Julie's Book Reviews

I was excited to read Unknown Enemy because I enjoy international intrigue and the back of the book promised a wonderful adventure. I also thought the cover was quite eye-catching.

The story begins with the introduction of Dama Mariposa, a woman who is part of a renegade guerilla army fighting against the communist government. That in itself was unusual and I was glad to see a strong female heroine. The beginning completely pulls the reader in, and sets the stage for the rest of the book.

While the heroine has a dynamic introduction, our hero, John Tanner didn't resonate with me at first. I think it's because we are introduced to John, a BYU graduate and CIA agent, and even though he's undercover, John readily admits to someone he just met that he is a CIA agent. This wasn't realistic to me, but it does further the story and the romance. Other than that, John is a character we can identify with and understand.

The book has a fresh and unique plot, that really explores a moral dilemma that many Church members outside the U.S. may face. It is set against the backdrop of Nicaragua, a country torn apart by politics and differing world views. The author did an exceptional job with the flavor of another country and language, but sometimes the story got bogged down in description and it seemed to drag in the middle with character and plot devices that slowed the pace somewhat. I have to say though, that the action sequences in the book were very well done and kept the tension high. The prison scene alone ruined my manicure because I was biting my nails just to see what was going to happen.

The author writes his male characters very well, but struggled somewhat with female characters and making them feminine yet strong. Even the heroine ultimately didn't have a consistency about her behavior that made it difficult to understand her motives and actions at times. The family relationships were realistic and well done, but the romance could have been stronger. Paring down the secondary characters would also have been better in my opinion, but overall, it was an enjoyable book. I would definitely recommend this book to action/adventure fans, both male and female.

Wild Card
by Jennie Hansen
248 pages
Published by Covenant Communications

Wild Card is an excellent adventure that takes us deep into the wild west. In a genre that is not well represented in the LDS market, Jennie Hansen does a superb job of providing us with a plot, characters, and setting that makes us feel a part of the excitement of being shanghaied, hunted by famous bank robbing gangs, all the way to standing up for women's rights.

Frank Haladen is the main character who is chafing at what he sees are family relationships and small town ideologies holding him back from the adventurous life he envisions for himself beyond the town's limits. The story begins with Frank leaving behind everything he's ever known, and while it was slow reading through the first two chapters, it does introduce the character and set up the story arc. Ms. Hansen also takes small slices of Frank's life in developing her story by starting when he is eighteen, (although it is uncertain when he turns eighteen. Page 3 seems to suggest he turns eighteen in two months, but on page 11 he says he will turn eighteen in a few days), then in chapter four we skip ahead six years and Frank is twenty-four, in a new town and starting a new life. In chapter eight we skip ahead another year seeing how Frank has dealt with some major changes in his life in retrospect. Chapter eleven has the greatest gap, skipping ahead seven years, before we are finally able to settle into the story. It felt a little like short stories and events strung together into the larger story, which was somewhat jarring for me, as Frank dramatically changes from one vignette to the other, still, it does help you see his development as a person and what brought him to that point. It's a fine line to walk, and not easily done, since it's easy to get confused as to what year it is and where Frank is both emotionally and physically. I wouldn't recommend this style of writing for a less experienced writer because of the difficulty in making the story smooth.

I thought Jennie did a thorough job in naturally bringing in the gospel, without it being forced, and her characters seemed realistic and unassuming. I wish Frank's family connection to the gospel had been highlighted more, but it was still articulated well and enhanced the character development when it did come out. When the story finally settled down in one part of Frank's life, it seemed to really find its groove and I enjoyed it, finding myself turning pages into the evening to see how it ended. I only found one error which means the book was fantastically edited and the proofreaders have done an excellent job. (On page 179, the baby's name is Cory, but the second to the last paragraph says Cody). Well done!

This was one book that I wish had an epilogue, because of the connection the reader is able to feel for Frank and wanting to know what else happened to him, but it is perfectly set if Jennie ever wants to do a sequel. I thought her cover was enticing, and she lends a lot of credibility to her range as an author -- she writes westerns, suspense, and historical romance -- and does them justice. Is there anything this author can't do?

Double Cross
by Betsy Brannon Green
Published by Covenant Communications
290 pages

I am a lucky woman. I won Betsy Brannon Green's new release Double Cross on her website contest, and that book was one prize worth winning.

