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.)