LDS Women's Book Review – Page 11 – Good reads that don't ask you to sacrifice your standards.

Extreme Measures by Michelle Ashman Bell — Blog Tour/Combined Review

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

May 062015

Extreme Measures

Author: Michelle Ashman Bell

Publisher: Covenant Communications

ISBN: 978-1-68047-165-6

Paperback: 181 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy and Sheila

Summary

Following the trauma of her estranged husband’s untimely death, Emma Lowell is happy with the life she has rebuilt for herself. She’s engaged to a wonderful man and anticipates a fresh start, free from her troubled past. Only one persistent obstacle remains: Margaret Lowell, her former mother-in-law. Margaret continues to be a demanding presence in Emma’s life, and her requests have become increasingly disconcerting. When Margaret asks Emma to accompany her on a sentimental journey to the family s mountain cabin, the young woman reluctantly agrees. After all, her fiancé is out of town. No one will miss her. Emma could never have suspected the horror that awaits in the snow-bound cabin, for beneath Margaret Lowell’s elderly façade lies a sinister and terrifying nature and a plot born of insanity. Alarmed by the dark plan that unfolds, Emma struggles to escape the isolated cabin in a chilling game of cat and mouse. As the danger escalates, and with little hope of rescue, Emma must engage in a battle of wills if she is to avoid becoming the final piece in Margaret s twisted puzzle.

Mindy’s Review

I sat down Sunday morning before church expecting to read a few chapters before I got out of bed and ready for my day. Good thing it was Fast Sunday and I have 1:00 church, because I read the entire book in one sitting! Extreme Measures is extremely fast-paced and one crazy ride (and I mean that literally). The whole time I was anxiously turning pages to see what else Margaret would do to poor Emma. What I really loved was Emma’s determination to survive and fight. She was helpless at first, but as she got stronger, she was really able to keep her wits together when all was hope was crumbling around her. I really enjoyed the switch in views when the author would show us Emma’s friends Cassie and Jess desperately seeking information on what happened to Emma. They were able to untangle the web of lies and deceit that Margaret did to get her scheme going. I suspected something early on as to what Margaret’s intentions were with Emma, and what really was going on was even more disturbing than what I thought of. (I’m glad what happened wasn’t what I thought.) Although, there was so much nail-biting suspense, there were some holes that I thought didn’t quite get resolved, or were too convenient. I did think the ending was a perfect way to bring resolution for Emma and her fiance Landon.

4 out of 5 stars.

Sheila’s Review

This new quick read by Michele Ashman Bell will keep your anxiety high, and find you yelling a lot at the main character Emma. I wanted her to think through things better before she did them. Always listen to your first thoughts, because they’re usually right! As Emma is too easily manipulated by her crazy ex mother-in-law, Margaret, you can hardly believe what is unfolding on the pages. Each little thing that happens you want to scream out warnings to Emma. The suspense is elevated chapter by chapter as Margaret does terrifying things to her.

Thank heavens that Emma’s two close friends, Cassie and Jess investigate why their friend is missing and get Emma’s fiancé, who is traveling overseas involved. They had a hard time getting the police to help them at first. Overall, the story ends well, but you will go through many heart pounding, page turning, chilling moments before you read the happy ending.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Impossible Race by Chad Morris

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Apr 202015

The Impossible Race (Cragbridge Hall #3)

Author: Chad Morris

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: March 2015

ISBN13: 9781609079796

Hardcover: 432 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Every year the futuristic school, Cragbridge Hall, holds its most popular tournament–the Hunt: a series of challenges that range throughout the school and require the use of its amazing inventions like its holographic time machine! But this year is different. Rather than a monetary or academic reward, this year’s winner will be the recipient of a carefully guarded school secret: a secret that could prove both powerful and dangerous.

Afraid that the secret may be one of their Grandfather’s inventions, Abby and Derick gather several friends and enroll. But when Derick gets a mysterious message from the future, the team of friends must figure out how to succeed even when they know they are destined to fail. The stakes have never been higher. A page-turning, time-travel adventure that teaches powerful lessons about choice and consequence, believing you can do hard things, and valuing our history.

