Blog Tour: Christmas Grace: A Regency Christmas Collection

Reviews * Giveaway

Christmas Grace: A Regency Christmas Collection

Book Description:

Let Nothing You Dismay by Jennifer Moore: After their childhood friendship blossomed into love, one young couple's whirlwind romance ended in bitter disappointment. Now, years later, can a long-overdue Christmas gift heal two wounded hearts?

Christmas at Canterwood by Krista Lynn Jensen: A charming new governess is determined to create a magical Christmas for her young charges. What follows is a season of warmth, laughter, and even the promise of an unanticipated love.

Winter Angel by Anita Stansfield: For generations, one small London bakery has carried on the sweet tradition of delivering bread to the impoverished. When the lovely baker meets a down-on-his luck stranger, her kindness will open the door to a bright friendship—and an astonishing discovery.

Christmas Grace by Chalon Linton: After suffering a heartbreaking loss, one woman returns home to honor the family tradition of staging a Christmas celebration for the surrounding village. But when a severe snowstorm hinders her plans, help—and hope—find her in the most unexpected of ways.

Andrea's Review:

If I had to describe this collection in one word, I'd call it sweet. The stories are all quite different, but when I finished each one my first thought was how sweet each story was. And, even more important than sweet stories, I also came away being inspired to look for and help those in need this Christmas.

Novellas can be tricky. Some are too rushed, and just don't feel complete, but I thought each of these authors did a good job of engaging me and making me care about the characters. It is a perfect collection for a quick romance with a Christmas setting.

I can see myself reading this again.

Tarah's Review:

To start with, it's a beautiful cover. However, it does seem a little dark to me. Anyone else? I think of Christmas as a bright and happy time, and the color scheme seems more suited for a suspense novel or something. It's not important, and has no bearing on the stories, it just seemed like a dark cover for Christmas stories.

The first two stories were my favorite. I think I even cried in the first one. I love that they were well written and didn't feel rushed like novellas can. The stories and the characters were, in both novellas, well done.

I struggled with the last two, especially the third. It just seemed too...perfect? for me. Some strange guy has been watching you on the street, and you help him in his time of need and you both fall for each other in a day. And your father is okay with it. I don't know. It just didn't sit well with me.

I liked the beginning of the last story, but by the end my interest in it just diminished. Which made me sad since it is so short. It had a lot of potential, but then it just...ended all wrapped up in a little bow. I don't know, it just wasn't as satisfying to me.

I can see myself rereading the first two stories again, especially during the holidays.

Rorie's Review:

I usually prefer to read full-length novels, because I enjoy getting lost in the story and really getting to know the main characters. Novellas are so short that you just don't get to do that with them. That being said, I did enjoy each of these stories. The first one, Let Nothing You Dismay was my favorite, even though it seemed to be the quickest story out of all of them. That was one that I could see being a full-length story, and I would definitely read it if it were.

Christmas at Canterwood was a bit slow-moving, and felt more like words on a page than a story to me. I found the main character in Winter Angel to be so kind and good-hearted, the type of person I hope to raise my children to be. I also enjoyed the storyline of Christmas Grace and would like to read that in a full-length story as well. (Are you seeing a pattern here? There's definitely a pattern.)

Even with the struggle I have reading novellas, this was an overall enjoyable book to read. I do like that you can easily finish one story in a very short time, so you're not left hanging for a day or so while you go attend to life's duties.

Tour Schedule:

*Oct. 23^rd: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/

*Oct. 24^th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/ , http://empowermoms.net/

*Oct. 25^th: https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, https://brightlystreet.com/

*Oct. 26^th: https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 27^th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

Tour Giveaway:

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Title: Christmas Grace: A Regency Christmas Collection
Authors: Jennifer Moore, Krista Lynne Jensen, Anita Stansfield, and Chalon Linton
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: October 2017
ISBN: 1524404403
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book

Book Blast: Return to Christmas Falls

 

Return to Christmas Falls

Seven Heartwarming Christmas Reads by Seven Fabulous Authors!!
 

