CHRISTMAS JARS REUNION by JASON WRIGHT

About the book:

The New York Times bestseller Christmas Jars has sold nearly 500,000 copies. Thousands of people across the country have emailed the author at ChristmasJars.com about how the Christmas Jars tradition has touched their lives— either by receiving a jar or by giving one.
Hope Jensen’s story continues in Christmas Jars Reunion. It’s been two years since Hope was reunited with her biological mother on Christmas Eve at Chuck’s Chicken ’n’ Biscuits. Hope has never felt more complete. She’s writing full-time for a family magazine and, with the help of her mother, Marianne, leading the Christmas Jars Ministry out of Chuck’s quirky restaurant. To top it off, she’s dating a marketing executive in a comfortable long-distance relationship. Her life is right where she wants it to be — a state of organized chaos — as another Christmas rolls around.
Then her world changes forever over Thanksgiving weekend.
The Maxwells hire a nephew to take over the family furniture restoration business. Someone that Hope can’t stop thinking about. Then an out-of-town stranger shows up at the diner asking to help in the ministry — a stranger whose motives are yet unclear.
Before the sun sets on Christmas Day, two men will try to change Hope’s life forever. In the process, Hope will be reminded of the immense power of a single jar, and the healing that sometimes comes only with forgiveness.
I originally read the book Christmas Jars a few years ago with a book club. That year I tried to do a Christmas Jar of my own. I ended up using the money for school supplies for a child in need and never made it to Christmas.
Christmas Jars Reunion is a continuation of the original story.  It starts out at the funeral of Chuck, owner of Chuck's Chicken and Biscuits. Chuck's is the headquarters of The Christmas Jars Mission. Hope, who was found abandoned as an infant at Chuck's wants to collect and distribute 1000 jars by Christmas Eve.
Christmas Jars Reunion is an inspirational story. There is some suspense, wondering if the mysterious stranger is a good guy or a con artist, will Hope fall for the Maxwell's nephew, will they meet the goal of 1000 jars?
A few places in this story brought tears, and there were parts that brought smiles. It also gave me a desire to fill a Christmas Jar for next Christmas.
I would recommend this book to anyone. You can find it at www.deseretbook.com and www.amazon.com.  It is available in hard covered, paper back and Kindle.
To learn more about Jason Wright CLICK HERE.

REARVIEW MIRROR BY STEPHANIE BLACK

from the back of the book:

Fiona Claridge, a smart and stylish New England college professor, strives to pull herself together after a car crash kills her roommate, Mia Hardy. Yet Fiona’s guilt and grief come flooding back after opening a gift-wrapped box left outside her office that contains car keys and a malicious note.
Shaken, Fiona travels to her hometown to attend a funeral but is followed by vivid nightmares as well as her unknown enemy, who leaves another sinister gift on her doorstep. She assumes the stalker is Kimberly Bailey, a disgruntled former student, and enlists the help of fellow professor James Hampton. But when Fiona encounters an old flame at the funeral, it’s clear her student isn’t the only one with an eye for revenge. Soon, through the maneuverings of her unknown enemy, Fiona faces criminal charges as well as continuing threats. As past and present become horribly entangled, Fiona unravels the truth about a determined killer — and finds herself on the wrong end of a knife.
Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black's new thriller and it's her best book yet. It is full of suspense, emotion and numerous twists and turns in the plot. I read it while I was working, which was my mistake, because I didn't want to put it down and answer the phone.
I had the mystery of who the stalker was solved at least a half dozen times and I was surprised at who it really was.
I would recommend Rearview Mirror to anyone who likes a good mystery/suspense, or who just needs to get their heart started.
You can find Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black at www.deseretbook.com, www.seagullbook.com, www.amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle. As always you can check inter library.CLICK HERE to visit Stephanie Black's website.

This book was provided by the author, but that didn't influence my opinion in any way.

HANG 'EM HIGH by TRISTI PINKSTON

FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK:                                                      When Ida Mae Babbitt receives an invitation to visit her son Keith's dude ranch in Montana, she's excited to mend their broken relationship, but not so excited about spending time with cows. Arlette and Tansy go along with her, ready to take a vacation that does not involve dead bodies or mysteries of any sort - one must have a break from time to time. But it seems a no-good scoundrel has moseyed into Dodge City and is bent on causing all sorts of trouble for the ranch. Unable to keep her curiosity in check - especially when it seems her own son is the most likely culprit - Ida Mae decides to investigate. Can she lasso the varmint and get him to the sheriff in time? 

