Pages

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Book Review: Truth Be Told by Carol Cox

Truth Be Told


Book Description:


When Amelia Wagner takes over the running of her father's newspaper in Granite Springs, Arizona, she vows to carry on the paper's commitment to reporting only the truth. But Amelia soon learns that even the truth can have consequences. Her father's revealing articles about Great Western Investment
Company's business methods have caught the notice of the wrong person, and pressure mounts for Amelia to retract her father's statements.
 

Determined to find the truth, Amelia goes through her father's notes and begins to interview members of the community. She can't seem to shake Benjamin Stone, a Great Western employee who's been assigned to keep tabs on her for the good of the company.
 

The more Ben and Amelia learn, the more Amelia's father's claims appear to be accurate. In fact, it's probably worse than he realized. Even Ben is beginning to wonder if he's become a pawn in the workings of a corrupt empire. But Great Western isn't about to stand for a female reporter and one of their own men bringing down their lucrative schemes. Working against time, and never knowing what danger lurks around the next corner, Ben and Amelia set out to reveal all they've discovered before Great Western silences them for good.

Book Review: 

I've only read one other book by Carol Cox, and I thought it was well done. I was excited to give this one a try, although I'm hesitant about newspaper stories.

While Amelia isn't my favorite heroine ever, she isn't the worst either. She's so determined to find this story that she doesn't treat those around her very nicely. I would not have been as patient with her as Homer was.

Ben is a great male lead. I would have enjoyed getting to know more about his relationship with his family back East though. Especially at the end.

The almost kisses in the book were my favorite part, and I loved that none of them actually happened.

I enjoyed this clean read, and will definitely look for more from this author in the future.


Truth Be Told 

Title: Truth Be Told
Author: Carol Cox
Publisher: Bethany House
Published: June 2014
ISBN:
0764209574
Source: I received an eCopy from NetGalley in exchange for a review. 

Monday, June 23, 2014

Book Review: A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

A Match of Wits (Ladies of Distinction, #4)

Book Description:

Two years ago, Zayne Beckett's departure from New York City to meet up with his almost-fiance caused Agatha Watson no small amount of grief. So he is the last person she wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Looking worse for the wear, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and taken back East to his family. Even though she's over him, Agatha can't help feeling sorry for him and realizes she'll have to be the one to get the stubborn man back home.

Zayne has no desire to be taken anywhere. Content to sit and mope over his recent bad fortune and the desertion of his not-quite-fiance, he's prepared to drag his heels all the way back to New York. That is, until he and Agatha find themselves slipping back into the strangely enjoyable bickering and bantering of their old friendship.

It isn't until they arrive in New York City that Zayne realizes Agatha's determined nose for news has earned her a few enemies. When his attempts to repay her for helping him go sadly awry, Agatha proves herself just as stubborn as Zayne. Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth--until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?


Book Review:

I skipped the book before this, so I was a little hesitant to pick this up, but holy cow I'm glad I did. This book was laugh-out-loud funny! It would have been helpful to have read all of the books in the series again (or at all) to remember who everyone was and what their relationship to each other was, but I still enjoyed it immensely.

Agatha is hilarious, and takes all her trouble in stride. Zayne really just doesn't understand much of anything, but I like him more and more as the book went on. Honestly, the pig was one of the best parts of the story. Totally unbelievable, but fun and entertaining, nevertheless.

I had no problem with the pig, but I did struggle with Piper a little bit. I know the book said she was mature for her age, and wise beyond her years and all that stuff, but really....what kid her age really knows the thing she knows.

I also found it a little hard to swallow that for the first half of the book, the men of the story were just tolerating Agatha, but by the end everyone loved her. It switched quite abruptly. It was almost like the author was like, "Oh, we need people to like Agatha now!" There wasn't anything gradual about it. However, that wasn't enough to ruin the story for me at all.


