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: 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

Wishing You A Happy Easter!

Wishing you a wonderful Easter!

No matter what you believe or how you choose to spend this beautiful Easter Sunday I hope your day is a joyous one!

LDS Authors Giveaway Hop - Featuring Books by LDS Authors

Announcing the LDS Authors Giveaway Hop

Featuring Books Written by LDS Authors

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & The Book Bug

May 11th to 17th

You need not be an author to participate, any family friendly site is welcome to join the hop and host a giveaway for a book by an LDS author.

With today's announcement of The Whitney Award Finalists and a comment from Lexie at The Book Bug I was motivated to put together an LDS Authors Giveaway Hop.

My hope with this hop is to bring some of the wonderful LDS authors and their fabulous books on to your radar.

You might be surprised by how many popular mainstream books are written by LDS authors. Shannon Hale, Orson Scott Card, Janette Rallison, Brandon Sanderson, Brandon Mull, James Dashner, Ally Condie, Stephenie Meyer, Bree Despain, Jessica Day George, Aprilynne Pike, Kiersten White, Robison Wells, Jason Wright, Heather Dixon, Obert Skye, Richard Paul Evans, Julie Berry, Mette Ivie Harrison, Becca Fitzpatrick, Lisa Mangum, Amber Argyle, Jennifer Laurens, Brodi Ashton... the list could go on and on.

In addition to these well know LDS authors there are dozens of amazing LDS authors who you may not yet have heard of.

The Whitney Awards: http://whitneyawards.com/wordpress/
LDStoryMakers: http://ldstorymakers.com/
LDS Publishers: http://ldstorymakers.com/resources/for-writers/lds-publishers/

A great resource for fiction books by LDS authors:
http://ldsfiction.blogspot.com/
2011 Releases:
http://ldsfiction.blogspot.com/2011/12/2011-lds-fiction-by-title.html
2010 Releases
http://ldsfiction.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-lds-fiction-by-title.html



HOP RULES:

• You must choose 1 or more books by an LDS author to feature.
• You must host a giveaway on your site, you are responsible for obtaining a book for giveaway and taking care of the shipping charges.
• Your giveaway post must include the hop image & linky (or links to the host's sites if you can't get the linky to work).
• Please only 1 mandatory entry - all others must be optional - Keep It Simple! No long lists of things for people to do.
• Your post must be live by 12:01 EST on May 11th. Please post before going to bed on Thursday, May 10th.
• The giveaway must be specifically for this hop.
• Your site must be family friendly - no erotica or 18+ sites.

To host a giveaway just add your blog or website to the linky. Please add your shipping info in parenthesis after your blog name.

If you are an LDS author and would rather donate copies of your book for giveaway instead of hosting a giveaway on your site just email me - toobusyreading at gmail dot com

2011 Whitney Award Finalists

The 2011 Whitney Awards Finalists have just been announced.


First off what are the Whitney Awards?

The Whitneys are awards given annually for the best novels written each year by LDS authors.

The awards are named after Orson F. Whitney, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as a poet and writer. Elder Whitney stated:

We will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own.

Any reader can nominate a book. Once a book has received five or more nominations, it becomes an official nominee. A committee then reads and votes upon novels that are nominated in seven different categories narrowing the nominees down to five finalists in each category.

Here are the 2011 Finalists
Youth Fiction Speculative:
My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison


Shifting by Bethany Wiggins


Slayers by C.J. Hill


Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George


Variant by Robison Wells


Youth Fiction General:
Girls Don't Fly by Kristen Chandler


Miles from Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams


Pride & Popularity by Jenni James


Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt


With a Name like Love by Tess Hilmo*



Romance:
Borrowed Light by Carla Kelly


Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes


Count Down to Love by Julie N. Ford


The List by Melanie Jacobson*


Not My Type by Melanie Jacobson



General:
Before I Say Goodbye by Rachel Ann Nunes


Gifted by Karey White*


Evolution of Thomas Hall by Kieth Merrill


The Walk: Miles to Go by Richard Paul Evans


The Wedding Letters by Jason F. Wright



Historical:
Daughter of Helaman by Misty Moncur*


Fires of Jerusalem by Marilyn Brown


Isabelle Webb: The Pharaoh's Daughter by N.C. Allen


Letters in the Jade Dragon Box by Gale Sears


Miss Delacourt Has Her Day by Heidi Ashworth



Mystery/Suspense:
Acceptable Loss by Anne Perry


Bloodborne by Gregg Luke


If I Should Die by Jennie Hansen


Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black


Smokescreen by Traci Hunter Abramson



Speculative:
The Alloy of Law: A Mistborn Novel by Brandon Sanderson


I Don't Want to Kill You by Dan Wells


The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card


A Night of Blacker Darkness by Dan Wells

No Angel by Theresa Sneed*


* Also eligible for Best Novel by a New Author

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: The Story of Jesus by Eliza R. Snow

