Book Review: Untethered by Marcia Lynn McClure - 5 Stars

Title: Untethered
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Distractions Ink
Released: June 2012
Source: Purchased
Genre: Clean Historical Romance
Website: http://distractionsink.com/

Book Summary:

A man tethered by pain and guilt borne of past tragedy,
A young woman with the soul of a guardian angel,
And an unspeakable evil about to be unleashed.

As Cricket lay in the soft comfort of her bed, continuing to let her mind nest on thoughts of how truly wonderfully attractive Texas Ranger Thibodaux was, she giggled, thinking that looking at him was more refreshing than swimming naked on a summer Sunday afternoon. He was a tall drink of water—far taller than most of the other men in town—and his shoulders were as broad as the state of Texas itself. Sky-blue eyes, bronze skin, square jaw, and dark hair—and that smile! In truth, Cricket had only seen Heathro Thibodaux smile three or four times, but each incidence was something she’d never forget. His smile was bright and white, and the gold tooth he owned on the upper-right incisor of his smile only embellished the richness of it.

That one tooth. Cricket’s smile faded as she thought of it. Oh, no doubt the flash only added to the splendor of his smile. Yet it also served as a reminder to anyone who had ever read or heard of what had happened in Texas one year before. No doubt it was a powerful remembrance to Heathro Thibodaux himself—a visual indication of true barbarity, pain, and loss.

In that moment, Cricket wondered—when Heathro looked in the mirror each morning and saw that tooth, did he think of eight dead girls buried in the bottom of a bleak and barren canyon? Did he think of the eight dead girls that he, for no fault of his own, had been unable to save?

Marcia never disappoints me.  If you're a long time follower of this blog you already know I absolutely love her books.  I read them knowing what I am going to get and she always delivers.

I loved Cricket's do-gooder innocence matched to the tortured cynicism of Heathro.  Marcia has once again created an incredible cast of lovable characters.

I love getting to know Marcia better through the the parts of herself she puts into everyone of her novels.  The author's notes at the end are always the icing on the cake.

If you've not read a Marcia Lynn McClure book before start with Visions of Ransom Lake or Shackles of Honor or A Crimson Frost.  For those who like me have read and enjoyed all of her books this one is of course a must read.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it.

Content: Clean - passionate kissing and a couple of the mildest of expletives.

Source: Purchased

Book Review: The Cinderella Project by Stan Crowe

Title: The Cinderella Project
Author: Stan Crowe
Publisher: Breezy Reads
Released: August 30, 2012
Series: Stand Alone
Website: http://www.breezyreads.com/

Book Summary:

Committed to saving his marriage before it starts, doctoral student Nick Cairn embarks on a project aimed at finding the secrets of everlasting love. But when Moire DeLanthe, a smart and sassy research assistant, enters the picture, his Happily Ever After is put to the ultimate test.

I really enjoyed an author interview Stan Crowe did so I requested a review copy of this book.

The Cinderella Project is a cute, clean romance that made me smile.  Nick is a grad student trying to use science to figure out the secrets to love.  He is fully committed to making his relationship with his fiance Ella last forever.  While I had to admire his commitment to his relationship with Ella I found myself thinking some relationships just aren't meant to be.

I enjoyed being inside Nick's head as he struggled to figure out the path he should take. I loved the humor Moire brought to the story and she was by far my favorite character in the story. The storyline was somewhat predictable but this is a Cinderella Story so predictability is a good thing.

For those who enjoy clean adult romance give this one a try.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean

Source: Review copy from publisher

Book Review: Sisterhood of Strength by Diony George

Title: Sisterhood of Strength: True Stories of Miraculous Service
Author: Diony George
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Release Date: August 14, 2012
Website: http://diony-george.blogspot.com/

Book Summary:

Experience for yourself the pure love that inspires ordinary women to serve and accept service in a truly extraordinary manner. This inspiring collection of true stories from the lives of women just like you is told with heartwarming sincerity. Perfect for sharing, this remarkable book is sure to uplift, encourage, and cheer any woman, whether it’s her turn to serve or be served.

Sisterhood of Strength is a compilation of touching stories of sisters who serve each other.  You can pick it up and read just one story at a time or read through the whole thing in one sitting as I did.  Of the nearly three dozen stories in this book about half are by published LDS authors.

