LDS fiction – LDS Women's Book Review

The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Feb 242014

TheOrchard The Orchard

Author: Krista Lynne Jensen

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: April 2013

Paperback/Kindle/ebook: 245 pages

Genre: LDS Contemporary Romance

ISBN# 978-1608611454

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: purchased my own copy with my own money at LDStorymakers 2013

Summary (Goodreads)

On the idyllic shores of Flathead Lake, Montana, Alisen Embry finds purpose and comfort tending her late mother’s cherry orchard adjacent to the family’s beloved lake house. Though pained by the loss of her mother and her father’s estrangement, it is Derick Whitney—the man she fell in love with four years earlier—who truly influences Alisen’s view of her future . . .

Derick and Alisen wanted nothing more than to spend eternity together; however, intolerance and secrets forced Alisen to make a shattering choice between her family and the man she loved.

But destiny always has a way of setting things right . . .

Now the Embry family has found themselves hopelessly in debt, and they realize renting the lake house is the only hope of saving the cherished orchard and family home. When Alisen discovers the new tenants have a connection to her past, her life takes an unexpected turn. Will fate find a way to reconnect what was broken so many years before?

Review

I might as well start out by saying that Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen novel. It’s not perfect (especially not the movies — that’s for another post), but…that letter. I mean, wow. It sets my heart aflutter, though not as much as The Orchard did. My, oh my.

Honestly, I had forgotten that The Orchard was based on the basic story of Persuasion but recognized it soon after I started reading. That made me doubly excited. Not only was I finally getting to read the long-awaited book that had been staring at me from my bookshelf, but it was based on PERSUASION!

The Orchard starts off with the budding romance of Alisen and Derrick, something we don’t get to witness with Anne and Captain Wentworth. There are some lovely romantic moments between them and everything is moving along exceptionally well. That is until certain events, as well as her widowed father and a family friend, complicate matters and Alisen is forced into a heartbreaking decision.

When her family’s financial situation becomes desperate a few years later, Alisen and Derrick come face to face once more. The tension and chemistry is running high between Derrick and Alisen, easing only a little as circumstances continue to throw them together. They discover they have both changed–grown–since that summer years earlier. The question is whether these changes will bring them close once again or drive them further apart.

Even if Persuasion isn’t your cup of herbal tea, you’ll want to read The Orchard. Great romance, thoughtful writing and a touch of humor have earned The Orchard a place on my Favorite Romances bookshelf. Next up — Falling for You, which is signed and waiting as motivation for me to finish another category of Whitney reading.

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Augustina by Rebecca Belliston

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Sep 032013

Augustina (Sadie #2)

Author: Rebecca Belliston

Publisher: Gated Publishing

Published Date: August 5, 2013

Paperback: 396 pages

Genre: Romantic Suspense

ISBN# 978-1490453958

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital PDF in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Against the odds, Sarah Augustina Dawson (Sadie) survived the wrath of Guillermo. But not without a price. Forced to leave her beloved Montana behind, she and Josh are on the run. Within the warmth of the South, she’s determined to find peace and conquer her past, even if only in her mind.

But Guillermo can’t let go. He’s still orchestrating, hunting, and devising ways to exact his own kind of justice. When the law swings in his favor, he’s ready to end the feud that started the moment Josh walked into Sadie’s life.

Review

Augustina is the sequel to LDS romantic suspense Sadie and continues where that book left off. While technically you could read Augustina without reading Sadie first, I wouldn’t recommend it, not just because of events and characters that are referred to in the second book, but also because Sadie is an enjoyable read.

Augustina has several fast-moving and suspenseful sections. At times the back and forth between the should-we-or-shouldn’t-we decision felt a bit drawn out and overall the story probably could have been trimmed a little, but there is plenty of what’s-going-to-happen-next to keep readers turning pages.