Double Cross revisits characters that were introduced in her first book Hearts in Hiding, and one of my favorite characters, Mark Iverson, truly shines in this book. He is an FBI agent sent on a covert operation in Colombia, but when he gets there, he realizes that he hasn't been told the complete truth about the mission, and his family may be in danger from the one person they never thought would bother them again. The dynamic between Mark and his wife Kate is easy to relate to and very believable, and I enjoy their interactions. It is so interesting to me how Betsy Brannon Green really explores the gray areas in human nature in this book, and shows us how people are not necessarily completely good or completely evil. The plot is fast-paced and the setting in Colombia adds a little extra spice to the mystery. I thought I had predicted the ending, but as usual, Betsy put in a twist that was very unexpected. My imagination had run away with me as I thought of possible endings, but I understand why Green ended it the way she did, and it was a satisfying ending for me. The only thing I would have changed would be the cover because it's a strange shadow that sort of look like kitchen utensils sticking up, and doesn't do justice to what's inside.

I was honored to interview Betsy Brannon Green, as she is one of my favorite authors, and I have included it below.

Julie Bellon---Are your characters based on real people?

Betsy Green---My characters do have attributes in common with some people I have known, but none of them are based exactly on real people.

Julie Bellon---Your books have such a unique Southern flavor. How does your heritage affect your writing? What impact has that had on your characters and readers?

Betsy Green---My heritage has a huge effect on my writing, characters and ultimately my readers. I'm an odd mix of western walk-across-the-plains Mormons and dyed-in-the-wool Southern Protestants. I've always appreciated both 'sides' of my heritage, but once I started writing books I REALLY appreciated them since they help to give me the 'balance' in my books. When I first began my attempt to write an LDS fiction novel I thought that the fact that I was from the south would be a negative - but I think it was how I got published. It was unique and that means a lot in getting a publisher to accept a book.

Julie Bellon---Do you enjoy having the same characters come back in each book? Has that been a challenge?

Betsy Green---Originally I didn't want my books to be a series, but several things pushed me in that direction. My readers became attached to my characters and wanted more, plus it's difficult to keep creating quirky little Southern towns - so re-using Haggerty (and Eureka)only made sense. It is both easier and more challenging to re-use characters and the setting. It's easier because many of my characters already have personalities. It's challenging to make sure I keep them in character and don't repeat myself (which I do sometimes) and to make sure that someone who starts with my 10th book can understand it without reading the other 9. As a reader I hate books that spend the first 3 chapters retelling previous books - but if you don't give enough information... As I said, it's a challenge.

Julie Bellon---Who is your favorite character?

Betsy Green---I'll have to say Miss Eugenia. She's so fun to write. Followed closely by Sydney Lovell/Brackner, my main character from Never Look Back. She's kind of a smart-alec and was hard for some readers to bond with, but she was really fun to write!

Julie Bellon---Do you have a favorite book?

Betsy Green---Of my own books, I'd have to say Hearts in Hiding just because it was the first and began this whole wonderful adventure. But each book has a special place in my heart. As for other people's books, I have so many favorites there isn't room to write them all - but as a teenager I loved reading (and re-reading) To Kill a Mockingbird, Gone with the Wind (only until Bonnie dies - then I couldn't bear it), Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. There were many more - but those are the ones I would read at least once a year.

Julie Bellon---Do you have to do a lot of research?

Betsy Green---Some books require more research than others, but all require some.

Julie Bellon---What is your typical day like? Do you have regular writing hours?

Betsy Green---I don't even have typical days! I do try to write for a couple of hours every day, but I've found that when I'm in the 'mood' to write 2 hours isn't enough and when I'm not - 2 hours is an eternity. I've learned to kind of go with the flow. If my real life requires my attention - I devote my limited brain cells there. When I have a book deadline I let the laundry go and feed my kids Little Caesar's pizza for a week.

Julie Bellon---How did the idea for Double Cross come about? How long did it take you to write it?

Betsy Green---My husband told me he had an idea for a new book. He always wants more people to die and for there to be more blood and guts- so I listened with half an ear - knowing I wouldn't use his suggestion. He said a really great twist would be to bring Tony Singleton back to life. I thought
that was ridiculous. I'd already done that once and didn't think my readers could suspend reality to that extent. But then I got thinking about it and decided to use his idea. The rest came as a result of that basic idea and now my husband thinks he wrote the book!

Julie Bellon---Have you ever been to Colombia?

Betsy Green---I have never been to Colombia and honestly - I don't have a great desire to visit there.

Julie Bellon---Will Miss Polly ever have a man who loves her in spite of all her idiosyncrasies as well as appreciate her divine cooking skills?

