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: Wrong Number by Rachelle Christensen

Title: Wrong Number

Author: Rachelle J. Christensen

Series: No but one of the characters is in Rachelle's next book Caller I.D. 

Publisher: Bonneville Books

Released: March 1, 2010

Website:  http://www.rachellechristensen.com/ 

Book Summary:

One mysterious phone call that's all it takes to turn Aubree's perfect life completely upside down. Without warning, the seams of her idyllic existence begin to unravel, and with each new shocking revelation, Aubree finds she knows far more than is good for her. With help from the FBI, Aubree races to protect herself and what's left of her family. The only thing she forgets to protect is her own heart.
This award-winning debut novel from Rachelle Christensen is impossible to put down and keeps you guessing with every page you turn. It's a chillingly good read that will have you jumping whenever the phone rings.

I guess I'm more of a fan of mystery/suspense novels than I first thought.  When I finished reading Rachelle's book Caller I.D. I headed to the library to get a copy of her first book Wrong Number.  Although not really a series there is one character who crosses over from Wrong Number into Caller I.D.

Wrong Number was full of twists, turns and suspense with a little romance mixed in.  It was one of those quick-easy reads that held my interest and I easily finished in one day.

Recommend to those who enjoy clean suspense/mystery novels (with a sprinkling of romance thrown in).

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean

Source: From Library

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: Women of Strength by Tristi Pinkston

Title: Women of Strength
Author: Tristi Pinkston
Series: None
Released: March 8, 2012
Publisher: Walnut Springs
Website: http://www.tristipinkston.com/


Book Summary:

The need for courageous, faithful women has never been greater than it is today. As we draw nearer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we are faced with temptations on every side. But we can prevail as we gain true strength from living the gospel.
In Women of Strength, Tristi Pinkston shares inspiring stories, as well as insightful quotes from Church leaders, to demonstrate the power and influence of righteous women. This book invites women everywhere to deepen their relationship with the Savior, rely on the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and learn what it really means to be strong.

This book is aimed a faithful latter-day saint women and was just what I needed. It's a quick read one I easily knocked out in a couple of hours but is packed full of quotes and stories that I really related to.  There is a lot of wisdom within the few pages of this book.  Tristi writes in a way that motivates without sugar coating or condemning.  I gleaned a lot from this wonderful little gem.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend to LDS women

Source: From author for review

Book Review: Crispin - The Cross of Lead by Avi

Title: Crispin - The Cross of Lead
Author: Avi
Series: Book 1 of 3
Publisher: Hyperion
Released: May 3, 2004
Website: http://www.avi-writer.com/


Book Summary:

"Asta's Son" is all he's ever been called. The lack of a name is appropriate, because he and his mother are but poor peasants in 14th century medieval England. But this thirteen-year-old boy who thought he had little to lose soon finds himself with even less - no home, no family, or possessions. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he may be killed on sight, by anyone. If he wishes to remain alive, he must flee his tiny village. All the boy takes with him is a newly revealed name - Crispin - and his mother's cross of lead.

One of my good friends recommended this series to me and I was in the mood for a change of pace in what I was reading so I gave it a try.  I thought this was well done middle grade historical fiction.  I've read several other books by Avi and enjoy his writing.  I felt like I learned a few things and was entertained along the way.

Overall a good book I would recommend to those who enjoy Historical Fiction.

Content: Clean Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book Source: Library

Book Review: Caller ID by Rachelle Christensen

Title: Caller ID
Author: Rachelle Christensen
Series: Stands Alone but is a Companion to Wrong Number
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Released: March 13, 2012
Website: http://www.rachellejchristensen.com/


Book Summary:

When twenty-three-year-old Courtney Beckham, the privileged daughter of a highly successful land developer, is abducted in the mountains near her home, FBI Agent Jason Edwards investigates the ten-million-dollar ransom and turns up more than just a kidnapping crime.
And when Courtney catches a glimpse of the caller ID in her kidnapper’s home, what she sees sends ice through her veins. Even if she escapes her captors, something much more dangerous lies ahead.
From the author who brought you Wrong Number comes another story featuring Agent Jason Edwards that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Caller ID is great romantic suspense.  The story-line was fast paced and kept me guessing.  We find out who is behind the kidnapping fairly early on but I wasn't expecting it to be who it was.  Even though we know who the bad guy is there are still lots of twists and turns in the story right up until the end.