Guillermo is one of those terrifyingly powerful and well-funded bad guys that has the resources to find whoever he wants no matter where they hide. The scenes involving Amy and Katie were intensely written. I appreciated the dedication of the two Marshalls assigned to Josh and Sadie/Augustina. It frustrated me at times that there was so much resistance from Josh and Sadie against the people who were actually trying to help them, though in a stressful situation like that, not knowing who to trust or what the consequences of testifying will be, their indecision is understandable.

All in all, Augustina is a good follow up to Sadie, and readers who like LDS romantic suspense will enjoy both books. I look forward to reading more from Rebecca in the future.

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A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Jun 102013

A Way Back to You

Author: Emily Gray Clawson

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: 2013

Paperback/ebook: 208 pages

Genre: Romance

ISBN# 978-1609075217

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a temporary digital review copy that will be removed from my device after a short period of time

Summary

What would you do if you were given a second chance?

Annabelle, whom nearly everyone calls Anne, has been stuck in the past for two years. Numbed by grief over her husband’s unexpected death and overwhelmed with the responsibility of raising their three young children alone, Anne agrees to let a friend take the kids for the weekend while she tries to get some much-needed rest at her parent’s home.

But when Anne wakes up the next morning, she is suddenly sixteen again. And it just happens to be the worst day she spent as a teenager.

High school the second time around brings unforeseen changes and frustrations, but remembering that her future husband, Mitch, has just returned from a mission and is living on the other side of town gives Anne hope. Getting Mitch’s attention (for the second time) is more complicated than she could have imagined, but Anne discovers she is stronger than she believed possible—and there just might be a future for her after all.

Review

I can honestly say I’ve never read a book quite like this one. As a reviewer, I love to discover books that surprise me. A Way Back to You did so more than once.

The book starts out on a more serious note with Annie, a mother of three young children and a widow of three years, struggling through one of the hardest days of her life since losing her husband. Instead of coming across as depressing or overly heavy, though, it was an intriguing and relatable opening, at least as far as the hard mothering days. By midway through the second chapter I was emotionally invested in Anne’s story, even blinking back a few tears as I read.

It had been a while since I read the summary for A Way Back to You, so I was pleasantly surprised when Anne awoke as a teenager. I enjoy time travel books, but don’t read many where the character travels back to a time in their own life. The clothing descriptions took me back to my own high school years. The frequent tears and mood swings experienced by Anne as her 38-year-old intellect dealt with frustrating teenage hormones made me grateful I would never be a teenager again.

The romance aspect of the story embraced both the more mature love of married adults as well as the teenage crush-turned-love experiences. I was satisfied with the romantic resolution and glad for Annie, though I could see how some might consider it a little too convenient. My romantic heart was happy with the ending, though, and I think other readers who enjoy a good clean romance will like it, too. I definitely look forward to reading more from Emily.

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Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Apr 152013

Belonging to Heaven

Author: Gale Sears

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: April 2013

Hardcover: # of pages unknown

Genre: Historical Religious Fiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-159-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

***Scroll down for details on how to enter the Belonging to Heaven Blog Tour Giveaway***

Summary

Descended from the Hawaiian royal line, Jonathan Napela became one of the first—and most influential—converts to the Church in Hawaii. A man of intelligence, social status, and wealth, he used his considerable reputation to further the gospel in his native land. He developed a lifelong bond of brotherhood with Elder George Q. Cannon, helping to translate the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian and establish a gathering place for the Hawaiian saints in Laie, Oahu. But when his beloved wife, Kitty, was stricken with leprosy, Jonathan made the defining decision of his life. He would leave his life of privilege to become her caretaker and spend the rest of his life on Molokai, the island of lepers. To those who suffered similar heartbreak and banishment, Jonathan’s self-sacrifice became their lifeline. Based on a true story, this is an extraordinary novel of a man who chose love in the face of death.

Review

Gale Sears has a passion and talent for historical fiction. I was reminded of this once again while reading Belonging to Heaven. This fictionalized retelling of the history of the LDS Church’s early beginnings in Hawai’i was full of memorable characters, spiritual experiences, and inspirational sacrifices.

