LDS Women's Book Review – Page 14 – Good reads that don't ask you to sacrifice your standards.

Madilyn Paige CD — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Feb 112015

Madilyn Paige

CD Release Date: February 3rd, 2015

SKU: 5132527

Highway Records

FTC FYI: Received a CD from Deseret Book in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Description

2015 debut EP features a set of tunes notable for their raw emotion and beautiful soundscapes. Madilyn wrote or co-wrote every song on the release, drawing from her own struggles as a teenager and her heartfelt expressions of the joy she finds in life. The first track, “Irreplaceable,” begins with aching introspection and soars to an assurance of self-worth; the following track, “Foolish Game,” was written right after Madilyn left the TV show The Voice and gives insight into the inevitability of discouragement in life and the realization that you can rise above the games that people play. An epic movie score string section combines with powerful rhythms on “Undercover,” a breathtaking song about overcoming sadness and seeking the light all around you. The final track, “Little Things,” playfully reminds us that the little things in life are the source of true joy.

My Review

I was thrilled to be a part of this tour for Madilyn Paige’s release. I enjoyed listening to each song and happily passed it to my teenage daughters. They loved it, too! I was happy the lyrics were clean and heart-felt. As much as I enjoyed the first track Irreplaceable, I also loved Let It Roll and Little Things. Well, all the songs were well-written and perfect for Madilyn’s beautiful voice. In preparing for this review, I watched some of her YouTube videos from The Voice and I enjoyed watching her audition. I was sweet seeing her family so happy for her. Madilyn is a beautiful girl, with an amazing voice to boot. What a great role model she will be. With all the trash on the radio today, I am gladly having my daughters listen to these songs knowing they are clean, meaningful lyrics that I know will be inspirational to them. The lyrics are a perfect example of real life. Yes, life can be hard, but YOU are irreplaceable. All the songs have a great message.

Madilyn’s Website / Twitter / Facebook / Irreplaceable Video

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / iTunes / Barnes and Noble / Walmart

Midnight Runner by Marilee Jackson — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Feb 112015

Midnight Runner

Author: Marilee Jackson

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: February 10th

ISBN13: 9781462116157

Paperback: 272 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

“Run.” The soft whisper in her ear cut through the pitch-black hiding place. After the nightmare she had just endured, he was the only person she could still trust.
She waited. The silence surrounded her like a heavy blanket.
“Run!” he shouted, and they took off in opposite directions.

Orphaned, mistreated, and misunderstood, Moira has always dreamed of building a new life in the royal city. But when she finally arrives, her ambition gets the better of her. And little orphan Moira becomes a person she never imagined.

Isobail has never been ambitious. She wants nothing more than the simple life she’s always enjoyed. But when she’s recruited to work in the royal city, she finds her dreams changing.

This medieval tale of secrets, mistaken identities, romance, and long-sought redemption is sure to captivate readers. With a compelling story and characters that will keep you guessing, this book will change how you feel about villains and heroines, loss and love.

My Review

Wow! I love being surprised by books, and this book had something new at every turn. I didn’t connect with Moira very much, every move she made worried me. But, that was her life. She was mistreated her whole life and hadn’t learned how to trust anyone. Her choice is always to run away. Don’t get me wrong, I felt sorry for her with all she had to endure, but she wasn’t necessary likable. But, that is what I liked most about this book. Even though Moira’s choices weren’t the best, I still cared about her and those she meets along the way, especially Brian. What a great guy. I LOVED how time passed in this book, and I especially loved Isobail. I would have loved a whole book on her. The book has twists on every page that were very unexpected, but very cool!

4 out of 5 stars. The ending is perfect for this story, loved it!

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Embark! by John Bytheway — CD Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Feb 032015

Embark!

John Bytheway

SKU: 5129767 ISBN13: 978-1-62972-005-0

FTC FYI: Received a CD from Deseret Book in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

An ideal talk that supports the new 2015 Mutual theme!

In classic Bytheway style, John approaches the soon-to-be announced youth theme with both humor and solid teaching. Through stories, examples, his own personal experience, and scriptural insight, John Bytheway will help the youth in your family or ward understand the 2015 youth theme on a deeper level and learn how it is personally meaningful to them. In the end, he motivates all of us to become better ourselves and to share what we have with others.In this motivating talk based on D & C 4:2, John Bytheway explains what it means to truly embark–to get fully on board in the service of God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.

Using scriptures, powerful stories, and his charismatic teaching style, John explains that with the Savior’s help, we can remain on board, arrive at our destination, and stand blameless before God at the last day. (Description on the back of the CD case.)

My Review

“If you’re going to embark, embark… It’s time to get on board.”

I was thrilled to jump on board of this blog tour for Embark! I have three daughters, with two in the Young Women’s program. We listened to this together and we all loved it! John Bytheway does an incredible job of introducing the youth theme for 2015. I love how he is so relatable to all he speaks to, especially teens. I love and appreciate his humor and heartfelt stories. I loved how each part of the scripture D & C 4:2 is broken down into sections, each with it own stories and explanation. He mentions service a lot in this talk, too. John says that instead of giving Him your daily list of needs, ask Him to be guided to someone who you can serve, lose yourself in service. Wonderful advice for us all.

5 out of 5 stars. This CD is to introduce the youth theme for 2015, but can be enjoyed by all ages at any time.

