Borrowed Light by Carla Kelly

Borrowed Light by Carla Kelly

Summary from Goodreads:
Julia Darling never expected to cook for some cowboys in Wyoming, but when she breaks off her engagement in Salt Lake City, it's the perfect opportunity for her to escape. Determined to stick the job out, Julia faces her biggest challenge yet - letting go of borrowed light to find her own testimony. Set in the early 1900s, this is one romantic adventure you'll never forget.

Read February 2013

Library Book

5 Stars

My Review:
I loved this book!  How could I be so lucky as to read 2 books in a row that I love.  Of course, the chores are being a bit neglected, but they seem to be there when I'm done reading.

This is an LDS fiction book.

I saw this book was a winner in the 2011 Whitney Awards and put it on my "to read" list.  There aren't a lot of LDS fiction books at my local library, but they have inter-library loans that give me access to a broader region.  Thank you local library!  I was checking the library sites to see if they had any books on my to read list and saw that this was there.  I ordered it, of course.  I wasn't sure what it was about or anything, just that it had one this award.

Well, I see why it won the Whitney Award for best romance.  This was a great story.  It had the struggles of leaving behind a life and starting a new one with new challenges.  It had the struggles of rugged, difficult country/surroundings.  It had wonderful characters, main and secondary.  But most of all it had the sweet relationship between the 2 main characters.  

This was not a romance with outward signs of romance, like lots of kissing or hugging, loving words whispered along with soft caresses.  This relationship developed with kindness, friendship, and mutual respect.  The love was there, ever present, but neither acted on it in an open way.  I appreciated the small, kind gestures they shared.  There was lots of comfort given to each other, without expectations.  

I also appreciated the spiritual journey that Julia went on.  She was a member of the church her entire life and never questioned her beliefs.  At the point of this book, she reads the Book of Mormon for the first time, at the age of 28.  I was brought up in the church as well.  Although I attended scripture classes as a teenager, I never read the Book of Mormon for myself until I was in college, away from home.  At some point,  each person has to decide for themselves what they believe and I liked reading about Julia's self discovery.

Warnings: Loved ones dying

I would let my 15 year old read this book.

Undercurrents Trilogy by Traci Hunter Abramson

Over the past 2 weeks, I've been reading several books.  During this time I read a trilogy of books by Traci Hunter Abramson.  I borrowed them from a friend and devoured them.  I am going to put all three books in this one post.

This series is called Undercurrents.  Book one is Undercurrents.  Book two is Ripple Effect.  Book three is The Deep End.  by Traci Hunter Abramson

Summary of Undercurrents from Goodreads:
Shaye Kendall, an Olympic-bound swimmer, has been in the witness protection program ever since she witnessed her boyfriend's murder.  She now has a new name, a new life, and strict orders not to reveal her secret. But fitting into a community is hard when you can't tell people anything about 
yourself.  When she learns that one of her new friends, Matt Whitmore, is LDS, she can't even tell him that she's a Mormon too.  She doesn't dare get involved.  The fact that Matt's father is a high-profile senator could give 
her the kind of exposure she doesn't need.  How can you fall in love when you can never reveal who you really are? 

But when someone almost takes her life, Shaye recognizes that whoever is after her knows exactly who and where she is.  Can she trust Matt to help her?  Can she trust his family?

Summary of Ripple Effects from Goodreads:
Kylie Ramsey is supposed to be invisible. In fact, to keep her unnoticed, the FBI has changed the world-class swimmer's identity and moved her twice in the last year. However, there are still a few people who would quickly recognize her. One of them is Matt Whitman, the man Kylie could have easily spent eternity with. The other is Judge Rush-the man who wants Kylie dead.

Now the former rising-star athlete is forced to live a life in the shadows. Worst of all, Kylie believes she will never see Matt again-especially now that she lives two thousand miles from his home. But through a twist of fate, or perhaps a fatal FBI clerical error, they both arrive in the same town, and Kylie now struggles between feelings of elation and dread. What was supposed to be a safe haven could become the most dangerous place on earth.





Summary of The Deep End from Goodreads:
Matt's hands balled in frustration. . . . He couldn't even acknowledge that he knew the dark-haired beauty down the street
But little do CJ and Matt know the extent of the danger and loneliness that will haunt their lives. A world-class swimmer with Olympic aspirations, CJ faces overwhelming odds that threaten to drown all her hopes and dreams. Will the deep end prove to be a dead end for CJ and Matt?

In a story where reality is as tentative as the waters of competition, and happiness is as elusive as the forces of evil that conspire to end all their dreams, CJ and Matt's race for safety becomes a marathon of fear.



Read February 2013

Book 1 and 2 borrowed from a friend.  Book 3 library book.

5 Stars

My Review:
This is an LDS book series.  I am fairly new to the LDS fiction reading world.  I have read a book here or there, but in general haven't read a lot.  Regardless of any experience I have or have not had with LDS fiction books, this was unlike anything I have ever read.

