Mary's Book Corner

SECRETS AFTER DARK BY MARIE HIGGINS

2012-02-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

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

2012-01-29T04:20:00.002-07:00

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

2012-01-08T23:16:00.001-07:00

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

CHRISTMAS JARS REUNION by JASON WRIGHT

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-11-26T01:26:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-02T00:11:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-22T00:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-20T23:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-15T22:20:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-01T20:52:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

“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

2011-06-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-12T23:39:00.001-07:00

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

2011-06-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-26T08:00:00.002-07:00

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

2011-05-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-05T08:00:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-03T21:29:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-13T23:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-08T23:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-02-06T08:30:00.002-07:00

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

2011-01-21T20:00:00.001-07:00

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.

TAKEN BY STORM by Angela Morrison

2011-01-21T16:38:00.001-07:00

From the back of the book:
Leesie thinks she has her whole life planned out, get into the school of her dreams, write her poems, meet the perfect guy, and settle down. Then she meets Michael- a boy whose parents were killed in a diving accident during a terrible storm.
Michael is drowning in tragedy. And all Leesie wants is to save him. With each day, her heart hurts more. Could it be, perfect Leesie is falling from grace?
Or is she just falling in love?
This story is a amazing mix of love, grief, forgiveness and clean passion.
When I first started reading this I wasn't sure I was going to like it. The format was different than what I a used to and in all honesty I dislike poetry, and a large portion of the story is told in Leesie's poems. After I started reading and got into the story and attached to the characters I found that none of that mattered.
I found myself hoping Michael and Leesie could make their relationship work, without Leesie having to compromise too many of her rules.
Leesie is a Mormon girl, the only one in her High School class, I identified with her, having been the only active Mormon girl in my class too. She had a lot of rules of conduct she stuck to rigidly and was dubbed the ice princess, until she met Michael.
Michael was a diver, kind of cocky, had always had his way with girls. He came to town a broken boy, after loosing his parents tragically.
Leesie put a lot of herself into helping Michael deal with the tragedy life dealt to him. She was willing to compromise on a lot of her rules for Michael.
Michael seemed incapable of understanding and accepting Leesie's rules and standard, and every time she called for recess as he called it, he would end up doing something stupid, that could have cost him her love and support.
Leesie showed an amazing capacity to love and forgive.
To read more about Taken by Storm and to l earn more about the author Angela Morrison CLICK HERE
I would recommend this for teens and adults who want to read "Sweet Romance".
You can find it at www.amazon.com , www.bn.com, the BYU bookstore and the Flying Pig Bookstore,or check out inter library loan.

BACKLASH by TRACI HUNTER ABRAMSON

2011-01-02T09:00:00.001-07:00

From the back of the book:
In the five years she's been married to Navy SEAL Kel Bennett, Marilyn has lived with fear as a near-constant companion. But the morning she sees two men in naval uniforms approaching her doorway with solemn faces, her fear turns to terror. This is what she signed up for when she exchanged wedding vows with that stunning man in military dress whites: a husband who leaves home whenever the phone rings and who might not ever come back. Turns out Marilyn is lucky this time: Kel is still alive, although gravely injured from the Saint Squad op that thwarted a terrorist attack in the southwestern US. While his wife is relieved to have him stationary in a hospital bed, Kel's necessary lack of openness about his work puts a strain on their already troubled marriage. As the distance between the couple widens, Marilyn turns to the book she's secretly writing to express her unspeakable emotions.

Meanwhile, the backlash from the foiled terrorist mission brings Halim Karel to the States in search of Seth, the undercover agent who'd infiltrated his organization and spearheaded the abduction of his boss's niece. As danger mounts and the SEAL team springs into action, Marilyn is shocked by her first glance into the grisly realities of her husband's profession: violence, deception, even killing. And when she becomes a central ploy in Halim's revenge plan, she struggles to find needed trust and confidence in this military man she loves-not just to save their marriage but to save their lives.

This is the 4th book in the Saint Squad series and it was just as good as the previous 3. I waited to read it until I knew I had some free time, because I knew that once I picked it up I would have a hard time putting it down.

This book centers on Squad leader Kel and his wife Marilyn and their adjustment to being together after he is injured in the line of duty.

Kel & Marilyn never spent much time communicating about their lives when they were apart, and that made things tense when he found out a terrorist was tracking them.

Marilyn never told Kel she had aspirations to write and was,in fact, writing a book.

Kel's story shows how important communication is in marriage, although it made for much more suspense with neither of them knowing what the other was doing.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense. It is part of a series, but the series can be read in any order.

To learn more about Traci and her books CLICK HERE.
You can find Backlash at www.deseretbook.com, www.seagullbook.com, www.amazon.com or through inter library loan.

Traci & I at the Glendale Deseret Book, Oct 21, 2010

HOW WILL CHRISTMAS FIND US?

2010-12-26T23:15:00.000-07:00

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.

THE ROAD SHOW by BRADEN BELL

2010-12-04T06:00:00.001-07:00

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.

COLD AS ICE by STEPHANIE BLACK

2010-11-10T08:30:00.001-07:00

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

THE HUNGER GAMES by SUZANNE COLLINS

2010-09-25T12:48:00.002-07:00

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.

PURSUED A Maggie Mckenzie Mystery by LYNN GARDNER

2010-09-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

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.

HOMETOWN GIRL by Michele Ashman Bell

2010-09-02T22:07:00.001-07:00

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.

EDGE OF APOCALYPSE by TIM LAHAYE & CRAIG PARSHALL

2010-08-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

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.

SUMMER IN PARIS by Michele Ashman Bell

2010-07-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

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.

