THE BLOG by CAROLYN ADAMS HANCHETT

About the book:
Investigative journalism student, Abigail Houston, knew taking a stand meant taking risks. What she didn’t know, was the liberal agenda imposed by her university was part of something sinister...something that threatened the very soul of America, as well as her very existence. Elijah Morningstar knew he was in love with Abigail Houston; he also knows standing with her could jeopardize his political career. What he didn't know was that she would disintegrate his entire belief system.
The Blog by Carolyn Adams Hanchett is a very timely Novel.
We are seeing a lot of what Abby blogs about actually happening. I have seen interviews with college students that clearly illustrate the effect liberal universities are having on them. God's role in our history has been removed from our history books and the Constitution is in danger from liberal politicians.
In The Blog , Carolyn Hanchett covers these issues, Abby sees the problems in the country and boldly blogs about it and talks about it in class at the risk of her life and her relationship with liberal politician Elijah Morningstar. She shows no fear in expressing her beliefs, and the things she learns about about people and organizations that are quietly destroying America.
I appreciated Elijah's loyalty to Abby, despite his liberal leanings and his doubts about the existence of God.
The Blog is a perfect blend of romance, danger and politics. The ending is totally unexpected. I had a hard time putting it down to do other necessary things, like sleeping.
I recommend this book for adults and older teens.
The Blog by Carolyn Adams Hanchett is available from www.Amazon.com and at www.latterdaycottage.com.
To learn more about Carolyn Adams Hanchett
CLICK HERE .

THE AMATEUR by EDWARD KLEIN

About the book:
In this stunning exposé, bestselling author Edward Klein—a contributing editor to Vanity Fair, former foreign editor of Newsweek, and former editor-in-chief of the New York Times Magazine—pulls back the curtain on one of the most secretive White Houses in history. He reveals a callow, thin-skinned, arrogant president with messianic dreams of grandeur supported by a cast of true-believers, all of them united by leftist politics and an amateurish understanding of executive leadership.
In The Amateur you’ll discover.

• Why the so-called “centrist” Obama is actually in revolt against the values of the society he was elected to lead
• Why Bill Clinton loathes Barack Obama and tried to get Hillary to run against him in 2012
• The spiteful rivalry between Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey
• How Obama split the Kennedy family
• How Obama has taken more of a personal role in making foreign policy than any president since Richard Nixon—with disastrous results
• How Michelle Obama and Valerie Jarrett are the real powers behind the White House throne
• The Amateur is a reporter’s book, buttressed by nearly 200 interviews, many of them with the insiders who know Obama best. The result is the most important political book of the year. You will never look at Barack Obama the same way again.
   I read this book a while ago, and if I had any leanings toward Barack Obama (I didn't), I would have seriously rethought them. Edward Klein shows through interviews and public example how unprepared and unqualified to lead the country. With the possible exception of Valerie Jarrett and Michelle Obama, it shows that Obama doesn't listen to his advisers, and regularly undercuts them.
• With the current political ads on TV with Bill Clinton talking about how Obama is the only one that can lead the country, I found the description of the knock down, drag out fights Bill & Hillary had about her running against Obama interesting.
• With current atmosphere in the middle east and Egypt, and the terrorist attacks on our embassies, this book becomes even more relevant, in its assertion that Barack Obama is an amateur who is unprepared to lead the country, and doesn't care to learn from others.
• The Amateur by Edward Klein is a well written, insightful look at our current President. I would recommend everyone read it before the election.
• The Amateur by Edward Klein is available on www.amazon.com in paperback and on Kindle.
• Warning, there is some rough language in some of the iterviews.

   

IT'S TRUE An Evangelical Pastor's Journey to Truth in the Mormon Church By TOM SCOTT

About the book:
From an early age, Tom Scott's thirst for truth led him to serve the Lord and seek the Spirit, ultimately going from participating in church choirs to serving as an evangelical pastor for 27 years.
Then, he and his wife, Maggie, had a rather strange encounter - an interaction with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - the Mormons. Completely taken aback at first meeting the people he believed - and had preached - were part of a cult, Tom set out to investigate what this Mormon religion was all about.
It's True tells of Tom's initial reaction, what he learned about the Mormons and what he discovered - that the LDS people are, indeed, Christians and the precepts they teach are true.

