Book Review: Gifts of the Blood By Vicki Keire

A dying brother. A young man with golden planes of light on his back. A blind chess wizard. An insane angelic kidnapper in flamboyant red leather. A town with more secrets than stoplights. A cat that talks to spirits. Waking up with eyes the color of moonlight. 

Before her world tilts towards impossible, Caspia Chastain thinks the only strange thing about her is that she sometimes draws the future. Only her brother Logan, fighting his cancer diagnosis, knows what she can do. When she draws a man surrounded by brilliant light, dark wings, and frightening symbols, she can only hope the vision won’t come true. 

But when a stranger named Ethan appears, determined to protect Caspia and her brother from dangers he won’t explain, she’s not sure what to think. Strangers almost never come to Whitfield. They certainly don’t follow her around, frightening her one moment and treating her like glass the next. And they certainly don’t look exactly like the subject of her most violent drawing. 

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Angel's Edge Book 1, Gifts of the Blood is about a girl who sometimes draws the future. She has no idea how or why she has this gift, and most of the time, when her gift manifests itself, it freaks her out. She has never embraced the gift, but fears it tremendously. When one of her drawings all of a sudden comes to life, her life turns into one huge roller coaster with both "good and bad" guys trying to kidnap her.

I highly enjoyed Gifts of the Blood. The idea of a strong, drop dead angel watching out for me and my family is a great idea, especially if that gorgeous angel happens to fall in love with me and be completely and utterly devoted to me. Well, maybe not. I do tend to enjoy the right to choose, and having someone that loves me but has not choice may not be the best thing.

While the storyline is well developed it did leave me with a couple of questions that never did get answered. When Caspia was in one of her classes, she drew a fighting scene between light and dark Fallen angels with her caught in the middle. Now I could be wrong, but I don't remember this particular scene ever actually playing out. The drawing was a prophecy and Caspia did say that sometimes they never actually manifest themselves, or maybe Mrs. Keire has a plan to use that particular scene in a future book. Only time will tell. All in all, a very great read. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Book Review/Pattern: Elegance Headband

The Elegance Headband is the perfect accessory for any occasion! It looks great on everyone - from baby to adult. This sweet flower headband makes the perfect photo prop, formal or casual wear accessory, baby shower, birthday or holiday gift.

This crochet pattern is very easy to complete - a great pattern for beginners! An average crocheter can easily complete it in under half an hour. 

Busy Mom Designs patterns are easy to follow and are explained in simple terms so even those new to crochet should be able to read and understand them with ease. 

Patterns may not be copied or shared, but all items made from Busy Mom Designs patterns may be sold by the purchaser - even online!

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I love love love this headband!!!! It is so pretty and easy. It works up really fast. I love that it's a kindle pattern, because this means that anywhere I have my phone or Ipod I can access the pattern. I also love that in Kindle you can take notes and those notes transfer everywhere there is a kindle. I decided for my OCD's sake, I would take notes on the actual length of the starting chain so every headband I make is exactly the same size. It's nice not having to have  kajillion pieces of paper that can easily get lost. I also decided to change up the look just a touch. I am HORRIBLE at colors and matching. I really am. Apparently knowing what colors look good together was a gift that skipped completely over me. So again, for my OCD's sake, I decided to just sew on a button and make button flower so if anyone purchases them, they can get the look they want without having to purchase 500 separate headbands. I plan on posting the pattern for the flower at a later date. I do love the rosette that comes with this headband and I'm still trying to figure out a good way to make them into button flowers, so if anyone has any suggestions I'm all ears.

Book Review: Crush

 Cami Wimberley has a plan, and that plan includes no room for boys--especially the big time party animal, Hunter Wilder, no matter how handsome and charismatic he is. She's beautiful, a senior, extremely talented, gets good grades, and is working her way toward her dream college to be a musical theater major. Everything is perfect.

Hunter Wilder does not want a girlfriend--that would complicate his life way too much right now. He especially doesn't want this girl, Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes, so how come he can't keep his eyes off her? He tries to keep her at arms length, but fate seems to keep pushing them together. Before long, it's obvious to everyone they're crushing on each other. 

As sparks begin to fly, Hunter finds himself sinking deeper and deeper into hot water. Soon he's scrambling to keep Cami from discovering his dark secret--one that can destroy their entire relationship.