I didn’t know much about George Q. Cannon or the events surrounding the early days of the Church in the Hawaiian Islands (then known as the Sandwich Islands). I haven’t seen any of the movies made about those events, either. Reading Belonging to Heaven was not only an education for me, but also revealed a desire to learn more about the efforts of George Q. Cannon and others.

Beyond learning some Church history, I was swept into the story of the early Hawaiian Saints, particularly Jonathan Napela. The author’s portrayal of this dedicated elder and his relationship with George Q. Cannon was moving and memorable. The first part of the book was mostly about “Missionary Cannon” and his work on the islands. The last half of the book, though, was focused on Jonathan Napela and his efforts to continue to build the Kingdom of God on the earth during what would be the most difficult circumstances of his life.

Readers who love history, particularly Church history, will enjoy Belonging to Heaven. It is a book about love, sacrifice, dedication, and faith. I was easily pulled into the story, not because there was a fast-moving plot, but because of how well the characters’ stories were told. I was moved to tears more than once. This story will stay with me for a long time.

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Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Mar 252013

Second Chances

Author: Melanie Jacobson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: March 2013

Softcover: 272 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN# 978-1621083443

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary

After walking out of a thankless job at a prestigious marketing firm, feisty California entrepreneur Louisa Gibson is going into business for herself. Lou’s pioneering venture, The Mormon Bachelor, is a reality dating web series sure to be fabulous advertising for her new marketing firm. And as a bonus, she can solve a problem close to home: while Huntington Beach is crawling with eligible, sun-bronzed Saints, they’ve forgotten the vital skill of dating. Lou hopes the reality show will finally inspire this group of hangout enthusiasts to pair off. But shortly before filming begins, the unthinkable happens — Trentyn, a.k.a. The Bachelor, gets a girlfriend. And Lou needs a new leading man — fast.

Enter Nick, Lou’s devastatingly handsome ex-boyfriend. He’s the stereotypical actor: shallow, self-serving…and perfect for the job. A whirlwind of dating ensues, with Nick at the center of it all. Things are going according to plan — that is, until Lou is forced to step in as a substitute bachelorette, becoming an unwitting cast member on her own show. Despite Nick’s attempts to reestablish their friendship and the growing spark between them, Lou is determined to keep her distance. The show must go on — but what’s a girl to do when the Mr. Wrong of the past just may be the Mr. Right of the future?

Review

Louisa is the proud-but-poor new owner of her very own ad agency. After an enlightening girls’ night watching the final episode of “The Bachelor,” she is inspired to start an LDS online version called “The Mormon Bachelor.” Her mission is two-fold: attract business for her ad agency, and show the local guys that dating is more than just hanging out.

When her star bachelor gets a girlfriend days before filming is scheduled to start, a serendipitous commercial (and a bold email sent by her friend/only employee) results in Lou coming face-to-face with her actor ex-boyfriend, Nick Westman. He’s willing to participate and she is desperate.

It doesn’t take long for Lou to see that Nick has changed during the last three years. She finds herself torn between building her new business and her rekindled attraction to Nick. He’s hit it off with a couple of the bachelorettes and Lou is unsure of his feelings toward her. She has reservations about his choice of career. He is always a gentleman but keeps his emotions guarded. Louisa’s control-freak tendencies and Nick’s reluctance to open up are issues that continue to create distance between them. Will Nick find love on the show? Will Louisa survive it if he does?

Second Chances was a fun read. Melanie’s writing is smooth and conversational, making it easy to get into the story and keep turning pages. The characters are dimensional and real. The setting made me want to visit Huntington Beach next time I’m in California.

Louisa is hard-working, talented, stubborn and blind to her control-freak perfectionism. Nick put me off a bit initially but grew on me and quickly became a favorite. I enjoyed watching both Nick and Louisa change and grow throughout the story. There were several eye-opening experiences for Lou regarding her tendency to judge others prematurely, as well as her unrealistically high expectations of people. These issues made Lou a bit of a brat but also more relatable as a character.

