Living in the Light by Lacey A. West and Gary L. Anderson – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Dec 112012
 

Living in the Light: How to Fight the Darkness of Depression and Anxiety

Authors: Lacey A. West, BSN, RN; Gary L. Anderson, MS, CMHC

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published Date: January 2013

Paperback; 144 pages

Genre: Religious Self-Help

ISBN# 978-1462111480

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Find out more: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK

Summary

Living in the Light provides readers with step-by-step methods to overcome depression and anxiety. It offers solutions through a combination of cognitive techniques and gospel-centered principles that will empower readers with the ability to regain their peace and happiness through eliminating all aspects of darkness from their life, embracing a life full of light.

Review

Living in the Light focuses on using the scriptures, prayer, service and a relationship with the Savior to help chase away darkness and encourage a life filled with the light of Christ. There are also mental and physical activities to help cope with negative thoughts, encourage positive self-talk, and promote health and balance.

Other than a small bout with post-partem depression that ended being related to a health condition, I haven’t suffered from any serious forms of depression. Because of this, I can’t personally say how effective I think this book might be in helping others with depression or anxiety. However, I still found a lot that would be useful in dealing with everyday stress and the discouragement that can affect anyone. Satan does want us to think ourselves unworthy and allow doubt to keep us from fulfilling our potential. Everyone can benefit from seeking out and maintaining the light of Christ in their lives.

The authors make some great analogies regarding certain scriptural events and how they can be applied in our lives today. These included the obvious example of Job, but also others such as the brother of Jared, the Lamanites who repented and were encircled by fire, and Joseph Smith.

The largest chapter of the book is Chapter Three: Self-Mastery. This is where the exercises in overcoming negative self-talk are located, as well as evaluating expectations of yourself and others, how lack of sleep and good nutrition affect mood and body, and the effects of hugs and music.

Every section ends with “Take Action” directives on how to adopt the previously discussed principles in to the reader’s life. The authors have included a handy Appendix that contains the title and page numbers to each of these which I was happy to find at the end of the book. There are a number of worksheets and note pages included in the back of the book as well.

If you or a loved one suffer from depression or anxiety, Living in the Light might be a good resource and provide some much needed encouragement.

Pre-order Living in the Light:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

 

 

 

For What It’s Worth by Karey White

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Dec 042012
 

For What It’s Worth

Author: Karey White

Publisher: Bonneville Books/Cedar Fort

Published Date: December 2012

Paperback; 240 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1066-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

***NOTE: The For What It’s Worth launch party is tomorrow night, Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at The King’s English at 6 PM. Go HERE for more details. ***

Summary

Twenty-four year-old, Abby Benson has dreams of owning her own wedding cake shop. An inheritance from her aunt gives her the ability to make those dreams come true. She hires Dane, a handsome contractor, to help her get the bakery up and running and soon they’re moving toward their own happy ending.

Unsure what to charge for her cakes, Abby has a crazy idea to let the customers decide what they think their cake is worth. This plan has its ups and downs, but the novelty of the idea makes her a local celebrity. When she is interviewed on television about the unusual idea, business booms and Abby has cake adventures she never dreamed possible. But as her fame grows, Abby is swept up in a whirlwind that threatens everything she values. With the challenges that face her, will she be able to determine what is worth the most?

Review

For What It’s Worth was an enjoyable read about Abby, who opened a wedding cake bakery with a generous inheritance from her Aunt Grace. I really liked Abby. In fact, I liked all of the characters, though it took a while for me to feel like I knew Dane very well. During the last half of the book is when I felt Dane developed into a great character and became one of my favorites.

One of the best parts of For What It’s Worth, at least for me, was watching Abby as she experienced the unexpected success of her bakery and came face to face with evaluating what was most important in her life. She learned a lot about herself and the need for balance and priorities. Maybe it’s because I’m impatient, but once Abby realized what she needed to do and did it, I was wishing she would have been the one to make an important first move and sooner.