A Match of Wits (Ladies of Distinction, #4) 
 Title: A Match of Wits
Author: Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House
Published: June 2014
ISBN: 0764211277 

Source: I received an eCopy from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Book Review: Deadly Alliance by A.L. Sowards


Deadly Alliance by A.L. Sowards

Book Description:

When Peter Eddy and his commando team inadvertently upset the Soviets during their most recent mission, they never imagined the diplomatic nightmares that would ensue. They have one chance to redeem themselves: tasked with destroying a bridge in Nazi-occupied Bosnia, Peter and his war-weary team reluctantly agree to drop behind enemy lines. The assignment should be a simple one—were it not for the fact that they are being deployed on a suicide mission.

Genevieve Olivier is devastated by the news of Peter’s disappearance. After all they’ve endured in this war, the determined OSS worker is unwilling to simply let go of the man she hopes to spend her life with. Desperate for information, her work as a courier soon escalates into a counterintelligence duel with a Fascist assassin—and Genevieve is his newest target . . . 

Review:

I've really enjoyed this series by A.L. Sowards. Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres, and Sowards does a great job pulling the reader in.

I read the last book in the series, Sworn Enemy, over a year ago, so it took a little bit to get caught back up on the story through details mentioned here and there.

The story really keeps a reader interested by the twists and turns of war, and the different situations each of the characters is in. Although romance isn't the main focus of the novel, I enjoyed what was included and the connection it helped me make with the characters.

There are several separations in this book, and overall I was happy with the outcome of these. However, at one point there is a reunion between some characters that I would have loved more emotion to. The meeting was fairly rushed (even for the situation they were in), and it felt lacking given the build up. That said, it didn't kill the story for me. There are definitely some losses in the book, but it has a satisfying, happy ending.

If you like historical fiction, I highly recommend this clean series. It gives a great depiction of war without focusing on gory details.

About the Author:

Sowards is a graduate of Moses Lake High School and Brigham Young University. She swam competitively for sixteen years, including while she was in college. She found it more entertaining to think of plot ideas while following the black line up and down the bottom of the pool than having a song in her head that restarted with every flip turn. Sowards currently lives along the Wasatch front with her amazing husband and her adorable twin toddlers.


Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter



Title: Deadly Alliance
Author: A.L. Sowards
Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.
Published: April 2014
ISBN: 1621086909
Source: I received an eCopy from the publisher in exchange for a review.
 
 

Monday, June 16, 2014

Kindle Fire HDX June 2014 Giveaway

Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes. Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash! The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.

June Kindle Fire  

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)
 
 
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
 
   
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
 
 
Sponsors:
I Am A Reader Feed Your Reader Author Rachael Anderson Author Karey White Chelsea Author Promotions Illusio & Baqer BookReviewsAndGiveaways Author Alecia Stone Lori's Reading Corner Author Inger Iversen Shelf of Imagination Candace's Book Blog Where The Broken Lie by Derek Rempfer Helen Smith (author) Christine's Blog Reviews from a Bookworm More Than a Review Tressa's Wishful Endings Pieces of Whimsy Laurie Treacy, Author The Loopy Librarian Author Dorothy Dreyer Author Deanna Lynn Sletten Author Steven Brown Claudia Burgoa Launching Sisters to WitchCamp Rhiannon Paille Author Amanda Tru Melissa McClone, Author Author Michelle Merrill Author M. Kircher Author A&E Kirk Author Melissa Lemon My Story That I Like Best Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf J.L. Weil Maia Sepp Luthando Coeur Making it Happen Jennifer Laurens Author Extraordinary Reads Grimmtastic Girls series: Snow White Lucks Out (tween)    

Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups    

Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7", $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash. Ends 7/15/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler

The Thirteenth Princess


Book Description:

Zita is not an ordinary servant girl—she's the thirteenth daughter of a king who wanted only sons. When she was born, Zita's father banished her to the servants' quarters to work in the kitchens, where she can only communicate with her royal sisters in secret.