IT'S TRUE An Evangelical Pastor's Journey to Truth in the Mormon Church  By TOM SCOTT is a short book,but it is packed with spiritual power.
Tom Scott was an Evangelical Pastor for 27 years, doing everything he could to bring people to Jesus Christ. It is evident as he tells his story that the Spirit was working in his life from an early age. Tom was taught from childhood that the Mormon Church was a cult.
It's True is the story of Tom and Maggie Scott's journey to learn the truth about the Mormon Church and the people that call themselves Mormons.
It is a sweet but powerful testimony of Tom and Maggie's discovery that Mormons are Christians, and their conversion to the Mormon church.
I would recommend this book to everyone, but especially those who aren't Mormon and have doubts about what we believe. Read it prayerfully and with an open mind.
IT'S TRUE An Evangelical Pastor's Journey to Truth in the Mormon Church by Tom Scott is available on www.amazon.com or www.inglestonepublishing.com.
To learn more about Tom Scott CLICK HERE .

picture taken 7/21/12 at Latter Day Cottage in Mesa, AZ

THE KINDLING by BRADEN BELL

About the book:
All thirteen-year-old Connor Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens. He didn’t mean to set anyone’s gym shorts on fire or make school lunches explode. But now that the strange powers inside him have been ignited, Connor’s normal teenage life is about to go up in flames!
 This fast-paced novel is non-stop fun for kids and parents alike. With characters you can’t help but root for, a plot that keeps you guessing, and plenty of humor, it’s a guaranteed thrill ride from cover to cover!
The Kindling by Braden Bell is exciting and intense. It is written for mid grade readers, but as an adult it kept me fully engaged and wanting to keep reading.
The story features twins Connor and Lexa  and their best friend Melanie, all normal 13 year olds until they all Kindle (develop magic powers) at the same time attracting the attention of both the forces of light and darkness.
The kids know something strange is happening, its not everyday you wish the school bullies shorts catch fire and then they really do, or you see a man all in black, that no one else can see, watching you, but they don't know what. In addition it appears to them that the teachers want to kill them.
There is so much action, adventure, suspense and intensity. I almost jumped out of my skin, when someone walked up behind me while I was reading.
I think young readers will love the magic and the action. Who doesn't dream of being able to get back at the school bully, a good food fight or a vicious attack Unicorn.
As an adult I liked all of that too. I also like how family values take priority and the Magi honor the wishes of the parents when they say to back off.  I like that the teachers are portrayed as caring human beings, too often the adults in mid grade books come off as uncaring or stupid.
I am anxiously waiting for Volume 2.
I would recommend The Kindling by Braden Bell for kids age 10 and up and adults.
The Kindling is available on www.amazon.com paper and ebook, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.deseretbook.com and www.seagullbook.com, or check with your local library for inter library loan.
To learn more about Braden Bell
CLICK HERE for his blog  or HERE for his website.

I recieved a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

LET THE WALLS FALL DOWN by SYBIL BELANGER CONLEY

" If I could change just one thing it would have been to have more time. More time.., exactly what would I have done with it? I don’t know. Possibly look beyond the one-dimensional roll I had cast her in, the role of villain, of creature…." Let the walls fall down chronicles Sybil's personal journey through an abusive childhood at the hands of a mentally ill mother. After years of anger, resentment,and estrangement she and her mother reunite. What happens next is lesson in healing and forgiveness, that all began with one horrific phone call.….