Hang 'Em High by Tristi Pinkston is is the third book in the Secret Sister's Mysteries, and possibly the best one yet.

The Secret Sisters mysteries are light and humorous. I laughed all the way through the book.

In Hang 'Em High Ida Mae, Tansy and Arlette go to a dude ranch in Montana, during the winter, to visit Ida Mae's son.

Ida Mae is looking forward to a nice quiet visit with her son, whom she hasn't seen in many years. But as always where ever Ida Mae and the girls go a mystery follows. The imagery  in this book still has me giggling when I think about it.

I recommend this book for anyone, especially if you like mystery and like to laugh.

You can find Hang 'em High by Tristi Pinkston at www.amazon.com and www.deseretbook.com. You can also check with your local library for inter library loan.

To learn more about Tristi Pinkston

CLICK HERE,

BLESS YOUR HEART by TRISTI PINKSTON

About the book:
Bless Your Heart: Low-sodium Recipes for a Heart-healthy Lifestyle (Volume 1)
Tired of bland, boring low-sodium recipes? Tristi Pinkston brings some spice back into the kitchen with this huge collection of recipes designed to show your heart, and your taste buds, some love.
My past experience with low sodium food has been that pencil erasers and cardboard taste as good as anything I have tried.
In Bless Your Heart Tristi Pinkston answers concerns, about cost, time and flavor. She has even included a list of some lower sodium fast food choices.
 Muffins, Chicken with Creamy Chive Sauce, Taco Seasoning, Pizza, Brownies, salad dressings and much more all with less than 400 mgs of sodium.
My only complaint about this book is there are no pictures. I would have liked to see some of the yummy foods included in Bless Your Heart.
I would recommend this book to everyone. It is never too early to start cooking using healthy recipes.
Bless Your Heart is available at www.amazon.com. It is a great gift idea and Amazon is selling it on their buy 3 get 1 free deal.

EMERINE'S NIGHTMARE by ANNA DEL C. DYE

ABOUT THE BOOK:

What would you do if one night, life as you know it changes and you are left alone in despair? That is how Emerine’s nightmare starts and now all he does is run.

His family lived at the edge of the forest until dark shadows killed them all. Now they want him, and so does a magic tree. He has never seen dark shadows or enchanted trees before. Emerine has to get to the heart of Red Forest, to the fairy people. Only then he will be safe. Safe? He has never heard of fairies before and once he gets there what?

Emerine's Nightmare b Anna Del C. Dye is a fantasy for 4th-8th grade readers. Even though it is for middle grade readers, I really liked the story and the message it delivers.
Emerine is a 12 year old boy, who has seen both parents killed by dark shadows. He knows the dark shadows want him, but he has never heard of dark shadows. He has also never heard of enchanted trees, fairies and magic.

This is a story of good vs evil with Emerine and his untapped reserve of magic as the ultimate prize.

I would recommend this for middle grade readers and their parents.

Emerine's Nightmare by Anna Del C. Dye is available in Ebook form from www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.

To learn more about Anna Del C Dye and her other books

  CLICK HERE.

 I received a copy of Emerine's Nightmare from the author, but it didn't influence my review.

NO ANGEL by THERESA SNEED

From the back of the book:
An angel with an attitude. Jonathan Stewart is not at all happy about having to return to earth as a guardian angel, but it's required of all post-mortal spirits to fulfill at least one angel guardianship. Fortunately, on the Guardians Unlimited application, he had the good sense to request a client with early-marked-death status, so he believes that while his stay on earth will be most unpleasant, at least it will be short. What he doesn't know is that a spirit with EMD status can choose his or her time of death! Jonathan's client, Celeste Knight, has a mind of her own and refuses death at every turn, leaving him stuck as her guardian angel - in a place he only wanted to forget. 
 No Angel by Theresa Sneed is a fun fast read. I had a hard time putting it down. 
Jonathan Stewart is assigned to be a guardian angel for a baby girl, marked for early death. He reluctantly accepts the assignment, thinking it will be short term. Jonathan is surly, arrogant and certainly reluctant to learn from the other guardian angels also assigned to the family. As time goes on and Jonathan's back story starts to be revealed, I started having warm fuzzy feelings towards him. 
A trip to the underworld, and being separated from the child he is guardian for, teaches him a lot about trusting in God,  praying, love and duty.
I liked the idea that we all have guardian angels assigned to us throughout our lives, to help and encourage us.
I would recommend this book to everyone, LDS and Non LDS alike. 
No Angel by Theresa Sneed is available at www.deseretbook.com and www.amazon.com and as always you can check out inter library loan.
 CLICK HERE to learn more about Theresa Sneed and No Angel.

