Sunday, December 26, 2010

HOW WILL CHRISTMAS FIND US?


From the back of the book:
Reviews Both laughter and tears will fill your soul with this heartwarming collection of a dozen true Christmas stories from favorite LDS authors, ordinary people whose lives have been touched in extraordinary ways. Discover lighthearted surprises, faith-affirming treasures, and thought-provoking insights about the greatest gift of all in this wonderful keepsake book. You'll want to share these timeless holiday tales of peace, hope, and love year after year.
Contributors include: Anita Stansfield, Betsy Brannon Green, Clair M. Poulson, Jerry Borrowman, Jennie Hansen, Julie Coulter Bellon, Connie Angeline, Jeri Gilchrist, K.C. Grant, Susan Aylworth, Michele Paige Holmes, Marlene Bateman, Kenneth M. Page.
This is a book of short stories by a variety of LDS authors. I enjoyed all of the stories about sharing Christmas. The stories inspired the Spirit of Christmas. I found myself teary eyed while reading some of the stories.
I would recommend this as a good addition to your Christmas library.
You can find this on www.deseretbook.com.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

THE ROAD SHOW by BRADEN BELL

From the back of the book:
Scott Jenson hates everything he knows about road shows: cheap costumes, silly songs, and bad acting. Being asked to create a road show is his worst nightmare come true. Can flawed but talented artist create a piece of art that testifies of Jesus Christ? And is there any way that something so trivial can have a healing effect on the lives of five troubled souls? A pornography addict, a depressed young mother, a sick older woman, a lonely outcast, and a spiritually numb elder's quorum president are about to find out. Braden Bell gives a five-star performance with The Road Show. With true-to-life characters, humorous situations, and tender realizations, this book is guaranteed to make you smile and applaud for more.

When I first saw the title of this book I was immediately taken back to the 1st road show I was in at 12 years old. It was Sweet Sue and the Banana Tree. I don't remember much about the show except that it was ever thing the back cover of the book described.
With that picture in my mind, I decided to read The Road Show by Braden Bell. This book was nothing like I expected. It was a very touching story about a group of troubled people, who come together to put on a road show.
Each person was portrayed so it was hard not to feel their pain, except maybe the Elder's Quorum president.
Reading about the performance and the mighty changes that took place in the hearts and lives of the cast made me cry.
I would recommend this book to everyone, but make sure you have a box of Kleenex handy.
The Road Show is available at http://www.deseretbook.com/ & http://www.seagullbook.com/. As always you can check your library for inter library loan.
To learn more about Braden Bell CLICK HERE.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

COLD AS ICE by STEPHANIE BLACK

FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK:
After five patient years, Abigail Wyatt’s sisterly care is finally paying off: her younger brother, Derek, is abandoning his self-destructive lifestyle and seeking his parents’ forgiveness, thus ending the painful estrangement that wounded the whole family. But just as the pieces are falling into place for the prodigal’s return, a woman named Karen Brodie is murdered in a local park — and police name Derek as the prime suspect. Rather than standing firm and cementing the positive changes in his life, Derek succumbs to his cynical fears and runs from the law, leaving Abigail with her hands tied. Literally.

Derek’s raw panic convinces everyone that he’s the killer — everyone except Abigail, who doggedly maintains her brother’s innocence. With the help of Kyle, a charismatic new friend she might be falling for, Abigail digs deep into Karen Brodie’s troubled past in hopes of clearing Derek’s name. But as she uncovers a sinister plot of greed, envy, and vengeance, this loyal sister must face the painful truth that things — and people — are not always as they seem.

This is another winner for Stephanie Black, she just keeps getting better.
I love a good mystery/suspense book, and I like it all the better when I don't figure out who did it until the author reveals it.
I would have never pegged the culprit, he seamed too good.
This was a fast moving book, the characters were well developed and I had a hard time putting it down.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves suspense and mystery.
It is available at http://www.deseretbook.com/, http://www.seagullbook.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/ .
To learn more about Stephanie Black's books CLICK HERE

Saturday, September 25, 2010

THE HUNGER GAMES by SUZANNE COLLINS

From the back of the book:
Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

I was told a few months ago, by 2 different people this was a must read, and the best book ever.
I am glad I read it, but I would have to disagree that it is the best book ever
There was a lot of action and drama, with Katniss thumbing her nose a the Capitol whenever she got the chance. It was sometimes hard to remember that Katniss was only 16.
This book was a little dark, I'm not sold on the idea of putting 24 children in an arena and forcing them to kill each other in horible ways. Nor an I sold on the idea that someone outside of the arena can control the elements, to force the children  to get closer to each other so the fight will be more exciting.
One other thing that bothered me about the book was an over use of adverbs. Some of them felt like they were just thrown in,at the end of a sentence where they really weren't needed or the thought could be competed better with a few more words. Since I listened to this book on CD I don't have any examples of specific instances, but if you read it, you will find them.
Even though this is classified as Young Adult fiction,I would hesitate to let my teens read it. I would recommend it to adult readers
The Hunger Games is available at any bookstore,and the library.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

