Josi S. Kilpack – Page 2 – LDS Women's Book Review

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection – Combined Review

May 062013

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection

Authors: Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Heather Justesen, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Aubrey Mace

Published: February 1, 2013

Publisher: Mirror Press

Format: ebook

FTC FYI: Received an ePub copy in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by: Mindy and Shanda

Goodreads Summary

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection. Readers will love this collection of six sweet contemporary romance novellas, centered on a Spring Vacation, all with one thing in common: Romance.

In Moonlight Kiss, a delightful story by Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah is looking forward to the company retreat, namely because she’ll finally meet Clint—the man she’s been Instant Messaging for a few months. As a single mom, Sarah gets out . . . well, never. So adding vacation days onto the retreat so she can spend time with Clint is daring, yet exciting. She just hopes that the suave on-line Clint will live up to the man she hopes to share her heart with.

In Annette Lyon’s charming novella, Chasing Tess, Tess had been patiently waiting through three years of law school for James to pop the question. The night has finally arrived—at his graduation party. But his big announcement turns out to be completely unexpected . . . and devastating. Tess flees the party, promising herself she’ll never let herself waste time on James again. But as she makes a desperate cross-country drive, James makes his own plans on how to win her back.

Dancing at the Flea Market is a sweet romance by Heather Justesen. Mara, fresh out of the cold North Dakota tundra, spends her spring break in Texas with close friend, Anna. When the two women run into Carter, an impatient man with a painful past, it takes hearing Mara’s stunning voice at the local Karaoke club to thaw his heart. But as Mara gets to know Carter, she has to decide if the distance between their lives and homes is worth trying to bridge.

In Sarah M. Eden’s captivating novella, The Best Laid Plans, Madison gives up a vacation to Cancún with her office friends to return home and babysit her mother, who is in another sketchy relationship. The only problem with returning home is running into Derek, her ex-boyfriend who she decided to break up with before he could break up with her—Madison believes in always being one step ahead. When Derek teams up with Madison to investigate whether her mother is dating the right guy, Madison has a hard time ignoring what her heart is telling her about giving Derek another chance.

Picture Perfect, an exciting story by Heather B. Moore, follows Gemma who has never done anything out of the ordinary, until her boyfriend Randy starts to ignore her. But even cutting and dyeing her hair doesn’t get his attention. She decides to join her old high school friends for spring vacation, only to be faced with Drew, her best friend who suddenly seems interested in her as more than a friend. Gemma must determine if her heart is on the rebound or if it’s finally met its true match.

In Aubrey Mace’s enchanting romance, The Science of Sentiment, Rosie will do anything to forget Kevin, his completely perfect kisses, and the fact that he dumped her. When she arrives at her grandfather’s mountain cabin for a spring getaway, she discovers her worst nightmare—Kevin has been invited to stay the weekend too. Since there is only room for one in such a small space, Rosie is determined to kick Kevin out. But Kevin has other plans . . . which might include a reminder of why he’s the perfect kisser.

Mindy’s Review

This is a very enjoyable book full of six well-written and fun short stories. Each one is very unique, and most importantly, clean romances with awesome characters. I was quickly taken into each story with their fun plots and spring settings. As I was reading each story, I was sure it was my favorite, then I would start the next one, and it became my new favorite. Each story has its share of great kisses. The kiss in Heather Moore’s Picture Perfect… WOW!

5 out of 5 stars. As you finish each story, you will be happily wanting more. I can’t wait for Summer Wedding Collection in May.

Shanda’s Review

The A Timeless Romance Anthology series has proven that a short love story can still be big on romance. I enjoyed each one, amazed at how well each author packed a full story into a smaller page count without making it feel rushed or incomplete.

My favorite was Sarah Eden’s The Best Laid Plans. I’m going to quote my notes directly: “Sigh (big smiley face). Loved it. Maddi & Derek – great couple. Good story. Nice romance.” I agree with Mindy about the kiss in Picture Perfect. I was pleasantly surprised with the little turn the story took in Chasing Tess. It was happily not what I expected.

If you like a good romance, check out A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection. I’m anxiously looking forward to the next installment, A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection. I got a sneak peek at Melanie Jacobson’s Love Bytes and, well, I loved it.

Purchase Links:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Anthology Links:

BLOG | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK

Author links are listed above.