This series is filled with action, mystery, friendship and love.  There is danger everywhere, but there is also the underlying sweetness of romance.  I couldn't put these books down.  They were exciting and I had to know what was going to happen next.  The author kept me on my toes and I found little predictable.  I imagine it is like reading a bit of a tamed down Tom Clancy novel.  I've never read one of his novels, only seen some of the movies, so I can't say for sure.  But it had that feel to it.

I appreciate having secondary characters that I loved almost as much as I loved the 2 main characters.  They were well developed and I was invested in them.  I liked the different settings all over the country and the different living experiences that the same characters had, depending on what was happening at the time.

And, the story has a very strong LDS theme in it, with lots of experiences and discussions revolving around the main character's belief system.  It is hard for me to tell, as an LDS person myself, if this story could be enjoyed as much by a non-LDS person.  In my opinion, the story was so strong that it could take place with someone of any strong religious belief.  In this case, the character is Mormon, but anyone with strong religious beliefs could understand the religious convictions the character has.  I don't feel that it was preachy, but then again, I believe what is being shared.

Warnings: Some violence and action, shooting deaths

I would let my 15 year old read this book.

Crossing the Deep by Kelly Martin

Crossing the Deep by Kelly Martin

Summary from Goodreads:
Sixteen year old Rachel Harker expects the church sponsored hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains to be short and painless. Four days later, injured and scared, Rachel prays to just make it home alive.

Asher Jenkins, fellow hiker and handsome skeptic who is only on the hike so he doesn’t have to go home and face his abusive ‘uncle’, finds Rachel in the woods and tries to get her back to Deep Creek Trail. A small hole hidden under the fall leaves causes her ankle to twist and forces Asher to leave her to get help. As night falls, he comes back, unable to find the right trail.

As hours stretch into days, an unexpected rainstorm bears down the mountain, flooding Deep Creek and cutting off their way home. Rachel puts all of her faith in God to save them. Asher thinks believing in God is a waste of time and does what he can to prove to Rachel that He doesn’t exist.

Read February 2013

Free ebook from Smashwords

4 Stars

My Review:
This is a Christian Fiction book.  Although I don't agree with all of the religious principles expressed by the characters, I do believe in their conviction and their dedication to God.  I am religious myself and sometimes find Christian Fiction books too pushy in their preaching.  I felt like this had a lot of religion in it, but I didn't find it pushy.  The story was strong enough and got the point across without forcing it on me.

I enjoyed the story and characters in this book.  I liked the conflict in bringing these characters together and taking them through a growing journey.  I liked the bit of romance.  

Warnings: Survival trials, death (and for some, the religious aspect may be too much).

I would let my 15 year old daughter read this book.

Guest Review

I enjoy reading books, obviously.  And, it is fun to read other blogs and get ideas for what book to read next from their reviews.  Check out Bookshop Talk and my guest review and see what else they have that might interest you and your taste in books!

A Vintage Affair

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Falling for Mr. Darcy by KaraLynne Mackrory

Falling for Mr. Darcy by KaraLynne Mackrory

Summary from Goodreads:
In this Regency adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice, the simple truth is proven that sometimes a gentleman never knows his heart until a lady comes along to introduce it to him. When Mr. Darcy encounters Elizabeth Bennet injured after a fall, his concern for her welfare cracks the shell of his carefully guarded heart and a charming man emerges. Elizabeth sees an appealing side of him she never believed possible from the stoic, proud master of Pemberley. They find the simple gentlemanly act of assisting her home will best both Mr. Darcy's resolve to keep his heart safe and Elizabeth's conviction that this is the last man on earth she might have ever been prevailed upon to marry. Soon, falling for Mr. Darcy becomes a real possibility.

Read February 2013

Library Book

3.5 Stars

My Review:
This is definitely a romance book.  It is filled with frilly descriptions and sentimental thoughts from both Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet. 

In this adaptation, the author takes these two characters on a tangent from the original Austen story line.  A chance encounter and rescue bring these two together earlier in the story line.  Thus the story takes a different path for them and the other characters.  There are many similar situations and even some direct dialogue from the original, but this is definitely a different story.  There are assumptions made that the reader has read or is at least familiar with the original story.  There isn't a lot of background given on some situations or some characters.  I would recommend reading the original before delving into this one.

I think those who enjoy the story of Pride and Prejudice, but would rather see a sweet, sentimental love story without as much impeding the romance, then this book is for you.

Warnings: None

I would let my 15 year old daughter read this book.

After Hello by Lisa Mangum

After Hello by Lisa Mangum

Summary from Goodreads:
What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had? 

Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City. 

Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find. 

When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of a seemingly elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate? This new novel from award-winning author Lisa Mangum explores what happens after hello.

