Blog Tour: Holy As You Are by Christie Gardiner

Book Description:

When referenced in the scriptures, the word holy means to "set apart for a sacred purpose." It is a description all women who seek to follow Christ want to embody—but the struggle between the ideal of a holy life and reality can seem far apart. In Holy as You Are, best-selling author Christie Gardiner seeks to close the gap, reminding women of the holy attributes they already possess and how they can accomplish extraordinary ordinary things that will forever change the landscape and heart-scape of their worlds.
With a wealth of spiritual guidance and upbeat wisdom that doesn't shy away from difficult topics, this inspired volume challenges readers to look at their tragedies and triumphs and everything in between as sacred opportunities to choose holiness. What if ordinary is extraordinary? What if you are Holy as You Are?

Review:

I will admit, I had a hard time starting and getting into this book. I usually prefer to read fiction, and just wasn't in the mood for a non-fiction book. Plus, every time I would sit down to read it, it was nearly bedtime and I wouldn't last too long before falling asleep. Once I really sat down and paid attention to the messages the author was giving me though, I enjoyed the book.

With "self-help" type books like this one, I typically mark passages when they stand out to me, but I was hesitant to do that with this book because it's so pretty! I know, that's a silly reason, but still. I do regret not doing it though, because there were a lot of things that jumped out at me and no matter how great something is, if I don't write it down, I will soon forget it.

The chapter on ministering made me feel about as guilty as a girl can get. I'm sure that wasn't the author's intention, but I am absolutely horrible at ministering, and every time it is brought up, I feel guilt. This chapter did get me seriously thinking about how to be a better minister...er (seriously, I have no idea what to call myself in that role now. Ministering sister? Ministerer? I'm pretty sure that's not a word.) Anyway, it got me thinking and I have come up with a plan to act and actually do. So I guess in this case, that guilt was a good thing.

I enjoyed the part where she said to take time to find quiet. I found it especially fitting because that very morning I had just listened to a podcast that was focused on something very similar. The part on gratitude and finding joy also came at a great time, because I recently decided to focus on finding joy in even the mundane tasks - something I am NOT very good at. Late last night when I really wanted to go to bed and ended up having to plunge a nasty clogged toilet yet again, I started to grumble (as usual) about all these messes that always fall on me to clean up, and then was reminded about finding joy. Now, I don't think there's all that much joy in a clogged toilet, but even just chanting "find joy, find joy, find joy" helped me stop grumbling and switch gears so that I wasn't cranky and resentful. Baby steps. But it worked.

I could go on and on about all of the good nuggets of wisdom that I found in this book, but I'll just recommend that you go and read it and find out what speaks to you instead.

Tour Dates:

*March 25^th: http://mybookaday.com/

*March 26^th: http://empowermoms.net/

*March 27^th: https://rachellechristensen.com/blog/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*March 28^th: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/  

*March 29^th: https://brightlystreet.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Holy As You Are

Author: Christie Gardiner
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: March 2019
ISBN:1524409618
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase:  Amazon Deseret Book 

Blog Tour: The Five Legends: A Journey to Heal Divided Hearts

The Five Legends: A Journey to Heal Divided Hearts

Book Description:

Drawing on 30 years of helping families, this profound fable by the Anasazi Foundation illustrates the true anguish of conflict and explains how we can end war within ourselves, within our families, and even between nations.

Created in 1988 by renowned wilderness pioneers Larry D. Olsen and Ezekiel C. Sanchez (a Totonac Indian whose native name is Good Buffalo Eagle), the Anasazi Foundation invites young people, through a primitive living experience, to effect a change of heart. For over thirty years, their teachings have helped families begin anew and walk in harmony in the wilderness of the world.

Inspired by their wisdom, this book tells the story of two brothers whose warring hearts threaten to destroy their lives and their community. Trapped in a canyon, the two brothers are rescued by a mysterious old man who perceives their need for peace. He offers to guide them home -- inviting them to open their hearts toward a New Beginning. When they agree, he teaches them the five legends of peace. And as they walk forward, they learn that we are free to create peace in our own lives--and how to do it. This discovery saves not only the brothers but ultimately their people. This poetic narrative offers us all a hopeful way out of the canyons of war, leaving behind the warring within.
 

Tarah's Review:

I wasn't expecting to like this book, and despite it's small size I thought it would take me a long time to read it. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed it a lot, and finished it quite quickly.  I've already given it to my son to read because I think that he will like it immensely.

