I recommend picking up a copy of The Power of Starting Something Stupid. It may not be as unattainable as you think.

Visit Richie Norton: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN

Find The Power of Starting Something Stupid: AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

Baked Alaska by Josi S. Kilpack – Blog Tour and Giveaway

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Mar 042013

Baked Alaska (Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery #9)

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain/Deseret Book

Published Date: February 18, 2013

Softcover; 358 pages

Genre: Culinary Mystery

ISBN# 978-1-60907-328-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free review PDF in exchange for an honest review

Summary

An Alaskan cruise is the setting for amateur detective Sadie Hoffmillers latest adventure. Sadie plans to spend time relaxing with her two grown children, Breanna and Shawn, and her boyfriend, Pete, while enjoying the luxury and cuisine of an elegant cruise ship and helping to plan her daughters upcoming wedding. But even as the crew prepares to leave port, Sadie has suspicions about the voyage ahead and the relationship between her normally easygoing son and a mysterious female passenger he obviously knows but refuses to discuss. When the woman is discovered unconscious during the second night at sea, Sadies apprehension escalates. Over the last few years, Sadie has developed an extreme dislike for secrets and it would seem her son is keeping one from her. *Includes eight new mouthwatering recipes, tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadie’s Virtual Test Kitchen. *Josi’s culinary mysteries have become favorites with members of Goodreads and other book networking sites. *Readers guide available online.

Review

Sadie hopes that a week-long cruise to Alaska will give her grown children, Shawn and Breanna, a chance to get to know her boyfriend, Pete Cunningham, a bit better. Things don’t work out so well right from the start. Shawn is hiding something from her and Sadie’s feelings are hurt that everyone seems to know what it is but her. Suspicious activity on the cruise ship leads to someone being hurt and the authorities take Shawn in for questioning. Determined to help clear Shawn’s name, Sadie embarks on a search for answers in a mystery that ultimately claims more than one victim.

When I pick up one of Josi’s culinary mysteries, I know I will be pulled in to the story until the last page. Baked Alaska was no exception. Just when I thought I had something figured out, a new twist sent me down another path. Though cruises aren’t my preferred vacation, reading about Sadie and company’s cruise to Alaska was an entertaining escape and just as much fun as the rest of Sadie’s adventures.

The Sadie Hoffmiller series has become more than just the mystery for me. Reading each book is like visiting good friends. I have loved watching the characters’ relationships change and develop from book to book. I really like Pete and the way he has accepted Sadie and her quirks. Breanna and Shawn have grown as well. I was surprised at the end and might have blinked away a tear or two. I closed the book (well, the PDF) with a huge grin on my face.

Fans of Sadie Hoffmiller are going to enjoy Baked Alaska. I can’t wait to see what happens in Rocky Road. This is one of my favorite book series and I can’t recommend it enough.

Visit Josi: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Find Baked Alaska:

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 3/20/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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