Emerald City by Alicia K. Leppert – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
Mar 052012
 

Emerald City

Author: Alicia K. Leppert

Publisher: Sweetwater Books/Cedar Fort

Published Date: April 2012

Pages: 320

Genre: Romance

ISBN# 978-1-59955-864-6

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC: ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Book Description:

One city of 600,000 people.
One broken girl.
One mysterious boy.
One fateful night,
Two worlds collide.

Seattle, Washington. The sprawling, industrious city set in a blanket of pine. I have never known a day that wasn’t spent inside this concrete jungle. It’s my home, and for that I love it. But it’s also the setting for the tragedy called my life, and so I loathe it.

I live alone in a cold, empty studio apartment. The tiny square room closely resembles a cell. That’s my life: solitary confinement.

Here, in this desolate place that perfectly reflects my soul, my story begins.

Summary

Olivia Tate has had a tough life. She is barely making it through each day, simply going through the motions, when she overhears unkind words about her. She is in the depths of despair and can see no way out except through a bottle of pills.

When she wakes up in the hospital, the nurse tells her she was saved by her neighbor, a young man with green eyes named Jude. Jude is genuinely kind, yet quiet and incredibly private about his life. Olivia finds herself drawn to Jude, and as they build a friendship she finds that hope and light are returning to her life again.

My Review

I was drawn into Emerald City from page one. While it starts out a little dark I was pulled right into the story of Olivia and the mysterious young man from the next building. If I hadn’t been so tired I would have read straight through the night.

I really liked Jude and was very intrigued by him and his story. While I had a suspicion about the truth behind Jude, it was wanting to know more about him (and see if I was right) that kept me turning pages. Yes, I am purposefully not telling you what it was or if I was right or not. No spoilers here! I appreciated seeing Olivia seek help and recognize her strength and value. She opens up a little to others around her, sees their kindness and even makes a new friend at work.

While Emerald City has a hint of YA feel to it, Olivia is 20 years old, so it fits more in the “new adult” category and will appeal to both mature teens and adults. As far as content goes, I don’t remember any language and there is no sex, though Jude does spend the night often.

I don’t know if Emerald City is part of a series but if it is, I would definitely read the next book.

* * *

Thank you to both Alicia and Cedar Fort for the opportunity to participate in the Emerald City blog tour.

 

 

 

 

 

Read more Emerald City reviews: BLOG TOUR CALENDAR

Pre-order on AMAZON

Connect with Alicia: WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Connect with Cedar Fort: BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

 

 

 

Blog Tour Review of A Woman’s Power: Threads That Bind Us To God

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Mar 012012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: A Woman’s Power: Threads That Bind Us to God
  • Author: Faye A. Klinger
  • Hardcover: 144 pages
  • Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (March 13, 2012)
  • Genre: Non- Fiction/Religious(LDS)
  • ISBN-10: 1462110290
  • ISBN-13: 978-14621102
  • FTC:FYI: PDF Review Copy

 

 

Book Description:

For any woman who’s ever felt like she’s hanging on by a single thread, this inspiring book reveals the truth: you’re surroundedby threads of strength and power that can bring you safety, peace, and lasting happiness. All you have to do is grab hold of them. Uplifting and empowering, this book offers women everywhere a message of hope.


My Review:

This was a book I needed to read right at this time of my life. So many times, things happen that make you feel so powerless. This book helps you realize that you do have the power inside of you to change your life, with the Lord’s help. 

 

Faye Klingler also helps you understand how strong you really are, and to just keep trying.

“It is amazing how much more we can handle than we believe we can. Honestly, we have tremendous reserves we’re not even aware of. Our creative abilities will grow as we recognize new avenues to achieve our ambitions. We can reevaluate where we’re headed and how we want to get there. Determine where we are now. What went right? What went wrong? Why? Pat ourselves on the back for trying. We can then begin to feel a sense of satisfaction not just for those workable parts that go well and are accomplished, but for the times we tried, even if it didn’t work. The act of trying, or the act of getting back up and trying again, is an accomplishment to be applauded.”

There were so many moments, while reading A Woman’s Power, that I wanted to stand up and cheer.There were also many “A-hah” moments too. Such as this one…

As in any loving relationship, communication is available between Heavenly Father and His daughters. He knows what we are doing, what we are feeling, and what we are thinking. And He expects us to reason things out and decide our own path. The beauty of it is that with the gift of choice comes divine guidance just for the asking. Well, no, not always “just for the asking.” After all, what kind of parent would give his child everything he or she asked for, especially if the parent knew it wouldn’t be in the best interest of the child (or in the best interest of those associated with the child)? ”

I truly have never looked at it that way before, but when Fay wrote it from a parent’s perspective, I could understand that! I have had to make that decision many times as a parent. Our loving Heavenly Parent does love us and knows us better than we know ourselves. 

