Oct 142013
 

ConsidertheBlessings_detailConsider the Blessings: True Accounts of God’s Hand in Our Lives

Author: Thomas S. Monson

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: September 2013

Hardcover/Kindle/Nook/DB Bookshelf: 160 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-716-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Summary

If you ask people what they love most about President Thomas S. Monson’s teaching style, chances are they’ll say something about the personal experiences he relates. The accounts President Monson shares are always true, taken from his own life or the real lives of other people. Those warm, memorable accounts have truly become a hallmark of his messages.

Who can forget the woman who saved one of the two sticks of gum Elder Monson passed out to youth in postwar Germany? Or the neighbor who returned a box of baseballs to young Tommy as a thank-you for his kindness to her? Or the father who declined to attend a “Mormon” meeting with his family but had his heart softened by a message he heard on a radio that was actually broken?

In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of his call as an Apostle, Consider the Blessings presents fifty of the true accounts President Thomas S. Monson has shared over the years. With beautiful photographs and heart-touching content, this is a book to treasure with the whole family.

 Review

In honor of the 50th anniversary of President Thomas S. Monson’s call to apostleship, Deseret Book has released Consider the Blessings, a compilation of 50 true stories shared by President Monson throughout the years.

I have heard President Monson share some of these stories previously, but many I had not. Some are simple, based on service to others. Some are miraculous, amazing answers to prayers. There are lovely and relevant photos throughout the book. Each story is short, anywhere from one to four pages long. I’ve listed three of my favorites below:

  • “You Are Our Brothers and Sisters” (page 7): This is an excellent and moving example of loving our fellowman beyond boundaries, both physical and religious. 
  • “No More Strangers” (page 81): I love the way these Italian members distinguished new members, ensuring they would be recognized and fellowshipped.
  • “You’re My Primary Boy” (page 135): Another example of the loving service President Monson excels at giving that has touched and inspired me.

Consider the Blessings is available as a jacketed hardcover, perfect as a gift or for use in Family Home Evenings, as well as in ebook format. I will be referring back to several of these stories in the future, and look forward to sharing them with my children.

Find Consider the Blessings:

DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | DB BOOKSHELF | KINDLE | NOOK | GOODREADS

 

Oct 112013
 

 

 

Product Details

  • Title: Blog This
  • Author: Cami Checketts
  • Paperback: 326 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 21, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1492322504
  • FTC -FYI: I received  a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review

 

 

 

 

 

Book Description:
Will protecting children throughout the world cost Natasha her own family?
Devastated by the loss of her brother, Natasha Senecot works to expose the dangers of Matthew Chrysler’s violent video games, succeeding in bankrupting and humiliating him.
Chrysler retaliates and sends a hit man after her. Natasha is forced to fake her own death to protect her children, but after witnessing another tragedy, Natasha won’t hide any longer.
In a race against time, can Natasha expose Matthew Chrysler before his assassin murders her family and shatters her world?

Excerpt from Blog This:

 

 

His gaze locked on hers. His eyes were so cold. A chill wind swept over her, but the branches on the trees didn’t move.

 

“Can I help you?” She clutched her gloved fingers to stop the trembling.

 

His eyes darkened. His lips stayed in a tight line.

 

“Did you, um, get lost?” Natasha forced an unsteady laugh and arched her eyebrows. “Easy to do in a town of less than three thousand people.” He didn’t crack a smile so she released her own, pointed toward the front yard, and stiffly recited driving directions. “Highway 89 is less than a mile east of here. The fastest route is to drive straight out of the neighborhood and then take two-hundred s-s…”

 

His right arm rose—a black pistol molded to his palm. Heart thudding, Natasha’s voice sputtered and died. She raised her hands and backed up a few steps. Her gaze darted to Jace and Lily.

 

“Mom!” Jace pulled Lily against his side.

 

Natasha felt colder than the snow clinging to her boots. The only lucid thought she had was the overwhelming need to protect Jace and Lily. I have to say something, do something. “Please, please don’t hurt us.”

 

The lines in his face hardened, anger seeping from his dark gaze. The hand holding the gun remained steady.

 

Natasha’s mind raced, trying to comprehend a man pointing a gun at her with Jace and Lily feet away. Was there any way to keep them safe?

 

“Look,” she began, her voice trembling on each word, “I-I’ve got some cash in the house. I can give you my credit card and the pin numbers for my debit card. The credit card has a hundred-thousand dollar limit.” It was a lie, but might buy her children’s safety.

 

He shook his head. “I’m not after your money.” His voice was barely above a rough whisper.

