Timeless Romance Anthology:European Collection/Author's names in review.....

Synopsis:

    "Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: European Collection. Readers will love this collection of six historical romance novellas set in Europe, all with one thing in common: Romance."

Review:

    *Annette Lyon's War of Hearts: After Pete dumps Anna, and trying to get far away from each other, they both take assignments over in war torn Finland. When Pete comes upon Anna he is already having regrets about breaking up with her. But will they both make it through the war to start over?

    *G.G. Vandagriff 's The Earl of Oaksey Takes a Wife: Melissa and Tomas elope against others wishes. Soon Melissa finds out love may have not been the factor for their marriage, but money. Does Tomas even love his wife like she does him?

    *Michele Paige Holmes Gift of Love: Ethan needs an heir, and someone to be a mother to his 3 year old daughter. The problem is all of his other wives have died in accidents around the property. When Amelia takes this task of marriage, she doesn't realize her life is now on the line. Is Ethan the one who kills his wives? Or is it just freak accidents?

    *Sarah M. Eden's A Lesson in Love: Lucy and Reed are newlyweds. Lucy dreams of returning to town and enjoying the season and all the Balls and Opera's she can attend, now that she has Reed she can enjoy it more without having to impress any male suiters. Reed has other plans, like staying home and relaxing. Will Lucy and Reed meet halfway, or will Lucy walk away?

    *Heather B. Moore's An Ocean Away: Gina's Father has an enemy, who happens to be rooming in the room right next to Gina's. When they end up meeting (in a very entertaining way) Edmund is smitten. But when they go back to their normal lives back in New York, will they stay in contact, or will Gina's Father keep them apart?

    *Nancy Campbell Allen's What Happens in Venice: Evangeline is a great artist who is stuck living with her evil Step Father and Step Sisters. When they travel to Italy for an art exhibit to showcase her Step Father's paintings she meets Matteo the most eligible bachelor in Italy. He gives her hope for a new future, away from the cruelty she has put up with. What does her future hold? Can she ever break free?

    These European Romances were lots of fun! I wanted more! I have read the Winter Collection and enjoyed them as well. I hope there will be more in the future. If you are looking for clean short stories then pick up these Timeless Romance Anthologies.

Break it Up/E.M. Tippetts

Synopsis:

    "Kyra Armijo is making a few changes in her life. One of them being, she's no longer going to give it up to every guy who looks at her twice. And she's putting her hopes and dreams for her future first. When the aspiring photojournalist gets the opportunity of a lifetime to tag along with international boy band sensation, Triple Cross, she can't pass up the chance.

The only problem is that she's in love with one band member, dodging the unwanted attention of another, and desperate to keep her turbulent past under wraps. Triple Cross have "nice guy" appeal, approved of by parents the world over, but have just let go their longtime manager, who controlled their clean image and media exposure with an iron fist. When Zach Wechsler, the object of Kyra's affection, begins to show interest, she has to be careful.

Surely one girl can't destroy a band that's been together for ten years... only what if she can? Kyra knows she's one bad decision away from ruining everything she's worked for, and taking the hottest act of her generation down with her."

Review: 

    If you have read Someone Else's Fairytale and it's sequel Nobody's Damsel and you want to know Kyra's story (Jason and Chloe's niece) then you will want to pick up this book.
   Kyra was the wild child causing her parents extreme anxiety. Ever since Chloe came into Jason's life, Kyra has seen the changes in her Uncle. It seems Chloe is meant to be the glue that brings the family closer together.
    Zach the oldest of the boy band Triple Cross, is lonely and finds in Kyra someone he can talk to, and trust. The only problem with that is he doesn't know Kyra's past. If he found out, or anyone for that matter it could be the end of Zach's good boy image, and take the rest of his band down with him at the height of their career.
    Are Kyra and Zach meant to be when all is said and done? I guess you will have to read this book to find out!
    Right now you can get this book on Amazon for .99 cents. If you haven't read any of her other books, or your looking for some books for birthday's or holiday's, most of her books are only 3.99 or lower on kindle. 
    It always amazes me on how Emily's mind works and how she portrays each character she writes about. So many different personalities, yet they all seem to work when put together!

