LDS Women's Book Review – Page 23 – Good reads that don't ask you to sacrifice your standards.

Being West is Best by Monique Bucheger-Blog Tour

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

Aug 152014

Today we welcome Author Monique Bucheger and her newest book to our blog!!

Let’s learn a bit about Monique:

When Monique Bucheger isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events. Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy

the journey that is her life.

She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, an adorable granddaughter, a son-in-law, three cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of several books and plans to write many more. You can find more about Monique and her works at:

Monique Bucheger (author of The Secret Sisters Club: A Ginnie West Adventure)

http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-Bucheger/193789017310198

https://twitter.com/#!/MoniqueBucheger

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-sisters-club-monique-bucheger/1109159942?ean=2940014243971&itm=1&usri=secret+sisters+club

http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Sisters-Club-ebook/dp/B007IK2WF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332081352&sr=8-1

Now for the fabulous book!

Twelve-year-old BFFs, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, are matchmaking geniuses. Together, they maneuvered Ginnie’s widower-dad into proposing to Tillie’s divorcee-mom. Sweet! Certain they are well on their way to sisterhood, each girl is floored when Tillie’s lousy-excuse-for-a-father puts in an appearance after a six year absence. Too bad “lousy dad repellant” doesn’t come in a can. Even though Tillie’s dad has sobered up and is determined to make amends, Tillie would rather he just disappear again. If he stays, “Operation: Secret Sisters” may need to be renamed “Operation: Not Gonna Happen.” If that’s not bad enough, the biggest bully in seventh grade comes over often and wishes he could call the West’s farmhouse “home.” When the bully’s abusive dad shows up as well, Ginnie thinks it’s time to change her family’s motto from “When you’re here, you’re family” to “There’s no more room at the West’s.”

My Review:

This book is a great book for tweens to read. There are both male and female main characters in 7th grade, so all kids would enjoy this book. There are some mature themes in this book dealing with child abuse, so reading this book together with your child/children could lead to some good discussions. The author does a good job of presenting this storyline for the young reader.

I also like the characters in this series of Ginnie West and her adventures. There is always some witty dialogue to be found. This book will be especially loved by your tween that loves horses and the country.

Come Join the blog tour:

Blog Tour and Dates

August 4^th

http://www.annadelc.com/blog

http://lovesallthingsbooks.blogspot.com/

Biblioreviews.tumblr.com

August 5^th

http://www.kristawayment.com

https://www.facebook.com/MarkoftheJaguarbook?ref=hl

August 6^th

http://thepleasureofreadingtoday.blogspot.com/

https://xclairex00.blogspot.co.uk

August 7^th

Facebook.com/haveyoureadbookblog

http://thepleasureofreadingtoday.blogspot.com/

August 8^th

http://anniedouglasslima.blogspot.com

August 9^th

http://jessicaparkerstories.wordpress.com

August 10^th

www.sjhenderson.net/blog/

August 11^th

andilynthinks.blogspot.com

http://ldspaz.blogspot.com/

http://semishort.blogspot.com/

August 12^th

http://julicaldwell.blogspot.com/

August 13^th

tifaniclark.blogspot.com

August 14^th

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mind-Blowing-Review-Girl/899894636691320?ref=hl

August 15^th

http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com and ldswomensbookreview.com

August 16^th

http://www.aclosetfullofbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Triple-A/471916489621936

August 17^th

https://www.facebook.com/PageByPageInsideOutReviewsandPromotion

http://lifebooksandmore.blogspot.com

And Don’t forget to come to the party!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/796503363703539/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Aug 132014

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos

Author: Janette Rallison

Publisher: self

Published: July 2014

ASIN: B00LHFO9V8

ebook: 326 pages

FTC FYI: Received a Kindle copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she’s prepared or not.

My Review

This book is seriously awesome. Janette is so talented. Whether she is writing about dragons, fairy godmothers, Egyptian wars, or anything else, I will read it. She is a brilliant author.

Aislynn is a great character. Her family is super paranoid, but with good reasons (which do not get revealed until later in the book). Her father and brother, it turns out, have been keeping secrets from Aislynn. Even the biggest secret of all, what really happened to Aislynn’s mother. It is until she meets the strong and mysterious Dane, that these secrets come to light. All the characters in this book are awesome and well-written. The story is full of history, and in a word, chaos. When secrets are slowly made known, Aislynn has to make some hard choices that will determine the rest of her life, or could end it.

5 out of 5 stars. I seriously loved the choices that Aislynn makes and the ending was so good! Please, Janette, write a sequel!

Excerpt

An Egyptian tomb is only a good place to die if you happen to be the pharaoh for whom it was built. And maybe not even then. I didn’t intend to room with any of the deceased, which meant the sooner I got out of this place the better.