Betsy Green---Probably not. Miss Polly is one of those men-shy women who wouldn't know what to do with intense male attention. I think she's happier cooking for all kinds of people.

Julie Bellon---How does Mark really feel having all those women surrounding him and knowing all his family's business?

Betsy Green---Mark gets a little annoyed with it - but there are advantages to it and I think he recognizes that - most of the time.

Julie Bellon---How do you name your characters? Do you go down your ward list, use family names, or just pick out of the phone book?

Betsy Green---I'm always on the lookout for good Southern names. I have used all of the above named sources.

Julie Bellon---Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

Betsy Green---I've always loved to write but never seriously considered it as a 'career'. I just didn't think something like that happened to regular people. The whole experience is purely a tender mercy of the Lord- allowing me to do something I love in order to provide educations/missions for the many children I have brought into this world!

Julie Bellon---You have a special gift in keeping the readers guessing throughout the entire book. Do you plan the book out from start to finish or does it take on a life of its own?

Betsy Green---Both. I generally know pretty much what's going to happen in a book when I start it - but it never goes exactly as I had planned.

Julie Bellon---Double Cross has so many gray areas in it, and characters who really explore the idea that there is no straightforward black and white. Did you plan on that?

Betsy Green---Yes. I think that there are few completely bad or completely good people in the world. Most of us are a little of both. So I try to give my bad characters human, sympathetic qualities and I try not to make my good characters sickeningly sweet.

Julie Bellon---If you could change anything about the book what would you change?

Betsy Green---The cover. Those shadows on the front are upside down and nobody realizes that they were supposed to be the men from the cover on Hearts in Hiding with their shadows crossing for "Double Cross". I've had all kinds of questions about it - my favorite being 'is it two men holding shovels'.

Julie Bellon---Are you working on something new?

Betsy Green---I am supposed to be. My deadline is today and I'm nowhere near finished with the rewrite of my next book. But I've been trying to enjoy my daughter's wedding and will buckle down when I get back from Idaho next week.

Julie Bellon---Have you tried all the recipes that are included in the back of your book? Which one is your favorite?

Betsy Green---Yes. I wouldn't put a recipe in without trying it. Actually, they are mostly all my favorites. The potato soup is probably the most popular. But I love sausage balls and the strawberry pretzel salad and pecan pie...I'm making myself hungry!

Julie Bellon---Is there anything you'd like to add?

Betsy Green--- I'd just like to say how honored I am to be interviewed by you. Thanks for the opportunity!

Rules of Engagement
by Stephanie Fowers
266 pages
Published by Covenant Communications

Stephanie Fowers has written a fun and flirty book with a twist called Rules of Engagement. It's about a single BYU coed named Samantha and her experiences in the LDS dating world at BYU, and it is FUNNY. I laughed out loud at some of the classic lines, for instance, "Ring by Spring, or your money back" "Mormons don't have to get drunk to do crazy things; we just do them and accept the fact that we're crazy," or the philosophy of Mormon guys, and the real meaning of elbow touching. Ms. Fowers' characters are easy to identify and relate with for any woman who's ever had a bad date or pined for someone she couldn't have. The honest portrayal of how hard it is to be single sometimes and how difficult it is to read other people is actually quite compelling and adds a depth to the book that you don't expect at first. When I was a student at BYU, the social aspect of it was a really big part of the experience. Our singles' ward (where I met my husband, incidentally) did all sorts of fun things and we made some lasting friendships that continue to this day. I could totally relate to some of the experiences described in Rules of Engagement which made it all the more fun for me.

The character of Samantha is trying to follow her bishop's advice on the best road to marriage, but she just seems to be the epitome of Murphy's Law when it comes to dating. In fact, she states it, when she says, "You want the guy, and he doesn't want you. You don't want the guy, and he wants you--especially if he's a weirdo." Then along comes an English guy named Harrison Bean, who offers her the solution to all her problems. He will teach Samantha and her roommates how to "move from spinster status to that of the most sought-after-girl in the ward." You can imagine how funny this little scheme turns out to be, but it's also heartwarming as Samantha tries to give her heart away, and ends up in the one place she thought she never would. The ending was a twist, but followed the format of the book leaving you with a romantic sigh and an "I can't wait for Ms. Fowers' next book!"

This book is a quick read, but very romantic, and a fun way to spend an afternoon remembering when you had to have the DTR (Define the Relationship) talks or the CK (Courtesy Kisses) or maybe even a NCMO or two. (If you don't know what that means, you have to read the book.) Very entertaining and fun, a must read for anyone who's ever been young and in love. Two thumbs up!