Christmas Collection/Carla Kelly

Synopsis:

    "Come explore Regency London with Carla Kelly! This collection features four stories that will warm your heart with Christmas cheer: "The Christmas Ornament," "Make a Joyful Noise," "An Object of Charity," and "The Three Kings." Filled with romance and a touch of humor, these stories are sure to find a place in your heart and remind you that Christmas is a time for love."

Review: 

    A moving collection of Christmas novella's that you don't want to miss out on! In the first story we find James and Olivia, who grew up down the road from each other, but didn't think of each other romantically, that is until their Father's come up with a plan that involved them getting together by Christmas. 
    The second story we find Chard (Pete) and Rosie. Chard ends up having to take over his mother's assignment in finding singers for their church choir. Rosie having an angelic singing voice is recruited by Chard, who wonders why this beautiful women is always out walking, even in bad weather in ratty clothes, when she lives with a somewhat wealthy family. 
    The third story you meet Captain Micheal Lynch and Sally. Captain Lynch just returning from the blockade lost his first mate, who happened to be the last living relative to Sally and her younger brother Tom. Now both orphaned, Lynch decides to take Sally and Tom back to his childhood home, where he hasn't been since he was a youth and was run off by his Father and older brother.
    In the last story we have Sarah and Luis. Sarah is trying to get out of Spain, after her brother is shot and killed while on vacation. She starts her journey on her own then meets up with Luis, who is put in charge of her until she can get to safety. Is the enemy after her and some writings she and her brother found and confiscated from a Library in Spain? Or is Luis the one they are after, and what is it that he is hiding?
    The first three stories are told by the male point of view, and the last one is the women's point of view. All these stories revolve around Christmas and family.

A Good-Lookin' Man/Marcia Lynn McClure

Synopsis:

    "However, in an instant—in less than a breath or the bat of an eyelid—the elusive pepper spray hiding somewhere in her purse was all but forgotten. For standing before her—right there before her, not three feet away—was the best-looking, most gorgeous, handsomest man she had ever seen in all her life!

“No, seriously,” she thought out loud with lingering bewilderment at how perfectly stunning the man standing before her was, wearing a worn pair of Levi’s, dusty cowboy boots, and a short-sleeved, plaid-print, snap-up shirt that hung open, revealing a bronzed, perfectly sculpted torso that was simply a mass of muscles. She was so unsettled by the man’s appearance that she wasn’t sure whether she was whispering aloud to herself or her car.

Either way, the man asked, “Beg your pardon, ma’am?”

“Oh…oh, nothing,” Fairlee said as she began rummaging in her purse again. But the man’s presence and appearance had entirely rattled her. As her awe-inspired brain obviously quit sending out instructions to the rest of her body, Fairlee felt her purse slip from her hands—watched in humiliated dismay as its contents tumbled out and scattered over the shoulder of the road."

Review: 

    This is a fun little novella. I think it is hilarious how Fairlee is always talking to herself, and not just in her head, but out loud for anyone to hear. She can get into serious trouble with that little trait. Lash is of course the cowboy hunk that all women dream of. Uncle Bean (Ben) is a prankster (even if he didn't intend for a prank) and Aunt Pearl is the matchmaker who makes delicious deserts to stick around for. 
    I am a fan of Marcia's books and have read quite a few, but still have quite a few to read as well. This book doesn't have much peril in it and is fast paced. So if your in the mood for a funny/corny romance, then this is your book. I use the word "corny" because the Author used that as one of her words to describe this novella herself.
    The only complaint I have, and this is not with just this book of Marcia's but most of them, she has the main characters stuttering a lot. It just gets old after the first couple times. But if you can overlook those parts the books are usually 4-5 star worthy for me. I enjoy finding out the names of her characters, they are so out of the box, its kind of like opening a present.
    Here is the Amazon Url for the book:

http://www.amazon.com/A-Good-Lookin-Man-ebook/dp/B00ENSM9Z4?tag=tourblasts-20

Heroes of Faith/Marlene Sullivan

Synopsis:

   " Our fast-paced society loves adventure and it loves a hero—but what about Latter-day Saint heroes? Are there any? There are plenty!
     Heroes of Faith, True Stories of Faith and Courage, is a collection of twenty-four riveting stories about people who rose above difficulties and impossible odds to emerge triumphant. You’ll read about stalwart men and women who stood firm and valiant in the gospel in spite of dangerous mobs, flying bullets, physical handicaps, extreme hardships, and dictatorial regimes.
    It's fascinating to read about the exploits of real heroes and when that hero is acting in accordance with the principles of the gospel, the adventure is not only thrilling, but inspiring as well. In these days of increasing trials and tribulation, we can all use some worthy role models, especially those that strengthen our faith and increase our testimonies. "