IDENTITY by Betsy Love

FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK:
A tropical vacation turns into a deadly puzzle where happily-ever-after and the family fortune hang on who solves it first. Betsy Love’s first novel will keep you guessing until the last page is turned.

While vacationing in Mexico, two similar-looking young women find themselves caught in a chain reaction of mistaken identities. Amelia is a wealthy heiress and business owner, and Savannah is a sweet Mormon girl deciding whether or not to serve a mission. When they end up on the same flight to Phoenix, Savannah and Amelia unravel the sequence of events that wreaked havoc on their trips, and they make plans to resolve the subsequent misunderstandings. But their flight is cut short when the plane crashes, killing one of the young women and plunging the other into a world of intrigue and deceit where identity means everything.
Identity is Betsy Love's 1st published novel. It is  fast moving, full of adventure and suspense. The characters and the plot are well developed and there are enough twists to keep the reader wondering which girl really survived the plane crash, and just who the too good to be true boy friend really is.
I loved this story, I didn't want to put it down. The Kindle version does have some serious formatting issues, but the story made it worth ignoring them.
I recommend Identity to anyone that likes suspense.
Identity is available at www.amazon.com, in paper and Kindle, www.barnesandnoble.com for Nook and www.deseretbook.com, or as always you can check your local library for inter library loan,
To learn more about Betsy

CLICK HERE.

BOOK GIVEAWAY

Cami Checketts is having a giveaway
CLICK HERE  to enter.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Book Giveaway - Bloodborne by Gregg Luke

I'm so excited to do a giveaway of Bloodborne by Gregg Luke. I loved this book. Read my review here.

Please leave a comment below to enter (must be a follower of this blog).
For extra entries:
2 entries for sharing the contest on Twitter or Facebook
4 entries for sharing the contest on your personal blog or adding the contest to your sidebar.

Contest ends Septmeber 12, 2011
Open to residents of U.S. and Canada
Please leave an e-mail address with your comment.

RIBBON OF DARKNESS by JULIE COULTER BELLON

A split-second decision could change the world’s darkest hour to one of triumph--but who is willing to pay the price? Kennedy Campbell has been running away for a long time--using her position as an international journalist to escape the ghosts of her family's past. She finds some solace working in an Afghan refugee camp, until the Taliban attacks them and Kennedy is forced to flee. She is pulled into a terrorist's realm of darkness as she fights to save those around her, but will it come at the expense of her own life? Ethan Barak leads a double life, helping MI-6 bring down arms dealers all over the world until his father is murdered by an old associate. Ethan makes his next mission a personal vendetta by tracking down the killer to Indonesia. While there, he finds himself in a position to either avenge his father or stop a terrorist attack on the Malacca Strait that will jeopardize innocent lives across the world. Can he look past his father's murder to save others? The line between justice and mercy is blurred with each passing second, and international intrigue becomes intensely personal as the age-old struggle for redemption is brought close to home.

Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon is a fast moving international thriller involving terrorists, pirates, bombs and a promise of romance. 

The action never stops, jumping from one crisis to the next smoothly. I loved that Kennedy was a strong independent woman, and didn't cower in a corner waiting for Ethan to protect her.

Once I started reading I didn't want to put Ribbon of Darkness down. 

There were some editing errors in the beginning that were a little distracting, but the story and the action helped overcome those.

I would recommend this to anyone, LDS and Non LDS who like adventure  and action.

Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon is available for Kindle and Nook or on www.amazon.com in book form. Or check out inter library loan.

Visit Julie's Blog HERE or

 learn more about Julie and her other books  HERE .

I received a review copy of Ribbon of Darkness from Julie Coulter Bellon, but my opinion was not influenced in any way by that.

SUMMER GIVEAWAY HOP

Welcome to the Summer Giveaway Hop!
300 Blogs are each signed up to host a giveaway which will run from August 1st to 7th.

If you should be on the linky and are not, need something changed or have any questions or comments just email me. As you are entering giveaways if you come across a site that does not have a giveaway posted let me know so I can remove them from the linky.

