secrets – LDS Women's Book Review

Eruption by Adrienne Quintana — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jan 302015

Eruption

Author: Adrienne Quintana

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: January 13th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781462115365

Paperback: 288 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Jace Vega has finally landed her dream job—working for Omnibus, an up-and-coming tech firm. But a mysterious message from her future self sets Jace and her old friend Corey racing to piece together clues before Omnibus destroys their future—and their past. This fast-paced thriller will keep you guessing till the very last page.

My Review

Excuse me while I catch my breath… Great story with excitement around every page. In the beginning, I was screaming at Jace, she frustrated me at first, but what an awesome character she turned out to be. I realized that I would probably be just like her, not knowing who to trust and being too trusting, all at the same time. I think that that is what made her most relatable. So many choices and decisions for her and so many things she had to face, all while trying to chose between Corey and Damien and the turns her life could take her with any choice. The storyline with the tablet was so cool, all that was found in it and all the secrets that were hidden. All of Jace’s quirks and breathing techniques were for a good reason, which is slowly revealed through the book. The last fourth of the book is, WOW, make sure you aren’t needed for awhile, because you will want to find out what happens. Great ending, too!

4 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait for more from this author.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

About the Author

Adrienne Quintana is the second of nine children born to professional oil artist, John Horejs, and his wife and business partner, Elaine. She spent her early years playing on the banks of the Snake River in southern Idaho while her father built a geodesic dome house. When the family wasn’t traveling around the country to art shows, Adrienne spent many happy hours reading in her unfinished, tent-like bedroom. Love of reading soon blossomed into a desire to write. If the family’s antiquated computer could be resurrected, a collection of short stories involving local characters and their epic battles with fire-breathing dragons would be sure to entertain.

After completing high school via correspondence, Adrienne studied Music Education at Mesa Community College. She took an 18 month break to serve a church mission in Montreal, Canada, where she gained invaluable life experiences and a few pounds from the local delicacies. After the completion of her mission and a month abroad in Europe, Adrienne moved to Utah with the intention of continuing her education at Brigham Young University, but these plans were short-lived when she met her husband-to-be while working at an investment company. Soon after their marriage, the Quintanas packed up and moved to Minnesota, where Adrienne worked while her husband earned a Law degree.

After four children and a move to Arizona, Adrienne completed her Bachelors of Science and Communication at the University of Phoenix. In the throes of housekeeping, potty-training, and carpooling, Adrienne discovered that she could find time to accomplish her goals—often in the quiet hours after the children were in bed. Since her graduation in 2012, those quiet moments have been used to fulfill a life-long dream of becoming a writer.

Betrayed by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen — Blog Tour/Giveaway

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jan 232015

Betrayed

Author: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

Published: January 2015

Publisher: Covenant

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-481-5

Paperback: 291 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

1851: Niagara Falls, New York The evidence has been well hidden—the Thayers were confident that it was safe from the clutches of the ruthless Murphy Gang. But it has all been in vain. The lawless group is closing in on the family homestead, and seven-year-old Penny is given only one instruction: Run. After two long years eagerly anticipating her fiancé’s return, twenty-year-old Julia Barrett is ready to make a fresh start with Adam Wolcott—even if it means putting her dream of traveling west with the Mormons on hold. But when Adam’s return is overshadowed by the unexpected arrival of a young orphan girl in desperate need of help, Julia is drawn into a dangerous mystery that will threaten all she holds dear. Charged with the protection of little Penny, Julia quickly finds herself relying on the help of Tom Harrison, an endearing young man who has long admired her from afar. Torn between two suitors, Julia soon uncovers a shocking trail of corruption and deceit—a discovery that pulls her inescapably into the race to locate telling evidence that Penny’s family gave their lives to protect . . .

My Review

Oh my goodness this book was so good! I was on pins and needles the whole time. Betrayed starts off strong and barely gives you time to catch your breath until the last page. Ronda creates a perfect web of secrets and with every page there was something new to worry about. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, BAM! Another exciting twist. Julia was amazing and I really, really liked Tom. Adam, well, he had issues. Sometimes I would be yelling in my head at him (and Julia) while I was reading. I loved the setting of Niagara Falls and this cover is so beautiful. What was really intriguing was the Underground Railroad twist. I loved how involved Julia and her family were in protecting others. Who stole the show for me was Penny. She was so brave and had to endure so much. I thought the ending was fantastic and bittersweet at the same time.