Published by Deseret Book
294 pages

My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life is a book that touched me deeply. Having watched my sister go through the agonizing decision of whether to give a child up for adoption or to keep him, and being an adoptive mother myself, I was curious as to whether this book would skim the surface of the unplanned pregnancy/adoption issue, or whether it would really tackle it. Ms. Wright tackled it, and she does it with an impressive amount of sensitivity and realism, as well as humor.

Suzanna Quincy has had a difficult childhood, and those scars follow her into adulthood. She makes poor choices, but you can really identify with her character and feel for her when she finds herself pregnant, with nowhere to live and no way to support herself. She begins her journey across the country to Utah, and she also begins her journey of self-discovery. Her character is full of so many human frailties, but she is framed with a core of strength that even she doesn't seem to know that she has. Ms. Wright does an excellent job of revealing Suzanna's weakness in a way that is so natural and so real. There are so many layers and an incredible depth to Suzanna's personality and the way her character handles the situations that are thrown her way are very believable and laugh out loud funny in places. You can see the growth in her, especially when she's trying to decide among the many options for her baby. She could keep the baby, she could offer the baby to her brother and his wife, or she could give it up for adoption. finitely have the tissues handy when you are reading this book. I cried many tears as I watched Suzanna struggle within herself as to what would be right for the child. Ms. Wright is a gifted author with a flair for dealing with important societal issues without any preaching or heavy morality lesson sprinkled in. The book stands on its own as a gritty, head-on approach to an issue that touches many youth today and I highly recommend it. .

As a special treat, I interviewed Julie Wright about this story and here is what she said:

Julie Bellon: Did you get to choose your own title? How did it get named My Not So Fairy Tale Life?

Julie Wright: I didn't get to choose my own title. I'd tell you what it was originally called except I'm still too humiliated by my own lack of creativity. The novel was given its title by Chris Schoebinger, my product manager. He is the genius at work there. I love the title and think he chose well.

Julie Bellon: It seems very realistic. Is it based on a real person or did you have to do a lot of research?

Julie Wright: There was a lot of research involved. I actually didn't know anyone who had been through this situation until after I started writing. I have made some great friendships with people who have been in similar situations. The research was heartbreaking, but there was a lot of hope to be found too. I cannot tell you how many wonderful couples I met that have adopted children and every one of them praise the birth mother to the sky for loving their baby enough to give it the best life they could. I've also met a lot of birth mothers who have found a peace in knowing they made the best choice they could make for their child.

Julie Bellon: Were you worried about addressing such a delicate issue as unwed pregnancy?

Julie Wright: I didn't start to worry until after the book was complete. Once I was finished and the novel was submitted to the publisher, I realized this was a touchy issue. I didn't worry at all while I was writing it, but I worried a ton after it was written.

Julie Bellon: Now that the book is published would you change anything about it? What is your favorite part and why?

Julie Wright: I wouldn't change a thing. I did hear there was a typo in there somewhere, but since I don't know where, I can't even say I'd change that. My first two books I would love to go over again, but with this one, it is exactly what I hoped it would be. My favorite part . . . there are so many favorite parts . . . I think my hands down favorite has to be after she is baptized. She pulls up a chair and inspects the painting "O Jerusalem." That is the moment when you know she has truly been able to let go of her battered past. That is the moment when you know she has chosen to trust the Lord and to let her future be guided by that trust.

Julie Bellon: Do you believe that your book has a message for young women?

Julie Wright: I think so. It had a message for me and I was the one that wrote it. :) I think there is a message in there for everyone, but what message each person comes away with depends a great deal on what issues or needs they had when they opened the book and started reading.

Julie Bellon: Have you received any reader comments about this book that particularly affected you?

Julie Wright: YES! In fact, most of the letters I have received regarding this book have reduced me to tears. So many women telling me about their own lives; so many girls telling me about their own hopes. I am humbled by their stories and grateful that they trust me enough to share with me. I think the ones that affect me most come from the birth mothers who have been through the same things as my character. They are all incredible women with incredible testimonies.

Julie Bellon: How did you conceive the book? Do you feel you were inspired? How long did it take you to write it? Were there any rough spots?

