Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
May 022012
 

 Edenbrooke

Author: Julianne Donaldson

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: March 2012

ISBN13: 9781609089467

Paperback: 240 pages

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will she be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

My Review

This book is an absolute delight.  I loved everything about it.  Especially the twirling. :) I loved Marianne.  My heart would break for her at times, but it was all worth it in the end.  Phillip is a dream, he was my favorite.  He would light up the pages.  I laughed out loud at times, and smiled a lot while reading Edenbrooke.  Not only is this a great romance story, there is some page-turning suspense as well.  The author did an excellent job with the setting, and language of the characters.  I felt very regent while reading this. :)

5 out of 5 stars.  This is the Julianne’s first book, and she did an excellent job.  I can’t wait to read more from her.  Find out more from the author here.  I also have the book trailer for you too.  Enjoy!

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My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Nov 022011
 

My Fair Godmother

Author: Janette Rallison

Publisher: Walker Publishing Company

Published: 2009

Softcover: 310 pages

ISBN: 978-0-8027-2073-3

FTC FYI: I purchased my own copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Ever wanted your own Fairy Godmother to come and fix your life?  If Chrissy is yours, you better know exactly what you want!

Backcover: “After a dramatic breakup with her picture-perfect boyfriend, Savannah needs a true prince–and fast, because prom is only weeks away.  But looking for love can be a Grimm experience!  If only Chrissy were more than just “fair” in the wish-granting department.  After two botched attempts that land Savannah in the past, first as Cinderella and then as Snow White, Chrissy must send Savannah to save Tristan, a surprisingly cute boy from school whom Chrissy accidentally sent to the Middle Ages.  Hopefully the third time’s a charm…as in Prince Charming.”

Savannah is down.  Her plain sister Jane has won the heart of her boyfriend Hunter.  She tries to move on, but it’s hard when your boyfriend’s new girlfriend is your sister. “Fair” godmother Chrysanthemum Everstar is trying to raise her semester grade with an extra credit project.  At first, she doesn’t know what sister she is supposed to help.  After Jane and Hunter get together, Chrissy’s officially assigned to Savannah.  (I especially loved page 20, when the Memior Elves have to go to detox because they’ve been in Savannah’s teen-age head too long.)  Chrissy comes to Savannah and tell her she gets three wishes per their contract.  Wish one (page 47):

I just wish that somehow my life could be like a fairy tale.  You know, with a handsome prince waiting for me at the ball, and that somehow when I meet him, everything will work out happily ever after.

Chrissy checked her wristwatch again, hardly paying attention to me. “Okay, great.  One Cinderella coming up.”

I LOVED this book.  It is so well written.  I loved the humor, characters, cleverness, and especially the story line.  I thought it was so clever having the first part be Chrissy’s report, so fun!  Everything comes together so smooth and it’s full of very fun twists.  I’ve said this before, I love reading books I can pass to my girls without hesitation, this book tops the list.

My Fair Godmother was a finalist for a Whitney Award in 2009.  It’s sequel, My Unfair Godmother was released this year.

5 out of 5 stars.  Janette has written many books.  My Double Life was also a finalist for a Whitney last year.  Read more about her here.

Being Sixteen by Allyson Braithwaite Condie

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
May 062010
 


Being Sixteen surprised me. I really enjoyed it. Not that I was expecting not too, I actually didn’t know what to expect. What I liked right away, was how if someone was reading this book that was not of our faith, there are some explanations of our beliefs without being too obvious.

Juliet Kendall is the oldest sister at home, we start her story on her 16th birthday. Right at the beginning, I could tell she is a smart, confident girl who knows her beliefs, but things seemed almost too perfect. She has two older sisters. Emma is serving a mission in Spain, and Maddie is away at college. Carly is 14 and starting her freshman year. Juliet has everything going for her; the start of new relationship, lots of great friends, and a chance to play basketball on the varsity team. But, as like many of us, her trials come slowly, then linger, and then seem to stay for awhile. Little by little events take place that really challenge her testimony, and her self worth. Carly has a secret that effects them all, but Juliet takes it the hardest. And while Carly hides away and struggles, Juliet, while worried about Carly, hides as well. Not just from friends, but her Heavenly Father. Feeling she failed her sister, really takes her down a self destructive path. It just takes stopping the small and simple things that prevented her from asking Heavenly Father for help.
As I read Juliet’s journey, I sympathized with what the girls were going through. I didn’t go through what Carly did, or Juliet for that matter, but I have three daughters, and I can only pray that they stay strong in the gospel and will make good choices. It’s a great story for anyone with daughters.
There was one thing that I felt was unresolved, but this particular event helped Juliet move on to others things.
My rating: 4 stars
I would read it again and recommend it to others
Will I read other book by this author? Yes!
Being Sixteen
Author: Allyson Braithwaite Condie
Published: 2010
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
ISBN-13: 978-1-60641-233-6
Softcover: 249 pages
FTC FYI: Reviewed a free copy from the publisher which did not affect my review.