Santa Maybe by Aubrey Mace

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Hillary's Reviews
Mar 242010
 

Hello friends!

Hillary here-

For this week, I’ll be chatting about “Santa Maybe”, Aubrey Mace’s newest release. Again, because of lame library due dates, I had to return it, so, humor me a bit here.

Well, this book was nothing at all what I was expecting. Aubrey tells a story of a single, I think over 30 year old woman, who has had her heart broken many times and basically resigns herself to spinsterhood. Abbie is a baker and owns a cute little bakery in the city which she lives. Her family is very supportive if not a bit nosy, but not in the annoying, I-can’t-stand-your-mom-in-law kind of way, just in the I-care-a-lot-about-you-so-I’m-checking-up-on-you way.

So, it’s Christmas time, and Abbie’s sister, Grace, convinces Abbie, (albeit Abbie does not tell her until after the fact) to write to Santa and ask for a husband. Sure enough, Christmas morning, she has a man in her living room in his jammies, ready to chat it up with her.

Overall, I thought the book was light-hearted, unexpected, and an overall fun read. Abbie is a very likeable main character who you can’t help rooting for, and Ben is an adorable, quick-witted man who I would totally have a crush on if he was real. Lucky for me, he already shares alot of Ben’s qualities. So as far as characters go, they are well done and real. Very engaging.

Now for the story itself- I like it. The only complaint I have is just how quick Abbie was to accept Ben’s answer of where he came from. She had a problem with the lie, but no issue with the “real” reason of where he came from. I too have really big problems with lies, and normally my reaction would be similar to Abbie’s, but HELLO- THE NORTH POLE, threw a little bit of a kink in there for me. I did have to remind myself, that this is a book and therefore, anything the author throws in there is fine, because after all, it’s her book. It just came out of nowhere. I guess I needed evidence of a little more magic in there to make the little surprise Ben gives her a little more believeable.

So for me, I would totally read it again. The characters were adorable, and the storyline very good. For a romance, not a “maybe” but a great choice. (C’mon, you know that was funny- well, almost…)

ta-ta for now my online friends! Until next week!
Hillary
ftc-fyi- library

Good Clean Romances

 Posted by  Book News, News
Feb 122010
 

With it being Valentines weekend, I wanted to post something having to do with romance. Since I have no romance in my life right now, I can always find romance in a good book. If you are wondering where to find some good clean romances, I want to share a resource with you.

On Goodreads.com, one of my favorite authors, Joyce DiPastena, is the moderator of a group called, “Clean Romances”. Here is the reason they give for having this group:
“This group is dedicated to building a up a list of clean romance books. Not “Christian” or “Inspirational” (there are other groups for those), but good old fashioned love stories, without the sex scenes. They’re hard to find these days, but not impossible. If you have written such a romance, or have read romances that fall within this category, past or present, you are invited to join this group. Please feel free to add your favorite “clean romances” to our group bookshelf, so that all interested readers may benefit from authors they may be unfamiliar with!”


I am a member of this group and I have found many good book suggestions here. Anyone can join this group and it is free.

Joyce found a quote that defines the group she said, “I just found the perfect quote for our Clean Romance Group! Of course, the fact that it’s from a medieval poet in no way prejudiced me to choose it. ;-) “


“Through their kisses and caresses they experienced a joy and wonder the equal of which has never been known or heard of. But I shall be silent…; for the rarest and most delectable pleasures are those which are hinted at, but never told.” Chrétien de Troyes



Other things I love about this site is there are lists for.....
-Suggestions for good Young Adult Books
-Review Sites for Clean Romances
-All Time Favorite Clean Romances
-List of Clean Romances on Goodreads.com

So, if you are interested in reading some clean romances and are a member of goodreads.com, come join the group. We are 241 strong at this point.

Enjoy your Valentines weekend; even if it means spending it with a good clean romance.
–



Jayhawk by Dorothy Keddington – Book Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Feb 012010
 

Title: Jayhawk

Author: Dorothy Keddington
Publisher: Granite Publishing
Published Date: originally published in 1978, rereleased in 2010
ISBN#: 978-1-890558-39-0
From the back cover: To Angela Stewart, a summer on a Wyoming ranch with her college roommate’s family seemed like an ideal vacation. For Jay Bradford, his return to the Triple J Ranch involves a potentially dangerous quest and the search for an answer to a 26-year old mystery. Jay and Angela’s chance meeting on a lonely road at dusk, marks the beginning of their unforgettable journey into danger and love.
Many years ago, in junior high, my good friend Hillary let me borrow one of her mom’s books. It was Shadow’s Song by Dorothy Keddington. I read the rest of Dorothy’s romantic-suspense novels in the following years: Jayhawk, Return to Red Castle, Flower of the Winds, The Mermaid’s Purse, and as an adult, Aisling of Eire.

I’ve read each of her books at least half a dozen times or more over the years, and even though I know the story, the enjoyment has never faded. Each of Dorothy’s novels are written in her classic first-person style and never fail to draw me in.

Those of you who are faithful listeners of our podcasts have heard Sheila, Hillary and I mention several times over the years how much we wished for a new book from Dorothy and how great it would be to have her previous books rereleased. They’ve been out of print for years, and used copies were selling for, well, a lot of money.

Imagine my excitement when I discovered one of my good friends in our neighborhood was Dorothy Keddington’s daughter-in-law. I was soon introduced to Dorothy. We talked about the new book she was working on (I had read the manuscript thanks to her daughter-in-law) and I let Dorothy know about the large number of fans we’d heard from wondering how to get their hands on her books. We spoke about what it would take to get her books rereleased and the excitement of that possibility filled the room.