Caller ID stands alone but one of the main characters Jason Edwards was in Rachelle's first book Wrong Number.  I enjoyed Caller ID enough that I decided I wanted to see what happened to Jason in Wrong Number so it is my next read.

Caller ID definitely made me a Rachelle Christensen fan.  I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: From publisher for review

Author Website: http://www.rachellejchristensen.com/
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachellechristensenauthor
Publisher Blog http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/
Publisher Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks
Publisher Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/cedarfortbooks



"To celebrate the release of CALLER ID, Rachelle is hosting a contest for a new Ultra Flip Video Camcorder (4GB memory, Records 120 minutes Value $149.99) and other great prizes. You can enter to win between now and April 14, 2012. Winners will be announced and notified April 16, 2012.

For how to enter: http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/p/ultra-flip-video-contest.html

Book Review: My Double Life by Janette Rallison

Title: My Double Life
Author: Janette Rallison
Series: None
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Released: May 13, 2010
Website: http://janette-rallison.blogspot.com/

Book Summary

Her whole life, Alexia Garcia has been told that she looks just like pop star Kari Kingsley, and one day when Alexia's photo filters through the Internet, she's offered a job to be Kari's double. This would seem like the opportunity of a lifetime, but Alexia's mother has always warned her against celebrities.
Rebelliously, Alexia flies off to L.A. and gets immersed in a celebrity life. Not only does she have to get used to getting anything she wants, she romances the hottest lead singer on the charts, and finds out that her own father is a singing legend. Through it all, Alexia must stay true to herself, which is hard to do when you are pretending to be somebody else!

So Cute! I love escaping into Janette Rallison's books!  She creates great characters who despite their flaws actually have a moral compass and values.

My Double Life was a fun realistic fairy tale like story.  One of those books that makes you smile and laugh and sigh.  It's an upbeat and feel good story that can easily be read in an afternoon or evening.

If you are looking for a light-hearted, quick read with a great message you can't go wrong with My Double Life.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: From Author for Review

Book Review: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Title: Edenbrooke
Author: Julianne Donaldson
Series: None
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Released: March 27, 2012
Website: http://www.juliannedonaldson.blogspot.com/

Book Summary

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will she be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

Being the clean romance, Jane Austen lover that I am I LOVED Edenbrooke.

What a fabulous way to spend a morning.  Edenbrooke was a book I couldn't put down.  I picked it up to read just a few pages before getting out of bed but didn't quit reading until I finished the book. While there may never be another Mr. Darcy it is possible that his twin is found roaming the grounds of Edenbrooke.

Squeaky clean, full of romance, humor and great characters this is a book I highly recommend.  Perfect for lovers of Jane Austen era romances.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher

Add Edenbrooke to your goodreads shelf: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12820360-edenbrooke

Book Review: The Thorn by Beverly Lewis

Title: The Thorn
Author: Beverly Lewis
Series: Rose Trilogy Book #1 of 3
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: September 7, 2010
Website: http://www.beverlylewis.com/

Book Summary:

Lancaster County, with its rolling meadows and secret byways, may seem idyllic, but it is not without its thorns. THE ROSE TRILOGY is the stirring saga of two Amish sisters on the fringes of the church, and the unforeseen discoveries that change their lives.

Rose Kauffman, a spirited young woman, has a close friendship with the bishop's foster son. Nick dresses Plain and works hard but stirs up plenty of trouble too. Rose's sister cautions her against becoming too involved, but Rose is being courted by a good, Amish fellow, so dismisses the warnings. Meanwhile, Rose keeps house for an English widower but is startled when he forbids her to ever go upstairs. What is the man hiding?

Rose's older sister, Hen, knows more than she should about falling for the wrong man. Unable to abandon her Amish ways, Hen is soon separated from her very modern husband. Mattie, their young daughter, must visit her father regularly, but Hen demands she wear Amish attire--and speak Pennsylvania Dutch, despite her husband's wishes. Will Hen be able to reestablish her place among the People she abandoned? And will she be able to convince Rose to steer clear of rogue neighbor Nick?

I've read at least a dozen other Amish novels by Beverly Lewis.  I've enjoyed all of them.  Unfortunately this one has been my least favorite.  For some reason I still can't figure out I just didn't connect with the characters in this one or really care about the story.  It was still a good read, one I don't regret taking the time to read and I'll likely read the sequels sometime in the future just to find out how the story ends.  I think it was just a problem of having too high of expectations and being a little disappointed when those expectations weren't met.