The recipes at the beginning of each chapter all looked delicious, and there were a few clever ones in there as well. I’m excited to try some of them, especially the homemade corn tortilla recipe. Oh, and the BLAT Sandwiches, too. The dessert recipes sound amazing. I don’t even know where to begin choosing what I would make first.

For What It’s Worth is a sweet, clean LDS romance that will be enjoyed by many readers. And don’t be surprised if you start craving cake.

About the Author

Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.

She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book. Find out more about Karey at http://kareywhite.com.

Visit Karey: BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Find For What It’s Worth:

GOODREADS | THE KING’S ENGLISH | AMAZON | DESERET BOOK

 

All I Want by Jolene Perry, Kaylee Baldwin and Rachael Anderson – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Dec 032012
 

All I Want: Three couples. Three stories. One Holiday.

Authors: Jolene Perry, Kaylee Baldwin, Rachael Anderson

Publisher: HEA Publishing

Published Date: October 2012

Paperback/Kindle; 225 pages

Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance

ISBN# 978-1480115231

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

***See below for summaries of each story and giveaway details.***

Review

I love Christmas romances. As soon as Thanksgiving is over I start looking forward to all of the holiday romance movies on the Hallmark channel. I know, but I can’t help myself.

I was so excited to take part in the All I Want blog tour. Three Christmas romances written by three authors whose past books I’ve read and loved? Count me in!

I read All I Want straight through. All three stories are enjoyable and well-written. It was fun reading and recognizing the style of each author. These women are talented storytellers and I appreciated the toe-curling yet clean romance in each story.

I loved each hero. I couldn’t begin to pick a favorite. I really liked the heroines, too. While Pretty Near Perfect, Six Days of Christmas, and Twist of Fate are all novellas, they were so well done that at the end of each I felt as if I’d read a full-length novel.

I highly recommend All I Want to anyone who enjoys a good romance. It’s a bargain at $2.99 on Kindle. I am adding All I Want to my list of Favorite Christmas Reads, though I’m definitely not waiting until next Christmas to read them again.

Tour Schedule

 

ALL I WANT

THREE COUPLES. THREE STORIES. ONE HOLIDAY

Pretty Near Perfect

by Jolene Perry

The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancé’s parents’ home. Collin’s starting a new career, and has no business getting involved – especially while staying with his roommate’s family, who very kindly offered to take him in for the holidays. Unfortunately, you just don’t always pick the most convenient time and place to fall for someone.

Six Days of Christmas

by Kaylee Baldwin

When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother – someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.

Twist of Fate

by Rachael Anderson

When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty’s mailbox, Ty’s faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her – make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all.

Purchase All I Want

 Kindle Ebook * Paperback

 

Author Jolene Perry

Jolene Perry is an enigmatic figure. She is most often seen behind her laptop, staring at the words flying onto the screen with reckless abandon.

She survived growing up in rural Alaska, driving like a lunatic, and her husband’s careers in the military, as a perpetual student, and an Alaska State Prosecutor. She also survived as a middle school math teacher using her degree of Political Science and French.

One day Jolene was playing her guitar (probably some-thing juvenile for her kids) when she wondered what it would be like to write a song for a rockstar, and her first book was born. (that book is shelved)

She now lives a very glamorous life as a stay at home mom, elbow deep in dirty dishes and peanut butter sandwiches. She doesn’t even attempt to keep up with the laundry because non-writing time is precious, and her family is sorta awesome.

Links:

Website * Twitter * Blog * Facebook

 

Author Rachael Anderson

Rachael Anderson is the author of four contemporary romances: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She’s the mother of four, can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Links:

Facebook * Website * Twitter

 

Author Kaylee Baldwin

I grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English literature.

I currently live in southern Arizona with my husband, Jeremy, and our three children. When I am not writing, I enjoy reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with my family.

