Review and Interview: NOURISH AND STRENGTHEN by Maria Hoagland (Sisters Ink, 2011)

Check out the interview with Maria below my review!

From Maria Hoagland's Blog: After losing forty pounds, Chloe Taylor is finally happy with her body. What she doesn’t realize is that she’s not the one in control.

When Chloe is called as the Primary president, she discovers that managing the highs and lows of a chronic illness may be easier than the ups and downs associated with family, friends, and church callings. Consumed by her own challenges, Chloe fails to recognize the issues her friends are facing and is in danger of losing their friendship.

As Chloe strives to develop Christ-like love for herself and those around her, she learns that outer appearances are far less important than inner peace and spiritual strength. But is she strong enough to face her most difficult trial yet?

Audience: Adult (Clean)

Genre: Women's Fiction, LDS

Length: 259 pgs

Rating: ***+ (Really liked it)

Review: Great things about this book? Chloe's marriage to Nate. It was a shining star among most women's fiction books where marriages are struggling. Despite their trials together, they leaned on each other, and I really liked that! (Maria talks more about that in the interview below!) The book has a memoir style to it, events that build and change and wreak havoc on Chloe's life dropped in like real life. It took me some getting used to at the beginning of the book, but by the end it really worked. It was a little difficult for me to connect to Chloe at first. **Spoiler** And the reason is totally a "me" thing. One of Chloe's friends makes a comment about her kids being in sports (and to Chloe's credit, the friend is sort brash about it) and Chloe's internal is a little bratty about kids who are in sports...and my kids play lots of sports (among doing lots of other sorts of activities too), so it struck a nerve, I guess. And, **another spoiler** a big part of Chloe's character arc is learning not to make judgments without knowing the whole story, so she grows and I forgave her by the end. ;)

Content: Rated 1-5; 1 being minor instances, 5 being saturated

Sex - 1 ("Bedtime" routines between Chloe and Nate are mentioned in a couple instances. Very tactful & not explicit at all.)

Language - 0

Violence - 2 (Chloe and her husband both have Type 1 Diabetes, and there is a lot of discussion of the shots. Maybe I have a weak stomach, but I did get a little light-headed during the description of Chloe putting in her insulin pump the first time!)

Source: I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Like LDS Women's fiction? Try BAND OF SISTERS by Annette Lyon. 

Interview with author Maria Hoagland

Me: You, your husband, and two of your three kids have Type 1 diabetes, correct? How much of NOURISH & STRENGTHEN comes from personal experiences? Just the mechanics and feelings, or the events too?

Maria: Yes, it's kind of crazy, but four out of five in my immediate family have type 1 diabetes and the diagnoses happened pretty much just as they did in the book. Almost all of the diabetes-related events in Nourish & Strengthen are based on our real-life experiences. Then a bit of trivia something not in the novel--less than one hour after I completed my final revisions before sending it off to my editor, my youngest came home from school and said he thought he might be diabetic too. We checked, and he was right. What ten-year-old diagnoses himself? As for the other parts of Nourish & Strengthen...well, it is fiction after all.

Me: What draws you to writing LDS women's fiction?

Maria: I love women's fiction--experiencing what other women go through, being uplifted by their tenacity in overcoming trials, and feeling strengthened by their faith. Being LDS is part of who I am, and so far, it has been a germane aspect of my characters are as well. I try to bring in LDS culture--less as a commentary on what we should or should not do, but more as a way to appreciate who we are, even though we're not perfect, and perhaps elicit a chuckle or two in the process.

Me: What made you decide to write this story? What is unique about NOURISH & STRENGTHEN among women's fiction books and why would a reader like it?

Maria: I decided to write Nourish & Strengthen because it's just the type of book I like to read. I like to read about women like me but who have circumstances different than my own. I like learning from them, as well as gaining some understanding of what other people might be going through. It's definitely a better way than having to experience it all, right?

One of the aspects of Nourish & Strengthen many readers have connected with is the loving, solid relationship between Chloe and her husband Nathan. Their banter is fun and playful, and a nice relief to the trials Chloe is going through in other aspects of her life.