If you are a fan of Amish fiction definitely give this one a try.  If you haven't read Amish fiction I wouldn't recommend starting with this one.  Try one of Beverly Lewis's others series first like her Abram's Daughter Series, I really enjoyed those.

3 Stars - Worth Reading

Content: Clean

Source: Library

Other books by Beverly Lewis:

Book Review: Targets In Ties by Tristi Pinkston

Title: Targets in Ties
Author: Tristi Pinkston
Series: Secret Sisters Mysteries #4
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Released: January 30,2012
Website: http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/

Book Summary:

After two long years, Ren’s mission is finally over, and it’s time for Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy to travel to Mexico to pick him up. They have their itinerary all planned out—visiting the ruins in the
Yucatan, shopping, playing in the sand and surf—and then they’ll head to Ren’s mission home and be reunited with that dear boy. But
a wanted antiquities thief crosses their path, and soon the ladies find themselves tangled up in a web of lies, intrigue, and costly jewelry. Held hostage by men desperate for riches, they do what only they
can do—keep their heads about them, plan their escape, and discuss the proper making of tortillas. Will they survive their most harrowing adventure yet?

Tristi Pinkston's Secret Sisters Mysteries make me laugh.  They are lighthearted, clean, humorous books that are perfect for days when you just need a good laugh.  Targets in Ties is the 4th book in the Secret Sisters Series and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first three books.

Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy are once again caught up in an adventure. This time they are travelling through Mexico headed to pick up Ren from his mission when they cross paths with an International jewel thief. What follows is another crazy adventure for this oddball team.  Kidnapping, grand theft auto and a cross country chase are all in a days work for these mystery solving amateur sleuths.

If you are a cozy mystery lover or those just looking for a quick, clean read that will make you smile pick up one of Tristi Pinkston's Secret Sisters Mysteries.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher for Review

Want to win this fun Scrapbook Pack?

As part of the book tour for Target In Ties Tristi is giving away a Scrapbooking Pack. To enter leave a comment on this blog post, then go visit Tristi's blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com and become a follower. You will then be entered to win this fun scrapbooking pack, including paper, tags, two decals, and metal tag frames. You have until midnight Mountain time on March 3rd to enter to win.
For all the tour stops: CLICK HERE.

Also by Tristi Pinkston:

Book Review: Griffin Rising by Darby Karchut

Title: Griffin Rising
Author: Darby Karchut
Series: Book 1 of 3
Publisher: Paladin Times Books
Released: June 15, 2011
Website: http://darbykarchut.com/


Book Summary:

For centuries, rumors have abounded of a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, these warriors secretly serve as guardians for mortals in danger.
But for one young angel-in-training, Griffin, life is hell as a cruel master makes his apprenticeship a nightmare. On the verge of failing, a new mentor, Basil, enters his life and changes it forever.
Taking on the identity of father and son, Griffin and Basil forge a special bond where honesty and trust go hand in hand to secure Griffin’s destiny as a Terrae Angeli. Griffin’s belief in himself and the love of a mortal girl are the perfect combination in overcoming the darkest days of his life. But will it be enough for him to succeed?

For Griffin, it’s time to angel up.

I was sent an ARC of Griffin Rising a year ago, right at the time my life was thrown a curve ball and I went from reading 5 or 6 books a week to just one. Unfortunately that meant Griffin Rising did not get reviewed as I had planned. I finally picked this book up yesterday and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It's a quick read so I easily made it through it in one afternoon.

Terrae Angeli or guardian angels are the main characters in Griffin Rising. I loved the original take on angel lore that the author came up with. The originality of the storyline and storytelling made it stand out so that I didn't feel like I was reading just another young adult cookie cutter paranormal book. The story was entertaining and engaging and I connected with the characters. I especially liked the relationship between Griffin and Basil.

This is a book that I can recommend without hesitation.  I consider it a clean read (although it does have some violence). I'm looking forward to reading the sequel Giffin's Fire.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: Author
If you would like to read this book I currently have a book giveaway running for Griffin Rising that ends on 2/28/12: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/02/guest-post-book-giveaway-griffin-rising.html

Book Review: Hope Haven by Victoria E. Mora

Title: Hope Haven
Author: Victoria E. Mora
Series: None
Publisher: iUniverse.com
Released: June 6, 2011
Website: http://hopehaven.posterous.com/

Book Summary

Sixteen-year-old Lauren Hart's summer is shaping up to be a first-rate disaster. Even after she asks God to make things the way they used to be, Lauren's reality is still as harsh as ever. Her parents are separated, and now she has to help care for her terminally ill grandma. Just as Lauren wonders what else could go wrong, it does.