"I read "Let the Walls Fall Down" by Sybil Belanger Conley and was deeply touched by her approach to life. She is present to the life experience that has nurtured her soul.It is obvious that she went through a very difficult time in her childhood,yet she was able to shift the energy around her in a positive way. This took courage and strength as she became aware of her power to choose consciously how she would shape her world. Her book is clear that she was able to move out of her egocentric and fear-based behavior and into the kind of living that is the heart of what Jesus means when he says, " I came that you might have life, and have it to the full" It is indeed a life giving read, a model to many of us. " (Sister Clarrisse)
Let The Walls Fall Down by Sybil Belanger Conley reminded me that a lot of times we walk through life totally unaware of what is happening in the lives of the people around us.
Sybil's story brought me to tears. It is a story of abuse and survival, at the hands of a mentally ill, abusive mother. More than that it is the story of learning to forgive, with help and strength from a loving Heavenly Father.
I recommend everyone read this book.
Let the Walls Fall Down by Sybil Belanger Conley is available on www.amazon.com for Kindle and www.barnesandnoble.com for paperback.

NEW by J ADAMS

Cosset is a lost soul with nothing left to live for.

Chance Hunter is a man on a mission. Desperately in love, he is willing to do anything, be anything, and give everything that he is to show Cosset that life is still worth living. He is bound and determined to heal her battle-weary heart and claim it as his own.
Open the pages of New and watch love happen.
New by Jewel Adams is a fast read, it is only 46 pages long, but is a powerful story of love, trust and forgiveness.
Cosset is a lost soul, her life has been one devastating event after another, including loosing everyone and everything she holds dear. She finally decides to end it all, but Chance has other ideas.
For Chance it was love at first sight and he patiently waits until he can approach her and claim her as his own.
I would recommend this book to everyone.
It is available at www.amazon.com in paper of kindle form.
CLICK HERE  to visit Jewel's blog.

CRATER LAKE BATTLE FOR WIZARD ISLAND by STEVE WESTOVER

While visiting his crazy Uncle Bart at Crater Lake National Park, thirteen-year-old Ethan's world collapses when all the adults at Crater Lake disappear, including his parents. Now Ethan must rally his new friends and decipher the legends of Crater Lake to find the key to rescuing his parents from their earthen prison before he s captured too and their captivity becomes permanent.

Ethan is reluctantly planning to spend some time at Crater Lake with his Crazy Uncle Bart, the park ranger. When the family arrives Uncle Bart tells them the legend of Crater Lake, which Ethan ignores. Ethan's family stay and take the kids on a hike, where they are joined by Allie's family.  While the kids are exploring their parents are sucked into the ground. Jacob and Brady are Boy Scouts, whose whole troop disappears.

All of the people over 16 have disappeared from Crater Lake, leaving 5 kids, Ethan, Jordan, Allie, Jacob and Brady alone, with Che-tan a young Indian Boy who claims to have the key to rescuing their parents. He claims to want to help them (or does he?). Che-tan, they learn, can split into 4 birds.

Che-tan tells them how to find the key to release their families from the underworld prison. During their adventure the kids meet all kinds of challenges, they get separated, they fight zombies, they loose a friend.

Crater Lake Battle for Wizard Island by Steve Westover is written for young readers, but it grabbed my interest early on and when it ended it left me wanting more.

I would recommend this books for anyone from 9 years old and up to adult.

You can find Crater Lake at www.amazon.com in paper and Kindle, www.deseretbook.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, in paper and Nook. As always you can also check with your local library for inter library loan.

DESERT INTRIGUE The Adventures of John and Julia Evans by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mystery…Adventure...Romance...Humor...Intrigue! When Julia’s brother announces that his dude ranch is haunted, she believes that someone is trying to sabotage his place and force him to sell. The mysterious happenings have to do with Superstition Mountain, the lost Dutchman’s goldmine, and the great Thunder God. Is it possible that the legend of the Thunder God is actually true? After a terrible thunderstorm, everyone begins to wonder. John and Julia quickly head to Mesa, Arizona and discover a few mysterious events. Will they find out who is behind these disasters before Uncle Kelly’s dude ranch is ruined?

I have lived in Arizona for a few years, but don't know a lot about the lore of the area.