I loved the premise behind the book. How peace comes from each of us individually, and that we need to look in our own hearts and stop blaming others. This was told in a story format about two brothers who tore their people apart. When they come together again they are both needing help, and an old man helps them home. While helping them home he tells them these five legends, and eventually helps them each heal their own hearts.

There were so many lessons in this book, and so many things that I think we can all relate too. A wonderful story will teach these lessons without shoving them down your throat, and that is what this book does. 

Andrea's Review:

The Five Legends isn't the type of book that I typically seek out, and it honestly took me awhile to sit down and get started. The foreword had a lot of Navajo words and being unfamiliar with the language I stumbled over the mental pronunciation and it halted my progress. However, when I sat back down a second time to finish the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

One of the things that stood out to me is how similar the messages from each of the Five Legends were to what I have been taught in my religion. It helped tie two seemingly different groups together and the knowledge that we have similar beliefs brought a peaceful, united feeling. For me that was the main takeaway. We need to look for what we have in common and work together in life.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It is a quick, clean read with a wonderful message.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: The Five Legends: A Journey to Heal Divided Hearts

Author: Larry D. Olsen and Ezekiel C. Sanchez
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Published: January 2019
ISBN:1523098252
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon

Blog Tour: Waiting for Fitz by Spencer Hyde

Waiting for Fitz by Spencer Hyde

Book Description:

Addie loves nothing more than curling up on the couch with her dog, Duck, and watching The Great British Baking Show with her mom. It’s one of the few things that can help her relax when her OCD kicks into overdrive. She counts everything. All the time. She can’t stop. Rituals and rhythms. It’s exhausting.

When Fitz was diagnosed with schizophrenia, he named the voices in his head after famous country singers. The adolescent psychiatric ward at Seattle Regional Hospital isn’t exactly the ideal place to meet your soul mate, but when Addie meets Fitz, they immediately connect over their shared love of words, appreciate each other’s quick wit, and wish they could both make more sense of their lives.

Fitz is haunted by the voices in his head and often doesn’t know what is real. But he feels if he can convince Addie to help him escape the psych ward and get to San Juan Island, everything will be okay. If not, he risks falling into a downward spiral that may keep him in the hospital indefinitely.

Waiting for Fitz is a story about life and love, forgiveness and courage, and learning what is truly worth waiting for.

Rorie's Review:

This type of story is one that I normally don't read and I wasn't sure what to expect. This is definitely not a fast-paced, action packed story. Instead it reads more like a memoir and is fairly slow paced throughout most of the book. There is a part near the end that had me on the edge of my seat, but after that issue was resolved it went back to being slow paced. I don't think that this is a bad thing for this type of story, just be aware that that is the writing style. 

I learned a bit about mental health challenges by reading this book, and it gave me even more things to think about. I think it would be a good book for teenagers and even adults to read who are either dealing with mental health issues themselves or they know someone who has those challenges. This story does not have a happily-ever-after, all the problems are solved ending, but it is a good, realistic ending. 

This was a well written story and one that I would recommend to others.

Andrea's Review:

I was somewhat nervous about this book because of the unpredictability of mental illness. Was it going to be depressing and have a sad ending? Thankfully it has a happy ending. There is definitely tragedy, and it’s dealing with heavy issues, but Addie’s first person telling and her humor lightened things considerably.

This is the first thing I’ve read by Stephen Hyde. He did a great job of writing from a teen girl’s point of view (which I had been worried about because many don't have the skill to pull that off). The story is well written and engaging. I was able to connect to some of the characters and really felt for many of them.

I loved the support Addie’s mom gave her. It was exactly the opposite experience of at least one of the other characters, so that contrast really made you feel so many emotions. 

The description of the mental hospital was very interesting. I like how normal things seemed in the ward at times, and then Didi would yell out some show title. :) 

I can see myself reading this again, and I recommended it to my teenage daughter (who also liked it and thought Addie's situation was very interesting). Waiting for Fitz is clean with one mild swearword and some brief violence.

Tarah's Review:

I generally roll my eyes when I see a review on a book that says, "poignant", but honestly, this story really was. It was a very touching story, and reading the author's notes and realizing this was, to some extent, his experience, made it even more so. I honestly didn't think the author could pull off writing from a teen girls perspective, but he nailed it on the head.

I loved how Addie would surround herself with words and play with them, and Fitz was right on it with her. The book quotes Tom Stoppard who says, "I don't think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little." I enjoyed that this book wasn't as depressing as I was expecting it to be, but instead it was filled with hope (mostly, but the non-hopeful times were realistic).

I'm glad we got to see the relationship with Addie and her Mother. I loved that her mom would play Comedy or Tragedy with her and seemed to try really hard to understand her daughter. The love that she showed her was amazing, and it makes me want to be like that with each of my kids.