Even though outwardly her life is pretty great, Chloe's challenges are difficult for her. And I think that's another thing that makes Nourish & Strengthen a little different than other women's fiction--the trials are not life-threatening, there's no abuse or divorce, and yet she's struggling--as we all do from time to time--and she grows through the difficulties.

Another unique aspect of my women's fiction--you might notice that I have a bit of a fascination with medical issues (despite a proneness for becoming queasy at the sight of lots of blood--good thing it's not needles, right?).

Me: I usually ask what an author's favorite ice cream is, ;) but instead I'll ask what dessert you splurge on, no questions asked?

Maria Ice cream is a good one! My favorite by far is rocky road--but only if it's with the mini marshmallows and almonds. The best ones I've found are at the BYU Creamery and Braum's.

Me: Who is your biggest writing cheerleader?

Maria It's hard to pick one cheerleader since my family has been so supportive. My husband helps with titles and a lot of encouragement. My two oldest children are fabulous writers (better than I am, I must admit) and the elder has written two novels of his own. That makes me feel like I've been a good example, which is motivating as well. My youngest asks a lot of questions, seems genuinely interested, and encourages me to keep going even when it's tough. The fact that they don't complain about dinner, or the lack thereof, helps immensely!

Thanks, Maria, for stopping by the blog and giving me the chance to read NOURISH & STRENGTHEN!

Review: THE RELUCTANT BLOGGER by Ryan Rapier (Ceder Fort, Aug 2013)

Publication Date: August 2013

From Amazon: Blogging was the last thing Todd Landry expected his psychiatrist to recommend in dealing with his wife's death. But his aversion to therapy demands drastic measures, and Todd soon finds himself writing about his sometimes-humorous struggles with single parenthood, dating, and shattered expectations. With each blog entry, Todd lets his guard down and discovers that perhaps he can find love once again.

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: LDS, Romance, General Fiction
Length: 432 pgs.

Rating: **+ (It was okay and some)

Review: I struggled with how to rate this one. I hate giving under 3 stars, but I also have to be honest about how I felt about this book. As an author myself, I know what  two-star rating feels like. Let's just say, it wasn't my kind of book and that's why, not because it's badly written. (I don't review badly written, one- or two-star books here. If I give a low rating, it's because of a personal preference, not because of writing.)
I read a lot of books from Cedar Fort and I picked out this one because it seemed like an interesting twist. Told in the form of blogs and from a guy's point-of-view. Which, the rating is not because of that. I think that the writer did a good job of telling it through blogs and I liked seeing a romance from a guy POV. I'm a fan of that. This book dealt with some heavy stuff, which, we all know, that's not really up my alley, so that might contribute to the lower rating. It did, however, move me. Seriously moved me to tears multiple times. It compelled me to the end, and I always think a book that does that is well written. I found a few things hard to believe. The MC had two best friends and between all three of them they each had MAJOR trials to work through pretty much at the same time, which doesn't seem realistic to me.

Check out Ryan Rapier's blog
Find more books from Cedar Fort.

Source: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Review: SECOND CHANCES by Melanie Jacobson

So, you know I went to Storymakers Conference in May? Did you know I sort of went a little crazy when I got into the book store and saw all the books by all my favorites? SECOND CHANCES was one of them. And it's signed. (Melanie Jacobson thinks I'm funny!!)

From Deseret Book: After walking out of a thankless job at a prestigious marketing firm, feisty California entrepreneur Louisa Gibson is going into business for herself. Lou’s pioneering venture, The Mormon Bachelor, is a reality dating web series sure to be fabulous advertising for her new marketing firm. And as a bonus, she can solve a problem close to home: while Huntington Beach is crawling with eligible, sun-bronzed Saints, they’ve forgotten the vital skill of dating. Lou hopes the reality show will finally inspire this group of hangout enthusiasts to pair off. But shortly before filming begins, the unthinkable happens—Trentyn, a.k.a. The Bachelor, gets a girlfriend. And Lou needs a new leading man—fast.