 

 

Homecoming in Christmas Falls by Ciara Knight

 

Eight years after fleeing Christmas Falls because of a high school prank gone wrong, Ashley Brooks receives a mysterious letter from her mentor asking her to come home. She arrives to face all she left behind—her family, her friends, and the rich boy she’d loved who would never date the girl from the wrong side of town. Brent Donnelly, high school jock, brainiac, and dutiful son did everything right until the day Ashley returns to ChristmasFalls. With one look at the girl who got away he questions all his life choices, including following in his father’s footsteps in the family business. Faced with a potentially devastating decline of tourism in their hometown, Brent and Ashley must work together to save the magic of their town, but when Ashley discovers he still has feelings for her best friend she must finally face the real reason she left Christmas Falls—to try to heal her broken heart.

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Honeymoon for One in Christmas Falls by Jennifer Peel

Is there room for two on this honeymoon for one? Piper Wyatt’s Christmas wish is to get promoted to manager at Blackstock Hotel and Resort. Not only does the promotion mean more money, but it means more time with her son and proof that she’s not such a disappointment after all. Jace Petersen, successful owner of a national chain of sporting goods stores, finds himself alone and miserable on what should have been his honeymoon. That is until he literally falls onto the lovely Piper Wyatt. He’s intrigued with this woman who can fix a car in high heels. Too bad for him, he makes a horrible first impression, and Piper’s not allowed to mingle with the guests. While Piper tries her best to steer clear of Jace during his stay, she can’t help but notice he’s not the man from their first meeting. But is he worth risking her promotion? Or is Jace right, Piper deserves more than she ever thought possible for herself? Find out in this charming Christmas tale about finding love in the most unexpected place, a honeymoon.

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Once Again in Christmas Falls by Becky Monson

In one day, London Walsh finds out her ex is going to be her boss and that her parents are getting a divorce—and they want her to referee the situation. So when she’s offered the chance to spend the holidays in her old hometown of ChristmasFalls, far away from all the drama, she jumps on it. But the quaint town doesn’t feel quite like the home it once was. London shed the goth image that defined her in high school long ago, but no one recognizes the woman she's become. Except for Andy Broll, London’s childhood next door neighbor. He recognizes her immediately, which sends London’s heart fluttering as she starts to see Andy in a whole different light. But when her time in Christmas Falls doesn’t go as planned, will London face it head on? Or will she find a reason to run?

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Rumor Has It in Christmas Falls by Melinda Curtis

As a political strategist at Dunlop Bennet & Associates, Lexi Townsend's career is going nowhere. She's a cubical dweller writing speeches for freshmen senators in DC. But if she can hitch her career wagon to a rising political star, she’ll be on her way to a corner office in no time. When she’s offered a plum holiday assignment–an ideal candidate with deep pockets, someone who could make the leap from local to national politics–she starts to dream about that corner office. Until she realizes her candidate is Kevin O’Malley, aka Kevin the Hottie, Kevin the Snob, Kevin the Liar, the same guy who shattered her high school reputation back home in Christmas Falls with a rumor. Assignment in hand, Lexi braces herself for the most difficult political race of her career--because this time it’s personal.
 

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Forever Yours in Christmas Falls by Susan Hatler

Morgan Reed is excited to return to her hometown of Christmas Falls and open her beauty salon, but when she arrives to her rented business space she’s shocked to find it already occupied by Dallas Parker—her brother’s best friend, the guy she had a childhood crush on, and the one her mom blames for their family’s greatest tragedy. With their landlord out of the country and unreachable, Morgan and Dallas must open their businesses together. But, no worries, all small towns need a combo furniture store/beauty salon, right? Ugh. As they work together, Morgan tries to keep her emotional distance but time and off-the-charts chemistry soon turn a childhood friendship into a blossoming romance. Unfortunately, just when their relationship develops into something deeper, an unexpected crisis re-opens her family’s old wounds and the blame is on Dallas once again. Will Morgan’s sadness and fear pull them apart, or make her realize Dallas has always been her heart’s true safe harbor?

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Love Notes in Christmas Falls by Beth Labonte

When Caitlin Cook left the small town of Christmas Falls, Tennessee to attend Harvard University, she left behind the burden of her parents’ slowly increasing hoard of antiques, a much younger brother, and Shane Mitchell—the boy who blindsided her with the news that he loved her on the night before she left. Shane Mitchell spent his high school years fascinated by Caitlin Cook. The quiet flute player with her nose always in a book, he wanted desperately to find out what made her tick. Eight years later, Caitlin returns to Christmas Falls—unemployed and newly single—after receiving a devastating letter from her beloved high school mentor. Caitlin is shocked to find her childhood home in disarray, and her little brother in desperate need of his sister. With Shane’s help—now a pillar of the community rather than the carefree teenager Caitlin once knew—she begins to rediscover her love for music, antiques, and possibly even Shane. When faced with the choice of rebuilding her life in Boston, or giving love a second chance in Christmas Falls, will Caitlin be able to decide on the true meaning of home?