DANGEROUS CONNECTIONS by Julie Coulter Bellon

2010-06-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

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

SECRET SISTERS By Tristi Pinkston

2010-06-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-06-16T08:00:00.005-07:00

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.

THE HOST by Stephenie Meyer

2010-06-12T23:20:00.001-07:00

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.

DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE by Josi Kilpack

2010-05-17T23:31:00.000-07:00

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

DARK SKY AT DAWN by L.C. Lewis

2010-05-02T08:00:00.001-07:00

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.

THE OPERATIVE By Willard Boyd Gardner

2010-04-07T23:00:00.002-07:00

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.

CHAOS by JEFF DOWNS

2010-04-04T11:30:00.001-07:00

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.

CROSSFIRE by TRACI HUNTER ABRAMSON

2010-03-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

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 .

ALTERED STATE by GREGG LUKE

2010-02-24T23:39:00.001-07:00

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

SECRET SISTERS BOOK LAUNCH CONTEST

2010-02-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-21T03:42:00.001-07:00

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

MURDER BY THE BOOK by Betsy Brannon Green

2010-02-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

Announcing DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE by Josi Kilpack

2010-02-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

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

CLICK HERE TO READ THE 1ST CHAPTER http://www.josikilpack.com/

CLICK HERE TO ORDER DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE FROM DESERETBOOK.COM

MISSING: an LDS Mystery Novel by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

2010-01-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

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

MAJOR TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH

2010-01-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

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.

SANTA MAYBE by AUBREY MACE

2010-01-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

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.

BOOK REVIEW AND GIVE AWAY

2009-12-13T01:11:00.000-07:00

AN ANGEL ON MAIN STREET by KATHI ORAM PETRSON

From the back of the book:

Micah Connors promised his mother he would be good in their new town. But with Christmas only three days away, being escorted home by the sheriff does not bode well. Can the towering officer be trusted not to tell what happened? Perhaps the ramshackle stable that has appeared on Main Street will sidetrack him from spilling the day's events-or maybe his interest in Micah's widowed mother will do the trick. The last thing Dawn Connors needs is to hear her son is in trouble. She has enough to worry about with her husband gone and her daughter, Annie, ill. Even though Micah has told his sister the rustic structure in the middle of town is simply part of the town's holiday decorations, Annie is sure that unseen angels are building the crude stable-which means baby Jesus is coming, and he can make her better. Terrified that his little sister might die, Micah vows to find the baby Jesus for Annie, even if it is only a plastic doll. But as Micah gets nearer to his goal he finds angels are closer than he ever would have believed.
This is a wonderful Christmas story about love, service and faith in God. It is a quick read, I read it in one afternoon.
Micah wants to be good, he wants to take care of his mother and little sister who is sick. He wants to stay out of trouble as he promised his Mother he would, but trouble seems to follow him.
When he tells his sister about the Nativity that is slowly being put in the middle of town, she becomes convinced that the baby Jesus wil be able to make her well. It becomes Micah's goal to bring the Baby Jesus to Annie.
During his quest Micah learns that angels come in all shapes and sizes.
If you can only add one new Christmas Book to your collection this year I would recommend this be the one you add.
I will send a copy to one person, next week. Leave a comment here about an Angel in your life, by Dec 18. I will draw a name on the 19th and get your book out. Please include an email address so I can contact you if you win.
An Angel on Main Street is available through http://www.deseretbook.com/, http://www.seagullbook.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Kathi Oram Peterson

The 13th Reality, Vol 2: The Hunt for Dark Infinity by James Dashner

2009-12-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

It’s been a quiet summer for Tick, Paul, and Sofia, but the latest message from Master George changes everything.

The Realities are in danger — and from something more terrible than Mistress Jane and the mutated Chi’karda of the Thirteenth Reality. People from all Realities are unexplainably going insane. Worse, some Realities are fragmenting, disintegrating into nothingness. Master George has learned that Mr. Chu from the Fourth Reality is working on a mysterious new weapon called Dark Infinity. But no one has any idea how to stop the weapon — or even if it can be stopped.
To make matters worse, Tick and his friends have been kidnapped, forced to wink from Reality to Reality, solving impossible riddles in order to survive the deadly traps surrounding them.
Mistress Jane and Tick find themselves in a race to reach the weapon first — but who will destroy it and who will become its master?
This is another fun book in James Dashner's 13th reality series. Again I borrowed Dad's audio book and listened while I drove to and from work.
In this adventure Tick and his friends are sent from Realiy to Reality after their Nano Locators are hijacked. They learn more about Tick's amazing control (or lack of control) over the Chi’karda.
I didn't want the story to end and I will look forward to the next adventure.
Again, I would recommend this to adults as well as mid level readers.
It is available at Deseretbook.com, AMazon.com and interlibrary loan.
To check out James Dashner's blog CLICK HERE.

The 13th Reality, Vol. 1: Journal of Curious Letters by James Dashner

2009-12-05T02:37:00.005-07:00

What if every time you made a choice that had a significant consequence, a new, alternate reality was created — the life that would've been had you made the other choice? What if those new realities were in danger? What if it fell to you to save all the realities?

Atticus Higginbottom, a.k.a. Tick, is an average thirteen-year-old boy until the day a strange letter arrives in his mailbox. Postmarked from Alaska and cryptically signed with the initials "M.G.," the letter informs Tick that dangerous — perhaps even deadly — events have been set in motion that could result in the destruction of reality itself. M.G. promises to send Tick twelve riddles that will reveal on a certain day, at a certain time, at a certain place, something extraordinary will happen. Will Tick have the courage to follow the twelve clues M.G. sends to him? Will he be able to solve the riddles in time? Will Tick discover the life he was meant to live?
The first volume of an outstanding new children's fantasy series, The Journal of Curious Letters is filled with adventure, humor, riddles, and, oh, yes — danger. . . As M.G. warns Tick, Very frightening things are coming your way. Will you join Tick and his friends on an amazing journey through the Realities? What will your choice be?