My Review

I knew this was going to be a fantastic end to a great series, and I was right. I was so excited for this book to come out. Books like these are why I love middle grade. Abby, Derick, and their friends are amazing and Carol still makes me smile. After receiving some news about Derick, the twins and their friends are faced with another impossible task, to win the school’s race to save all the secrets they hold dear. I love how they have to really think their way out of situations and rely on each other, all while figuring out if someone among them has betrayed them. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the end result and I was turning pages as fast as I could to see what would happen next! So many twists and turn and a really fun read. Well done, my friend.

5 of out 5 stars. Another wonderful book from this talented author. If you haven’t read this series yet, definitely start with book 1.

Author Links

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince by Jennifer Moore — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Apr 112015

Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince

Author: Jennifer Moore

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: April 1st, 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-913-1

Paperback: 183 pages

FTC FYI: I received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

1812

Southern belle Meg Burton is her parents’ last hope of avoiding financial ruin, and a distant cousin’s kind gesture seems an ideal solution: he will sponsor Meg for a London Season. The pursuit of a wealthy husband was not exactly how the bookish young woman had envisioned her first trip abroad—after all, what does a girl from Charleston, South Carolina, know about being a lady? Amidst the stunning gowns and extravagant balls of the ton, Meg feels like an imposter. Thankfully, she has one friend who knows her true self—Carlo, a handsome stable hand. Despite their difference in station, love blossoms between the unlikely pair, and Meg is sure of one thing: she wants nothing to do with the insufferable European aristocracy.

Prince Rodrigo de Talavera has lost everything to Napoleon. Jaded by war, he has become bitter and miserable—until he meets Meg, an American woman whose eccentric schemes and passion for life remind him what it is to laugh and to love. If only she knew him for himself and not as Carlo the stable hand. With the shadow of deception looming over their happy acquaintance and the dangers of war drawing ever more near, can Meg and Rodrigo find the courage to put aside their pretenses and discover if they can be loved as they truly are?

My Review

This book is another triumph for Jennifer Moore. I loved it! Meg is a joy. Her character bursts off the page. I loved what went on in her head I especially loved all of her spunk and her adventurous spirit. Carlo/Rodrigo was a great character too. I also enjoyed how Meg and Rodrigo got to know each other and the adventures they had to try to make the other happy. One in particular had me laughing out loud. I truly loved how Meg was her own person, and I loved everything about her. I also liked Meg’s relationship with Serena. I love (sorry, I’m using that word a lot) how Jennifer’s three books intermix. They are their own story, of course, but the characters are familiar, and I was happy learn more about Serena and her family.

5 out of 5 stars. I have loved every word that Jennifer has written so far, and can’t wait to read more.

Author Links

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Seagull Book / Deseret Book

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Heart Revealed by Josi S. Kilpack

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Apr 082015

A Heart Revealed

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: April 7th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781609079901

Paperback: 336 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Amber Marie Sterlington, the Rage of the Season in Regency-era London, has her pick of men, and she knows what she wants most in a husband: a title and a fortune. Why would she ever marry for something as fickle as love? And why would she ever look twice at Thomas Richards, a third son of a country lord?

But when Amber’s social standing is threatened, the character of her future husband becomes far more important than his position. After a public humiliation, she finds herself exiled to Yorkshire. Alone except for her maid, Amber is faced with a future she never expected in a circumstance far below what she has known all her life. Humbled and lonely, Amber begins to wonder if isolation is for the best. Who could ever love her now?

My Review

First off, I want to congratulate Josi on this amazing book. It is already getting rave reviews, and I now that I am finished I can see why! Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, and so on and so on, all agree it is a fabulous book. Way to go, Josi!!

This book was beautiful. The writing was flawless and the characters were strong and developed well. I loved how the author took her time in helping the reader learn to like Amber, because I admit, I didn’t like her at first. I LOVED Suzanne. She was so wonderful. I loved how she was with Amber and how she didn’t take any guff from her, and was brave enough to tell her. I loved how their relationship grew into a treasured friendship. I also loved when Amber was sent to Yorkshire, her friendship/relationship with Thomas took time and I appreciated the fact that Thomas knew some things about her that Amber didn’t know and how they learned to love each other. One of my favorite things happened at the end of the story with Amber’s sister Darra, I was in tears. As the story progressed, my heart broke for Amber, not knowing what was happening to her and learning her new life in her tiny cottage. I loved how she learned to take care of herself and appreciated her friendship and need for Suzanne. I honestly could go on and on, but you will need to read it for yourself, and love it as much as I did.