PURSUED A Maggie Mckenzie Mystery by LYNN GARDNER

From the bck of the book:
In an attempt to discover the truth about what really happened to her two brothers who were declared dead at birth, newspaper editor Maggie McKenzie has signed on for more of an adventure than she bargained for. What begins as a much-anticipated fact-finding trip to England quickly turns into a dangerous escapade as Maggie is forced to run for her life after she inadvertently gains possession of an innocent-looking flash drive. The tiny device contains details of a terrorist plot to destroy major London landmarks. When she realizes that someone she knows is involved with the malevolent plot, it becomes time to make her solo mission a family affair-even though it seems that most of the family members she has met in England would like to see her gone. Hold on tight with sleuth Maggie McKenzie in a pulse-pounding thrill ride through the United Kingdom as she discovers that when it comes to long-lost relatives, what you see isn't always what you get.
This book was filled with adventure, danger and mystery. It was set in England. A lot of the story took place in an old castle, with secret passage ways, dungeons and turrets. Its the perfect place to set a mystery novel.
I didn't figure out who the evil person was until just before the end, there were so many people that could have the evil mastermind.
The first Maggie McKenzie Mystery was called Vanished, and while it help to know who the characters are to read it, this is a stand alone book.
I recommend this book to anyone that likes mystery and intrigue.
It is available at http://www.deseretbook.com/ & http://www.seagull.com/ and inter library loan.
This is Lynn Gardner and I at her book signing in Mesa last year.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

HOMETOWN GIRL by Michele Ashman Bell

From the back of the book:
Jocelyn Rogers's life is in a rut. Maybe she should step outside her comfort zone and move to Milford Falls, where she has inherited her grandmother's house. With the encouragement of the other Butterfly Girls, Jocelyn musters her courage and starts a new life.

However, when she arrives in the small town that holds both good and bad memories for her, she discovers the house in worse shape than she expected, and getting repairs done is anything but easy-especially when it comes to dealing with Jack Emerson, a man who seems to be agitated by Jocelyn and everyone else within a fifty-mile radius.
To make matters worse, she has begun to worry that moving back to the place where she once spent a troubled summer will expose the deep personal secret she has kept hidden for fourteen years. But Jack also has a hidden secret that has prevented him from getting close to anyone in a long time. And now it seems that interfering neighbors may prevent both Jack and Jocelyn from moving forward with their lives.
Join the Butterfly Girls in this charmingly romantic story that shows sometimes it takes a leap of faith to land on your feet.

This is the long awaited second book in the Butterfly Box series. It was worth the wait.
This book centers mostly on Jocelyn and her life. Jocelyn recieves a call from the mayor of the small Washington town where she has inherited her grandmother's home. She doesn't want to sell it and doesn't want to move to Washington.
With the help of the Butterfly Girls Jocelyn decides to quit her job in ST. George, UT and moves to Washington.
In her first week in town, she gets  speeding ticket & a parkng ticket, pipes in her bathroom break and the water causes the kitchen ceiling to collapse and her car breaks down. She decides she wants to sell the house and go home, but finds she has no job in Utah. Over the course of the week she meets a lot of good people, icluding Jack, the handsome handyman.
I found Jocelyn to be a very resiliant character. Even though she let the trials in her life get her down temporarily, she always faught back. She has the support of good friends in the Butterfly Girls. It is a friendship most of us only dream about.
I had the pleasure of meeting the author and having her sign my book while I was in Salt Lake City in August.
I would recommend this book to anyone young and old alike, but I would recommend reading A Modest Proposal, the first part of this story, so you know who the characters are and why they are important to each other.
Both Hometown Girl and A Modest Proposal are available at Deseret Book, Seagull Book or inter library loan.