I avoided this book for a long time, no real reason, I just wasn't all that interested. A few weeks ago I borrowed Dad's audio book to listen to in the car while driving home from work.
I found the Journal of Curious Letters to be interesting in a bizarre sort of way.
TIck was confronted with a lot of odd people from an 8 foot tall woman named Mothball to a very short round man named Rutger and machines and other super natural things as part of the test to determine if he is worthy of the challenge the mysterious MG has for him. He also has to solve 12 riddles, some easy, some mind boggling, to me at least. Tick has help from 2 other recruits that he meets online and support from his father in his journey to the "Special Day". Along the way he learns about Chi’karda, QP, barrier wands and many other odd things.
Even though this book is written with younger readers in mind, I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy.
James Dashner also wrote The Jimmy Fincher Saga, a four book series written for mid level readers, that I would recommend for even adult readers.
This book is available through Deseret Book and Amazon.com, and as always inter library loan.

SHUDDER BY JENNIE HANSEN

2009-11-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Darcy and Clare grew up as best friends, sharing trials and triumphs from preschool through college graduation. Now they’re sharing an apartment in Boise, Idaho, where Clare just landed a great job and Darcy is pursuing a teaching certificate. There’s only one problem: Blaine, Clare’s boyfriend. His chauvinistic, know-it-all ways set Darcy’s teeth on edge. Darcy vows not to let Blaine ruin her lifelong friendship with Clare, but when Blaine insists on moving in, Darcy suddenly finds herself alone.

The estranged friends forge ahead on seemingly separate paths. Engaged to Blaine, Clare becomes trapped in ugly family politics and vicious treatment from her fiancé. Darcy finds a temporary home with Karlene, an accident victim seeking live-in help, but a twisted plot soon threatens their safety. Clare’s wedding briefly reunites her with Darcy, yet the friends have never been farther apart. And when Clare finds herself in mortal peril and finally calls on Darcy to help, it might be too late.
This book is one of the best suspense novels I've read in a long time. Not only is there the suspence a who is trying to kill Karlene and why, there is the abuse that Clare is suffering at the hands of Blaine. And will Darcy be able to save either Karlene or Clare before its too late.
I had a hard time putting this book down, until I was finished. Jennie Hansen showed once again how talented and versatile she is.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially if you are into suspence.
You can find this book at Deseret Book, Seagull Book, Amazon.com, and inter library loan.
For more information on Jennie Hansen's books CLICK HERE
To visit Jennie Hansen's blog CLICK HERE

FREE BOOKS FROM DESERET BOOK

2009-11-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

My friend forwarded the following email to me and I thought you might be interested. Feel free to share it with as many people as you'd like.

---sbm

"As part of his doctoral studies, John Hilton III is "studying what
happens when books are made available for free." He worked with
Deseret Book and they have made 8 of their books available for free."
They can all be downloaded at http://www.deseretbook.com/free. Several of
the books are ones you might be interested in. The books are:

1. Please Pass the Scripture (by me).
2. What I Wish I Would Have Known When I Was Single (by John Bytheway).
3. Women at the Well (by Richard and Jeni Holzapfel).
4. Digging Deeper (by Robert Eaton).
5. 10 Secrets Wise Parents Know (by Brent Top and Bruce Chadwick).
6. Growing Up: Gospel Answers About Maturation and Sex (by Brad Wilcox).
7. Saving Kristen (by Jack Weyland). (fiction)
8. The Hidden Path (by C.B. Andersen). (fiction)

If nothing else, I recommend that you go download them all and save
them for future reference as they will only be available online for
free for a short time.
"Could you forward this information on to others who might be
interested? I want to help share these great, free resources with as many people as possible. Some of the books help you get more out of
the scriptures. Others are good for parenting. Some are just plain
fun. Go check out http://www.deseretbook.com/free. I hope you like the
books!" --John Hilton III"

THE HIDDEN BRANCH by GG VANDAGRIFF

2009-11-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

Paul Mardian is a shining example of the American dream. The grandson of an Armenian immigrant who fled to the United States during the genocide of 1915, Paul is a self- made industrial tycoon and one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. But the dream is shattered when Paul turns up dead and his valuable collection of ancient Armenian artificats goes missing. Hired to find the murdered man’s heirs, professional genealogist Alexandra Campbell and her sidekick, Briggie, are brought to the swanky beaches of Southern California and a community of Armenian relatives who all seem to be hiding a secret. When another family member is suddenly murdered, Alex discovers there is more at stake than an unclaimed fortune or missing antiques, but piecing together Paul’s complicated family tree may be more dangerous than she ever anticipated. Author G. G. Vandagriff combines mystery, suspense, and romance in this page- turning thriller!

This is the 5th (And final) Alex & Briggie genealogy mystery.
As they always do, Alex & Briggie get into all sorts of trouble, which only makes the story better.
The story starts with Alex, Briggie, Charles,Richard & Marigny flying off to Huntington Beach, CA to find Paul Mardian's heirs. That seams innocent enough until Benji, the favorite grandson is kidnapped, and Alex is shot.
The list of suspects is long, and I never suspected the real culprit.
Alex & Briggie's adventures are always great fun, I will miss their adventures.
The previous Alex & Briggie Mysteries are Cankered Roots, Of Deadly Descent, Tangled Roots & Poisoned Pedigree. You can read them in any order.
If you like genealogy and mystery this is the book for you.
You can get it at the usual places, Deseret book, Seagull book, Amazon, and inter library loan.

