Romance – Page 10 – LDS Women's Book Review

Journey of Honor: A Love Story by Jaclyn M. Hawkes – Blog Tour

Posted by Sheila Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews, Special Features

Mar 042011

Paperback: 214 pages
Publisher: Granite Publishing & Distribution (August 3, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599360594

Disowned, she came to America anyway. Attacked and left pregnant by a vicious mob, she still pressed on. Finally, in spite of being accused of theft by the vilest of her attackers, Giselle tries to remain as upbeat and uncomplaining as a prairie wildflower as she travels on to Zion.Thoroughly disillusioned with the ugliness and cruelty of slavery in the South, Trace Grayson leaves his young medical career to go west, hoping to leave bigotry and hatred behind. He begins taking goods by teamster train to sell in the territories. However, this fourth time across, in July of 1848, he’s stuck in St. Joseph, Missouri, waiting for enough wagons to join the train so that they can leave.Knowing that if they don’t start west soon, they’ll be caught by snow in the mountains, Trace is thrilled when the final wagon signs on. Then, when the beautiful, young Dutch girl traveling with the last wagon is falsely accused of stealing and is detained, the whole trip is jeopardized. Thrown together by circumstance, Trace and Giselle team up to begin to figure out just how to make this epic journey across a continent a success.With a deep sense of honor and an equally strong sense of humor, together they learn to deal with everything except the one trial that neither of them can overcome.

This book is not your typical pioneer story. Even though this is a story based on pioneers heading to Zion and crossing the plains, the book deals more with the characters and their own personal struggles. There are many other facets included in this novel, along with a love story a little bit juicier than those published by the big LDS publishers. Though nothing is vulgar, there is more kissing and snuggling/spooning that a married couple share. There are also some scenes with violent situations.

With the struggles associated with pioneers and their journeys across the plains, there are deaths and struggles portrayed. Along with this, there are many uplifting spiritual experiences that the characters have along the way. LDS principles are discussed and those not familiar with them may be a little lost. I still recommend this book. I truly loved the two main characters Giselle, a member of the LDS church and Trace a non-member. Though they both are proud and don’t always discuss their feelings with each other, they do share a strong love. Both of them are very likable and this story mainly focuses on them and getting to know each other. I also loved Trace’s adopted brother Mose and Giselle’s Grandparents Josiah and Petja. There is a very humorous ongoing sub-story about a Native American brave who “wants” Giselle. I don’t want to tell you more for fear of ruining the plot here.

For those wanting a true historical novel of pioneer journeys may not like this book as much. I classify this book as a romance novel with an LDS historical background. So, you romance lovers will find a great read in Journey of Honor.

Here is the purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Honor-Jaclyn-M-Hawkes/dp/1599360594/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1298932933&sr=8-2

I was given a review copy of this book by the publisher. In no way did this influence the review that was given.

Rekindled by Tamera Alexander

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Feb 212011

Rekindled (Fountain Creek Chronicles, Book 1)

Author: Tamera Alexander

Publisher: Bethany House

Published Date: 2006

Softcover; 334 pages

Genre: Christian Fiction/Romance

ISBN# 978-0-7642-0108-0

FTC FYI: library copy

“At a different time, in a different place, under different circumstances… could two people fall in love once again?”

Ten years ago Kathryn Jennings made a vow. For better or worse. And that promise still holds true, even though her marriage has not turned out as she expected. When her husband fails to return home one stormy winter night, she struggles to keep their ranch, but her efforts are blocked at every turn. After a shocking glimpse into her husband’s past, Kathryn uncovers a hidden truth. What she wouldn’t give to turn back time and be able to love her husband for the man that he was, not for the man she always wanted him to be.

Larson Jennings has spent his entire life running from a broken past, unable to trust, reluctant to try again. One fateful night, his life takes an unexpected twist, and soon he is forced to make a choice. Whatever he chooses, his decision may cost him his life.

Though Larson and Kathryn’s many years of marriage have been happy, hard times and the inability to conceive have added to the growing tension in their relationship. Both Larson and Kathryn realize that something is missing, though neither is sure what it is or what to do about it.

Larson rides out to take care of some business matters and stops in a ravine for the night where he is attacked. While trying to get away, Larson takes shelter in a nearby shack. Too late, he realizes it is full of explosives. The explosion and subsequent burning nearly take Larson’s life.