I’m grateful that Melanie is a consistent writer because I look forward to her novel releases like holidays. Reading one of her books is like taking a little vacation and I appreciate the escape. I enjoyed the peek at the LDS dating scene in a place far from Utah. I loved the Matt and Ashley cameos.

Readers who enjoy clean romance will like Second Chances. Fans of Melanie’s other books (and “The Bachelor”) will not want to miss this one. I am happy to add another of Melanie’s books to the “Favorite Romances” section of my bookshelf.

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The End Begins: Sudden Darkness by Margot Hovley

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Mar 072013

The End Begins: Sudden Darkness

Author: Margot Hovley

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: September 2012

Softcover; 162 pages

Genre: YA DYstopian

ISBN# 978-1-60861-144-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Goodreads Summary

“Brothers and sisters, may I have your attention,” President Green said into the megaphone. I held my breath. What would he say next? At that moment, I wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d said the moon was scheduled to turn to blood next Tuesday night. “As you know, alarming events are unfolding. People are scared and confused. Life as we have known it will never be the same, it seems.”

The news has been filled with stories of tragedy and turmoil. But world events like the recent bombings in London seem far removed from eighteen-year-old Amelie Hatch’s quiet life in Zillah, Washington. She’s content with the predictable pattern of her life—school, friends, work. But when Amelie’s father leaves on a mysterious Church assignment, concerns escalate as the family is left with few answers.

Then, in the span of moments, Amelie’s world erupts in chaos. Terrorists have attacked the US power grid. There is no electricity. Vehicles have ceased working. The nuclear facility at nearby Hanford is compromised, and radiation may be flooding the area. Without the guidance of their father, Amelie’s family faces a monumental task at the request of the leaders of the Church: members of their stake have been asked to walk to zUtah, where they will find safety in Zion.

Fleeing her home and the life she knows, Amelie sets off on the arduous journey toward the refuge of Utah. There is danger around every corner as the group faces gunfire, kidnapping, and new terrorist threats. And as she finds herself drawn to two very different men, Amelie recognizes a more personal peril—she’s in danger of losing her heart.

Review

Amelie (pronounced ah-may-lee) is an 18-year-old senior in a small high school in Zillah, Washington. She lives on a farm, loves music, plays piano, and works hard despite her leg that was crippled in a devastating injury as a little girl. Her father leaves town on a business trip, and other than a visit from local celebrity Ryan Cook, Amelie’s life in Zillah is nothing out of the ordinary.

Until the night the power goes out.

When Amelie and her family are instructed to pack up necessities and prepare to leave Zillah for Salt Lake City, UT, her life changes in a way she never expected. The tanks in the Hanford nuclear facility are leaking, the government is in chaos, and an EMP has wiped out electricity and communications. To make matters worse, she and her family must make the trip without their father.

I was quickly pulled into the story. After the power goes out and the situation is revealed, I started wondering about what my family and I would do in similar circumstances. I was suddenly aware of how much I need to work on our emergency preparedness.

I liked Amelie, though sometimes she was too hard on herself. She’s a strong female character, not flighty or flirty. I admired her determination to walk the distance, despite the pain and discomfort from her leg. She’s an easy character to sympathize with, and I experienced every emotion she did. Other than a few phrases Amelie used that felt more like something her grandma would say (ie, “dratted boy”) I enjoyed her voice and read the book in a single sitting.

This was a story that made me think, but was also suspenseful enough to keep me turning pages. Several things happen that I won’t spoil here. I’m hoping this is a series because I’m curious to know what happens in this post-attack America. I wonder if other groups of Saints from around the West were called back to Salt Lake City. How was it for them? Did they encounter the same issues Amelie’s group did?

Readers looking for a clean YA Dystopian novel with suspense and bit of romance will enjoy Sudden Darkness. Don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to update your 72-hour kit after reading it.

**Interesting tidbit: The day after I finished this book I read on a news site that officials had discovered multiple tanks leaking nuclear waste in Hanford, WA. I had never heard of Handford before reading Sudden Darkness and then eerily there was news about the leaks the next day. Creepy!

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