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Crush was an interesting book. It actually took me a while to really get into it mostly because I'm not a person that likes the drug scene. In fact, Cami is a lot like me. I was a band geek, choir, love Phantom, etc. Once I got past the drug part and really got into the storyline, I started seeing where the author was going with it. Hunter has a secret that isn't revealed until the last chapter or so, but it is spoken about and hints are given throughout the book. When each of the hints are released, I kept guessing trying to figure it out. I did eventually come to the right conclusion about what the secret was but not WHY he had the secret. Ok, that's not completely true, but so I don't give away any important information, I kind of figured out the why too, I just didn't put them together. 

It was a good book. I did highly enjoy it, and now I'm waiting until I see the next in the series, Smitten, go on sale before purchasing it just because I'm cheap. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. 

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Gadiantons and the Silver Sword

They came from the past to retrieve something stolen, something evil. . .and only Jim Hawkins stands in their way.

Chris Heimerdinger, LDS master of high adventure, reunites the compelling characters from his best-selling novel, Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites, in an explosive saga that transports you from the familiar settings of Utah and the American West to the deep and shadowy jungles of southern Mexico.

Jim Hawkins, still unable to remember his former adventures among the Nephites, is nevertheless haunted by fleeting images he can't seem to connect with any particular source. Vivid memories are returned to him bit by bit when strange and ancient visitors suddenly interrupt his life — one desperate for his help, others desperate for revenge.

Join Jim Hawkins, Jennifer Hawkins, and Garth Plimpton as they embark upon the most thrilling and hazardous quest of their lives: one that teaches them the true meaning of valiance in these latter days and where every step of the way they are pursued by the darkest of villains. . .

Chris Heimerdinger did it again. The 2nd book in the Tennis Shoes series is a huge hit!!!! From the mystery surrounding the mysterious stranger looking for Jim, to the events that led him to attend a Sci-fi meeting, to traveling through Mexico, the book kept me riveted to the pages. I loved how this particular boo was placed in modern times. While Book 1 made me feel like I was actually on the battle field with the Nephites, this book helped me understand exactly where  the events of the Book of Mormon actually happened. 

One thing that I did want to mention is, this book also showed how subtlety Satan works. He convinces you that a little sin is ok, and soon that little sin turns to a little bigger sin, which leads to a little bigger sin. Before you know it, the path of righteousness that you were once following is no where to be found. But just like Jim, if you really want to change you can do it (this information is for me more than anyone else but if it helps you out, yay!). 

I hope you enjoy this book. Happy reading!

Book Review: Nighttime is My Time

Historian Jean Sheridan returns to Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, excited about her twenty-year high-school reunion at Stonecroft Academy. But a dear friend of hers soon becomes the fifth woman in the class to meet a sudden, mysterious end. Then Jean receives a taunting fax about a child she gave up for adoption, whose existence she had kept a secret but whose life may now be in danger. For present at the reunion is The Owl, a murderer on a mission of vengeance against women who once humiliated him...and Jean is his final intended victim.

The Queen of suspense has done it again. This gripping page turner kept me on the edge of my seat and craving for more from the very first page. A deranged maniac decided to take revenge on the popular girls from high school and murdered them off one by one in the order they sat at their lunch table. The only person smart enough to figure out a connection to the murders is high school a newspaper reporter that is craving national exposure. The concept of this book was truly terrifying. I can't wait to read her next book.

Book Review: The Mystic Wolves

The Mystic Wolves Volumn 1 By Belinda Boring

What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator? Someone is trying to send a deadly message to Mason, arranging the deaths of those he loves and it puts the entire pack and Alpha on high alert. Darcy understands the primal instincts driving her beloved Mason’s commands. With the help of those he sets as protectors, she learns about herself and the things she’ll need to help support her Alpha and pack. When events turn dire however, one truth offers her strength – once given, oaths are unbreakable … even if it means risking it all.


Belinda Boring's first published book originally started out as three separate novella's that she eventually combined to create her first full length book. While the paranormal genera isn't my normal read, I knew when the book came out that I had to read it because Belinda is my niece.

While I enjoyed the premise of her book, the first time I read her novella, I was extremely confused. I ended up having to read it twice. My confusion came from the main character Darcy interacting with her inner wolf. Again, I have never read books about werewolves so I wasn't use to the lingo and such. Once I figured out what was going on, I didn't have any additional issues. I also noticed that when Boring published the book, she did not go back and create transitions between each of the novellas. You can tell where one novella ends and the next one begins. It has been a while since I've read this book so she may have corrected the issue.