Title: The Story of Jesus
Author: Eliza R. Snow
Preface by: Kathleen Barlow
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Released: October 8, 2011
Website: http://storyofjesusbook.com/



Book Summary:

From Christ's birth and ministry to His Crucifixion and appearance to the Nephites, Eliza F. Snow, second Relief Society president of the LDS Church lovingly illuminates the Savior's life and teachings in her book The Story of Jesus.

Easy to read and beautifully designed, this special reprinting is made with both children and adults in mind to help all ages better understand and appreciate the basic truths that testify that Christ is our Savior and the Son of God.

This wonderful story is told by Eliza R. Snow as if she were talking directly to young children. The story connects Christ's life as told in the Bible with His visit to the Nephites after His Resurrection, as told in the Book of Mormon.

Connecting the lessons of Christ as a complete story adds power to the Savior's ministry, as well as displaying the knowledge and understanding that Eliza R. Snow had of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The text from this book was originally printed in 1867 by Eliza R. Snow. Originally title The History of Jesus this book was released a chapter at a time in the publication Juvenile Instructor.

There are 18 chapters in the book each of which is only about 5 pages long. Beautiful photographs accompany the text of each chapter. The text reminds me of a story a grandmother or mother would tell their child as a bedtime story.

Imagine trying to tell the story of Jesus' life in a story 100 pages. This book just nicks the surface of the stories told in the Bible and Book of Mormon but provides a good overview of His life.

The Story of Jesus could be used as a Sunday evening bedtime story for those wishing to teach their children more about the life of Jesus Christ.  It brought to my mind the song Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.

Content: Obviously Clean

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Source: From Publisher for Review

Book Review: Independence Rock by Debra Terry Hulet

Title: Independence Rock
Author: Debra Terry Hulet
Series: None
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Release Date: February 8, 2011
Author's Website: http://debraterryhulet.com/


Book Summary:

Katie McBride seems locked into a life of failure. First her father abandons her, and then she is abused by her alcoholic mother. Katie’s path begins to look very much like that of her parents, and she sees no way out – until she is sentenced by a juvenile court judge to a difficult, two-week handcart trek.

Over one hundred and fifty years earlier, Katie’s pioneer ancestor Katherine faces great hardships as she travels West with a wagon train. A young, widowed mother, she keeps a journal along the trail, and Katie reads it as she completes her sentencing.

At Independence Rock, Katie’s and Katherine’s paths and divine intervention meet. Katie is discouraged, though, and decides that it is too late for her to change. She must be willing to believe in herself if she is wants to stop the downward generational spiral that has plagued her family.

Independence Rock is two stories in one. The chapters jump from a present day pioneer trek reenactment back to the real Trek from the 1800s. The stories are link through a journal that was kept by Katherine McBride as she journeyed west. Her descendant Katie McBride is part of the reenactment and is unknowingly traveling the same road as her ancestor. Through the journey both work to overcome the challenges their lives have brought them.

This was a good read that was worth my time. Recommended to those who enjoy LDS young adult fiction or stories of pioneers.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher from Review

Book Review: Faithful Fit & Fabulous by Connie E. Sokol

Title: Faithful, Fit & Fabulous
Author: Connie E. Sokol
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Released: August 8, 2011

Filled with humor and I can relate life experiences, Faithful, Fit and Fabulous is the ideal 8-week life boost that will refresh any woman's life. Gospel principles from scriptures, priceless gems from general conference addresses, and more, are shared along with ways to readily apply them in your busy daily life. Establish holy habits, feel fit and fabulous, and get organized. Just one goal a week for eight weeks simple and fun.