Julie Wright: The book wasn't my idea. My aunt called me one day and told me she wanted me to write a sequel to my first book. I told her there was nothing left to tell and she told me I was wrong. She said I had done such a good job at making everyone dislike Suzie; she wanted to see if I could make her lovable. It was a fun challenge. I had no idea what I had agreed to, but I am grateful for the journey. I don't know that I would say I was inspired, but I cried a lot while I wrote it. I laughed a lot too. It took about a year to write, edit, edit again, and edit one last time. There were a few rough spots. I'm sure there were since there always is, but I can't really remember what any of them were. When I was writing the beginning, I had a saying that ran through my mind as Suzie went through her trials and hit rock bottom. The saying was this: "No one journeys so far into the darkness that they cannot return to the light." This saying kept my focus on the ultimate goal. Suzie is redeemable, just like me, just like all of us.

Julie Bellon: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Julie Wright: I love dandelions.

Published by Deseret Book
297 pages

Savvy Hergarter is a girl with a lot on her mind. She's gone away to college to get over the boy she loves back home who doesn't love her back, and just when she's coming to terms with it, with the help of a new boyfriend, a girl who claims to be her half-sister shows up on her doorstep. Whew! Rachel Ann Nunes new book, Chasing Yesterday, is an amazing story that takes a frank look at adoption, blended families, love, life and death. There are so many layers to this book, just when you think you have one figured out, another one presents itself, drawing the reader in and enveloping them in the story.

Savvy's character is very well-written and you can identify with her many emotions as she struggles to trust herself and her heart not only with the father who gave her up for adoption, but also with the man she truly loves. The situations that Savvy faces are heart-wrenching and real, and show the readers the depth of humanity and forgiveness, emphasizing that our Savior knows us and will be there to comfort us through our trials. It is a multi-faceted book of love--love for our Savior, love for family, and that one true love that sometimes happens only once in a lifetime. Nunes shows her depth and breadth as a writer as she fleshes out these experiences in such a way that draws the reader in immediately, making the characters come alive on the page. As a special treat this month, I have interviewed Ms. Nunes with some questions on the book Chasing Yesterday.

Julie Bellon-- How much research did you do for this book?

Rachel Ann Nunes--For Chasing Yesterday I had to look up time zones and driving times since my characters were driving around so much. I also had to research locations in both Wyoming and California, even down to the addresses of the restaurants and the newspapers. A writer friend of mine, Dan Yates, has a son who has cardiomyopathy, the same illness as one of my characters, so I talked to him about that. I also looked up additional details about the condition on the Internet.

Julie Bellon--What inspired you to write those storylines?

Rachel Ann Nunes--Well, Savvy was adopted as a baby in one of my other books (To Love and to Promise), and I always knew that there would come a time when I'd want to see what happened to her birth father. He hadn't always been a bad guy, though he'd gotten his priorities really messed up. I wanted to see him come back and make amends of some type. Also, in a previous novel about the Tyler's brother (No Longer Strangers), Tyler and Savvy were heading toward SOMETHING. I wanted to find out what it was as much as anyone!

Julie Bellon--What's your favorite part?

Rachel Ann Nunes--My favorite part is when Tyler proclaims his love and Savvy tells him to leave. It's such a wake-up call for him when he realizes that he has put off their relationship way too long. I think I like seeing him get a bit of comeuppance! I also love writing the relationship between Lexi and just about every other character. Lexi showed a different face to everyone--her father, her sister, Tyler, her friend--and it was a challenge to me to keep her juggling all the emotions.

Julie Bellon--Do you wish you could change anything about it now?

Rachel Ann Nunes--No. Well, maybe a type-o or two someone found. :-) Seriously, this was a novel that had to be done in just this way. The first draft was actually completely different, and it wasn't working. So I ended up completely rewriting the first four or five chapters, moving the novel into the future four months, and completely changing the Savvy's life in California. It was how the novel should have been in the first place, but I hadn't given enough thought to the beginning. Beginning a novel is always a challenge for me, but this one in particular for some reason. I wouldn't change anything about it now.

Julie Bellon--Is any character based on a real person?

Rachel Ann Nunes--I can't tell you that--someone might sue me! Just kidding. No, none of the characters in this novel are based on real people. The character of Savvy's mother (as written in To Love and to Promise) was inspired by a cousin of mine, and Savvy looks like her mother, but that's as close to real as it gets. Come to think of it, though, Lexi acts a lot like my oldest daughter.

Julie Bellon--Did you pick the title yourself?

Rachel Ann Nunes--My working title was Ever Be One, and then it was Worth Waiting For. But I really didn't like either title once I had the book written. I'm really no good at coming up with titles. I ended up e-mailing some author friends and Chasing Yesterday was one of the titles they came up with. When I suggested the title to Deseret Book, they loved it immediately. I think it's a fabulous title for the book.