About John Bytheway

John Bytheway (born October 1962) is an American author and academic, who is well known as a comic motivational speaker for youth within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Salt Lake City, Bytheway attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, receiving a Master’s Degree in Religious Education. He also served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Philippines.

Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.

Website / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

The Keeper’s Calling by Kelly Nelson

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Feb 022015

The Keeper’s Calling

Author: Kelly Nelson

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: February 2012

ISBN13: 978-1-59992-844-9

Paperback – 312 pages

FTC FYI: I was gifted an audio copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Chase Harper’s to-do list for senior year never included “fall in love” and “fight for your life,” but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest imagination. In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected rescuer comes to her aid.

My Review

This book has been on my to-read list for a while, so when I was approached by the author to review an audio copy, I was thrilled. This is the first book I have listened to, and I really enjoyed the change. I listed while I drove around town running errands, and I was taken on an enjoyable ride.

I have a soft spot for books that have Utah settings. The Keeper’s Calling starts off in Zions. Chase goes out on his bike, and finds an old relic similar to a pocket watch in a cave. What happens next is an exciting ride that leads him to Ellie. Together they start a journey that doesn’t end where they started. The author does a great job of writing a teenage boy. Chase is immediately likable and I found myself cheering for him. Ellie is also a doll, and is fun to watch as she tries to adjust to a different life. This book is very fun and I enjoyed Chase’s journey as he figures out how to adjust his life to be a keeper. I was happy with the result of him not staying in the Old West in the beginning and how Chase and Ellie had to adjust to their new circumstances. I also loved what a caring, thoughtful guy Chase was. I also enjoyed how their relationship wasn’t instant, it developed in a more realistic way. I thought the jumps into different time periods were very exciting too!

4 out of 5 stars. I am excited to read the rest of the books in the series. Book 4, The Keeper’s Council, was just released in January!

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

30 Minute Meals for Families by Shauna Evans

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jan 312015

30 Minute Meals for Families

Author: Shauna Evans

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: June 2014

ISBN: 9781462114283

Paperback: 150 pages

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

Summary

Skip the drive-thru and feed your family the food they deserve. With 30-Minutes Meals for Families, enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals like Savory Chicken Squares, Cheese Ravioli with Creamy Marinara, and Enchilada Bake, all in 30 minutes or less! You’ll have dinner on the table faster than you can say ‘I’ll have fries with that.’

My Review

Anyone who knows me, knows that dinner is struggle at my house. Don’t get me wrong, I make my kids dinner, but I know I could do a better job at mixing it up. This book is perfect for any family that needs a great meal quickly. There is a great variety of yummy meals your family will enjoy. Not only are there exceptional dinner options, but great breakfast and lunch recipes, too.

Author and Purchase Links

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Eruption by Adrienne Quintana — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jan 302015

Eruption

Author: Adrienne Quintana

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: January 13th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781462115365

Paperback: 288 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Jace Vega has finally landed her dream job—working for Omnibus, an up-and-coming tech firm. But a mysterious message from her future self sets Jace and her old friend Corey racing to piece together clues before Omnibus destroys their future—and their past. This fast-paced thriller will keep you guessing till the very last page.

My Review

Excuse me while I catch my breath… Great story with excitement around every page. In the beginning, I was screaming at Jace, she frustrated me at first, but what an awesome character she turned out to be. I realized that I would probably be just like her, not knowing who to trust and being too trusting, all at the same time. I think that that is what made her most relatable. So many choices and decisions for her and so many things she had to face, all while trying to chose between Corey and Damien and the turns her life could take her with any choice. The storyline with the tablet was so cool, all that was found in it and all the secrets that were hidden. All of Jace’s quirks and breathing techniques were for a good reason, which is slowly revealed through the book. The last fourth of the book is, WOW, make sure you aren’t needed for awhile, because you will want to find out what happens. Great ending, too!

4 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait for more from this author.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

About the Author

Adrienne Quintana is the second of nine children born to professional oil artist, John Horejs, and his wife and business partner, Elaine. She spent her early years playing on the banks of the Snake River in southern Idaho while her father built a geodesic dome house. When the family wasn’t traveling around the country to art shows, Adrienne spent many happy hours reading in her unfinished, tent-like bedroom. Love of reading soon blossomed into a desire to write. If the family’s antiquated computer could be resurrected, a collection of short stories involving local characters and their epic battles with fire-breathing dragons would be sure to entertain.

After completing high school via correspondence, Adrienne studied Music Education at Mesa Community College. She took an 18 month break to serve a church mission in Montreal, Canada, where she gained invaluable life experiences and a few pounds from the local delicacies. After the completion of her mission and a month abroad in Europe, Adrienne moved to Utah with the intention of continuing her education at Brigham Young University, but these plans were short-lived when she met her husband-to-be while working at an investment company. Soon after their marriage, the Quintanas packed up and moved to Minnesota, where Adrienne worked while her husband earned a Law degree.

After four children and a move to Arizona, Adrienne completed her Bachelors of Science and Communication at the University of Phoenix. In the throes of housekeeping, potty-training, and carpooling, Adrienne discovered that she could find time to accomplish her goals—often in the quiet hours after the children were in bed. Since her graduation in 2012, those quiet moments have been used to fulfill a life-long dream of becoming a writer.

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