Then, after Zita's twelfth birthday, the princesses all fall mysteriously ill. The only clue is their strangely worn and tattered shoes. With the help of her friends—Breckin the stable boy, Babette the witch, and Milek the soldier—Zita follows her bewitched sisters into a magical world of endless dancing and dreams. But something more sinister is afoot—and unless Zita and her friends can break the curse, the twelve princesses will surely dance to their deaths.

A classic fairy tale with a bold twist, The Thirteenth Princess tells the unforgettable story of a magical castle, true love, spellbound princesses—and the young girl determined to save them all.


Book Review:

This was a random find from my library because when I picked it up and saw it was a fairy tale I thought, "I love retellings of fairy tales. I love fairy tales. Especially retellings with a twist." So, here you have The Twelve Dancing Princesses, but this story is all about the thirteenth princess that is made a servant girl because her father can't stand the sight of her.

You probably need to be familiar with some form of this fairy tale to really enjoy this book, but I liked how it was about Zita and her discoveries about who she is and who she is supposed to become. I will mention how I was slightly bothered how everyone and their dog knew that she was a princess, and she didn't until she was loads older. Really? That many people can keep a secret?

It's definitely written for a younger audience, or us suckers who enjoy Youth Fiction, but it was well done and entertaining. Definitely something I wouldn't mind seeing in the hands of my children to get lost in and explore.

The Thirteenth Princess



Title: The Thirteenth Princess
Author: Diane Zahler
Publisher: Harper Collins
Published: February 2010
ISBN: 0061824992

Friday, June 13, 2014

Book Review: Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauk

Book Description:


Regina Beswick never dreamed of faraway places. She’s happy with her life as a classic car mechanic and owner of a restoration shop.

But an unexpected visitor and the discovery of a fairytale, drawn by her great-grandma, causes Regina to wonder if she might be destined for something more.

Tanner Burkhardt, Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg, must convince the strong-willed Southerner, Miss Beswick, that she is his country’s long-lost princess. Failure could destroy his reputation and change his nation forever.

As Regina and Tanner face the challenges before them, neither are prepared for love to invade their hearts and change every thing they believe about themselves.

However, when a royal opponent nearly destroys Regina’s future, she must lean into God and trust He has sovereignly brought her to her true and final destiny.


Book Review:

This is book two of The Royal Wedding Series although reading the first one wouldn't help much with this. The characters that are the same have a minor role in the story, so if you just pick this up, you should be fine.

As with the first book, there is something about the writing that just...is off. But I can't figure out what it is. It's a cute story line, and fun characters though, so that makes up for any offness that I can't define.

Tanner is fun to read about and to get to know. Regina is a strong character as well, and I love that she restores cars.

The fairy tale element in the story is an aspect that I'm draw to when reading, so no complaints from me there.

I will admit that I kept expecting the story to head to a different place with Regina's relationship with Tanner, but I guess I'm pretty glad it didn't go that direction. Normally when a story doesn't go the direction I'm thinking I'm disappointed, but it was okay in this instance.

It was clean and while I wouldn't actively recommend it to people, if I saw you holding a copy I would say, "Hey, let me know what you think of that book when you're done."




Title: Princess Ever After
Author: Rachel Hauk
Publisher: Zondervan Fiction
Published: February 2014
ISBN: 0310315506
Source: I received an eCopy from Netgalley in exchange for a review.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Cover Reveal: A Safe Space by E.M Tippetts




Book Description:

Everyone needs a safe space.

For Lizzie Warner, that space has always been in front of the camera on her hit show, or on stage to a sold out concert arena. Since before she can remember, she’s been a star, but that may be about to change.

She’s nineteen. Her show has been cancelled and now she’s going to play the lead in a new prime time drama series, but is the world ready to take her seriously, or will she be typecast as the cute tween queen forever?
Her network has decided to be aggressive and has invested millions of dollars in an ad campaign for her show, money she’s not sure she can earn back. Her co-star can’t stand her, and the writing for the show turns out to be poor at best. The only reason Lizzie didn’t walk away from the job offer to begin with is because she’s broke, the victim of a decade of bad money management.