Review:

    There are definitely heroes to be found in this book. The Gospel shines through, which gives the people in these stories strength and courage to overcome the trials in their lives. Some end up even being martyrs because of their convictions, and blessed are they!
    Some of these true stories I have heard before, but was amazed at how many I did not.I look back in history, especially in my own, and how many life experiences from ancestors have been swept under the rug. Thanks to Marlene she has brought some great stories to light.
    There were quite a few that dealt with war. Some about the pioneers, and not just the ones who walked across the plains, but pioneers in their own lands. Also Missionary stories. I really enjoyed the Women of Faith in this book, and watching them overcome the trials of there time and culture.
    The heroes in this book would not have become that way without the Gospel in their lives. Most people are heroes to somebody. Who knows what those around you have written down in their journals to make you one.
    Here are some sites if you want to buy the book or check out the Author:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Faith-Stories-Courage-Strength/dp/1462111289/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375911655&sr=1-1&keywords=heroes+of+faith+by+marlene+bateman+sullivan

Barnes and Noble:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heroes-of-faith-marlene-bateman-sullivan/1114333313?ean=9781462111282

Books & Things:  http://booksandthings.com/heroes-of-faith-true-stories-of-courage-and-strength.html#.UgLJn20hXAw

Marlene's website is: www.marlenebateman.info

Lair of the Serpent/T. Lynn Adams

Synopsis:

    "Jonathon cant wait to surprise Delia for her birthday. With a little help from Delia's brother, Severino, he plans to visit her in Cambodia where she's working as a humanitarian volunteer.
    But Jonathon arrives only to find a panicked Severino and no Delia.
    Jonathon and Severino are determined to find Delia before it's too late-but it might not be that easy. Now, with the orphan Chey and their friend Juan, Jonathon and Severino must fight their way through human trafficking rings, a dense jungle, and a radical group bent on using Delia as a human sacrifice in order to find the Naga Mani, a sacred and powerful stone."

Review:

    When Delia is kidnapped and Severino fails to rescue his sister from her captors, there is nothing or no one who is going to get in his way even if it is going against the police to get his sister back. When Jonathon finds out his friend is missing, he will stop at nothing to get her back, even if he ends up dying in the process.
    I didn't read the book before this one, but I don't think that you really need to to understand it's own plot. This is a Y.A. novel that keeps you on your toes. The only problems I had with it was it was a bit too busy. I am usually a fast reader and can finish a book pretty quick, but with this one it took me a few sittings to get through it.
    Jonathon's temper always got the better of him and got him in trouble, so when the consequences came around I felt like he earned them.I don't know if the author had that in mind or not when writing this character, but that is what I got out of it.
    I would have loved to see more of Delia's point of view and of Keo's. I loved Chey. He seemed more level headed then anyone else in his company. Over all, I did enjoy the story line and the myths that seemed to come to life. It had adventure, intrigue, and lots of drama and mystery. If that is what you are looking for in a book, then you found it!

The Huaca/Marcia Mickelson

Synopsis:


    "Ellie Cummings just wants to feel normal. But since her mom's murder, everyone has been treating her differently. She turns to Gabe, the high school weirdo, who claims he can communicate with her dead mother. In this haunting mystery, your heartstrings will be tugged as Ellie takes a chance and discovers that the truth may be better kept a secret."

Review: 

    This is a YA novel. Ellie is trying to move past her mother's murder and move on with her life, but being a Junior in High School with all the drama that goes along with it, it proves somewhat difficult. Things are changing whether good or bad and she has to take it in stride. Add Gabe into the mix and it gets just plain weird. Ellie has to learn how to trust and who to trust, especially when she finds out the truth about who really killed her mother. The life she once knew is over.
    The Huaca is an ancient Incan relic that is said to be able to re-unite you with your loved ones who have passed on, but only at a price.....a blood price. That part in the book I did not enjoy, but it being a ritual then it was a must. I loved all the characters and how they played off each other. If you enjoy supernatural content and a good mystery then this is your book! Towards the end my pulse was racing and I needed the answers just as much as Ellie.

