Nobody's Damsel/E.M. Tippetts

Synopsis:

    "Chloe has finished her masters degree and taken a job as a forensic scientist back in her home town of Albuquerque, New Mexico, only the press will not leave her alone. They follow her to crime scenes and report on her every move, eager to show that her marriage to Hollywood A-lister, Jason Vanderholt, is on the brink of collapse. Millions of fans who dream of their own celebrity romance with him want this more than anything. This scrutiny comes at a particularly bad time as Chloe's first case is a crime against a child roughly the same age that Chloe was when she survived a homicide attempt.

    Now that she sees the case from an adult's perspective, she realizes it's much harder than she ever dreamed. It's even worse for Jason, who is two steps removed from the crime. He must watch and try to support his wife as she battles with past demons and tries to keep up with a nameless suspect who evades identification and capture. Never has Jason been more frustrated with his job, its frivolities, and its lack of connection to the real world. When he storms off the set of his latest movie, the press goes wild with conjecture. While he says he wants to work on a project that means something, his agent and manager fear this may be the end of his time in the spotlight. Perhaps he never was anything more than a pretty face after all.

    Together, Chloe and Jason must find their way past all the popping flashbulbs and through the dark maze of the criminal investigation to discover whether they can balance their professional goals with the demands of a celebrity marriage. The odds are entirely against them."

Review: 

    This is the sequel to Someone Else's Fairytale. This book gives you a glimpse of what it could be like to be married to someone famous, while still trying to live the life you have worked hard for. Tabloids and rumors are only part of Chloe Vanderholts life now. Jason pledged she was his soul mate, could he have been wrong? 
    I loved where Emily brought the characters from the first book. It hadn't been too long from when we last read about them. Chloe is finally finished with school, they are both transitioning, not just to married life, but to their different work and living arrangements. Drama is definitely a fixture in this novel, and just the right amount if you ask me. Emily would have no problem expounding on Chloe and Jason's lives. Even looking more into Kyra's life, and what in the world goes on in that girls head. lol
    Follow Chloe and Jason in another exciting adventure that has romance, drama, and tragedy. This book will be released January 5th. Make sure you pick up Someone Else's Fairytale before then and be ready for Nobody's Damsel when it comes out!
     
   

Athena/Heather B. Moore

Synopsis:

    "Self-proclaimed bachelorette Athena Di Jasper is at the top of her game. Her online magazine is thriving, and she's in a comfortably static relationship, free of the kind of commitment that could lead to marriage—she's seen her parents' rocky union, and it's not for her. When her on-again, off-again boyfriend Karl wants to move their relationship to the next commitment level, Athena's obvious dismay leads him to challenge her workaholic tendencies. His accusation is true: she hasn't even paused to read a novel in years. Determined to prove Karl wrong, Athena takes a break from her hectic schedule to peruse a used bookstore, where she meets Grey, the intriguing—and single—propietor. Her quest for change and her desire to see more of Grey leads Athena to stray from her to-do list and join the Newport Ladies Book Club.
When Athena's world is turned upside down by a family tragedy, she's left to care for her terminally ill father. Juggling the demands of attending to an ailing parent and running her business, Athena comes to value the friendships of the book-club members, and she find herself relying more and more on Grey's support. When she stumbles across an old shoebox in her mother's closet, she's stunned by its contents, which hold unexpected truths about her parents' relationship. As Athena delves into a past that defies her judgment about her parents' marriage, she is forced to reevaluate her views on life and love."

Review:

    Accused of being a workaholic and hermit, Athena takes that as a challenge to change some things in her life. First and foremost to read a book other then her magazine. That's when she meets Grey (Owner of a little bookstore). He brings new insight into Athena's world. With her Mother's passing and now having to take care of her ailing father, will she muddle through somehow by herself, or will she let others in, who are willing to help her drastically changing life?
    I loved this fourth addition from the Newport Ladies Book Club! I learned so many new things about Athena, and was pleased with the outcome! Each book held something great. I can most relate to Athena being close to her age. I loved seeing her relationship grow with the other ladies and how supportive they all are for each other, even though they didn't know each other at first. I have never heard of the books that they read in the book club (except for the last (The Help) that they actually didn't start to read yet) but I enjoyed how each book had an impact on each reader. I may need to read those books now.
    This isn't the end of the Book Club series. Keep a look out for the next 4 books, which will come out at different times next year. With all new point of views from  Ruby, Shannon, Ilana, and Victoria. We of course have met these women in this first set of 4 already out. It will be fun to see what they all have to share in their own lives.
    Pick up Olivia, Daisy, Paige, and Athena today and get caught up!
   

Secrets of the Red Box/Vickie Hall

Synopsis:

    "Bonnie has secrets to keep - secrets with the potential to destroy lives, including her own. Running from her destructive and pain filled past, she recreates herself, believing she has escaped the damning evidence hidden in the red box. When her former life is revealed by a cruel twist of fate, Bonnie faces losing everything, including Glen, the only man she’s ever loved. But is Bonnie the woman he thinks she is?"