Friday, August 20, 2010

EDGE OF APOCALYPSE by TIM LAHAYE & CRAIG PARSHALL















Edge of Apocalypse pulls you into an adrenaline-fueled political thriller laced with End Times prophecy. From Tim LaHaye, creator and co-author of the world-renowned Left Behind series---the most successful adult fiction series ever written---and Craig Parshall comes an epic story ripped from the headlines of world events and filtered through Scriptural prophecy. Set in the near future, Edge of Apocalypse chronicles the beginning of The End---the earth-shattering events leading up to the Apocalypse foretold in Revelation. Joshua Jordan, former U.S. spy-plane hero turned weapons designer, creates the world's most sophisticated missile defense system, a laser shield code-named Return to Sender. Even as Jordan hopes to secure America against a brazen array of new enemies, he finds himself trapped between international as well as domestic assailants. Global forces conspire to steal the defense weapon even as U.S. government leaders will do anything to stop the nation's impending economic catastrophe---including selling-out Jordan and his weapon. With help from a group of powerfully connected Christian leaders known as The Patriots, Jordan works to save the nation from economic and moral collapse---and to clear his name. As world events begin setting the stage for the 'end of days' foretold in Revelation, Jordan must consider not only the biblical prophecies preached by his wife's pastor, but the personal price he must pay if he is to save the nation he loves.
This was a scary book. Not scary, with ghosts and other critters jumping out yelling Boo, scary because it could happen.
In Tim Lahaye's previous series Left Behind, I felt he took the Book of Revelations too literally.
Edge of Apocalypse includes clearly recognizable current events, and events that we are moving toward in our country. In the book, North Korea launches a nuclear attack on NYC, which is foiled by super Patriot Joshua Jordan, who has invented a weapon that repels nuclear missiles and returns them to where they came from. A corrupt Congress & VP want to get the plans so they can sell it to our enemies.
The media has been taken over by the government. In our time all TVs had to become digital, in the not too distant future of the story, all TV becomes Internet. No one is allowed to run a story that paints the President in a bad light.
In the book anyone who speaks up for Christianity or says anything against the Muslims is immediately arrested.
The economy has finished tanking, and corrupt people are trying to get the USA to switch to using international currency.
So you don't think the whole book is a total downer, there are good things. Joshua Jordan has a group of super patriots, who work to preserve the constitution and our liberties.
Even though the story gave me some nightmares, because we are quickly heading toward some of the events described, I really enjoyed listening to it and rooting for the patriots.
If you are into political thrillers and end times fiction, you will like this story. You can find it in any bookstore, http://www.amazon.com/ or inter library loan.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

SUMMER IN PARIS by Michele Ashman Bell

Kenzie Williams feels like she has it all; wealth, friends, popularity and talent. But when her father tells her that he has declared bankruptcy, her whole world in New York City turns upside down. Her parents' solution while they sort through their financial and marital problems is to send Kenzie to live with her relatives in Paris . . . Idaho!

Feeling like she's been sentenced to three months in Hickville Prison, Kenzie arrives in Idaho feeling like a square peg, with name brand clothes, in a round, horribly podunk, hole.
Leaving everything she loves behind, Kenzie is forced to get up at the crack of dawn, do chores, and hang out with her cousin's loser friends. She feels like she's about to die until she meets Adam White, the town outcast, whose been accused of killing his best friend and is being blamed for some trouble that's been happening around town.
Not only is Adam the best-looking guy she's ever seen, but he's also the most fascinating guy she's ever met and Kenzie is determined to get to know him and find out his secret. But, the longer she stays in Paris, the more she realizes, Adam isn't the only one keeping secrets.
This was a fun book. I liked that the spoiled rich girl got sent to small town Idaho. It was good to see her have to learn to work,and do things for herself.
Kenzie grew up a lot during her stay in Paris, although she managed to gt into plenty of trouble with her cousin an his friends.
I would recommend this book to anyone from 11 or 12 to adult.
This book is available from http://valorpublishinggroup.com/ in paperback and e-book. As always check with your library for inter library loan.
To learn more about Michele Ashman Bell CLICK HERE.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

DANGEROUS CONNECTIONS by Julie Coulter Bellon

From the back of the book:
Having just finished a tour of duty in Iraq, Dr. Tyler Winthrop is ready to join his father, Craig, for a little downtime in Paris. But when Craig is kidnapped, Tyler is yanked back into the brutal realm of international terrorism, and his fate quickly becomes entwined with attractive French counterintelligence agent Isabella Floret. Risk escalates and trust dwindles as the pair uncovers ties between Tyler's father and a plot to poison American troops in the Middle East, a scheme masterminded by the diabolical rogue agent Devigny. As lines separating enemy and ally increasingly blur, Devigny's master stroke sends Tyler and Isabella on a pulse-pounding race through Paris while the security of nations hangs in the balance-and dangerous connections are the only aid to be found. "

I waited anxiously for Dangerous Connections to get to Deseret Book and it was worth the wait. I couldn't put it down and really hoped that work would be slow so I could read more.
I liked the character of Tyler, and that despite the danger he was in he never left Isabella, who seemed to need someone with some common sense to keep her alive. Even with him, they managed to find a lot of danger.
I loved that I didn't know for sure who were the good guy and who were the bad guys until the end.
If you like intrigue and adventure this is a book you will love. I would recommend it to everyone.
You can find Dangerous Connections at Deseret Book, Seagull Book, Amazon.com and as always Inter library loan.
To learn more about Julie Coulter Bellon CLICK HERE

Saturday, June 19, 2010

SECRET SISTERS By Tristi Pinkston

From the back of the book:
Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do?