Inspired Kathy - toobusyreading at gmail dot com 

CLICK HERE to see the list of blogs participating.

CHASE MCKAY DIDN'T GET UP TODAY by CINDY R WILLIAMS

“Chase McKay would not get up,

so Mama made his bed.

She straightened the covers and pulled them,
right over his head.

Chase McKay cannot play,

He didn't get out of bed today.”

 Chase McKay Didn't Get Up Today by Cindy R Williams is a delightful children's book, about a little boy who decides he doesn't want to get up one day. No matter what his Mother does, he pretends to stay asleep.
It is a very simple rhyming story, but it teaches many important lessons. 
Some of the lessons taught by this story are:
-We have choices.
-Our choices have consequences.
-Work before play.
-It is important to take care our pets

The pictures in CHASE MCKAY Didn't Get Up Today are just adorable.

The words are large and easy to read.

And the lettering is in a font that is used in the schools, so young readers will have an easier time reading it.
I would recommend this book for all young children, children up to second or third grade will enjoy reading it to themselves, and the little ones will like the big pictures and the rhyming.
Chase McKay Didn't Get Up Today by Cindy R Williams is available at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and from the author at www.cindyrwilliams.com
To learn more about Cindy R Williams CLICK HERE.

Cindy Williams

THE PERFECT FIT by MICHELE ASHMAN BELL

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Butterfly Girls can’t wait to begin their fourteenth annual weekend reunion, a time to renew their bonds of friendship and honor the memory of their high school friend Ava. But a dark cloud of fear soon forms in their shared hotel room when they learn that one of their former classmates has been brutally murdered. And when new evidence suggests Ava was murdered as well, the friends realize one of them might be next.

Andi is glad to be taking the Butterfly Box with her to Hawaii, where she plans to spend a few weeks participating in a reality dating show. To her surprise, the eligible bachelor, Michael Makura, soon singles her out for attention, provoking jealous acts of sabotage from the other contestants. Soon a series of unusual events disrupts the pair’s fledgling romance, and Andi starts over in New York where she begins dating a great guy and accepts a job offer from a generous, eccentric man. But when Michael unexpectedly shows up, all is not well in the Big Apple. And soon Andi comes face- to- face with the man who killed her friend—and he aims to kill her as well. 
This is the last installment of Michele Ashman Bell's Butterfly Box series. This one was, in my opinion, the best of the 3. 
This book focuses on Andi, who is a fitness guru and the last single member of the Butterfly Girls.
She decides to go on a reality program, "Looking For Mrs Right". She doesn't expect to win, but her agent says it will be great publicity for her new cookbook.
When she  develops a relationship with Michael the handsome playboy, mysterious things start to happen, both to Andi on the show and to her friends.
There were a lot of loose ends in the story, like would Andi choose Michael or Cooper, who killed Ava and were the deaths of other high school friends related? Was the same person trying to kill the Butterfly Girls, or were they just having incredibly bad luck?
I didn't get all of the answers until the very end, which made The Perfect Fit just that much better.
I would recommend this book to  anyone who has read the previous 2 Butterfly Box books, and anyone who likes a good mystery/romance.
You can find The Perfect Fit by Michele Ashman Bell at www.deseretbook.com, www.seagullbook.com, www.amazon.com, or you can ask your library about borrowing it on inter library loan. It is available in paper, audio and Kindle form.  
To learn more about Michele Ashman Bell
CLICK HERE .

THE PRINCESS SISTERS by STACY LYNN CARROLL

 FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK:
What happens when you mix five modern teenagers with five fairytale princesses? Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, and Snow White Princess are cousins (and best friends) stuck with names they're not too fond of...and now together they must face the challenge of getting ready for high school--a world where fitting in is definitely a must. But how will they ever fit in when they're destined to stand out? Or, perhaps more importantly, how will their friendship ever survive when the five Princesses all set their minds on one Prince?

The Princess Sisters is Stacy Lynn Carroll's first published novel. It is a fun story about 4 sister's by the last name of Princess who are all about to become single mothers. On the night of their Mother's funeral they decide to name their babies after the Disney Princesses.

The girls are best friends, they are of course different in personality, and competitive, especially when a cute older boy moves in across the street.

Each girl has a phobia based on her princess character name that they have to deal with, like being a teen, and entering High School isn't hard enough.

The girls learned through hard experience how to tell a frog from a toad, and they learned how to help each other try and conquer their fears, in an effort to best their tormentors.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Princess Sisters. Stacy did a good job helping the reader feel the emotion and humor of the story.