I already have someone in mind that I think would love this book, even though she normally only reads non-fiction. I also think this would be a great book for a book club to dive into.  

Title: Waiting for Fitz
Author: Spencer Hyde
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: March 2019
ISBN:1629725277
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book 

Blog Tour: Catherine's Intrigue by Paige Edwards

Reviews * Giveaway

Catherine's Intrigue by Paige Edwards

Book Description:

To fulfill her mother's last request, twenty-four-year-old historic design specialist Catherine Pressley-Coombes travels to England in order to investigate an elusive family line. Armed with an illegible diary, she is determined to discover the identity of her mysterious ancestress. Distracted by an Elizabethan manor and unused to British country roads, Catherine runs her car into a ditch. Luckily, Nick Davidson, a handsome, hard-working local rides in on his tractor to save the day. As the down-to-earth manager of his family's estate, Nick also happens to be one of England's most eligible aristocrats.

Nick is certainly not the kind of man Catherine would fall for a man dogged by media and rumor. So why does she find the English lord so irresistible? Even though she can't overlook their differing values and beliefs, as she and Nick spend time together, their attraction deepens. While she battles through romanwa tic turmoil, Catherine is beleaguered with far more sinister concerns: a series of unexplainable misfortunes that are not mere accidents. With her heart on the line, Catherine discovers her life is in jeopardy, and she has no idea who the perpetrator is but she has a growing suspicion that the danger might be connected to whatever secrets lie hidden in her ancestor's diary.

Andrea's Review:

We are told that we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, and while that is true, I can't help it (at least at first glance). Even now as I type this review I had to turn Catherine's Intrigue over because I REALLY don't like the cover. If you feel the same way, please don't give up on the book!

Sometimes a book description will really throw me too. And honestly, it should have an impact on what you decide to read, but if you find yourself cringing at the uber cheesiness of the back cover's first paragraph, please (once again) don't give up on this book!

Paige Edwards did a very nice job with her debut novel. The story was well crafted and intriguing. The loose ends were tied up nicely, and while there is violence, I would classify this as clean suspense as it wasn't overly graphic.

The romance is clean, and although it develops rather quickly, the story is spread out and we get to see the relationship build and become much more solid.

The religious aspect plays a significant role, but flows fairly well with the rest of the story.

Catherine's Intrigue is worth the read, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Tarah's Review:

I was lucky that I read the eCopy of this book, because honestly, that cover is not doing this book any favors. I would absolutely not pull that off the shelf and think, "Hey, what's this book about?" I would cringe and put it back on the shelf. Please don't let that stop you. While the writing is maybe not the strongest in the world (and maybe that was due to the editing of the eCopy I was reading...maybe it was unfinished) this is a good story with characters that you want to get to know more of as you keep reading.

The style of story reminded me heavily of Traci Hunter Abramson - A clean romantic suspense novel, where sure, things may happen a little quickly, but you get so wrapped up in the story you don't really mind that the romance was pretty fast.


I do hope that Catherine's brother gets his own story, and I will definitely give his story a go. Nice work for a first novel by Paige Edwards.

Rorie's Review:

This story starts off kind of rough and it took me awhile to start enjoying it, but thankfully, it does pick up after a bit. I was a bit thrown off by some of the English phrases and words that were used, because I really didn't know what they were (not the author's fault, I'm sure they are authentically British, I am just not very knowledgeable in that area.) And do they really eat beef cheek and eel? I knew that eel was a meal eaten in Regency times, but they still do that? I'm not sure how I would feel if I was at a dinner where that was served. But as I get older, I realize that I'm a lot more picky than I used to think I was, so again, that's just a me thing.

Once the story smoothed out and I really got into the plot, I did enjoy it. The main hangup with Catherine and Nick's relationship is fixed in a predictable way, but it was done in a way that meshed well with the story and didn't feel forced at all. I liked how the author switched back and forth between the development of their relationship and the mystery/thriller part of the story.

I would read other books from this author.

Tour Schedule:

*March 18^th: https://brightlystreet.com/, https://thekeeledeal.com/, http://mybookaday.com/, https://www.wishfulendings.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*March 19^th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*March 20^th: https://rachellechristensen.com, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*March 21^st: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/

*March 22^nd: https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

Tour Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Catherine's Intrigue
Author: Paige Edwards
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: March 2019
ISBN:1524406732
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore

A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore

Book Description:

There are trolls, goblins, and witches. Which kind of monster is Sophie?

