DEARLY DEPARTED by TRISTI PINKSTON

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

ALMA THE YOUNGER by H.B. MOORE

From the Back of the Book:

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

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

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, AN AMERICAN LIFE by WALTER ISAACSON

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

SMOKESCREEN BY TRACI HUNTER ABRAMSON

From the back of the book:

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

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

LUCKY CHANGE by SUSAN LAW CORPANY

About the book:

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE WISHING HOUR by J. ADAMS

About the Book:

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

UNBROKEN CONNECTION by ANGELA MORRISON

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

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