 This book is geared to preteens (My 7 year old Niece already wants to read it) and teens, but adults will enjoy it too.
To learn more about Stacy CLICK HERE 

You can purchase it at www.amazon.com, www.eckobooks.com, and www.barnesandnoble.com.

As always, you can check with your library for inter library loan. 

I received a review copy of The Princess Sisters from Stacy Lynn Carroll.

I 

AMMON by H.B. MOORE

FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK:

With the fire of new found testimony, Ammon and his brethren leave Zarahemla to preach the gospel in Lamanite lands, carrying nothing but hunting weapons and the promises of God. Spotted by an enemy scout, they part ways in the dense jungle with hopes of reuniting at the close of their harvest. Ammon follows the Spirit to the borders of Ishmael, where he’s ambushed just seconds after spotting Elena, a fair-skinned woman who captures his interest.

As Ammon gains renown in the kingdom, he defends Elena from the advances of Gad, the loathsome widower she’ll soon be required to marry. Then swearing allegiance to the Lamanite king and trusting in the Lord, Ammon further proves his strength and devotion by sparing King Lamoni’s flocks from plunderers. The amazed king and his court are converted to the gospel through Ammon’s powerful teachings and the miraculous events that follow, but each action Ammon takes causes more and more disruption throughout the kingdom. And when Elena is abducted by her own brother and hidden away in an unspeakable place, Ammon faces his greatest struggle yet: not just the outward challenge of lethal combat but also the inward challenge of loving one’s enemy.
We have all read the story about Ammon cutting off the arms of the rebels that were trying to scatter the king's sheep.
We have also all read the story about Ammon renouncing the crown and leaving Zarahemla to become a missionary among the Lamanites, and of the conversion of King Lamoni and his wife.
What we usually don't think about is that Ammon was also a young Single Adult, interested in girls, and in someday starting a family, fighting, hanging with friends, holding down a job,etc.
 Heather Moore's new book Ammon  was released today. Ammon, is a Book of Mormon story, an action/ adventure story and a romance. Who could ask for more than that?
I like the way Heather stayed true to the Book of Mormon character, while developing Ammon and the other characters, into "real people", without loosing any of the historical accuracy. I hoped and cheered for a relationship to develop between Alma and Elena- the young Nephite girl who had grown up among the Lamanites.
After Alma and Alma the Younger I didn't think it would be possible for Heather Moore to get better, but Ammon is even better than they were. I had a hard time putting it down to do necessary things , like eating and sleeping, until I finished.
I recommend this to anyone that likes action/adventure/romance. I think people both LDS and Non LDS alike will enjoy Ammon by H.B. Moore.
You will be able to purchase it at http://www.deseretbook.com/, http://www.seagullbook.com/ , or you can check with your library to see if it is available on inter library loan.
To learn more about Heather Moore and her other books check out her Blog HERE  and her website HERE.
I recieved a review copy of this book from Heather Moore.

KEY LIME PIE by JOSI KILPACK

About the book:
When Sadie's friend Eric receives word that his missing daughter's body may have been found in Florida, he immediately packs his bags. And Sadie soon finds herself in the heart of Miami, trying to piece together a trail that could give Eric the answers he's looking for. Along the way, Sadie finds herself in the company of colorful characters and some good ol' Southern cooking!
Key Lime Pie is the 4th of the Sadie Hoffmiller mysteries, and Josi Kilpack just keeps getting better.
I like light mysteries and this fit the bill. Sadie has almost finished the community service she was sentenced to for her last adventure helping the police, and she just can't resist stepping into another one.
This time the Florida Police get the benefit of her insight and "help". She manages to get into places the police might never have thought of, and of course, into all kinds of trouble.
The recipes included are always fun and intriguing. I am looking forward to trying The Kickin Craisin Cookie recipe one day soon.
You can find Key Lime Pie at http://www.deseretbook.com/, http://www.seagullbook.com/, and http://www.amazon.com/, in paperback and Kindle. You can as always check out inter library loan.
To visit Josi Kilpack's web site CLICK HERE

GIFTED By KAREY WHITE

About the Book:
Susan and Brent Weller have been married for several years and have been unable to have children. They adopt Anna, a beautiful baby girl orphaned in a terrible car accident. As Anna grows, Susan and Brent discover that she's blessed with unusual gifts that both bless and complicate their lives.