Sophie is a monster expert. Thanks to her Big Book of Monsters and her vivid imagination, Sophie can identify the monsters in her school and neighborhood. Clearly, the bullies are trolls and goblins. Her nice neighbor must be a good witch, and Sophie’s new best friend is obviously a fairy. But what about Sophie? She’s convinced she is definitely a monster because of the “monster mark” on her face. At least that’s what she calls it. The doctors call it a blood tumor. Sophie tries to hide it but it covers almost half her face. And if she’s a monster on the outside, then she must be a monster on the inside, too.

Being the new kid at school is hard. Being called a monster is even harder. Sophie knows that it’s only a matter of time before the other kids, the doctors, and even her mom figure it out. And then her mom will probably leave — just like her dad did.

Because who would want to live with a real monster?

Inspired by real events in the author’s life, A Monster Like Me teaches the importance of believing in oneself, accepting change, and the power of friendship.

Rorie's Review:

Everyone needs to read this book. Young, old, in-between, everyone. There is so much that we can all learn from the characters in this story. I laughed, I cried - both happy and sad tears, I was heartbroken and filled with joy. I know I'm completely gushing, but that's just how good this book was. Sophie's life as a "monster" was so hard to read about, especially when the bullying came to a head. I felt her despair and ached for her. Despite all the bad, I could see how many people she had that loved her and saw past the mark on her face. 

Aside from the story being really good, I enjoyed all of the excerpts from The Book of Monsters that we got to read at the beginning of each chapter. These excerpts had a lot of valuable life lessons in them as well. 

This is definitely a keeper and one that I will encourage all of my kids to read.

Andrea's Review:

I was drawn in right away and really felt for Sophie, especially regarding the situation in the grocery store. And, reading that those words were what really happened to the author made it even worse. 

There were several touching moments where the reader got to witness the best in people, and the worst in others (the bullies at school). It was eye opening to get a glimpse into one of the bully’s home lives to understand a little better about why he was probably acting the way he was.

The messages about kindness and how our actions, not our appearance, are what makes us a monster or not were wonderful. 

I didn’t notice that the book said how old Sophie was. Some things made me think she was in middle school but then other things (like her very active imagination) made her seem younger. Her obsession with monsters actually became a bit much for me, but I think the intended audience would probably really enjoy that.

The story left things hanging a bit at the end, but enough is implied that it gives the reader a happy ending. It is definitely worth the read and one I'd like my kids to read.

Tarah's Review:

Another great Middle Grade read that everyone should read, but make sure you have some tissues with you! I know the bulk of this story is about bullying, and about believing in yourself, but the part I loved most was about Autumn. It really struck me how friendly she was, and how accepting. Maybe we should all take that lesson to heart more than anything. Especially since her life wasn't all roses either. She was going through some pretty hard times, but was happy, patient with others, helpful and friendly. When my kids read this, that is the lesson I want them to take away. Life is going to be hard, and sometimes it isn't going to go how you want it to, but you have a choice about how you respond to your trials and those people around you. 

All of the minor characters made for a great read. I didn't love that Sophie immediately classified everyone and put them in a little box and then refused to let them be something different, but we definitely do that in our own lives, don't we?

This was a good read that really makes you think.

Title: A Monster Like Me
Author: Wendy S. Swore
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: March 2019
ISBN: 1629725552
Source: I received an eCopy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book   

Blog Tour: Sanctuary by Traci Hunter Abramson

Reviews * Giveaway

Sanctuary by Traci Hunter Abramson

Book Description:

Kristi Hartinger has come to terms with her life as a single, thirty-something woman. She was in love . . . once. But following her boyfriend's tragic death, no one else could capture her heart. And nothing else could fill that void, though the serenity of the ocean came close. Two years ago, Kristi left the craziness of her Wall Street career behind and embraced a simpler life on her family's private island off the coast of Maine. As a resident of the small beach community, she anticipates a quiet future—until she comes face-to-face with her past.

Ace Samson is dead, or so the world believes. As a member of a secret organization known as the guardians, he was forced to fake his death years ago, leaving everything behind when he became an agent. So when he is selected to offer a potential new recruit a job with the organization, Ace braces himself: for the first time in more than a decade, he must face the woman he loved—and left.


Kristi's world is rocked by Ace's sudden reappearance, and she's soon drawn into his world of danger and cover-up. But when Kristi herself becomes a target, Ace will do whatever it takes to protect the only woman he has ever loved.

Andrea's Review:

I enjoyed the last Guardians book I read, so I had high hopes for Sanctuary. The cover was great, and I really liked the idea of the story (a romance is destroyed when the man "dies" only to come back twenty years later). I typically enjoy the first love, second chances trope.