Review:

    All the way through this book you try and imagine, what in the world is Bonnie hiding in that red box of hers? Seriously it cant be that bad, can it? It took me by total surprise. I was thinking, ok she killed someone or something along those lines, boy was I wrong. This book is based in the 1940's and close to the end of WWII. Glen is off fighting the war, while Bonnie is fighting a war of her own back in the States.
    I did find it a little hard to like Bonnie's character, and maybe it was done on purpose that way, but I feel the story didn't really start until her and Glen finally met. Overall I did like the book, but it did take me longer to get through it then most. I think the end was the perfect outcome and made me even look at Bonnie in a better light. I loved how Glen changed her, even if he has to lose her in the process. You will just have to read the book to know what I am talking about!

Refuge/Carole Rummage

Synopsis:

    "Laney Lowell moved across the country to escape her past, not to fall in love. But when she becomes friends with Gabe, a handsome artist plagued by a mysterious disease, she'll have to decide between facing his dark truth or walking away from him forever." 

Review:  

    Laney feels lost and alone when she moves in with her Aunt and Uncle, this is until she decides to run one morning in the forest nearby. Named the Refuge for the red wolves the town is trying to save from being extinct. Laney meets Gabe while he is out getting inspiration for his next art project. He and Laney find out they have much in common, save for the disease Gabe and his older brother have. What disease, no one knows. 
    This is a Young Adult novel. I think that if you enjoyed Twilight, or other books in that field, then you will like this book. For me I figured out what the disease was quite early on, but for Laney it took her until almost the end of the book to figure it out. I loved the roles of her Aunt and Uncle, and how opposite they are from one another, yet they are the perfect match. 
    This book also puts into perspective that tragedy can strike when you least expect it, and your life can change quite drastically. Spend every day living like it could be your last, cause who knows who or what will be taken from you when you least expect it.

Jeremy's Christmas Journey/Scott Johnson

Review:

    Make sure you watch the video above to get the Synopsis of this book. This book comes with a CD that holds the Testimony's of Mary (the mother of Jesus), James (brother of Jesus), and many more. Jeremy is a boy who has gone through a lot in his still so young life. Feeling bitterness against others for the fate that has befallen him, he has lost his Faith in Christ and his miracles. Then one Christmas Eve Jeremy is taken on a journey that could change his begrudging soul.
    This was a fun book, Especially having the actual music and words to listen to while reading through it. The Testimony's in the book are all put to music, which makes it that more emotional. I would really love to see this book come to life, like The Forgotten Carols (that's what it reminds me of), so if you enjoy the music from that, then I am pretty sure you will love this book!
    This would be a great Christmas gift and a wonderful story to make a tradition of reading each year, just like the Christmas Story. The Author, not just of the book, but those who wrote the music and those who performed them should get a big pat on the back. Fantastic!
    Here are some links for you to check out:

 YouTube channel has trailers and samples of the music from the CD: http://www.youtube.com/user/sjohnson2221

Author website: authorscott.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/AuthorScott

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/JeremysChristmasJourney

Twitter: DocScottJohnson

Amazon: Jeremy's Christmas Journey: Book and CD

Barnes & Noble: Jeremy's Christmas Journey: Book and CD

Saving Savanna/Sara Fitzgerald

Summary:

    "Devan can’t help but blame God for his wife’s death, so the last thing he wants to do this holiday season is celebrate. But when his daughter, Savanna, makes a special Christmas wish, their little family will never be the same. Filled with faith and tenderness, this heartwarming story is sure to remind you of the real power behind the magic of Christmas."

Review:

    This book is short and sweet (only 9 pages of story line). Devan struggles to make sense of his life now that his wife has been gone for 7 months. His adorable daughter Savanna is full of questions about where her mother is and if she is in Heaven.
    This is a good Christmas short you can share with your children, parents, siblings, especially those who have lost loved ones and are finding it hard to adjust. I truly believe that children are there to help us grow, just as much as we are there for them. Read this book this holiday season and follow Savanna's example to just have faith, and give love to those who may have lost their way.

The Guy Next Door/Kate Palmer

Synopsis:

    "On the surface, Eva Black's life seems practically perfect. The small-town kindergarten teacher is set to wed ambitious lawyer Sean Langley, and their plans for a dream wedding are well underway. Eva accepts that she will soon live life in the spotlight as a member of the prestigious Langley family, but can she overlook her fiance's tendency to dominate the details of her life and push the limits of her standards?
    Mere weeks before the wedding, Eva is thrown into a traumatic, life-changing event that changes her view of her ideals and Sean's. With her engagement to Sean in jeopardy, Eva finds herself relying on the support and encouragement of Peter, her kind and attentive next-door neighbor. Faced with a choice between her penitent fiance and the increasingly mysterious Peter, Eva is unprepared for the consequences-and peril-that come with her decision."