Banana Split (Sadie Hoffmiller #7) by Josi S. Kilpack

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Apr 082013

Banana Split (Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery #7)

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: March 2012

Softcover; 372 pages

Genre: Culinary Mystery

ISBN# 978-1-60908-903-0

Reviewed by: Shanda

Summary

Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua’i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.

Her determination to stay out of danger and to focus on overcoming her anxieties soon takes a backseat when she meets eleven-year-old Charlie, the son of the woman whose body she discovered near Anahola Beach. Charlies has some questions of his own about what happened to his mother, and he is convinced that only Sadie can help him. If only Sadie were as confident in her abilities as Charlie is.

With the help of her best friend and a local social worker, Sadie dives into another mystery with the hope that, at the end, she’ll be able to find the peace and closure that has eluded her.

Review

After the traumatic events during her visit to Boston, Sadie is in dire need of rest and relaxation. She heads to Hawai’i to recuperate, but after a few weeks the anxiety takes over. Sadie spends most of the day locked in a small condo, not even finding pleasure in cooking as she once did.

When she finally ventures out at the insistence of her friends, the Blue Muumuus, what was supposed to be a peaceful snorkeling trip ends in Sadie discovering a body trapped in the water. It’s enough to send her over the edge and into the care of a therapist.

The young son of the woman whose body Sadie found seeks her out with a list of questions about his mother. Sadie decides to learn more and use the experience to help her deal with the memories of the grisly encounter. She puts her investigative skills to use and uncovers details that lead her to think the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death may not be what they first seem.

It was interesting to see Sadie in Hawai’i, alone in a small condo with no family around her. It made me a little sad to see her so affected by what she’d gone through the past several months, and yet it was reassuring and realistic, adding depth to Sadie’s character. The description of her interaction with the woman’s dead body, while far from graphic, was creepy enough to make my skin crawl.

There was great suspense and misdirection. I often figure out the bad guy in other mysteries, but I love how Josi keeps me guessing in every book. I’m never sure of the villain until the end and I’m always surprised by something.

I’m not sure how Josi manages to keep things so fresh in this series, but she has, especially as it has grown into something bigger than I think even she expected. As long as she keeps writing Sadie Hoffmiller books, I will keep reading them. I love this series and recommend it to everyone.

Visit Josi:

Find Banana Split:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

***Read Mindy’s review: Banana Split by Josi S. Kilpack***

Baked Alaska by Josi S. Kilpack – Blog Tour and Giveaway

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Mar 042013

Baked Alaska (Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery #9)

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain/Deseret Book

Published Date: February 18, 2013

Softcover; 358 pages

Genre: Culinary Mystery

ISBN# 978-1-60907-328-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free review PDF in exchange for an honest review

Summary

An Alaskan cruise is the setting for amateur detective Sadie Hoffmillers latest adventure. Sadie plans to spend time relaxing with her two grown children, Breanna and Shawn, and her boyfriend, Pete, while enjoying the luxury and cuisine of an elegant cruise ship and helping to plan her daughters upcoming wedding. But even as the crew prepares to leave port, Sadie has suspicions about the voyage ahead and the relationship between her normally easygoing son and a mysterious female passenger he obviously knows but refuses to discuss. When the woman is discovered unconscious during the second night at sea, Sadies apprehension escalates. Over the last few years, Sadie has developed an extreme dislike for secrets and it would seem her son is keeping one from her. *Includes eight new mouthwatering recipes, tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadie’s Virtual Test Kitchen. *Josi’s culinary mysteries have become favorites with members of Goodreads and other book networking sites. *Readers guide available online.

Review

Sadie hopes that a week-long cruise to Alaska will give her grown children, Shawn and Breanna, a chance to get to know her boyfriend, Pete Cunningham, a bit better. Things don’t work out so well right from the start. Shawn is hiding something from her and Sadie’s feelings are hurt that everyone seems to know what it is but her. Suspicious activity on the cruise ship leads to someone being hurt and the authorities take Shawn in for questioning. Determined to help clear Shawn’s name, Sadie embarks on a search for answers in a mystery that ultimately claims more than one victim.

When I pick up one of Josi’s culinary mysteries, I know I will be pulled in to the story until the last page. Baked Alaska was no exception. Just when I thought I had something figured out, a new twist sent me down another path. Though cruises aren’t my preferred vacation, reading about Sadie and company’s cruise to Alaska was an entertaining escape and just as much fun as the rest of Sadie’s adventures.