Sadly, I found Sanctuary to be drawn out and it didn't really hold my attention for much of the story. The action really picked up near the end and that pulled me in. It has a happy ending of sorts, but it really left me scratching my head. It's been a year and a half since I read the last book, so I think I was missing some important points about the Guardian program. The guardians that are focused on in this story are out in public often (At least Ace is). They typically try to blend in, but don't go out of their way to hide their faces or disguise themselves, except in an area they grew up. I didn't understand why Ace couldn't just get a face lift or something to change his appearance so he and Kristi could openly be together with her family.

Tarah's Review:

I've really enjoyed this Guardian series, so I jumped on the chance to read Sanctuary. I really really liked Ace in the other books and I was excited to see him get his own book. However, I found that this book wasn't quite up to my cup of tea. It was well written, and it had an interesting story line, but I never really connected with the characters so I struggled with their struggles. It took me awhile to finish this book when I normally can finish these in a day.

I completely understood Kristi's hesitations in being in a relationship with Ace. I didn't quite understand why she was so important to the Guardian program (she seemed to get a lot more out of it than she was putting in), but the whole conflict between Ace and Kristi wasn't resolved to my liking. The overall conflict was solved well, but I didn't like the relationship resolution. I'm also confused about who the next book in the series will be about. We've kind of hit all the major characters, and so if there is going to be a new book then they will have to be a character we don't know about.

I'll keep reading from this author and reread her other books, but this one was a miss for me.

Rorie's Review:

I have read a handful of Traci's books and every time I do, I'm reminded at how much I enjoy them and also how much I really need to go back and read the earlier books in the series. So much to read, so little time to do it. One of these days it will happen.

Anyway, I remember some of the details from the last book in the Guardian series, and I was happy to see that Renee and Kade had a pretty big role in this story.

The whole "dying" and giving up your entire life, including any loved ones is such a heartbreaking idea for me to think about. I can understand why the Guardians have to do it, but I still can't even imagine leaving everything you've ever known behind.

I don't know how realistic the whole hiring Kristi bit was - one would think that it could really backfire and ruin everything for the Guardian program. But, this is fiction and it worked for me.

I enjoyed this story and tried my best to find every spare minute in a busy week to read it. The ending made me sad, but I'm not sure that the author could have come up with any realistic way to give this story a fairy-tale, everyone is happy sort of ending.

Tour Schedule:

*March 11^th: https://thekeeledeal.com/, http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.com/

*March 12^th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*March 13^th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*March 14^th: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, https://www.wishfulendings.com/,https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/

*March 15^th: https://brightlystreet.com/, https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/

Tour Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Sanctuary
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: March 2019
ISBN: 1524407380
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: Seven at Sea by Erik Orton and Emily Orton

Book Description:

Working the night shift as a temp in a high-rise cubicle, Erik Orton knew something had to change. He felt the responsibility of providing for his wife and their five children the youngest with Down syndrome but craved a life that offered more than just surviving.
Watching the sailboats on the Hudson River during his sunset dinner breaks, Erik dared to dream. What would it be like to leave the hustle of the city and instead spend a year on a sailboat, somewhere beautiful, as a family? Despite having no sailing experience, his wife Emily s phobia of deep water, and already stretching every dollar to pay rent and buy groceries, the family of seven turned their excuses into reasons and their fears into motivation. Sure, they would miss their friends, they could go broke, they could get injured or die. Worst of all, they could humiliate themselves by trying something audacious and failing. But the little time they still had together as a family, before their oldest daughter left for college, was drifting away. The Ortons cast off the life they knew to begin an uncertain journey of 5,000 miles between New York City and the Caribbean, ultimately arriving at a new place within themselves.
A portrait of a captivating and resilient family and a celebration of the courage it takes to head for something over the horizon, this is a deeply compelling story told alternately by Erik and Emily for all those who dream of leaving routine in their wake.

Review:

Wow. Just. Wow. I can't even imagine leaving my comfortable life to go live on a sailboat for a year. Probably because I'm really paranoid about one of my kids drowning, and mostly because of seasickness and I don't handle puking at all.  (Yes, seasickness tops drowning because I have more faith in my kids learning how to swim well than I do my being able to handle puking.)

There is nothing at all similar with me and the Orton family. First off, living in (and liking!) New York City. Second, being brave enough to give up everything for a year to sail. While I can't quite wrap my mind around the desire to do something like that, I can definitely admire it. Their whole family went through so much trial and error, joy, calamity, you name it, in the year they were gone. I'm sure they all grew so much in that short time. It took me a little while to get into the book, but about 1/3rd of the way through I was hooked, and finished it in just a few days. I've been to a few of the islands that they visited, so it was fun to read about their experiences there while reminiscing about the fun times I had on those same islands.