Review:

    Eva has lost a lot in her life. With another tragedy, she finds herself in a situation that she knows was meant to be, but her fiance Sean has different plans. Then enters Peter, her new next door neighbor, who happens to be her brother-in-laws cousin and a very mysterious man. He wont tell her anything about his job, and always leaves for long periods of time. But always seems to be there when she needs help.
    When the truth finally comes out about who Peter is, it was by mistake. Now Eva, Sean, and Peter may be at risk of losing their lives. Through a shocking encounter of betrayal they never saw coming, they have to work together or die. And if they survive, where does Eva's heart belong?
    This was a fun romance, mystery, suspense, drama. A touch of everything your looking for in a book. I have to say that I gravitated a little more towards a certain love interest then the other. I know she ended up with the right man. I am not sure but I think Kate might be doing a sequel. There is definitely enough to go on for another book, but it does leave you comfortable at the end of this one.
    It was a great read, It makes you look at your family in a different way as well. Cherish the people you hold close, because at any time they could be taken from you.
    I cant wait to see what Kate writes in the future (I hope a sequel). hehe

The Guy Next Door

  ** I will be posting my review for this book on the 14th of this month, so stay tuned..............

Guest Post by the Author Kate Palmer:

 Fall colors now dot the mountain view from my kitchen window. Each morning I wake to the crisp, clean smell of fall. The changing seasons signal a time for accounting in my own life, a time to reflect and set new goals. I’m grateful it comes four times a year here. I don’t know if I’d accomplish as much living in a more temperate clime.

I look forward to this time to reenergize and refocus. The changing seasons bring new excitement, new energy, new challenges, and new growth.

October 2008 is when I decided to try writing fiction. It’s been an intense four years of study and learning for me. I enjoy challenges and this latest project has certainly been one of the hardest yet most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It’s good to push myself to accomplish something difficult. I believe goal setting and achieving is key to feeling worthwhile.

However, this goal setting is a balancing act of great importance for me. I have to remember that accomplishing my personal goals only feels satisfactory if my goals as a wife and mother get first priority. Otherwise, I feel like a failure. There is a scripture in the Bible that has become my mantra.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

These words are my guiding light in my many seasons of life.

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back/Sariah Wilson

Synopsis:

   "Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston.

Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake.

Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school.

And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her."

Review:

    This YA novel was absolutely fantastic! I have always been a fan of Cinderella stories (Ask anyone who knows me, that Cinderella is my favorite princess). This story takes it to an all new level.
    Mattie has loved Jake Kingston for years but when Ella, her step-sister starts dating him, Mattie's whole world seems to crumble around her. Her mother is no help either. Her Father loves her but spends most of his time in his art studio. When Mattie gets an up close encounter with the love of her life, she comes to question why she ever fell in love with this jerk. But things aren't as they seem and things around her start changing drastically. With the help of Ella, things start looking up, and she doesn't even have to blow out the candles on a birthday cake for her wish to come true!
    I laughed a lot while reading this book. I found myself Fighting alongside Mattie while she underwent changes as a senior in High School, and outside of school. This book had romance, comedy, drama, and courage. Even though this book was written for young adults I read it in a few hours cause I didn't want to put it down. If you are a fan of Cinderella and romance, this is a book for all ages!
    Sariah also has other books out as well that are great, so check those ones out too!

Castles On The Sand/E.M. Tippetts

Summary:

   "Madison Lukas knows her place in the world. She's not pretty, not interesting, and therefore easy to forget. John Britton is serving his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and has been praying for fifteen years to find the sister he lost in his parents' divorce. She is beautiful, talented, and makes kindness a fine art.
    When John and Madison cross paths, he recognizes her at once, but Madison is certain that he's got it all wrong. Even if she is his long-lost sister, she can't possibly be the exceptional, amazing girl he thinks she is, can she?"

Review:

    So Madison has to deal with High School and all the drama that goes with it. Her best friend Kailie I found to be a bit crazy, but who doesn't have one or more friends like that? Being a good friend Madison sticks by Kailie no matter what predicament she finds herself in. Madison is faced with lots of peer pressure, but to me handles it well. Her long lost brother shows up whom she didn't even know existed, and finds out she has two other older brothers as well.
    John helps Madison realize how special she really is when those around her make her feel useless, when the truth is, she is always there for everyone but herself. John is an angel sent to her and will not give up trying to make his little sister realize what a wonderful and beautiful person she is.
    She also has 3 different guy's in her life. There's JP, Carson, and Alex. They all bring something different and I truly believe she ends up with the right guy!
    Another great book from Emily! She always brings something new with each book she writes. I cant wait to see what the next one will bring!

Paige/Annette Lyon

Synopsis:

   "After a bitter divorce from her unfaithful husband, Paige moves from Utah to California with her two little boys and vows to make a fresh start. She finds a job at a dental practice that helps her get back on her feet, but it's the friends she makes at her new book club who help her realize how strong she is and who give her support to carry on as she faces challenges of being a single mom. She also meets Derryl, a wonderful, kind, attentive man who treats her right-something her ex never did. Yet, Paige struggles to figure out who she is as a woman rather than a wife, how to help her boys adjust to a broken home, and whether she can ever trust a man or love again. As Paige leans on the book club ladies and Derryl's ever present care, one thing becomes clear: healing from the past requires more than a change of address."

Review: 

   Paige is the third book in the Newport Ladies Book Club series and is written by a different author as all the books have, and will be.
   While reading about Paige it was interesting to see that Olivia, Daisy, and also Athena (that book comes out around November) seem to lean on Paige and confide in her compared to each other. I learned far more about Athena as well in this book then I did in the other two.
   Paige is a strength for single mother's and divorced women out there. If you are one of those women then you should pick up this book and realize you are special and important, not just to your kids, but your family and friends! You are AMAZING!
   I fell in love with Derryl and what a wonderful character he is. Doug I definitely disliked! What a creep, and not just to Paige, but his own boys!
   I enjoyed watching the friendship blossom between each of the very different women. It was a fun and insightful book. Friendship is what everyone needs, and who knows you might get your next friend attending a book club. Follow Paige this time around and take in some romance, drama, heartache, and a mothers love.

