I love my friend, Julie Bellon. I really do. I met Julie when we lived in the same neighborhood, and really got to know her when she tended my youngest daughter, when I had to go back to work after my divorce. I absolutely trusted her with my child, and that’s saying a lot about what I think of Julie’s character. Julie and I have a lot in common. I’m from the U.S.; she’s Canadian. I have a respectable number of children (4); she has […]
I read Rules of Engagement by Stephanie Fowers yesterday in just a few hours. It’s cute and fun. This book gives you a humorous look into college life while exploring the non-existent love lives of Samantha and her roommates. I enjoyed Samantha’s feisty character and personality. I laughed aloud at many of her antics—such as getting stuck in a window, sneaking into a boy’s apartment to steal a cross-stitched quote, and trying to avoid a stalker. It took me back to my college days. I […]
Heaven Scent (isn’t that a gorgeous cover?) is Rebecca Cornish Talley’s debut novel. Written for LDS teens, this book will be particularly enjoyed by young women, ages 12 to 16. Rebecca stopped by for a visit. Many of my readers are published authors or are in the process of writing a book for the first time. They are always interested in the writing process. Where did you get the idea for writing Heaven Scent? How long did it take you to finish it? My mother […]
I got Her Good Name by Josi Kilpack a couple of weeks ago but I had to wait to read it because other less important stuff like cooking and cleaning and working my day job kept getting in the way. I started it a few days ago and then stayed up until 2:00 a.m. this morning to finish it. That right there should tell ya sumthin’. I liked this book for so many reasons. First, I liked Chrissy. She’s Latino and I think it’s about […]
Stephanie Black is one twisted sister! Fool Me Twice is her second novel published by Covenant. I loved her first one, The Believer, but I love, love, love this one! I cannot believe the twists and turns in this book. This is an LDS suspense thriller. There are some religious elements to it but no one gets baptized in the end. I found that very believable. It’s not preachy and Stephanie doesn’t beat us over the head with the Book of Mormon stick. If you’re […]
Secrets in Zarahemla was a stretch book for me because it’s a romance and “traditional” romance is not my favorite genre. Okay, here are my issue with romances. I just don’t believe them. I don’t believe people fall in love at first sight. I don’t believe a strong relationship can develop in a matter of days. I don’t believe all the fainting and sighing and does-he-love-me-or-not junk. Since this is the currency of romance, I spend most of my reading time rolling my eyes and […]
*While there is nothing explicit in this book, it does deal with the harsh reality of internet predators, kidnapping, and assault. If your children have access to the Internet, you need to read this book. If those children are over the age of 12, they need to read this book. I liked the Prologue, which sets the tone and foreshadows events to come. I liked the way Josi started each chapter with e-mails between Jess, Emily and Colt. It was unnerving to see how subtle, […]
Due to subject matter, I recommend this book for older teens, 16 and up. Although not offensive, it deals with some tough subjects. Suzanna “Cue” Quincy has had a rough life—an abusive mother, emotionally absent father, drugs and alcohol. If that’s not enough, she discovers she’s pregnant and isn’t sure who the father is. Suzanna’s mother kicks her out of the house because she won’t get an abortion. Her friends abandon her because she will no longer party with them. With nowhere else to turn, […]