WHAT MAKES US SISTERS by Bonnie Oscarson— #books #bookreview #amreading

WHAT MAKES US SISTERS by Bonnie Oscarson. This cute little picture book reminds us all of what true sisterhood really is about. It reminds us that as women, we are all sisters. It's a quick, easy read that shifts our thinking toward one another. I'd recommend it to any woman out there.

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"Sisters take care of each other, watch out for each other, comfort each other, and are there for each other through thick and thin," observes Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women general president.

In this delightful and inspiring book, Sister Oscarson encourages all women to look beyond differences in age, culture, and circumstance in order to better nurture and serve one another. She explains that all women—young or old, married or single, working in an office or running a home—have unique talents and gifts to share. Focusing on the boundless blessings that Latter-day Saint women enjoy, Sister Oscarson urges women throughout the Church to live and inspire others in ways that realize their greatest potential.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

CROOKED HOUSE by Marlene Bateman— #giveaway #review #amreading #books

CROOKED HOUSE by Marlene Bateman. This was a great mystery that had me jumping from person to person as to who did it. Just when I thought I had it figured out I realized I didn't. I wouldn't have guessed the ending. It makes me want to read it again and see all the clues I missed the first time. The new characters are wonderful and it's great to see Erica in action again. This is a wonderful mystery that will keep you turning the pages till the very end. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good twist at the end. Be sure to check out other Erica Coleman books, A Death In The Family and Motive For Murder.

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Someone is trying to kill Liz Johnson and it’s up to quirky private investigator, Erica Coleman, to find out who. Erica is no stranger to murder and mystery, which is why her best friend’s daughter, Megan, turns to her when unaccountable and potentially fatal “accidents” threaten her roommate’s life. 

Once Erica arrives at the ramshackle old mansion known as Crooked House, matters go from disturbing to deadly as it becomes clear someone is trying to kill Liz.  As Erica begins to unearth secrets, she discovers a twisted web of love, money, greed, and deception. Although the police and friends sometimes find Erica’s OCD annoying, its those very traits that help her sift through evidence and see clues that others miss. Erica must draw upon her all her investigative prowess to keep Liz safe and unmask the killer before he can accomplish his deadly objective. 

 With a dash of romance and surprising twists, this thrilling mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. As with all Erica Coleman mysteries, ten delicious recipes are included. 

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Available here as well as in the physical stores. Deseret Book, Seagull Book, Amazon

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IMPOSSIBLE RACE by @ChadCMorris — #bookreview #books #amreading #review

IMPOSSIBLE RACE by Chad Morris. This was a fantastic ending to a wonderful series. It is a race that is worth running, and I couldn't stop turning the pages. I honestly didn't expect what happened at the end. I couldn't see how the kids were going to come out on top, but they did and the ending was very fitting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great adventure. Be sure to check out the first two books in the Cragbridge Hall series: THE INVENTOR'S SECRET and THE AVATAR BATTLE.

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In the final book of the Cragbridge Hall trilogy, Abby, Derick, and their friends must utilize their skills in time travel and technology to survive roving bands of dinosaurs, race through space, build robots, and fight virtual dragons.

It’s known as the Race—an annual tournament where teams of students compete in the hopes of winning an unbelievable prize. But before this year’s competition, Derick and Abby receive a terrifying message from the future: Charles Muns’s plan to control history is going to succeed. It will cost countless people their lives and change the destiny of the world. And there is nothing anyone can do to stop them.

Despite the danger, the twins gather their friends and enter the Race, ready to compete against the best of the best in order to claim what might turn out to be a key of ultimate power.

Can they compete the Race in time and stop Muns? Or has the future already been written?

A page-turning, time-travel adventure that teaches powerful lessons about choice and consequence, believing you can do hard things, and valuing our history.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

CONFESSIONS OF A MOM #choosekindness #51actsofkindness

We just got back from a family overnighter and I'm not thinking very clearly at the moment. I planned on having this really cute picture with a saying about kindness but the picture is currently on a different computer. Of course. So that will happen next week.

For now, this will have to do . . .

Kindness is no "laughing" matter. #choosekindness

Some examples of kindness I've witnessed this week:

*flowers picked for someone

*a smile

*sharing an old picture with a friend

*dropping off something anonymously

*picking up some trash

*knocking on someones door to say hi

*sending a text

How were you kind this week?

