Aug 052015
 

Eleanor and the Iron King_COVER.inddEleanor and the Iron King

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: August 1st, 2015

Paperback: 224 pages

ISBN13: 978-1-68047-237-0

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

Goodreads Summary

Eleanor de Lacy is forced into an arranged marriage with her father’s greatest enemy, Brac Goch, the Welsh king. All Eleanor knows of Brac is that he is a ruthless, war hungry man.

Eleanor arrives at the Welsh castle of Bryn Du already expecting the worst. When the ghost of Brac Goch’s first wife appears and warns her that the Welsh king is not to be trusted, all of Eleanor’s fears are confirmed.

As the countdown to her wedding day approaches, Eleanor must figure out who is lying, who is telling the truth, who is loyal, and who is the traitor–and most of all, if she can love an enemy king.

My Review

Julie Daines has done it again.  This book is amazing and I loved every page.  Eleanor and the Iron King has everything a reader could ask for and more.  The setting is a character itself, it was like I was there in the castle.  Eleanor was a fascinating character.  Honestly, I will read anything Julie writes, her books are magical.  Isn’t this cover absolutely gorgeous!

5 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book

Schedule:
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Jan 142015
 

24127387Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance

Authors: Melanie Jacobson, Jennifer K. Clark, Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: January 1st, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-62108-934-6

Paperback: 162 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

They say a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but as mistaken identities abound, three heroines will put this age-old adage to the test! Showcasing a trio of LDS fiction’s finest authors, Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance is a heartwarming collection of short stories that begs the question: can true love really conquer all?

Storybook Romance by Melanie Jacobson —New York City book editor Ellie Hanover has discovered a groundbreaking manuscript that may be just what she needs to save her job. But when her anonymous correspondence with the author begins to develop into more than a professional relationship, Ellie is left wondering if her real find is actually Mr. Right.

He Loves Me Not by Jennifer K. Clark —When Kenedee spies her boss leaving flowers on her desk, she’s swept into a whirlwind of infatuation. If only he didn’t have a girlfriend . . . Undeterred, the young woman enlists in the scheme her employer’s brother has put in motion for the company’s sake in hopes that she can win over the man of her dreams. But even foolproof plans can go awry.

Fools of Us All by Julie Daines —The course of true love is never smooth, as Jane discovers when a case of mistaken identity results in a date with the man she’s admired from afar for years. But she knows all too well that masquerading as her twin sister can only go on for so long before the truth comes out.

My Review

I very much enjoyed these three romance novellas from these great authors.  I have read books from each of these ladies, so I was looking forward to these novellas.  Each were very well written.  Each read quickly and had fantastic characters.  I love and appreciate clean books that have great stories, and these novellas did not disappoint.  I especially liked the settings.  Storybook Romance was especially fun, seeing as how being an editor would be my dream job.  But, Ellie did not have my dream boss.  In He Loves Me Not, it would be very fun to live and work in Moab.  And in Fools of Us All, I actually felt really sorry for Jane.  I was pleased with how she finally makes a decision about one particular person in her life (and it wasn’t the cute doctor).  Jane was an amazing girl who takes care of her mother after the accident that killed her father.  This story was a little more deeper than the others, only because of what Jane has and had to endure.  Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of romance and mistaken identities to go around!

4 out of 5 stars.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

For author links, please look at the author’s name at the top.

Blog tour schedule

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Jun 052014
 

CD2S-2014_300

16 days until summer!

 

juliedaines Julie Daines was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.

She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her vervain.

Visit Julie: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

* * *

LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?

JULIE: We go to a cabin in Montana every summer, just outside of Yellowstone National Park. One summer I read a book called Death in Yellowstone. It told about all the deaths that have occurred inside the boundaries of the park. Bear attacks, eating poisonous plants, killed by natives, falling into geysers, western shoot-outs—it was all there. I’ll never forget it. I was fascinated and horrified at the same time.

LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?

JULIE: We only hike a little during the summer because it’s too hot. We hike to Cascade Falls at Lake Tahoe nearly every year in July.

LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

JULIE: In February, I reread all of Sarah M. Eden’s Regency Romance novels in chronological order. I had so much fun immersing myself in the time period and seeing how all the stories overlap and the characters interplay on each other. Loved it!

LDSWBR: Thank you, Julie!

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

unraveled_cover

When sickness swept through Bronwen’s family, it took the life of her father, brother, and sister, and left her permanently crippled. On the stormy eve of her sixteenth birthday, a faerie-witch gifts her a pair of enchanted shoes. Bronwen slips them on and is healed–but only when the shoes are on her feet. Her grace and beauty catches the eye of the king’s son–Urien, a handsome young man who prides himself on having everything perfect.