The Fairy Thorn was released in December 2009. The only thing that topped the release of a new book from Dorothy was the news that Granite Publishing would be rereleasing her older books in the coming months as well.

Jayhawk is the first of Dorothy’s romantic-suspense novels to be rereleased. Despite the fact that Jayhawk was first published in 1978, the story doesn’t feel dated (except for the absence of cell phones, but they are on a ranch in the middle of Wyoming). The suspense is well done and keeps the reader turning pages to the very end.

What makes the romance in Dorothy’s novels so effective is that it doesn’t take a significant portion of the book for the hero and heroine to get together. Instead, the reader gets to experience the excitement and anticipation of a new romantic relationship and watch it grow and strengthen as the hero and heroine struggle for survival through the action and suspense.

Dorothy has a way of describing actions and surroundings without disrupting the flow of the story, giving just enough detail and trusting in the reader’s imagination to fill in the blanks. The romance is toe-curling but doesn’t cross the bounds of propriety and the suspense remains effective through numerous rereads.

Jayhawk and The Fairy Thorn are available for purchase from Granite Publishing and Amazon.com.

Counting the Cost by Liz Adair – Book Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jan 252010
 

Title: Counting the Cost

Author: Liz Adair

Publisher: Inglestone Publishing

Published Date: 2009

ISBN#: 978-0-9778814-6-8

From the cover: “A love story as poignant as it is beautiful.”
Liz Adair, author of The Spider Latham Mystery series and The Mist of Quarry Harbor, has written a memorable story, inspired by her own family history, about two people willing to give up what they know for love.

Counting the Cost is a fitting title at the beginning of the book, and even more so by the end. It is the story of Heck and Ruth, their lives and their love.

Heck Benham’s simple and steady cowboy life is disrupted by the arrival of the lovely Mrs. Ruth Reynolds. Heck does his best to stay out of her way, but after a violent incident involving her husband, Ruth leaves with Heck, both of them knowing that their actions will cause them to be shunned and outcast. After the death of Ruth’s husband, she and Heck marry and live happily until circumstances make each of them aware of what they have given up to be together, and what more they will have to sacrifice to stay together.

Liz has told an endearing, honest story. Her characters have depth and feeling, and are easy to care about. The tale flows in a natural, believable course through the characters’ lives, including the full spectrum of events from the mundane to the blissful and tragic. The reader learns about the history and geography of the New Mexican locales through conversation and description that never feels forced or lecturing.

While I didn’t find Counting the Cost to be an intense page-turner, I looked forward to picking the book up again every time I had to put it down.

Well done, Liz.


What worked for me: I loved Heck right away with his laid-back cowboy style and thoughtful ways. All of the characters were well written, including the minor characters that were present for short times throughout the story. Sometimes I wished Ruth didn’t want so much, but having experienced a more “advanced” lifestyle I could understand her desire to have certain things in her life. Sometimes I wished Heck wouldn’t sacrifice so much of himself, but I could understand how much he loved Ruth and what it is to have someone love you that much. I cried twice; and not just a tear or two, either.

What didn’t work for me: I almost wish there was a short epilogue or summary at the end of the story so I could know a little more about how things ended up in the future.


Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (definitely left an impression on me)
Would I read it again? Eventually, once I feel like my heart could take it
Would I recommend it? Yes, just keep a couple of tissues handy
Would I read more of Liz Adair’s books? Yes. I thought her Spider Latham Mystery series was enjoyable, too
FTC FYI: The copy of Counting the Cost that I reviewed was borrowed from my local library.

Book Trailers – It’s a Love/Hate Thing

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jan 152010
 


I have a love/hate relationship with book trailers.

I think the concept is great and I’m all for it. By all means, sell me on why I should read your book. Just make sure that if your viewers are laughing, it’s because your book is a comedy.

I’ve seen a number of book trailers, most of which are mainly “okay.” I saw one that was so cheesy there were mice coming from my neighbors’ homes looking for dinner. Tonight I saw one that was just right.

I haven’t read the book yet, so I don’t even know if it’s my “thing” or not. I haven’t personally met the author, but Sheila has, and from what I know about Rebecca Talley from Sheila, I respect her. And I really like her trailer for Altared Plans.

I don’t know how the whole make-a-trailer-for-your-book process goes. Does the author have any say or is it all up to the publisher? In any case, if you’re going to consider a book trailer for your book, please, I BEG YOU, take care.

I don’t mind having a face assigned to the character for me rather than using my imagination. I prefer photos and words in a simple yet classy interaction moving across the screen, but live action scenes are okay, too, if they’re well directed. Beware with dialogue. Keep it brief. Show the interaction between characters, but please don’t try to recreate entire scenes.

I’d really like to read your book, but if all I can see is that campy re-enactment every time I encounter the cover of your book, I’ll never be able to seriously consider it.

Episode 38 with authors Rachel Ann Nunes & GG Vandagriff

 Posted by  2009 Podcasts, Podcasts
Oct 302009
 
Podcast for October 30, 2009
Episode 38

We truly enjoyed our interview with Rachel Ann Nunes, author of Saving Madeline, and GG Vandagriff, author of The Last Waltz. We had a great time discussing their books as well as several other topics, and there was much laughter to be had. We know you’ll enjoy Episode 38 and listening to both of these fun, intelligent, and talented women! Thanks Rachel and GG!

[podcast]http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2009-10-30/ldswbr_episode38_10-30-09.mp3[/podcast]

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