Lauren and her horse, Dawn Treader, are ranked number one in the Junior Hunter Division and are headed to the national finals-that is until Dawn leaps out of the paddock and is seriously injured. Worse yet, her grandmother-who has always been a rock in Lauren's life-is knocking death's door, leaving Lauren to wonder what is next. But after Lauren meets the staff at Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Center, everything is about to change-not only for her, but for her beloved horse as well.

In this heartwarming, coming-of-age story, a teenager rediscovers her faith and hope through tender friendship and the healing power of horses.

PATH International, formerly NARHA, is a federally-registered 501(c3) nonprofit and was formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. More than 6,500 PATH Intl. members help more than 42,000 children and adults with physical, mental and emotional challenges find strength and independence through the power of the horse each year. With every purchase of Hope Haven, you will be helping PATH Intl. continue to advocate for safe equine-assisted activities and therapies for people with special needs.

Sunday afternoons usually find me with an inspirational type book in my hands. I received an unsolicited copy of Hope Haven in my mailbox last fall and finally picked it up to read last Sunday.

The main character in this book is sixteen but this book felt more like a middle grade/tween read than a young adult read. Lauren's life seems to be falling apart. Her parents are separated, her grandma is dying and her horse gets injured. Nothing seems to be going her way.

Lauren can't bear the thought of her horse being put down after it's injured so the horse ends up at Hope Haven, a therapeutic riding center where horses are used to help those with special needs. There are some touching moments in this short story especially around Lauren dealing with the death of her grandmother.

This was an short, inspiring read I would recommended to those who love horses or have an interest in horses being used for therapeutic purposes.

Rating: 3 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From Author

Quick Survey - Do you include content information in your reviews?

If you have a minute please fill out this quick survey. I'm looking for blogs and websites that feature content information in their reviews (what the book contains as far as language, sex, violence, etc.)

I'm working on an upcoming giveaway hop as well as list of bloggers/websites who include content information or feature "clean reads".

Thanks!

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: With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo

Title: With a Name Like Love
Author: Tess Hilmo
Series: None
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Released: September 27, 2011
Website: http://tesshilmo.com/

Book Summary:

When Ollie’s daddy, the Reverend Everlasting Love, pulls their travel trailer into Binder to lead a three-day revival, Ollie knows that this town will be like all the others they visit— it is exactly the kind of nothing Ollie has come to expect. But on their first day in town, Ollie meets Jimmy Koppel, whose mother is in jail for murdering his father. Jimmy insists that his mother is innocent, and Ollie believes him. Still, even if Ollie convinces her daddy to stay in town, how can two kids free a grown woman who has signed a confession? Ollie’s longing for a friend and her daddy’s penchant for searching out lost souls prove to be a formidable force in this tiny town where everyone seems bent on judging and jailing without a trial.

With a Name Like Love is a wonderful middle, grade historical fiction, read that reminded me of Little House on the Prairie.

Ollie's dad is a traveling preacher. Every three days her family moves on to a new town. That's the way life is, the way it has always been and the way it seems like it will always be. At least until the family arrives in Binder, Arkansas. When Ollie befriends lonely Jimmy Koppel the family's way of life is turned upside down and they find themselves in a battle to help Jimmy and his mother.

This book is a heartfelt story that would make a great read aloud.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly recommend

Source: Review Copy

Book Review: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Inside Out
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: #1 of 2 in the Insider Duet
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: April 1, 2010
Website: http://mariavsnyder.com

Book Summary:

Keep Your Head Down.
Don't Get Noticed.
Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

Maria Snyder's Study Series has been one of my long time favorites so I was excited to finally get around to reading Inside Out. This book ended up being far different from the Study series but I still enjoyed it.

It's hard to say much about this one that isn't a spoiler.  Inside Out is a dystopian story with a science fiction twist. There were many things that were similar to several other dystopian books I've read recently, it helped to remind myself that this one was written prior to those books.

Maria Snyder proves once again that she is a great writer.  Great characters and lots of twists and turns made for a fun read. There was romance in this book but it wasn't the main focus, more of a side story.