If you're the adventurous type (or even if you're not,) this is an entertaining book to read. Erik and Emily are very conscientious about family togetherness and I can get behind that 100%. We may not live the same lifestyle, but there are so many things that we can agree on.

Title: Seven at Sea
Author: Erik Orton & Emily Orton
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: March 2019
ISBN: 162972551X
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book

DVD Spotlight: Jane and Emma

Now Available on DVD

Jane and Emma

Movie Synopsis: 

JANE & EMMA is based on the life of Sister Jane Manning, one of the first black Mormons. She returns to Nauvoo to find that Joseph Smith, her prophet and friend, has been assassinated. Jane spends a ceaseless night with his widow, Emma Smith, sitting watch over the body of the prophet as a whirlwind of loss and confusion leaves them wondering how either one of them will be able to move forward. Through the long night, Jane wonders if the prophet’s promise to extend the blessings of eternity to her has died along with him. The film explores the possible events of that night, including Jane’s endeavor to remain amongst the Mormon people and Emma’s struggle to cope with her heartbreaking loss. Poignant issues of racism and polygamy threaten to break their bond of friendship. In the end, will Jane and Emma have the courage to follow the path each believes they must take?

Movie Trailer:

Purchase: 

Deseret Book | Amazon

Blog Tour: A Guarded Heart by Heidi Kimball

Reviews * Giveaway

A Guarded Heart by Heidi Kimball

Book Description:

Three years after a shocking scandal destroyed her family and forced her into isolation, Eleanor Hayward finally has an opportunity to put her painful history and dashed hopes behind her. But reentering society is no simple task. In her cousin's glittering ballroom, Eleanor is stunned when she comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart those years before.

Edmund Fletcher thought he had laid the past to rest until he unexpectedly encounters the woman who so nearly became his wife. Soon to be engaged to another, Edmund knows he must let go of the complicated feelings he harbors for Eleanor. However, when the Hayward scandal resurfaces and the truth behind their parting is revealed, Eleanor and Edmund are left reeling. Tormented by thoughts of what could have been, they realize it is impossible to rewrite history. But is there a future in which they might both find happiness—and true love?

Rorie's Review:

It is crazy to me how much people in high society were punished for the misdeeds of someone else in their family. It seems completely ridiculous to me, but apparently it was all-too common back then.

I really enjoyed this story, but there were a few very minor things that I had issues with. First, there were a lot of people to keep track of, and I kept forgetting who was who. I'd have to go back a few chapters until I found out who that certain person was. Second, I didn't realize right away that this story went back and forth between present day and the past, so it took me a minute to figure out what was going on. These issues are easily fixed though, and didn't bother me enough that I didn't like the story.

Both Eleanor and Edmund have an unpleasant history, and they both battle feelings of not being good enough because of it. It is because of these issues that they don't really communicate all that well.

My heart ached for Eleanor, her father and Samuel. I wish things could have turned out differently there, but I couldn't think of anything else that would have been believable.

This story is full of heartache, sorrow, happiness and joy. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Andrea's Review:

I liked the story but the jumping back and forth in time was a bit much. Thankfully the year was included when that happened so you could keep track of things, but I was anxious for the story to continue and it kept going back to tell the whole backstory in pieces.

That aside, I did enjoy the story. It was clean and had a sad story of heartbreak and second chances. I felt bad for Eleanor and all she went through-being shunned for the rumored acts of her brother, even by her closest friends. Luckily she had a relative who reached out after three years and helped her make some steps toward happiness.

Edmund was a great guy who also had been dealt some big blows that unfortunately lead to rush judgment.

I’m not sure if I’d read this again due to all the flashbacks, but it was a good story.

Tarah's Review:

I actually didn't mind all the flashbacks, but when the first one came I did do a double take to check the years. After that, I just expected it, and was glad for more backstory. I love knowing the whys of things, so I'm a huge fan of backstory, and I liked how this one was presented.

This book went really fast for me. I sat and devoured it in a day, much to the detriment of all else around me. I was taken into the story and wondering how everything with Eleanor and her brother and Edmund was going to work out.

I felt the pain of both characters, and the misunderstandings that stood in their way. Thinking about it later I felt like these were actually a good thing for their relationship and I was happy with the way the author brought everything about.