Links:

Facebook * Website * Twitter

 

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card

Ends 12/24/12


Open to anyone 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’s permission. 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


A Rafflecopter Giveaway
 

Official All I Want Blog Tour Schedule

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen — Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Nov 292012
 

The False Prince

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Published: April 1st, 2012

Genre: Middle Grade

ISBN: 978-0-545-43347-1

FTC FYI: Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by: Mindy and Shanda

Goodreads Summary

THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king’s long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner’s motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword’s point — he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage’s rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner’s sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

Mindy’s Review

I knew I was going to love this book right from the first page.  Jennifer has created some great characters in this book. Sage is the perfect smart-alec that you will be cheering for throughout the book. Sage is almost too clever for his own good, and he’s always a step ahead of everyone. My favorite character was, of course, Sage. But Mott was a close second. Sage is a mystery. Sometimes you want to slap him, but you truly wonder what he is up to.

I loved everything about this book.  The writing is flawless and page turning. I also enjoyed how the author kept secrets from the reader, and how she subtly revealed key moments, which turn out to be HUGE!  I really can’t summarize this book without giving anything away, but know that this is one of the best books I have read all year.

Since I am not going to summarize the book, I wanted to give you a sample of what is in store for you when you read this.

If I had to do it all over again, I would not have chosen this life. Then again, I’m not sure I ever had a choice.

These were my thoughts as I raced away from the market, with a stolen roast under my arm.

I’d never attempted roast thievery before, and I was already regretting it. It happens to be very difficult to hold a chunk of raw meat while running. More slippery than I’d anticipated. If the butcher didn’t catch me with his cleaver first, and literally cut off my future plans, I vowed to remember to get the meat wrapped next time. Then steal it. (The False Prince, page 1)

5 of out 5 stars.  This is an amazing book that cannot be missed. I loved it and it can be enjoyed by young readers and adults.

The False Prince has also been nominated for 2012 Whitney Award.  Congratulations Jennifer.

Shanda’s Review

I knew that I would be giving The False Prince five stars within the first three paragraphs. I loved everything about this book. I devoured it in one day, savoring every word on every page. After I finished reading it I carried the book around with me, not quite ready to let go of the story yet.

So many times I thought I understood who did what and where the story was going, but I was wrong. I loved Mott and hated Conner. I laughed out loud and fumed with anger. I experienced disgust and disappointment and loyalty and triumph.

Sage is the most clever, infuriating, stubborn, independent, and contradicting character I’ve read in a long time. Maybe ever. He’s a talented thief, a protector and respecter of women, an orphaned young man with nothing to lose and no allies. When he finds himself swept up in a plot to place an impostor prince on the throne, he faces a simple choice: be the one Conner chooses as prince or die.

It is difficult to discuss in detail all of the reasons why I loved this book without giving things away. I look forward to re-reading The False Prince just as much as I do reading the next book in the series. I almost started reading it again as soon as I had finished my first time through.

I have heard so many good things about The False Prince in the months since its release earlier this year. My only regret is that I didn’t read it sooner. I eagerly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story and give The False Prince an enthusiastic 5 stars.

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

Author Links

Website
Facebook Page
Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

 

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Nov 282012
 

To Win Her Heart

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Publisher: Bethany House

Published Date: May 2011

Softcover; 347 pages

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

ISBN13: 9780764207570

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: borrowed from my local library

Summary

Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father’s knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets…

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town’s new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Levi’s renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she’s finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian’s affections?

Opening Lines

“After two years, they’d finally cut him loose. Gave him a new suit of clothes and everything. Funny, though. The shame of the convict stripes still clung to him, as if tattooed horizontally across his skin.”

Review

I’m a sucker for historical romance. When I see books like this on my library shelf, I can’t resist picking them up. To Win Her Heart is like a lot of other Christian historical romance I’ve read, which is good because I enjoy most Christian historical romance, the exception being those that preach the reader to death. This book was not overly preachy at all, with simple messages of repentance, forgiveness and acceptance.

I really liked the hero, Levi. As a youth he struggled with a lisp and was teased a lot, leading to fights in the schoolyard. As an adult, he abandoned working with his father and brother as blacksmiths and became a prize fighter, enjoying the fame, popularity and money that came with it. That is until he unintentionally killed his opponent with a solid blow, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to two years in prison.