Author's Website: http://8basics.com/


I started this book back in August. It is not a book that should be read in once sitting or even in one week. To use it properly and absorb and apply what is in this book you really need to read just one chapter a week and practice the ideas and suggestions. That should take 8 weeks but I think I'm a slow learner and am on the 8 month plan. I started off well for the first two weeks and then life happened. I had to laugh and shake my head because Connie has a section in the books that says Caveat: Beware the Two-Week Bomb:

Somewhere between two and three week, life will throw you a curve ball, often many. No one knows why; it's one of those Bermuda Triangle things. Personally, I believe it's good old-fashioned opposition to prevent you from making a life-improving change.

It took me a good month to recover from the curve ball life threw me and then I started again... only to have another curve ball thrown at me. I guess that really is how life goes, at least my life anyway.  But I've learned that once the waves settle I can pick my self back up and start again.  Hopefully through the process I'm improving and becoming a better person.

If you are looking for a book to help get you moving in the right direction as far as goals and self-improvement give this one a try.  It is written by an LDS author and has quotes from LDS leaders but I don't think you need be LDS to enjoy and benefit from this book.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Publisher

Content: Clean

Book Review: Life Lessons Learned by Dallin H. Oaks

Title: Life Lessons Learned
Author: Dallin H. Oaks
Released: September 27, 2011
Publisher: Deseret Book Company

“I have learned things that have shaped my life and teachings, including some things of the heart not previously shared,” writes Elder Dallin H. Oaks in the introduction to this unique book. “This is an autobiography of learning and application rather than a compendium of doctrine.”
Masterfully blending personal experiences with the doctrines of the gospel, Elder Oaks invites us to join him on a journey through some of the turning points in his life and the lessons he has learned through a lifetime of devotion to the Savior.
The short but potent chapters offer perceptive observations into such diverse topics as the purpose of adversity, the importance of respecting those with whom we disagree personally or politically, the merits and limitations of law, the blessings of tithing, the seeming conflict between science and religion, the Lord's use of imperfect people to further His work, and the power of the Atonement to recover those who have fallen behind.
Elder Oaks also relates the very personal lessons he learned from the death of his wife, June, and from his subsequent marriage to Kristen McMain.
Woven throughout the book is Elder Oak's powerful testimony of the Savior and His mission. Life's Lessons Learned is a rare glimpse into the experiences of the heart that have shaped the life of an Apostle of God.

In Life Lessons learned Elder Oaks gives us a glimpse into a few of the experiences in his life that shaped him into the powerful leader he is today.  From a very rocky beginning when he lost his father at a young age to his ultimate call to be an Apostle he shares nuggets of wisdom he learned along his journey in life.

The chapters in this book are quite short just 3 or 4 pages each. This made it a perfect book to read a chapter or two when I've had a few minutes or before falling asleep each night.

I used one of the chapters as a family home evening lesson for my kids earlier this week.  Amazing that this great man whose career achievements including being a Utah Supreme Court judge and the President of BYU was once thought of himself as the dumbest boy in the classroom and had the lowest grades on his arithmetic papers. I was touched as he recounted the experience of losing his wife and his subsequent decision to remarry.  His life story is truly inspiring.

Rating: 4.5 Stars Highly Recommend

Source: From Publisher for Review

Content: Clean, uplifting, inspiring

Book Review: Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston

Ida Mae Babbit has done her community service and is a reformed woman-no more law-breaking for her. But when Arlette's granddaughter Eden discovers a mystery in a fancy nursing home, Ida Mae-with the perfect excuse of a broken wrist and a broken ankle-checks herself into the place. After all, it is for the greater good. Soon she's buzzing around in her motorized wheelchair, questioning the residents and swiping files from the office. She's bound and determined to get to the bottom of this case. But can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?

Dearly Departed is the 2nd Secret Sisters Mystery by author Tristi Pinkston. I recommend reading the first book Secret Sisters before reading this one because there are several references to characters and events that took place in the first book. Although this book could be read as a stand alone you'd be missing out on all the fun antics from the first adventure.

Like the first book, Dearly Departed is a fun, lighthearted read. Quirky characters and lots of humor make for an entertaining story. This is the kind of book you can curl up with at bedtime and finish in one sitting.