My flashlight swept over the figures on the mural in front of me. A feeling of danger and expectation clung to everything here, as thick as the dust. On the mural, a warrior with bright green eyes stared back at me. Horusian glowing eyes. I could almost see the smugness in his expression, an expression that said he was coming for me. Or at least his kind were.

Behind me, something creaked. Footsteps.

AMAZON

Blog Tour Schedule

Author Janette Rallison

Janette Rallison is old. Don’t ask how old, because it isn’t polite. Let’s just say she’s older than she’d like to be and leave it at that.

Janette lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband, five children and enough cats to classify her as “an eccentric cat lady.” She did not do this on purpose. (The cats, that is; she had the children on purpose.) Every single one of the felines showed up on its own and refuses to leave. Not even the family’s fearless little Westie dog can drive them off.

Since Janette has five children and deadlines to write books, she doesn’t have much time left over for hobbies. But since this is the internet and you can’t actually check up to see if anything on this site is true, let’s just say she enjoys dancing, scuba diving, horse back riding and long talks with Orlando Bloom. (Well, I never said he answers back.)

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 8/17/14

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 and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Living in the Millennium by Robert L. Millet – Blog Tour

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

Aug 112014

Living in the Millennium

Author: Robert L. Millet

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: August 2014

Hardcover/ebook: 160 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-914-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Summary (DeseretBook.com)

The Savior taught through the Prophet Joseph Smith that the time will come when “he that liveth in righteousness shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and the earth shall pass away so as by fire” (Doctrine and Covenants 43:32).

What do we know about that day when Jesus Christ will come in glory to cleanse the earth? And what will life be like after He comes to reign?

In Living in the Millennium, the companion volume to Living in the Eleventh Hour, author Robert L. Millet opens the doors wide to show us what life will be like during and after the Millennium. Relying on the words of ancient and modern prophets, he shares what has been revealed about Christ’s preliminary appearances, His return in majesty and power, and His millennial reign—a thousand years of goodness and peace.

Filled with insights, this timely book helps us to understand more fully such eternal doctrines as the resurrection of the just and the unjust, the Judgment, and the many mansions of glory.

Living in the Millennium inspires us to live today as if the Savior were coming tomorrow.

Review

Living in the Millennium is a worthwhile read for anyone who is curious about what life during the Millennium will be like for humankind. The book isn’t long–107 pages of reading followed by Notes, Glossary (which is educational reading itself), Sources, Scripture Index, and Subject Index–but it contains an encompassing overview of revelation regarding the Millennium provided by the scriptures and prophets, both ancient and modern-day.

There are three main sections: Before the Millennium, The Millennium, and Beyond the Millennium. The Atonement, the Second Coming, the Resurrection, Eternal Life, and more are discussed, with several scriptures and quotes, including revelation given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon regarding the degrees of glory.

I started out notating paragraphs of interest, but was soon pulled into the subject matter and forgot all about taking notes. I will definitely be reading it again to find those areas that provided both warning and hope to me. I think it is an excellent companion book to Living in the Eleventh Hour, and the more powerful of the two, at least for me personally.

Find Living in the Millennium:

DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | AMAZON | GOODREADS

About the Author: Robert L. Millet, a former dean of religious education at BYU, is a professor emeritus of ancient scripture. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at BYU in psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in religious studies. He has served as a bishop, stake president, and a member of the Materials Evaluation Committee. Brother Millet is a beloved speaker and the author of numerous books. He and his wife Shauna, are the parents of six children.

Son of War Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison-Spotlight and GIveaway

Posted by Sheila Sheila's Reviews, Special Features

Aug 082014

Blog Tour Schedule

Product Details

Title: Son of War Daughter of Chaos
Author: Janette Rallisom
File Size: 1341 KB
Print Length: 328 pages
Publisher: Janette Rallison (July 2, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00LHFO9V8

Book Description:

Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for the signs: people with greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and have the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents’ fears as quirks—things that get in the way of having a normal high school life. When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she’s prepared or not.

Excerpts…

Behind me, something creaked. Footsteps.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was on my feet and running down the path before I could fully process what was happening. The dark swarm flew toward me. Their wings sounded like the dull hum of an incoming storm. I didn’t have to see them to know they were scarabs—the flesh-eating kind. The Horusians had pinpointed our location and flown in beetles to kill us. How they found us, I didn’t know.

As I fled down the slope, I slipped. My feet jerked out in front of me. I hit the ground, hard, skidding and then flipped over. I tumbled down the slope, clawing at the ice, trying to get a handhold. White flashes of snow jumbled together in my vision. Finally, I hit a flat spot. I managed to stop, pick myself up, and run again. Panic wrapped around me. I couldn’t make it off the ridge before the scarabs reached me, and even if I could, I had nowhere to hide from the beetles on this open stretch of land. Still, I ran. I wouldn’t stand still for death.