The stories are varied, some are accounts of acts by visiting teachers, other of service to neighbors, friends or family members.  A great reminder that sometimes it takes just a small act to make a huge impact in the lives of others.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean & Uplifting

Source: From Publisher for Review

Book Review: Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

Title: Best of Me
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Series: None
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Released: October 11, 2011
Website: http://nicholassparks.com/

Book Summary:

THE BEST OF ME is the heart-rending story of two small-town former high school sweethearts from opposite sides of the tracks. Now middle-aged, they've taken wildly divergent paths, but neither has lived the life they imagined . . . and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever altered their world. When they are both called back to their hometown for the funeral of the mentor who once gave them shelter, they will be forced to confront the choices each has made, and ask whether love can truly rewrite the past.

I'm a sucker for Nicholas Sparks. I've read EVERYTHING he has written and enjoyed all of it. I think he is a great writer. However if you haven't read a Nicholas Sparks book don't start with this one, it's not his best. Try A Walk to Remember, The Notebook or The Last Song as an introduction to his work. If you've read his books and enjoy them then read this one too.

Since I've read all of his books I was totally prepared for the emotional manipulation and classic Nicholas Sparks life is not always the happily ever after we may think it should be ending. Good thing I was prepared because he dished it out in droves in this one.  I thought Dawson Cole was a great character but I wasn't as taken with Amanda.  I'm a happily ever after ending person and the ending of this one was not the happily ever after I would have liked to have seen.  I saw it coming but still wish things could have somehow gone differently.

Sidenote: Prior to starting this one I had just finished reading Anna and the French Kiss. As Anna described the books her father writes I couldn't help but think of Nicholas Sparks.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Language, violence, implied sex and other mature content that wasn't overly graphic however this is definitely a book for "adults".

Source: Library

Book Review: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale

Title: Midnight in Austenland
Author: Shannon Hale
Series: Austenland was a stand alone, this is a follow-up novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Released: January 31, 2012
Website: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/main.html


Book Summary:

When Charlotte Kinder treats herself to a two-week vacation at Austenland, she happily leaves behind her ex-husband and his delightful new wife, her ever-grateful children, and all the rest of her real life in America. She dons a bonnet and stays at a country manor house that provides an immersive Austen experience, complete with gentleman actors who cater to the guests' Austen fantasies.

Everyone at Pembrook Park is playing a role, but increasingly, Charlotte isn't sure where roles end and reality begins. And as the parlor games turn a little bit menacing, she finds she needs more than a good corset to keep herself safe. Is the brooding Mr. Mallery as sinister as he seems? What is Miss Gardenside's mysterious ailment? Was that an actual dead body in the secret attic room? And-perhaps of the most lasting importance-could the stirrings in Charlotte's heart be a sign of real-life love?

The follow-up to reader favorite Austenland provides the same perfectly plotted pleasures, with a feisty new heroine, plenty of fresh and frightening twists, and the possibility of a romance that might just go beyond the proper bounds of Austen's world. How could it not turn out right in the end?

I'm a huge Shannon Hale fan.
I love Jane Austen.
Cross the two and inevitably you will come up with something I will love.

I got a kick out of reading Austenland and am looking forward to the upcoming movie. Austenland was a stand alone book so I was both surprised and excited when I heard there was a sequel coming out.

Shannon Hale entertains me. Her books draw me in and make me laugh. There is no denying I had high expectations for this book. In all honestly, through the first half of this book I was a little disappointed. I wasn't relating to the characters, I wasn't falling for the love interest, I wasn't laughing... But this was Shannon Hale so there was no way I was going to put the book down so I kept reading. It took me until nearly the half way point of this book to really start loving it. Don't get me wrong, it was a good book but my expectations were really high. By the half way point I finally started laughing and relating to the characters and falling for the love interest. I'm not sure why there was a delay for me, but I'm glad I stuck with it because it was worth it.

Midnight in Austenland is based upon Austen's Northanger Abbey which is not one of my favorite Austen novels. Like the book it's based on, Midnight in Austenland is a little more mystery and wild run away imaginings than some of Austen's other book. Not a bad thing but I would obviously prefer more swooning Mr. Darcy moments instead of over-active imagination ramblings.

Midnight in Austenland is a fun, lighthearted read that fans of Austen & Hale should definitely read!

