Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

The back cover of this book reads -

Harry Windover adores blonde, green-eyed Athena Lancaster, but alas, a penniless man like himself has no hope of winning a young noblewoman’s hand. To add insult to injury, Athena’s brother-in-law and guardian, the Duke of Kielder, has asked Harry to assist Athena in finding the gentleman of her dreams. But the lovesick Harry is cunning as well: as the weeks pass, he introduces Athena to suitors who are horrifically boring, alarmingly attached to their mothers, downright rude, astoundingly self-absorbed – nothing like the loyal, gentle friend she’s found in Harry. But how long can Harry’s scheme be hidden before it is discovered? And what will Athena do when she uncovers Harry’s deception? Escape into a charming regency world in this delightfully romantic comedy of manners that will entertain you to the very last word.

After reading the first books I had to read this one. I was not dissappointed. I love any story that has anything to do with history. I could tell Sarah had done her research on the way things were done in England during the early 1800’s. It was interesting to watch as Athena was introduced into society by attending the many balls so she could find herself a suitable gentleman. Harry was charming and I wondered as I read what method of deceit he would use next to keep the men away from her. I loved the humor and enjoyed the book. I was sure the two were made for each other, but neither of them could see it. All Athena could see was that Harry was a good friend and all Harry could do was claim he was a fortune hunter. I really did wonder if they would ever come together.

Caller ID By Rachelle J. Christensen

Following is the words on the back cover.

When twenty-three-year-old Courtney Beckham, the privileged daughter of a highly successful land developer, is abducted in the mountains near her home, FBI Agent Jason Edwards investigates the ten-million-dollar ransom and turns up more than just a kidnapping crime.

And when Courtney catches a glimpse of the caller ID in her kidnapper’s home, what she sees sends ice through her veins. Even if she escapes her captors, something much more dangerous lies ahead.

From the author who brought you Wrong Number comes another story featuring Agent Jason Edwards that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I’ll bet that makes you want to pick up the book right now. Remember there are several ways to win a copy, but you really won’t be sorry if you were to rush to the store now to purchase this book.

Even though I had read parts of this amazing book beforehand and I knew some of the story I still had a hard time putting this aside for other things. I read the entire story in record time.

There were many twists and turns along the way and lots of surprising things taking place. Just when I thought there couldn’t be any more danger for Courtney something new happened to add more tension to the story.

I could feel the betrayal Courtney must have felt during the kidnapping when she saw the name on the caller ID. I also thought there was just enough hints at romance to keep the story interesting. Several times when I was sure I knew what was going to happen next something new happened to put an entire new curve to the story. I can assure you, the story isn’t over until the very end.

If you like mystery, suspense and romance, this is the next book you need to read.

Book Review of Smoke Screen

This book by Traci Hunter Abramson was amazing. Below is a description 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 book kept me on the edge of my seat and it was difficult to put it aside at bedtime or when I had other things to do. I just wanted to keep reading. It is well written and has plenty of mystery as well as romance. I would give this a high rating and encourage my friends to read it. You will be glad you did.

Don't Cry Wolf by Clair M. Poulson

This book captured me in the first chapter and kept me turning pages the entire time. It called me away from other activities because I had to know what was going to happen next.

The back cover gives a hint of what is to come when it tells everyone that Deputy Prescott gets a call directing him to an accident. As he approaches the twisted, mangled remains of the vehicle, he doubts there could be any survivors in that wreckage. Somebody's life would be ruined tonight, he just never thought it would be his.

Overwhelmed by the memory of losing part of his family, he decides to take the sheriff's offer to become a detective instead of continuing to patrol.

A year later, wolves are starting to drift from neighboring Yellowstone Park to Montana ranches and are preying on calves, and a group of activists is passionate about saving the wolves from getting shot by ranchers. Their passion turns to violence with the murder of a rancher who shoots a wolf in order to protect his livestock. It is up to Deputy Prescott to find out exactly who is behind the escalating violence.

The book is filled with suspense, and romance. It's a book that I'm glad I read.

Chocolate Roses

This great book is written by Joan Sowards, and I would recommend it to ALL my friends. The back cover reads – Janie Rose Whitaker’s world revolved around her chocolate shop until Roger Wentworth and his young daughter moved into the apartment across from Janie’s. Anyone would think Roger fit the mold of the “perfect” guy, but soon Janie discovers secrets that could keep them apart forever. Though she resists getting involved in Roger’s complicated life, they are drawn further into a bittersweet relationship.