Read February 2013

Library Book

5 Stars

My Review:
I loved this book.  It was quirky, sweet, thought provoking.  I loved the dynamic between the 2 main characters.  I loved that Sara sees New York City in a way I've never looked at it (not that I've been there a lot).  I loved the 2 different points of view, but one in first person, the other in third person.  I loved the adventure, the quest these 2 characters went on.  I loved the sweetness and kindness between these two.  And I loved the message of holding on to memories that are important and letting go of ones that need to be set free so they don't hurt us anymore.

Truly great story in my opinion.

Warnings: None

I would let my 15 year old read this book.  However, the main character does behave in a way that I would, as a parent, freak out if my daughter ever did those things.  So, there would be a discussion on how this is a great story, but don't ever do that. 

Drops of Gold by Sarah M. Eden

Drops of Gold by Sarah M. Eden

Summary from Goodreads:
Layton Jonquil has spent the four years since his wife's death in the isolated sanctuary of his home, Farland Meadows, with only his daughter Caroline. Mary Wood, a flame-haired, out-spoken, overly-cheerful governess descends on the household changing both their lives and unearthing secrets Layton would rather remained buried and forgotten. Can one woman bring love back into a house too long without it and reclaim a heart too long broken to heal?

Read February 2013

On loan from a friend

5 Stars

My Review:
I love this book.  I love all of Sarah M. Eden's books.  They are right up my alley as far as pace, writing, story, characters, etc.  

If you have read Sarah M. Eden's other books, then you will enjoy this one as well.  Although you could read this book without having read the others, it is a continuation of characters that we have read about in other books.  Specifically, I believe someone reading this book should read Friends and Foes first.  But that is my opinion.

One of the things I liked about this particular story is that the main character has a secret that we don't know until much later in the book.  Often, with main characters, we know their secret, but no one else in the story does.  It was kind of nice to have that kept a secret that we all found out at the same time.  I liked that the story had a lot of messages about forgiveness and healing hurt.  And, I adored the relationships that the adults had with the main child in this story.  It was refreshing to have a young child play such a large part in a regency romance story.  Also, I am invested in many of the characters since they come from previous books.  I love that we can continue to see them and what happens to them even though they aren't the main players in the story.

One complaint, I love the cover of this book, it is beautiful.  However, it does not fit this story.  A simple change is all that would be needed to make it more fitting.  

Warnings: None

I would let my 15 year old daughter read this book.  (Can't believe she is 15 today!)

Divinely Designed by Rachael Renee Anderson

Divinely Designed by Rachael Renee Anderson

Summary from Goodreads:
It all begins with calamity, faith, and a flat tire. Seeking liberation from recent heartache, Kennedy Jackson leaves her hometown and moves to Arizona to work as an interior designer. She thinks she is ready for a new start, but her heart still needs some convincing. When she bumps into a handsome stranger on the highway, she starts the ride of her life on a road of divine design that will lead to her dreams if she only has the faith to follow it. 

This delightful tale by Rachael Anderson combines wit and romance with the reality that change is difficult, but it can bring about some of life's greatest adventures. Divinely Designed is a sure antidote for gloom and a light-hearted reminder that even the darkest forks in the road can lead somewhere brilliant.

Read February 2013

Library Book

4 Stars

My Review:
This is an LDS fiction book.  It has lots of reference to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and much of the context of the book deals with LDS culture and beliefs.  

I really enjoyed this cute, clean romance.  It was fairly predictable and sweet, but that is what I needed this last 24 hours.  I was glad to escape to happy reading land.

Warnings: None

I would let my 14 year old daughter read this book.

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Summary from Goodreads:
Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. 

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumors tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. 

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

No Rating

Library Book

Tried to Read January/February 2013

My Thoughts:
This is not a full review.  I am not able to give a full review.  I couldn't finish this book, so I don't feel that I can give it a full review.  I will however share my thoughts on what I did read of this book.

This story is fantastic.  The characters have me so involved with them that I feel like they are real.  This book shows me the life of teenagers facing terminal illness in a different way.  I appreciate the candor.

Unfortunately, I got to a point in this book where I just couldn't keep reading.  I kept taking day long breaks and reading fluff in an effort to be emotionally able to continue.  Last night I was a mess.  I started reading the next part of a chapter and had to put it down.  I didn't want to read what I saw coming.  I couldn't do it.  I thought maybe I could face it this morning.  But this morning I woke up and said to myself, "why am I putting myself through this?"  

Some may not agree with my decision, but I decided to stop reading this book.  I felt an instant relief.  I know that this book is considered one of the best of 2012.  I know that it is highly acclaimed.  I can totally see why.  It is, however, a book.  One that I can choose to read or not read.  I don't need to make myself any sadder.  I don't need to feel any more pain.  

I am going to spend some extra time today showing my children how much I love them and cherishing the time that I have on this earth.  I am going to count my blessings and smile.  And, I may pick up a fluffy, regency romance and lose myself in the fantasy of it.

Warnings: Lots of swearing and an instance of premarital sex that was tastefully done, not graphic.  Millions of tears.

I would not let my 14 year old read this book.  I do not want to put her through this kind of pain and it has pretty mature themes in it.