BRIANNA, MY BROTHER AND THE BLOG By JACK WEYLAND

2009-10-15T23:20:00.003-07:00

“The thing I dread the most is the weekends,” Brianna said. “Each of my roommates is seeing someone, so they’ll all go on dates, and I’ll be left all alone in the apartment with only my 8 x 10 of Robbie. Actually, it’s his high school graduation picture. I keep getting older but he stays the same.”

She paused as though she wasn’t sure she should say what she was thinking. “You want to know something weird? Last week I realized I was starting to think of him as my nephew.”
That seemed like an odd thing to say, but it also made me very happy. “If you get lonely on the weekends, give me a call. I’ll never be doing anything.”
She hesitated and then asked, “Are you serious?”
“Totally.”
Brianna needs a friend, someone to keep her from being lonely while she’s waiting for her missionary, Robbie, to come home. And who better for the job than Robbie’s brother, Austin? He can keep the other men at bay while giving Brianna guy-type help, like hauling her harp around on weekends to play at wedding receptions.
Austin needs a friend, too. And Brianna is the perfect choice since there's no romantic involvement-of course not, how could there be, she's waiting for his brother, after all. As a friendship develops between Austin and Brianna, Austin is free to learn what it means to be "true and faithful friends" with a girl. He begins posting his findings in blog entries that quickly gather a following of interested readers. But what will happen to his friendship with Brianna when she finds out who the real author of the blog is? Because the truth is, Austin isn't looking for just a friend anymore, but something more. Will he have the courage to tell Brianna the truth-before Robbie comes home?
Even though this book was fairly predictable, I enjoyed it. Jack Weyland did an awesome job as usual.
It was a quick read. I loved the insight Austin was able to offer about relationships on his blog, and I kept hoping he'd follow his own advise in the way he treated Brianna.
The rationalization Brianna & Austin used in feeling OK about their relationship, while she was waiting for his brother.
All in all it was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone.
It is available in all the usual places, Deseret Book, Seagull Book, Amazon.com and inter library loan.

AGENTS IN OLD LACE by TRISTI PINKSTON

2009-09-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

Shannon Tanner has it all a perfect family, a perfect job, and a perfect boyfriend. Or so she thinks. What Shannon doesn't know is that her boyfriend, Mark, is stealing money from her father and making millions doing it. When Shannon learns Mark's secret, he turns on her, and Shannon's life abruptly goes from perfect to perilous.

In an effort to protect Shannon, the FBI assigns their only female agent to go undercover as her personal bodyguard. But when the agent is injured the day before the assignment, they turn to the next best thing: their top agent, Rick Holden in a dress.

Life seems safe again for Shannon with Rick by her side and Mark apparently gone for good. Then Shannon gets word that her best friend has been kidnapped, and it becomes clear that Mark isn't going to stop any time soon. Shannon realizes the only way to save herself and her friend and stop Mark once and for all is by sending Rick, her only source of protection, away. Can Rick save Shannon before it's too late?
Agents in Old Lace is Tristi Pinkston's first Romantic Suspense Novel to be published. She is best known for her historical fiction.
This was a fun book. I had a hard time putting it down. I especially love agent Rick/ Aunt Anita. He really was a good sport. I would have felt safe with him too.
Shannon showed real courage in facing the dangerous situation she found herself in and handled Aunt Anita living in her apartment with humor.
I loved the interaction with the "boys" hidden next door, watching and listening to her apartment.
My only frustration was that they didn't figure out why the Dad was sick and not getting any better. But that was one of the mysteries in the story.
I would recommend Agents In Old Lace to everyone. It is a fun book & a quick read.

For more information about Tristi's books click here

Agents In Old Lace is available at Deseret Book, Cedar Fort, Barnes & Noble, and directly from Tristi. As always you can also get it through interlibrary loan.

DEAD WRONG BY CLAIR POULSON

2009-09-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

Kaitlyn Glenn is alone in the world. Disowned by family after her baptism, her only friend is the beloved horse she rides as a champion barrel racer. But loneliness is the least of Kaitlyn’s problems. Her competitor’s jealous father has vowed to sabotage her success. And her former boss—the handsome, rich, and extremely dangerous Jace Landry—stalks every move of this beautiful and talented cowgirl.

Aided by a mysterious man in a black cowboy hat, Kaitlyn escapes Jace’s iron grip and flees. On the road, she finds protection and companionship with a loyal trucker named Celia. But when Jace puts seedy private investigator Myler Keegan on Kaitlyn’s trail, she must outrun two men who will stop at nothing to feed their violent obsession. And when her cruel stepbrother joins the hunt, Kaitlyn faces lethal danger from every angle.
With deft skill, master of suspense Clair Poulson serves up nonstop action that pulls readers into Kaitlyn’s pulse-pounding race to freedom—and love.
Clair Poulson retired after 20 years in law enforcement. Jobs have included Utah Highway Patrol Duchesne County sheriff.
This is his 16th published novel. Most of his novels are crime drama/suspense type. He has been compared to John Grisham in his style.
Clair Poulson draws the inspiration for his books from his time in Law enforcement and the court system.
Dead Wrong is very suspenseful, Kaitlyn has more enemies than even she knows about. During the book we follow her around the intermountain west, from Cheyenne, WY to Logan, UT, to Boise, ID and other stops, always 1 step ahead of the bad guys. She is helped in her attempt to stay alive by a mysterious man in a black cowboy hat, a truck driver and a very insightful 9 year old girl.
If you are into suspense, and crime drama I would recommend that you read Clair Poulson.
This book is available in all the usual places,Desert Book, Seagull book, amazon.com and inter library loan.
Clair Poulson doesn't have a web site, but you can find some of his books on amazon.com.