Choosing Charity/Terri Ferran

Synopsis:

   "When Kit learns that her biological mother wants to meet her, it seems her perfect life is about to come tumbling down. With a new job, a husband she adores, and friends all around her, can Kit possibly be expected to risk everything for a woman who left her in a dumpster to die?
    Of course, love comes in many forms. Now Kit's about to learn that when faith and hope aren't enough, charity can make things right."

Review: 

   This is the third and final book in the Faith, Hope, and Charity series. You do not need to read the first two to enjoy this book, but they help you understand how Kit and her husband Adam met and gives you better input on those people in her life. The first two books are called 1. Finding Faith  2. Having Hope
    I have to say that this was definitely my favorite in the series! Kit has really grown since the first book but still has many unexpected surprises still ahead of her that are brought forward in this last one. She faces her parents sudden divorce and juggling relationships with both and their changing lives. Also the fact that her biological mother finds her after all these years and it's not how Kit planned the meeting would go. Of course Adam is the perfect husband who helps her look past all the negative that's creeping up and brings in the positive. She also has great support from his family and their friends.
   I loved how Terri tied in the word "Charity" and used it in a couple different ways. It was truly an inspirational read! It had love, drama, heartache, laughter, and of course Faith, Hope, and Charity. Family is a powerful thing and these books hold to what it means to be one. To be there for one another, no matter the circumstance. Love never dies. 
   Read all three books and get the know Kit, Adam, and the rest of these fun characters Terri brought to life through her writing.

The Lost Stones/Paul Rimmasch

Review:

    Instead of putting up a synopsis I put up the book trailer. Check it out! The question to ask now is, what did happen to the 16 glowing stones that the Lord touched to bring forth light for the boats that brought the Brother of Jared and his people to the Promised Land? This book is a work of fiction, but uses historical facts from the Book of Mormon.
    Ammon Rogers grew up in an LDS home, but fell away until he returned home from his 2nd tour in Iraq. Now at BYU he is trying to find ways to produce alternate energy. Still trying to understand the truthfulness of the Gospel and Book of Mormon he finds himself traveling with John Byrd and his feisty daugther Sariah. From Utah, to Mexico, to a few other places on the map, they search for clues on the whereabouts of those lost stones which could be the answer to Ammon's alternate energy solutions. While on this journey they must evade "Accident Man" who is hired to stop those people who make significant discoveries and cause an "accident" before the findings can be heard.
    I would recommend this book to those who love history and archeology! It is a very informative book on ancient discoveries and possibilities. I liked how it explained the reason why the church doesn't use scientific proof to prove fact, even if it is genuine. It just goes to show you don't need proof to know the truth.
    Do they find the lost stones? Do they evade the "Accident Man"? Find it all out when you read this book by Paul Rimmasch.

My Loving Vigil Keeping/Carla Kelly

Synopsis: 


   "Della's giving up all the comforts of bustling Salt Lake City to teach school in a rural coal mining camp. Little does she know, she may soon be giving up her heart as well. But when tragedy strikes in the Scofield Mine, Della's life will be changed forever. Based on true events."

Review:

   This book was based on true events, which made it all the more real for me. Della may be a fictional character, but she brought the feelings of that day to the forefront of my mind and I felt the devistation of the tragedy like I was there, and she was real.
   Della has struggled to find her place in the world after her father died in a coal mining accident when she was 12 years old. Having not known her mother and had no other family close by, she was sent to live with her Uncle and Aunt in Salt Lake City Utah. Her Aunt and Cousins despised her and her Uncle was clueless to it. Even though she lived with them, she was alone and had to fend for herself.
   She needed to get away and took a teaching job at Winter's Quarters, a coal mining camp. At first the families in the area looked down on her and couldn't figure out why a spoiled rich girl had taken a teaching job there in the first place. They didn't realize her Father was a coal miner and she was practically an orphan from 12 and on.
   As the story unfolds there is laughter, drama, respect, understanding and love. Oh, and lots and lots of singing! Follow Della, or even become her as you read this book. Share her emotions and strategies as she starts to find her way to a place where she finally feels like she can belong.
   Another great read from Carla Kelly! She even put information at the back of the book about the mine explosion and some more details of the real families and what happened to them after this tragedy. Perhaps there will be a sequel for Della where she finds her mother?? Either way pick up this book and transport yourself back in time and fall in love with the coal miners and their families!