Desert Intrigue The Adventures of John and Julia Evans by Linda Weaver Clarke mixed adventure, intrigue and the lore of the Superstition Mountains along with humor and some romance  into one fun book.

I found myself caring about the characters and the ranch. I didn't want to have to put the story aside to work or sleep. I was trying to solve the mystery of the Thunder God and all of the unusual happenings and every time I thought I had it there was a new twist.

This is the 1st of Linda Weaver Clarke's books I've read, and I look forward to reading more.

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes clean family friendly mystery.

You can purchase Desert Intrigue, The Adventures of John and Julia Evans by Linda Weaver Clarke  on www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and www.smashword.com.

To learn more about Linda Weaver Clarke

CLICK HERE.

I recieved a free download of this book in exchange for my review. It didn't influence my opinion in any way.

THE WHAM CURSE by VIRGIL ALEXANDER

A Tale of Two Crimes In the 21st Century: In the rugged ranch country of eastern Arizona, Graham County Deputy Branden Allred and San Carlos Tribal Police Officer Allen Victor are investigating the death of a young Apache. At first it appears to be a freak accident, a conclusion the Sheriff likes, but the officers begin to suspect murder. Motive is the major missing element, and nothing makes sense until a one-hundred-year old unsolved crime comes to light. In the 19th Century: Near the end of the 1800's in the same vicinity as the present-day murder, US Army Major Joseph W. Wham, Paymaster, and his twelve-soldier escort were ambushed and the payroll in gold and silver coins was taken. Though several men went to trial for the payroll robbery, they were found not guilty. The loot was never recovered and never surfaced. Though the treasure was sought for decades it eventually faded from public memory. In working the present-day case, the policemen must deal with politics, cultural differences, and limited resources. Two local ranchers, an environmental activist, and an unknown horseman become the primary murder suspects. In a backdrop of historic places, diverse geology, wide vistas, breathtaking scenery, Native American culture, and rural society, the mystery carries the flavor of both the old and new West.

The Wham Curse is Virgil Alexander's 1st published novel. I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading.

It is a fast moving police drama that takes place near the San Carlos Indian Reservation in Arizona. Virgil Alexander is very knowledgeable about that part of AZ and included information about the rivers and canyons, and Apache Culture, that was interesting, and helped me picture how some of the historical events happened.

The Wham Curse takes place in modern day Arizona. A young,  Apache boy, just called Boy, who has the mental age of about 7 dies under mysterious circumstances. Tribal Police officer Allen and local deputy Allred, soon discover evidence pointing to murder.

Throughout the book there are snippets of the story of the Wham payroll robbery, that took place in the same area.

I loved this book, it is a fast moving police drama, with a little romance. Deputy Allred works hard to improve relations between the Sheriff and pretty much everyone he deals with.  Boy's Grandmother is a glowing example of forgiveness and listening to the spirit.

I would recommend The Wham Curse by Virgil Alexander to everyone, especially if you like reading authors like J.A. Jance.

You can find The Wham Curse at www.amazon.com in paperback and on Kindle.

APHRODITE'S TEAR by ROBERT ORSELINO

About the Book:

Russell Stevenson wants nothing to do with leadership, but the mysterious legacy of his father, and a beautiful woman, soon drag him into a battle he can't afford to lose. Caught between the brutal power of the Unity Council, government of Earth and her colonies, and a ragtag uprising with almost no hope of surviving, Russell must find out the truth about his father, and decide if freedom is worth living for.
APHRODITE'S TEAR by Robert Orselino was a good story. It takes place way in the future, when the Earth is under 1 government and a meteor has changed the atmosphere of Venus so it supports human life. Russell (RJ) spends his time working with his sister, who is a computer designed by his father, perfecting things his father invented. He masquerades as a playboy to throw Unity Council members off. When a mysterious man calls claiming to be a friend of his late Father's and and leader of the Venus Liberation Movement RJ wants nothing to do with them. After meeting with the mystery man, Rj, his sister Kira and Samantha, a government defector find the Unity Council after them, and they have to escape to Venus, where they get sucked into the fight for the freedom of the human race.
This is a 1st book for Robert and it is well edited, but it does have some weak areas. Although we have some back story on the characters, it isn't well developed and it made it hard for me to connect with them. The New Code that is mentioned occasionally needs to be explained more. There are hints of what it is, but I think a quick paragraph with one of the New Coders explaining it would not have detracted from the story. There was a lack of tension. During the government invasion of the VLM stronghold, the words were right, but it didn't make me want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
Overall I would recommend  APHRODITE'S TEAR if you are into Science Fiction, with a hint of romance.
APHRODIRTE'S TEAR by Robert Orselino is available for Kindle from www.amazon.com or in paperback from www.createspace.com.

