Jul 172015
 

 

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3000-Miles-to-Eternity_9781462116317 Product Description:
Title:3,000  Miles to Eternity: A True Internet Love Story
Authors:Duane & Selena Pannell
Published: by CFI(Imprint of Cedar Fort) July 14th 2015,
Pages:272p,
Genre: LDS Non-Fiction/romance
FTC, FYI: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

 

 

Book Description:
But What if?

What if two people who were meant to be together for eternity had to live their earthly lives separate for many years? And what if when they did finally meet, they were a little broken and the miles apart helped them ease into their destiny together?

Years before online dating became a respectable option, two broken and imperfect souls digitally crossed paths as they tried to find their way back to God. This fascinating true story, told through journals and emails, will have you smiling from start to finish and shedding a few tears along the way. Engaging and entertaining, it’s the perfect reminder of the power of love, redemption, and hope.

Excerpt:

Duane’s Journal
October 25, 2000
I had breakfast this morning with one of the guys from the bottling plant. We see each other a couple of times a day for a few minutes as I make my way back and forth to my warehouse and we have become friends. Mark is a big man and really opinionated. He probably knows a lot about some things, but I don’t think I’m going to take relationship advice from him.
I told him that I had been on the Internet for the past few months looking for a potential wife. He thought that was outrageous. “You know women lie. You’re liable to end up with some crazy chick that’ll strangle you in your sleep, or . . . or worse, take all your money and leave you with a bunch of kids that don’t even belong to you.”
I asked, “Well, Mark, how do you suggest I meet a good woman?”
“I met all three of my ex-wives in a bar,” he said, “That’s the best place to look for a woman ‘cause when they have a few drinks, they can’t keep a secret—they got anything bad, it’s comin’ out!”
I think I’m just going to stick with my current plan.                                                         
Selena’s Journal
October 16, 2000
Having a weekend away has been a needed break for me. Kristine, another of Paige’s friends, came over and all our talking and laughing took a decidedly unexpected turn. Paige was telling her about Donna’s news and apparently during the phone call between them, she had also told Paige about being on a single’s website. She said she saw Paige’s sister Jacqueline on the same site. Paige, with her little “tee hees,” thought it would be great fun to sneak into single’s world and have a look at her sister’s profile. We tried to do that, but the way the site is set up didn’t allow random people to just come on in and gawk. Someone had to sign up.
Well, guess who got this dubious honor? My dear friend Paige said, “Selena, you’re almost divorced. You do it.” Almost divorced? Are you kidding me? I only filed two days ago! But I was a good sport (sort of) and did  the deed. While those two giggled among themselves, I zipped through the “sign up free for seven days” registration. I couldn’t help but mutter under my breath at how ridiculous this whole thing was, all these silly people shopping for love. It seemed kind of pathetic and made me want to gag. As I was grumbling, Paige and Kristine were having great laughs at my expense and my obvious discomfort with the whole crazy idea.
And so we entered the forbidden zone, wandering around singles’ world and peeking here and there. Satisfied that we’d stealthily invaded Jacquie’s privacy and seen all there was to see, we signed off. This little adventure, however, has not changed my mind.
I’ve decided I will never marry again, ever, under any circumstances.

My Review:
As a divorced woman I’ve contemplated jumping into the Internet dating scene, but I’ve not done it yet. After reading this book, maybe, just maybe, I’ll give it a shot. It truly speaks to the hopes and fears of single/divorced people that are looking for love, but may be hesitant because of not wanting to get hurt again.

I do want to say, this is not a dating “How-To” book at all. This book is a look at two people who go through so much soul searching as they befriend each other almost 3,000 miles apart. They have both been through their own kind of hell and are tired of it all. They are single parents trying to do their best. I enjoyed reading about their friendship that did eventually end up in love, but it took some time. There was a lot of purging of the souls, and taking some good hard look at themselves and how they view life.