Carnival Girl/Sonja Herbert

Review:

    I didn't put down a synopsis because Sonja wrote a beautiful guest blog just below that explains her book and a few other tidbits of life after the Carnival. So please take a minute and read that when you get the chance.
   What a moving book, to read the memories and real life experience of Sonja! It was a journey for me to take in what it was like for her to grow up in Germany after WWII. Having a Mother who was half Jew and her having to hide out from the Nazi's. How utterly sad! But she made it through strong. Every chapter was usually a different age of Sonja's life and her memories of her Parents and siblings just trying to survive and make ends meat while being part of a moving carnival.
    I really enjoyed having pictures to look at as well, and knowing who I was reading about! It brought the book to life. These are real people and real emotions to take in. This family is strong, and even though Sonja's family was very opinionated about her new Faith, they didn't get in her way when she wanted to get baptized (except for her mother asking her to wait a year to see if she would still be interested).
    Get to know Sonja and her Mutti (Mother) and Vati (Father) and her siblings. Your heart will go out to them through their trials and accomplishments. Thanks Sonja for giving us a glimpse into your life! :)

Guest Blog by Sonja Herbert/Carnival Girl

Guest Blog by Sonja Herbert:

As a young girl, my half-Jewish mother hid from the Nazis in a circus. The rightful owner saw her and fell in love with her. After the war, they were married. Because of the lack of food for the artists and the animals, my father lost the circus. So he raised his family in a tiny carnival, traveling the small towns in central Germany to keep his rapidly growing family fed.
I was the second child of six. Even though I can’t remember the war, I remember the devastation, both physical and spiritual, which the German people lived with afterward. Ruins and unexploded bombs littered the cities, and lost and orphaned children overwhelmed the orphanages. Food was hard to come by, and education was almost non-existent, especially for us carnival children, since we traveled from town to town every week or two.
My mother, emotionally burned and disillusioned, rejected any kind of religion and never taught her children about God. However, when I was eight, I had a vision and developed a strong desire to be in a church, to live in a house and to have God love and approve of me. I had to hide such feelings from my family, because they made fun of them.
As I grew older, Germany, along with our family, became more prosperous. At fourteen, I met the LDS missionaries. Against my family’s ridicule and the overwhelming odds of living in a traveling carnival and having to work every Sunday, I converted.
A year later, my parents divorced, and through the divorce God’s loving hand worked the miracle I needed to reach my goal of living in a real house and being able to go to church on Sundays instead of having to run a carnival attraction.
However, I did see my father regularly when he came to our town and in the winters. He met my American fiancée, a GI stationed in Germany, and they became good friends, in spite of the religious differences. My father passed away two years after I followed my husband to the U. S. My mother, however is still going strong at 91, in Stuttgart, Germany.
Can you envision living that way? Read Carnival Girl, and you’ll discover a new world!

Bio:
Sonja Herbert and her five siblings were raised in a caravan, traveling the carnival circuit from town to town in post-WWII Germany.
Sonja converted to the LDS Church, served a mission, married an American soldier, and immigrated to the USA. She received a BA at SUU in Cedar City, and an MA in Language Acquisition from Brigham Young University, taught high school, German, and ESL for many years, and is now a full time writer. A mother of six and grandmother of thirteen, she resides in Provo, Utah. Contact her at germancarnivalgirl.com, germanwriter.com, or frauherbert@comcast.net.

 

Charlie's Girl/Mary Helen&Daniel Foxx

Synopsis: 

   "Fourteen-year-old Rosalind has always been a foster girl without a past, until she’s sent to live with a long-lost grandmother in a house full of memories—and secrets. Soon Rosalind discovers that there’s more to her family history than she ever dreamed. Set in 1960s South Carolina, this unforgettable story of family, friendship, and faith is perfect for readers of all ages."

Review: 


   Rosalind became an orphan when she was still a baby after being in a car crash that killed both her parents. Going from foster home to foster home until at age 14, her grandmother Grace finally is able to find her and bring her back to where her father grew up in South Carolina.
  Grace, having lost her son (Charlie) and her husband (Sam) the same day, brings her into shock and depression. Finally after 11 years of loss she realizes she still has her granddaughter Rosalind. On first meeting, Grace is disapointed to see that Rosalind looks nothing like her dear Charlie but exactly like her sons wife Nellie. She never really liked Nellie, and thought she was leading her son away from her and their beliefs.
   This book shows a mother's loss, but also a granddaughters gain. They need each other, even though at first it is difficult.  Rosalind, with the help of Grace and her new friend Emily are able to find information on her family, through a geneology assignment at school.
   If you are a fan of Geneology will will enjoy this book! I was sad when it ended where it did, it left me wondering about Rosalind's mother and her family.....Maybe there will be a sequel called Nellie's Girl??! All the way through it tugged at my heart strings. The love of a family is so important especially when hearts need healing. The Author's brought love, hope, friendship, sadness, heartache, and faith all in one. It was a sweet and enduring book. I know I want to delve more into my family history now!

Daughters of Jared/H. B. Moore

Synopsis:

    "Naiva, daughter of the dethroned King Jared II, lives in the shadow of her privileged elder sister, Asherah. But when Asherah develops a secret plot to return their father to the throne, Naiva's resentment turns to fear. Thwarting the scheme becomes more complicated when Naiva discovers that Akish, the first man who has shown interest in her, is an integral part of the plan.
    Asherah traps Akish in a ploy to make him marry her, breaking Naiva's heart and leaving her feeling more alone than ever. Somehow she must find the strength to stand against the encroaching evil in the kingdom and a sister who will stop at nothing to become queen. When Akish's wickedness escalates and threatens to destroy the bonds of sisterhood, Naiva must decide between protecting her sister and honoring her new belief in the true god-a forbidden belief that could cost her life."