I will definitely be reading this again, with a box of tissues, and I will recommend it to my book reading friends.
Tour Dates:

*March 4^th: https://brightlystreet.com/, https://thekeeledeal.com/ http://mybookaday.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*March 5^th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, https://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/

*March 6^th: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/, http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/

*March 7^th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/ , https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*March 8^th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

Giveaway:
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Title: A Guarded Heart
Author: Heidi Kimball
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: March 2019
ISBN: 1524406864
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book 

$25 Romance is in the Air Giveaway Showcasing Author Kimberley Montpetit

 

The Fiance's Secret by Kimberley Montpetit 

He's a successful entrepreneur who almost has it all. She's the long-ago crush—the girl who got away. When they meet again, fireworks explode once more. But will a buried secret steal their second chance at a happy ending? 

Troy Thurlow let the girl of his dreams get away fourteen years ago, back when he was a high school football star. Now he’s a highly successful executive with a life most people only dream of. Still, he's never stopped thinking about Jasmine, and wondering what would have happened if he'd ever had the courage to ask her on a date. When he meets her by chance on a New York business trip, he's determined to take this second opportunity and run with it. That is, if his past doesn't catch up with him first . . . 

Jasmine Cervantes does “happily ever after” for a living, arranging dream-destination honeymoons for the fabulously rich and famous. But, so far, her own fairy-tale ending has eluded her. That is, until the boy she couldn’t stop dreaming about in high school barges unexpectedly into her office one day. 

When the two start a whirlwind romance they begin to see that fate is giving them a helping hand. Until Jasmine ends up on Italy’s most romantic coast without him. Missing him desperately, she begins to believe that Troy is truly “the one.” 

But he's hiding something that could change everything . . . 

 

 

“I have a confession to make,” she said, kicking up the sand with her toes. 

“You—confessions?” Troy teased, but he seemed to tense as if unsure what she was about to tell him.  

“I heard rumors that you were living out of the country. I figured I’d never see you again.” 

“So why didn’t you come to our ten-year reunion?” 

“I was on an important honeymoon trip right then. With Standing Ovation,” she quickly added with a laugh. “Not my own.” 

Troy chuckled, but she thought she saw his jaw clench a little. “I figured that’s what you meant.” 

“October in the South Pacific is very nice. That’s when the reunion was, right? At that point, the couple who wanted to honeymoon in Bali was our biggest client we’d ever had so I couldn’t tell my VP no.” 

“I guess our lives weren’t meant to cross right then. Extended business trips that sometimes kept me away for a few months. Especially at the beginning of the founding of DREAMS. We were hustling like crazy. All of us keeping insane schedules.” 

“That makes sense. Assumptions are often not true. Isn’t that human nature?” 

They paused at the shoreline, warm waves tickling Jasmine’s ankles. She wrapped her other arm around Troy’s waist, snuggling into him tighter while he put his other arm around her, while they stood staring out at the Atlantic. 

“You feel fantastic, Jasmine,” Troy whispered, brushing his lips against her hair. 

“I was just thinking the same thing about you,” she whispered in return, her voice barely above the sound of the rushing ocean. 

The water was black, but under the starlight, the waves were a soft, frothy white breaking along the shore. 

Troy turned so that they faced each other, and Jasmine snuggled into his chest, his body warming hers in a perfect fit. She was dizzy with his closeness, longing for more. 

“I can hear your heart pounding,” she told him, gazing up into his face. 

“My heart’s going crazy because I’m overcome by the most beautiful woman in the world. If I go into cardiac arrest, just kiss me and I’ll come right back.” 

“Like Sleeping Beauty kissing the prince instead of the other way around?”

 

 

The Executive's Secret is Free starting Friday, March 8th

   

5 stars! LOVED THIS ONE! I ended up binge reading it until I could barely keep my eyes open but it was totally worth it!

This book pulled at my heartstrings. I loved how the characters were developed so that I could clearly feel their emotions. This book was clean but still involved passion and I appreciate that. I loved every second.

Love, love, loved this book!!!!! If you want a book that will leave you feeling happy, satisfied, and so much more then read this book.

 

 

Author Kimberley Montpetit 

When she was in Paris, Kimberley Montpetit spent most of her souvenir money at the La Patisserie shops with their beautiful and delicious pastries. She grew up in the fabulous city of San Francisco, loves all things chocolate, and now lives in a small town along the Rio Grande with her engineer husband and three sons. 

She once stayed in the haunted tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland and didn't sleep a wink, sailed the Seine in Paris, rode a camel in the ancient world wonder of Petra, shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria. 