A Woman’s Power has so many important messages in one tiny book. Here are some of the chapter titles:

-Identity

-Prayer

-Awareness

-Obedience

-Goal Setting

-Patience

This book will be one that I will keep close by and refer to often. It helped me remember who I am, and the potential that lies within me. It also encourages you to develop an even closer relationship with your Father in Heaven. You can feel the love that was put into writing this book. There is also a sense of peace you feel after reading A Woman’s Power. I hope that you will also want to read this book, and seek after the power that is within you.


Faye is offering something very beautiful to those who purchase five or more of her books. Here are the details:


“During book launch week (March 13th through March 20th) I am offering
something special for quantity orders. Any one person who attends the
signing and can show me proof of purchase for five or more books will
receive a framed 8 X 10 piece of embroidery .
If you are not able to attend the signing and can e-mail to me proof of
purchase of five or more books, I will ship to the purchaser a
complimentary copy of either Shattered: Six Steps from Betrayal to
Recovery or The LDS Grandparents’ Idea Book.

At the book launch signing, there will also be two drawings
for complimentary copies of 8 X 10 prints of Elizabeth Stanley’s
beautiful artwork “Daughter of God” (http://www.elizabethjrstanley.com/prints.htm).”

Anyone who wants to vie for a free copy of, A Woman’s Power: Threads that Bind Us to God, should go to Goodreads and enter. You don’t have to buy anything, just sign up. Here is the link http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/tag/women. The last day of the free giveaway is March 6th.

A Woman’s Power, a beautifully designed hardbound book, is a marvelous
gift for women of all ages—young and not-so-young. The book can be purchased at Deseret Book, Seagull Book, and other LDS retailers. The book can be ordered online
from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. A Woman’s Power will also be made
available for e-readers.

Check out the other blogs on the blog tour. 

February 28th, Tuesday—“Great Minds Think Aloud”www.greatmindsliterarycommunity.com
I will have a personal guest post at this blog stop that day.
February 28th, Tuesday—“Connections with Christy” http://christymonson.blogspot.com
Book review
February 29th, Wednesday—“I Am a Reader, Not a Writer”http://www.iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/
Author interview and book giveaway
March 1st, Thursday—“Bonnie Gets a Say” www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com
Author interview, book review, and book giveaway
March 2nd, Friday—“Why not? Because I said so!”http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
Book review
March 2nd, Friday—“LDS Women’s Book Review”http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/
Book review
March 3rd, Saturday—“Babs Book Bistro” www.babsbookbistro.net/blog
Book review
March 5th, Monday—“Renae’s Writespot” http://renaeswritespot.blogspot.com
Book review
March 5th, Monday—“Thrilled by the Thought” www.thrilledbythethought.com
Book review
March 6th, Tuesday—“Writer in the Pines” http://marshaward.blogspot.com
Book review
March 7th, Wednesday—“Weaving a Tale or Two” http://weavingataleortwo.blogspot.com
Book review
March 8th, Thursday—“J. Lloyd Morgan” www.jlloydmorgan.blogspot.com
Book review
March 9th, Friday—“Queen of the Clan” www.queenoftheclan.com
Book review and book PDF giveaway
March 9th, Friday—“The Character Connection”www.thecharacterconnection.blogspot.com
Personal guest post
March 10th, Saturday—“Cheryl’s Book Nook” http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com
Book review
March 12, Monday—“A Writer’s Ramblings” http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com
Book review
March 12, Monday—“Star Crossed” www.starcrossedbookreviews.blogspot.com
Book review
March 13, Tuesday—“Bookworm Lisa” http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com
Book review
March 13, Tuesday—“Mormon Moms” http://mormonmomswhoblog.blogspot.com/
Book review
March 14, Wednesday—“Good Family Reads” www.familyreads.blogspot.com
Personal guest post and book review
March 14, Wednesday—“Inklings” www.margothovley.com
Book review
March 15th, Thursday—“families.com” http://lds.families.com/blog/
Book review
March 16th, Friday—“BooksRUs”  www.booksrusonline.com
Book review
March 16th, Friday—“A Writer’s Reality” http://melissajcunningham.blogspot.com

Book review

About the Author:

Fay A. Klingler is a wife, mother and grandmother as well as a published author. She and her husband, Larry, live in Sandy, Utah. They are the parents of a blended family of twelve children, and sixteen grandchildren.