A HEART REVEALED by Josi S Kilpack— #books #bookreview #amreading

A HEART REVEALED by Josi S. Kilpack. This was a darling story but I felt like it took too long to get to the meat of the story. I understand why we needed to know everything she wrote about and why the detail was there (to help us truly understand and sympathize with the characters) but it made it hard for me to get through. This is a clean read that any romantic at heart, especially those who love the Regency era.

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Amber Marie Sterlington, the Rage of the Season in Regency-era London, has her pick of men, and she knows what she wants most in a husband: a title and a fortune. Why would she ever marry for something as fickle as love? And why would she ever look twice at Thomas Richards, a third son of a country lord?

But when Amber’s social standing is threatened, the character of her future husband becomes far more important that his position. After a public humiliation, she finds herself exiled to Yorkshire. Alone except for her maid, Amber is faced with a future she never expected in a circumstance far below what she has known all her life. Humbled and lonely, Amber begins to wonder if isolation is for the best. Who could ever love her now?

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

FAILSAFE by Traci Hunter Abramson— #giveaway #bookreview #review #books #amreading

FAILSAFE by Traci Hunter Abramson. This book was quite the thrill ride. I loved it. It kept me turning the pages and guessing what would happen next. I loved the characters and the heartpounding action that Abramson wove throughout the story. And the underlining love story was perfect for this book. I would highly recommend this to any and everyone who loves a fantastic ride! It may not be suitable for younger readers due to the intensity of some scenes.

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In the wide-open landscape of Pennsylvania, Charlotte Martin and her father live a peaceful life on their farm...or so it seems. In truth, the rural locale provides the perfect front for the father-daughter NSA operatives as they expertly carry out their mission: using a high-tech computer system, they protect a team of undercover agents. Some would kill to have access to this system, and it makes Charlotte and her father prime targets. It was only a matter of time before this nightmare unexpectedly crashed down on them, and only Charlotte escaped with her life. Before Dwight Martin dies, though, he initiated the failsafe lockdown, and now Charlotte's the only one who can access the system.

Writer Jake Bradford left the serene Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia for the hustle and bustle of New York to pursue his dreams and never looked back. Until now. Entrusted with his ailing grandmother's care, Jake knows he needs help—and he can't believe his luck when a lovely young woman providentially appears on his doorstep. Charlotte creates a new persona for herself and quickly develops a bond with Jake's grandmother. But it's the connection she feels with Jake that makes it almost too easy to lose sight of her reality: she is being hunted by men who will stop at nothing to access the intelligence she protects. With time running out, can the couple find a future together, or will Charlotte's secrets tear them apart?

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Tour Schedule:

April 13th

http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com

http://www.iamareader.com/

April14th

http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

April 15th

http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

April 16th

http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/

April 17th

http://www.wishfulendings.com

http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/

April 18th

http://www.iamareader.com/ 

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CONFESSIONS OF A MOM #choosekindness

I have seen many acts of unkindness this week and it makes me very sad. There's a phrase I posted on Instragram this week that I think if we all keep in mind will help everyone around us.

You never know what the person next to you is going through. Choose Kindness.

How do we know if the driver on the road who is getting under our skin isn't a new driver? Or someone grieving? Or someone under extreme stress?

How do we know if the person living next who us you rushes inside and completely ignores you (in your opinion) isn't upset because of a medical dignosis? Or received bad news from work or a family member? Or is just having a horrible day?

How do we know what is the real reason behind the tears we see in someone's eyes?

The truth of the matter is we don't. Would it hurt us to look outside of ourselves and be kind to someone else? You can tell I'm on this kindness campaign. There are so many people around me who are suffering for many, many different reasons and I feel helpless. The only thing I can do in a lot of cases is be kind. Whether that be listening, providing a meal, holding a door, smiling, calling, sympathizing. Sometimes it really is the simple things that are needed. I really believe if we all looked around and did something simple it would make the world a better place.

So for now, choose to be kind. You just never know . . .

MISS BURTON UNMASKS THE PRINCE by Jennifer Moore— #bookreview #books #review

MISS BURTON UNMASKS THE PRINCE by Jennifer Moore. This is a very cute regency romance that I enjoyed. I found that I didn't like some of the side story, I just wanted to get back to the Meg and Carlo, although I understand why the side story was there. I loved the characters. Meg had a fire that I think is fun to read about in the ton. I loved watching Meg's relationship with Carlo and the ending was perfect. It's a wonderful, clean romance that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good love story.