 

Then why are you here? She cast a nervous glance at her children. Jace clung to Lily, watching his mother bargain for their lives. What else could she do to protect them? Why was this guy pointing a gun at her?

 

Suddenly, the latest e-mail threats played through her mind.

 

Stop your blog or I will send someone to stop it.

 

Is any cause worth dying for?

 

The corner of the man’s lip quivered. His voice dropped. “I am sorry.”

 

Blinking to clear her vision, Natasha wondered if she’d heard him correctly. “Sorry?”

 

No. She shook her head. Oh, no. Realization came like a moldy dishrag snapped in her face. He was here to fulfill the threats. His apology. That brief flicker of regret in his eyes. This man had been sent by Matthew Chrysler to kill her.

 

“I’ll stop the blog.”

 

He shook his head once. “It’s too late.”

 

 

 My Review:
Blog This doesn’t mess around when it comes to the action from the get-go. I wasn’t quite expecting that, but what a way to start with a bang…literally! When single Mom, Natasha Senecot, is playing with her two children, her fun afternoon is interrupted by an assassin. With her strong views about violent video games on her blog, she has made a ruthless enemy of a video game maker tycoon. Now he wants Natasha stopped. You actually feel the same level of panic as Natasha does while she is being stalked in her own home by Alex, the assassin.There are so many creepy things that happen, that it’s better to read this book during the day than at night.

I could relate so well to the feelings of Natasha, as a mother who would do anything to protect her children. Poor Natasha is also dealing with her feelings for her handsome ex-husband and the rugged and charming detective investigating the case.

Blog This is so suspenseful that you will be questioning every person who comes in contact with Natasha, except her kids and her father. You will go back and forth throughout the book until the end. This has to be one of my favorite books that Cami Checketts has ever written. You will want to put this one down on your to-read list today. 

Go check out the great price on Blog This for your Kindle that you can get right now at Amazon.
 
Praise for Blog This:
From the very first chapter, Blog This grabs your gut and your heart with surprising action and touching moments. Cami Checketts blends suspense, humor, and good clean romance into a story that will stick with you.
Daniel Coleman, Author of Gifts and Consequences

Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Have read all of Cami’s books but Blog This is on the top of my list. Read it twice and enjoyed it just as much the second time. Just when you think you know what is going to happen you’re led into a different direction. Had a hard time putting the book down and was anxious to see how it was going to end.
Elsa Akinason

Blog This will be $2.99 during the blog tour – September 30th – October 16th. Click here to purchase or read the first few chapters.

 

 

 

About the author

 

Cami is a part-time author, part-time exercise consultant, part-time housekeeper, full-time wife, and overtime mother of four adorable boys. Sleep and relaxation are fond memories. She’s never been happier.

 

Please refer to her website – http://www.camichecketts.com for more information about her books. 

 

 

 

Oct 042013
 

 

 

 
 Product Details:

Title: Awakening
Author: Christy Dorrity
Series: The Geis
Genre: YA fantasy
Published Date: Sept 19, 2013

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

 
About the Book

. . . because some Celtic stories won’t be contained in myth.

A little magic has always run in sixteen-year-old McKayla McCleery’s family—at least that’s what she’s been told. McKayla’s eccentric Aunt Avril travels the world as a psychic for the FBI, and her mother can make amazing delicacies out of the most basic of ingredients. But McKayla doesn’t think for a second that the magic is real—it’s just good storytelling. Besides, McKayla doesn’t need magic. She recently moved to beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming, and already she has a best friend, a solo in her upcoming ballet recital—and the gorgeous guy in her physics class keeps looking her way.


When an unexpected fascination with Irish dance leads McKayla to seek instruction from the mute, crippled janitor at her high school, she learns that her family is not the only one with unexplained abilities. After Aunt Avril comes to Star Valley in pursuit of a supernatural killer, people begin disappearing, and the lives of those McKayla holds most dear are threatened.

When the janitor reveals that an ancient curse, known as a geis, has awakened deadly powers that defy explanation, McKayla is forced to come to terms with what is real and what is fantasy. A thrilling debut novel based in Celtic mythology, Awakening is a gripping young adult fantasy rife with magic, romance, and mystery.

My Review:
First off, I just loved the cover the first time I looked at it. It truly grabs your attention! Christy’s husband designed it and he did a fabulous job.

Awakening has a fantastic lead character in McKayla. She is a very bright and bold character. Her love of dance in this novel is almost contagious. Her feelings were written so clearly that you experienced everything with her. I wanted so much for things to work out for her as she was going through so many hard things. 