When Larson fails to return, Kathryn does her best to keep the ranch up and running. Most of the ranch hands quit, believing Larson died after becoming lost in a storm. An accident reveals that Larson and Kathryn’s last night together resulted in a long-awaited pregnancy. After a series of devastating events, the ranch goes into foreclosure and Kathryn moves into Willow Springs to work. Week after week she hopes for her husband’s return while facing the realization that something terrible has happened and he will never see their child. A grisly discovery in a ravine confirms what everyone has long suspected. Larson is dead.

After several months in the care of an unlikely yet loving couple, Larson regains his strength and returns to his ranch to find it abandoned. Reaching Willow Springs, he sees a small group gathered around an open grave. He recognizes Kathryn and notices she is with child. The realization that she has been with another man since he left cuts deeply. He is surprised to find the grave is marked with his name. Realizing that his scars have made him unrecognizable, that he has no money to save his ranch and believing he has nothing left to give Kathryn, Larson takes a new identity as “Jacob.”

Despite wanting to give Kathryn the chance at a new life, Larson can’t stay away from her. When he sees her coming and going from the back door of the town brothel, he mistakenly believes he understands how she became with child. After Kathryn gets a job as a housekeeper at Casaroja, the ranch owned by a man who has long desired Larson’s land, he gets hired on as a stable manager so he can keep an eye on her. Larson’s feelings swing between the love he feels for the woman he now realizes he never fully appreciated and the hurt he feels by her supposed betrayal, evidenced by the growing child within her. Despite everything, Larson still needs Kathryn to want him.

The longer Kathryn is without her husband, the more she realizes that she didn’t truly appreciate the man he was. She deeply mourns the loss of her husband, but something about the gentle Jacob keeps drawing Kathryn’s attention. She wishes she could go back and accept her husband for the man he was instead of trying to make him into the man she wanted. She fights her growing attraction to quiet and genuine Jacob but he still finds a way in to her heart.

Rekindled is a good story that I enjoyed for many reasons. It is different than most other romance-type novels because it’s about a married couple, something that I don’t come across often. I found it to be a mature (intellectually, not inappropriately) and relatable story. Like a lot of Christian fiction, the book is clean and there are several scriptural references but nothing too preachy. As is typical with Christian fiction as well, the characters are put through several horrible events, nearly losing all hope, before their hearts are turned to Christ.

The story did drag a little at times, but my interest in seeing how things would end up kept me turning the pages. The conclusion is full of action and suspense. I wasn’t quite sure how I wanted the big “reveal” to go, and I liked the way things played out. I found the interactions between Larson/Jacob and Kathryn interesting and the conclusion of their story quite satisfying. I reread Rekindled before writing this review and enjoyed it just as much the second time through.

My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Would I-

read it again? I hope to read it again someday, but I’d like to read the next two books in the series first

recommend it? Yes, especially to married women who enjoy a good historical romance set in the West

read more by this author? Definitely. Tamera Alexander has another series as well that I would like to read.

Luck of the Draw by Rachael Renee Anderson

Posted by Mindy 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.

Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey – Blog Tour

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

Jan 182011

I’ll never forget the first time I met Donald. Hillary and I had just started interviewing people at the April 2010 LDStorymakers Conference when a gentleman caught my attention and introduced himself. I was ecstatic to meet Don because I had never before met one of the male listeners to the LDS Women’s Book Review podcast.

As I interviewed him and learned more about his book scheduled to be released in January 2011, I was surprised to learn that he was writing what would technically be considered a romance.

A romance, written by a man? Needless to say, I was very curious.

I can honestly tell you I was not disappointed. One of the things I love about book reviewing is the wide variety of books I get to read, even within the same genre. In the last two days I have reviewed three romances, and despite falling into the same genre, not one of these books felt like the others.

First of all, I love the cover. The green color with the contrast of a white and blue title is eye-catching, and I like aviation-themed accents. The title is perfect – our man, Jordan, hits his fair share of figurative and literal bumpy landings.

As I read, I found myself encouraging Jordan to take a stand and follow his dreams. I was afforded a peek at what it must be like for a college guy doing his best to keep everyone happy while struggling to figure out who he is and what he really wants. There were a few little twists in the story that I didn’t expect. I wasn’t sure how the story would turn out, or even how I wanted it to turn out, until the very end. I enjoyed watching Jordan’s character grow from his experiences that ranged from stupid mistakes to a tragic accident.