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Southern belle Meg Burton is her parents' last hope of avoiding financial ruin, and a distant cousin's kind gesture seems an ideal solution: He will sponsor Meg for a London Season. The pursuit of a wealthy husband was not exactly how the bookish young woman had envisioned her first trip abroad—after all, what does a girl from Charleston, south Carolina, know about being a lady? Amidst the stunning gowns and extravagant balls of the ton, Meg feels like an imposter. Thankfully, she has one friend who knows her true self—Carlo, a handsome stable hand. Despite their difference in station, love blossoms between the unlikely pair, and Meg is sure of one thing: She wants nothing to do with the insufferable European aristocracy.

Prince Rodrigo de Talavera has lost everything to Napoleon. Jaded by war, he has become bitter and miserable—until he meets Meg, an American woman whose eccentric schemes and passion for life remind him what it is to laugh and to love. If only she knew him for himself and not as Carlo the stable hand. With the shadow of deception looming over their happy acquaintance and the dangers of war drawing ever more near, can Meg and Rodrigo find the courage to put aside their pretenses and discover if they can be loved as they truly are?

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

Blog Tour Schedule

April 6th

http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/
http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/
http://iamareader.com/

April 7th

http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/
http://iamareader.com/

April 8th

http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/
http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/
http://www.wishfulendings.com/

April 9th

http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/
http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/
http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

April 10th

http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/
http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/
http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/

April 11th

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/
http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/
https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/

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#BecauseHeLives I Know I'll See My Son Again—CONFESSIONS OF A MOM #51actsofkindness

Happy Easter. This attached video is a short, sweet message of something I hold dear. I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ lives. I know that on the third day he rose from the tomb and was resurrected. I know that #BecauseHeLives I will see my sweet little Lion again. #BecauseHeLives I will be with my family throughout eternity. I know this to be true. I believe it with all my heart. I hope you enjoy the video.

I also hope that you are looking for ways to be kind to others. We've been down for the count this week with some bug but here are a few things that I've seen happen this week.

*Dinner to a neighbor who suffered a loss

*Swept rocks back into a yard

*Asked a cashier how she was doing

*Picked flowers for someone

Happy Easter. Be Kind. I know He lives.

BETWEEN NOW AND NEVER by Laura Johnston— #bookreview #books #amreading

BETWEEN NOW AND NEVER by Laura Johnston. For whatever reason something didn't sit right with me for this novel. I loved the characters. I loved the situation. Laura did a great job weaving the characters through their story (although I felt like the heroine was a bit too trusting) but I still can't put my finger on what it was that still makes me question this novel. It was a fun read and I'm sure most everyone would enjoy it.

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Buh boom, buh boom.

My heart thrusts with a force that takes me by surprise. Telling me something I don’t understand. A splitting pain, a longing to slip back under. They tell me I was in a hit-and-run, but I can’t remember what happened that night.  All I know is that I woke up with pictures in my pocket, a card from one of those photo booths in the mall. And I’m in the pictures. Cody Rush. Me and…

Julianna.

Her brother was there that night, and my dad, the FBI agent, was the one who put her mom behind bars. What’s the connection? And why won’t Julianna talk to me now? Somehow, she holds the key to it all, and getting close–real close—to her for the answers I need will be no hardship at all…

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

Author Laura Johnston Laura Johnston lives in Utah with her husband and two children. Growing up with five siblings, a few horses, peach trees, beehives and gardens, she developed an active imagination and always loved a good story. She fell in love with the young adult genre both through her experience in high school as well as her job later as a high school teacher. Laura enjoys running, playing tennis, sewing, traveling, writing, and above all, spending time with her husband and kids.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Blog Tour Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 4/26/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Blog Tour Schedule

 

YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER by M. Russell Ballard— #bookreview #reviews #amreading

YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER by M. Russell Ballard. Another gem of a book that has changed my outlook on things. I love how each chapter is a talk on a certain subject. I was able to flip through and find those talks that spoke to me and helped me find answers to some things I am struggling with right now. I know that it is a book I can and will frequently referred back to for advice and answers. I highly recommend this to everyone.

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The scriptures proclaim that "God is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Mormon 9:9). In his latest book, Elder M. Russell Ballard attests to the truth of that statement by combining his words with teachings from his grandfathers, Hyrum Mack Smith and Melvin J. Ballard. What makes this combination unique is that all three of these men have served as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"In preparing this work," writes Elder Ballard, "I have seen anew that the course of the Lord truly i 'one eternal round' (Alma 37:12) and that the doctrine of the gospel is timely and timeless. It is forever relevant to disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ."

These never-before-published talks from Elder Ballard, paired with doctrinal statements from his grandfathers, will be a valuable resource for readers and a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased opinion.