5 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait for more from this author.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

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From the Ashes by Julie Coulter Bellon

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jan 052015

From the Ashes (Hostage Negotiation Team 2.5)

Author: Julie Coulter Bellon

Publisher: self

Published: November 8th, 2o14

ASIN: B00PEHD376

ebook: 85 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

**This novella is a continuation of Colby and Sophia’s story from Ashes Ashes (Hostage Negotiation Team #2)**

As a suspect in Senator DeMarco’s murder, Sophia Naziri worked hard to bring the true killer to justice and prove her innocence. But she pays a high personal price trying to clear her name when she’s held hostage and nearly killed—and Sophia can’t put it behind her just yet.

Matters get even more complicated when classified information regarding the murder is leaked. Sophia is besieged by the press and trapped even further by the memories that won’t let her move on. In order to escape the situation, Sophia heads to a secluded cabin with Detective Colby Black so they can lay low and figure out who the leak is. But can Sophia find the peace she craves? Or will the circumstances that brought her and Colby together now drive them apart?

My Review

I really enjoyed this novella after-story for Colby and Sophia. I love how we are able to see what happened to them after their first adventure in Ashes Ashes. While reading, I was able to recall events from Ashes Ashes and was reliving all that these poor characters endured. Julie does a fantastic job of building suspense and raising suspicions. One character in particular was not so forgiving. I enjoyed how Julie built the suspense and threw me off track to who was causing the trouble. The pages turn quick in this engaging story and I hope that Julie will give us more after-their-story novellas from her other Hostage Negotiation books.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Deceived by Kathi Oram Peterson — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Nov 172014

Deceived

Author: Kathi Oram Peterson

Publisher: Covenant Communication

Published: November 2014

ISBN13: 9781621088530

Paperback: 245 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

A storm rages outside the unassuming Los Angeles house, while within, something sinister lurks. A murderer stalks his victim, unaware of a witness to the horrific crime: awakened from a deep, drug-induced slumber, Tara Kelly hears voices in the next room. Struggling to focus through her sleep medication, the young woman helplessly observes her aunt’s murder. Now she’s a loose end the killer cannot ignore . . .

A family friend helps Tara as she does the only thing she can: disappear. Fleeing to the security of a remote Idaho ranch, Tara finds herself under the guard of handsome rancher Joseph White Eagle. Her unwitting protector takes his role seriously, going as far as claiming that Tara is his fiancée. But even as their relationship deepens, Joseph struggles to see past Tara’s similarities to his late wife. When a series of accidents threatens Tara’s life, it becomes clear that her attempt to out run danger has been in vain. The killer will stop at nothing to find her, and Joseph will do anything to protect her even if it means unraveling secrets that will have devastating consequences for them both.

My Review

Once I was able to really sit down and take the time to delve into this book, I really enjoyed it. I did think the romance between Tara and Joseph was a bit rushed, they did have to play the part of an engaged couple, and I only worried about that since Tara was in such a fragile state. That being said, the characters were made for each other, and perfect for each other in many ways. Tara and Joseph both had tragic events happen in their lives, until they find themselves together to protect Tara. Joseph makes up an engagement to get those on the ranch to not ask too many questions about Tara. Some do not take this engagement well, including Joseph’s daughter. Besides the struggles that Tara is having trying to remember what happened on the night of her aunt’s murder, someone is making Joseph’s life on the ranch difficult. Between shot animals, getting shot at themselves, and putting the lives of everyone at the ranch in danger, are the two situations connected? The author does a great job of building the suspense and planting seeds throughout the book. The other characters in this book are written well and through all the suspense, there is a heart-felt love and the feeling of family, and a great example of love and guidance from Heavenly Father through prayer. I also want to add, the ending was shocking and so page-turning, it was well past my bed time when I finished reading.

4 out of 5 stars. Kathi is the author of many great books. Check out the links below to find out more about her.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

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Fractured Light Series by Rachel McClellan

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jul 092014

16235831 Fractured Light, Fractured Soul, Fractured Truth

Author: Rachel McClellan

Publisher: Sweetwater Books/Cedar Fort

ISBN13: 9781599559421, 9781462111800, 9781462113927

Goodreads Book Summaries

Fractured Light

I’m dying, I thought. This was unexpected and not at all how I envisioned my death. I was supposed to die gardening in a flowerbed as a hundred-year-old woman, not as a seventeen-year-old trapped in a lake beneath inches of ice.