This book made me think long and hard about my own life. I think it will make other readers do the same, whether divorced or if you’ve been married for 30 years. This book will show lessons of having faith and hope in your life, as well as forgiving others and yourself. It’s entertaining and reads like a novel with the journal excerpts and emails. It’s based on the life of LDS people, but I think anyone of any faith will enjoy reading this.


Meet Authors:
Duane & Selena Pannell 

DUANE AND SELENA PANNELL ‘met’ online while living in Virginia, USA and Alberta, Canada respectively. After a complicated long-distance relationship spanning four years, they married and have a son together. Their first book is borne of yet another separation in their lives when Selena was in Alberta for several months in 2013 with her dying father.

Duane was going through their old correspondence because he is a “mushy man” and thought this was a story worth telling. After some coaxing, he convinced Selena and with a little help from googledocs they began their collaboration on 3,000 Miles To Eternity.

They have just completed a three year mission in the LDS Addiction Recovery Program, where they served as group leaders and led two 12 Step meetings a week in Vernal, Utah. Duane is putting the final touches on a manuscript addressing addiction recovery while Selena homeschools their son and teaches archery in her spare time.

Book Website  3000milestoeternity.com

Author Website & Blog   pannellbytes.com
Facebook Book Page  3000MilesToEternity
Twitter  pannellbytes
Amazon Buy the Book
******A Note From the Authors******
“Reading it will be like peeking over the shoulders of two individuals who have, through an unusual twist , stumbled across each other on a single’s dating website. One is sincerely seeking a mate, the other determined never to marry again. Both have an agenda and because neither expects in a million years to meet the other, they feel free to be uncommonly candid. This snapshot of an unlikely online relationship combines honesty and humor as themes of divorce, addiction, pornography, depression and matters of spiritual import are explored. While some themes are heavy, they are handled sensitively and should not be offensive to any reader. We tried to keep this in mind as we considered young adult relatives or friends who will be reading 3,000 Miles…”
Jul 152015
 

25347579Worth Waiting For

Author: Sally Johnson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: July 1st, 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-68047-240-0

Paperback: 180 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Sophia thought she was over her broken heart, but the news that her roommate has eloped with Sophia’s ex-husband hits the nineteen-year-old like a ton of bricks. She knows she should be fine with the unexpected revelation–after all, her boyfriend, Luke, is incredible, but it would seem her heart is not as resilient as she thought. And as Luke prepares to leave for his European study abroad, Sophia’s feelings of fear and inadequacy threaten to overwhelm her.

A summer with her family in Las Vegas gives Sophia the time she needs but she still can’t shake the questions haunting her, the questions that continually threaten to put more than physical distance between Luke and her. Is she really ready to jump into a new relationship when the last one ended so painfully? Will her divorce always define her? Is she the one with the problem?

As she wistfully observes others’ love stories blossoming around her, Sophia must decide whether she’s prepared to take another chance on love. Luke’s return from Europe forces Sophia to confront the decision she’s not sure she’s prepared for–will her troubled past destroy the happy ending she’s always dreamed of?

My Review

I didn’t realize this was a sequel until I was writing this review.  It can stand alone, but previous dates, and/or other events that were mentioned and not explained make sense now why they weren’t explained in this book.  That didn’t take me out the story though, I still really enjoyed it.  I really liked Sophia and I sympathized with her.  I thought her inner voice was very funny at times and I appreciated her humor.  This is a great book about letting go and putting your life back together, but also taking your time to really know what you want, and Sophia needed that time.  I loved Luke, he is a great guy, with mounds of kindness and patience.  The other characters were great too.  I wish there was more time with Justin, he was very funny and Gretchen was great too.  There were some scenes in the last few chapters where I was laughing out loud.

4 out of 5 stars.