THE ALIAS by MANDI TUCKER SLACK

About the book:
After a long and difficult divorce, Jacey thinks the worst is over. Little does she know she'll soon be forced to go undercover to protect her family, and in the process, she'll risk losing her identity, her future, and her heart. With a lightning pace, a good dose of humor, and a plot that's full of suspense, this thrilling novel is an edge-of-your-seat read.
I loved The Alias by Mandi Tucker Slack. It was full of suspense, danger, drama, humor and even a little romance. The plot is very fast moving and easy to follow.  Once I sat down to read it I didn't want to have to put it down, I wanted to see what happened next.
The subject of domestic violence and the mob were handled well.
The setting in Rural Utah was perfect, and Melissa's Aunt and Uncle welcomed Jacey and Blaze with open arms, never suspecting they weren't really family. Jacey felt guilty lying and forcing her son to lie to her "family", and planned to leave. She learned the meaning of family and forgiveness when her "Aunt & Uncle" come to her rescue after her ex husband gets too close.
I would recommend this to everyone.
The Alias by Mandi Tucker Slack is available from www.deseretbook.com and www.amazon.com in paperback and Kindle format.
To learn more about Mandi Tucker Slack CLICK HERE

SECRETS AFTER DARK BY MARIE HIGGINS

About the Book:

Will Hannah be Thornton Manor's latest victim?                              Residing at Thornton Manor under the premise of courting Jonathan Thornton, Hannah Forester intends to find out who murdered her father - and why. After all, Jonathan's brother Morgan was the last person to visit Peter Forester before his demise. But upon her arrival at Thoronton Manor, Hannah is informed that Morgan perished the previous year in a house fire. She soon learns the manor is full of secrets: a ghost haunting the East Wing, a white wolf that roams the grounds by night, and the story of a curse-protected treasure on the neighboring island. Most disturbingly, Hannah discovers that numerous young women have visited the manor only to vanish without a trace.

When a hooded, deep-voiced man visits Hannah's bedroom late at night, warning her to leave the manor for her own safety, she realizes he must be Morgan Thornton. But why does he hide in the East Wing, and why does his family insist he is but a ghost? As Hannah falls in love with the handsome older brother, she must continue to court Jonathan in order to remain at the estate. Can she convince Morgan where her true loyalties lie? And will she uncover the Thorntons' secrets quickly enough to solve her father's murder before she loses her own life?
I loved Secrets After Dark by Marie Higgins. It is a romantic mystery full of intrigue and with a paranormal twist, set in Victorian England.
Thornton Manor is reputed to be haunted, but Hannah is determined to stay there and pretend to court the youngest Thornton brother a simple minded boy named Jonathan, while trying to solve the mystery of her father's death.
Normally I shy away from books that have stuff like shape shifting and witches, but Marie Higgins was able to weave the mystery and romance so successfully that it was nearly impossible to put the book down and the paranormal components were a great addition to the story. The witch and the wolf made it more exciting. There were a lot of twists and turns especially at the end, that kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story took a new direction.
I would recommend this to anyone, especially if they like mystery and romance.
Secrets After Dark by Marie Higgins is available at www.deseretbook.com, www.amazon.com in paper and on Kindle and as always you can check with your local library for inter library loan.
To learn more about Marie Higgins and her books  CLICK HERE.