Although I definitely enjoyed the Study series more than this one I can't complain because this was a great young adult book.  As soon as I finished I started in on the sequel.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean - there may have been a mild swear word or two but I can't remember anything else

Source: Download from Audible.com

Also by Maria Snyder:

Outside In - Sequel to Inside Out


Study Series (One of my favorites - although this is adult not YA)


Glass Series


Touch of Power

Book Review: Bitter Blessings by Christine Mehring

Title: Bitter Blessings
Author: Christine Mehring
Series: None
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Released: July 8, 2011

Book Summary:

Megan has the perfect life, but when her mother dies in an accident, everything spins out of control. With the rest of her family falling apart, Megan must confront her past to uncover the truths that will keep everyone together. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this book shows that even in times of trial, you can often find blessings.

I hadn't read the summary for this book prior to reading it so I had no clue what to expect. In all honesty I had a hard time getting into this story until I hit the half way point. Then I was hooked and flew through it, reading the second half in one sitting.

This is a book by an LDS author but the first half of the book there is no mention of religion. The book's focus is Megan and how her life is thrown upside down with the unexpected death of her mother. Life is not easy for Megan or her sisters and grandmother and nothing seems to go their way. As her life starts unraveling secrets from the past are revealed and this is where the book hooked me.

This short book dealt with prejudice, lies & deceptions, death, teen drinking & drug use and friendship & faith. From the start I suspected that Megan's best friend Adam was Mormon but until the last few chapters of the book this didn't feel like a typical LDS fiction novel.

If you are looking for a clean LDS fiction book that deals with facing life's challenges without being overly preachy or sappy give this one a try.

Rating: 4 Stars - ended up being a great book

Content: Clean

Source: Review copy

Book Review: Die for Me by Amy Plum

Title: Die for Me
Author: Amy Plum
Series: Revenants Book #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: May 10, 2011
Website: http://www.amyplumbooks.com/


Book Summary:

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

I don't think I've ever read a Zombie book before. Prior to Die for Me if you asked me I'd probably say I don't like Zombies. This book definitely changed that opinion. Similar to the way Twilight changed my opinion on vampires Die for Me changed the way I see Zombies. Called Revenants, a term I had never heard prior to reading this book, these zombies are a far cry from the gruesome creatures I picture when you say the word zombie.

I loved everything about this book. From the characters and story-line to the action and romance, this book seemed as if it were written just for me. Although this book follows the typical young adult paranormal romance story-line it was completely unique in many ways and left me wanting for nothing except to get my hands on the sequel as soon as possible.

Die for Me is a beautifully written book that I won't soon forget. The sequel Until I Die is definitely on the top of my want ("need now") list.

Content: I can't remember anything that was objectionable in this book (maybe I was too engrossed in the story to notice).

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it.

Source: Audible.com Download



The sequel Until I Diewill be released on May 3, 2012.

Book Review: Watched by Cindy Hogan

Title: Watched
Author: Cindy M. Hogan
Series: Book #1 of 3
Publisher: O'neal Publishing
Released: April 28, 2011
Website: http://cindymhogan.blogspot.com/

Book Summary:

It takes more than a school trip to Washington, D.C. to change fifteen-year-old Christy's life. It takes murder. A witness to the brutal slaying of a Senator's aide, Christy finds herself watched not only by the killers and the FBI but also by two hot boys. She discovers that if she can't help the FBI, who want to protect her, it will cost her and her new friends their lives.

Watched by Cindy Hogan was a clean contemporary suspense novel.   I like the characters Cindy created and found the main character Christy to be someone I could relate to.  Christy has strong morals and values yet finds herself placed in circumstances where she questions what she believes in and what she should do.  She doesn't always make the best decisions but tries her best to make things right. Christy along with the friends she meets on her trip are flawed and each has a distinct personality that comes through.

While I liked the characters in this book there were times when I questioned the believability of some aspects of the storyline.  If I'm reading a fantasy novel I can suspend disbelief and go with the story.  But when I'm reading a realistic story I expect everything to be believable.  There were a few things in this story that I had a hard time buying. Despite this Cindy Hogan has written some wonderful characters into an exciting adventure story and I look forward to reading more about them in the sequel to this book.

Watched is just .99 cents for the Kindle:


Also available in Paperback:

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean

Source: Purchased for the Kindle
This second book Protected is currently in editing.