This looks so awesome! There was a mix-up in me getting a copy to review, but as soon as I do, I’ll leave a review here. The thing I can say, is that everything I have read that Janette has written is… awesome! She always writes a great story that hooks you in and holds onto you until the end. Son of War Daughter of Chaoslooks like it will do the same thing. Make sure to add this to your goodreads to-read list today!

Purchase here at…

AMAZON

Meet: Author Janette Rallison

Janette Rallison is old. Don’t ask how old, because it isn’t polite. Let’s just say she’s older than she’d like to be and leave it at that. Janette lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband, five children and enough cats to classify her as “an eccentric cat lady.” She did not do this on purpose. (The cats, that is; she had the children on purpose.) Every single one of the felines showed up on its own and refuses to leave. Not even the family’s fearless little Westie dog can drive them off. Since Janette has five children and deadlines to write books, she doesn’t have much time left over for hobbies. But since this is the internet and you can’t actually check up to see if anything on this site is true, let’s just say she enjoys dancing, scuba diving, horse back riding and long talks with Orlando Bloom. (Well, I never said he answers back.)

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/24/14 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 and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Husband Maker by Karey White-Spotlight and $25 Blog Tour Giveaway

Posted by Sheila Blog Tours, Sheila's Reviews

Aug 012014

The Husband Maker Blog Tour Schedule

The Husband Maker by Karey White
Book 1: The Husband Maker Series
Publisher: Orange Door Press
Publication Date: June 16, 2014
Format: Paperback – 256 pages
Kindle – 3148 KB
Nook – 4 MB
ISBN: 978-1941898031
ASIN: B00L2NEALE
BNID: 2940149696222
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction

Book Description:

Charlotte’s a girl with nicknames. She may not love being called Charles or Chuck, but the hardest nickname to take is the one she was given in college, the one that’s followed her now for too many years. They call her “the husband maker” and sadly, it fits. Every guy she’s dated since high school has become his next girlfriend’s husband. Not hers. Not three girlfriends down the road. The next. Is she doing something wrong or is she just cursed? When Kyle Aldsworth enters the picture and sweeps her off her feet, Charlotte begins to hope that maybe she’s not destined to be single forever. A senator’s son with political aspirations of his own, Kyle’s wealthy, handsome, and in need of a wife. Will Charlotte be disappointed yet again, or will she finally be able to make a husband for herself?

Excerpt from The Husband Maker:

Mrs. Shelton’s words bounced around in my head. They call her the husband maker.

“That’s quite a frown you’ve got going there.”

“Sorry.”

Angus dipped his head, forcing me to make eye contact with him.

“Don’t be sorry. Just talk to me.”

“Have you heard anyone call me the husband maker?”

Angus leaned back in the booth and shook his head. His dark, worried eyes watched me. “Who told you about that?”

“So you have?” When he didn’t immediately speak, I knew the answer. I sighed and leaned back against my seat as well.

There we sat, both of us slouching against our seats, looking at each other.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I whispered.

“Now why would I do that? Why would I purposely tell you something that would hurt your feelings?”

I should have appreciated his desire to spare me, but at the moment, I wasn’t sure what to think. “Wouldn’t a real friend be honest with me?”

“I was honest. If you’d ever asked me, I’d have told you. I wouldn’t have lied to you. But I don’t think a real friend would jump at the chance to share something hurtful. Wouldn’t a real friend be protective?”

I shrugged.

“Who told you?”

“No one.”

“Then how—?”

“I overheard Hannah Shelton’s mom in the restroom. She was telling some other woman that everyone calls me the husband maker.”

“Not everyone, Chuck.”

“You know what I mean. And why shouldn’t they? There I was at Harrison’s wedding. I guess I just made him a husband. I guess I made Skyler a husband. And CJ and Jerry and . . . I can keep going if you want me to.” I would have kept going to illustrate my point, but my voice was starting to quiver, and in a minute, I’d only have two options—cry or yell at Angus. As upset as I was that he’d never told me, I knew he didn’t deserve to be yelled at. He was here for therapy, after all.

“Charlotte.”

His voice was full of concern, and he used my given name, so I knew he wasn’t kidding around.

“What?” My voice cracked.

He shook his head. “Don’t worry about what people say. You’ve had bad luck. That’s all. It isn’t your fault.”

The waitress brought out our food. “Can I get you anything else?”

“This is great, thanks.” Angus wasted no time piling food on his plate. “I hope you’re hungry,” he said after she left.

“I can’t believe we’re eating this much food at almost ten.”

“If the food doesn’t take your mind off all this junk, the heartburn will.”

I laughed.

Angus’s voice turned serious again. “If you wish I’d have told you, I’m sorry I didn’t.”

I nodded. I wasn’t sure I wanted the answer, but I had to ask. “Have you ever called me that?”