When Anna starts school, she meets Kelsey, a scared, poor and terribly neglected little girl who finds love and acceptance from Anna and her parents. As the years pass, Susan and Brent do their best to provide Anna with a normal, happy childhood, even as they feel a responsibility to protect her from having her special gifts exploited. But with maturity comes independence and Anna begins to make choices that threaten to shatter Susan and Brent's happy and comfortable life. Will Susan and Brent be able to protect their daughter or will her choices change all their lives forever?
I loved Gifted by Karey White. It was a wonderful story about family and friendship.
Anna totally stole my heart and even though in the beginning I thought the gifts Susan thought she saw were just the imagination of a doting Mother, it soon became clear that Anna did have something special about her.
I loved that she could accept Kelsey and love her so easily.
I felt for Susan and Brent in their dilemma about how to raise Anna as a happy normal child. Their generosity in giving  love and needed physical items to make her life better was an inspiration.
I would recommend this to anyone, adult or teen, but have a box of Kleenex handy, you will need it.
To learn more about Karey White CLICK HERE
You can find Gifted by Karey White at http://www.deseretbook.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/ in paperback and Kindle form. You can also check out inter library loan.

HEARTS THROUGH TIME by MARIE HIGGINS

About the book:
A love story that transcends time . . .

When a woman claiming to be a ghost from 1912 appears in Nick Marshal's office and begs for help in solving her murder, he thinks he has lost his mind. A scandal that rocked Hollywood almost destroyed his law practice, so he doesn¹t need any more fireworks as he rebuilds his life. Still, he is intrigued by Abigail Carlisle's plea, and he needs clients, even if this one insists she's dead. The more secrets Nick uncovers, the deeper he falls for the beautiful ghost.
Abigail believes Nick is her heart's true desire, but how can happily-ever-after happen when she's already dead? The more time she spends with him, the more real she becomes, until Nick can finally touch her.
In a strange turn of events, Nick is suddenly whisked back to 1912, two weeks before Abby's murder, but she doesn't remember him. When he attempts to win her over so he can save her from a tragic destiny, Abby thinks Nick is courting her for her inheritance. But even if he can rescue her and make her trust him again, how can they be together forever?
I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard this book described as Paranormal Romance. Marie Higgins did a wonderful job  with Hearts Through Time.
I love romance and I love mystery and  in Hearts Through Time Marie Higgins successfully combines both.
I hoped Nick and Abby would find a way to stay together, even though they came from different times.
Once I started reading I had a hard time putting the book down to do anything else, I was blessed with a really slow day at work, so I was able to read.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes romantic mysteries.
To learn more about Marie Higgins and her books CLICK HERE.
You can purchase Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins at www.deseretbook.com and http://www.amazon.com/ (Both paper and Kindle). Or as always check for inter library loan. 
A copy was sent to me from Walnut Springs Press, LLC for review.

DEARLY DEPARTED by TRISTI PINKSTON

About the Book:
Ida Mae Babbit has done her community service and is a reformed woman - no more law-breaking for her. But when Arlette's granddaughter Eden discovers a mystery in a fancy nursing home, Ida Mae - with the perfect excuse of a broken wrist and a broken ankle - checks herself into the place. After all, it is for the greater good. Soon she's buzzing around in her motorized wheelchair, questioning the residents and swiping files from the office. She's bound and determined to get to the bottom of this case. But can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?
Dearly Departed   by Tristi Pinkston is another hit in my opinion. It is as good if not better than Secret Sisters.
Ida Mae attracts trouble and that makes the story fun and exciting.
After Ida Mae breaks her ankle, her friends come to help take care of her. I loved when Arlette tried to teach her to crochet. As an avid crocheter, I just giggled at the attempt.
No surprise Ida Mae isn't good at just sitting and crocheting.
Also no surprise when Eden asks her to go undercover in a fancy Nursing Home to investigate the death of a patient, she jumps at the chance.
I really enjoyed all the action in the Home and that she was able to get other residents involved. I was amazed by the food they were served at their meals. I ate several meals with my Dad when he was in a Rehab/Nursing Home, and while they weren't bad, I am wondering where my gourmet meals were.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes fun, light mystery. You can find it at www.deseretbook.com and http://www.amazon.com/ or inter library loan.
To learn more about Tristi CLICK HERE.