I love the suspense Joan twisted into this story. Besides lots of mystery, there was also plenty of romance. I found myself laughing, crying, and wanting to know what would happen next. Sometimes I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and some nights I found myself fighting to stay awake so that I could find out what was happening next.

I’ll warn you ahead of time to pay strict attention to everything you read, or you’ll find yourself hunting for the answers at the end because Joan includes a quiz at the end of her book.

BLOG TOUR

Trapped
By ~ Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

This book has it all –
family secrets, intrigue, and romance

and the tour has already started
(August 9-August 24)

THREE autographed copies of the book will be given away

All you have to do is leave a comment (along with your email address if it isn't on your blog profile) and answer the following question.

Which Austrian city would you most like to visit?

The more blogs you comment on, the more entries you'll receive. All comments must be left by midnight MST on August 27 to be eligible.

August 9
Heather Gardner

August 10
Jewel Adams

August 11
Mary Greathouse
Teri Rodeman

August 12
Lynn Fowlstone
Christine Bryant

August 13
Valerie Ipson
Sheila Stayley

August 16
Deanne Blackhurst

August 17
Connie Hall
C.S. Bezas

August 18
Kimberly Job
Tristi Pinkston

August 19
Karen Hoover
Nichole Giles

August 20
Alison Palmer
Jessica Williams

August 23
Joyce DiPastena
Laurie Lewis

On the back of the cover, it says - When Emi Warrin wakes one night to find a thief in her mother's house, she has no idea the intruder has planted a trap - a mysterious letter that will change her life forever. Lured to the Austrian Alps with Daniel, the man she loves, Emi is thrown into a perilous, mafia-like world of feuding families and a devastating curse that spans generations. As the Firstborn She - the only firstborn female in hundreds of years - only Emi can free her family from the curse that will soon afflict her as well. But for Emi to break the curse, she must delve into evil designs.

As Emi struggles to understand her destiny as the Firstborn She, she learns that everything isn't as it seems and that all choices have consequences. Can Emi break the curse before it's too late?

Just reading that much, made me want to read the enitre book. From the very first exciting paragraph until the very end the book was full of suspense. The longer I read, the more I found it difficult to turn the pages fast enough.

This was a well-written, magical story. I loved the captivating settings, suspense, and all the twists and turns along the way. The romance and mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I’m glad that I read this book and look forward to reading more by Ronda in the near future.

Rebound

by Heather Justesen

With a successful husband, a gorgeous home, and a growing family, Lily Drake has it all. But when the FBI shows up, she realizes her husband is not the man she thought he was.

Meanwhile, Lily's friend Curtis is about to be drafted by the NBA, but he suddenly feels pulled to find his birth family, and no one is prepared for what he'll discover. With so many obstacles in their way, Lily and Curtis must learn to rely on each other if they're ever going to find peace and learn to love again.

In this heartwarming family drama, Heather Justesen, author of The Ball's in Her Court, weaves a stirring story of hope. Reunite with your favorite characters and discover how determination, love, and faith can overcome even the toughest trials.

Rebound is not a sequel to Heather’s other book, The Ball’s In Her Court, but the storyline is a continuation of a story started in that book, so expect to see some familiar characters and family members.

After reading Ball's In Her Court I was anxious to read more about some of the character's and was thrilled when Heather asked me to read her newest story. I knew the story would be a good clean romance and would have plenty of action to keep me turning the pages. This is a story that you don't want to miss. It's about adoption, families, finding parents, trust, fraud, and moving on into the future. Everyone who loves a good romance will enjoy this story.

Shudder

I couldn't believe how quick I was able to read this book. I could not, and didn't want to put it down. Any woman who has ever suffered any type of abuse will like and relate to this book. Any woman who is in that type of situation should read this book. Maybe it will give you the courage to do what you must.

Jennie Hansen is a great story teller. This book is full of suspense and will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what Blaine will do to Claire next. I felt sympathy for Darcey that she had to endure watching her best friend suffer so much. I was angry that Claire couldn't and wouldn't help herself until it was almost too late. I felt gratitude that my life is peaceful and not so full of trials.