With the help of her counselors Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. It's all in a day's work for the Relief Society.

This was a fun book. I loved their adventures and it made me laugh to picture them bugging a house in one breath and then baking cookies or knitting stockings in the next.
As I read I pictured a Relief Society President we had in our ward  few years ago. I could so see her in Ida Mae's place.
If you want a fun quick read, I would recommend Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston. I am looking forward to the next volume of this series.
You can find it at Deseret Book, Seagull Book and http://valorpublishinggroup.com/ , you can also check inter library loan.
To learn more out Tristi Pinkston and her other books
CLICK HERE

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

TWILGHT'S LAST GLEAMING FREEMEN & DREAMERS Volume 2 by L.C. LEWIS

From the back of the book:
While cannons roar and rockets ignite American skies, disease ravages the upper Connecticut Valley. Few notice the sufferings of the families . . . of a single child . . . a remarkable lad named Joseph. Attentions are forced elsewhere on the Chesapeake, which guards the entrance to the infant nation's threatened capital.

It is the height of the War of 1812. As the beleaguered American forces begin to rally, Britain's military is divided between battlefronts on two continents. Until Napoleon can be toppled and all of the Crown's resources can be diverted to the American campaign, Britain needs a tactical diversion. They attack the Chesapeake Bay!
Lieutenant Jed Pearson heads to war, leaving his beloved Willows estate in the care of powerless freed slaves. But soon circumstances will blur the line between adversary and friend, family and foe, British and American.
In this second volume of the epic historical series Free Men and Dreamers, witness the saga of five families caught in the tumult of the oft-forgotten war that cemented American liberty and set the stage for the great work of the Restoration.
Part 2 of the Freemen and Dreamers series was even better than part 1. It made my commute shorter, a thing for which  normally don't complain, but I always wanted just a few more minutes.
I love history so the details of what was going on in the background to fuel the war had me hooked by the 1st volume.
I found myself rooting for Jeb & Hannah, even though their relationship seemed to be cursed for most of the book.
I was also glad to see Joseph Smith's family as part of this book. It would somehow seem wrong to send Hannah and her sister into the middle of a typhoid epidemic and not include the Smiths.
I ordered Volume 3 Dawn's Early Light tonight. I'm disappointed to find that it is not on CD, but I'm looking forward to continuing the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes history and romance. Laurie Lewis' books are available at Deseret Book, Seagull Book, amazon.com and inter library loan.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

THE HOST by Stephenie Meyer

From the Back of the book:
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.

Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

I listened to The Host while commuting to and from work a few weeks ago.
I thought it would be kind of weird and wasn't sure I wanted to listen to it.
It was kind of weird, with alien souls taking over human bodies. Melanie is captured by the souls and is implanted with the soul called wanderer (later shortened to Wanda). When Melanie refuses to give her body up to Wanda it creates adventure and a dual personality love story.
The story teaches that we should accept others and not judge them to harshly.
I ended up liking this book more than I thought  would.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes romance with a touch  science fiction.
The Host is a National Market book, so you should be able to buy it at your favorite book seller.

Monday, May 17, 2010

DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE by Josi Kilpack

From the back of the book:
Your favorite culinary sleuth, Sadie Hoffmiller, is back! It's been years since bestselling author Thom Mortenson has been back to Garrison, Colorado. When his manager ends up dead on a stage at a library fundraiser, Sadie jumps in to offer her expertise to investigators. But when the police refuse to take her seriously, Sadie has no choice but to pursue justice on her own-sharing a trail of fabulous recipes along the way.
This is the third of the Sadie Hoffmiller series and they just keep getting better.
I like a good murder mystery and Josie Kilpack writes good ones. Sadie Hoffmiller,of course, manages to be right in the middle of this newest mystery. Even though the police don't want her help, she manages to uncover evidence they might not ever think to look for, and to solve another mystery.
A bonus of these books are the recipes included for the goodies Sadie manages to find time to cook, while solving the mystery.
I would recommend this book to everyone, especially those who like culinary mysteries.
You can buy it at  http://www.deseretbook.com/, http://www.seagullbook.com,www.amazon.com/  or inter library loan.
CLICK HERE to visit Josi Kilpack's blog