I'm typically not a huge fan of "mysteries" but I've really enjoyed this series. The 3rd book comes out soon and I'm looking forward to curling up with another of Tristi's "cozy" mysteries.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review

Book Review: Hope's Journey by Stephanie Connelley Worlton

Sydney is a straight-A student heading to college on a scholarship, and Alex is a quiet jock preparing to serve an LDS mission. But their dreams are shattered on the eve of their high school graduation when they find out that Sydney is pregnant. Separated, they must both trust in God as they search for the worth they once found in each other.

The author did a fabulous job capturing the emotions and thoughts of her characters. I could relate to what they were going through, connected with them and felt for them. When done reading I kept thinking about the story. I felt like I had learned something by reading this book.

This book truly had the potential to be a 5 star book. There are just a few things that detracted from the story. I wished there had been a couple more chapters at the end. For so long it felt like the story was headed one direction and then it headed another direction which was ok but I felt like it was just too easy. I wanted more resolution and closure and it just wrapped up too quickly. There were also several subplots that could have been left out or developed further. For example Sydney's brother abruptly decides not to serve a mission but we are never told why and he's never brought up again so why include that storyline at all.

Hope's Journey is a fabulous book I would recommend to any LDS teenager in a serious relationship as well as to the parents of LDS teenagers. This was a book I couldn't put down.

In the Author's Notes Stephanie says this:

Everybody makes mistakes; nobody makes it through this life unmarked. It just so happens that some sins are more visible to others. It is my desire to tell a story that will perhaps cause people to take a step back and take a deeper look before they cast judgment.

By sharing her story in this book she achieved her desire.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher for Review

Blog Tour: Book Review - Crazy Daze of Motherhood by Jane Still

A mother's day is filled with all kinds of emergencies, from bumps and bruises to hospital stays. Find the perfect way to recover from your own family's little emergencies with Jane Isfeld Still's latest book on the hilarious daily challenges of a mother in the fray. You're sure to laugh and cry as you celebrate the joys of motherhood.

Crazy Daze of Motherhood is a humorous little book that I'm sure every mother could relate to. Author Jane Still made me laugh many times while reading her crazy adventures of life as a mother. Well worth the time to read, this book will put a smile on your face and help you remember that although motherhood can be crazy at times you can find much joy and humor in the experience.

This would make a great gift book for Mother's Day.

Blog Tour Contest:

Jane is having a fun contest in conjunction with her blog tour. 

You can win a fun prize from Jane to help celebrate the release of her book.  Just go to her blog at http://www.janeisfeldstill.blogspot.com and become a follower, and then leave her a comment and tell her that you're a new follower.  You could win: 

1. Mother's Daze basket, soap, chocolate, lotion, decorative candles, and recipe cards

2. Box of blank cards with a smattering of Canadian chocolate

3. Chocolate

Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

Book Review: God So Loved the World by Eric D. Huntsman

"There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter," taught President Gordon B. Hinckley. "The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection."


With this deeper understanding given by a modern prophet, Latter-day Saints have an increased opportunity during the period from Palm Sunday to Easter morning to reflect upon the last days of our Lord's earthly ministry.


In God So Loved the World: The Final Days of the Savior's Life, author Eric D. Huntsman takes us on a scriptural journey through the last week of our Savior's mortal life, culminating in His atoning sacrifice and joyous resurrection. The author, by drawing on his wide knowledge of historical context, cultural background, and biblical insights, increases our understanding of these momentous events and helps us draw closer to the Savior. Full-color fine-art paintings, photographs, maps, music, and topics for personal reflection are included to enhance our commemoration of Easter week.


Brother Huntsman writes, "Each year has its rhythms with the passage of summer to fall, winter, and at last, again, spring. Holidays are part of that rhythm, helping us remember realities greater than mere seasons, and Easter, together with Christmas, can anchor each year securely in the promises of Jesus Christ."


This beautiful volume suggests meaningful ways for Latter-day Saints to refocus their Easter celebrations on the culminating events of the Savior's ministry. Whether used as a personal or family study guide or as a model for a devotional celebration of Easter week, God So Loved the World is a must-have addition to the library of every Latter-day Saint.


Contents:
Preface
Acknowledgments
Rediscovering Easter
Palm Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Good Friday
Saturday
Easter Sunday
Choosing Easter
Appendix: The Gospels as Sources, a Chronology, and Symbolism
Jesus in the Four Gospels
Jesus during His Last Week
Jesus as the Anointed One
Notes
Sources
Index


Last year the week before Easter I read a book called A Christ-Centered Easter. It gave activities to do with your kids each day of the week leading up to Easter to help bring the focus of Easter back to Christ.