SISTER PACT BY CAMI CHECKETTS

2009-09-23T17:46:00.001-07:00

Savannah Compton is devastated when her sister and best friend Allison falls into a coma after a tragic accident. Or was it an accident? Even with a charming and handsome detective at her side, it seems Savannah may never discover the truth. But if she doesn t, her family could be in even more danger. And Savannah s past holds its own secrets that could change everything.
Now she must prove her innocence to the one person who is beginning to matter most. Join Savannah as she struggles to summon hope and rely on faith, even in the darkest of circumstances, and learn how the bond between sisters can overcome anything.

The Sister Pact is a thrilling romantic mystery, full of unexpected twists. Cami Checketts delivers an exhilarating new novel that will keep you guessing to the very last page.

This is the first of Cami Checkett's books I've read, and I was not disappointed.
I would have to catagorize this as a "Whydunit". In the 1st chapter the author tells us "Whodunit", the mystery is how will they prove it, and will they prove it before he strikes again. Another mystery, will Savannah figure out she is in danger before its too late, or will her stuborn pride just get her in more trouble.

I loved this book from the beginning to the end, even though I knew who the bad guy was, there were a lot of twists and turns in the story to keep me guessing and interested.

This is another book I would recommend for Mystery/Suspense/romance lovers.

You will be able to find it at Amazon.com
Borders
Barnes & Noble
Deseret Book, Walmart, Costco,and Seagull Book and Tape. Also as always you can use Inter library loan.

check out Cami's other books here

ENGLISH TRIFLE BY JOSI KILPACK

2009-09-23T17:43:00.001-07:00

What begins as a holiday trip for amateur sleuth and cooking aficionado Sadie Hoffmiller and her daughter, Breanna, turns into a bizarre mystery. First comes the discovery of a dead body in the sitting room of an English manor belonging to the family of Breanna's boyfriend, who is also heir to the family title. When the body comes up missing, Sadie and Breanna are stranded at the estate until the police can clear them to leave. Armed with a jogging whistle, her personal recipe collection, and an unfailing sense of American justice, Sadie begins her own investigation to find the killer. But when she seems to encounter one dead end after another, Sadie wonders if anyone is telling the truth- or if the case is really as hopeless as it appears to be.

Picture a cool gray rainy day. For me that is the perfect kind of day to sit down with a good mystery. Josi Kilpack's 2nd Culinary Mystery, English Trifle, is just the mystery I chose to read on our cool gray Saturday.
This book is fast moving and has a lot of twists and turns. More than once I thought I knew who did it and why, but I never suspected the real killer or the motive.
If possible, this book was even better than the 1st Culinary Mystery, Lemon Tart, written by Josi Kilpack.
click here to learn more about Josi Kilpack and her other books.
Engish Trifle is available at the usual places, Deseret Book, Seagull book, Amazon.com and inter library loan, or if you live in my immediate area I will lend it to you.

EYES LIKE MINE BY JULIE WRIGHT

2009-09-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a lot lately. I love to read, but at this time of year, I am usually working on Christmas projects. This year, I still can't bend my left index finger enough to be able to crochet, so I am indulging myself with reading books by my favorite authors.
I first read Julie Wright's books a few years ago. He first book "To Catch A Falling Star" intrigued me because it was set in Boston, and that's close to home. It turned out it was set in Northborough, MA (My home town) and Algonquin Regional High School (My school). I devoured every word and went looking for more.
Its been a long time since Julie had a new book published, so when I was in Salt Lake City in July and saw this one I had to have it.
I loved this story, I had a hard time putting it down, so I could sleep. I love Family History, and I was intrigued by the storyline involving an ancestor coming forward in time. (If only I could get my ancestors to come for a visit).

A story of family that transcends time William has been missing for two days. And even though the rest of the wagon company has decided they must continue on to Zion, Constance Brown refuses to go any further until she finds her husband. All she can think about is the last time she saw him-he lovingly touched her face and then sang their baby girl to sleep. Will that memory be all Constance has to hold on to?

In a future time and place, Liz King is a teenager struggling with her identity in the modern world. The embarrassment she feels because of her parents' divorce and her family's new found financial problems turns to bitterness.

Through an inexplicable twist of fate, Constance and Liz are brought face to face. Liz recognizes Constance's name from her mother's endless lectures on their family history, and she also recognizes her eyes-they are exactly like her own.

Were these distant relatives brought together in order to help each other? Will Constance be able to return to her own life and find William, and will Liz be able to keep from telling Constance how her story ends?

In this irresistible novel filled with gripping adventure and heartfelt emotion, two young women from drastically different times and settings learn that the challenges life holds for them are not so different after all.

I recommend this book, to anyone, from teens to adults.

It is available at Seagull Book, Deseret Book & Amazon.com, or check your library for inter library loan.

METHODS OF MADNESS BY STEPHANIE BLACK

2009-09-23T17:40:00.001-07:00

It's been three years since the terrible night Emily Ramsey suffered a double tragedy-the death of her sister and the disappearance of her fiancee. She deserves another chance at happiness, and gentle, adorable Zach Sullivan is the perfect man to mend her shattered heart. But from the moment Emily opens the hand-carved box holding a glittering diamond solitaire, she's seized by an unshakable fear: she's going to lose Zach. That's exactly what Monica, Zach's ex-girlfriend, is banking on. Bitter with envy, Monica will stop at nothing to sabotage Zach and Emily's romance. Troubling notes show up in Emily's mailbox, fanning the flames of suspicion. A bloody photograph sends her reeling. But when someone is brutally murdered, will Emily be able to escape suspicion and the possibility that she might be next? Whitney Award-winning author Stephanie Black treats readers to another of her brilliantly thrilling stories that will leave the reader no choice but to keep reading well past the stroke of midnight.