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.

As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.

In this breathtaking and romantic adventure, Rachel McClellan delivers a truly mesmerizing story that will keep you guessing to the very end.

Purchase Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Fractured Soul

Llona will do whatever it takes to protect her new found friends and home, but the dark plot that is threatening Lucent Academy, a school that’s supposed to be a safe place for Auras, may be too powerful for even Llona to defeat. This fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming the darkness will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!

Purchase Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Fractured Truth

Llona is determined to end the fight with the Vykens once and for all. All she needs is to find and destroy the Shadow—the ultimate source of dark power. But when she makes a startling discovery about someone she loves, Llona has to fight the toughest battle yet in this exciting conclusion to the Fractured Light series.

Purchase Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My Review

I have been wanting to read this series for quite some time. I am so glad I finally made the time to read it. The Fractured Light series is full of action, romance, suspense, very cool magic, and of course amazing characters. Llona is one tough cookie. Although, when we first meet her in Fractured Light, she is shy, but aware of the fact that she is an Aura. She can manipulate light, but has never been taught how to use it. She shies away from people and doesn’t want to use her light to help others. Mysterious things start happening to her and they also involve her friend May, who also shows signs of powers. She meets Christian and it turns out he has secrets of his own. As the book progresses, she starts to realize the need to learn how to use her powers. Devastating events take place and she is forced to learn things quickly about herself and who the Auras really are.

As much as I enjoyed the first book, the next two were even more entertaining. They all are so full of surprises and twists, that I had to go back and read many scenes to relive it all. There is action at every turn and so many twists. One I saw coming, but others were so surprising. I loved how the author grew her characters, especially Llona. She is awesome. Start with Book 1 when you read this series and keep going until the end!

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Killing Ruby Rose by Jessie Humphries — Blog Tour/Giveaway

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

May 212014

Killing Ruby Rose

Author: Jessie Humphries

Publisher: Skyscape

Published: May 1, 2014

ISBN13: 978147720063

Paperback: 300 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

In sunny Southern California, seventeen-year-old Ruby Rose is known for her killer looks and her killer SAT scores. But ever since her dad, an LAPD SWAT sergeant, died, she’s also got a few killer secrets.

To cope, Ruby has been trying to stay focused on school (the top spot in her class is on the line) and spending time with friends (her Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks are nothing if not loyal). But after six months of therapy and pathetic parenting by her mom, the District Attorney, Ruby decides to pick up where her dad left off and starts going after the bad guys herself.

When Ruby ends up killing a murderer to save his intended victim, she discovers that she’s gone from being the huntress to the hunted. There’s a sick mastermind at play, and he has Ruby in his sights. Ruby must discover who’s using her to implement twisted justice before she ends up swapping Valentino red for prison orange.

With a gun named Smith, a talent for martial arts, and a boyfriend with eyes to die for, Ruby is ready to face the worst. And if a girl’s forced to kill, won’t the guilt sit more easily in a pair of Prada peep-toe pumps?

My Review

Wow, what a ride! This is a very fast-paced, engaging book that doesn’t stop until the last page. I was sure I knew what was going to happen next, but then I would turn the page, and I was pleasantly surprised with what I thought might happen, didn’t happen, and I would just have to keep on guessing what was going to happen next. Ruby is a complicated, but enjoyable character with a great inner voice. Liam was a fun addition that Ruby needed in her life. With a dead dad and an absent mom, Ruby needed to try to let others in her life (other than her obsession with finding bad guys). Huge twist at the end, but when I looked back at a few pages when I was finished, the twist made sense, but was still very shocking, and awesome!

4 out of 5 stars. I am definitely looking forward to the sequel!

Content

There is some language, nothing I was offended by, no F word. Some kissing scenes, no sex. Some violence and references to crimes.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Ruby-Rose-ebook/dp/B00HZ6EEN6/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/killing-ruby-rose-jessie-humphries/1118811500?ean=9781477820063

About Jessie Humphries: Jessie Humphries was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. She received a BA from San Diego State University, where she cultivated her love of the beach, then lived in France, where she cultivated her weakness for shoes, and finally earned a law degree from UNLV, where she cultivated her interest in justice. After practicing law for several years she began writing, and, appropriately, her debut novel Killing Ruby Rose is a thriller about vigilante justice set in sunny southern California with a shoe-obsessed protagonist. Jessie currently writes and practices law in Las Vegas, where she lives with her husband and children.