The most outstanding character would have to be crazy Aunt Avril. I loved her! She was everything that McKayla needed in her life right now. She is one of the most colorful characters I have read in a long time! I also thought the mysterious and sometimes strange janitor, was a wonderful addition to this book.

One thing I loved about this book is how it starts out as just a normal book about a teen girl. Then it becomes a murder mystery, and then the paranormal comes into play. It truly has something for readers in all genres. Awakening has great action scenes and very heart warming scenes too. I love the addition of the Celtic Mythology to the story and the Irish Dancing. I wish I could dance! The author also is an Irish Dancer. This was evident from the great descriptive writing about McKayla’s very emotional dancing scenes. 

The most amazing thing that will blow readers away after reading Awakening, is knowing that this is Christy’s debut novel! It does not feel like a first novel. Her writing is smooth, characters are rich,and the storyline and plot are full and engaging.  

I’m very excited to see what comes next for all of these characters. You will be hooked and wanting to read more. If you like to read YA paranormal fiction, with a lot of mystery and some romance thrown in, Awakening will keep you in your seat reading until the very end.
 



Awakening (The Geis, #1)

Praise for Awakening

“AWAKENING is a wonder and a delight. Christy Dorrity is a talent to watch.”
~David Farland, New York Times bestselling author of Nightingale

“I thoroughly enjoyed AWAKENING, a captivating and unique debut novel that creatively integrates Irish dance.”
~ CHRIS NAISH, Riverdance member and Creative Director of Fusion Fighters Irish dancers.

 

About the Author:

Christy Dorrity lives in the mountains with her husband, five children, and a cocker spaniel. She grew up on a trout ranch in Star Valley, Wyoming, and is the author of The Geis series for young adults, and The Book Blogger’s Cookbooks. Christy is a champion Irish dancer and when she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.

 

Purchase Awakening by Christy Dorrity:

 

 

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Sep 282013
 

 

 

Product Description:
Title: NOTHING NAMED SILAS
Author:STEVE WESTOVER
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Series: Fantasy series
Source: Received a review Kindle copy in exchange for an honest review.

  • Hardcover: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (September 10, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1462111653
  • ISBN-13: 978-1462111657

Book Description:

“You are here because the Citizens put you here to serve them and because the Regents choose to control your lives.”

 

 

In the not-so-distant future, workers are forcibly drafted into their fields. With all their choices made for them, the workers must do what they’re told or face severe consequences. When Labor chooses Silas, the tyrannical Labor Regent is determined to make him a public example of her complete control. He is humiliated, manipulated, and isolated during his first week under the Shield, and the people who show him kindness only help him because they have ulterior motives.

 

But the Regent is not the only one pulling Silas’s strings. The mysterious Gideon wants to mold him into a hero, a champion of the oppressed people. And a strange girl seems to be guiding him to find out more about the Citizens they serve. Through it all, no one bothers to ask Silas what he wants to do. Because, after all, he doesn’t have any rights. He doesn’t really exist.

 

Wade through twisted government conspiracies and deeply buried secrets alongside Silas as he learns to choose for himself—and discovers the cost of freedom.

 

 

My Review:  

 

This Dystopian novel is one that really shook me up. There is a lot of deep thinking going on for the reader. We first meet 16 year old Silas who is running the race of a lifetime-literally. The outcome of this race will determine “who” he becomes and what society he will live in. He was trained to be part of the “Command” society and be a leader. The race ends badly for him and he ends up in the lowest society possible, “Labor”. Once there, he is in for a world of degradation and humiliation. He is constantly tested physically, mentally, and emotionally. Silas is always wondering who he should trust, and for good reasons. Two different “groups” of people want him to work for them and both have their own motives at play. There is definitely a political undertone found in this novel. There is a slight love interest here, but it has more action and suspense than some of the other dystopian novels out there today.

 

 

Though this book is listed as a YA (young adult) book, I highly recommend that only teens over the age of 16+ read this novel, along with adults.  Some of the scenes may be too harsh for anyone younger, due to some violence and methods of degradation. This book is very well written and will bring out many emotions in the reader. I know it did exactly that for me. Some of the things that happened stunned me, but also made me look at life differently. If you are looking for an action packed and thought provoking book, A Nothing Named Silas will fully satisfy you.

Purchase this book HERE.

 

 

 

 

Meet the Author:


Steve Westover lives in a small Midwestern town with his wife and four kids. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Political Science and currently works in banking.

