Home and Away by Dean Hughes

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Dec 252015
 

25205324Home and Away: A World War II Christmas Story

Author: Dean Hughes

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: September 2015

ISBN13: 9781629720937

Hardcover: 176 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

A historical fiction novel told from the perspective of a son fighting on the battlefields of Europe during World War II and his mother, struggling with worry and uncertainty about her soldier son while she tries to keep a semblenance of a normal, happy Christmas holiday back on the home front. Norma Hayes has always tried to make Christmas special for her family, but 1944 will make that more difficult with money being tight and wartime rationing making everything hard to come by. Aware of his mother’s hardships and the worry from having her eldest son at war, second son, Dennis, is determined to buy his mother a special gift this Christmas, a lavender blue dress he hopes will bring her comfort as a symbol of special times gone by and the hope of a brighter future with the family reunited at war’s end. Meantime, on the long campaign to free Europe, her soldier son carrys on as best he can, the horrors of war taking its heavy toll on armies and civilians alike. On a battlefield far from home in Holland with his 101st Airborne battalion, he catches a familiar scent of lavender which briefly transports him back to the home front to the perfume scent his mother wore, giving him a short respite and reuniting the family once again if only in his imagination. This historical fiction novel is a nostalgic and tender story about the power of love, the reality of war, and the hope we all have that things will turn out all right.

My Review

I truly loved this story.  It is the perfect book for Christmastime.  The story is beautifully told.  Dennis was my favorite character.  I loved how he treated his mom, with so much respect and love.  It was touching how he wanted to get her the perfect gift and I loved how he was able to obtain it for her.  That part made me cry.  I enjoyed the point of view switches between Dennis and Glen.  The author does a great job showing the hardships of war, for all involved.  How hard it is for the soldiers and those left at home worrying.  Dennis’s father, at times, really frustrated me, but I appreciated him more when I understood his side.  The scenes with Glen at war were written well, one particular scene that had the tears flowing.  I loved how the family was able to come together, as they are waiting to hear Glen’s fate.  The time period was a character itself.  I really enjoy stories about World War II.  Dennis and Glen’s mother, Norma, was a great character.  No matter how hard things were, she always remained positive.  She sacrificed so much for her family.

5 out of 5 stars.  Merry Christmas!

Author Links

Website / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book 

The Romney Family Table by Ann Romney

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Oct 092013
 

RomneyTableCkbk_detailThe Romney Family Table: Sharing Home Cooked Recipes and Favorite Traditions

Author: Ann Romney

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: October 1st, 2013

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-676-4

Hardcover: 224 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Inside the Book Jacket

Home is where good things happen–and for the Romney family, the heart of the home is the kitchen.  Ann Romney, wife of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, invites readers into her home and kitchen, combining some of her favorite memories of raising a family.

Part “insider look”, part cookbook, The Romney Family Table starts out with a unique blend of personal memories, homegrown traditions, and the foods that have made family events special.  Join the Romneys for family nights, summer at the lake, Christmas Eve, and many other occasions, detailed in an intimate and welcoming style.

Then, indulge yourself in scores of additional mouthwatering recipes.  From the simple (Fluffernutter Sandwiches) to the sophisticated (Peppered Pork Chops with Peach-Vinegar Glaze);  from the Honey-Wheat Bread Ann made regularly for five growing sons to the Buttermilk Pancakes she and Mitt shared with their Secret Service detail at the end of Mitt’s presidential campaign, these recipes will become treasures for you as they have been for the Romney family.

My Review

Everything about this book is beautiful.  From the heart-felt stories, to the yummy food.  I loved the inside look at the Romney family.  Through the first three sections of the book, you are able to read about Ann’s family and the traditions they share.  Family, traditions, and holidays.  My personal favorite was family.  There was one passage that I took to heart.  It is also something that I am striving for in my home.  With a hubby that is not home all the time, it is vital that we have dinners together.  It is the best way to catch up with your kids on their day without distractions.