Then there’s Devon, the personal trainer at her gym. Arrogant and abrasive, he’s the last guy she should ever find attractive, but she has a hopeless crush on him anyway, and he doesn’t seem entirely disinterested either. In fact, sometimes he’s downright sweet to her. If only he weren’t an untamable bad boy who uses and dumps women like they’re nothing. Though Lizzie’s friends warn her to stay away, he’s the only person who can create what she needs: a safe space. But is there any way she can break him of his years' long habit of being a user?


Book Excerpt
Clues

As Devon swaggers through the gym, there’s a sweep of female heads turning, like the wake behind a boat in water. He ignores them, though, and comes straight to me.

My mind races, desperate to have a witty response ready for whatever obnoxious, arrogant crack he’s about to make. I avert my eyes from his toned body, flawless complexion, and those piercing hazel eyes. (I never thought of hazel as a piercing color before I met this guy.)

I stand in my designer blouse, jeans, and boots by the exit with my roommate, Kyra, who digs in her purse for her keys, oblivious to his approach. When she looks up, her mouth turns down in a scowl. “Don’t, Devon,” she says.

“Don’t what?” His eyes are wide with innocence and his mouth is curled into its usual smirk.

I draw myself up to my full height, unsure whether I should look right at him defiantly or look away, as if he’s beneath my notice. If this were scene, I think, and he were the male romantic lead… wait, do I want to think of him as the romantic lead? Does that give too much of my hand away? Suffice it to say I’m not navigating this situation with the kind of cool, collected air I aspire to.

“Have a good day, Veronica,” he says to me.

“That,” says Kyra. “Stop calling her that. Lizzie is what we call an actress. The stuff you see her do on television isn’t real. Let me know if I’m throwing too many concepts at you too fast.”

He directs his attention to her.

Now, I think, here’s my chance. I should mock him for watching children’s television (that’s where I played the “Veronica” he’s referring to), or double down on Kyra’s insult about not understanding that I’m an actress. Anything to puncture his ego.

I’ve acted on a show watched by millions of people around the world, sang whole concerts to sold out arena venues, and in front of this one guy, I choke. I cannot string together a coherent insult. My only saving grace is that he isn’t looking at me and doesn’t see my blank and no doubt embarrassed expression.

“Hey, so you said you wanted to know a good app for a pedometer,” he says to Kyra, whipping out his phone and showing her the screen.

The moment for trading insults has passed and I just stand, feeling like a third wheel while my roommate talks to her personal trainer, her silky black ponytail bobbing as he shows her some options.

“All right, bandwrecker?” he jibes.

There, another opportunity. He just insulted Kyra. I should say… something.

“That should be fine, man-whore,” she replies. “Let’s go Lizzie. Hey, you gonna wish Lizzie good luck for her first day on the set of her new show?”

“I’m still not over All About Veronica being cancelled. This is a painful moment for me,” he replies.

“Why do you watch Nickelodeon?” I blurt out.

“It’s quality programming,” he says without missing a beat. “And as your roommate here will tell you, it’s at my intellectual level.” He holds his hand horizontal to the floor, at about waist height. Then with a wink he turns away. “Ladies,” he says to a couple of women ogling him on the gym floor. “May I help you with anything?”

They both giggle and it’s clear they have him pegged for the superficial, commitment adverse player that he is. It’s also clear that he doesn’t mind. His confidence doesn’t diminish, not even a little bit, that’s how sure he is that he can have his way with any girl he wants. From what I’ve seen, he’s right.

Kyra shoots him a withering look behind his back. But that fades as soon as she turns to me. “You ready?”

I shake my head.

“You’ll kill it,” she says, leaning on the door that opens to the parking garage. “You can do this.”

I follow her out and do my best to act confident. A glance over my shoulder reveals that Devon’s paused to watch us leave. I look away fast. He’s a jerk, I tell myself. He’s a user. It doesn’t matter that he’s gorgeous; I work in Hollywood. Gorgeous is normal.