If you are one of those lonely, isolated women who witnesses bruises, broken bones, and are fearful of someone hurting you, I encourage you to read this book. I'm sure it will give you hope and maybe the courage to improve your situation.

Dawn's Early Light

This book is the third volume in a series, Free Men and Dreamers, by L. C. Lewis. I can’t think of anyone better suited to write this book than someone born and raised in the historical setting of Washington D.C. and Baltimore where this entire series is set. I envy her being able to spend so much time in this part of our great country. Those of you that know me are aware of how much I love history and visiting the places where history was made.

Laurie made this part of history and the war of 1812 come to life. I fell in love with the main characters immediately, and I cheered when Jed freed the slaves living on his plantation. This story made me wish that I could have been there fighting alongside those living at the Willows when Sebastian Dupree attacked their home. I have visited Washington D.C. several times, and I have read the stories about the British burning our nation’s capital during this era. Al though, I knew the story, I still cried when Laurie made this part of history real with her descriptions of destruction.

Laurie had a way of making me truly experience the pain and passion of the American’s, the slaves, and the British as they endured that week in American history when Washington burned. Anyone that enjoys reading historical fiction will certainly enjoy this book.

Illuminations Of The Heart

Illuminations of the Heart is a historical romantic novel by Joyce DiPastena

The will of Sirol de Calendri’s late brother directs her to go to the county of Poitou, France, where she enters the guardianship of her brother’s friend, Sir Triston de Brielle, who snatches her heart away with a kiss.

Triston carries guilt for the death of his late wife, Clothilde, and is hesitant to love again, especially since Siri looks like Clothilde. However, Siri does not act like Clothilde, because Sirol has a merry laugh and twinkling eyes.

Triston finds himself trapped between the rivalry of the king’s sons and a neighbor out for vengeance. Siri will not live in another woman’s shadow and refuses to let the man she loves cast her off.

I love the fact that Joyce tried to make this book as accurate as possible when including historical events. She even included a glossary of Medieval Terms at the back of the book. There is plenty of action, and it kept me on the edge of my seat many times. I would recommend this book to any of my friends. I know you won’t be disappointed. Illumination of the Heart is on the list of books nominated for a Whitney Award. It certainly has my vote.

Stranger

The Stranger She Married, is an excellent mystery and romance story. One by one, it seems that someone is out to kill Alicia’s entire family. One evening she escapes a fire, and another night kidnappers try to snatch her. This well written book, by Donna Hatch, will keep you turning pages to see what will happen next.

Although I thought this book was good, there are several bedroom scenes that some Latter-day Saints or others may find objectionable, and that I would have preferred she had left out of the book. Other than a few paragraphs this is a great book, and one that every mystery and romance reader will love.

LDS Ghost Story

I purchased the book, Haven Haunts, from the author, Joan Sowards, while I was in Arizona. It's about a young single woman, Callie Wilford, who inherits a century-old inn in southern Arizona. She doesn't believe there is a ghost although several people tell her that one guards the inn that she wants to turn into a bed and breakfast. She meets a handsome cowboy and a charming rancher, and soon finds her heart in danger.

This book captured my attention from the first page and held it until the very end. Joan has a unique way of combining the supernatural with suspense. There was plenty of mystery, and romance. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next, she did an amazing twist throwing me in a different direction. If you love a good mystery and romance this is the book for you.

Anything For Charity

This book was written by one of my friends, Sara Fitgerald. Yesterday she sent me her book trailer. The link for the book trailer is - http://video.yahoo.com/watch/7074578/18408835. I hope you enjoy it.

Anything for Charity is both entertaining and romantic. To launch her career as a reporter, Charity Smith must write a story about a shy billionaire, Ryan Foster. Ryan's heart was broken when his young niece died of cancer. Now he dresses up like a clown and performs charity work at the local hospital. The last thing he needs is a reporter invading his privacy, but the moment he meets Charity and her scowling teenage brother, he finds himself falling head over heels in love with her. Soon he wonders if he will indeed.do anything for Charity?

The Undaunted – The Miracle of the Hole-in-the-Rock Pioneers

by Gerald N. Lund



I just complete reading this book last night and decided I should post a review of what I thought about it.