Several years ago, the media reported a study carried out by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital found that kids who ate dinner iwth their families at least five times a week were far less likely to take drugs, become depressed, or get into trouble.  Personally, I don’t think it’s the food that does the trick, and it may be that there is more involved than just the 30 minutes or so around the table.  I think that spending time in the kitchen with Mom as she prepares those meals has a lot to do with it.  (page 5)

This book is wonderful addition to any home library.  I’m very excited to try some of the recipes, too.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book

 

 

 

Castles on the Sand by E.M. Tippetts

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 252012
 

Castles on the Sand

Author: E.M. Tippetts (Emily Mah Tippetts)

Publisher: self

Published: August 2012

ISBN13: 9781479120291

Genre: YA Contemporary

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Madison Lukas knows her place in the world. She’s not pretty, not interesting, and therefore easy to forget.

John Britton is serving his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and has been praying for fifteen years to find the sister he lost in his parents’ divorce. She is beautiful, talented, and makes kindness a fine art.

When John and Madison cross paths, he recognizes her at once, but Madison is certain that he’s got it all wrong. Even if she is his long-lost sister, she can’t possibly be the exceptional, amazing girl he thinks she is, can she?

My Review

Madison is a very sweet girl with a lot going on her life, even though she doesn’t think so.  She has a best friend, that isn’t really a friend at all, and all-of-the-sudden boys are paying attention to her.  Madison doesn’t think very well of herself, and doesn’t know how to react when she gets all the attention she does.  Her “best friend” Kailie, who has some series issues herself, does not like the attention that Madison gets from the school hunk, and does some mean things to her that ends up with Madison black and blue.  Madison suddenly meets her long-lost brother, which confuses her.  All of her life, she thought she was an only child.  Her mother is an artist, and pretty much lets Madison do what she wants. As long as she leaves her alone.  At least her boss, Siraj is nice to her.  There are also some encounters with the “town psycho” that had me curious.

3 of out 5 stars.  The things Kailie do to her really started to get to me, and a couple things in the relationship were left unexplained.  I really enjoyed, though, Madison’s relationships with her brother John, Siraj, and Alex.  I really liked Alex, and I was happy to see there were people in Madison’s life that treated her well, and appreciated what a great person she is.  I was also relieved that Madison got smarter about the boys in her life.

Emily Mah Tippetts is the author of several books.  Find out more about them on Goodreads and her Blog.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

August Fortress by Andrea Pearson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Aug 152012
 

August Fortress

Author: Andrea Pearson

Publisher: Self

Published: June 2012

eBook: 381 pages

ASIN: B008AYUYB8

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Jacob Clark’s most dangerous quest yet is just beginning. He and his friends must rescue the powerful Shiengols from August Fortress, where they’ve been held captive for nearly fifteen years. But deadly Lorkon traps are everywhere and affect all involved—even Jacob. To succeed, he’ll have to master more of his powers and put aside distractions from his ordinary life.

My Review

This is my favorite book of the series. I loved the adventure and surprises around every turn. The characters are creative and fun. I really enjoy the world that Andrea has created. The creatures are my favorite, I would not want to be hunted by a fish because I accidentally fell in it’s water. Jacob and his friends embark on their most dangerous quest, to request the Sheingols. All of their senses are effected, and there is danger around every turn. Jacob has some really cool abilities and is everyday learning about them. Andrea’s books are full of fun, suspense, adventure, heart, and have a great sense of family. From the humans to the Makalos, everyone is loved and appreciated. You will enjoy these books even as much as your kids will.

4 out of 5 stars. August Fortress is Book 3 of the Key of Kilenya series. Book 2 is The Ember Gods. Follow Andrea on her blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / SMASHWORDS

With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 152012
 

With a Name Like Love      CONTEST DETAILS BELOW

Author: Tess Hilmo

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Published: 2011

Hardcover: 249 pages

ISBN: 978-0-374-38465-4

FTC FYI: I received a free copy which did not affect my review.

Reviewed by Mindy

TESS IS GIVING AWAY A COPY OF WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE.  DETAILS AFTER REVIEW!

Goodreads summary: When Ollie’s daddy, the Reverend Everlasting Love, pulls their travel trailer into Binder to lead a three-day revival, Ollie knows that this town will be like all the others they visit— it is exactly the kind of nothing Ollie has come to expect. But on their first day in town, Ollie meets Jimmy Koppel, whose mother is in jail for murdering his father. Jimmy insists that his mother is innocent, and Ollie believes him. Still, even if Ollie convinces her daddy to stay in town, how can two kids free a grown woman who has signed a confession?  Ollie’s longing for a friend and her daddy’s penchant for searching out lost souls prove to be a formidable force in this tiny town where everyone seems bent on judging and jailing without a trial.”

