MILE 21 BY SARAH DUNSTER

ABOUT THE BOOK:

“You have to be here. I can’t be on the premises without an owner or tenant present. Wouldn’t want to be accused of walking off with anything.” He looks around the kitchen. “Not that there’s anything here to tempt me.”

“You’re a jerk.”

Bob glances down at the photo again. “Will your husband be back soon?”

“He died a year ago. So, no.”

I gain immense satisfaction in seeing his cheeks darken a bit.

 

Abish Miller is a mess. But you might be too if you were a twenty-one-year-old widow with a dysfunctional family, an overpowering boss, and a torturous return to the singles’ scene. Training for the marathon she and her husband never got to run is about the only time she can forget about her problems.

But life won’t leave her alone. It throws Bob Hartley, a recently divorced young father, into her living room and then her ward. And when her irritation turns into attraction, she’s sure that it must be some sort of cosmic joke, especially when it seems he loathes her! Feeling like she just keeps hitting the wall, Abish must learn to push past her fears or she’ll never achieve her personal best.

Defined by sharp wit and an authentic voice, Mile 21 shows the despair of giving up on hope—and the joy of choosing it again.

In the beginning of Mile 21 Abish comes off as hard, sarcastic and irresponsible. As the story unfolded and I started learning what made Abish who she was. She is a 21 year old widow, everyone thinks she should be able to get past that and go on with life. Her mother seams like a harsh woman, her younger sister has practically perfect life, and she knows her father was against her getting married. Her boss seems like he would be difficult to work with.
When she is evicted from her apartment, her parents send her to live with her eccentric aunt. She runs away and ends up depending on her Boss to help her find school approved housing, and getting back in the single scene.
Abish is a runner and is training for a marathon, she can't seem to run more than 21 miles.
I enjoyed going on Abish's journey with her, and watching her grow and change and learn that there can be life after her husband died, and that her family loves her and her boss/ Bishop is not such a bad guy.
I recommend this to anyone, it decidedly LDS, but the story is one that everyone can relate to on some level.
You can buy Mile 21 by Sarah Dunster at www.amazon.com, www.deseretbook.com or www.barnesandnoble.com. Or check with your local library for inter library loan.
To learn more about Sarah Dunster CLICK HERE

MIDDLE SCHOOL MAGIC PENUMBRAS by BRADEN BELL

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Conner, Lexa, and Melanie are back! Just when they think life is normal again, a dangerous shadow creature begins to hunt them. The trio must develop their powers in order to conquer this new peril and protect their school. Filled with action and even more magic, this book continues the exciting adventure in the Middle School Magic series.

I loved The Kindling ,so when I learned that Penumbras was soon to be released I was excited to read it, in hopes that it would be just as good as the 1st one was. I was not disappointed.
Penumbras is full of danger, suspense, drama, discovery, teenage angst and even a little romance, from page 1 to the cliffhanger at the end.
The kids are normal 13 year olds, with the exception of their Magi powers and the forces of dark are after them. They all discover talents they don't know they have, and can't control. They discover another mystery when they learn their friend Pilaf can hear head talk, even private conversations, and can see the shadow creatures.
Besides a battle between good and evil, there is a battle on the side between a jealous Lexa and Connor and Melanie, who have discovered like each other as more than friends. Lexa's flair for the dramatic makes things hard for everyone.
As in The Kindling the teachers are portrayed as intelligent and caring, and the parents are kept informed of what is happening in their children's lives and training.
Even though Penumbras is written for mid readers (9-13), I loved it, and I think most adults will love it too.

You can find Penumbras by Braden Bell at www.amazon.com in paperback and kindle and www.barnesandnoble,com both paperback and nook, or check with your local library for inter library loan.
To learn more about Braden Bell  CLICK HERE..

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

ASHES ASHES by JULIE COULTER BELLON

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sophia Naziri is wanted for questioning in the murder of a U.S. senator. She’s worried the police will show up on her doorstep any moment, but when Detective Colby Black appears, it’s to help her put out a kitchen fire, not take her in. Yet. His easy smile and persistence in getting to know her pushes all her troubles to the back of her mind, until a hit man tracks her down. Getting arrested becomes the least of her worries and the handsome detective could be her only way out---if she tells him the truth.
Colby Black’s sniper skills have been a blessing and a curse to him. As a member of a Hostage Negotiation Team, he can use them to save people, but sometimes he can’t protect the innocent despite his best efforts. When a hostage situation goes bad, he tries to put it behind him by helping out his mysterious next-door neighbor, Sophia Naziri. But she pulls Colby into a web of lies and conspiracy that will force him to use every skill he has in order to survive. Faced with the moment of truth, can he trust anyone around him---including the woman at the center of it all?

ASHES ASHES by Julie Coulter Bellon,  is a fast moving story full of action, intrigue and just enough romance. The action starts on page 1 with Colby in a hostage negation that goes terribly wrong and a fire in his new neighbors kitchen. I was never happier that my Kindle has a text to speech option, so I could listen during my commute when I couldn't read.
Colby was the ideal man, an ex-marine that cares about people, and who likes to clean and bake to relax. Sophia is a woman with a big problem, and no one she feels like she can trust. When Colby comes over to help put out the kitchen fire she accidentally starts, she doesn't want to trust him, but really, what woman can resist a man that comes over early in the morning with fresh baked goodies and cleaning products.
Sophia has a big problem, the body of a murdered senator was found in her trunk. She feels she has to solve the mystery and find her father on her own. Will she trust Colby? Is there anyone she can trust?
I recommend Ashes Ashes  by Julie Coulter Bellon to anyone that likes Mystery, intrigue and clean romance. It is the 2nd book in the Hostage Negotiation Series, but can be read as a stand alone book, but I would recommend reading All Fall Down at some point, just because its another good read.
You can find Ashes Ashes on www.amazon.com, www.smashwords,com and www.barnesandnoble.com, or ask at your local library about inter library loan.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

THE BLOG by CAROLYN ADAMS HANCHETT

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

THE AMATEUR by EDWARD KLEIN

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

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

   

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

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

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

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

THE KINDLING by BRADEN BELL

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

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