ALMA THE YOUNGER by H.B. MOORE

From the Back of the Book:

As night falls, a scarlet-robed man emerges from the temple and a hush falls over the waiting crowd. Studying the hooded figure with enmity, Alma recognizes that this is the man who incites rebellion among the people of Zarahemla. This is the man who dares preach from the very place where King Benjamin uttered his final blessings upon the people of the church. Defiling the tower with his very presence, the man who embodies evil raises a hand to silence the drums, then calls to his followers through the eerie quiet. And that’s when Alma realizes the terrible truth: this man is his son.

Alma the Younger, son of the aging high priest, once was taught by the wisdom of prophets. Now the young man is a thief — ensnared by the wiles of strong drink and harlots; a bitter dissenter determined to overthrow the church, to lead the people into new “freedoms.“ He has gathered a strong army to create a revolution, which only begins with the desecration of the temple and will escalate to calamity once he captures King Mosiah’s daughter. But en route to his malicious mission with his royal henchmen, Alma is halted by an unexpected opponent: an angel of the Lord, a messenger of the very God he has sought to defame. And what unfolds is a story of miraculous redemption, a story building on the poignant Book of Mormon account to show how even the vilest of sinners can be transformed by the Savior’s amazing grace.
Heather Moore was able to take Alma the Younger's story and retell it, making it more exciting, while not loosing the historical accuracy so often sacrificed in novels based on the scriptures.
The story of Alma the Younger is one of rebellion, love and forgiveness. Even knowing the story, I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to see the next thing Alma the Younger and his followers would do.
I would recommend this to anyone that likes historical novels, LDS and Non LDS Alike will find something to like in this book.
To learn more about Heather Moore CLICK HERE.
You can find Alma the Younger at http://www.deseretbook,com/, http://www.seagullbook.com/, http://www.amazon.com/ and as always inter library loan.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, AN AMERICAN LIFE by WALTER ISAACSON

About the book:
Benjamin Franklin, writer, journalist and biographer Walter Isaacson, was that rare Founding Father who would sooner wink at a passer-by than sit still for a formal portrait. What's more, Isaacson relates in this fluent and entertaining biography, the revolutionary leader represents a political tradition that has been all but forgotten today, one that prizes pragmatism over moralism, religious tolerance over fundamentalist rigidity, and social mobility over class privilege. That broadly democratic sensibility allowed Franklin his contradictions, as Isaacson shows. Though a man of lofty principles, Franklin wasn't shy of using sex to sell the newspapers he edited and published; though far from frivolous, he liked his toys and his mortal pleasures; and though he sometimes gave off a simpleton image, he was a shrewd and even crafty politician. Isaacson doesn't shy from enumerating Franklin’s occasional peccadilloes and shortcomings, in keeping with the iconoclastic nature of our time--none of which, however, stops him from considering Benjamin Franklin "the most accomplished American of his age," and one of the most admirable of any era. And here’s one bit of proof: as a young man, Ben Franklin regularly went without food in order to buy books. His example, as always, is a good one--and this is just the book to buy with the proceeds from the grocery budget. --Gregory McNamee -
I have heard about Benjamin Franklin all my life, the standard stories, like him flying a kite with a key on the end to capture electricity and being an ambassador to France in his older years.
This book went into detail about Benjamin Franklin's life. He loved to read, he was a creative businessman, definitely competitive. He would do anything to get ahead.
One thing that bothered me about his life was that, even though he provided well for his family, built them a big house and gave them everything they needed to live well, he was seldom home. He would sometimes go years between stops at home. And he would frequently find very young lady friends where ever he was.
Despite that, Benjamin Franklin was an amazing businessman, statesman, and early Patriot.
I would recommend that everyone read this and learn more about Benjamin Franklin.
It is available on Amazon.com, or check your local library.

SMOKESCREEN BY TRACI HUNTER ABRAMSON

From the back of the book:

Taylor Palmetta has spent the past year in Europe building her art career and hiding from Navy SEAL Quinn Lambert, the man who broke her heart. But Taylor can’t seem to hide from trouble. When Taylor seeks safety with her family in Virginia Beach, a series of threats puts her on high alert— and puts Quinn into protective mode.