Review:

    I love when Author's take events from history and add a heartfelt story, and make it come to life even more! Even though this book is a work of Fiction, it has characters who are well known from the Book of Mormon. We have Asherah, who dances for Akish and she becomes his wife. Even though Akish has eyes for Ashera's younger sister Naiva, who's point of view this book is written. Naiva enjoys Akish's attentions at first, but when she hears of the plot to kill her Grandfather, and Akish is the one who will gladly do it, with the help of her sister and father's encouragement. Being trapped by devotion to her family, Naiva takes you on a journey of sorrow, heartache, evil, love, and the realization that she is not alone and her prayers are heard even if they are not answered when she wants or in the way she thinks they should happen.
    Naiva is a true heroin who loves unceasingly, while everyone and everything around her are falling apart. With Faith she presses forward until the day she can be free of her burdens and be with the man she loves. Even if it takes her years.
    Heather is a very talented historical novelist! I have read other books of hers and it always marvels me at how much research and work she has to put into her novels. Never disapointed with what she puts out. Some of her other books include: Abinidi, Alma, Alma the Younger, and Ammon. If you love history, drama, and even romance, go find these books and get started! :)

Daisy/Josi S. Kilpack

Synopsis:

    "Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. And no one knows that better than Daisy. Raising two kids as a divorced, single mom, Daisy has faced each and every one of the obstacles in her life with courage and determination.
    Now with her oldest daughter ready to have a baby of her own, her youngest daughter ready to graduate from high school, and her new husband, Paul, ready to embrace the life of an empty-nester, Daisy feels like she might finally be able to check "motherhood" off her list of things to do.
    Except life often has a mind of its own. When, at the age of forty-six, Daisy suddenly finds herself facing a very different future than the one she had planned-and an uncomfortable evaluation of the past she thought she understood-she realizes that there is still some growing up she needs to do.
    Looking for a distraction to escape the growing tension at home, Daisy joins the Newport Ladies Book Club, where she meets Paige, Athena, and Olivia-unlikely friends who offer encouragement and support when Daisy's perfectly crafted life is turned upside-down."

Review:

    This is the second book in the Newport Ladies Book Club series. Reading the first book Olivia prepared me to read this book and finally understand what Daisy's point of view was. Daisy has always been a strong willed woman and found it hard to let others take care of her. Her youngest daughter is close to graduating and leaving the house, but when her daughter leaves to live with her dad, before the planned date, she finds it hard not to look back and see what she did wrong while raising her daughters.
    Her husband Paul has other things on his mind, like fishing. When Daisy finds out she is pregnant, she is afraid to tell Paul, since she assured him she could not get pregnant since she had her tubes tied 15 years earlier. She finds herself all alone except for her new friends from the book club, who help her come to terms with the trials in her life.
    This book was filled with lots of emotion and takes you on a journey you could only hope ends in a happy ending, but not every story can have that, and who is to say that Daisy will not have a happy ending, even if it is not your kind of happy ending? I cant wait to find out more about the other characters in the book club, and hopefully get some more information on Olivia and Daisy through these other ladies eyes.
    The next book in the series is Paige, and is written by Annette Lyon. It should be coming out in September and the book after that is Athena written by Heather B. Moore, which should be out in November. Julie Wright wrote Olivia, the first book in the series. All these Authors are great at making these books come to life and weaving different, yet real situations into their characters. Happy Reading!!

The Most Important Catch/Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Synopsis:

    "She knew too much, and she'd seen too much. And the police refused to help. Knowing that she was to be the next scheduled death, Kelly Campbell hid under head to toe black leather and a tinted motorcycle helmet and ran for her life.
    When the weather turned cold, she turned south. She ended up in North Carolina, home to one of the most famed and eligible NFL football stars in the whole league; only she didn't know that. She thought he was a businessman. Not being a huge fan, all she knew was that he was incredibly attractive, kind, generous, and that she was safe with him. Or was she?
    His brand of fame proved to be all but deadly, but his fame wasn't nearly as lethal as his attraction. He kept her safe and protected. All except for her heart."

Review:

    Wow! The picture on the front of this book really fits with the character Kelly perfectly! Beautiful, fragile, but a very powerful woman who can take care of herself when her world starts to crumble around her. Then Enter Robby who is, how shall I put this.....HOT!!!! He is very different compared to his teammates and is a very humble and loving character.  Then put these two together, they were meant to be! But when Kelly is found by those who want to kill her and silence her forever, he has to let her go to keep her safe as well as himself. I don't want to give too much away. Does Kelly ever stop running and hiding? Will Robby get to tell her how much he loves her? Read and find out! ;) You will not be disapointed!

   This book was 291 pg's long and I didn't want it to end, I wanted more! This was the first Jaclyn M. Hawkes book I have read, she has a couple more that I hope to pick up sometime in the future. I cant wait to see what other novels she writes up! Here are some links to her sites, and also sites to go and purchase the book itself. Enjoy!!

Social Networking Links

• Website: http://jaclynmhawkes.com/
• Twitter: @JaclynMHawkes
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/JaclynMHawkes

Purchase Links

• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Most-Important-Catch-Volume/dp/0985164808/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1336279854&sr=8-5
• Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-most-important-catch-jaclyn-m-hawkes/1109921047?ean=9780985164805
• Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Most-Important-Catch-Jaclyn-Hawkes/9780985164805

Synopsis:

    "This book takes place during the Great Depression. Sal and her family are known as "Fruit Pickers" as they travel around the country picking fruit to earn money for food and gas. One stop along the way is picking cherries, where they meet Ben and his family."