Sunday, May 2, 2010

DARK SKY AT DAWN by L.C. Lewis

From the back of the book:
It is a dangerous time for America. The years following the signing of the Constitution have been riddled with British aggressions aimed at breaking the will of the young government. Trade restrictions tear at its economy while British ships attack and kidnap Americans at sea, refusing to acknowledge their American citizenship.
Washington, Franklin, and Hamilton have died. Their inspired dream is now entrusted to their aged and war-weary peers and to the succeeding generations-men and women, born in liberty, who are prepared to sacrifice their lives in its defense.
But the divisive evils of greed, slavery, and class distinction cast a dark cloud over the promise "We the People," even as war talk rattles the governing halls. America declares a war to reconfirm her independence . . . a war to protect her "more perfect union": The War of 1812.
Some believe a more divine purpose awaits the Union in the wake of this war. Such seekers are Jed Pearson, the sensitive heir to both a large plantation and a mysteriously tainted family heritage, and Hannah Stansbury, the visionary woman whose family holds the key to the Pearson riddle.
Treacherous forces on both shores seek to manipulate the war's outcome for their own purposes, ensnaring Jed and Hannah in dangerous intrigue during this pivotal moment in time when the ultimate definition of liberty is about to come to light.
Dark Sky At Dawn, the stirring first volume in the epic Free Men and Dreamers series, tells of the fascinating people, events, history, and spiritual reawakening that precede the compelling moment in time before the guns blazed and the light of the Restoration dawned on a new day.
I love historial romance and I was excited when I discovered that I had bought this one for Dad on CD a year or more ago. I borrowed it to listen to on my never ending commute. I enjoyed the story so much I had  hard time seeing my drive come to an end both morning and night.
This 1st volume of the Free Men and Dreamers series, tells the story of the events leading up to the War of 1812. I found out just how little I knew about the War of 1812 while listening to this book. If I hadn't known the ultimate outcome of that war,I would have despaired for the American's chances after the Battle of Detroit.
The Character's and personalities were well developed and I couldn't help feel sympathy for Hannah, whose Mother was crazy, and Jed who was the recipient of Hannah's Mother's hate.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes Colonial History 
To read more about Laurie and her books CLICK HERE.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

THE OPERATIVE By Willard Boyd Gardner

From the back cover:
Consumed with unbearable guilt, Kam Daniels, an ex-Seattle policeman, is unable to forget the horrific accident he is certain he could have prevented. Desperate to escape his anguish, he takes a job halfway across the world and leaves everything behind: his home, his career, and his beautiful, bewildered wife-CIA agent Rhiana Daniels.

When an undercover operative is kidnapped by a fanatical Arab faction in Yemen, Kam's knowledge of the language and culture prove to be invaluable, and he is recruited to help rescue the agent. However, the mission becomes even more complicated when he learns that one of the team members is his estranged wife.
Traveling with a research group sponsored by Brigham Young University, Kam and Rhiana attempt to navigate the obstacles that distance and time have placed between them, even as they confront dangerous militants determined to prevent the agent's rescue by any means necessary.
From the lethal deserts of the Middle East to the battlefield of a troubled soul, best-selling author Willard Boyd Gardner delivers an unforgettable story of action and conspiracy, of heartbreak and betrayal, and of faith and forgiveness.
I have been borrowing a lot of Dad's audio books to listen to while commuting to and from work.
I lstened to this book a couple of weks ago and really got into the advenure and intrigue.
It is a spy story set in Yemen, a country that is in the middle of a civil war between warring tribes. Kam finds himself the target of militants, cut off from the American Embassy and eventually alone, except for a religious scholar from BYU, in the desert.
This story is everything the back cover promises and more.
I recommend  to any one that likes adenture and intrigue with a smattering of romance thrown in.
It is available on http://www.deseretbook.com/, http://www.seagullbook.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/ or inter library loan.
I was not able to find aweb site or blog for the author, but h has written several oher books.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

CHAOS by JEFF DOWNS

From the back of the book:
When he opens his door after a long day of teaching, Jason Harrington finds his apartment has been ravaged. Drug paraphernalia litters his bedroom. Then the phone rings. What he hears chills him to the core, and sends him into hiding with little more than fear and a 72-hour kit.
Framed for unspeakable crimes, Jason turns to the only person that may be able to help-an ex-girlfriend he has not seen in years. As the police net around the city tightens, and a foreign assassin draws closer, Jason realizes that the only way he can clear his name and survive is to hunt the hunter.
Author Jeff Downs delivers nonstop action wrapped in spine-tingling suspense in this story of an ordinary man thrown into a maelstrom of misunderstanding-a man whose heroic efforts are fueled by desperation, love, and faith.
This is another book on CD I borrowed from Dad. It was an exciting suspenseful story. I enjoyed listening to  the story on m drives to and from work. Just when I thought I had it figured out who the bad guys were and why they were after a mild mannered school teacher a new twist would develop.
I was also impressd by the sacrifice his ex-girl friend was willing to make to help him out.
I would recommend this book as an audio book, the reader is great and makes the story even more exciting.
Jeff Downs doesn't have a web site, but he has written other books. You should be able to find Choas at Deseret book, Seagull book, Amazon.com , or inter library loan. 