To learn more about Fay and her books, here are some helpful links…

http://www.fayklingler.com

http://www.facebook.com/FayKlingler  

http://www.cedarfortbooks.com

 

 

 

 

Blog Tour Review of Targets in Ties by Tristi Pinkston

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Feb 242012
 


Product Details:

  • Title: Targets In Ties
  • Author: Tristi Pinkston
  • Paperback: 258 pages
  • Publisher: Walnut Springs Press. (January 30, 2012)
  • Genre: Mystery
  • ISBN-10: 1599928078
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599928074

 

 

Book Description:

Series: Secret Sisters Mystery
After two long years, Ren’s mission is finally over, and
it’s time for Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy to travel to Mexico to pick
him up. They have their itinerary all planned out visiting the ruins in
the Yucatan, shopping, playing in the sand and surf and then they’ll
head to Ren’s mission home and be reunited with that dear boy. But a
wanted antiquities thief crosses their path, and soon the ladies find
themselves tangled up in a web of lies, intrigue, and costly jewelry.
Held hostage by men desperate for riches, they do what only they can do
keep their heads about them, plan their escape, and discuss the proper
making of tortillas. Will they survive their most harrowing adventure
yet?
My Review:
Is it possible for The Secret Sisters Mysteries to get even better than the last one? I am here to say, “Yes!” Targets in Ties, by Tristi Pinkston, had more laugh out loud moments than the last book. Of course life is never “normal”, when your name is Ida Mae, and trouble follows you wherever you go.
Ida Mae, Tansy and Arlette are touring through Mexico with a jewel thief on their tails. They
are in Mexico for some R&R and to pick up Ida Mae’s nephew, Ren, who has been on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. Of course, they end up in trouble sooner, rather than later. Targets in Ties once again makes you snicker and chuckle your way page after page. For example…
“He could very well be telling the truth, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we have to help him,” Arlette said, “We could let him work this out on his own.”
“When have we ever let someone work things out on their own?” Tansy demanded to know.
Arlette nodded. “You’re right. We aren’t very good at staying out of other people’s business. But maybe we should start now!”
That passage had me laughing so hard, while sitting in a quiet DR’s office; quiet, all except for me, who was cracking up disturbing others peace. I couldn’t help myself!! I also couldn’t hold back during a conversation between Ida Mae and Tansy…
“Ida Mae shuddered. “We’ve never been this close to danger before.” She tried to process it.
“We’ve been locked in closets and sheds, and injected with stuff, but…this is different. That person meant to kill someone today.”
Tansy shook her head. “They should take people like that and put them in leprechaun colonies.”
Ida Mae blinked. “What?”
“You know how they take all of the leprechauns and make them live far away from the villages, where they can’t be seen? Well, they should hunt down whoever shot at us and do the same thing to them.”
“I think you mean leper colonies.” Ida Mae said.
“It’s all the same thing, isn’t it?”
“Not exactly, but I do understand your sentiment.”
That whole conversation was side splitting to me! In my mind I could see all of the leprechauns rounded up and sent away. Tristi’s writing always brings out some emotion, especially that it makes me happy. I feel lucky to have her books to read.
 
Targets in Ties is cleverly written, full of mystery,with a great plot, and of course, the three elderly ladies who know how to kick fanny, in their own bumbling, but delightful way! This is why Target in Ties receives  5 stars from me.
You Can Win This!
Leave a comment on this blog post, and go visit Tristi’s blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com
and become a follower.  You will then be entered to win this fun scrapbooking pack, including paper, tags, two decals, and metal tag frames. You have until midnight Mountain time on March 3rd to enter to win.

More About the Author:

Tristi Pinkston is the author of seven published novels – “Nothing to
Regret,” “Strength to Endure,” “Season of Sacrifice,” “Agent in Old Lace,” “Secret Sisters,” “Dearly Departed,”  and “Hang’ Em High”. She also works as a freelance editor and online writing instructor. When she’s not writing,editing, or homeschooling her children, she enjoys reading, watching good movies, and taking really long naps. 

 

Purchase your copy of Targets in Ties, or start with Secret Sisters, then Dearly Departed, and Hang ‘Em High.
Learn more about Tristi Pinkston and her work as an author, editor, and blogger. Learn more about the publisher, Walnut Springs Press.