Enter Nick, Lou’s devastatingly handsome ex-boy- friend. He’s the stereotypical actor: shallow, self-serving . . . and perfect for the job. A whirlwind of dating ensues, with Nick at the center of it all. Things are going according to plan—that is, until Lou is forced to step in as a substitute bachelorette, becoming an unwitting cast member on her own show. Despite Nick’s attempts to reestablish their friendship and the growing spark between them, Lou is determined to keep her distance. The show must go on—but what’s a girl to do when the Mr. Wrong of the past just may be the Mr. Right of the future?

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: LDS Romance
Length: 216 pgs

Rating: *****

Review: This one could possibly be my favorite of Melanies. I loved the main character, Louisa, and Nick is so wonderful as the antagonist...ooops, I mean love interest. Both are really different from any of Melanie's other main characters. It has the awesome trademark wit I've come to expect along with a unique love story! (The Bachelor from the POV of someone behind the scenes.) So cool. Pick this one up. You'll definitely love it.

Source: Bought it via the LDStorymakers 2013 Conference Bookstore

Follow Melanie on Twitter.
Buy SECOND CHANCES at Deseret Book.

Review: EMMA: A Latter-Day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

Publication Date: August 13, 2013

From Amazon: Emma's her name and matchmaking is her game! Quirky life coach Emma wants to help her first-ever client, a lonely nanny named Harriet. But all of her attempts at matchmaking result only in embarrassing miscues and blunders, leaving the pair disheartened and confused. This modern take on the Jane Austen classic shows that sometimes the greatest match is the one we make for ourselves.

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: LDS Romance, Retelling
Length: 256 pgs

Rating: ***+ (Liked it and some)

Review: I love Jane Austen. And I really like the modern retellings that pop up. It's always fun for me to read the story and wonder, "How will that do this...?" This retelling of Jane Austen's Emma was very good. The characters were true to Austen while still fun, modern versions. I especially loved how the author reincarnated Harriet. Emma and Justin were great versions of their former selves as well. Jamison did a great job with a big ensemble cast, while still making it Emma's story.

Source: Received an ebook copy of EMMA: A Latter-Day Tale from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Try This: If you like retellings check out THE ORCHARD by Krista Lynne Jensen.
Check Out other books by Rebecca H. Jamison at Cedar Fort.

Review: THE ORCHARD by Krista Lynne Jensen

I was having a really bad day a few weeks back because something that I wanted really bad didn't pan out. Just when I was at my lowest (and, okay, yes, I'm being really dramatic right now. It was clearly not the end of the world), I got an email saying I'd won THE ORCHARD. Which, let's be honest, I feel kind of bad about, because I totally would have bought it--but it made my day fabulous. AND because I have the hook-ups, I got Krista to sign it for me. Though she may be deserting our beloved (*snort*) state of Wyoming, Here's lookin' at you kid. 

From DeseretBook.com: On the idyllic shores of Flathead Lake, Montana, Alisen Embry finds purpose and comfort tending her late mother’s cherry orchard adjacent to the family’s beloved lake house. Though pained by the loss of her mother and her father’s estrangement, it is Derick Whitney—the man she fell in love with four years earlier—who truly influences Alisen’s view of her future . . .

Derick and Alisen wanted nothing more than to spend eternity together; however, intolerance and secrets forced Alisen to make a shattering choice between her family and the man she loved.

But destiny always has a way of setting things right . . .

Now the Embry family has found themselves hopelessly in debt, and they realize renting the lake house is the only hope of saving the cherished or- chard and family home. When Alisen discovers the new tenants have a connection to her past, her life takes an unexpected turn. Will fate find a way to reconnect what was broken so many years before?

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: LDS Romance
Length: 245 pgs

Rating: *****

Review: All. The. Feels. This book was inspired by the Jane Austen book Persuasion, which, along with Northanger Abbey, is my favorite of Austen's. So I pretty much knew I'd love it. But it also made Alisen's so-so-sweet romance with Derick so difficult because I knew what would happen. I despised her dad and aunt for a while there--all-out hated them. Krista just did a fantastic job of involving me with the characters so much that I was absolutely invested in what was happening to them.

Disclaimer: None.

Check it out on Goodreads.
Buy it at Deseret Book.