God So Loved the World is a book along the sames lines only it is much more in depth. It takes a detailed look at the life of Christ the week leading up to his death and resurrection. Centered around the accounts of Christ's life from the Gospels it is filled with pictures, quotes, songs, and scriptures to help us understand what transpired during the Christ's final week.

This is a beautiful book I would recommend to anyone seeking a better understanding of the Holy Week that culminates on Easter morning.  There is much out there about putting Christ back in to Christmas.  This book helps bring the focus of Easter back to where it should be... on Christ's atonement, death and Resurrection.



Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher

Book Review: Growing Up Gracie by Maggie Flechner

As the fifth of six kids, it's sometimes hard for Gracie Fremont to see what makes her special. But with the help of friends, family, and her faith, Gracie discovers that even the most ordinary girl can do extraordinary things. Told with sweetness, humor, and heart, this unique coming-of-age story will resonate with readers of all ages.

Growing Up Gracie was a perfect Sunday afternoon read.  I'm having trouble putting my finger on why I enjoyed this book as much as I did.  There was nothing in the story that wowed me or surprised me but that didn't stop me from enjoying this tale of growing up.

This story had a very realistic feel to the events that were portrayed.  I cared about the characters and the outcome of their lives and could relate to their struggles.  It was almost like taking a peek into someones journal or a personal history.  There were no paranormal creatures, no huge event or trial that made this out of the ordinary in anyway.  It's just a really simple, sweet realistic story about your average everyday girl growing up and the decisions and choices she makes.  I think I see a lot of myself in Gracie.
 



Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars
 
Source: From Publisher for Review

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: Don't Throw Rocks at His Window by Julie C. Donaldson

A broken heart hurts—but it doesn't have to hurt forever. Using humor, common sense, and honest conversations, Julie Donaldson walks readers through not only the steps of surviving a broken heart, but also the process of learning to nurture strength in yourself and finding comfort from Heavenly Father. She helps teenagers understand that heartbreak is part of the mortal path God has set for us, but that doesn't mean we have to succumb to it, or lose our sense of humor in the process.
• Relevant to teenagers, young adults, and anyone who has ever had a broken heart.
• Practical remedies and common-sense solutions for surviving heartbreak.
• Fun, laugh-out-loud moments make a lighthearted but practical read.
• A tissue is included.

We've all been there at one point or another... with a broken hear that feels like it will never mend.  Julie C. Donaldson offers practical advice in a this fun little book Don't Throw Rocks at His Window: Read Advice to Mend a Broken Heart.

This book given with a bag of chocolate would make a great gift for a daughter or friend who has recently been dumped.  Cute, funny and uplifting this book of advice is sure to help the process of mending a broken heart.  Perfect for a teenager or young adult who needs a little pick me up after a relationship goes south.



Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review

Book Review: Unlocking the Power of the Spirit by Campbell Gray

Obedience to the Lord's commandments does not exempt us from trials and struggles in life. But it does qualify us for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit can comfort us. It can chasten us. It can confirm our choices or prompt us in new directions. It can give us feelings or strokes of ideas. And learning to understand the subtle communications of the Spirit is one of the most important thnings we will ever do in this life. The Spirit is our lifeline to heaven. Yet at times, when we are weighed down by feelings of personal inadequacy or distracted by the trials and busyness of life, we may feel that we have been left largely on our own.


Iin this book, Campbell Gray suggests that the Holy Ghost can be a constant presence in our lives, gently leading us through our inclinations and desires. By learning to be attentive to the Spirit above all, we will find grace that overcomes our own personal weaknesses - not just over time, but in the very moment - and find ourselves being carried "wither (we) wouldest not" (John 21:18).

Unlocking the Power of the Spirit is a great read for a Sunday afternoon.  There was nothing in this book that I hadn't heard before but it was a gentle reminder of things I already knew.  It reminded me of an extended EFY or Fireside talk.  My favorite parts were when the author used his personal life experience to illustrate the point he was trying to make. 

The eight chapters could easily be read in one sitting or could be spread out and read over the course of a week by reading one each day.  Helped me to remember the importance of feeling the spirt each day and the peace it can bring.



Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Won in a giveaway

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