Julie Bellon--Who's your favorite character?

Rachel Ann Nunes--Wait a minute! Isn't that like asking which of my children is my favorite? Well, I loved Lexi, of course. She controlled everything--or thought she did. Then again, Tyler was really very handsome and nice (and hot, my daughter would say), despite how confused he was about his feelings. And Savvy is so strong and courageous, and at the same time vulnerable inside like all of us . . . I give up! I can't decide. The only thing I can say for sure is that Derek wasn't my favorite. :-)

Julie Bellon--Is there anything you'd like to add?

Rachel Ann Nunes--It's been a blast writing this series that isn't really a series (by that I mean that you don't have to read all the books or read them in order to make sense of what's going on). Last month I finished Kerrianne's story, so look for it in August. Please visit me at www.RachelAnnNunes.com for more information

Hearts in Hiding is Betsy Brannon Green's first published novel and it is one of my favorites. She introduces Kate Singleton whose husband, Tony, is an undercover FBI agent. Unfortunately, he's been killed and Kate's life and the life of her unborn child are now in danger. Mark Iverson is assigned to keep her safe and they pose as husband and wife in the small town of Haggerty, Georgia. There they meet Miss Eugenia, a lovable busybody. The setting makes up a large part of the story's charm, and the characters are so real you feel like they could really be your neighbors. The story is fresh and spine-tingling, with unpredictable twists and turns that leave you shaking your head in amazement. Betsy Brannon Green has an incredible talent for creating a believable story with well-rounded characters that quickly find a place in your heart. Her setting is particularly well done, and proves to be the setting in several more of her subsequent books. My copy of this book is well worn because I have read it many times over, just because it feels like coming home every time I open it.

My other favorite of Betsy's is Until Proven Guilty. Beth Middleton suffered a horrific tragedy on what was supposed to be her wedding day, and since then she has practically hidden from life. She is asked to do a favor for her former boss, and meets Jack Gamble, a defense lawyer involved in a high profile case. This story has so many layers to it, it was truly enjoyable to me to try and figure them all out before the story ended. Is Jack's client truly guilty? Is someone trying to kill him? Besides the mystery, there is also the question of Jack's ability to be a good parent to his daughter, especially when he is a single parent with an intense job. Beth steps in to evaluate him to a family court judge and finds herself caught in the whirlwind that is Jack Gamble's life. Miss Eugenia also appears in the book, with her sister Annabelle, and they are as winsome as ever. The mention of the soap opera, the Brave and the Relentless, and the formation of the Genealogical Society is particularly unusual and funny, providing another thread throughout the book that eventually leads to wrapping up the story. You also get to peek in on Mark and Kate and how their life has progressed which is gratifying as a reader. I have also read this book many times, and see something different in it every time I read it. Sometime I hope that Betsy will do a sequel on this one, just because the characters were so memorable and I'd love to see what she could do with them and how they settle into their new life.

Betsy is one of the most entertaining mystery writers in the LDS genre today and I highly recommend any of her books. Her newest one is Poison, however her website www.betsybrannongreen.net has a sample chapter of an upcoming release Double Cross that left me waiting with bated breath for it.

House on the Hill
By Annette Lyon
Published by Covenant Communications
298 pages

I didn't want to read House on the Hill. For some reason, I thought it would be another book trying to cram a history lesson in at the expense of the story. I am so glad I chose to put aside my pre-judgment, because the author has masterfully blended a realistic story, using the Logan temple as the backdrop that ties the characters together, but doesn't overshadow them.

We are introduced to the very complex main character, Lizzy Sullivan, as she is looking after her sickly brother, while her family is away attending a funeral. She is a book-lover, and loves to read aloud to her younger brothers, while dreaming of a handsome, mysterious man who will sweep her off her feet. What makes her so real to me, however, is her struggle for a true testimony of her own. Her parents have come across the plains, and suffered for the strong testimonies they now have, but Lizzy hasn't felt that. She doesn't feel that God answers her prayers, and doesn't really know for herself if the church is true. We see her struggle and as her testimony grows throughout the book, ironically it seems parallel to the growth and building of the temple.

Beyond this, Lizzy is now faced with a new relationship with a young man named Abe Franklin, who is not a member of the church and is also a Native American. I thought the author did a particularly good job in presenting this character, and the prejudice he faces, which can still be seen in some areas of our modern world. In Lizzy's case however, Abe seems like the romantic hero she's always dreamed of. However, her sweet and steady neighbor named Joshua also has romantic intentions toward her and her parents are pushing a match between the two of them whether she likes it or not. Through several family tragedies, parental arguments, and tears, we see Lizzy grow and change, her complex emotions making her character seem very real. I found myself reading long after I should have gone to bed, just to find out what Lizzy's final decision would be.