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Jul 062015
 

25482374Veils and Vengeance (A Wedding Planner Mystery #2)

Author: Rachelle J. Christensen

Publisher: Peachwood Press

Published: July 7th, 2015

ISBN13: 9780692462331

Paperback: 347 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

When wedding planner, Adrielle Pyper, goes to Hawaii to orchestrate a destination wedding, she isn’t prepared for what she finds.

After the trauma of her previous event, the beautiful isle of Kauai is the perfect place for Adri to unwind and do what she does best – plan. She even lets herself indulge in the attention of the groom’s handsome brother. But just when everything seems to be perfect, an afternoon snorkeling trip turns to murder when Adri discovers the body of a young woman.

Shaken, but unable to let it go, Adri’s sleuthing leads her into more danger than she could imagine. When a number of “accidents” threaten her own life, it soon becomes apparent that someone will do anything to keep Adri from interfering with their vengeance.
For great craft tips, visit Adri’s website,www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com.

My Review

I love a great mystery that keeps my interest and keeps the pages turning.  This book does all that very well.  I really enjoyed the first book in the Wedding Planner Mysteries: Diamond Rings are Deadly Things, so I knew I was going to jump right back into another story for Adri.  I loved the Hawaiian setting, that was a character on its own.  Adri is a fabulous character.  Her attention to detail and how she organized she is is entertaining to read.  I enjoyed how Adri had attention from two men.  Both were great for her, but one I liked a little bit better.  As the story progressed, I enjoyed where the author went with the mystery, doing a perfect job of planting the right amount of seeds to try to throw me off the trail of who the killer was.

4 out of 5 stars.  I hope Rachelle will do more books in this series!

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Jun 172015
 

25334969Kisses in the Rain

Author: Krista Lynne Jensen

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: June 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-68047-239-4

Paperback: 284 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Georgie Tate is a survivor. She’s survived an abusive relationship. She’s survived the car accident that took the life of her controlling fiance. Now she just needs to survive the memories that haunt her. Escaping to her aunts’ cozy home on a tiny island outside of Seattle, Georgie finds just the change of pace she needs to pick up the pieces of her life. Taking a job at a local seafood restaurant is the first step in reclaiming her sense of self, but she is completely unprepared for the battle that awaits her there.

Jace Lowe has loved and lost, and he’s determined that it will never happen again. Hardened by heartbreak, he stays focused on his work as sous chef at one of the island’s top seafood restaurants. When beautiful Georgie takes her place on the restaurant staff, Jace is resolved to keep her at arm’s length, and his downright rudeness her first week goes a long way in achieving that goal. Georgie, on the other hand, doesn’t want anything to do with Jace anyway and prickles against his abrasive behavior. As the combative pair comes together on a joint project for the restaurant, they find their distaste for one another dwindling. the connection is undeniable–and it terrifies them both. Can two people jaded by the past be softened by the promise of once-in-a-lifetime love, or is this just another recipe for disaster?

My Review

WOW!  This book is beautifully written.  Each page is a treasure.  Many of the characters have issues they are dealing with, and the way Krista has written each character is perfect.  Georgie is recovering from an accident that took her memory, and claimed the life of her fiance.  Jace is also recovering from heartbreak of his own.  I loved the gradual improvement of them both and how they realize what they need.  The aunts were a favorite and Uncle Dar as well.  In Kisses in the Rain, there is heartache and pain, but also triumph and happiness.  I have read some of the other reviews of this book, and each say close to the same thing, the story is so real.  It’s funny, because that is the exact word I would use.   I loved the restaurant scenes.  It was where Jace and Georgie were in their elements, but I also loved it when they were getting to know each other away from work.  I also loved the setting.  This book takes place in a beautiful area, which is a character all its own.

5 out of 5 stars.  I have read most of Krista’s books, and I really think this is my favorite so far.  Very well done.