Esther the Queen/H.B. Moore

Synopsis:

    "When Esther is summoned to enter harem the first step toward becoming his wife Esther is torn between her desire to be with Xerxes and the knowledge that they will forever be divided by the secret of her Jewish heritage. Encouraged by her family to do what she must to help her people, she deftly navigates her new position in the palace, quickly becoming beloved by all including Xerxes. But when a treacherous plan threatens to engulf the kingdom in violence, Esther must choose between love and duty. Is she prepared to sacrifice all that she holds dear in order to save her people from certain annihilation?"

Review:

    Wow, this book was inspirational! I have always loved to story of Esther and what a powerful woman she was in her time. Heather takes you on a heart hammering journey in her depiction of this courageous heroin and her beliefs. I love the relationship between Esther and Xerxes and the development you see in their personalities from beginning to end. Haman is just evil and I got the shivers every time he popped up in the book.
    I have read several of Heather's books and it is not surprising that they just keep getting better every time she writes them. If you want to get into the minds of some of your favorite people from the Book of Mormon, then pick up Abinadi, Ammon, or even The Daughters of Jared (to name a few). Esther I believe is her first Bible novel. I am looking forward to seeing what new and fun stories she has in mind!

Love in Darkness/E.M. Tippetts

Synopsis:

    "Alex had everything when he was with Madison. But the darkness within him wouldn’t go away. After two years apart, he returns to Pelican Bluffs and to the girl he never wanted to leave.
    Madison wants to give their love another chance, but Alex can’t fight fate. He is what he is. Ruined. Crazy like his mother. And Madison deserves so much more.
    When his secrets spill out into their small town, Alex has a choice to make. Hide away in the darkness forever, or let love in."

Review:

    This is a sequel to Castles on the Sand, but is from Alex's point of view. What a tragic point of view it is too! I wasn't even half way through the book and I wanted to cry. The struggles that Alex has to deal with while taking care of his psychotic mother, and him now realizing he has the disease as well, is just heart breaking! He starts pushing people away, especially the love of his life Madison. He doesn't want her to have to take care of an insane person. He knows all about that having taken care of his mother pretty much his whole life, and he is only 21.  With help from those who love him, and those who once were his enemies, life has different plans for a closed off Alex.
    Like I said, this is a pretty sad read, but it ends perfectly! Having worked with special needs children and their different ailments, I feel the love that Alex has for those around him with disabilities. I am pretty sure that Emily had to do a lot of research to write this book. It was written and prepared with knowledge and care. Make sure that you read Castles on the Sand as well  so that you can truly understand how much Madison means to Alex and visa versa. Love IS the light in the darkness!

Visions of Glory/John Pontius

Summary:

    "Visions of Glory Recounts the amazing neardeath experiences and subsequent visions of Spencer, as told to author John Pontius. For the first time, Spencer shares his incredible visions of the overwhelming events that he saw cleanse and reshape the United States and parts of Canada.

    He Describes Foreign Invasion, a devastating plague, floods, earthquakes, changes in weather and the constellations of heaven, the return of the ten tribes, the miraculous journey of the Saints to build the New Jerusalem and temple, the gathering of the elect by the 144,000, the miracles of the Millennium, and the final celestialization of the earth at the end of the Millennium.

    Learn About These Future Happenings and many other astonishing events long prophesied in scripture but never described in such vivid detail. Visions of Glory is a mesmerizing read that inspires hope and courage for our time."

Review:

    I heard about this book after I had read Gaze Into Heaven. People told me that if I enjoyed that book, I would love this one. They were right! What amazing experiences! I couldn't imagine, not just dying once, but four times (the first time he was born dead). 

     I think that anyone who is struggling in life, no matter what it may be, can find the will to move forward and overcome their weakness' and hardships after hearing what "Spencer" has to say. 

    Whether I believe these visions and experiences are true or false, I know for a fact that I want to live my life in a way leading back to my Father in Heaven. I don't fear death, or what is yet to come, because either way I have a journey to take, and at the end is paradise.

    I can't tell you to believe what you read in this book, but I know that when I read it I had the feeling of peace and love. It also made me move in getting food storage and being ready for any disasters that may come up.  Don't pass this book up!

   

    (Also check out Suzanne Freeman's books on her neardeath experience. She meets lots of awesome people from the Scriptures and U.S. history, and she is led by Christ himself.)