Review:

    I enjoyed the family dynamic in this novel. What loving parents and respectful children the author brought out in this book! I felt everything they were going through, the happy, sad, tragic, fear, and respect. I enjoyed how he brought Ben into the book, and the relationship that forms with him and Sal. When they are put together for a certain amount of weeks and then not being able to see or talk with one another for a whole year was heartbreaking. But they took it in stride and dealt with it the best they could. Tim, Sal's little brother, was fun and lovable and he grew up fast within a 3 month period, and only being 15.
    This book was a great read, the author did a wonderful job at bringing this book to life, especially with the emotional aspect of living during the Great Depression. This story is actually based on real life and real people. If you would like to know a little more about the background of this book go to http://www.atseasonsend.wordpress.com/ and it has the Authors journey while bringing this book to life! I am sure you will enjoy this book as much as me! Watch for it coming out in stores in May. 

Synopsis:

   "After five years of tracking and capturing spies on English soil, Philip Jonquil, Earl of Lampton, is in pursuit of his last quarry. But at a traveler's inn, he encounters an unexpected and far more maddening foe: Sorrel Kendrick, a young lady who is strikingly pretty, shockingly outspoken, and entirely unimpressed with him. Indeed, Sorrel cannot believe the nerve of this gentleman, who rudely accused her of theft and insults her feminine dignity. Doubly annoyed when they both end up at a party hosted by mutual friends, Philip and Sorrel privately declare war on one another. But Philip's tactics, which range from flirting to indifference, soon backfire as he finds himself reluctantly enjoying Sorrel's company; and, much to her dismay, Sorrel finds Philip's odd manner to be increasingly endearing. In the midst of this waning war and growing attraction, Philip catches wind of the French spy he's been tracking, and Sorrel inadvertently stumbles upon a crucial piece of the puzzle, making her indispensable to the mission. But can two proud hearts negotiate a ceasefire when cooperation matters most?"

Review:

   I "LOVED" this book! I had heard from various places that this book was great. When I went to go and buy it, a man who worked in the store, yet again said this was the most popular book (out in that genre) for at least the last few weeks. So I was excited to finally pick it up and start reading. I was not disapointed! It had me reeled in by the first couple pages.
   Reading this brought me to the movie The Scarlet Pimpernel (Yes it is a book too, but I have only seen the movie). Philip being the dashing Percy, and Sorrel  being Lady Marguerite. I am not saying it is another adaptation of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but that those two characters Sorrel and Philip are very strong willed and stand up for what they believe in, and end up having characteristics like Percy and Marguerite.
  I loved how Sorrel is so strong willed but in the end does need the strength of others to depend on. Also Philip who acts the part of a dandy but hates every bit of it, and just wants to be himself. Bringing these two people together creates sparks of intrigue and satisfaction.
   So far I have read 3 of Sarah M. Eden's books and they have all been fantastic! I cant wait to see what other books she has in store for the future! You will not be disapointed picking up one of her novels!

Lightning Tree/Sarah Dunster

Synopsis:

   "After surviving the tragic deaths of her parents and baby sister, and a harrowing trek across the plains to Utah, it's no surprise that Maggie's nights are plagued by nightmares.
   But after years of harsh treatment by her foster mother and sisters, and memories that seem to hint at an unthinkable crime, Maggie is forced to strike out on her own. To separate the truth from the dreams, Maggie faces a painful ordeal and learns that she'll need to put her trust in those around her to survive."

Review:

   What a epic story to read. I love reading fictions that are also based on history. This young lady Maggie truly has had a hard life. First with losing her parents on the trek to Utah, then losing her baby sister after the family who took them in settled in the valley. So many different emotions plague this book and you cant help feel what Maggie is feeling in the many situations that make themselves known throughout the book. The truth whether you want to hear it or not can change the course of your future.
   Sarah Dunster wrote a gripping story with tragedy, family, love, friendship, sorrow, and strength to endure. It shows how much a family, whether biological or adopted needs to have the love and acceptance of one another or things can get misinterpreted and people end up getting hurt.
   Pick up this book and get to know Maggie through the Author's eyes. Here are some links to check out if you want to know more about this book.

Author Website: http://sarah.thedunsters.net/

Author Blog: http://nosurf.blogspot.com/

Book Poster page: http://lightningtreebook.com/  

Publisher Blog http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/

Publisher Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks

Publisher Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/cedarfortbooks

Christ's Gifts to Women/Heather B. Moore & Angela Eschler

Synopsis:

   "At times, we as faithful Latter-day Saint women struggle to understand exactly who Christ is in our lives. We fail to comprehend the gifts he offers us as we strive to overcome the challenges we face. But Christ's great message to us is that he has overcome this world-He has given women great gifts that empower us and help us realize we are not alone."

Review:

   What a beautiful book. If you are a woman and struggling with who you are, or where you are going, you need to pick up this book and read it! They wove true stories of women from the bible who in their time suffered many trials, especially by being a woman. With Faith in Christ all things are made possible. No matter how far gone you think you are and don't feel like forgiveness will be yours, Look at the woman taken in adultery. As Christ put it in John 8:7 "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." We all have skeletons in our closets, but if we look to Christ, and hear his words "go, and sin no more" we can have the confidence to get up, brush ourselves off and move forward with Christ trusting us to do what is right. We may still have those days where forgiveness looks so far out of reach.......In this book it explains why it is not and how you can obtain the peace and comfort you need while being a woman in these Latter Days.
   Being out of work for so long and having some personal struggles right now in my life, this book has opened my eyes and gives me the strength to not give up and move on with my life, it could be worse. Personally I think bishops should have this book on hand to give women who come to them and are struggling. Please pick up this book and read it as often as you can! Learn about Christ's Gift to "YOU".