This is a true story of a group of Mormon pioneers who undertook and completed what many thought was an impossible journey. This time, they were not running from persecution or trying to find a place where they would have religious freedom. Some of these people had a successful business, or a well-established farms, nice homes, and they were enjoying a good life. Why then did they leave? They believed that the call was from the Lord and it was necessary for the safety and good of the entire community. Each one of them thought it was the right thing to do.

After seeing what lie ahead with the Hole-in-the Rock, a former handcart pioneer, Jens Nielson said, “We must go through, even if we cannot.”

And, that is exactly what they did. There is plenty of adventure, romance, and sacrifices in these 800 pages. The pioneers sacrificed much to go on the San Juan Mission.

The Hole-in-the-Wall Pioneers had to face many problems. I enjoyed reading the details of each of the hardships they endured as they built a way through the Hole-in-the-Rock, blasted out perilous trails over slick rock and through desolate cliffs as they made their way through the Cottonwood Hill, Grey Mesa, The Chute, Slick Rock Hill, Clay Hill Pass, Salvation Knoll, and many others. Some of the cliffs were treacherous and difficult to get around. The slick red rocks and clay hills made it hard for the animals to get their footing, and still pull a wagon.

I agree with G. N. Lund. It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read adventure stories along with romance.

The Ball’s In Her Court by Heather Justesen

Heather did a great job writing this story. She captured my interest and held it throughout the entire book. There is plenty of romance and mystery.

Here's the blurb from the back of the book:

She's got a great job, a loving group of family and friends and basketball skills like you wouldn't believe, but Denise DeWalt's life is far from perfect, and she's about to come face-to-face with a past she hoped to leave behind forever.Twenty-six-year-old Denise thinks she's come to terms with her childhood in the foster care system, but when her old nightmares return, Denise realizes that she must deal with her past once and for all if she ever wants to move on to a brighter future with Rich, the only man who can see past her former life. As Denise's search moves her closer and closer to the one person she hoped she'd never have to face again, she begins to realize that her future depends on just one person-- herself.This emotional and inspirational love story proves that life is full of unexpected twists and turns-- especially when it comes to facing your demons, fighting for love, and finding happiness for the future.

I never before realized what a difficult journey it is for adopted children when they have a desire to locate their birth parents.

You first meet Denise, a girl who on the outside seems to have everything. When old nightmares return she knows it is time to put her past behind her, so she searches for answers to her life before foster care and adoption. To do this she had to face those who hurt her. Like most of us, she doesn’t want to do that, but with the encouragement of a good man, Rich, she soon realized that her future depends on herself, not anyone else.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the struggles and triumphs in Denise’s life. Heather made all the characters real. I cried with Denise and was upset because of the way she treated Rich, and her sister Paige. It gave me a good feeling to see Denise take charge of her own life and confront the emotional heartache from her troubled childhood. I was excited as she met new family members, but felt relief to see that she still stayed close to the parents who had raised her.

I recommend this book to all of you because I know you won’t be disappointed. You can purchase this book at Deseret Book, Seagull Book, or Barnes & Noble. It would make a great book for those in your life who love romance.

Missing

One of the best books I’ve read this year is, Missing by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen. Even though I had read the beginning of this book, I needed to see what happened next, and then it was difficult to put down. After each chapter, I had to keep going. This story kept my attention until the very end. Yes, I would buy this book for my teenage granddaughters and other people on my Christmas list.

During a musical performance, Stacie saw a kidnapped child in the audience, but the girl disappears. Stacie had the courage to pursue the child even when no one except a handsome Matt believed her. He helps her in the search, while she tries to resist the attraction she feels for him. Stacie puts her own life on the line to find this child and bring her to safety. Even though Stacie faced many difficult trials in her life, she still listened to the whisperings within her own heart. The characters in the book were real and I could picture each scene. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes a good mystery and romance. This is an amazing book, and I give it a big 10.

Book Review

Loyalty's Web by Joyce DiPastena is a history, mystery and romance all bound into one book. My advice to anyone reading this is to make sure you have plenty of time, because once you start you won't be able to put it down.

The main characters, The Earl of Gunthar and Helene deLaurant, have many things get in the way of any feelings they may have for each other; arranged marriages, several assassination attempts, betrayals, and secrets, that need to be resolved to save all those they care about.

Joyce is a great storyteller and kept me on the edge of my seat. If you love a good mystery - men or women - this is the book for you.