Since publishing her 1st book in 2005, Stephanie Black has never disappointed. Her newest book "Methods of Madness" is no exception. I only wished I could stay up and read longer at night, or that my days at work were less busy so I could read longer

I love a romantic thriller, and Stephanie has delivered just that. From page 1 to the end there are twists and turns that leave you guessing, and just when you have the guilty person picked out, there is a new twist that leaves you guessing some more.
I would highly recommend reading Methods of Madness, if you love a good thriller.
This book is available at Seagull Book, Deseret Book or as always through inter library loan.

For more information about Stephanie Black's books click here.

SEASON OF SACRIFICE BY TRISTI PINKSTON

2009-09-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

Sarah Williams is a young Welsh immigrant, coming to Utah to join her sister Mary Ann Perkins. When the Perkins are asked to join the San Juan mission to pioneer a trail through Southern Utah, they take Sarah along to help care for the children. But a six-week journey turns into six agonizing months of hard work and toil as the Saints blast their way through a cliff to bring their wagons through what would become the famous Utah landmark "Hole in the Rock."
Finally settled in the San Juan, Sarah's true hardship begins when Ben Perkins asks her to be his second wife. With their faith and testimonies challenged to the core, both Sarah and Mary Ann struggle to find the true meaning of Christ-like love and obedience. Will they make it through?

Before I read this book I knew practically nothing about the missionaries sent to colonize the San Juan River are of Utah. This book tells about the trip to the San Juan over some of the roughest territory in Utah. Their trip was only 200 miles, but it took 6 months. There was very little grass for the stock and no towns where they could replenish their supplies.
They had to stop and build roads through canyons, and had to figure out how to get the wagons through hole in the rock, which had a sheer drop of several thousand feet on the other side.
This book is based on the ancestors of Tristi Pinkston, the author, who were in the wagon train. It is well worth reading, I learned a lot about this expedition, that I never knew before.
I bought this book directly from Tristi, http://tristipinkston.com/ but it should be available online or through inter library loan.

SCOTLYN KNIGHTESS OF THE DRAGON BY DEIRDRA EDEN COPPEL

2009-09-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

A beautiful young woman in 12th century England desires to serve her country by becoming a knight long before the days of equal rights.

Scotlyn, Knightess of the Dragon is a fantasy adventure of a young woman in the final years of 12th century England.

Scotlyn's story, woven against a historical backdrop, takes her from a child to womanhood. Scotlyn desires to serve her country by becoming a knight long before the days of equal rights. She overcomes many adversaries with the aid of her friends, Ruburt, a dwarf, and Cassi, a pixie. Amidst the political turmoil of this time, Ireland's Prince John takes control of England and calls for, "Knights to arms!" Disguised as a man, Scotlyn answers that call. John, impressed with whom he thinks is a man, takes Scotlyn into his confidence.

Although he later discovers her true identity, she is granted her well-earned title of "Lady Knight." Scotlyn's hopes of a happily-ever-after are shattered when she encounters a demon force from the underworld working to destroy mankind and those plotting a political conspiracy against the kingdom. Through her adventures Scotlyn discovers she has several guardians, Woldor the Wise, a kind old dragon and a handsome mysterious archer with unearthly gifts and talents. Scotlyn must rely on a higher power to overcome fear, discouragement and temptation.

I read this book in a raw form about 2 years ago, and enjoyed it. Since then with the help of some well known published authors she has made some changes that makes it even better. I am looking forward to reading the new and improved version.

Deirdra is the author of 4 books Scotlyn is her first. She is offering it free on http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=10253 just click read book. She is asking if you would to add her book to your bookshelf.
To quote Deirdra:
" The more times my book is placed on someone’s “bookshelf” the better chance I have of getting picked up by an agency or publisher.
Last night when I went to bed “Scotlyn, Knightess of the Dragon” was in the top 5000 books this morning when I woke up I was number 1987 this afternoon I am at 1545 . The competition gets harder from here because there are so many wonderful books out there. I’m hoping to knock all the books about sex, drugs and homosexuality off the shelves. I would really like to be in the top 100 books and feel that if I have the support from friends and family in spreading the word I will be able to reach this goal."

This video shows some of the art work Deirdra did for this book.

click here for Deirdra's website.

HOW TO STUFF A WILD ZUCCHINI BY HEATHER HORROCKS

2009-09-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

Sophisticated New York playwright Lori Scott feels like a failure when her producer boyfriend calls it quits on both their relationship and her first play. On a dare, she throws a dart at a map and ends up moving to Brigham City, Utah, where she plans to set aside writing, religion, and men to focus on her new career substituting as The Garden Guru for the local paper. But fate has something else in mind. When she accidentally lights her house on fire, Lori has no idea of the sparks that lie ahead.
Will she be able to resist the charm and persistence of local firefighting hero John Wayne Walker? Will old hurts and fears cause her to turn her back on the best thing that’s ever happened to her? Author Heather Horrocks brings a fresh, fun voice to this delightful contemporary romance about following your heart, finding true love, and wrestling with a basket full of zucchini!

I went to Deseret Book a couple of weeks ago, hoping they had Tristi Pinkston's new book. While I was looking at the wall of fiction for it I saw "How to Stuff a Wild Zucchini". Even though I am not a big fan of zucchini, I was intrigued by the title so I decided to give it a try. I am usually hesitant to buy books by authors I am not familiar with, but I'm glad I did this time.
This book is full of romantic twists and turns and zucchini. We are looking forward to trying the recipe for Zucchini Chicken Curry with Spicy Mango Fruit Chutney, included in the back, sometime in the near future.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone that is looking for a light romantic comedy.
This book is published by Deseret Book and is available from their website, Amazon.com and as always Inter library loan.