The writing is clean and held my attention. I’ve never been to Hawaii, and now I’m curious about some of the places the characters visit, as well as the food. I think they should have added the recipes for pani popo and malasadas at the end of the book, though I’ll pass on the opihi.

I was delighted to find some pictures over on Don’s website that add an entirely new level to Jordan’s story as well as offering a peek into the life of the author. Go check it out, but first, watch this fun trailer for Bumpy Landings, put together by Don:

Two great romances & six reasons why you should read them- Courting Miss Lancaster & Cross My Heart

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Jan 172011

If you usually shy away from romance, give me a few minutes to change your mind. Or at least tell you why you should give these two books a chance.

In the past week I read two novels that reminded me why I love a good romance story. One is a regency-era romance that is certain to be enjoyed by fans of Jane Austen, the other a contemporary romance that is both fresh and fun.

If that’s not incentive enough for you, let me give you six more reasons to read Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden and Cross My Heart by Julie Wright.

1) The Authors

Having met and spent several hours in the company of both Sarah and Julie, I can say without a doubt that they are two of the sweetest, most intelligent, authentic and witty women I know. I’m not just saying this because I think they might read this (we won’t talk about the $20 Sarah slipped me under the table- uh, I mean, what $20?)

Sarah has thoroughly researched the Regency Era and it shows in how well she writes her characters and setting. Julie embraces who she is, imperfections and all, and it makes her, and her characters, highly relatable. Both of these women do what they do–write what they write–because they must. They love it. The result: enjoyable, unforgettable stories.

2) The Setting

Courting Miss Lancaster takes place in Town during the Little Season. I love that Sarah gives her readers just enough detail to set the mood and lets the imagination do the rest. It keeps the flow of the story practically seamless. What makes the setting feel so authentic? How Sarah uses the words. The characters’ internal dialogue is as authentic-sounding as the conversations. Never once did I feel pulled from the story because of an out-of-time sounding phrase.

The majority of Cross My Heart takes place in Boston, MA, and the surrounding area. The main character’s love for the Boston area is obvious as she is willing to resort to a college-days menu of noodles for a place in the Back Bay and a view of the Charles River. At first she avoids the tourist attractions in and around Boston, which in turn made me even more curious about them.

3) The Heroes

No brooders here. In fact, both heroes are down to earth, sincere, and a bit unsure. Oh, and funny. I love a man with a sense of humor. Both have just the right amount of sweet, as well. What I loved the most about the heroes in both books is that they were good friends to the heroines. Was there chemistry and attraction? Oh yeah. First, though, there was friendship.

4) The Humor

I am glad to know Sarah for many reasons, and one is her sense of humor. Sign up for one of her classes at a writing conference and you will see what I mean. Let me give you an example from Harry’s thoughts in Courting Miss Lancaster:

“He knew Persephone had a good head on her shoulders, and he suspected Athena did as well. One could not, after all, be named for the Greek goddess of divine intelligence and be a complete featherhead.”

As for Julie, this girl is a blast to hang with. I have pictorial proof right here. She keeps the balance between serious and funny in Cross My Heart, and in some cases with Jillian’s mother, shock and laughter. I enjoyed the banter between Jillian and the main love interest.

5) The Heriones

Athena is young and a little naive, but in no way a “featherhead.” In fact, the heroines in both books are very intelligent. Athena had her romantic fantasy of a knight on a white steed, imagining she would know her true love the first time their eyes met from across the ballroom. She realizes rather quickly that she had better learn what she does want as fast as she was learning what she didn’t want after meeting a series of gentlemen with rather undesirable characteristics.

Jillian is in advertising and has a knack for knowing what a client will go for. She watches television for the commercials, reads magazines for the ads (which she then edits), and has survived many company layoffs. When another ad agency starts winning away clients using suspiciously similar ideas, Jillian’s boss sends her back to Boston to save their biggest accounts. She knows her stuff. She’s professional yet feminine, even if she does wear a lot of black. She might not always be the most tolerant person in the world, but she tries. She appreciates her family and friends even when they are embarrassing her, and vice versa.

6) The Romance

What is a romance without chemistry? Not a romance. However, there can be too much of a good thing. Not so in Courting Miss Lancaster or Cross My Heart.