Boring has created a wonderful storyline for the whole series. A quick trip to the store ends up becoming a kidnapping and murder and the after effects of that trip. The bond between the main characters, Darcy and Mason is very strong and the love Mason feels for Darcy is very palpable. Boring did decide to throw her readers for a loops with a cliffhanger ending that no one saw coming. The ending definitely created a "must read" vibe for the 2nd book in the series.

Happy reading!

Book Review: Divine Deception

Divine Deception By Marcia Lynn McClure - Life experience had harshly turned its cruel countenance on the young Fallon Ashby. Her father deceased and her mother suffering with a fatal illness, Fallon was given over to her uncle, Charles Ashby, until she would reach the age of independence. Abused, neglected, and disheartened, Fallon found herself suddenly blessed with unexpected liberation at the hand of the mysterious Trader Donavon. A wealthy landowner and respected denizen of the town, Trader Donavon concealed his feature of face within the shadows of a black cowl. When Fallon's secretive deliverer offered two choices of true escape from her uncle, her captive heart chose its own path. Thus, Fallon married the enormous structure of mortal man-without having seen the horrid secret he hid beneath an ominous hood. But the malicious Charles Ashby, intent on avenging his own losses at Trader Donavon's hand, set out to destroy the husband that Fallon herself held secrets concerning. Would her wicked uncle succeed and perhaps annihilate the man that his niece secretly loved above all else?

This was my first Marcia book that I ever read. I finished it in a single day. It's a small book, maybe around 150-200 pages, but from the moment I started reading it I was hooked. Marcia has a special talent of grabbing the reader's attention and keeping it. The story opens up with poor Fallon being mistreated and abused by her horrible uncle. The uncle is visited by the mysterous Trader Donavon...aka Landlord who is in the process of evicting the uncle from the property. After Trader leaves, he later comes back because he was seeking shelter from the winter storm. Fallon's uncle later finds both Trader and Fallon curled up together in front of the fireplace and demands Trader marry Fallon within the week. Fallon is already in love with Trader even though she has never seen his face since he always wears a hood. She is determined to win Trader's love. Through events her uncle creates, she falls into dangerous trouble and Trader has to save her life. The story is very well written. My only complaint is that the "kissing scenes" aren't as good as some of her other books. They are still good, but some of ther other books such as Dusty Britches and The Highwayman of Tanglewood have scenes in them that can curl your toes with expectation. But don't let that stop you from reading this book, the storyline is so worth it, and the final plot twist will have you go, no wonder!!!

Book Review: My Lucky Day

The fox  thinks it's his lucky day when a piglet knocks on his door. He plans to eat the piglet for dinner, but the piglet outfoxes him in the end!

Yes, I know, this is not the normal books that I have been reviewing, but I felt it was important for other parents to have good book options for their children. I just have to say though, this book is super cute and a fun book to read to 3-5 year olds. My daughter absolutely adores it. She wants me to read it over and over. We received the book in the mail from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. It was a free book and we receive a new book each month. My daughter loves getting books in the mail.

Ok so now that the PSA info has been added, time to get down and dirty with Mr. Piglet. LOL. This pig is freaking awesome. In the beginning of the book, the reader is led to believe that the poor piglet ended up on the fox's door by accident, but through his actions, we find out that really wasn't the case. It was never Mr. Fox's lucky day, it was always Mr. Piglet's day. Keiko Kasza did a wonderful job writing the book. I'm not sure if Kasza also illustrated the book (I'm assuming since I cannot find an illustrator) but the artwork is great. Kasza really made the reader feel as if they were in the fox's home by putting funny "family" pictures on the wall... Pictures of Mr. Fox with some of his hunting kills, Mr. Fox lifting weights, that kind of thing. It really is a cute book and while it may or may not give young readers a moral (other than to be careful what you wish for), it's a great read. Good job Kasza!