5 ouf 5 stars! Josi is also the author of the Sadie Hoffmiller culinary mystery series, another favorite of mine. Plus many other novels and novellas. She is amazing, and I am a huge fan of her writing and Josi herself.

Author Links

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Marrying Christopher by Michele Paige Holmes — Cover Reveal

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Apr 072015

Today is the cover reveal for one of my favorite author’s new book! The release date will be in July 2015. Before I get the to the cover, here is a some info on the book.

About Marrying Christopher:
Having seen both his sisters Grace and Helen happily married, Christopher Thatcher is free to pursue his dream of life in America. With adventure in his heart and mind, he boards one of the first steamships set to cross the Atlantic in the record breaking time of only twenty-five days. Within the first two of those, his resolve—to avoid women and the complications they often bring to a man’s life—falters when he meets Marsali Abbott, a young woman with a past even more troubling than his own. Whether from years of habit protecting his sisters, or simply because he feels drawn to Marsali, Christopher chooses to help her and becomes her friend. As the truth about what awaits Marsali in America becomes evident, he is faced with a more difficult choice, one that will impact their lives far beyond four weeks together at sea.

Add Marrying Christopher Goodreads!

About the Author:

Michele Paige Holmes spent her childhood and youth in Arizona and northern California, often curled up with a good book instead of out enjoying the sunshine. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education, and found it an excellent major in which to indulge her love of children’s literature.

Michele is the author of six romance novels, including the 2007 Whitney Award winning COUNTING STARS. In 2014 Michele launched the Hearthfire historical romance line with the publication of SAVING GRACE and LOVING HELEN.

Michele has been a member of the same critique group for over fifteen years and feels that joining a critique group is the single best thing an author can to do help improve his or her writing. She has been a member of RWA and URWA, LDStorymakers, and The League of Utah Writers. Michele enjoys both attending and teaching at conferences.

When not reading or writing romance, Michele is busy with her full time job as a wife and mother. She and her husband live in Utah with their five high maintenance children and a Shitzu that resembles a teddy bear, in a house with a wonderful view of the mountains. You can find Michele on the web at michelepaigeholmes.com and on Facebook and twitter.

Purchase the other books in the Hearthfire Romance series:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

To My Friends by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Mar 252015

To My Friends: Messages of Counsel and Comfort

Author: Jeffrey R. Holland

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: December 1, 2014

ISBN13: 978-1-62972-029-6

Hardcover: 264 pages

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

“If you need a burden lifted, I want you to imagine I am in a personal, private, closed-door chat with you. I want to help you if I can.” With those words, Elder Jeffery R. Holland invites every reader of his latest book to become a friend, to receive instruction and encouragement, counsel and comfort.

Elder Holland addresses these powerful messages “to my friends who love the Lord,” “to my friends who want to change,” “to my friends who face opposition,” and more. Each chapter begins with a beautifully designed quotation to help convey the message in an artistic way, making the book a lovely gift for friends to share. Throughout, Elder Holland’s powerful witness of the Savior shines through, for, as he writes, “I am grateful for the greatest friend any of us could ever have, in time or eternity, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

My Review

This book came right when I needed it. I knew the material wasn’t new, but the messages within were still truly heartfelt and touching. Elder Holland has always been a favorite apostle of mine to listen to at General Conference and during the year. I even have a picture of a quote of his on my phone. This book not only has beautiful messages, it is beautiful to look at. Most of the chapters had me in tears, knowing the truth and power of the words I was reading. Each chapter has a message with a lovely quote that I can imagine Elder Holland speaking himself. I had many favorites, but this one struck me the most.

The formula of faith is to hold on, work on, see it through, and let the distress of earlier hours (real or imagined) fall away in the abundance of the final reward. (page 26)

5 out of 5 stars. This book is something your whole family can read and treasure together. Maybe not all of the messages will apply to everyone, but I promise you it is worth the read.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

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