Ollie travels around the South with her Reverend Father, Mother, and four sisters.  Ollie is the oldest.  It is July, 1957.  The Love family travels around the South in their trailer from town to town.  The Reverend preaches for a few days, then the family moves on to the next town. Ollie would love nothing more then to have a house with a mailbox, telephone and refrigerator.  This is what Ollie thinks of the town.

Binder was a pitiful place, worn thin from years of want. It was exactly like all the other towns her daddy dragged them through.  It was exsactly the kind of nothing Ollie had com to expect.

Except, maybe, for that boy

Ollie takes her sister, Ellen with her to pass out fliers.  On their way around town, Ollie sees an orange something in the poplars. When she tries to sneak up on it, there’s nothing there.  The girls arrive at a store and right away come to know that strangers aren’t welcome.  On the way out of the shop, Ollie sees the orange again. It belongs to a boy.  Ollie invites him to hear her daddy that night, and to bring his family. He says he can’t bring them.  His pa is in the cemetery and his mama is in jail for his murder.

This book was darling.  I loved the relationship between the Love family.  They are a family that would do anything for each other.  Even Martha, who was a bit feisty.  I don’t want to give too much of this sweet story away, but the family decides to stay in town to try to help Jimmy find out who murdered his pa.  He was not a good man, and had many enemies.  Ollie was, of course, my favorite.  There was another character that touched my heart, Mrs. Mahoney.  She was such an amazing example of unconditional kindness and love.   Jimmy was a favorite too.  His story will touch your heart.

4 1/2 stars out of 5.  With a Name Like Love is finalist for 2010 Whitney Award in the YA general category.  This truly is a great story of friendship and love of a family.  Find out more about Tess Hilmo here.  Follow Tess on Facebook.

BARNES AND NOBLE / AMAZON

Tess Hilmo is given away a copy of With a Name Like Love.  Leave a thoughtful comment, telling me something you love most about your family.  Contest ends Friday night at midnight MST.  Winner announced Saturday. Good Luck!  US ONLY.

Choose the Right by Kimiko Hammari – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Dec 082011
 

Choose the Right: A Year of Family Night Lessons to Help Your Children Choose the Right

Author: Kimiko Hammari

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published Date: November 2011

Paperback; 160 pages

Genre: Religious Non-fiction

ISBN# 978-1-59955-941-4

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

From Goodreads:

Crazy days mean no time to plan family nights. With Choose the Right, all your Family Home Evening lessons are done for a whole year, complete with activities, games, scriptures, songs, challenges, and a CD-Rom with printable handouts! Not only are the lessons fantastic but they correlate with the 2012 Primary topics and lessons. Spend quality time with your children as you make family night the best night!

Every Monday, our family rotates who is responsible for planning Family Home Evening. My husband, two oldest daughters and I take turns planning and presenting the lesson each week. I’m always on the lookout for FHE resources that are easy to prepare, applicable to our family, and engaging for a range of ages.

Choose the Right has a lesson plan for 4 weeks of each month that go right along with the Primary manual for 2012. Each lesson presents options for resources (scriptures, songs, Gospel Art kit pictures, etc), the lesson, a variety of activities, and a challenge. The book comes with a CD from which you can print lesson material and any printables needed so you don’t have to cut up or write in the book.

What I appreciate most about Choose the Right:

  • The complete lesson materials are only two or three pages long so my two youngest (four and almost three years old) are less likely to get bored
  • While many of the lesson activities are great for my two youngest, the weekly challenges are more applicable to my two oldest daughters so there is something for everyone
  • The FHE lessons are planned for the entire year, so my husband and I don’t have to stress about what the FHE lesson should be about from week to week
  • The lessons go along with the Primary manual so what my little ones are learning in Primary is automatically being reiterated in our home
  • The printables and graphics are cute!
Choose the Right would make a great Christmas gift for a family with Primary-age children. I look forward to our next year of Family Home Evenings.

 

Buy Choose the Right: DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | AMAZON

 

Thank you to the author, Kimiko Hammari, and the publisher, Cedar Fort, for the opportunity to review Choose the Right.

 

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