When Rhys, an old acquaintance and Captain of the Guard, recognizes Bronwen, he threatens to tell Urien her secret. Desperate to keep her deformity hidden and not to lose the love of handsome Urien, Bronwen quickly finds herself tangled in a web of lies and deceit. After all, she can’t wear the shoes forever.

Do you visit Yellowstone in the summer?

* * *

**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you 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.  US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, 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 June 5, 2014 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2014 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 post’s 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 July 3, 2014 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until July 10, 2014 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 and 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 6/5/14)**

  • Unraveled by Julie Daines (signed paperback)
Mar 262014
 

unraveled_coverUnraveled: A Tale of True Love

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant

Published: February 20th, 2014

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-627-7

Paperback: 200 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

“It’s thoroughly researched, expertly crafted, and it will sweep you off your feet with its beauty.” -UCW

When sickness swept through Bronwen’s family, it took the life of her father, brother, and sister, and left her permanently crippled. On the stormy eve of her sixteenth birthday, a faerie-witch gifts her a pair of enchanted shoes. Bronwen slips them on and is healed–but only when the shoes are on her feet. Her grace and beauty catches the eye of the king’s son–Urien, a handsome young man who prides himself on having everything perfect.

When Rhys, an old acquaintance and Captain of the Guard, recognizes Bronwen, he threatens to tell Urien her secret. Desperate to keep her deformity hidden and not to lose the love of handsome Urien, Bronwen quickly finds herself tangled in a web of lies and deceit. After all, she can’t wear the shoes forever.

My Review

Bronwen is a girl who has seen rough times.  After sickness crippled her legs and killed most of her family, all her mother and her had were each other.  We meet Bronwen and her mother on a stormy night where her mother tells her the faerie folks will be out causing mischief.  No sooner does she say that, when the Grey Maiden, the Gwyllion, appears at their door.  They give her shelter from the storm, all while the Gwyllion keeps staring at her crippled legs.  This irritates Bronwen, but she prepares a room for her to sleep.  While she is getting it ready, the Gwyllion comes to her tell her she knows what it is she wants.  Bronwen is surprised by this, but knows that she must watch her while Bronwen is on the swifts.

Before she could leave the room, the Gwyllion spoke again.  Nothing more than a whisper, yet her words filled the room.  “Who would want a crippled wife?”

Bronwen’s head snapped up.  She had never said those words out loud.  Not to anyone.  Not even her mother.  She already knew the answer.  It was why she wept sometimes at night.  Why she hated the boys in the village who looked at her, then looked away.  If she were whole, they would be vying for her favor even though they were all below her station.

She answered the Gwyllion’s question.  “No one.”

“And yet you dream,” the faerie witch said.  “The stars do not shine on dreamers.  They shine on those who see the truth.” (page 6 – 7)

The next morning Bronwen sees that the Grey Maiden is gone, but she has left Bronwen a gift, old shoes.  Her curiosity gets the best of her, and she tries them on.  The pain she experiences nearly knocks her out, but the pain is from her legs healing.  She can stand and walk.    Bronwen and her mother travels to town to present her to the king since she is of age.  She meets the king’s son, Urien, but recognizes Rhys from back home.  She quickly decides to lie about her family name, in hopes that Rhys won’t recognize her.  And what happens next, starts a chain of events that tangle of web of lies that have a hard time being unraveled.  Bronwen gets herself in a mix of trouble, and tries to find her way out, but the only one who can save her is herself.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.  A fabulous read full of faerie legend and folklore.  It is also a story of a girl who doubts herself and others because of her limitations.  I loved the lessons that Bronwen learns.  Even though it takes something pretty drastic for the truth to finally come out, I love how it all unravels.  Julie did an amazing job with this book.  There is heart, humor, adventure and characters that surprised me.  Very enjoyable read.

Author Links

Website / Twitter /  Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book / Deseret Book

 

 

 

Jun 102013
 

CD2S2013_200

 

juliedainesJulie Daines was born in Massachusetts and raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.

She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her vervain.

She is the author of A Blind Eye (February 2013), and has won several awards for her writing.

Visit Julie:  BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | GOODREADS

* * *

LDSWBR: What books do you plan/hope to read this summer?

JULIE: Chime by Franny Billingsley, Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey, and the two new Sarah M. Eden books coming out this summer. That should be a good start!