 

Steve also has a middle-grade fantasy series with two books released to date: Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island (March 2012) and Crater Lake: Return of the Mystic Gray (Apr. 2013). Steve has also published two FBI thrillers: Defensive Tactics (Aug. 2010) and the sequel, Gold Clash (Dec. 2012). To learn more about Steve, visit his website, www.stevewestover.com.
Sep 262013
 
rocky road

 

 

Rocky RoadProduct Details

 

  • Title: Rocky Road
  • Author: Josi S. Kilpack
  • Series: Culinary Mysteries
  • Paperback: 356 pages
  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain (September 10, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1609075935
  • FTC, FYI: I was given a review PDF copy in exchange for an honest review. 

 

 

 
 Book Description
THE ST. GEORGE SPECTRUM: “Dr. Trenton Hendricks was last seen Friday, April 8, when he set out alone on a backpacking trip. Hendricks’s Jeep Grand Cherokee was located Tuesday at the Chuckwalla Trailhead, but after six days and thousands of man-hours, the official search has been called off. He is presumed to be deceased.” It was supposed to be a girls’ weekend in scenic St. George, Utah, that would include shopping, trying out the local cuisine, and participating in a breast cancer fund-raiser. The fact that one of the organizers of the fund-raising event, a local doctor, had disappeared two months before was not supposed to be Sadie’s problem. When Sadie learns that her friend Caro and Caro’s cousin, Tess, have started a grassroots investigation into Dr. Hendricks’s disappearance, Sadie graciously refused to be a part of it. With her wedding to plan and her most recent case still fresh in her mind, Sadie is determined to leave this case to the police–until she meets the ex-wife of the missing man. How could she not ask a few questions . . . that lead to more questions . . . that lead to a small town and even more questions! When the local police ask her to be their eyes and ears, Sadie can’t help but jump in with both feet. Before she knows it, she is on the rocky road of another investigation, following a convoluted trail of good intentions, hidden motivations, and philanthropy turned big business.

 Excerpt from Rocky Road:

“Sadie’s been in here questioning her the whole time.” She pointed at Lori for emphasis and Sadie felt her face heating up in reaction to the accusation.

 

“Questioning me?” Lori looked at Sadie again.

 

“I was not questioning her,” Sadie explained while glancing between them, “we were just . . . talking.”

 

“About Dr. H,” Tess said accusingly.

 

“Well, yeah, and other things, but –”

 

“Wait.” Lori put up her hand, looking somewhat cornered. They all went quiet. “What are you talking about?”

 

“Sadie’s an investigator, didn’t she tell you that?”

 

Sadie didn’t know what to say. Tess was making Sadie look like she’d been deceptive, which she hadn’t been. The conversation had just . . . evolved of its own accord. Okay, maybe she’d guided it a little bit but there was so much more to it than that and she felt cheapened by the way Tess was pouncing on this circumstances she wasn’t even trying to understand.

 

 My Review

I have read the first nine books in the series, and I have really liked all of them. Main character Sadie Hoffmiller is someone I could be good friends with. After reading all of the books in the series, you do feel like you are back with an old friend.

In Rocky Road, Sadie is a more restrained Sadie than we have ever seen before. It isn’t too long after her adventure in Alaska and becoming engaged. Speaking  of that, I truly missed the hunky, strong and silent type, Pete Cunningham in this story. I kept thinking he would show up, but he never did. I can’t wait for the next book when he will return. Sadie was on her own, and performed her super sleuthing ways quite well. Sadie does have the help of her friend Caro(who wasn’t too bad with her own investigative skills) and a new policeman, Officer Nielson, who shows a lot of faith and confidence in Sadie. I really liked this new male character. Tess, Caro’s cousin, she wasn’t to my liking and seemed very immature.

The action is toned down in this book, but the mind games are there aplenty. There are also twists and turns that will continually lead you astray, just when you think you have figured things out, surprise you’re wrong! The recipes in this book are off the charts, including the barbacoa pork salad that I love from Cafe Rio.  

As I’ve said before about this series, many of these books can be read alone, but I STRONGLY suggest you read the others first in the order written. You will understand Sadie better and how she ticks. I love this series and I’m always excited when the next one will be coming out. 

This book has more Christian themes than other Sadie books, and some violence, but nothing graphic. Rocky Road will take you on another fun ride, where a more sensible and confident Sadie takes the wheel  steering the way to another exciting read.

   

Author Josi S. Kilpack 

Born and raised in Salt Lake City Utah, I met my husband in high-school–well, he wasn’t my husband then, just the cute guy in weight training with the permed mullet–and we married in 1993. I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child and have gone on to publish 20 novels, the most recent being part of The Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, children, and cat.  