Content: Clean Read for an adult (may have had a mild swear word or two)

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Read

Source: ARC from publisher

Also by Shannon Hale - I've read and enjoyed them all :)


The ebook of Austenland is currently just $2.51


Books of Bayern



Princess Academy


Book of a Thousand Days


The Actor and the Housewife


Graphic Novels published with her husband Dean Hale

Book Review: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Title: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Author: Lisa See
Series: None
Publisher: Random House
Released: February 21, 2006
Website: http://www.lisasee.com/


Book Summary:

In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, “old same,” in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan on which she’s painted a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. As the years pass, Lily and Snow Flower send messages on fans, compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Together, they endure the agony of foot-binding, and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their deep friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.

Fabulously written but heart-wrenching. One of those haunting books that make me shake my head and wonder what posses people to carry on traditions that are wrong on so many levels. This book was really quite depressing. It captured so many emotions and painted such vivid pictures in my mind. Some of those pictures are beautiful but others are horrific.

This was the selection for my book group this month. It's a great choice for a book club, I'm sure we'll have some very interesting discussions next week.

This beautifully written book is one that lovers of Historical Fiction should pick up. I felt transported back to a time period that I am extremely grateful I do not live in.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend to Adults

Content: This is historical fiction and has many details that are far from pleasant to read about from physical and emotional abuse to the breaking of bones during Chinese foot binding. Some language, sex, abuse and implied lesbian relationship.

Source: Library

Also by Author Lisa See

Book Review: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Title: The Help
Author: Kathryn Stockett
Released: February 10, 2009
Publisher: Putnam
Tags: Historical Fiction

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.
Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women - mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends - view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.

I participate in a neighborhood book group each month. November's book was The Help. I'm so glad it was chosen because I doubt I would have gotten around to reading it if I didn't "have to".  It took me 4 days to get through this audio book and I literally finished minutes before book group started last night.

This book is fabulous! Well written with great characters.  I listened to the audio version and thought the narrators did an amazing job.

I can't add much to the thousands of reviews that are already out there other than to say I think this is a book most adults should take the time to read.

Content: some language throughout and "adult" topics are all through this story.

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: Audio download from Audible.com

Book Review: The Haunting of Autumn Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure

Title: The Haunting of Autumn Lake
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Release Date: October 26, 2011
Publisher: Distractions Ink
Tags: Clean Romance

Autumn Lake stopped cold in her tracks. She puffed a breath of summoning courage as she gazed at the old covered bridge before her. Ever since she was a child and Sawyer had read to her the fascinating yet thoroughly haunting story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Mr. Washington Irving, Autumn had secreted a fear of bridges. Each time she was meant to cross a bridge (especially the old covered bridge on the far side of the orchards), she expected the ghostly headless horseman to appear and attempt to decapitate her. Oh, certainly the tale of the Specter did nothing to soothe her either, for it was said that this was to be a year of the Specter. As the story went, the local phantom, the Specter, only appeared once every ten years—but this was to be the year of the Specter, and Autumn did not like crossing bridges even when it was not a year of the Specter.
Gulping down her fear, however, Autumn glanced behind her, assuring herself that there was no headless horseman riding up behind her intent on stealing her head.
“He wouldn’t want a woman’s head anyway,” she mumbled to herself, even as rising fear caused her heart to pound in her chest. “And besides,” she said, looking back to the old bridge, “I’m eighteen years old…nineteen in less than a month. Surely I can cross the bridge without runnin’.”
Pulling her sketchbook to her chest and tightly folding her arms across it, she spoke aloud to the cattails. “Wish me luck, my darlings…for I do prefer to keep my head attached to the rest of me.”
As Autumn stepped onto the bridge, the roof blocked the warm sunshine, making the space inside the bridge dark and gloomy. Yet she’d expected this. What else would one expect of a covered bridge? After all, its very purpose was protection from the elements, and that included the heat of the summer sun. Naturally, Autumn preferred to think of its purpose as being made for something else—the seclusion necessary for the romance of lovers’ trysts.
She sighed with disenchantment for a moment—disappointment at never having had a lover of her own. She thought how different it would be to cross the old bridge if her arm were linked to that of a strong and handsome lover. Still, she had no lover, and the fact remained that she must indeed cross the bridge.