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

CROSSFIRE by TRACI HUNTER ABRAMSON

FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK:
Special Agent Vanessa Lauton is living a lie. For the past year she’s been posing as a member of the Dominican Republic’s most powerful crime family in order to infiltrate a Caribbean terrorist organization. When her CIA contact has a heart attack, he’s replaced by U.S. Navy SEAL squad member Seth Johnson—the man Vanessa nearly married six years earlier. And suddenly the heat is on, in more ways than one.
Terrorist kingpin Akil Ramir sequesters Vanessa and Seth in his Nicaraguan fortress, where they learn of an impending attack on American soil. The Saint Squad is dispatched to calm the storm, but even their heroic efforts can’t stop multiple threats from escalating. Adrenaline rises as the squad confronts enemies who will stop at nothing to sabotage national security—and Vanessa finds herself caught in the crossfire.
I haunted the Deseret Book in Glendale, AZ waiting for Crossfire to arrive and I was not disappointed. Traci has another winner in Crossfire.
Parts of Crossfire hit close to home. Talk of the border, and places in Arizona that could come under terrorist attack were a little scary. But, I still loved the twists and turn and the low key romance.
Crossfire is part of the Saint Squad books, but it is a stand alone story. I would recommend it to anyone who like suspence and spy stories.
t is availble through Deseret Book, Seagull Book, http://www.amazon.com/ and itner library loan.
To learn more about Traci Hunter Abramson and her books CLICK HERE .

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

ALTERED STATE by GREGG LUKE

From the back of the book:
Homer and Morgan Winegar believe they may have finally found happiness in the quiet college town in which they have settled. Perhaps now in their new life together with Morgan’s nine-year-old son, they can each leave a troubled past behind.

But when Morgan’s psychology students begin exhibiting bizarre behavior, the couple quickly becomes entangled in an experiment headed for catastrophe. Someone is illegally administering a mind-altering drug to unwitting students. With the potential for millions of dollars in profits on the line, the pharmaceutical designers are more than willing to set aside morals to test the limits of the subconscious and mind control.
As the growing ranks of test subjects fulfill increasingly disturbing commands, Homer and Morgan race to discover who’s pulling the strings — and how they are doing it. But as the final stages of research point to a deadly calamity, events from the past threaten to shatter the couple’s fragile trust — just as they need it most. Will they be able to overcome the forces that threaten to pull them apart and find a way to stop the impending tragedy?
I ordred this or my Dad on CD several months ago. After he listened to it he told me I might like it, so I borrowed it to listen too as I commute home from work.
I was interested at first because it was set at Utah State University. Since I attended there the setting was familiar. The story was fast moving and exciting. I got kind of lost when the scientists were talking about the chemicals they were developing. Once the trial started it was easier to understand what they had been talking about.
I was interested in how the son's asperger syndrome was handled.
This is a good  novel, I would recommend it to anyone who like suspense.
This book is available a Deseret Book, Seagull, and Amazon.com or check with your local library for inter Library loan.
To learn more about Gregg Luke and his other books CLICK HERE

Sunday, February 21, 2010

SECRET SISTERS BOOK LAUNCH CONTEST

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do?

With the help of her counselors Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. It's all in a day's work for the Relief Society.

The book will be launched on March 16th up at the Gateway Barnes and Noble, and to count down the days, we're going to have a little fun!
First of all, there's an awesome prize. The winner of my contest will receive:

A bag of lavender-scented potpourri
A white lace doily
A copy of "Secret Sisters," autographed to them
A $25.00 gift certificate to Amazon.com
And ... and ...
The chance to read the sequel before anyone else on earth, except for my editor and critique group
How amazing is that??

What do you have to do to be entered?

1. If you have a Facebook account, click here and friend Ida Mae. Value: One point
2. If you have a Blogger account, go here and follow Ida Mae. Value: One point
3. If you have a Twitter account, follow Ida Mae @IdaMaeBabbitt. Value: One point
4. Go to my website and sign up for my newsletter. Value: Two points Note: If you have trouble getting on to the newsletter page, e-mail me at tristipinkston AT gmail.com and I can add you on directly.
5. Send Ida Mae a question to be featured in her weekly "Ask Ida Mae" segment. She will answer any question from politics to religion to cooking. Reach her at idamae@tristipinkston.com Value: Two points
6. Blog, retweet, or post this contest on Facebook. Value: Two points each. Do all three - triple points.
7. Tell your friends about this awesome new series. Value: One point for each friend you tell.