 

Read the other books in the series: 

 

Culinary Mysteries by Josi Kilpack

 

culinary mysteries

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/6/13   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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    
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Sep 242013
 

marriage101Marriage 101 for Men: Why Taking Out the Trash is a Turn-On

Author: Sherri Mills

Publisher: Plain Sight/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: May 2013

Paperback/Kindle: 176 pages

Genre: Marriage Help/Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1462112098

Reviewed by: Shanda and Marlow (Shanda’s husband)

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

Summary

Develop a game plan for reaching that surprisingly elusive, permanent win-win solution for both you and your wife: increased intimacy and a great life together. It starts with realizing “help” isn’t helpful and challenges you to defuse the ticking time bomb of your wife having “to do it all.” By following the principles taught in the book, couples will gain more time for love and an added respect on both sides.

Marlow’s Review

My wife and I recently celebrated our 17th anniversary. I feel like we have always had a good relationship and that we communicate pretty well with each other. After reading this book, I have a greater understanding of what she has been trying to tell me for the last 17 years. How I wished I could have read this book back then! Our relationship certainly is not in the desperate state of those documented in the book, but there is always room for improvement.

Being a product of divorced parents, I can see how unresolved hurts and uncommunicated needs can lead to heartbreak. There are several warnings in the book to always be vigilant and watch over your marriage. One chapter details the tragic stories of several men who thought things were going well enough, only to learn the hard way they were not. Read this chapter specifically with an open heart and mind. It very well could be you. Do you think your wife “nags” you to do things? You may already be headed down the path.

The book is easy to read and includes many examples and analogies. My favorite analogy is how she likens rising anger and frustration to a volcano: everything looks calm and composed on the outside, but on the inside is a cauldron of frustration, anger, and resentment. Only shared shouldering of household responsibilities and completely open communication, in both directions, can prevent this from happening.

After reading this book, you, as a husband, may feel some amount of sorrow from your (possibly unknown) blasé attitude toward your household responsibilities. I know that whatever amount of frustration and sorrow you may have brought your wife, you can bring just as much joy. Step up, be the man that you are (and that your wife knows you are on the inside) and do your part! Your marriage will be stronger, you and your wife will both be happier, and your family will be blessed.

The book is written to men in general, and husbands in particular. It is a quick read with a good balance of useful content blended with real-life examples and stories. This book should be required reading for anyone who is married, who is thinking of getting married, or has an XY chromosome.

Shanda’s Review

Sherri Mills’ listening ear has heard it all over her many years as a salon owner and hair stylist. After watching yet another marriage fail, she decided to take on the enemies of miscommunication and societal “norms” in the fight to save marriages.

Marriage 101 for Men is a continuation of her first book, but geared toward men. I have yet to read I Almost Divorced My Husband, But I Went on Strike Instead, so I don’t know how the information and format compare. This follow-up is simple and straightforward, broken up in to small sections, with Reminder bullet-points at the end of each chapter, perfect for revisiting often.

Sherri doesn’t mince words. She expresses her observations and concerns for her clients in the direct manner that stems from seeing it all and brooking no time for the petty stuff, yet with a concern and care that comes from knowing and serving these people for years.

My favorite chapters were “‘Help’ is a Four-Letter Word” and “Sharing Versus ‘Helping’ End Nagging.” These chapters contain what I consider the crux of Sherri’s message: Men need to stop “helping” and start “owning” their portion of the household jobs, and women need to let go of their “do it all” mentality and communicate their needs to their husbands. When man and wife share the load of householder duties, they both have more time and energy for fun, in more ways than one.

The book goes on to explain how to do this with the use of a printed and signed “Fair Marriage Contract,” clearly stating the expectations and duties that each partner will own and complete. She also includes a copy of the contract, as well as lists with a variety of household jobs for each partner to select as theirs.

While directed toward men, women will benefit from reading this book with their husbands. There was a bit of repetition from chapter to chapter, with some of the same quotes and concepts from earlier sections stated again later in the book. This may not be bad thing, though, since it would be a good idea to revisit certain sections from time to time and some of these good points could be missed.

Both newlywed and not-so-newlywed couples will benefit from reading Marriage 101 for Men and deciding now how to prevent miscommunications and the resentment that forms due to an unbalanced division of labor. My husband and I both look forward to sitting down to negotiate our own “Fair Marriage Contract” and divvy up the household jobs we are willing to own. Though the “no nag” agreement might be difficult at first, I think this is going to be a very good thing.

Visit Sherri Mills:

BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

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