No surprise that I loved this story. I'm a huge Marcia Lynn McClure fan and love to escape into her clean romances. If you have not read a Marcia Lynn McClure book before I highly recommend you give her books a try. But don't start with this one. The Haunting of Autumn Lake is the sequel to her beloved book The Visions of Ransom Lake. You must read that book first to appreciate this one.

Marcia Lynn McClure's favorite season is Fall. Her love of all things autumn shows in this book. From pumpkins and apples to fall colors and ghost stories, this book was perfect for making me appreciate the beauty of this season. In the author's notes in the back there are even recipes for some of her fall favorites.

Handsome Ransom and Vaden are no longer newlyweds but are just as in love as the day they married. Their only daughter Autumn is of age but how can she ever find a man as wonderful as her father? Filled with old fashioned values, a hero who will do whatever is necessary to protect a woman's virtue and plenty of kissing and romance this book is perfect for anyone who like me loves good old-fashioned love stories.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!

Content: Clean

Source: From author for review

This book is currently available only through the authors website: http://distractionsink.com/, but will be available from amazon.com and other booksellers soon.

Book Review: The Pirate Ruse by Marcia Lynn McClure

Abducted! Forcibly taken from her home in New Orleans , Cristabel Albay found herself a prisoner aboard an enemy ship—and soon thereafter, transferred into the vile hands of blood-thirsty pirates! War waged between the newly liberated United States and King George. Still, Cristabel would soon discover that British sailors were the very least of her worries—for the pirate captain, Bully Booth, owned no loyalty—no sympathy for those he captured.
Yet hope was not entirely lost—for where there was found one crew of pirates—there was ever found another. Though Cristabel Albay would never have dreamed that she may find fortune in being captured by one pirate captain only to be taken by another—she did! Bully Booth took no man alive—let no woman live long. But the pirate Navarrone was known for his clemency. Thus, Cristabel’s hope in knowing her life’s continuance was restored.
Nonetheless, as Cristabel’s heart began to yearn for the affections of her handsome, beguiling captor—she wondered if Captain Navarrone had only saved her life to execute her poor heart!

Oh how I love Marcia's Books! Seriously love them. Today is my birthday which meant my husband got up to get our 5 kids off to school so I could sleep in. But I'm used to waking up so I was wide awake. Since I didn't have to get up and couldn't sleep I decided I could spend my time how I wanted so instead of sleeping I chose to read a Marcia Lynn McClure book.  Good choice!

As is the case with all of Marcia's books, The Pirate Ruse did not disappoint. I loved this one! So much fun to read. It made me smile and laugh! How can you go wrong when you cross Marcia's writing with a pirate tale - You can't! And with a title like The Pirate Ruse you know you are in for an adventure... romance, battles, mystery, a devilish pirate, feisty heroine and lots of kissing.  A great way to spend the morning.

Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars - I love it!

Source: From Author

The Pirate Ruse was released on November 1, 2010 by Distractions Ink

Book Review: Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson

Boo

Chicago businessman and bachelor Devon Pierce doesn't want to be appointed guardian of Australian four-year-old Ryan Caldwell - but Ryan's solicitor, Stella Walker, won't take no for an answer. Little does Devon know that this "minor" adjustment will grant him a future he never expected to have. Told in a fast-paced, poignant, and witty style, Minor Adjustments will take you on a journey filled with humor, growth, romance, and love.

I was excited to get this book in the mail. I love Rachael - she has always been so kind and generous towards me - thus her book got bumped right to the top of my review pile :)

Minor Adjustments was a fun, quirky, entertaining book. I knew from the start how this book would end up but was pleasantly surprised by some of the twists and turns the story took to get there. They kept me engaged and interested throughout the book. The silly facts that Stella was constantly sharing and the Australian culture added to the fun side of this book. The characters were easy to relate to and I found myself cheering them on and hoping for their plans to succeed.

Minor Adjustments is a great story with wonderful characters that I highly recommend.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From Author/Publisher for Review

Content: Clean

Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson was released on August 8, 2011 by Cedar Fort.

Book Review: The Trove of the Passion Room by Marcia Lynn McClure

The Trove of the Passion Room is not simply a story. Nor is it only a fable, a legend or mere nonsensical superstition. It exists. There is a trove hidden in The Passion Room…a trove that has never before in its fullness been found—for it is hidden by the spell of passion that lingers within the room itself. The passion inspired of the room cannot be denied. It cannot be controlled or resisted. And as the influence of The Passion Room cannot be evaded, neither can the trove be revealed without absolute and consummate surrender to...” She paused as her eyes widened. “What?” she breathed. “No way!”