The Sadie Hoffmiller series has become more than just the mystery for me. Reading each book is like visiting good friends. I have loved watching the characters’ relationships change and develop from book to book. I really like Pete and the way he has accepted Sadie and her quirks. Breanna and Shawn have grown as well. I was surprised at the end and might have blinked away a tear or two. I closed the book (well, the PDF) with a huge grin on my face.

Fans of Sadie Hoffmiller are going to enjoy Baked Alaska. I can’t wait to see what happens in Rocky Road. This is one of my favorite book series and I can’t recommend it enough.

Visit Josi: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Find Baked Alaska:

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 3/20/13

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, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack – Countdown to Christmas 2012

Posted by Shanda Countdown to Christmas, Special Features

Dec 032012

22 days until Christmas

Josi began her first novel in 1998 and hasn’t stopped. Her novel, Sheep’s Clothing won the Whitney Award 2007 for Mystery/Suspense. Lemon Tart, the first book in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series was a Whitney Finalist for 2009. Book nine in the series, Baked Alaska, will be released in February 2013. Josi is the mother of four and currently lives in Willard Utah with her husband and family.

Visit Josi: WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

* * * * *

LDSWBR: Do you top your Christmas tree with a star, angel, or something else? Does it have special meaning to you?

JOSI: Star. A cheap one I bought at Target. But it’s silver–cause I prefer silver–and I prefer the star simply because that was the first sign of the Savior’s birth.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas movie? Why is it your favorite?

JOSI: “It’s a Wonderful Life” not only is it my favorite Christmas movie, it’s the only black and white movie I like. I feel it’s such a great reflection of the impact each of us have in the lives of others, and a reminder that really, really, hard stuff happens to us, and it’s family that gets us through it.

LDSWBR: What Christmas gift have you been most excited to give?

JOSI: Last year my husband and I were able to give our daughter a new Saxophone for Christmas. She’d been playing it for years, first with a rental and then a cheap one we bought that was 20+ years old. It was the last Christmas where she’d be living at home with us, and she was planning to join the U of U marching band so giving her a brand new, bright and shiny Saxophone was a really fun gift that reflected her years of hard work, and the new beginning she was soon going to embark upon. It was expensive and really pushed us, and yet the stunned look on her face and sincere thanks afterward made it all worthwhile. Last month we got to go to a U of U game and see her play it amid the band; a great moment.

LDSWBR: What a great way to give the gift of music. Thank you, Josi!

* * * * *

Purchase Tres Leches Cupcakes:

Sadie Hoffmiller has relocated from Colorado to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is starting a new job as an informant for the Bureau of Land Management on an archeological site. The sun and dirt blocks her initial excitement about the job, but she makes the best of it, using her baking prowess to help her gather background information on her fellow dirt geeks. Being in the middle of nowhere and digging up artifacts from hundreds of years ago is supposed to keep Sadie out of trouble until recent burials are found on the ancient site. Before Sadie knows it, she’s arrested for starting a bar fight, a new friend is missing, and she’s worn out her welcome in Santa Fe in more ways than one. But when a trip to the annual hot air balloon fiesta in Albuquerque leads to even more danger, she begins to wonder if she’ll ever be safe . . . from herself.

Are there any black-and-white movies that you love? Are any of them Christmas movies?

* * * * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Christmas 2012 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

If you don’t already follow LDSWBR through email, Facebook or Twitter (those cute little book buttons on the sidebar) you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. Following LDSWBR is not required but it is nice to know that our book reviews are useful to other readers.

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2012, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins December 3, 2012 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 2012 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each posts required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 27, 2012 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Book Prizes (as of December 3, 2012 – more to be added to this list!)

Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack (signed paperback copy)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

No previous posts – Josi is our first featured author!

Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews

Sep 192012

Tres Leches Cupcakes

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: September 10, 2012

Paperback: 384 pages

ISBN13: 9781609071707

FTC FYI: Review copy which did not effect my review

Reviewed by Mindy

Backcover summary: For Sadie Hollmiller, going undercover as an informant for the Bureau of Land Management on an archeological site in Santa Fe, New Mexico, seems like the perfect way to stay safe and busy while a threat against her life remains unsolved. Sadie’s days are spent digging up artifacts in the middle of nowhere, but she’s also digging up information on her fellow “dirt geeks.” With the help of her baking prowess and Pete’s cousin, Caro, who takes to the detective work wholeheartedly, Sadie is finding herself again.