Kimberley also writes Award-winning Middle-Grade novels with Scholastic and epic Young Adult novels with Harpercollins under the name, Kimberley Griffiths Little.  

 

 

Giveaway Details: 

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway 

Ends 3/28/19 

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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

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$25 Romance is in the Air Giveaway Spotlighting Taylor Hart

 

  Movie Star Romances Billionaire Collection by Taylor Hart 

Enjoy the tough and tender ride of 3 Movie Stars and their journey to love. All of these movie stars are the kind of heroes the world craves and the kind of men that need a good woman to come home to. This collection is by best-selling author, Taylor Hart! 

Her Hollywood Fake Fiance 

Grant Kent, movie star extraordinaire, doesn't like the fact he has to have a fake 'media' relationship with his co-star to keep his movie producer's happy. And he really doesn't like the fact his brothers' give him grief about it. So when he's asked to help out at an acting camp for inner city kids, he jumps at the chance to do something real. Too bad the woman in charge tells him outright she thinks he's a hack. 

The talented Jewel Olympia only wants to help inner city kids by giving them an opportunity to learn acting skills. When she's notified the week before Christmas that the P.I. she's hired to track down her birth mother has a solid lead on her whereabouts, she decides it's time to finally meet the woman that abandoned her in a hospital emergency room twenty-five years ago. Too bad an amazing looking movie star keeps bugging her to go on a date--bug off, she's unavailable. 

But when her parents show up on her doorstep asking where she's going, she tries to distract them with Grant's star power to avoid hurting their feelings. 

When he blurts out he's her fiance, everything gets derailed and she finds herself on a jet to Jackson--this is not her life! 

When a simple trip turns into a media frenzy, they're left with a choice--trust in Christmas angels or lose everything. 

The Masquerading Groom 

When Sterling Pennington, movie star/billionaire extraordinaire, gets stuck with a paid date at a masquerade party…he’s not happy. Too bad his agent doesn’t want the press to think he’s lonely after the pretend break up with his latest co-star. The arrangement makes him feel like a loser, until he sees the woman in the sequined dress. 

Sayla Jones made it clear she would only take this date if the egocentric movie star knew he got three hours before she turned into a pumpkin. That’s all. She never imagined she might actually connect with him, or that he would kiss her. Good thing she slapped him for good measure. 

Sterling never expected to see Sayla again, and he really wasn’t expecting to find her at the hospital. The next thing he knows, he’s taking her home and spending the next four days cooking, listening to Neil diamond on a record player, and putting braids in her hair. His feelings intensify when he finds himself admitting out loud, she even looks cute while drooling in her sleep. What’s happening to him? 

When Sayla confesses she believes they are too different to make it work, Sterling is faced with a choice—fight for her or live alone in the world of masks forever. 

The Love Potion Groom 

B.C. Knight, A-List movie star, just wants to put up a front and get through his court-mandated stint in rehab then get back to L.A. The last thing he wants is to meet a beautiful, grief-stricken woman who sees right through him and makes him reconsider the direction of his life. When he takes a chance and kisses her, it’s like finding the role he’s been searching for all of his life. Too bad she slaps him! 

Kira Moonwater's life turns upside down when her Nana, the woman who raised her and taught her to follow her dreams, unexpectedly passes away. 

The only thing on her mind is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and decide if her 'saving the world' boyfriend is going to be part of her future. 

She tries to keep a professional distance in her new job at the posh 'movie star' rehab facility but it's harder than she expected. When she follows B.C. to a secret 'hot spring' grotto, both of their masks start to fall away and she discovers B.C. is much more than just a movie star.  

 

 

One of the best/believable movie star books I've read. Real life with real issues and emotions. I could see a little of myself in them. Such a fun escape. 

Taylor Hart is one of my favorites! I love how these characters met, how their courtship went and how they could "see" each other. So sweet. 

This is a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the overall idea-it’s sort of a fairy tale type story where the uber rich and famous guy falls for the down on her luck, average girl.  

 

Author Taylor Hart 

Taylor Hart is a best-selling author of contemporary romance, sweet romance, and light suspense romance novels. Her acclaimed Last Play Romance and Bachelor Billionaire Romance Series will leave you wishing for more strong heroines and swoon-worthy men. 

A little about Taylor, she has always been drawn to a good love triangle, hot chocolate and long conversations with new friends. Writing has always been a passion that has consumed her daydreams and forced her to sit in a trance for long hours, completely obsessed with people that don't really exist. Taylor would have been a country star if she could have carried a tune--maybe in the next life. 

  

 
 Giveaway Details: 
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway 
Ends 3/25/19 
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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 
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