Olivia/Julie Wright

Synopsis:

   "The Robbins household looks perfect from the outside: no dust, no stains, no wrinkles. Yet a glimpse into its heart reveals no laughter, no closeness, no joy. Olivia thinks that if she keeps everything tidy and serves delicious meals on time, family life is bound to get better. But when her husband, Nick, misses their anniversary, she realizes no amount of domestic success will compensate for failure in their marriage, or for her own failure to develop her identity-always busy as a mother, wife, and neighbor, she has forgotten how to be a unique and vibrant individual. determined to make a change, Olivia joins a local book club, where she nurtures new friendships and explores new ideas. But her growing confidence falters when Nick declares his independence-and while her new friends lovingly encircle her with support, only Olivia can reach into the depths of her fledgling self to find the faith, hope and love her troubled family needs."

Review:

   This is the first book in The Newport Ladies Book Club Series. It was beautifully written and had me feeling an emotional pull towards the main character Olivia. This book taught me not to be afraid to communicate, not just with a spouse, but with friends, or family. People tend to build up frustration and heartache when no one communicates and it may turn into something worse....like Divorce. Don't be afraid to listen to that small voice, telling you to call or make a visit to someone you think is doing fine, when in all reality they may have lost a loved one, or they are a single mother of 2 and money is tight. You could be that persons strength and support. Be the Wise Man who built his house upon the rock, even if you started out being the Foolish Man who built his house upon the sand. Julie Wright did a fantastic job making this story come to life and reel you in page by page.
   The next book in this series will be "Daisy" which is written by another Author Josi Kilpack. All the books (4) total are all written by a different Author, but all the characters in the books are in a book club and become friends. So you see Olivia's point of view and her home life and what her thoughts are on Daisy, Paige, and Athena, while in the next book it takes in Daisy's life and her thoughts......and so on and so forth. Brilliant Idea! Make sure you go and get Olivia today!

Agent In Old Lace/Tristi Pinkston

Synopsis:

   "Shannon Tanner has it all, a perfect family, perfect job, perfect boyfriend-or so she thinks. What Shannon doesn't know is that her boyfriend, Mark, is stealing money from her father and making millions doing it. When Shannon learns Mark's secret, he turns on her, and Shannon's life abruptly goes from perfect to perilous.
  In an effort to protect Shannon, the FBI assigns their only female agent to go undercover as her personal bodyguard. But when the agent gets injured the day before the assignment, they turn to the next best thing: their top agent, Rick Holden-in a dress.
  Life seems safe again for Shannon with Rick by her side and Mark apparently gone for good. Then Shannon gets word that her best friend has been kidnapped, and it becomes clear Mark isn't going to stop any time soon. Shannon realizes the only way to save herself and her friend-and stop Mark once and for all-is by sending Rick, her only source of protection, away. Can Rick save Shannon before it's too late?"


Review:

  I love reading a good mystery/love story! I only had to read a page and a half and I had a hard time putting it down. I have to say I felt awkward along with Rick when he was undercover, but also felt the funny side of it coming from Shannon's point of view. The love that surrounds Shannon is one that others would envy. When Mark shows up, Shannon adds him to her list of loved ones, but she never expected his betrayal.
  Tristi put every kind of emotion you can think of and peppered you with them throughout the book. She pulled me in and kept me reading until the very last page, That is all a reader could ask for.
  Tristi also has other books out. One is called "Secret Sisters" which I will soon be reading. So show her your love and read her books! :)

Someone Else's Fairytale/E.M. Tippetts

Synopsis:

   "Chloe Winter's is a normal girl who is working her way through college, and has big plans to become a forensic scientist. When Jason Vanderholt a famous actor returns to his roots to film his newest movie, he runs into Chloe who reminds him of someone he knew in high school. He soon finds out the reason why she looks familiar and the truth slowly comes to the fore front.
 Chloe must find a way to overcome the ghosts of her past when she is again faced with the same danger from her childhood. Jason can only stand by and give her the support she needs until she finally realizes it doesn't have to be someone else's fairytale, but her own."

Review:

   I had to go in to reading this book with caution, the reason being is that E.M. Tippets likes to take me by surprise when I read her books. I never know how the story is going to end. When reading other novels you can usually predict what will happen and who will end up with who. Not with Emily's books. She takes you in one direction then out of no where there is a U-turn.
  That is what I love most about her writing. Keeps me on my toes, but always ends up where the story needs to be. Someone Else's Fairytale is my favorite of her books........so far! It had love, hate, heartache, friendship, mystery and intrigue. Something important I learned was we shouldn't stand by watching others fairytales come true, we need to begin our own. What better time then the present!!
   I am excited to see where she takes these characters in other books. When asked she said she is for sure going to write more about them, but it will be a while, since she is working on another book at the moment. I can't wait so see what she has in store for us next!