Review: REALITY CHECK by Karen Tuft

Some days I feel like I'm checking off TBR books right and left. This one has been on since I first started "researching" the LDS romance category. And, I gotta admit, the fact that I'm checking a bunch of these off is because of Storymakers Conference 2013 and the fab bookstore there. I dropped some cash there. But, shhhh, don't tell my husband.

From Covenant: After college graduation, Lucy Kendrick heads home with big plans for work, travel, and relishing her freedom—which means no romantic entanglements. Buther two best friends have other ideas. Lucy is seriously steamed when she realizes they’ve signed her up to be a contestant on the reality dating show Soulmates, but she decides not to renege and soon finds herself in Los Angeles—a small-town Mormon girl vying for the love of millionaire bachelor Ethan Glass. At first this cute, smart, fun young woman, who would rather pray than party, bewilders Ethan. But his interest and admiration grow with every encounter. However, the conniving associate producer is determined to stir up some made-for-TV drama and takes strides to make this reality television show anything but real. When the show finally airs, Lucy has been recast as someone she unquestionably is not. Lucy is left humiliated in front othe world, and Ethan is left wondering who the Lucy is that he was falling in love with. Will the duplicities that have created this humiliation ever come to light? And will the truth emerge too late for the would-be soulmates?

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LDS Romance
Length: 304 pgs

Rating: ***+ (Liked it and some)

Review: I had such a difficult time deciding whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars. The part of me that felt like the book started slow said 3, and the part of me that raced through the second half said 4. If you like The Bachelor TV show, you'll like this book a lot. We mostly get to see the contestant view from Lucy's POV, and I would have loved to be able to hear the voices of some of the other girls -- which is what I love about The Bachelor, falling in love with more than one girl...it breaks your heart, right? -- but it really worked. Ethan in a FANtastic hero. Seriously. One thing that hung me up. We're introduced to the "Soulmates" show as a different form of dating reality TV show, where the contestants all took extensive tests to see if they matched with Ethan. Although we know there are nice girls and likable girls, most of the "screen time" is given to meaner girls and Lucy (of course). So, it just made it a bit difficult for me to buy the concept that they were all screened intensively. Yet, this book just made me feel so much. I can't describe the parts that just broke my heart and made me happy and all because it would give away parts of the story, but the author did a great job of sucking me in and making me really feel part of the story. My favorite character is Ethan's dad Jed. He was just so great, so full and awesome for a supporting character.

Disclaimer: Nothing

Buy it from Covenant or Amazon.

Review: MEG'S MELODY by Kaylee Baldwin

Guys, I'm so embarrassed that I am just now reading this book. I realized it late the other night while on the phone with Kaylee. If you guys didn't know, she's the most fabulous crit partner in the entire world. If my stuff shines, it's because she's been busy buffing it. And as I'm talking to her, she's reassuring me about how even though my WIP "The Game Plan" is in present tense, people will still like it because people liked her book about a woman who falls in love with her OB, and that is weird too.

And it hit me. I hadn't read it.

In my defense, when MEG'S MELODY came out, I knew Kaylee but we weren't BFF/CPs yet, so I plopped in on my TBR list where it got shuffled into a mix of like a MILLION books. Seriously. So in an attempt to atone for my wrong, I downloaded it that very night. (Downside, now I can't get Kaylee to sign it...) And read it in the next two days.

From Ceder Fort: It's only after her husband leaves that Meg finds out she's pregnant. Now facing the prospect of single parenthood, she'll have to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to see her through. This touching story combines romance with real conflicts to remind you it's never too late to find love - if you know where to look. 

