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Sunday, July 31, 2011

Go Forward With Faith: The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley

Go Forward With Faith: The Biography of Gordon B. HinckleyGo Forward With Faith: The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley by Sheri L. Dew

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've mentioned before that I don't typically read non-fiction. Although it can be fascinating, I am easily distracted by novels. That was the case with Go Forward With Faith: The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley. It took me an embarrassingly long amount of time to read it, but I am very glad that I took the time to learn more about Gordon B. Hinckley.

He was a remarkable man, and he accomplished so much in his long and very busy life. He worked tirelessly, and was a great example of hard work and dedication.

I also loved learning more about his wife, Marjorie. They both had such great personalities.

Friday, July 29, 2011

My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions

My Ridiculous, Romantic ObsessionsMy Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions by Becca Wilhite

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sarah is a college freshman with a vivid imagination. She can't help but look at the world through romantic eyes, although she's pretty certain that there will be no prince charming in her life. She's the girl who helps the cute guy with his homework, not the love interest.

When Ben shows interest in her, she's certain it's for her brains. She tries hard not to fall for him, certain that she's just going to get hurt (it's happened before).

Near the end I felt like shaking Sarah for not seeing the obvious (not that you could blame her with her history).

A cute story and a fast read.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Battle Dress

Battle DressBattle Dress by Amy Efaw

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Battle Dress was quite different from most books I've read, but I really enjoyed being able to see what life is like for a new female cadet at West Point.

Amy Efaw's main character, Andi, was easy to become attached to. The decision to go to West Point isn't one that I would make, but I could definitely understand why Andi needed to get away from her dysfunctional family.

I don't think I'll ever understand the yelling and belittling that comes with armed forces training, but the environment worked for Andi. She was able to discover her individual worth. She made friends, and persevered through all of the trials.

The book was inspiring, even though some parts near the end were a little slow for me.

Reading is risky. Sometimes you can anticipate a scene or situation that you don't want in your brain, and are thus able to skip ahead. But, often horrible words or situations are flung at readers, and there is no protection. I bring this up because Efaw probably could have included these types of things, but SHE DIDN'T. I love how Efaw didn't use profanity!

I'm definitely interested in finding out if the author has written more novels.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Adam's Story

Adam's StoryAdam's Story by Jack Weyland

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I saw Adam's Story at my library the other day, and thought I'd check it out since it was a sequel to one of the Jack Weyland books I'd read years ago.

Adam is nearing the end of serving a two year mission, and has one final thing he must do before his time is up-meeting his maternal grandparents. His mom died when he was very young, and after his dad remarried, contact was lost.

They have an instant connection. But his grandparents live outside of Adam's assigned area, so he's unable to stay as close as he'd like. The last few months of his mission are really difficult for him, and going home isn't any better.

He eventually finds himself back in New Jersey, working for his grandpa. He has a strong desire to find out who he is, and thinks that learning more about his mom will help.

The story was ok, but I suppose it might have been enjoyed more by a young teenager.

Monday, July 18, 2011

The Education of Bet

The Education of BetThe Education of Bet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bet (Elizabeth) wants an education, but she lives in a time where girls are not sent away for such things. Will has just been thrown out of his fourth school. School doesn't interest him; he would rather be in the military. Two unfulfillable dreams-until Bet comes up with the idea to take Will's place. Bet looks much like Will, and she's great at voices. She studies Will's handwriting, how he walks and talks, tailors his clothing to fit her, and lets Will cut her hair. It seems that both of their dreams are coming true, but Bet is met with the harsh reality of how things really are at a boys school. Can she keep up with her lessons, all while avoiding the bullies and hiding her true identity?

Such a fun story, and a fast read.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

The Forgotten Locket

The Forgotten Locket (Hourglass Door, #3)The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This final book in the Hourglass Door Trilogy was a bit of a let down. It was just interesting enough to keep reading, but I had hoped I would want to drop everything and devour it. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. I could hardly keep my eyes open several nights while I was reading, so it was abandoned for sleep.

The conflict was resolved, and the ending was fairly happy. It's too bad getting to the resolution was a bit slow and confusing (at times).

In fairness, I've been busy lately, which hasn't given me as much time to read as I'd like. Being so busy could have led me to be more tired than usual too. That is why I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 2.

Murder By The Sea

Murder by the sea: A mystery novel by Susan Evans McCloud

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I got this book for 25 cents and really didn't have any expectations for it. The author is familiar to me, but only as the writer of some hymns.

I was pleasantly surprised with this murder mystery. It had interesting characters, and I loved the setting (Cornwall, England). There was a bit of romance, although that wasn't the main focus.

I didn't devour this book, but I was happy to get to it when I could.