Harry’s interest in Athena is known from the first pages of the book. He does not have a fortune, however, and is therefore ineligible to court Athena. He is asked by his good friend and Athena’s guardian, Adam, Duke of Kielder, to sort through the unsuitable prospects and find an acceptable husband for her. Harry accepts, knowing what torture it will be to spend so much time with Athena, yet wanting to make sure she finds a husband worthy of her. There is one particular scene near the end of the book that tops my chart of most romantic scenes ever. Yep. Ever.

Julie effectively and consistently sprinkles the chemistry-filled moments throughout Cross My Heart. To me, it’s the little things that make all the difference, and all those little things come together for a first kiss that is unforgettably romantic.

Despite all of the romancing going on, neither of these books ever felt unrealistic or over-the-top. Both have earned a spot on my bookshelf, and I look forward to reading them again. Many more times.

Meg’s Melody by Kaylee Baldwin – Blog Tour

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

Jan 102011

Welcome!

I am so excited to be the one to kick off the blog tour for Meg’s Melody! Kaylee sweetly agreed to take part in our Countdown to Christmas 2010 last year and it was great learning a little more about her. You can read her interview here.

Kaylee is also giving away a copy of Meg’s Melody to a lucky commenter at the conclusion of her blog tour, so be sure to comment on each of the posts during the tour. Trust me when I say Meg’s Melody is worth the effort to win!

About Kaylee

Kaylee Baldwin grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English literature.

She currently lives in southern Arizona with her husband, Jeremy, and their three children. When she is not writing, Kaylee enjoys reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with her family.

For more about Kaylee visit her website/blog.

About Meg’s Melody

From the back cover:

She paced the small confines of her bathroom as she waited the obligatory two minutes for the result. Yet, part of her sensed the truth. Not only did Austin take her self-esteem and plans for happiness, but he also took her get-out-of-this-marriage-free card.

The plus sign glared at Meg from the white plastic frame of the pregnancy test. The test fell from her hands and clattered into the bathtub as Meg’s back slid against the wall until she reached the floor.

“I’m pregnant,” she said into the quiet.

Meg never imagined she’d end up like this. With nowhere else to turn, she’s forced to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to help her find her forgotten melody. Meanwhile Matt is still mourning the loss of his wife. But determined to keep things together for his daughter’s sake, he decides starting over in a new place might be just what his family needs.

This touching story combines romance with redemption and real conflict to remind you it’s never too late to find joy. Kaylee Baldwin’s capable hand renders a sincere, heartfelt story of rediscovery and hope. Perfect for romantics of all ages, this book will captivate your heart and rekindle your belief in the magic of music.

My Review

This might be Kaylee’s first novel, but it doesn’t read like it. She has put a lot of effort into studying her craft, and it shows. I like the cover; the softer colors and expectant mother are appropriate for the story, and the music notes and flourishes are a really nice touch.

I can only imagine what an expectant single mother must struggle with, as I’ve never been one myself, but I feel like Kaylee did a good job capturing what that situation might be like for someone in Meg’s situation. While she had very supportive family around her, they weren’t perfect. They were a pushy with sneaking in “dates” without Meg’s permission, which was one thing that kept me from liking Meg’s sister, Missy, very much.

One thing I really appreciate is how well Kaylee wrote Lilia, Matt’s four-year-old daughter. I have read many books with children that made me cringe because they were either too… well, just too much- or simply not believable in voice or behavior. I loved Lilia, and feel like there was a great balance of her presence in the book as well as an appropriate level for how a 4-5 year old girl would speak and behave.

There is a bit of a love triangle, or square if you count Austin, though the reader can guess pretty quickly who Meg will most likely end up with. The question is if they can get through the extra baggage they’re carrying to be together and if it is just too soon for both of them. I found the second love interest to be a bit over the top at times, but there are guys like that out there, so it wasn’t unbelievable. I didn’t like Austin. But I wasn’t supposed to like him. One thing I didn’t understand was how easy it was for certain characters to dismiss the fact that Meg was having a baby and everything that meant.

Meg experiences some spiritual progress as she returns to church after her husband leaves her, though I didn’t find the book preachy at all.

The romance is clean with a few toe-curling scenes that were very well done. I really liked the love interest, and while things might not have gone exactly how I hoped, I found the ending quite satisfying.

Meg’s Melody is available for purchase from Deseret Book and Amazon.

My rating: 4/5 stars

Would I-