THE LAST WALTZ BY GG VANDAGRIFF

2009-09-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

In December 1913, the city of Vienna glitters with promises of the future for sought- after debutante Amalia Faulhaber. But life takes a dramatic turn when simmering political unrest escalates into the most deadly war the world has ever known. Amalia is devastated when her fiance, Baron Eberhard von Waldburg, breaks off their engagement to return to his native Germany and obligatory military service. But she soon discovers that her passion for democracy in an increasingly fascist world has put everything she loves in danger. Her family torn apart and impoverished by the war, Amalia must now choose between an idealistic young Polish doctor, who shares her political views, and the wealthy Baron von Schoenenburg, an Austrian Cabinet minister who promises to provide safety and security in a violent, tumultuous time. Reminiscent of Gone with the Wind, this epic novel explores the nature of human character and the elusive search for love and peace.

I volunteered to read and review this book for the author, when I received it my 1st thought was "What did I Do?" The book is 591 pages long. Once I started reading I completely forgot about the length.

"The Last Waltz" is the story of Amalia. It starts when she is a teenager, engaged to a Prussian Musician, who breaks their engagement to go and fight with the Prussian Army.

This story is well researched and historically accurate. It takes place primarily in Vienna between 1913 and 1938. Woven into the story of Amalia's life, loves, choices and consequences is the story of War. The events leading up to WWI, the war and the terrible toll it took on the people of Austria and Germany, Austria's attempt to become a democratic nation and Hitler's rise to power.

I loved this book, Amalia was believable and the political climate of the times made me realize that if we don't learn from history we are doomed to repeat it.

I highly recommend this book, my only complaint is that it wasn't quite long enough, I would have liked an epilogue or a few more chapters to find out how the characters fared during WWII.

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

ISBN 978-1-60641-052-3

Published April 2009

LOCKDOWN by TRACI HUNTER ABRAMSON

2009-09-23T17:26:00.001-07:00

Only twice had she set foot inside the building since the massacre. The first time had been just a month after the tragedy .. . . The second time she had returned to the scene of the crime had been two days ago when she forced herself to enter the building to check on the temporary office for the SEAL team. The counselor she had seen in the months after the shooting had encouraged her to face her fears, but now . . . Riley wasn’t sure she was ready to face them after all.
Caught up in a hostage situation that is hauntingly familiar, Riley Palmetta once more finds her life hanging in the balance. What starts out as a well-organized and highly intensive training course for the prevention of random acts of terror quickly turns into a real-life nightmare of suspense and intrigue that will test the faith and finely honed skills of Tristan Crowther and his elite group of LDS Navy SEALS. For Tristan, this is not only a race to save lives; it is a deeply personal mission that moves relentlessly toward an irreversible crisis. And life—as well as love—is on the line.

This is another exciting book by Traci Hunter Abramson. This book was written shortly after the Virginia Tech Massacre. The story is a little predictable, in that you can easily identify who the bad guys are, but there is still a lot of suspense about what they will do next. There is also a bit of romance. The Navy SEAL team- called "The Saint Squad" will be familiar to anyone who has read "Freefall".

If you like romantic suspense stories I would recommend this as well as Traci's previous books. These books are available at LDS bookstores or http://www.amazon.com/

Traci Hunter Abramson, Me & Kerry Blair

taken at the books signing for "Freefall" March 2008

THE AUTHURIAN OMEN BY GG VANDAGRIFF

2009-09-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

When a Celtic scholar finds a clue to a priceless fifth-century manuscript that will prove the real identity of King Arthur, she is brutally murdered. Determined to find the manuscript and avenge her sister's death, Maren Southcott begins a quest that puts her own life in danger. Overt and covert seekers weave in and out of the tale as she travels through the castles and monasteries of ancient Wales, seeking the document that could rival the The Book of Kells. Who are all these people? Which one is her psychopathic stalker plotting death and revolution? Which one wants her dead? Did the Celtic professor with the extraordinary eyes kill her sister? Can she risk death and find the manuscript before MI5, Scotland Yard, and impassioned Celtic scholars?

I read this book a few weeks ago and loved it, in fact I couldn't put it down. it is fast moving and filled with twists and turns that left me guessing right up to the last page. If you like Mary Higgins Clark you will love this book.
Arthurian Omen can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.borders.com/ or you can borrow it though Inter library loan for those outside of Utah.