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Jun 102015
 

25264002Playing for Keeps

Author: Ranee S. Clark

Published: June 1st, 2015

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Paperback: 228 pages

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-850-9

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Football-loving TyAnne Daws has long admired BYU’s star quarterback from afar. This semester, she’s determined to step away from the sidelines and she has the perfect game plan for winning the heart of Anthony Rocket Rogers. When some smart moves land her in one of his classes, she finds herself in the perfect position to make her play. But as she gets to know the real Anthony, away from the lights of the stadium, Ty realizes that this is no game; she’s falling in love . . .
Anthony takes full advantage of his all-star status, holding girls at arm’s length for one reason: it keeps him from repeating the same mistakes that once led to a devastating heartbreak. When he meets Ty, his assumption that she’s just another pretty face is quickly proven wrong. Though he’s completely drawn in by this sweet young woman, her intriguing mix of amusing football know-how, and her quiet selflessness, he will not let himself fall in love. But when faced with the reality of losing the woman he’s come to care for despite himself, Anthony’s resolve is tested. It’s getting harder to keep his head in the game when his heart’s on the line.

My Review

Growing up my dad refereed college football, and now he does the instant replay for the Big 12, so football has always been a huge part of my life.  I honestly think that is why I liked this book so much, I already had an appreciation for the game, but of course the book itself that had me eagerly turning pages.  Playing for Keeps is highly enjoyable.  Ty is an amazing girl who I liked from the first page.  I loved how she was herself from the start, and even though she took friendly advice from her friend, she still kept her head.  Ty is the type of girl that shines kindness and radiance, and I loved her relationship with her brothers.  Anthony was a mystery to me at first, don’t get me wrong, I loved when he was around and how he reacted to Ty.  Especially how he would react to how other guys reacted to Ty.  I really enjoyed the point of view switches with Anthony and Ty.  It was the perfect way to get to know Anthony and his friends (who I loved too.)   I loved how Anthony was with them, and especially his sister and family.  There were so many fun moments in this book.  It is full of amazing kisses, humor, and kindness.  GO TEAM!

5 out of 5 stars.  I can’t wait for more from this author!  I hear she is working on follow up stories for the other guys in this book.  Yay!

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Jun 042015
 

23522181My Fairly Dangerous Godmother

Author: Janette Rallison

Publisher: Rally Point Press

Published: May, 2015

ISBN13: 9780990675723

Paperback: 396 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Some people bomb auditions. Sadie Ramirez throws up during her tryouts on TV show America’s Top Talent. Her performance is so bad, it earns her a fairy godmother through the Magical Alliance’s Pitiful Damsel Outreach Program. Enter Chrysanthemum Everstar: a gum-chewing, cell phone-carrying, high heel wearing fairy godmother in training. She misinterprets Sadie’s wishes and sends her back in time to be a part of The Little Mermaid story and then makes her one of the twelve dancing princesses. Wishes are permanent, and if Sadie wants to get back to her home, she’ll have to strike a magical bargain–one that involves stealing a goblet from a powerful fairy queen.

My Review

I absolutely love how clever Janette’s writing is.  She is a master.  Each line is expertly written, and funny.  I have been a fan of this series for a long time, and I was so excited to read this book!

I loved this book, it was so fun.  I absolutely love Chrissy and her attempts to help her charges with wishing for a way out of their problems.  Poor Sadie.  Poor, poor Sadie.  This poor girl has THE worst audition ever and gets stuck in Chrissy’s version of “help”.  Along the way she meets Donovan, who is trapped in the fairytale too.  I enjoyed how we gradually got to know him and learn his story.  (I loved him, by the way.)  I liked the twist of Sadie and Donovan getting involved in stealing back a goblet from the fairy queen, and in doing so, get to know each other.  I really enjoyed the scenes in the fairy queen’s kingdom.  Sadie’s growth as a character was fun to watch and I loved the ending.

4 out of 5 stars.  Like any book of Janette’s, there is lots of humor, fun, and romance.  With how the book ends, it seems there will be another, which makes me happy!

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