This book is a true characterization of the human heart with all its frailties. The author's notes at the end also made for interesting reading and I discovered things about the Logan temple that were very intriguing. The author doesn't overpower the story with the history, but weaves it in and makes it her own. I wished for a slightly different ending for one of the characters, but there is a sequel in the works which I'm told addresses this, so I'm anxious to read the next book. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a rich and entertaining story. Just make sure you have a free afternoon because you won't want to put it down!

Published by Covenant Communications
313 pages

Topaz and Treachery is Lynn Gardner's tenth book in the "Jewel" series, that has taken the main characters, Bart and Allison, from childhood friends to sweethearts who are now married and expecting a baby. The series has been described as high adventure, using settings from every corner of the world, and Topaz and Treachery continues with those themes.

The book opens with Allison receiving a frantic call from her mother about a topaz stone that she had made into a necklace and she fears it may have been stolen. When Allison asks what this is all about, her mother tells her the story of Empress Elizabeth of Austria/Hungary who once owned a beautiful topaz necklace. The necklace was stolen and the stones were separated and encoded by a Nazi commander. When the stones are all together, they are said to reveal the hiding place of a massive treasure trove, including many valuable art pieces feared lost in the Nazi era. Underground Freedom Fighters from World War II have worked hard to recover many of the topaz stones over the years in their effort to find the treasure and return it to its rightful owners. Unfortunately, they are now being picked off one by one by a neo-Nazi terrorist group and the stones stolen.

Allison and Bart are asked to innocently join a tour that begins in Italy and travels to many exotic places while they are covertly gathering the topaz stones before the neo-Nazi group can find them. As you can imagine, Bart isn't exactly thrilled with the idea of his pregnant wife being put in danger, but Allison insists and they embark on the cruise. There are many close calls, and at times Bart is practically begging Allison to go home. This was brought up again and again and I especially thought that after a near drowning Allison was foolish to demand to stay, obviously putting her baby in danger. I thought her concern and awareness for her child seemed to take second place over wanting to be in the middle of everything and I would have liked to have seen more resolution there, perhaps developing a stronger attitude over time that the baby comes first before anything else.

Allison is a believable character, however, and I enjoy her interaction with those around her, especially Bart. I sometimes thought the author slowed down the pace of the book by providing too many details about different locations, but did enjoy learning more about several countries, including Italy, Greece and Croatia. The book keeps the reader on their toes with instances of poison, near-drowning, shooting, stabbing, and incredible adventure, all on the way to a tantalizing path that could possibly lead to a decades old cache of treasure. The ending is well done with a little unexpected twist, and I especially liked the epilogue which seems to describe the entire series beautifully. The author masterfully pulls together the mystery with history, romance and danger, keeping the reader guessing down to the last page. This is a great book to cuddle up with on these cold winter nights.

I absolutely love LDS fiction and have read many, many authors. If you are looking for good fiction this season, here are some of my favorites that I curl up with every chance I get.

To get you in the Christmas spirit, "The Angel's Song" by Beth Mitchell Stephenson is a wonderful book. Little Rocky finds herself in a foster home trying to face the pain and loneliness she feels from being without her mother. Several social issues are addressed, but the over-arching message of the book, that heaven is close by and we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father is far-reaching. A touching and tender book. Another great Christmas story is Jason Wright's Christmas Jars. A must-read.

One of my all-time favorite authors is Betsy Brannon Green. Her first book, Hearts in Hiding, is fresh and the characters are completely charming and believable. It's the story of Kate, whose husband died while on a case for the FBI and suddenly she is a target and must hide in a small southern town pretending to be someone else. The story is action-packed and the setting is very well-done. Betsy Brannon Green's new book, Poison, is also wonderful and continues with many of the characters from Hearts in Hiding, but my favorite book of Betsy's is Until Proven Guilty, when Beth Middleton who is grieving for her fiancé, accepts a job as a court-appointed evaluator for a high-powered attorney. He is in the middle of an important case and balancing being a single father, completely resenting Beth's presence. The case is compelling, the storyline gripping and that is why this is one of Betsy's finest books.