But when recent burials are found on an ancient site, Sadie finds herself in the middle of an unexpected–and unwanted–investigation. The more she digs for the truth, the more secrets she uncovers–secrets that people would kill to keep hidden.

Before Sadie knows it, she’s arrested for starting a bar fight (which was totally not her fault), her new friend is missing, and she’s worn out her welcome in Santa Fe in more ways than one. A trip to the annual hot air balloon fiesta in Albuquerque is supposed to give her a brea, but before long, she learns that when you’re dealing with the black market antiquity trade, you’re not really safe anywhere.

My Review

What I am going to do when Josi stops writing this series? I love these books, and Tres Leches Cupcakes is no exception. I enjoyed the whole book immensely, but the last half, there was excitement on every page. When Josi throws in Sadie’s humor and inner voice, which I love, I can’t stop reading. Add a little Pete to the mix, and you’ve got yourself another awesome Sadie Hoffmiller thriller.

Sadie almost is back to her old self in this book, and I missed her. But, I did appreciate the journey that she has taken in each book, and her experiences have made her a better person. I loved reading about the things she has learned, and when she’s in situations similar to past adventures, she can get keep her head and focus. I loved everything about this book, and I can’t wait for Baked Alaska next Spring.

5 out of 5 stars. You will be on the edge of your seat, and finally able to breath again when you reach the end. I loved Pete’s cousin Caro. She was a delightful character, and a great new friend for Sadie.

Josi S. Kilpack is the author of the 6 other books in the Sadie Hoffmiller series, and several other novels. Including Daisy, from the Newport Ladies Book Club series. Find out more about Josi on her blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / DESERET BOOK / SEAGULL BOOK

Daisy by Josi S. Kilpack

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews

Jun 302012

Daisy: The Newport Ladies Book Club

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: April 2012

ISBN13: 9781609070083

Paperback: 269 pages

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. And no one knows that better than Daisy. Raising two kids as a divorced, single mom, Daisy has faced each and every one of the obstacles in her life with courage and determination.
Now with her oldest daughter ready to have a baby of her own, her youngest daughter ready to graduate from high school, and her new husband, Paul, ready to embrace the life of an empty-nester, Daisy feels like she might finally be able to check “motherhood” off her list of things to do.

Except life often has a mind of its own. When, at age of forty-six, Daisy suddenly finds herself facing a very different future than the one she had planned–and an uncomfortable evaluation of the past she thought she understood–she realizes that there is still some growing up she needs to do.
Looking for a distraction to escape the growing tension at home, Daisy joins the Newport Ladies Book Club, where she meets Paige, Athena, and Olivia–unlikely friends who offer encouragement and support when Daisy’s perfectly crafted life is turned upside-down.

My Review

Daisy has had a difficult life. She was pregnant at 17, and never married her daughter December’s father. They broke up, and Daisy went home to her Catholic parents. She worked, while her mother helped by taking care of December. She then met Jared about 10 years later, and had Stormy. They married, but things weren’t perfect. Daisy got pregnant again, and this baby was supposed to save their marriage. Daisy miscarried, and her and Jared divorced. Daisy knew all about the life of a single mother.

Daisy know has been married to Paul, her “prince”, for 3 years. They both have older kids, and are looking forward to a life without kids and responsibilities they bring. Every though Paul’s daughter Mason is older, as well as Stormy, Daisy seems to be counting the days Stormy moves out, and her and Paul can have the life they have both always dreamed of.

Life doesn’t always happen the way you plan…

I loved this book. I enjoyed getting to know the characters of the Newport Ladies Book Club through Daisy’s eyes. Enough time has passed since I read Olivia by Julie Wright, and the details of the book club meetings are now in Daisy’s perceptive. I enjoyed the book club meetings, and it was as if reading them for the first time. I loved Daisy’s character, she is a very strong, smart gal. I enjoyed her journey, and the lessons she learns about herself, her family, and also the joys of close friendships. Most of all, how she needed to ask others for help.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars. Read more about the Newport Ladies Book Club. The next book is Paige by Annette Lyon, and it comes out in August of this year.

Follow Josi S. Kilpack on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.

DESERET BOOK / AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / SEAGULL BOOK

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