Gaze into Heaven/Marlene Bateman Sullivan

Synopsis:

"Most of us have wondered exactly what will happen when we die. What does the Spirit World look like? Will we see departed family members and friends? What do people do there? Do spirits there know what is happening on earth? What did people who had near-death experiences learn from their visit? All of these questions and many more are answered in Gaze Into Heaven. There have been many books written about modern day near-death experiences, but this book is the first to focus solely on those that took place in early church history.

Studying near-death experiences can bless us with a better understanding of this life and increase our knowledge of the life to come. By reading about those who actually entered the spirit world and saw conditions there, we can benefit from the insights they gained and use that information to reevaluate our lives and use our time on earth productively."    

Review: 

     I really enjoy reading near death experiences, call me weird, but I find people's views interesting on the subject. I also love history, so put the two together and I am set! 

     There was such a variety of near death experiences, from Men, Women, and Children.  From meeting loved ones who had passed, to meeting Christ. This read was Spiritual and brought me closer to my Heavenly Father. 

     Even though all the experiences were had by different people, there were so many similarities when you look at all of them. Some people came back for only a short period of time to say goodbye and tell their experience, then an hour or two later they would leave this life for the glory of Heaven. One man had two years to get his life in order and then he would be taken back home. 

     Two of the stories that stuck out to me both dealt with seeing the Prophet Joseph Smith in a room, with a long table and him walking back and forth being very busy with his work. This came from two very different people, one happened to be a little girl. 

     I know in my family there have been some near death experiences, which I find amazing! I can certainly wait to die, but what joy I will have when I get to the other side and get to have my own experience in pure Love. 

     Thanks Marlene for giving me the opportunity to read this book! Here are some URL's to go and buy this book. Also Marlene's website. This book is also available at Deseret Book stores and Seagull Book stores.        

www.marlenebateman.info

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gaze-Into-Heaven-Near-Death-Experiences/dp/1462111270/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360955844&sr=8-1&keywords=gaze+into+heaven

Deseret Book: http://deseretbook.com/Gaze-Into-Heaven-Marlene-Bateman-Sullivan/i/5105020

Seagull Book: http://www.seagullbook.com/lds-products-770255.html

 

Do Over/Shannon Guymon

Synopsis:

    "Who wouldn't be tired of dating after falling for the wrong woman over and over again? Trey has decided to take a much-needed break from the fairer sex, until Iris tumbles into his life. Their romance will either be a disaster waiting to happen or the best fairy tale since Sleeping Beauty."

Review:

    I was pulled in just reading the prologue. Iris and Trey have sworn off the opposite sex, because all they have dealt with in life is heartbreak. When they meet each other in the frozen food section at their local grocery store, they both have their eyes set for the last chunky monkey ice cream, who will end up with it?         Iris has drastically changed her appearance to scare off men, but eventually realizes its doing the opposite. Trey needs help fending off his sister in law who is trying to marry him off. What is left for him to do, then find a fake girlfriend, and Iris just happens to come to mind.
    I enjoyed Iris and her spunky nature! She knows what she wants, and goes for it. I also loved Trey's protective nature. These two were meant for each other, even if they didn't realize it at first. All the other characters play some fun roles in connection to either Trey or Iris. Believe me when I say you will be hooked by the first couple paragraphs.
    I have a couple books of Shannon's already and this just adds to some great writing. This would be a great Valentines day read. I read it in just 4 hrs and is just under 200 pages. If you need some comedy and romance in your life, get this book!

Heart of the Ocean/Heather B. Moore

Synopsis:

     "Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.

While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.

After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza's life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt's death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust."

Review:

     What a exciting read! I had to force myself to put it down halfway through so I could get some sleep and go to work the next morning! There is so much that happens in this book, so much mystery and intrigue. Eliza and Jonathan were destined to meet, but when they do, their lives are headed in different directions. With the help of a mysterious voice that haunts Eliza, The mystery starts to unfold about what happened to Jonathan's mother twenty years earlier, and Eliza's Aunts murder in the small town of Maybrook.
    In the middle I felt it drag a bit, only because the two main characters were off doing their own things for a couple of months. But without that, Eliza and Jonathan probably wouldn't have made the decisions that ended up leading them back to Maybrook, and each other.
    This is specifically an E-book, so go onto Amazon and purchase it, and join these interesting characters on a journey through loss and gain, love and hate, and a mystery waiting to be discovered.