About 8 pm last night a wonderful surprise was awaiting me. An email from Marcia that contained a Kindle version of The Trove of the Passion Room. Despite being caught up in the middle of two other books I just had to start this one! And is always the case once I start a Marcia Lynn McClure book I have a hard time putting it down! Sleep was sacrificed and cleaning and errands had to wait so I could read this.

The Trove of the Passion Room is classic Marcia Lynn McClure. I was not disappointed. Everything I love about Marcia and her books was within the pages of this fabulous contemporary story. There is predictability to Marcia's books but honestly I would be disappointed if there wasn't. I open her books knowing just what to expect and have never once been let down.

As the title suggests this book had plenty of passion. Marcia is known for her clean books that have nothing but passionate kissing. She can write the "chaste" side of desire and passion without any sex better than anyone. I'm certain The Trove has at least double if not triple the amount of passionate kissing as any of her other books.

The author notes at the back are something I treasure. I love getting a glimpse into Marcia's writing & life.

From Marcia:

"I LOVED writing The Trove of the Passion Room! I think it's one of my very, very favorite contemporary stories! The story is so close to my heart! And the hero is...how can I say this...INCREDIBLE! I know you want details...but I'm not sure what would best wet your whistle! Let's just say this for now...it's entitled The Trove of THE PASSION ROOM...will that do?"

Content: I consider Marcia's books to be clean reads (although this one does have some of the mildest of language and of course lots of kissing)

Rating: 5 Stars - I LOVED IT!

Source: Kindle Ebook

52 Ways to Wow Your Husband by Pam Farrel

With the same candor and creativity that made Men Are Life Waffles-Women Are Like Spaghetti (more than 270,000 copies sold) a bestseller, author Pam Farrel gives wives 52 ways to wow their husbands and add spark to their marriages. Pam delivers humor in her fun woman-to-woman style through inspirational stories, godly advice, and easy-to-read offerings that include:
wow assignments: simple ways to support, love, and encourage husbands
wow wisdom: Bible verses and wisdom to help women cover their spouse with prayer
wow dates: creative ideas for everything from shared meals to weekend getaways
Newlyweds, married with kids, or empty nesters will appreciate these ideas crafted for the busy life. A woman can try one idea a week for a year or take on a few at a time to deepen her spiritual, emotional, and physical bond with her loved one.

The title of this book scared me a little bit. I'm conservative and wasn't sure what would be involved in "wowing" my husband. The only reason I considered reviewing this book was because it was by a Christian Publisher. Although the author has no qualms about talking about the importance of sex, sex is not the main focus of this book.

This book has 52 creative date ideas and suggestions to build a stronger relationship.  Although not all of them were ideas that fit me there were some really great suggestions I'm planning to try.  The chapters are short which made this a really quick read.  With as crazy as my life has been this book helped me remember that despite all the trials and stresses of life with 5 kids I need to remember to take time for my marriage and put my husband first.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: Netgalley

Content: Clean - but obviously aimed at married women.

52 Ways to Wow Your Husband by Pam Farrel was released August 1, 2011 by Harvest House Publishers.

Blog Tour: Book Review - Nia by Mella Reese

Suddenly this kneeling, filthy man caused all of my attention to pivot upon him when he grabbed my hand. I was just opening my mouth to warn him that he would surely be killed...no one was allowed to touch me, Princess Nia, without permission. My protesting words were replaced with a swift intake of breath as the soldier produced a strange-looking dagger and drug it lightly over my finger. I stared in wonderment as he gently squeezed my fingertip to produce just one red ball of blood, my blood. Then the man kneeling before me swiped the blood from my finger with his own and plunged it into his mouth. "Your blood is now my blood. Your world is now my world. Your life is now my life," were the words he chanted...

Nia is the type of book I enjoy reading. Super clean, great characters, interesting storyline...

I thought this book would be completely predictable and was surprised when it was not. Reading the summary I thought I knew from the start where this book was going.  It wasn't until I had about 20 pages left that I realized it wasn't going to wrap up how I wanted it to.  I didn't realize this was the first book in a series.  At least it better be a series because the ending was not what I wanted it to be and this story is not done being told.