Another of my favorite authors is Jennie Hansen. She has a new historical fiction out called, The Bracelet, that is exceptionally well done. Set in England, it addresses social and spiritual issues while drawing you into the world of 19^th century England and the life of the servant girl Georgiana. This is the start of a series and I am anxiously looking forward to the second book. (Another great historical fiction is Aisling of Eire by Dorothy Keddington which blends the modern world with that of 19^th century Ireland. Loved the setting and the characters.) Really, any Jennie Hansen book will be worth your money, however, my personal favorites were a series that Jennie started with Run Away Home, where Megan is trying to overcome the scars of her past and reconnect with the husband she hasn't seen in ten years. Oh, and she didn't tell him that she had his baby who is now ten years old. Excellent story. Then you have Journey Home where Allen is asked to take a young girl whose father has just died home to Salt Lake City from Alaska where's she's been pretending to be a boy while her father worked in mining camps. Only Allen finds out she's not as young as he was led to believe and is a beautiful woman who has no idea of her femininity. Another well-told story, but bring a Kleenex for that one. Then there's Coming Home where Brad Williams who lost his wife is watching his family struggle without a mother. He meets Susan who has a secret of her own that she's suddenly forced to deal with. Will she let Brad in? Is Brad ready to love again? Other superb books by Jennie Hansen are Abandoned, Code Red and Some Sweet Day.

If you're looking for fun mysteries that keep you guessing until the last page, Kerry Blair is the author for you. Mummy's the Word is her best book yet. Samantha Shade is a character that every woman can identify with. She wants to prove herself in a man's world, but keeps sticking her foot in her mouth at the most inopportune time. Everything seems to be going wrong in her life, but she still sticks to her guns and plunges on. You will laugh with her from the first page when she's eating powdery white doughnuts while wearing an all black outfit. Beautifully written, Mummy's the Word, is one book you'll want to own yourself. Three other favorites of mine from Kerry are This Just In, (A Miss America runner-up is stuck in the desert with a Ranger while they look for a little boy who's been kidnapped. Absolutely loved this one!) Closing In, and Digging Up the Past. Kerry's characters are just so human and down to earth and her sense of humor makes me laugh out loud.

For an intense new mystery series, Jeffrey Savage's new book, House of Secrets, is very well done. Shandra Covington goes back to her grandmother's small town to put the house up for sale and find a mummified corpse in her grandmother's bedroom. It goes from bad to worse when she brings the local police back to the house and the mummified corpse is gone and another dead body is there--one that was recently murdered. Shandra becomes a suspect and must solve the mystery before she loses her own life. With an unexpected ending, Shandra Covington books are a must have.

Rachel Nunes' new series has me hooked. Winter Fire introduces the Huntington family. Amanda Huntington meets Blake Simmons and finds her life turned upside down. He isn't the knight in shining armor she always imagined, and he is locked in an ugly custody battle over the children he is caring for. The story is a commentary on love, parenting and what family really is, but most of all, it's entertaining and uplifting and some of Rachel's best writing. The next book in the series No Longer Strangers, follows up on Amanda's brother and zoologist, Mitch. When Mitch agreed to be named in his best friends' will as guardian to their daughter, Emily Jane, he was sure it meant nothing more than pony rides, presents on birthdays, and an occasional day at the circus. Instead he finds himself up to his elbows in diapers and soggy oatmeal. While Mitch soon discovers that animal care and baby care are not the same thing, he quickly becomes totally devoted to the adorable little girl. But Cory Steele, Emily Jane's estranged aunt, will stop at nothing to rescue her niece from the clutches of this single Mormon man----even if it means pretending to join his strange church in order to gain his trust . . . and seize custody of the baby. Strong, witty, writing that will make you laugh and cry. The setting is also particularly well done in this book.

I loved Nancy Campbell Allen's first book Love Beyond Time, probably because I like the Civil War period and Nancy does an incredible job describing events and making you feel like you were there. Dr. Amber Saxton travels back in time to a Civil War battlefield and she is completely out of place. She must figure out how to get home, unravel a complicated mystery and face several things in her past and present. Excellent book.

Lynn Gardner is another author that I enjoy. Her new one Topaz and Treachery finishes off her Jewel series. Allison and Bart are now married and expecting a baby, but their lives are never tranquil. They are off to solve a Nazi treasure mystery and as usual, find themselves in exotic locations with lots of trouble in front of them. I also enjoyed her Vanished: A Maggie McKenzie Mystery. Maggie is investigating the mysterious disappearance of a young girl some years ago and finds herself on a cross-country quest looking for the missing girl and also parts of herself that she has buried.