It’s as if there’s always a spotlight on Devon, though. No matter where he is in the room, I can sense him out of the corner of my eye.

Kyra holds out her hand, and we fist bump before we part ways, her to her red Jeep Liberty that she calls “Libby,” and me to the car that waits at the curb. I greet the driver as I climb in the back.

He turns to hand me the half-caff soy latte I requested he pick up on the way, and then we’re off.
I shut my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. I can do this. I can do this. The set is a safe space. A safe space. This is the mantra that has worked for me for over a decade. Don’t get me wrong, acting classes and coaching help a lot too, but this was the secret my mother unlocked for me at the very beginning of it all. People respect the set and the stage. There are social rules that prevent them from mocking or laughing. The more relaxed and expressive you can be, the more people respect what you do, provided you’re inside that safe space.

Author Bio:
 

Emily Mah Tippetts writes science fiction as Emily Mah and sweet romance as E.M. Tippetts. A lifelong New Mexican, she lives with her family in Santa Fe, though she's been known to spend years at a time in the UK, her second home. Aside from being a writer, she's been a lawyer and jeweler, and is currently a stay at home mother, polymer clay artist, book designer/formatter, and owner of E.M. Tippetts Book Designs.


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Book Review: Undetected by Dee Henderson

Book Description:

When asked what he does for a living, Commander Mark Bishop is deliberately low-key: "I'm in the navy."

But commanding the ballistic missile submarine USS Nevada, keeping its crew trained and focused during 90-day submerged patrols, and being prepared to launch weapons on valid presidential orders, carries a burden of command like few other jobs in the military. Mark Bishop is a man who accepts that responsibility, and carries it well. And at a time when tensions are escalating in the Pacific Rim, the navy is glad to have him.

Mark wants someone to come home to after sea patrols. The woman he has in mind is young, pretty, and very smart. She's a civilian, but she understands life in the navy. And he has a strong sense that life with her would never be boring. But she may be too deep in her work to see the potential in a relationship with him.

Gina Gray would love to be married. She has always envisioned her life that way. But a breakup she didn't see coming has her focusing all her attention on what she does best--ocean science research. She's on the cusp of a breakthrough, and she needs Mark Bishop's perspective and help. Because what she's told the navy she's figured out is only the beginning. If she's right, submarine warfare is about to enter a new and dangerous chapter.


Book Review:

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be, "Boring." And that seriously makes me sad. You have no idea how much I wanted to like this book. I kept slogging through hoping it would get better. It never did.

I would say that 90% of the book was about submarines. How they operate, what they do, what life is like in the Navy while on one of them. But you don't discover these facts through the story. They are just laid out like, "Oh, I have all this research that I need to lay out for people". If you like submarines, boy this will be a good book for you. 10 % of this book was the story, and even that was questionable. Gina wants to get married really bad, and she now has two great guys wanting to marry her and she still doesn't get it. She's so smart she almost can't function it seems. Plus, what's with all the security around her? Yes, I understand why they said it was necessary in the book. It was mentioned multiple times, but why? It had no bearing on the book at all. She was never kidnapped, or hurt, or even sought after by people who would harm her. Nothing. Just a lot about how she was at risk and needed security.

Let's look at the great guys for a minute. Now, normally I love when the guys are great in a novel. I'm not one for the rebel type character. But boy, both of these guys were so great they were completely unreal. Neither one would fight for Gina, they were both, "Whoever she picks is going to be lucky, and I'll still be friendly and nice and not hurt at all." It showed a lack of feeling to me, instead of supposedly loving this woman.

Did I mention there is no conflict in this book either? No climax. Nothing happens. She discovers great things, both men and her brother go off to sea, even when a war almost breaks out, it doesn't and nothing happens. In fact, every time the story started to get interesting the author would skip the interesting part and the next thing I knew it was "two weeks later" and the interesting part was over with nothing to show for it.

Content wise it is squeaky squeaky clean. Even the kissing that took place was boring.