LDSWBR: Did you ever go to summer camp, and/or what is your most memorable camping experience?

JULIE: When I was in college, I went snow camping with my cross country ski class. I know this post is supposed to be all about summertime, but this is my most memorable camping experience. We carved tent spaces out of the snow–which was about 6 feet deep–and told wonderful stories by the fire. Everything was going fine until I had to go to the bathroom. Of course there were no facilities, we were in the middle of nowhere. The procedure for relieving yourself was basically put your skis on–because the snow was way to deep to walk on–and find a private tree.

Well, I don’t want to get into too much gruesome detail, but, let’s just say that when you squat with your pants down on skis, it’s possible the skis will head downhill at a very inopportune moment.

LDSWBR: If you could have a summer home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

JULIE: Oh my gosh I’m the worst at picking favorites. I guess I’d have to say a little cottage somewhere in the English countryside. Or in New Zealand. Or a cabin in Alaska … or Montana.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Julie!

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Find A Blind Eye:

FACEBOOK | AMAZON | KINDLE  | NOOK | DESERET BOOK | DB BOOKSHELF | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

ABlindEye

Seventeen-year-old Christian Morris decides the only way to save himself from his father’s neglect is to run away from home. On his way out of town, he finds a stowaway hiding in his car—Scarlett, who has been kidnapped from London. Blind since birth, Scarlett has developed a sixth sense: she dreams about someone’s death before it happens. And now, she has dreamed about her own.

Christian’s attempt to leave home turns into a race to save Scarlett from death by scientific experimentation. His growing relationship with the girl helps him to look past his own blindness and confront the truth about his father. But first, he must find the kidnappers before they can get to Scarlett.

Read Shanda’s review of A Blind Eye | Watch the BOOK TRAILER

Have you ever camped in the snow like Julie?

* * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Comment on each Countdown to Summer 2013 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 HERE.

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 Summer 2013. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes generously donated by the authors as of 6/10/2013 (more added throughout the contest!):

  • A Blind Eye by Julie Daines (signed), a bookmark AND a Mind the Gap temporary tattoo

By commenting and participating in the Countdown to Summer 2013 you agree to the following:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 10, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 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 post’s 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 July 2, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until July 10, 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.

Apr 092013
 

ablindeyeA Blind Eye

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: January 2013

Softcover: 176 pages

Genre: YA Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-62108-252-1

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Summary

Life has dealt Christian Morris one blow too many. After his mother’s untimely death left him in the care of his distant, workaholic father, family life became anything but happy. Now, after eight years of neglect and loneliness, he can’t think of a reason to stay. The promise of a new beginning beckons, and with bags packed, Christian embarks on what he anticipates will be an uneventful road trip to Canada and freedom from his pain. But in a twist of fate, his plans take a drastic detour in the form of a beautiful and frightened girl. Scarlett, a British teenager, suddenly appears in his life and she’s in trouble.

Blind since birth, Scarlett Becket has virtually been abandoned. Following her completion of school, Scarlett’s world is shattered the night she’s abducted from her temporary London flat. Unable to see her kidnappers, she is uncertain as to who they are or why they chose her. What she does know is that in a series of vivid dreams, much like those she has had before, she has foreseen a grisly murder and this time, she’s the victim. Scarlett’s narrow escape and encounter with Christian has provided her a temporary refuge, but it’s only a matter of time before her captors pick up her trail.

Determined to protect Scarlett, whatever the price, Christian embarks on a dangerous course as he fights to keep her alive. And in entering the twisted maze of betrayal and redemption, he quickly realizes that life looks different when you may not live to see tomorrow.

Review

I was intrigued as soon as I read the summary for A Blind Eye. I enjoyed this story about a conflicted young man, a strong-yet-vulnerable young woman with a unique ability, and an interesting storyline that kept me reading.

I really liked both main characters and several secondary characters as well. With a little more page space some of them could have been a bit more fleshed out. Considering the fast-moving plot, that extra character development would have been nice but not necessary and it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.

The conflict between Christian and his father was well-developed and the reader is left with a realistic “resolution” considering their relationship. I loved the way the setting of the story came full circle.

A Blind Eye was a quick, suspense-filled read that adults will enjoy as much as their older teenagers. Though the book doesn’t hit 200 pages, it didn’t feel short or rushed. I believe this is Julie’s debut novel and I can honestly say I look forward to reading more from her.

Visit Julie: 

BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS

Find A Blind Eye

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

Watch the trailer for A Blind Eye (click through to watch if you aren’t reading this post on the LDSWBR blog):