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!