I was expecting much more romance than what was in this book.  There were several times I wanted to give Nia a nice slap and say are you blind, wake up and see what is in front of you, but I still found her to be a likable character.

There are a lot of twists and turns in this story which kept it interesting.  My only complaint is a few editing errors and time passing too quickly - weeks, months and even a year passed with no mention of what occurred and I felt like I'd missed something.

I'll definitely read the sequel because I believe ultimately the story will end up how I want it to by the end of the series.  Garreth is by far my favorite character in the story and I look forward to reading more about him and Nia.

Content: Clean

Source: From author for review as part of a blog tour

Rating: 3.5 - Good Book

For all the tour stops please visit Virtual Book Tours by Tristi Pinkston.

Blog Tour: Book Review - Depth of Deceit by Betty Briggs

How does an intelligent woman find herself mired in a web of deception, abuse, and danger? In Depth of Deceit, author Betty Briggs pulls her readers into the life of Stephanie Saunders, a lovely young attorney with a big heart, keen mind, and a trust in others that nearly proves disastrous. Her handsome and wealthy boyfriend strikes her as perfect, but is he too good to be true? Her boss hovers around her like a protector and friend, but is he? Stephanie’s work focuses on defending the indigent, and one client earns her trust and friendship, but why is he showing up at the oddest places? It seems that she can trust only the horses she trains and loves, magnificent beasts who remind her of life’s purposes and meaning. In a dramatic turn of events, Stephanie must make a decision that will affect her life forever. While fans of the author’s earlier novels will be thrilled to discover a familiar character, this novel stands alone in plot and dramatic impact.

Given the title of this book I was on alert from page one and had trouble trusting any of the characters assuming they were all deceiving the main character Stephanie. I was pulled in to a web of lies and deceit in this well told mystery. Although I guessed from the start who could be trusted, the book kept me turning the pages to the end to figure out just how deep the deceit went and how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

Although I would classify some of the subject matter in this book as "adult" in nature, I would still consider it to be a clean read with nothing graphic, no language, no sex scene.

There were a couple plot points I had trouble buying... such as a lawyer not knowing how to use the Internet to do a background check... but those implausibilities didn't deter me from enjoying the storyline. I enjoyed the ending of this book. So many books end too quickly. There were still 50 pages left to wrap everything up after the book hit the climax which left plenty of time to answer all the questions I had and left me satisfied with the story. I'll definitely be adding another one of Betty Briggs' books to my to read list.


Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

Thanks to Tristi Pinkston for asking me to be part of this blog tour:

Book Review: I Sit All Amazed by Steve Mikita

When Steve Mikita was 18 months old, his parents received the horrifying news that their son would not live to see his second birthday. Afflicted with an incurable neuromuscular disease, he has never walked, never ridden a bicycle, never driven a car. He has never married, never had children, never knelt to pray. But the story of his life is not about the things he has never done or will never do. The story of his life is about reaching our possibilities in spite of our disabilities. It is about living rich, meaningful lives despite trials and tragedies. More important, it is about the undeniable influence and power of a mother's love—a mother who was told to prepare for her son's death, and who, instead, raised him to become a self-sufficient adult.
• Steve Mikita is now 53 years old. He has outlived both of his parents.
• Approximately 12.6 million (or 18%) of U.S. children under the age of 18 have a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition that requires ongoing medical supervision.
• For parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children with disabilities or unique challenges, this book is an uplifting message of hope.

The timing on this book was perfect - it was just what I needed at this point in my life. One of my children has recently had some serious medical issues. No diagnosis as of yet but I think/fear/worry that it is going to be a lifelong battle. This short little book brought me a lot of comfort, hope and peace. 

I felt so uplifted and encouraged that no matter what the outcome of this illness is it will be ok.  As a mother I can make a difference in my children's lives.

Recommended to LDS mothers who are looking for encouragement and hope that the Lord knows them and their circumstances, especially those who are dealing with trials that are weighing them down.




Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review

Book Review: Lost Truth (Truth #4) by Dawn Cook

This is the final book in nationally bestselling author Dawn Cook's magical ''Truth Series''. One last lesson. Alissa is steadily advancing in her magical studies with the last surviving Master at the legendary Hold. But she's haunted by dreams--dreams revealing that other Masters have survived. Alissa's dreams lead her to a distant island where she and a rescue party discover countless Masters, alive and part of a flourishing magical society. But instead of being welcomed, Alissa finds that she herself may need to be rescued. The Masters' leader, Keribdis, believes that she should be Alissa's teacher, whether Alissa likes it or not. When Alissa rebels, she endangers not only her magic but also her life.

I'm not going to say a lot in this review because I don't want to spoil this series for anyone who has not read it. I thought this was a fabulous end to the series that brought many loose ends together and tied everything up very nicely.

I've been very impressed by Dawn Cook's Truth series. This was the 4th and final book and I enjoyed them all. It's nice to find a epic fantasy series that is clean and entertaining. Glad I read these.



Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Audible.com download

Book Review: Letters From Home by Kristina McMorris

In the midst of World War II, a Midwestern infantryman falls deeply in love through a yearlong letter exchange, unaware that the girl he's been writing to is not the one replying.


Chicago, 1944. Liz Stephens has little interest in attending a USO club dance with her friends Betty and Julia. She doesn't need a flirtation with a lonely serviceman when she's set to marry her childhood sweetheart. Yet something happens the moment Liz glimpses Morgan McClain.
They share only a brief conversation—cut short by the soldier's evident interest in Betty—but Liz can't forget him. Thus, when Betty asks her to ghostwrite a letter to Morgan, stationed overseas, Liz reluctantly agrees.


Thousands of miles away, Morgan struggles to adjust to the brutality of war. His letters from "Betty" are a comfort, their soul-baring correspondence a revelation to them both. While Liz is torn by her feelings for a man who doesn't know her true identity, Betty and Julia each become immersed in their own romantic entanglements. And as the war draws to a close, all three will face heart-wrenching choices, painful losses, and the bittersweet joy of new beginnings.


Beautifully rendered and deeply touching, LETTERS FROM HOME is a story of hope and connection, of sacrifices made in love and war—and the chance encounters that change us forever.

Letters from Home is a Historical Fiction novel set during the last year of World War 2. It centers on and is told from the alternating perspectives of 3 friends Liz, Julia and Betty as well as a Private First Class Morgan McClain.  At the start of the book I was really only interested in Liz & Morgan's stories but by mid book I was drawn into Julia & Betty's stories as well.

Portions of this novel were completely predictable but a couple of the characters lives did not turn out how I anticipated they would which kept my interest in the storyline.

Well written with a nice mix of romance, friendship and heartache. This book seemed to be well researched and true to what life was like during the war.  If you enjoy historical fiction give this one a try.




Content: Language and innuendo as would be expected from enlisted men, implied sex but not graphically described.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From author for blog tour

Blog Tour: Book Review: Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy

Since 1955, Sheila Franklin, a talented musician, has perfectly performed the role of devout pastor’s wife, locking away her past as Sheba Alexander and Sylvia Allen. Her carefully constructed façade crumbles with a single phone call from a young Marine named Samuel, the illegitimate son she secretly put up for adoption. Samuel begs Sheila to use her government contacts to get his fiancé, Mali, a Thai prostitute, into America. A dangerous mixture of love and guilt spurs her to help her only child even though it devastates her husband Edward and exposes her questionable past. After a quarrel with Edward, Sheila and Samuel board a C-130 for Thailand and then search Bangkok’s steamy streets for a Madonna-faced prostitute. The two whisk Mali from a brothel but are seized by a warlord who considers Mali his “number one girl.” In a teak “ghost house,” Sheila discovers God’s grace and gains the freedom she needs to find her own identity—Sheila, Sylvia, and Sheba. A framed story, this novel has roots in the bohemian 1940s New Orleans French Quarter and spans three decades, including the turbulent Vietnam era.

I had a really hard time getting into this book for the first 100 pages.  If I hadn't committed to review it for a blog tour I probably would have set it aside and quit reading.  Once I got through the first part of the book I ended up enjoying the last 2/3 of the book and was glad I read it.

This story follows the life of Sheba starting when she was a teenage girl growing up in New Orleans.  Tragedy leave Sheba orphaned and eventually pregnant with an illegitimate child.  If you've read the book summary it pretty much sums up the end portion of the story but that is only a portion of what the book is about. The majority of the story was spent detailing Sheba's life from the time she was a teenager until she ended up marrying a pastor.