“Of course not.

{Spotlight}

This looks like another delightful book by Karey White, I have come to enjoy reading any romance written by her. From reading other people’s reviews, it sounds like rough waters are in store for the main character Charlotte who can’t get a husband. Every man she dates, dumps her and get’s married to the next person they date. [Strangely this sounds reminiscent of my own life while in my 20’s. ] Can she find love? Will she end up married or always being the old girlfriend? I’ve heard through the grapevine that the ending is a shocker and some people even cried. But, since this is a series and the next book is coming out soon, you won’t need to wait long for answers.

Get your copy of The Husband Maker for just $3.99!

Amazon * Kobo * iTunes * Barnes & Noble

Meet Author Karey White

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.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Coming Fall 2014 –

Charlotte’s Story continues in The Match Maker

$25 Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/15/14 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 and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Dreamosphere by Laura Stoddard-Blog Tour Combined Review

Posted by Sheila Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Sheila's Reviews

Jul 252014

The Dreamosphere

Author: Laura Stoddard

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: July 8th, 2014

ISBN13: 9781462114443

Paperback: 208 pages

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

Book Description:

What if dreams don’t disappear when we wake up? Haunted by her sister’s death, Gwen Stoker takes solace in her web of dreams—the Dreamosphere. But when someone begins destroying it, Gwen must find the culprit—or risk losing all her happy thoughts and feelings forever! Dreams come to life in this fantastical children’s tale!

Sheila’s Review:
I have always been so intrigued about dreams and what they mean. So this new take on a person’s dreams and where they collect was fascinating. Main character, Gwen, is an interesting 11 year old girl who is quite surly. She seems to be very unhappy and not friendly at all. We soon find out why, as it’s revealed that she feels guilty for her younger sister’s death. The reader also learns early on that Gwen can go to a place called “The Dreamosphere” where all of her dreams are kept. I have to admit that would be a scary thing for me. I don’t like a lot of my dreams that I remember. Gwen finds out someone is destroying her Dream Orbs, which is making her depressed. It also doesn’t help that she is being bullied at school and being called weird. {One thing that was kind of confusing for me, was that Gwen and the kids at school seemed to be written as teenagers in the way they talk and act with boyfriends/girlfriends and having several different school periods during the day. Gwen is 11 and in Elementary school, so this sometimes threw me off while reading.} One thing I really liked was how this novel subtly deals with some major issues, like death, grief and bullying and I liked the way they were presented and dealt with. As the story moves along, there are some surprising answers to who is messing with Gwen’s dream orbs and her friends. This fantasy suited for tweens and teens is exciting and sets things up well for another book in the series. I truly liked the ending to this story!

Mindy’s Review

I enjoyed the idea behind this book, someone has been breaking in to her dreams and changing her personality. I felt bad for Gwen and all that she has gone through, you can tell right away that something is off with her. I was glad that the author eased the reader into her life. I liked the mystery behind her “secret” and what happened to her to make her the way she is. She is having a hard time in school and when an old friend starts to visit her in her dreams to help her, it seemed to me she wanted to be in the dream world instead of the real world. I did enjoy the events that take place in the story. I was happy when she started figuring things out, but thought it was wrapped up too quickly, but was glad when this unhappy girl with no friends, starting getting some answers and was able to make friends and be happy.

EXCERPT

“What do you think happens to your dreams after you wake up?”

Gwen shrugged distractedly, too disoriented by her sudden arrival in the remarkable setting to focus. “I dunno. They disappear?”

The unblinking gray eyes of her young companion flashed as she leaned forward. “Incorrect. Every dream you’ve ever had still exists. All of them. They reside in a dimension called the Dreamosphere. It’s where we are right now, as a matter of fact. Each dream basically exists as its own world, or dream-orb. There are thousands and thousands of them, connected like drops of dew on a gigantic spider web. Every dream you’ve ever had, Gwen. They’re all up here. And you can visit them any time you want.”

Author Bio: Laura Stoddard was born in Idaho and spent her formative years running amok in the great outdoors. She received her bachelors degree in English Literature from Arizona State University. After being rejected from the masters program for creative writing she decided that she didn’t need a masters degree to tell her she could write, so she started really dedicating her time to finishing the story she’d started months earlier, with the goal of writing a complete novel, and getting it published. The result is her debut novel, The Dreamosphere, for which her own vivid, bizarre, and incomprehensible dreams provided the inspiration. Laura is an adrenaline junkie and will try anything once–or twice–or maybe three times. She can already check whitewater rafting, going down in a shark cage, and skydiving (three times) off of her list. Oh, and getting Lasik. It was five minutes of terror. She enjoys hiking, rowing, reading classic literature, embarking on new adventures and hobbies, volunteering regularly, and spending time with family. She currently resides in Phoenix, Ariz.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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