Would I buy this? No. Would I recommend this? No.

Undetected
  


Title: Undetected
Author: Dee Henderson
Publisher: Bethany House
Published: April 2014
ISBN: 0764212435
Source: I received an eCopy from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Book Review: Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer




Book Description:

When Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston from an eastern finishing school, she's stunned to find her father in ill health. Though she loves him, he's only ever focused on what she's "not." Not male. Not married. Not able to run their family business, Renard Shipping.

Vowing to secure a suitable marriage partner, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure: a dagger personally gifted to Nicole's father by the pirate Jean Lafitte. Many believe the legend that the dagger is the source of all Renard Shipping's good fortune, though Nicole is sure her father's work ethic and honorable business practices are the keys to their success. Before she can board the steamer to New Orleans, Nicole finds her father's rivals—the Jenkins brothers—on either side of the gangplank, ready to grab her and steal the dagger. Quickly, she decides to instead travel north, to Liberty, Texas, where she can decide what to do next.

Darius Thornton needs a secretary—someone to help him get his notes in order. Ever since the boiler explosion aboard the "Louisiana," Darius has been a man obsessed. He will do anything to stop even one more steamship disaster. The pretty young socialite who applies for the job baffles him with her knowledge of mathematics and steamships. He decides to take a risk and hire her, but he's determined her attractive face and fancy clothes won't distract him from his important research.

The job offer comes at exactly the right time for Nicole. With what Darius is paying her, she'll be able to afford passage to New Orleans in mere weeks. But Mr. Thornton is so reclusive, so distant, so unusual. He can create complex scientific equations but can't remember to comb his hair. And his experiments are growing more and more dangerous. Still, there are undeniable sparks of attraction between them. But Nicole is leaving soon, and if she marries, it must be to a man who can manage a shipping empire. Darius certainly doesn't fit that description. And the Jenkins brothers have not given up on kidnapping Nicole and seizing the Lafitte dagger for themselves


Book Review:

This is one of Witemeyer's better books. I was a little disappointed with Stealing the Preacher so I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but when it was over and I had happy sighs, I knew it was a good one :)

Sometimes Christian Fiction can get a little preachy (that's one reason Stealing the Preacher bugged me...although, it is about a preacher, what do you expect?) but this book wasn't over the top like some other books. It's about letting things go, but there was more to the story than that.

I liked Darius character (don't love his name though). I thought his eccentricities were great and fun to read about. Nicole wasn't bad either. She was definitely a strong character. You have to love the butler and the housekeeper. They keep things fun as they try to throw Darius and Nicole together.
I admit that I was hoping for a little more from Darius's family at the end, but I'm glad we got Nicole's family at least.

I'm also going to throw out there that I didn't love the cover.  I know, it is just the cover, but it's true. It looks kind of goofy to me, and I would have loved to have seen her wearing the red dress he notices in the book. But that is neither here nor there.

I'm already re-reading it, so it's a book that would buy for myself and recommend to others. Content wise it is clean with some kissing and some death and a little violence.

Full Steam Ahead



Title: Full Steam Ahead
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House
Published: June 2014
ISBN: 0764209671
Source: I received an eCopy from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Blog Tour: Fresh Courage Take (Come to Zion Vol. 3) by Dean Hughes


Fresh Courage Take by Dean Hughes

Book Description:

The United States turned a blind eye when the Mormons were driven from Missouri to Illinois and finally out of the country altogether. How can the government—and Brigham Young—now be asking the Mormons to come up with 500 able-bodied soldiers to assist in the war with Mexico? And how can Will Lewis be asked to join the Mormon Battalion when it means leaving Liz and their two little boys on their own in the wilderness? How many sacrifices will be required in order for the Saints to create Zion?

And in modern-day Nauvoo, Jeff and Abby Lewis are facing challenges of their own. Juggling family priorities, professional responsibilities, and Church callings becomes and almost impossible feat. It is clear that building Zion in the latter days will require sacrifices, just as it did in the time of Jeff's ancestors.