Mountains of Books

I'm in deep trouble. Today I decided to try to find a few new books to put on my ipod (kindle app) for my kids. I love to read, but I have decided I really do not like real books. They take too much space, I have to remember to carry it, etc. By having the kindle app on my ipod I can have mounds of books in 1 very small space. I do not mind the smaller screen compared to a real kindle or Ipad/tablet, I'm not a fast reader, so the smaller screen is awesome, and it doesn't bother me in the least that on my ipod there might be 12309172317 pages, where as on a kindle/tablet there's only 1234. I'm ok with this. And besides, I keep my ipod with me 24/7. I watch netflix on it, play video games, watch videos I've downloaded, listen to music, read my subscriptions, etc. so why not read regular books? A friend of mine introduced me to the free books on Amazon.com. That was a bad bad thing. I've "purchased" several books before today, but this was the first time that I have gone crazy getting the free books. I love free. :) So right at this moment, I think I have close to 100 books. I guess that's my New Year's resolution... Reading all these books and reviewing them. I hope you enjoy!

Book Review: Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites

A MODERN ADVENTURE IN AN ANCIENT LAND

Jim Hawkins has a bad attitude. What's more, he enjoys having a bad attitude about everything -- especially about church.

Garth Plimpton is a fanatic. He's spent so much time studying the scriptures and thick books on archeology that he can't carry on a normal conversation with other kids. That's why they consider him a nerd.

Through an unusual chain of events, these two opposites become fast friends. It all began when Garth told Jim a simple truth:

"They really existed once, you know."

"Who?" Jim asked.

"Nephites," Garth replied. "Every character in the Book of Mormon ate, slept, died, was buried..."

That statement, taken for granted before, would soon echo deeply in the two boys' minds -- because they were on the trail of a chilling secret. At the root of this secret was a faded Indian legend that old men told children to make their eyes grow big. As Garth and Jim put the pieces of the puzzle together, they accidentally stumble upon a mysterious passageway hurling them into another world--an ancient American world.

Join Jim, Garth, and Jim's pesky little sister, Jennifer, as they journey in a land where the names Helaman, Teancum, and Captain Moroni are more than just words on a page. A world where danger and suspense are a way of life...

Tennis Shoes among the Nephites first entered the modern world in 1989. I believe that might have been the year that my mother first purchased the book for me, maybe not. It might have been a few years later, but not much. I was completely and utterly hooked on the book. This book had it all, adventure, romance, suspense, thrill, plus a few more characteristics that I cannot remember at the moment. I devoured this book the moment I read it. When I would read the book of Alma, in the Book of Mormon, I was actually able to understand, and really understand what was going on. Before, I first read this book, Alma was just a book of words. After I read this book, Almabecame an adventure. The Title of Liberty that Captain Moroni posted actually meant something. Amalakiah, was a real evil dude. The Prophet Helaman was a kind and loving man, who was so righteous that he was allowed to lead some of the most honorable men that has ever lived. Everything really made sense.

As new additions to the series became published, I flocked to the bookstores to purchase them. I loved each book, and would re-read them over and over. I cherished these books, hoping to one day be able to read them to my children. Then all my books became lost when I moved from Laughlin, NV to Las Vegas, NV. It was a very sad day. I forgot about reading for about 3-4 years, and one of the first books that I purchased again, was...yup, that's right, you guessed it, The Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites, Book 1. I bought this book as a Christmas present for my son, but, well, I had it read long before Christmas ever arrived. I couldn't wait to re-read this wonderful book again, and relive the scenes. As I would finish each book, I would hurry to buy the next. Sometimes finding great deals on Amazon.com, or Borders, but if I was just a few pages from the end and not willing to wait a few days to start the next installment, I'd just go rush to pick up the next book at our local bookstore, Bookworms, here in Thatcher, AZ.

I cannot stress how wonderful these books really are, and if I ever get a chance to sit with the author, Chris Heimerdinger, and pick his brain about the how's, why's, when's, where's and who's of writing these books, I'll be forever grateful!

Thank you Chris for a wonderful series!

Book Review: The Kiss

The Kiss - By Danielle Steel

In her 53rd bestselling novel, Danielle Steel explores how a single shattering moment can change lives forever. The Kiss is at once a moving testament to the fragility of life and a breathtaking story about the power of love to heal, to free, to transform, and to make broken spirits whole.

On a warm June evening, a red double-decker bus, full of pasengers, speeds down a London street. A few blocks away, a man and a woman climb into a limousine, reveling in a magical evening of dancing and champagne. As their driver pulls into an intersection, the couple shares their first, searching kiss. For a moment, etched in time, all stands still—until, in a flash of metal and glass, their limousine is struck at full speed, crushed under the bus's tremendous weight. And a long journey begins—toward healing, toward hope, toward dreams of an infinite future...

