The Reluctant Blogger by Ryan Rapier — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jul 312013
 

the-reluctant-blogger-ryan-rapier-978-1-4621-1254-8_coverThe Reluctant Blogger

Author: Ryan Rapier

Publisher: Cedar Fort/Bonneville

Publish Date: August 13, 2013

ISBN13: 9781462112548

Paperback: 432 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Dr. Schenk, I don’t know if what I’ve written amounts to a breakthrough or not, but I hope you know how difficult this was for me. I also hope this proves how serious I am.

Todd knows he is in a bad place. That’s why he went to a therapist in the first place, and that alone took a lot of doing. So when Dr. Schenk threatens to stop their sessions unless Todd puts in more effort, he grasps at the last available straw: a personal blog that will force Todd to confront his demons.

Ever since he lost his wife, Todd has not been the same. He’s been forced to Single Adult activities at church, and everyone seems to expect him to just forget Marci and get married again—especially when he meets Emily, who makes him smile and starts to bring him out of his depression. But dating again is hard when Todd has three kids of his own, not to mention an overbearing father and friends with their own problems.

This beautifully woven and emotional tale is both heartbreaking and humorous. Championing friendship, love, and family, Ryan Rapier deals adeptly with the everyday struggles we face as well as the strongest ties that keep us together. You’re sure to fall in love with this magnificent tale of redemption, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

My Review

5 out of 5 stars.  I found this book very moving and enjoyable.  I took my time reading this because I didn’t want it to end.  I grew to love Todd, his kids, Emily, Todd’s mother and father, and especially Dr. Schenk.  Ryan does an incredible job of character development and telling a great story.  I liked how he was able to work in “flashback” scenes, while still keeping my attention on the present.  When we first meet Todd, he is struggling with the loss of his wife.  He is seeing Dr. Schenk, and the good doctor is very frustrated with Todd.  He suggests to Todd that he start writing a blog to try to help him express his feelings.  I thought this was very clever.  Life throws some lemons at Todd and I enjoyed how he made his lemonade.  There are some very funny moments and moments that you will need a tissue.

Author Links

Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Publisher

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Blog-Tour-photo

The Daisy Chain (An Aliso Creek Novella) by Heather B. Moore

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 062013
 

The Daisy Chain (An Aliso Creek Novella)

Author: Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Mirror Press

Published: January 31st, 2013

ebook: 65 pages

ASIN: B00B9HHPQU

FTC FYI: I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary 

Welcome to the Aliso Creek Novella Series
Liz, Gemma, Arie, Jess, and Drew have been best friends since creating “the Five” at Aliso Creek High School. But that was over ten years ago, and each is still trying to find that perfect someone… if perfect is even possible.

Actually, Jess Giles does find her perfect match, but since Charlie’s several years older than she, they never have a moment of harmony from his adult kids who protest the marriage. When Charlie dies in a tragic accident, his kids add insult to injury and sue Jess for her share of the inheritance. The only person Jess trusts for financial advice is Charlie’s financial planner, Preston Michaels. Just talking to Preston on the phone makes Jess feel flustered, yet strangely comfortable at the same time, so she puts off meeting him for as long as possible. When Jess has to attend the formal hearing, she’s about to find out if the man she’s been talking to over the phone for several months lives up to the voice that she’s grown attached to.

My Review

Right away I was taken into Jess’s story.  We meet her on the first anniversary of her husband’s death.  She is sad and having a hard time coping.  Some members of “the Five” come to visit her to cheer her up, but Arie knows there is more to her sadness then what Jess is saying.  Even though Jess’s husband Charlie was older then her, she truly loved him and misses him.  To make matters worse, Charlie’s son and daughter are suing Jess for the money that he left her.  Her only salvation has been Preston Michaels, Jess’s financial planner.  They have never met in person, and Preston is asking Jess to come to a scheduled court date.  Jess needs to gather all the courage she can to try to be strong to move on with her life.

5 out of 5 stars.  I am loving this series from Heather B. Moore.  Her writing is so strong and I am immediately taken into the story.  Her characters are always likable and I care about what happens to them.  I can’t wait for the next installment.

A Timeless Romance Anthology (Spring Vacation Collection) is out now.  Arie’s story is told in this book.  Like the Winter Romance Anthology, there are also five other authors that are part of the collection.  Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Heather Justesen, Sarah M. Eden, and Aubrey Mace.  I know I will enjoy this!

Author Links

Website / Fans of H.B. Moore on Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords

Third Time’s the Charm by Heather B. Moore

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Dec 192012
 

Third Time’s the Charm (An Aliso Creek Novella)

Author: Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Mirror Press, LLC

Published: December 7th, 2012

ebook: 60 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Welcome to the Aliso Creek Novella Series

Liz, Gemma, Arie, Jess, and Drew have been best friends since creating the “Five” at Aliso Creek High School. But that was over ten years ago, and each is still trying to find that perfect someone . . . if perfect is even possible.

In fact, Liz Carlson will settle for a normal man. A normal man with a job, that is. Married twice, then divorced twice, Liz’s rose-colored glasses fell off and shattered on the ground a long time ago. Her main focus now is raising her six-year-old daughter and surviving long days at work on her feet as a hairdresser. When Sloane Branden answers her call for help, quite literally, Liz doesn’t even give him a second glance. She’s sworn off dating for as many years as it takes, and it seems that Sloane has done the same after his own tumultuous marriage. But when Liz discovers that Sloane defies every stereotypical deadbeat she’s dated, she might just find room in her heart and discover the third time’s the charm.