THE GREAT AND THE TERRIBLE BY CHRIS STEWART

2009-09-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

I love to read and my favorite thing to read is LDS Fiction. I usually don't review the books I read, it reminds me too much of the much hated grade school book reports, but I have decided to try and do a few more.
My favorite book store is Deseret Book. There is one one the west side of the valley, closer to us and they price match Seagulls Prices.
The book I decided to review today is actually a series of 6 books. The 1st 3 I read a few years ago, so I am going to borrow the summery from http://www.deseretbook.com/ for them.
As Peter read the charges against Lucifer, the enormous chamber remained deadly still. Everyone knew what the charges would be, for there were no more secrets among the children of God, and the evidence was damning, entirely whole, and complete.
Satan was indeed in open rebellion. He was seeking not only to destroy the souls of all who would follow, but to bring down and destroy the society of the Father, to take His kingdom and power and glory and claim it all for his own.
And because it was evident, and because he no longer denied it, there was no doubt of the outcome of the Council of God.
Lucifer had to be defeated, his rebellion disbanded or crushed. He could not he reasoned with. There was no common ground. His followers had to give up their sedition and quit converting God's children to their dark paths or be cast out and expelled from the presence of God.
Ammon shivered as he listened to the words Jehovah read. Damned for eternity. Denied their second estate. Cast out, never to be with the Father again.
And so it was that the battle with Satan began.
This volume is a little bizarre, but if you decide to read the series, it is necessary, to define the characters in the rest of the books.
"Destroy an entire nation!" protested the American. "How would you suggest we manipulate the political consequences of that?"
"We won't destroy them," replied the Saudi prince. "We will move them. There is an enormous difference, my friend."
"But they will not be moved"
"That is their choice. If they stay, they will die, but I cannot choose for them. We can't make them be reasonable, though Allah knows we have tried."
The war that began before we entered mortality is escalating into the final battle for freedom, liberty and the hearts and souls of all men. Into this world filled with turmoil, our Father will send some of his most valiant servants. A child is born who may have the power to change the course of history. But will Elizabeth remember the covenants she made in the pre-mortal world? Will she and her brothers have the strength to withstand the terrible forces of evil that will reign in the Last Days? Against the backdrop of Middle Eastern conflict, this story of war and intrigue will have you riveted.
"The old king struggled, lifting his hand again. The prince smiled at the motion and placed his mouth to the old man's ear, feeling the heat of his skin on his lips. As he spoke his voice changed, as if another man were there. "It has started, my father," he whispered in a soft, evil hiss. "There is no turning back. You might as well lift your hand to stop the sunrise as to bring an end to this plan. Like your own death, it is inevitable. A new day is dawning, a day of secret alliances and powerful men, an age of dark miracles, dreadful rumors and a red, sinking moon, a day of a bright flash on the horizon that does not come from the sun. It will be an age of power and oppression far greater than has ever fallen on the earth. Even as I whisper to you, Father, even as my breath touches your ears, the great battle has started. The sun is setting on the frail world you have known. It is passing, and with its passing, the greater kingdom shall come." A world poised at the brink of a disastrous war is unaware of the evil forces that will stop at nothing to achieve their aims. But in the midst of turmoil and impending doom, some of the Father's most valiant servants are in place-sons and daughters who may have the power to change the course of history. The third volume in The Great and Terrible series, The Second Sun, is a fast-paced, thrilling, action-packed story of war and intrigue by nationally bestselling author Chris Stewart.
The world waits in suspense as America struggles to survive following the attack on Washington, D.C., but who remains to run the government? Who will make the world-changing decisions that must be made? As King Abdullah prepares for the final attack that will bring America to its knees, the characters are trapped in a desperate fight for their lives. Sara Brighton and her sons, Luke and Ammon, head west in a doomed attempt to reach Salt Lake City. Sam returns to the States in anticipation of a U. S. retaliatory strike, but finds his home abandoned, with no trace of his family there. In Chicago, Azadeh Pahlavi meets her adopted mother and little sister, who are enmeshed in their own crisis with life-or-death consequences. The end is near now.
"What happens when the world goes dark?
The battle of good against evil intensifies in the darkness of an EMP-devastated America. The electromagnetic pulses that wiped out the country's entire electrical grid have reduced people to an almost animal existence. While those with good hearts pull together to help each other, those inclined to evil find free reign for the rage that Satan and his minions are stirring up in their hearts.
For Sara Brighton, the time is fast approaching when she must face the frightening realities her husband, Neil, warned her about before his death. Sam's problem is more immediate: How can he get his family to a safe place? Bono is still trying to get to his family, and Azadeh is struggling to find her role in the family that has reached out to welcome her in. Meanwhile, the followers of Satan plot to take over the government of the United States and remake it to fulfill their own greed and lust for power.
The situation for all of these people is desperate, but even in a world gone mad, there are moments of hope, the possibility of miracles, and help from the other side of the veil. Discover the truth: The last days are terrible, but they are also great. Don't miss the next gripping volume in this landmark series!
What readers are saying about The Great and Terrible:
"It isn't often that a book — let alone a series comes along that has the power to move, inspire, and thrill in a page-turning adventure that leaves the reader wishing the story wouldn't end. Yet, this is precisely what Chris Stewart achieves."
"To have my fascination for military techno-thrillers reinforced with the real-life practice of my religion is a literary dream come true!"
"Chris Stewart is brilliant in providing us with a realistic story that makes us think about our own preparedness, both temporal and spiritual. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book."
THE EXCITING CONCLUSION TO THE EPIC LAST DAYS SERIES
"We have this one chance," Brucius told Sam. "If you can get him, if you can locate and extricate King Abdullah, then we can punish him. Justice will be served. We could stop the final world war. Find him, we'll try him and hang him. Don't, and we'll have to retaliate."
The United States, stunned by the nuclear detonation in Washington, D.C., and further crippled by the EMP attack on the whole country, is on the brink of destruction. The unscrupulous leaders who have banded together to toss out the Constitution and divide the ruling of the world between themselves have all but achieved their objective.
But they haven't factored in one thing. They haven't considered the chance, however slight, that good people remain who will continue standing up for what they believe in. A daring plot to reinstate Brucius Marino to his rightful position as president of the United States, with an even more audacious plan to bring King Abdullah to justice--everything hinges on the courage and skill of Sara and Sam Brighton and their friends. The thrilling conclusion to The Great and Terrible series will keep you riveted to the very end!
This series is published by Deseret Book. It is a techno thriller that is not all that far fetched. It was almost frightening in the fact that it could easily happen in today's world. Some things I have thought about after reading volumes 4 & 5 especially. We need to be aware of world events, as well as what is happening in our own country. We also need to make sure we have our food & water storage up to date, as well as matches and candles, wood to burn for heat and cooking, plenty of the medications we need to take daily.
I highly recommend this series. It is nothing like other last days series' out there. It is entertaining, suspenseful, and thought provoking.