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Finding The Truth in Christmas Falls by Danielle Stewart

 

Olivia Mackey spent her whole life hearing how she was destined for bigger and better places than Christmas Falls, Tennessee. A regular on the beauty queen scene from a very young age, she learned from her stage mom, that appearances mean everything. Having spent the years after high school traveling the world and failing at the dream everyone told her she should have, she's back home and wondering what she's to do next. Nothing is where she left it. Friends have scattered, her mentor is ill, and Olivia is fumbling her way through a big life in a small town.

Tim Avondale and his young daughter showed up in Christmas Falls one evening looking for a fresh start. Buying the Sleepy Hound Bookstore seemed the perfect opportunity. Life had gone so wrong and now here in this quiet town he could keep anything bad from happening to his daughter again.

When the two cross paths Olivia and Tim find an instant connection. A tug toward each other they don't want to ignore. The problem is, in the process they are being tugged away from all the things they thought were important in their lives. He can't hide out from real life forever. She is more than just what people see on the surface. But when they're forced to decide will they choose to be better together or safer apart?

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$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 11/5/17 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. 

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Book Review: A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden

Book Description:

Lucy is determined to keep working as a telegraph operator at a news agency, even though the arrival of Sir Colin Beckwith threatens her position. When she discovers Colin's shocking secret, she agrees to assist him if he helps her find her family's stolen inheritance--not realizing that the trail leads into a web of treachery, danger, and conspiracy.

Book Review:

Elizabeth Camden does it again. Her ability to write real characters with real emotions pulls you into a different world. Even if you don't agree or like to characters, you can't fault that they are very well portrayed.

I will say that I think the description of the book is a tad misleading. While technically everything is true, Colin doesn't really threaten her job, as he works for a different company (although the companies are rivals, they share a surprisingly good relationship..at least that is what I read in the back of the book history stuff). He also discovers her secret first when she sort of bribes him (after getting mad at him for trying to bribe her...so that was interesting) and they freely tell each other their secrets. And she doesn't really have anything to find regarding her families stolen inheritance. He does do some reporting work and investigative journalism to find information for her, so I'm assuming that's what that is referring too, but really, back of the book synopis, not great for this one.

Both Lucy and Colin are great, and while I didn't love their relationship while he was planning something else, I loved that she told him no (in essence) when circumstances changed. I actually really liked that he was kind of a jerk at that time. It all seemed very realistic to me.

Great time frame, amazing characters, and an interesting story line. All winners in my book. I will definitely keep reading more from this author!



Title: A Dangerous Legacy
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Publisher: Bethany House
Published: October 2017
ISBN: 0764218816
Source: I received an eCopy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book spotlight: A is for Adam: An Alphabet Book of Bible Heroes by Heidi Poelman

 

Book Description:

Bring your favorite scriptural heroes to life with this fun family ABC book! Discover the amazing men and women God inspired to do great things in His name, from A for Adam to Z for Zacharias. Colorful and entertaining, this book is the perfect way to teach alphabet letters and Bible lessons at the same time!

About the author and illustrator:

Heidi Poelman is the author of A is for Abinadi: An Alphabet Book of ScriptureHeroes, A Mother's Greatest Gift, The Two-Minute Marriage Project: Simple Secrets for Staying in Love, and the upcoming books I Can Love Like Jesus and A Is forAdam: An Alphabet Book of Scripture Heroes. Heidi received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake ForestUniversity (MA). She lives in Utah with her husband and three children.

Maggie Coburn loves drawing and storytelling. She has her BA in anthropology from UC Santa Cruz (where she discovered the amazing art form that is scientific illustration), and her MFA in traditional illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She lives with her husband and son in California.  

Tarah's Review:

I have a special place in my heart for children's books, and the colors and how bright and happy everything is in A is for Adam makes me very happy indeed.

A couple things I really liked about this book is first, the words. I thought the author did a great job of paraphrasing each person or quality. I also liked how there were qualities, like obedience, in there. Good lessons for my children. Very well written. I was pleased to see a page of review for letters A-L and what they stood for, and at the end a page of M-Z and what they stood for. I'm thinking of all kinds of activities I could do for that. I like how the inside page right when you open and close the book are colorful and have the alphabet on them instead of just a blank white page.

