Cold as Ice by Stephanie Black

I love Stephanie Black’s mysteries. Her dark and twisty book, Fool Me Twice, is one of my all-time favorites. Like that book, Cold As Ice is LDS suspense. While religion does not play a big part in the story, it is mentioned occasionally and LDS beliefs on repentance and forgiveness are part of the motivating forces behind some of the characters’ actions. However, it’s not at all preachy and I doubt non-LDS readers would be offended by it. I wasn’t immediately captivated by Abigail’s personality. […]

November 1, 2012 | 0 Comments

Key Lime Pie by Josi S. Kilpack

This is book #4 in the Sadie Hoffmiller series—and while you don’t HAVE to read the books in order, I recommend that you do. Because I haven’t reviewed the previous books in the series, here’s a little synopsis: Lemon Tart #1: Cooking aficionado turned amateur detective Sadie Hoffmiller tries to solve the murder of her beautiful young neighbor, a single mother who was lured from her home while a lemon tart was baking in her oven. At the heart of Sadie’s search is the woman’s […]

October 29, 2012 | 3 Comments

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins

This is a three-for-the-price-of-one review because I read all three books back to back—and I think the power in this series is in the whole of it, not just one individual book. The Hunger Games • Catching Fire • Mockingjay I really liked this series. Yes, it’s brutal in places, disturbing. And I definitely think it’s for mature readers. I don’t think anyone under the age of 14 has any business reading these books, and for most teens, I’d say sixteen (or older) to read […]

October 25, 2012 | 0 Comments

Gravity vs. the Girl by Riley Noehren

Another 2009 Whitney winner, this debut novel, Gravity vs the Girl was a very compelling read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. At first, I wasn’t sure if the ghosts were “real” ghosts or the product of an emotional breakdown. By the time I figured it out, it really didn’t matter. Without giving it away, I’ll just say that I would have loved the book no matter which way it went because we are all haunted by ghosts of our past in one way or another—sort of […]

October 22, 2012 | 0 Comments

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

The Chosen One is a heart-rending account of Kyra’s struggle. She loves her family very much—that’s obvious in her story. But like all teens, she is trying to find her own way between what she was taught as a child and what she truly believes. This coming-of-age is complicated by the fact that Kyra is part of a religious sect where women and children are controlled by the iron fists of the men around them. Kyra’s life hits a turning point when she realizes she […]

October 18, 2012 | 2 Comments

Mr Monster by Dan Wells

About that Content Warning ^^^ This series is descriptive and a little gruesome. There is demon-killing violence, violence by demons toward humans, and some mild swearing. Also, John gets a little out of control at times. I think 16 and up is a good “umbrella” recommendation, but it should be adjusted for the personality of the teen. It might be a good idea if a parent read this book before giving it to their teen—and discussing it afterward. That said, I loved it. As I […]

October 17, 2012 | 0 Comments

I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

I Am Not a Serial Killer is Dan Wells’ debut novel—and if it’s any indication, we will see lots more from him. This story is so unusual and bizarre that I know some of you aren’t going to feel the love like I do. But seriously? I loved this book. First, a couple of notes. This series was released in the UK by Headline Publishing Group (UK imprint of Hachette) before it came to the U.S. I have the UK version because I picked it […]

October 15, 2012 | 1 Comment

The Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson

Full Disclosure: Sheila and I have been in the same writing critique years for several years. I read this book in its many variations, but was still enthralled with the story when it finally hit bookstore shelves. Despite being good friends, I purchased this book with my own money and was never asked by Sheila to do a review of any kind. * * * Isn’t that the most amazing cover?! I think it’s absolutely breathtaking. The illustrator did a wonderful job capturing the mermaid […]

October 11, 2012 | 0 Comments

The Fourth Nephite by Jeffrey S. Savage

Another hit! This fantasy is geared toward LDS boys, but girls will love it as well. The action and suspense were wonderful, the characterization was great. I felt Kaleo, especially, was very believable. When he’s caught breaking the rules, he accepts his punishment and although he makes some bad decisions along the way, in the end, he’s learned the lessons he needed to learn. I loved the peek into history and the life of Joseph Smith. The writing was captivating and I was caught up […]

October 8, 2012 | 3 Comments

Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston

If you’re looking for light-hearted, fun reading, Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston is for you. This first novel in a new series is hands down the funnest book I’ve read in a long time! This book has all the elements I love in a story: mystery, suspense, murder, mayhem, a huge dose of humor, a hint of romance, snappy dialog, well-rounded characters, and a plot that keeps the pages turning. I was frustrated when I had to stop reading for any reason. Ida Mae, the […]

October 4, 2012 | 2 Comments

Bone Warriors by Bron Bahlmann

I know Shirley, Bron’s mother and a great writer, and she asked if I’d give Bron’s book a review here on my blog. I was happy to do it because: 1) I like to encourage young writers, and 2) I was interested to see what Bron—who started this book at age 11 and finished it at age 14—could come up with. I was very pleasantly surprised with the scope and complexity of this story. Derrik and Tweaks—best friends since children—are out in the fields when […]

September 24, 2012 | 2 Comments

The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

Abby is a senior in high school, with her life all lined up. Then she meets Dante—and her world turns upside down. He’s cute, mysterious, and odd things happen when he’s around. I really liked this book. In fact, the only thing I didn’t like was I felt Abby abandoned her girlfriend to a guy she at first knew was a bad influence, and later learned was downright evil. The consequences to her friend were pretty shattering. I would talk to my kids about this […]

September 22, 2012 | 0 Comments

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Don’t read this book! Seriously. Unless you’re prepared to buy all five books currently available in the series and lock yourself away, neglect your house, your kids, your husband—and just read, read, read until you’re done. Because it was that good. And if you’re thinking you can read just one book at a time, think again. This is the Lays potato chips of vampire stories—and each book ends with a killer cliff-hanger. But to back up a bit. . . My sister has been bugging […]

September 20, 2012 | 11 Comments

Just One Wish by Janette Rallison

When Annika’s little brother faces the prospect of surgery, she is determined that he will pull through successfully. A firm believer in the power of positive thinking, she convinces Jeremy that she has a magic lamp that will grant him a successful surgery and his greatest desire—which she believes is a Teen Robin Hood action character. Jeremy upsets her well-made plans when he wishes instead to meet the “real” Teen Robin Hood, an actor from his favorite TV show. Annika sets off to make Jeremy’s […]

September 18, 2012 | 0 Comments

This Just In by Kerry Blair

I’m embarrassed to admit how long this one has been sitting on my night stand. I got it from a clearance stack at a local regional bookstore (so you might have trouble finding a copy, unless you want to buy the ebook). When I did get to it, I just about broke a rib laughing so hard! Clay and Jill are such opposites—he a serious mountain man and loner; she a society, looks-are-everything newscaster. Told from Jill’s point of view, this story is hilariously funny […]

September 16, 2012 | 0 Comments