I recieved a review copy of Secrets After Dark by Marie Higgins from the publisher, but that didn't effect my opinion in any way.

SHOPPING WITH GRANDMA and MY GRANDMA IS A MERMAID by Thomas Lee

This morning at Jordyn's baptism I discovered a wonderful children's author Thomas Lee. His books are delightful. They have big colorful pictures, large easy to read print and the stories are fun.

Thomas Lee is a wonderful story teller.

Shopping With Grandma:

Papa and the boys accompany Grandma on a shopping spree. Grandma promises it will only take a minute. But just how long is a minute? And can Papa keep the boys occupied without getting into trouble?

I read Shopping With Grandma by Thomas Lee this morning while we were waiting for Jordyn to change after being baptized. I found myself totally engrossed in the boy's adventure with their Papa while Grandma was shopping. Papa made shopping totally fun for the boys, with Grandma scolding him after every adventure.

My Grandma Is A Mermaid

by Thomas Lee

Boys, did you know your grandma is a mermaid?

Papa!

I'll prove it to you.

Has your grandpa ever told you a fish story so incredible that you cannot believe it? What if he told you that your grandma was the fish? Find out more in My Grandma is a Mermaid.

After reading Shopping With Grandma this morning, I borrowed My Grandma is a Mermaid from my brother. It is another delightful story with Papa trying to convince his grandsons that Grandma is a mermaid.
Thomas Lee's books have an appeal to a large age range. My 10 year old nephew enjoyed Shopping With Grandma as much as my 8 year old niece did.
I would recommend this for any school aged child, but I think adults will like them too.
You can find Thomas Lee's books as well as more information on the author and his future books on His website.

A WALK IN HEAVEN by MARIE HIGGINS

About the book:

All he wanted was to trust again.
Joshua Grayson is not happy about his new sister-in-law’s visit and he uses the term ‘sister-in-law’ loosely as Careen Kennedy Grayson was a complete stranger. Joshua’s brother, Matthew, left the family ranch in the dead of night to run away and wed a woman he’d never met. The fact Matthew was killed moments after walking out of the church with his new bride merely adds insult to injury. Joshua struggles with resentment and trying not to blame Careen for his brother’s death. But it is difficult not to harbor ill feelings when he knows she’s keeping secrets. Despite his suspicions, Joshua slowly grows attracted to Careen and even starts to like her. Unfortunately, Joshua knows all too well the folly of loving a woman he cannot trust.
Careen Kennedy Grayson was married and widowed within minutes of the other. When her obsessive cousin, Luther, arrives minutes after Matthew’s death, she knows deep down he’s the one who killed Matthew. Luther is arrested and held for trial while Careen takes her husband’s body back to his family. Soon after arriving at the loving Grayson ranch, Careen learns of her mother-in-law’s heart condition. Unwilling to cause undue stress, Careen decides to wait until after Luther’s trial to speak the full truth of their son’s death. Soon Careen grows embedded in family and ranch life, getting closer to the Grayson’s with each passing day. She finds herself unnaturally drawn to Joshua and she knows their budding attraction will only complicate matters… Especially when the family discovers her cousin did indeed kill Matthew.

A Walk In Heaven by Marie Higgins is a romantic cowboy story.
It is the story of 2 people who have been emotionally beaten up.
Joshua, who has been scarred by his late wife's choices, and Careen, scarred by life in general, by the death of her husband minutes after their marriage, and the knowledge that her cousin is responsible. It is a story of learning to trust and forgive.
Careen makes plans to take her husband's body home to be buried and to become a part of their family. Throughout the book there is an undercurrent of romance despite Joshua's anger and mistrust and Careen's insecurity about how the family will react when they find out about her cousin's involvement.
There is a lot of mystery in A Walk In Heaven, like how traps keep getting set on the ranch, who is cutting the fences and why there is very little food and firewood at the cabin in the mountains.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes clean romance.
A Walk in Heaven by Marie Higgins is available on Kindle and Nook.

I recieved a copy of this book from the author, but that didn't influence my opinion or review