This book deals with prejudice, hatred, forgiveness and the consequences of secrets.  Ultimately it has a message of hope and healing through Christ and the love of others.

I would recommend it to adults who enjoy historical Christian fiction.



Content: Clean Read for an adult, no language but there was adult subject matter.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: For Review as part of a blog tour

Patti Lacy is celebrating the release of her latest book with a NOOK Giveaway, blog tour and Book Club Party!

Follow the blog tour and read the reviews!

Patti and her publisher, Kregel Publications, are giving away a NOOK prize package worth over $150 to one lucky winner!!!! 

Enter the Nook eReader Giveaway and you could win:

• A brand new Nook eReader with Wi-Fi
• $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February 16th at Patti's Rhythm of Secrets Facebook Party.

Patti will be announcing the winner of The Rhythm of Secrets NOOK giveaway at her Party on Facebook  February 16th! 

She’ll be hosting a book club discussion of The Rhythm of Secrets and giving away other fun prizes! (signed copies of her books and gift certificates to Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, & iTunes!). Don’t miss the fun at Patti’s FB Author Page on February 16th at 5pm PST ( 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, & 8 pm EST)!

Book Review: The Road Show by Braden Bell

Scott Jenson hates everything he knows about road shows: cheap costumes, silly songs, and bad acting. Being asked to create a road show is his worst nightmare come true. Can flawed but talented artist create a piece of art that testifies of Jesus Christ? And is there any way that something so trivial can have a healing effect on the lives of five troubled souls? A pornography addict, a depressed young mother, a sick older woman, a lonely outcast, and a spiritually numb elder's quorum president are about to find out. Braden Bell gives a five-star performance with Road Show: Beauty for Ashes. With true-to-life characters, humorous situations, and tender realizations, this book is guaranteed to make you smile and applaud for more.

This book was not at all what I expected. When I think "Road Show" I have fond memories of cheesy preformances we did at church as a teenager. I was expecting a light-hearted, cheesy book. There was nothing cheesy about The Road Show.

The Road Show is a short book, just 120 pages, but author Braden Bell packed a powerful message into those pages. The characters in this book were well developed and each faced real issue that many of us stuggle with or can relate to: depression, illness, pornorgraphy, lonliness, pride, burdens that weigh us down and make us feel less than we are and unworthy of the Savior. 

I loved seeing the characters overcome their problems as they worked to produce a road show.



Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars

Souce: From Author For Review

Book Review: How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn

Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter learned long ago that no white knight was coming to save her. A hardworking waitress at the local diner, she's raising her daughter to be like the independent women in her "Enemy Club"—high school rivals turned best friends, promising to always tell each other the whole truth and nothing but!


Yet part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man's help, just for small stuff, like fixing up the house. Her fairy godmother must have been listening, because Dante "Tay" Giovanni soon appears. He's sexy, kind, and offering assistance—no strings attached.


Slowly, steadily, Lizzie's heart opens. But the grip of the past is fierce, and nothing in life is ever really free. Tay has his own tragedies to overcome, but if he can, he'll fix more than Lizzie's home. He'll show her just how sweet it is to be loved by him.

What woman wouldn't want her wish to come true,?  Lizzie is a single mom whose house is falling apart...literally: the paint is cracking, the porch is sagging, the gate is hanging off it's hinge.  She wishes for a handyman who would just stop in an fix things for her.  Welcome Tay, a handsome, do good, boy scout type who is just passing through town.  As Tay tries to help Lizzie fix up her house, Lizzie tries to save Tay from his troubled past.

I liked that the characters in this book were flawed.  They faced real problems and tried to make what they felt were the best choices, sometimes sacrificing their own wants and needs for others.  The book held my attention but had some plot points where disbelief had to be suspended to buy into the story.

I'm not a huge romance reader but I did like this book, except for the few pages I had to skip because I don't read sex scenes.  Thankfully this book wasn't full of them and was more sweet than steamy.


Content: I typically don't read "romance" unless it is Young Adult or clean stuff like Marcia Lynn McClures. I had been told this book was sweet without any graphic sex. There was sex, the book wasn't full of it and what there was wasn't describe in tons of detail but I had to skip portions of 3 or 4 pages throughout the book because it was too detailed for me. Also had some language.

Rating: 3 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review