Isabelle Forrester is the exquisite wife of a prominent Parisian banker who has long since shut her out of his heart. For lonely years, Isabelle has lived a life of isolation, pouring her passions into caring for her desperately ill son, Teddy, and into making their Paris home as happy as possible for her teenage daughter, Sophie. Isabelle allows herself one secret pleasure: a long-distance friendship by telephone with an American man, a Washington power broker who travels in the highest circles of politics and who, like Isabelle, is trapped in an empty marriage. To Bill Robinson, Isabelle is a godsend, a woman of extraordinary beauty and intellectual curiosity—a kindred spirit who touches him across the miles with her warmth and gentle empathy. Their relationship is a gift, a lifeline that sustains them both through the heartache of marriages they cannot leave and will not betray. Agreeing to meet for a few precious, innocent days in London, Isabelle and Bill find their friendship changing. Then, amidst the sudden crash of steel against steel, they are thrust onto a new path, a path fraught with pain but also with possibility.

Now, inside the cool, sterile wards of a London hospital, Isabelle and Bill cling to life, their bodies shattered almost beyond repair. In the days and weeks that follow, they slowly, painfully traverse a road to recovery littered with challenges of the body, spirit, and heart. Together, they must find the strength not only to embrace life again but to face what they have left behind. For Isabell, a loveless marriage turns into a brutal power struggle. For Bill, a time of healing exposes wounds that cut deeper than steel and realities that will test him to his core. For both, a tangle of changing relationships and the tragedy of another loss conspire to separate them once again. And this time they could lose each other forever.

In a novel that is as compelling as it is compassionate, Danielle Steel weaves a story of courage in the face of unimaginable loss. With the grace of a master storyteller, she explores the strength it takes to conquer our greatest fears, showing us how the toughest choices can yield the most unexpected rewards...and how the longest, most winding journeys can begin with a single kiss.

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Danielle Steel has always been one of my favorite authors. As a teen I read many of her books so when I happened to find The Kiss at a thrift shop for $2.50 for the hardback I thought I had made an awesome "Score!" Due to my hectic schedule it has taken me a couple of years to actually get to the book but even still, I was very excited to read it. Unfortunately, my excitement ended shortly after starting the book. I wasn't very fond of the premise, two separate married individuals having an emotional affair for 5 years. Both individuals were in loveless marriages and found comfort in each other. This really bugs me. While I know there are people in this world that are very happy living this kind of life, I completely disagree with it. If you aren't happy in your marriage... GET OUT! Plain and simple. 

The book was VERY slow moving. Nothing really happened until about page 150, and then once the main characters had their accident nothing really happened again until the last 20 or so pages.I felt like I was being tortured as I read it, but I did read the book to the very end, and when it was over, I was sorely tempted to throw it across the room because I was annoyed with it. This definitely was not one of Steel's better books and as an author that has written 53 prior books, it should have been better. This book was a complete let down. I will continue reading her books because I know she has written better I am just really bummed that I wasted $2.50 on this book. Thankfully I did not actually pay full price and this book will be going in my donate pile.

If I were to give this book a star rating... this would be my rating.

Happy Reading

Book Review: Of Witches and Warlocks: The Trouble with Spells

Book One : The Trouble With Spells

Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday. She is then informed by her Grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant from a long line of witches and warlocks. After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the school's handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum. Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance's checkered past rears its ugly head to haunt them. Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold on to the one thing that really matters in her life.

New author Lacey Weatherford has hit the ground running with her first published series "Of Witches and Warlocks." Her books provide something for every personal preference, romance, drama, action, a little naughtiness (shh, it's ok. we like that!), spells, demons, fangs... and the list goes on and on. Weatherford's first book, The Trouble with Spells introduces us to Portia Mullins and her romantic interest Vance Mangum... mmm... Vance Mangum. Now that's a name for a badboy! Try it with me, Vance... Vance... doesn't he just sound yummy? Don't forget the motorcycle, his sarcastic attitude, and don't forget his awesome body... er... powers. lol. Mr. Mangum was based on the delicious  new hottie on the CW'S new 90210, the one, and only Matt Lanter. If you don't know who he is, check him out. I promise you won't be sorry. 

Happy Reading!