My Review

This novella is very close to perfect. It has great characters that you care about quickly, and an all around fantastic story. Liz is an adorable character that had me smiling with her funny quirks. I laughed when she would text Gemma (part of the Five) for pep talks. I loved Sloane instantly. I really liked how he was with Paisley, Liz’s daughter.  This fun short story has a surprising twist that I really enjoyed. I hope there are updates on these great characters in future novellas (hint hint).

5 out of 5 stars. Third Time’s the Charm is a quick, fun read that had me wanting more. Gemma’s story, Picture Perfect, is next up and it will be in A Timeless Romance Anthology — Spring Vacation Anthology coming in February 2013. This anthology will feature short stories from Heather, Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Heather Justesen, Aubrey Mace, and Sarah M. Eden. I can’t wait! All of the “Five” friends will have their own story in the Aliso Creek Novella series coming in 2013.

Author Links

Fan Facebook Page / Twitter / Goodreads / Website

Purchase Links

Amazon / Smashwords

Luck of the Draw by Rachael Renee Anderson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 172011
 

Luck of the Draw

Author: Rachael Renee Anderson

Publisher: Bonneville/Cedar Fort

Published: 2010

Softcover: 214 pages

ISBN: 978-1-599-55-443-3

FYC FYI- Borrowed from the library

Brighton Andrews lives with his three roommates at BYU-Idaho, and not one of them likes to do laundry. In order to avoid it, the one holding the toy rat needs to ask out a stranger and take her on a date. Brighton is challenged to go out with three girls, who happen to be roommates and they can’t know they are dating the same guy. If he wins, no laundry for a month. Challenge accepted. His first conquest is Katherine Buzzner, a gorgeous, fun girl he met at the school library, but rushing around he “crashes” into Dani Collins, Katherine’s roommate, who does all she can to avoid him. The third is an obnoxious opera star, and Brighton sits through many “performances”. As great as Katherine is, Brighton can’t get Dani out of his mind. He even takes snowboarding lessons from her to try to get another date. He is really starting to like her. Brighton, who calls himself Jeff to Dani, really turns on the charm, but Dani is hesitant. Mainly because Jeff is going to med school when he graduates. Instant turn-off for Dani. Her father is a doctor, and felt her parents weren’t there for her growing up. They were more interested in the next social event instead of being parents. Luckily Dani had her Nana who kept her grounded, and showed her the life she knows she wants.

What I liked most is, what happens next. Of course, Brighton will get caught (sorry to spoil, but it was inevitable right). I enjoyed how it all came about, and where Dani and Brighton go from there.

I really enjoyed this book. The turn it took really surprised me, I’m glad there was more to what the back cover read. My favorite was Dani, she is a great character. A smart girl who has a strong testimony, and a strong head on her shoulders. She knows what she wants, but also learns to bend at end. I laughed and cried.

4 1/2 stars of out 5. Rachael has also written Divinely Designed, which I have not read, but will very soon. Congrats to Rachael, Luck of the Draw is a finalist for a 2010 Whitney Award in the Romance category. Here’s the link to Rachael’s blog.

Bro. Jo’s Guide to Relationships for Single Young Adults

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jan 142011
 

Walnut Springs Press has two books that anyone who is dating, and between the ages of 16-30, will enjoy these books. After reading the book specifically for LDS Young Single Adults, I wished that I had read this book 18 years ago. I know that I will be reading up on it again if/when I start dating again. (Not that I am still a “Young” Single Adult, but there are still some great dating ideas for older people.

Speaking of dating, Bro. Jo also has a book for teenagers and how to casual date. This book is for the 16-19 crowd. Everyone with a teenager NEEDS this book! I know that my own children will be reading these books a lot! I have “talked” to Bro. Jo and he said he is working on a book about why 11-15 year olds should not date. I can’t wait until that book is published.

Bro. Jo takes the guesswork out of relationships!

Most of us want to get sealed for time and all eternity someday, somehow, to someone. You may not be anywhere near ready, you may think you’re ready but you’re not, you may be close, or you may have already arrived and are wondering, “Well, now what?” Wherever you’re at, this book is here to help!

Finally, a gospel-centered book that’s as frank as it is funny, from Dave Johnston, the writer of DearBroJo.blogspot.com. It’s the fastest-growing advice blog for LDS teens and young single adults.

Here’s what readers say about Bro Jo’s advice:

“It just seems like Bro Jo knows stuff”

“Where was this guy when I was younger?”

“Hilarious! It would be even funnier if it weren’t so gosh darn true.”

“I really like your advice site and that you are brutally honest, down-to-earth, realistic, but spiritual too.”

“What you just did … hit me like a rock in the face. Thank you.”

“I love what you do!”
Bro Jo helps make dating fun!

So how do you “casual group date,” and what you the guidelines you show follow? With “Bro Jo’s Dating Rules for Teens (and their parents),” and with tip on planning fun and appropriate dates, you’re all set!

Bro Jo gives helpful advice about lots of things, including:

How to get the attention of that guy or girl
Asking someone on a date
Getting someone to ask you on a date
Why the guy should plan, pick up, and pay
Kissing, hugging, and holding hands
Why we casual group date in the first place

You’ll also find affordable date ideas, advice on how to keep the conversation going, and much more!

Brother Dave Johnston has been married since 1991; he and “Sister Jo” have seven children (four boys, a girl, a boy, and a girl). A Business Owner, Author, Speaker, and Teacher, Bro Jo has taught Youth Sunday School, Seminary and Institute for nearly two decades (which is impressive, ’cause he’s not THAT old!) “Dear Bro Jo” now has over 10,000 readers from around the world!

You can reach Bro. Jo at his blog and check out the great things he has there. This is one website that you do want your teenager to go to.

http://dearbrojo.blogspot.com/