Add up all your points and send them to me at tristipinkston@gmail.com You will receive one entry per point. The more things you do on the above list, the more chances you have to win! The winner will be drawn the night before the launch party, so set your sights on March 15th. If the winner happens to come to the launch party, I will bring the prize to the event, have my picture taken with you, and I'll post that picture on my blog and Facebook accounts.

Have fun!

ALMA by H.B. MOORE

From the back of the book:
King Noah is thundering with rage. The former high priest Alma has vanished from the city of Nephi, and every night more of his believers manage to escape. The king blames Amulon and threatens certain punishment unless Amulon recaptures Alma—a seemingly impossible task. But Amulon has a plan. An equally valuable prisoner is at his fingertips: Noah’s wife, Maia, whose newfound faith means bitter humiliation for the king and an opportunity for Amulon to seize power.
Amulon’s disavowed daughter Raquel has plans of her own. Despite her grief, she is determined to begin a new life in the colony Alma and his followers are building. When Lamanites plunder and burn her settlement, Raquel and her young son are forced to flee to the waters of Mormon.
Drama and danger escalate as Alma the Elder organizes the Lord’s Church and baptizes its members, bringing an outpouring of divine grace and power. But even as they rejoice, the believers have profound and perilous trials to face, from the outward threat of Amulon’s treachery to the inward threat of pride and disobedience. With poignant emotion, gripping suspense, and rich inspiration, this new epic story from H.B. Moore vividly brings the Book of Mormon to life.
The Story of Alma is one of the most exciting stories in the Book of Mormon.
Heather Moore was able to take Alma's story and retell it, making it more exciting, while not loosing the historical accuracy so often sacrificed in novels based on the scripures.
Even though I have read the story of the Wicked King Noah and Alma in Mosiah many times, I still found myself anxious to see what would happen next.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes historial fiction, both LDS and Non LDS alike will find things to like in Alma.
You can find it at Seagull Book, Deseret Book, Amazon.com, and Barnes& Noble.com, and as always you can check with your library for inter library loan.
To learn more about H.B. Moore CLICK HERE

Sunday, February 7, 2010

MURDER BY THE BOOK by Betsy Brannon Green

From theback of the book:
Small-town librarian Kennedy Killingsworth thought that Midway, Georgia, was the dullest place on earth — until a fateful day that begins with a speeding ticket and ends with a suicide. The ticket comes from Kennedy’s ex-husband, Deputy Cade Burrell, who seems desperate to find any reason to talk to Kennedy ever since his scandalous affair. And the suicide victim is Foster Scoggins, the leathery- faced resident who applied for a library card just hours before his gruesome death.

Rumors fly that Foster took his life after being jilted by a mysterious love interest. But as the investigation unfolds, murder becomes the name of the game, and anyone might be a player — including the four men who recently started competing for Kennedy’s attention. Could the killer be Cade, who’s been more interested in her since the divorce than he ever was when they were married? Drake Langston, the dazzling billionaire who needed Foster’s cooperation to land a major development deal? Drake’s construction boss, Sloan, whose powerful build makes him a perfect suspect for the crime? Or could it be Luke Scoggins— Foster’s hazel-eyed nephew, the charming ex-Marine whom Kennedy just might be falling for?
In Murder by the Book, celebrated suspense novelist Betsy Brannon Green skillfully weaves a rich tale of intrigue and romance in a Southern town that — for the time being — is anything but dull.

Betsy Brannon Green has long been one of my favorite authors. Her best known series are the Haggerty Mysteries. Murder by the Book takes place in nearby Midway, GA and includes Haggerty favorites Miss Eugenia and Mark and Kate Iverson.
This was a wonderful fast moving mystery, with a lot of suspects and a lot of twists and turns. I didn't suspect who the real killer was until it was revealed in the story.
I recommend this to anyone that loves suspense, or who is hooked on the Haggerty Mysteries.
Murder By The Book was just annouced as a 2009 Whitney Award finalist. CONGRATULTIONS BETSY!
To learn more about the Whitney Awards CLICK HERE
It is avilable at Deseret Books, Seagull Books, amazon.com or inter library Loan.
To lear more about Betsy Brannon Green and her books CLICK HERE



Me with Betsy Brannon Green at Seagull Book in Mesa, AZ

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Announcing DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE by Josi Kilpack