When Levi is released he heads for Spencer, Texas, to work as a blacksmith and try to get back on his feet. He works to establish his place in the community before the townspeople inevitably learn about his past, hoping that will help them be more accepting of him when the truth comes out.

Eden Spencer’s father owns most of the town. She has such a large collection of books that she opens her personal library up to the town and lets them check books out to read. She loves pressing flowers and creating artwork with them as well as reading to the town’s children every week. When she meets Levi, her first impression is that he is slow, due to his hesitant speech.

As she listens to him speak and use certain words only an intelligent, well-read man would use, she starts paying attention and realizes he’s avoiding certain sounds. Soon she and Levi are exchanging letters, using the excuse of “borrowed” and “returned” library books as a way to pass these letters back and forth to each other secretly.

I found the concept of exchanging letters hidden inside library books even though they saw each other often to be romantic and intimate. Levi was my favorite character. I liked that he envisioned a life with Eden despite feeling unworthy, determined to give things a try and see if she could love him in return.

Eden took a a little while to grow on me. Sometimes she felt like a more mature woman, one who had been practically left at the altar and had gained some worldly wisdom. Other times she seemed more closed-minded and prudish. I liked her more by the end of the book.

I thought the other characters in the book, including Eden’s father, were well-written though the sheriff felt a bit flat to me. I never really believed he was as much of a threat or villain as he could have been. Other than the part he played in the climax, he was more annoying than anything.

Overall I enjoyed To Win Her Heart and look forward to reading more by Kate Witemeyer, particularly Short-Straw Bride. Readers who like clean historical romance will enjoy To Win Her Heart.

Visit Kate Witemeyer online:

GOODREADS | WEBSITE

Find To Win Her Heart:

GOODREADS | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | NOOK

 

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Nov 262012
 

The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns #1)

Author: Rae Carson

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Published Date: September 2011

Hardcover; 424 pages

Genre: YA Fantasy

ISBN# 978-0-06-202648-4

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: borrowed from my local library

Summary

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

Review

The Girl of Fire and Thorns was not quite what I expected. It was even better. I soon found myself swept up in the story of Elisa, the second daughter, princess, and Godstone-bearer who was coddled and ate as many honeyed pastries as she wanted.

The book opens as Elisa is getting ready to be married to King Alejandro from a neighboring kingdom. They have never met and she is nervous about leaving all she has ever known to travel to a strange land. Elisa isn’t sure why she was chosen and not her older, prettier sister. She is self-conscious about her appearance, knows she is inexperienced about what it takes to rule a kingdom and doubts her ability and worthiness to be the first Godstone bearer from her country in over a hundred years.

Over the next several months, Elisa sees and experiences things she could never have imagined. These series of events change her, physically and emotionally, into a young woman of strength, character and confidence. She discovers power within herself she never knew existed, not just in regard to the Godstone, but in her ability to lead others and overcome tragedy.

I really enjoyed The Girl of Fire and Thorns. The characters were memorable, with depth and the ability to change and grow as the story progressed. The story dragged a bit for me in spots, but my interest in how Elisa was evolving and the relationships she was forming with those around her kept me reading.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns is written in first-person present-tense, which I love, though some people have a hard time reading it. I was drawn into what was happening to Elisa, her new kingdom, the war, her discoveries about the Godstone, as well as her relationships with Ximena, Cosme, Humberto and King Alejandro. At one point I was floored by an unexpected event and felt all of the emotion that Elisa was experiencing in the story.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a bit of magic, romance, adventure, suspense, loss, and discovery all woven together to create a memorable story that I can easily recommend to others. I am anxious to read The Crown of Embers, book two in the Fire and Thorns series. If it’s as good as the first, I’ll be adding this series to the top of my shopping list.

Content

Language: not that I can remember, though it’s been a couple of weeks since I finished it

Sex: a few kisses, no detail, no sex

Violence: some violence, it takes place during wartime

Drug Use: none that I recall

Visit Rae Carson online:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Find The Girl of Fire and Thorns:

GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | NOOK

 

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