In this concluding volume of the Come to Zion trilogy, beloved novelist Dean Hughes provides a unique perspective on the struggles and sacrifices—and ultimate joy—of faithful Saints in any generation.


Review:

It has been quite awhile since I read the other two books in the Come to Zion series, so the storyline wasn't very fresh in my mind. There wasn't much by way of recapping, but as I read I was able to remember some of the details.

The historical time period covered is packed full of big events for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had forgotten how long it took for the Saints to leave Nauvoo after the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. I also found the way Brigham Young was portrayed to be interesting. Although some people were put off by his personality, their faithfulness in following the direction from a prophet of God was inspirational. 

I felt the strength of Fresh Courage Take to be in the historical parts. The coinciding challenges between past and present were well-done, but I wasn't as as interested in the modern-day chapters in this third book as I was in the second book.

I picked a really busy time to read Fresh Courage Take, and would definitely recommend reading this when you have plenty of time to enjoy all of the details.

About the Author:

DEAN HUGHES has published more than 100 books for readers of all ages, including the bestselling historical fiction series Children of the Promise. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and master’s and PhD degrees from the University of Washington. He has taught English at Central Missouri State University and Brigham Young University. Dean and his wife, Kathleen Hurst Hughes, served a mission to Nauvoo, Illinois. They are the parents of three children and grandparents of nine.

Title: Fresh Courage Take
Author: Dean Hughes
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Published: June 2014
ISBN: 160907873X
Source: I received an eCopy from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Blog Tour: Missing Lily by Annette K. Larsen

Missing Lily Tour

Missing Lily by Annette K. Larsen

Book Description:
  
“You don’t know who I am,” I whispered. He didn’t move—either away from me, or closer—and after an interminable moment, I stepped back and hurried out of the house. He didn’t follow me as I fled into the night.

Lylin was not used to being alone—much less alone, hurt, and lost. So when she is separated from her guard and forced to abandon her horse, she counts herself lucky to stumble upon a manor house. Still frightened by those who chased her into the night, she keeps her identity a secret, calling herself Lily as she accepts the help of kind servants, and the compassion of Lord Fallon. When they fall into an easy friendship, she wonders if her secrecy was too hasty. However, as she gets to know the manor and its residents, Lylin discovers that she’s not the only one hiding secrets, and it may be a very good thing that her host doesn’t know her true identity as a member of the royal family.

Review:

I'm so glad Annette K. Larsen decided to be an author. Her books are just satisfying. The aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was Lylin's character. She was different than other books I've read. It wasn't "poor royal princess" or anything like that, it was "I am a Princess, I'm okay with it, and I know who I am and what my responsibilities are".

I also really liked how the situation with Lorianna was explained in more detail (that's the one thing that really bugged me in Just Ella).  Even though I still don't like her, I liked understanding her more.

Rhys was also great. I do wish he would have fought a little harder for her, or for his brother, or for ... well, something, but I get why he did all he did. This is random, but does anyone ever picture their hero with facial hair, even when they are described as having such? Just wondering.

It was clean and enjoyable. This is a book I would definitely read again (I already have) and recommend to my friends.

add to goodreads

About Author Annette K. Larsen:

Annette I was born in Utah, part of a crazy, fun family of nine. I grew up in Flagstaff, AZ and St. Louis, MO before striking out on my own college adventure in Virginia. I decided to try my hand at writing novels after I was married and living in Idaho. I write clean romance because it’s my favorite genre, but often difficult to find.

I have Charlotte Brontë to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally, a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it. I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.

Not yet read Just Ella?
It is on sale for $3.99 for the duration of the blog tour.
Grab your copy on Amazon.

Blog Tour Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 6/15/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

missing lily Title: Missing Lily
Author: Annette K. Larsen
Publisher: Hidden Falls Publishing
Published: May 2014
ASIN: B00KC7YXSQ
Source: I received an eCopy via the tour host in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | iTunes