My 6 year old daughter didn't really love the silly illustrations, like on the Good Samaritan he got hit in the head with a golf ball while on the golf course. She just didn't understand why the funny things were in the pictures, and she struggled with that. While I love the colors and the pictures are well done, I do agree with her that some of them were just too silly. My 4 year old didn't have a problem with it though. Her favorite picture was Shadrac and him singing with sunglasses in the fire with his buddies.

Title: A is for Adam: An Alphabet Book of Bible Heroes
Author: Heidi Poelman
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Published: October 2017
ISBN: 1462120245
Source: We will be receiving copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book

Book Review: Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey

Book Description:

FBI agent Declan Grey is in the chase of his life--but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after. Threatened by a terrorist that "the wrath is coming," Grey fears something horrible is about to be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw to help him. She's sought justice for refugees and the hurting around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner.

Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor . . . meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. But that tension also includes a spark she can't deny, and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything can develop between them, they discover evidence of a terror cell--and soon are in a race against the clock to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.  

Tarah's Review:

Okay, it took me a long time to even want to start this book. I enjoyed the other books in the series (especially the one right before this Still Life) but I read them so long ago I couldn't remember them, and well, I think the cover is ugly. Plus, when I started the story the prologue didn't pull me in and I put the book down for a week or so. However, once I got into the story and remembered the characters I was hooked.

I always liked Declan in the other books, so I was glad that he got his own story. I'm a little disappointed Griffith got a lot of time in this book though. I'm all for bringing in all the characters and even having the next books main characters have a showing (which they do in this book, and wow...super excited for the next book. Super excited!) but I hate having past characters play a big role, especially since the case he was working on wasn't exactly pertinent to this story. I guess she needed a way to get all the characters in the story sort of working together, but every time the point of view switched to Griffith I was slightly annoyed.

I would not suggest reading this if you haven't read the others in the series. The story might make sense, but having the whole story behind all the characters would be super helpful. Especially concerning Luke.

Speaking of Luke, cliff-hanger ending! Ahhh, the suspense is killing me. When is his book supposed to come out? Ya, really can't wait to finish this off with his story. I was totally taken in by this story and had a hard time putting it down to go to sleep.

Andrea's Review:

I didn’t realize this was a third book in a series when I started reading it. I recognized most of the characters from having read the first book a long time ago, but felt lost. And I was confused about why the author kept switching back and forth between two very unrelated cases. Apparently that was just a way for her to get all of her characters in one story. It would have been much more enjoyable to have two separate stories. I was also put off at times by dialogue that didn’t flow.

That said, when the focus was mostly on Declan and Tanner’s case, the story got pretty intense, and the intensity kept me reading.

Like the first book I read in this series, faith plays an important part for the main characters and there is time out for their prayers.

I was intrigued by the Luke angle, and that actually has me interested to read the next book (assuming it’s about him).

Title: Blind Spot
Author: Dani Pettrey
Publisher: Bethany House
Published: October 2017
ISBN: 0764212966
Source: We received copies from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Topaz Reign by Teresa Richards

 

Book Description:

Fairy tales are simply tales, told and re-told, but changed over time. It has been four months since Maggie learned the dark truth behind the tale of the Princess and the Pea and freed Princess Lindy from the cursed Emerald. Lindy is now back in the past where she belongs, queen of her tiny Scandinavian country, and Maggie is a fully reformed ex-stalker. Except … she can’t stop doing internet searches on Lindy and her country. One morning, Maggie wakes to find history turned on its head. Apparently, you can’t destroy a centuries-old curse without consequence. In order to prevent the changes in history from wiping out the present, Maggie resurrects her stalking gene and learns that fairy tales don’t stay dead for long. Or at all. Back in 1623, Lindy is juggling a threat to her family, a handsome new guard she’s not supposed to have feelings for, and a cursed Topaz with ties to the tale of Thumbelina. When past and present collide, Lindy and Maggie are brought together again, and another of Andersen’s tales turns from twisted fiction to chilling fact.

Rorie's Review:

I enjoyed Emerald Bound, but I really, really liked Topaz Reign. This story drew me in from the beginning and kept me entertained throughout. I enjoyed how each of the characters grew and developed in this story.