Audience: Adult (clean)
Genre: Romance, LDS Romance

Review: TWITTERPATED by Melanie Jacobson

Have I ever mentioned how glad I am I discovered Melanie? Some day I'm going to catch up to her books and have to wait for each one to come out -- like the current agony I endure waiting to buy them ... or for Sarah Eden's books. :)

From Deseret Book: Jessie Taylor is furious when her roommate secretly posts her picture on the dating website LDS Lookup — furious, that is, until she spends all night instant messaging Ben Bratton, a man whose wit and warmth just might make Jessie forget the train wreck of her last romantic relationship. Their first date is a smashing success (literally), but Ben’s overall awesomeness can’t save Jessie from having to deal with Craig, her competitive coworker whose baiting behavior sets new standards for obnoxiousness. Determined to beat Craig at his own game, Jessie spends long office hours finishing projects and putting out fires, but while her performance wows her boss, it only makes Ben skittish— after a failed engagement to an up-and-coming lawyer, he’s not about to pair up with someone who’s married to her job. Will Jessie figure out how to be true to herself and take her big chance at love before it’s gone with a click of the mouse?

Audience: Adult
Genre: LDS Romantic Comedy
Length: 247 pages

Rating: ****

Review: There are lots of things I love about this book. One, the witty banter between Jessie and her roommate Sandy. I love the clear opening I see for Sandy's story. (SMART MOVE, can't wait to get it!) The new twist Melanie puts on her trademark theme of online dating. Ben's take charge attitude and **SPOILERS** ultimatum. (Although, I think Jessie should have had to go chase after him with the way she acted...) So I mentioned in one of my recent reviews that romance heroines that are too stubborn for their own good are kind of a pet peeve of mine. (This is why I don't like many of J-Lo's rom-com movies...) Jessie is the same way, much like the other two of Melanie's heroines. Here's why I don't care and why I'll always keep reading Melanie's books, even if their stuffed full of them. 1) They always have a believable and legitimate back stories for acting the way they do. (Even if I don't agree, haha!) 2) Melanie has a captivating, witty way of writing that, even if I despised the story, I'd still read. I love the way I giggle and sigh and race through her books, which brings me to 3) Clearly I don't care enough about this pet peeve to put her books down, because I usually finish them in days if not hours. :) Plus, Jessie doesn't like Jane Eyre, and that's a girl I can get behind.

Disclaimer: None.

He Said/She Said: Okay, so I know I need to limit myself here, but you should all go get the book because there are SO MANY great lines in this one.
Sandy/Jessie -
[Sandy] glared at me. "Yeah, you know my type so well. A guy in a sheet in the middle of winter made a style statement I couldn't resist." 
"Was the statement, 'I can't afford pants'?"

Describing the first kiss - "There's not much to say." Sandy's face fell. "Except it was kind of awesome."

There are so many, I could go on and on, but then you wouldn't need to buy the book and Melanie might get kind of mad at me for that.

Buy at Deseret Book.

Try this: Love witty writing? Try THE ACTOR AND THE HOUSEWIFE by Shannon Hale.

Review: THE LIST by Melanie Jacobson

Once I read an author and LOVE them, I will always go back. AND usually buy everything they've written. Fan for life. That's how I am with Sarah M. Eden -- that's how I feel now about Melanie Jacobson. 

From DeseretBook.com: Ashley Barrett doesn’t want to get married. At least, not anytime soon. She doesn’t care how many of her friends and family members and fellow churchgoers had weddings before they finished college — the last thing she needs in her fun-loving twenties is the dead-weight of some guy. And that’s why she created The List. By the time she completes all twenty-five goals — from learning a language to skydiving to perfecting the art of making sushi — she’ll be more ready to settle down. Maybe.

This summer in California is a prime time for Ashley to cross two items off the list: learn to surf (#13) and have a summer romance (#17). And Matt Gibson, the best surf instructor in Huntington Beach and the most wanted guy in the singles ward, is the perfect man for the job. Ashley hatches a plan to love him and leave him before heading off to grad school in the fall (#4, get a master’s degree). But when Matt decides he doesn’t like the “leaving” part, Ashley’s carefully laid plans are turned sideways. Now Ashley faces an unexpected dilemma: should she stick to the safety of The List, or risk everything for a love that may tie her down — or might set her free?

Review: THE NEXT DOOR BOYS by Jolene Perry

So that bouncing, bundle of joy we were expecting at the Clarks? He arrived. :) He's beautiful. He's adorable. He wants to eat a lot. That equals quality time with him and my Kindle (and pretty much any book I can get my hands on). So while my content on the blog might be spotty for a bit, you can count on some reviews coming!