**I want to thank Walnut Springs Press for the review copy of Target in Ties. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.** 

 

 

Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island by Steve Westover – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 222012
 

 Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island

Author: Steve Westover

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: March 13, 2012

Hardcover: 256 pages

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

Genre: Middle grade fiction

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary:  While visiting his crazy Uncle Bart at Crater Lake National Park, thirteen-year-old Ethan’s world collapses when all the adults at Crater Lake disappear, including his parents. Now Ethan must rally his new friends and decipher the legends of Crater Lake to find the key to rescuing his parents from their earthen prison before he’s captured too and their captivity becomes permanent.

Ethan is visiting Crater Lake with his parents and sister.  After they get the “rules” and story about the legend of Crater Lake from “crazy” Uncle Bart, they decide to go on a walk along the trails.  A young couple, a boy scout troop, and another family with a daughter Ethan thinks is pretty, are doing the same thing. Suddenly vines trap the young couple, make them disappear, and the ground sucks up Ethan’s and Allie’s parents.  Leaving all the kids younger then 16 alone.  Including two of the boys, Jacob and Brady, from the boy scout troop.  After, they are approached by Che-tan a magical being who tells them he needs their help to keep an ancient, evil spirit captive.  He also can help them free their parents and the other’s trapped.

I really enjoyed this book.  It is a great adventure story that I can suggest to my daughters without any hesitation.  I also think adults will like this as much as I did.  I loved how the kids work together.  Jacob was a favorite.  Always thinking quickly to help in tough situations.  There are a lot of twists and turns everyone will enjoy.

4 out of 5 stars. Learn more about the author here.  This book will be available soon!

BARNES AND NOBLE / AMAZON

 

 

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.

Delivering Hope by Jennifer Ann Holt – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
Feb 062012
 

Delivering Hope

Author: Jennifer Ann Holt

Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: February 8, 2012

Softcover; 224 pages

Genre: General Fiction

ISBN#: 9781599559025

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Backcover:

Olivia Spencer wants to be a mom more than anything else in the whole world, but years of infertility have wounded her soul and placed a strain on her marriage to Michael. Now, Olivia finds herself wondering if the life she has built will even survive.

Allison Campbell is a recent high school graduate who discovers that a moment of excitement has led to an unplanned pregnancy and an overwhelming heartache. As the lives of these two women touch, we see that deep love can pave the way for sacrifice, and we all learn the true source of hope and healing.

Review

Author Jennifer Holt draws on personal experience to add emotion and perspective to both sides of the adoption process in her debut novel, Delivering Hope. The first section of the book pulls the reader into the anticipation and then ultimate heartbreak of Olivia, who wants more than anything to have a child, and her husband, Michael, who worries he is losing his happy, loving wife to the bitterness of infertility.

In the second section of the book we meet Allison, a good, intelligent LDS high school graduate with a scholarship and plans for the future. She makes a poor choice after a graduation party and learns that every wrong choice has consequences, in this case, a pregnancy. The father wants nothing to do with the baby, and Allison soon falls in love with the tiny, innocent life growing inside her. Allison is hard-working with a supportive family and she is looking forward to raising her daughter. As time goes on, though, Allison realizes she must decide if, as a single mother, she can provide everything her precious baby needs.

While Delivering Hope is more tell than show, I was pulled into the stories of these two families enough that it didn’t really matter to me. I especially felt Allison’s anguish as she tried to decide whether to place for adoption the baby girl she wanted to keep so badly. There was one particular quote that touched me during a scene with Allison and her father:

“When the heartache became almost more than she could bear, her dad squeezed her tighter, and Ally’s heart broke as she realized that her baby would not have the safety of a father’s arms to be held in when she cried.”   -page 118

There are strong themes of turning to the Savior, repentance, forgiveness and love running throughout the story that will uplift all readers, and those who have had experiences similar to the characters will particularly enjoy Delivering Hope.

Delivering Hope Contest

Jennifer will be giving away a signed copy of the book to two individuals, and a signed bookmark and Delivering Hope magnet to five individuals. There will be several ways to enter, and you can enter using one or all of the ways.

1. Become a follower of Jennifer’s blog: www.jenshopefulwriting.blogspot.com and leave a comment letting her know you stopped by!

2. “Like” the Delivering Hope facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/DeliveringHopeNovel

3. Watch the book trailer: www.bit.ly/peCixw and post a comment on the Facebook page telling what you liked about it.

The winners will be randomly chosen at the conclusion of the blog tour and posted on both Jennifer’s blog and the Facebook fan page by 10:00 am on Saturday, February 11th.

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