Devil's Food Cake the, much anticipated, 3rd book in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. is now in the stores.
From the Deseret Book Website:
It’s been years since author Thom Mortenson has been back to Garrison, Colorado. As part of the committee who invited the bestselling writer to speak at the library fundraising benefit, Sadie Hoffmiller wants everything to be perfect—right down to the homemade devil’s food cake she baked herself. Certainly, murder was not on the menu.
When Thom’s manager ends up dead on stage, Sadie jumps in to offer her guidance and expertise to investigators. But when the police refuse to take her seriously, Sadie has no choice but to pursue justice on her own. After all, is Sadie to blame if she keeps stumbling over information? Can Sadie turn her back when people intricately woven into the deception keep crossing her path? With her son, Shawn, at her side, her reputation on the line, and a full cast of suspicious characters, Sadie Hoffmiller is once again cooking her way through a case that offers far more questions than answers.
Paperback: 5½"x8", 320 pages

Thursday, January 21, 2010

MISSING: an LDS Mystery Novel by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen


From te back of the book:
A BYU-Idaho choir tour in British Columbia turns out to be anything but ordinary when soloist Stacie Cox spots a kidnapped child from Rexburg during a performance. Before Stacie can alert the authorities, the little girl disappears. Stacie vows to find and rescue her, a choice that forces her to deal with her guilt-ridden past and another little girl that haunts her dreams. When the handsome Matt Brennan helps Stacie in her search, she tries to resist the attraction she feels for him. Yet as he gains her friendship and trust, her resolve to never fall in love begins to crumble. And after a series of harrowing events, Stacie must decide if she is willing to sacrifice her life — and a possible future with Matt — to save a stranger.
I was at Deseret Book right after Christmas and saw this book on the shelf. I picked it up and put it down a couple of times. I always hesitate when buying a book by an unknown (to me) author. I finally decided to go ahead an take a chance and I was not disappointed.
This is a fast moving mystery with a lot of twists and turns. I had a hard time figuring out who were the good guys an who were the bad guys right to the last page.
The character of Grace aggravated me, because she couldn't forgive, and compromised the safety of the missing child, because of her anger. I cheered every time the parents stood up to her. And YAY for Stacie for never giving up on the little girl.
If you like mystery and suspense I would recommend cheking out this book.
It is available at Deseret Book and Amazon.com, or check with your library about inter library loan.
Learn more about Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen CLICK HERE

Thursday, January 14, 2010

MAJOR TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH

Introducing the new Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge device, trade named BOOK
BOOK is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It's
so easy to use, even a child can operate it.
Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere
-- even sitting in an armchair by the fire -- yet it is powerful
enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc.
Here's how it works:

BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable),
each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence. Opaque Paper Technology (OPT)
allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now, BOOKS with more
information simply use more pages.

Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. BOOK may be taken up at any time and used merely by opening it.

BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, though like other display devices it can become unusable if dropped overboard. The "browse" feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet, and move forward or backward as you wish.
Many come with an "index" feature, which pin-points the exact location of any selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional "BOOKmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session -- even if the BOOK has been
closed. BOOKmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single BOOKmark can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers.
Conversely, numerous BOOK markers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in the BOOK.


You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries with an optional programming tool, the Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus (PENCILS).

Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed as a
precursor of a new entertainment wave. Also, BOOK's appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform and investors are
reportedly flocking. Look for a flood of new titles soon.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

SANTA MAYBE by AUBREY MACE


With a successful bakery to run, super cute nieces and nephews to spoil, and plenty of good friends to keep her company, Abbie s not about to start crying over the fact that she s doesn't have a boyfriend to spend Christmas with. But when her sister convinces her to write a note to Santa, Abbie has no idea that a little Christmas magic is about to land her the man of her dreams. Or rather, that man is about to land smack dab on the floor in front of her Christmas tree with no memory of how he got there.Now Abbie and Ben have to figure out where he came from, who he really is, and if he's actually available. Aubrey Mace, the award-winning author of Spare Change, has done it again! This light-hearted holiday romance is sure to please even the most cynical scrooge. Told with humor, sweetness, and Aubrey's signature wit, this is one Christmas story that will keep you smiling all year round.
If I had known finding Mr. Right was as easy as writing a letter to Santa, I would have done it years ago.
This was a cute Christmas story. I enjoyed reading it nd thinking about what I would do if I woke up and found a man under my Christmas Tree. It was a fun way to remember about the magic of Christmas and that dreams can come true.
Even though this is a Christmas story it would be appropriate to read anytime.
I would recommend it to all the kids at heart & the Scrooges out there, and everyone in between.
No doubt, we will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own. But such literary greatness will be achieved only by great souls. Our religion is capable of cultivating those great souls; and it shall.

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