And first up, THE NEXT DOOR BOYS by Jolene B. Perry. I have been meaning to read this book pretty much since the moment it came out. Jolene is a fantastic critiquer I've relied on in the past and her opinion about a lot of things bookish and writish (and probably any other -ish if I thought to ask ...) really matters to me. Take for instance the release of A CONTEMPTIBLE AFFECTION. I knew nothing, nothing about these self-publishing matters, so I went straight to Jolene.

From Jolene's Website: Leigh Tressman has been known as a lot of things – the girl who sings, the girl who sews, Jaron’s little sister, and last year, the girl with cancer. With her body still recovering from the cancer treatments, she’s determined to be independent and convinces her parents to let her follow her overprotective brother, Jaron, to BYU.

With an ever expanding line of young men ready to be in love with her – not to mention physical frustrations, and spiritual dilemmas – Leigh almost misses the opportunity to be with the man who has been quietly falling in love with her since they met. The Next Door Boys proves that even with (or maybe in spite of) independence, love can be found in comfortable, but delightful places.

Review: NOT MY TYPE by Melanie Jacobson

So you all know how I claim to be writing this fun, contemporary LDS romance? I started revisions the other day and wondered about some things. I've read a lot of romance and def my fair share of LDS romance, but none of them seemed quite like what I was writing. I did know of one person who does write like that: Melanie Jacobson. I bought NOT MY TYPE as research. I swear.

From DeseretBook.com: Twenty-three-year-old Pepper Spicer is not living the dream. She ended her engagement at the last minute because fiance—a musician an soon-to-be reality TV star—wanted her to sacrifice her own career ambitions for his. Now she's stuck at home sharing a room with her little sister, trying to pay off massive debt for a wedding that didn't happen, and spending Friday nights Facebook-stalking everyone who has a better life. Her therapist father urges her to choose her career dreams and count her blessings by writing weekly thank-you notes, but gratitude is a tall order when she botches an important job interview and has to settle for writing an undercover dating web-zine column—the last thing in the world she wants to do. Still, as Pepper (byline:Indie Girl) chronicles her bizarre and hilarious blind dates, she gives her father's challenge a try and slowly finds herself leaving self-pity behind. Life takes a major upswing as Pepper's column hits the big time and she tastes the exhilarating thrill of success. But there's one tiny problem: the intensely hot man she's falling for is having issues with her job (again). Will Pepper trade her personal ambition for another chance at love?

Review: THE ACTOR AND THE HOUSEWIFE by Shannon Hale

Remember that sale on Shannon Hale ebooks and I finally picked up MIDNIGHT IN AUSTENLAND? Around the same time Deseret Book had a big sale on lots of books too and I got free shipping, so THE ACTOR AND THE HOUSEWIFE finally arrived at my house after months and months of being on my TBR list.

From Shannon Hale's website: Mormon housewife Becky Jack is seven months pregnant with her fourth child when she meets celebrity heartthrob Felix Callahan. A few hours, one elevator ride, and one alcohol-free dinner later, something has happened, though nothing has happened...it isn't sexual. It isn't even quite love. But soon Felix shows up in Salt Lake City to visit and before they know what's hit them, Felix and Becky are best friends--talk-on-the-phone, drop-everything-in-an-emergency, laugh-out-loud-at-stupid-jokes best friends. 

Becky's loving and devoted husband, Mike, is mostly unconcerned. Her children roll their eyes. Her large extended family and neighbors gossip endlessly. But Felix and Becky have something special... something unusual, something that seems from the outside--and sometimes from the inside too--completely impossible to sustain.

On the surface, Becky's story of a steadfast housewife and the handsome star is the ultimate romantic fantasy. But the depth of emotion that Shannon Hale shows us in Becky is the strength that underpins only the strongest relationships. It is what makes this story resonate beyond the glitter of Felix's movie-stardom to the deeper understanding of the kinds of true love we all dream of having.

Shannon Hale has created a magical and often hilarious story that explores what might happen when your not-so-secret celebrity crush walks right into real life, and changes everything.