Despite the private loss that continues to haunt him, Quinn can’t deny his renewed attraction to Taylor. But just as the romance heats up, a plot against the very foundation of the American way of life surfaces, and Taylor’s paintings may hold the key. The Saint Squad is back in action as the team frantically tries to protect their nation’s security—and Taylor and Quinn search for courage to unlock the troubled past.
This is the latest installment in the Saint Squad series and Traci Hunter Abramson, has another winner in Smokescreen.
This is Quinn's story. He is the last single member of the Squad. Quinn has a secret that has kept him from forming a lasting relationship. I was glad that his secret wasn't revealed too early in the book.
As always Traci has included a lot of twists in the story, so the true bad guys aren't obvious until the very end. I had a hard time putting it down until I was finished.
You can learn more about Traci and her books by visiting her website HERE  or her blog HERE.
Smokescreen can be purchased at www.deseretbook.com, www.seagullbook.com, http://www.amazon.com/ both in paper and Kindle, or as always you can try inter library loan.

LUCKY CHANGE by SUSAN LAW CORPANY

About the book:

After a fluke lottery win, Karen Donaldson - the ward charity case - is determined to use her millions to pay back all the kindness she's received. But the future holds a few more surprises for Karen, her neighbors, and someone she thought was gone forever. Sweet, funny, and full of heart, this off-beat comedy is perfect for anyone who's ever dreamed of making it big.

I have often fantasized about what I would do if I won the lottery. I have to admit, I don't think I would be as generous and creative with my winnings as Karen Donaldson was.

I had a good time reading this book and thinking about the possibilities with each new kindness Karen did.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Susan Law Corpany's latest book. My only grumble was the Kindle formatting was way off, and a lot of word, like proper names, that should have been capitalized weren't. While that was a distraction, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.

I would recommend this to everyone, especially if you have ever fantasized about winning the lottery.

Lucky Change is available from http://www.amazon.com/ in paperback and on kindle.

THE WISHING HOUR by J. ADAMS

About the Book:

Celine Anderson lives an average solitary life, sticking to routine, never taking chances, and never experiencing true love. All of this changes when a handsome immortal enters her life. She has never laid eyes on the man before, but she somehow knows him and instantly trusts him completely. Placing her life in his hands, Celine is taken on an unexpected journey and learns of an ancient prophecy she is to take part in. And her immortal guardian is intent on protecting her against those who would see her fail. He has been chosen for this calling and it is his sacred duty to keep her safe–to see the prophecy fulfilled at all cost. If they fail, it will change the world as they know it.
The Wishing Hour is the 1st book I've read by Jewel Adams, and I will be reading more.
 It was a wonderful romantic suspense. I loved the characters. Celine was so trusting, that Sebastian, a total stranger will take care of her and protect her. Sebastian, the handsome immortal, whose destiny is to protect Celine, the "Woman of Prophecy" from the evil forces of Lord Derth and his urchins.
While protecting Celine, Sebastian learns they are bonded, and there is a strong attraction between them. Sebastian's identity remains a mystery during much of their escape.
The Wishing Hour promotes the idea that "The One" is always guiding and watching over us.
I recommend The Wishing Hour, to everyone. I think teens and adults alike will enjoy it.
To learn more about Jewel Adams and her books CLICK HERE.
The Wishing Hour is available at www.Amazon.com, in book and Kindle form, and http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/29070 , or you can check Inter library loan.

UNBROKEN CONNECTION by ANGELA MORRISON

from the back of the book:
Against all odds, the couple that swept you away in Taken By Storm is back. Michael is in Thailand diving his dream. Leesie is at BYU living hers,
And they just can't leave each other alone.
Their romance rekindles, deeper than before. They grow desperate to see one another again. To hold one another again. Michael decides there is only one direction their relationship can go and asks Leesie the ultimate question. Her answer challenges everything Michael is and wants to be.
Can she change for him?
Can he change for her?
Enough?
I was exited to read more about Leesie and Michael. At the end of Taken by Storm, they decide to break up and go their separate ways, but that was not to happen. 
They started out chatting when he was in port, near an Internet hot spot, then Michael send her a new lap top and a cell phone so they could talk. 
There are a lot of twists and turns, and compromise. Michael wants Leesie to learn to dive, Leesie wants Michael to talk to the missionaries. Leesie does her best to conquer her fear of water and learn to dive, Michael agrees to talk to the missionaries, which doesn't go well.
I loved that Angela Morrison managed to avoid the convenient happily ever after ending, which would have been so easy.
To learn more about Angela Morrison and her books CLICK HERE.
I would recommend this to teens and adults that have read Taken by Storm, or who are looking for "sweet romance" books. 

You can find Unbroken Connection at www.amazon.com, www.bn.com and inter library loan.