Lindy struggles to live life as the queen, and feels like she's messing everything up. She really misses Garon and wishes he was with her to offer her support. Maggie is trying to readjust to normal life with Garon at her side now, but she almost obsessively researches any information she can find about her friend in the past. When she notices that history has drastically changed, she and Garon know that something has gone wrong and they have to fix it.

I enjoyed how the author wove the future and the past together and how she eventually brought Garon, Lindy and Maggie back together. There are some unexpected twists and turns in this story - things I never would have guessed at - which is a good thing, because you never quite know what's going to happen next. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending of the story though. I need to process that a bit more to decide if I like how it ended or not.

Definitely a good, quick read that I will be adding to my bookshelf.

Tarah's Review:

Yes, this was a fun book to finish the series with. Right away I got pulled in, but I will say that I was a little disappointed when it kept changing points of view back to Maggie. I felt like she already had her story, and she could have still been in this story without the switches back and forth.

I would have liked more between Lindy and her love interest. There was a little bit, but then towards the end it was all summed up and I feel like I missed out on some great characters falling in love, and their story on how they got there.

The ending...hmm...not sure about the ending. I can't say much without it being a spoiler, but even though I had no problems with the time travel, magic diamonds, scifi stuff in general I did struggle with the end for Maggie. I know that doesn't make sense, but I don't want to ruin it for anyone who has yet to read it. And read it you should, because it's a fun, quick, YA read.
 
Title: Topaz Reign
Author: Teresa Richards
Publisher: Evernight Teen
Published: September 2017
ISBN: 1773394339
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon Barnes & Noble

Blog Tour: 100 Favorite Verses From the Old Testament by Shauna Humphreys

Reviews * Giveaway

100 Favorite Verses From the Old Testament by Shauna Humphreys

Book Description:

Studying—and truly understanding—the Old Testament can feel like an insurmountable task. But in this wonderful compilation of 100 of the most beloved Old Testament verses, author Shauna Humphreys reminds readers that this sacred book of scripture is brimming with treasures of wisdom for those prepared to seek them. Presented with complementary spiritual insights, vibrant explanations, and personal applications, each verse will motivate readers to delve into these sacred and powerful teachings as never before. Whether used in personal study or incorporated into family discussions or Church lessons, this inspiring volume is sure to enlighten the mind and stir the heart.

Andrea's Review:

My attention was grabbed when I read the part of the book description for 100 Favorite Verses from the Old Testament that said "truly understanding the Old Testament". I read the Old Testament years ago as part of a seminary class, and several years after that I attempted it on my own. However, I was so put off by what I couldn't understand that I soon gave up.

When 100 Favorite Verses from the Old Testament arrived in my mailbox I was very surprised to find a 200 page book. Although I wasn't anticipating two pages per verse (I'm not sure how else you'd understand the verses without some good explanations-I just hadn't thought that part through), I was very impressed with the look of the book. It is a lovely, stitched leather (faux?) hardcover with debossed titles and silver gilded pages. It will fit very well next to your scriptures.

This isn't a one sitting kind of book. It's a study guide of sorts, or maybe something you'd use for family nights or devotionals. My goal is to read a chapter a day (so one verse and explanation per day), and it has been an enjoyable experience so far. The author gives some great insights, and there is definitely food for thought.

Rorie's Review:

First off, this book! It is so nice looking - almost elegant, really. Second, while I haven't finished the whole book yet, I am very pleased with the presentation so far. I really struggle with scripture study, especially in the Bible, because I have such a hard time understanding what a lot of the scriptures even mean. As a result, I have purchased several styles of scripture help books. Many of them I've ended up reselling or donating, because they just didn't give me the additional help that I need to gain some great scriptural insights. I think this one will be a keeper though. I really like how the author focuses on one scripture at a time and then spends two pages talking about it, linking other scriptures to it, and giving some great insights.

This is not a book that is best read in one sitting. This is something that I have added to my daily scripture time, and I read/study one verse a day, along with my other reading that I'm doing. This is a small enough book that you can take it with you and pull it out to read when you're waiting for carpool pickup, in line at a store, or at the doctor's office. I'm very happy to add this book to my collection.

Tour Schedule:

*Oct. 16^th: http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*Oct. 17^th: http://empowermoms.net/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 18^th: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 19^th: http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 20^th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

Tour Giveaway:

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Title: 100 Favorite Verses From the Old Testament
Author: Shauna Humphreys
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: October 2017
ISBN: 1524403938
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book