Rules of Engagement by Stephanie Fowers

Rules of Engagement
by Stephanie Fowers

YA Romantic Comedy
266 pages, softcover
Target Reader: 16+

Covenant Communications
978-1591568094
Release Date: January 2005



From the publisher:

Twenty-five-year-old Samantha Skyler is an attractive college coed, who, like every other single girl, wants to find true love. The problem is, she has virtually no experience when it comes to the dating game.

Enter Harrison Bean. Harrison is intent on teaching Samantha and her roommates how to move from spinster status to that of the most-sought-after girl in the ward. His methods seem to be working for Samantha, until someone discovers the manhunt plot and is determined to sabotage all her efforts.

Join Samantha and her roommates as they really play the dating game—and learn the secret information every girl needs to snag a guy!

I read Rules of Engagement yesterday in just a few hours. It's cute and fun.

This book gives you a humorous look into college life while exploring the non-existent love lives of Samantha and her roommates. I enjoyed Samantha's feisty character and personality. I laughed aloud at many of her antics—such as getting stuck in a window, sneaking into a boy's apartment to steal a cross-stitched quote, and trying to avoid a stalker. It took me back to my college days. I was not nearly as brave and creative as Samantha, but I had my share of fun. (Our favorite—at the end of the month when we were nearly out of groceries and cash, my roommates and I would decide what we wanted for dinner and then go on a "Scavenger Hunt" to collect the needed ingredients. People will give you anything if you call it a Scavenger Hunt.)

There was a large cast of characters when you figure in all the roommates, the FHE brothers, and other ward members. Sometimes it was a little hard to tell them apart, but otherwise, I followed along well. While a romance at heart, it's not gooey, smooshy, kissy, heart-thumping romance. In fact, it's much more funny than romantic, but Samantha and her roommates do end up with their men by the end of the book.

While not at all preachy (in fact it rarely deals with any religious aspects at all), this book does assume an LDS reader, or at least familiarity with LDS terminology, like RS, Elder's Quorum President, etc.

Older teens and young adults will really like this book, especially girls. I liked it as well, because I'm just an overgrown teenager. I think Stephanie and her characters are hilarious.

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© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Heaven Scent & Interview with Rebecca Talley

Heaven Scent
by Rebecca Cornish Talley's

LDS YA/Adult Romance
236 pages, softcover
Target Reader: 14+

Bonneville Books
978-1599551005
Release Date: February 14, 2008



From the publisher:

She'd wanted her father to pay more attention to her, and she'd wanted her family to be like it used to be. She hadn't wanted everything to change so drastically that she may not even survive it."

As Liza proves herself a basketball star, everyone—from college basketball recruiters to the gorgeous Kyle Reynolds—seems to take note of her. Everyone, that is, except her own father. While her father is busy at his law practice, Liza learns about a strange new religion from Kyle. Could Kyle's religion help her family? Or is it already too late for her father to make amends?

When yet another broken promise finally leads to tragedy, Liza doesn't know if she will ever be able to forgive her father. It will take a good friend, a new belief, and a miracle straight from heaven to help Liza see that she still has a choice. The compelling story of a high school basketball star, this is a novel every girl will want, and none will be able to put down!

Heaven Scent (isn't that a gorgeous cover?) is Rebecca Cornish Talley's debut novel. Written for LDS teens, this book will be particularly enjoyed by young women, ages 12 to 16.

Rebecca stopped by my blog to answer a few questions and to offer a free gift to one lucky reader (so keep reading!).

Many of my blog readers are published authors or are in the process of writing a book for the first time. They are always interested in the writing process. Where did you get the idea for writing Heaven Scent? How long did it take you to finish it?
My mother wore a distinctive fragrance. It was a perfume that was designed to work with each indiviudal's body chemistry to produce a unique scent. My mother passed away when I was a young girl and every so often, I would catch a whiff of her perfume. During trials in my life, I could always smell her perfume and knew that she was near. Sometimes, it seemed like she was close enough that I could reach out and touch her. I based Heaven Scent on this experience.
I worked on Heaven Scent on and off for years between pregnancies, nursing newborns, toddlers, teens, and caring for my ailing grandparents (who raised me after my mom's passing). At times, I wondered if I'd ever finish it.

How many publishers did you have to try before your were accepted?
I submitted it in an early stage and it was rejected. I spent more time learning the craft and rewriting. I submitted it to Cedar Fort and other publishers and it was accepted by Cedar Fort.

Did you always want to write?
I've always loved to write. When I was in sixth grade I started a book similar to the "Encyclopedia Brown" books. In high school, I fell in love with writing all over again during a creative writing class. I've always dreamed of having a novel published.

What tips do you have for first time authors?
First time authors need to realize that promotion is a huge part of the writing process. First time authors have to work hard to promote their books and establish name-recognition. A web presence is also very important.

Fragrance plays a significant role in Liza's healing process. Have you had a similar experience?
Yes. Once when my newborn was in the NICU, I could smell my mother's perfume so strongly that I knew she was there watching over my new baby.

You created a fragrance called Hope to go with your book. Tell me about what that fragrance means to you.
I would like people who wear the fragrance to feel that no matter what life brings, there is always hope. Hope is the message of Heaven Scent. To me, this fragrance means that those we've loved and lost are never far from us.

Are you working on a new book? Tell us about it.
I'm working on an LDS romance that I'd like to think of as a fun way to escape for a bit from the dishes, diapers, growing mound of laundry, or stresses of daily life. It's been a lot of fun to write.

Thanks for stopping by the blog, Rebecca.
Thank you so much, Karlene, for hosting my book on your blog.

© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Season of Sacrifice & Interview with Tristi Pinkston

Season of Sacrifice
by Tristi Pinkston

LDS Historical
348 pages, softcover
Target Reader: LDS Adult

Golden Wings
978-0979434013
March 15, 2008



From the publisher:

Sarah Williams is a young Welsh immigrant, coming to Utah to join her sister Mary Ann Perkins. When the Perkins are asked to join the San Juan mission to pioneer a trail through Southern Utah, they take Sarah along to help care for the children. But a six-week journey turns into six agonizing months of hard work and toil as the Saints blast their way through a cliff to bring their wagons through what would become the famous Utah landmark "Hole in the Rock."

Finally settled in the San Juan, Sarah's true hardship begins when Ben Perkins asks her to be his second wife. With their faith and testimonies challenged to the core, both Sarah and Mary Ann struggle to find the true meaning of Christ-like love and obedience. Will they make it through?

Last month, I read Season of Sacrifice, a new book by historical author, Tristi Pinkston. I've been waiting for her blog tour (which kicked off May 1) to post the review. It was almost too long to wait because I was impatient to share this book with others.

I was very impressed by the sacrifices Ben, Mary Ann and Sarah made. They struggled to survive, to stay together as a family, and to live according to their beliefs. Several times since reading the book, when faced with a challenge of my own, I have remembered their steadfastness and perseverance and it has inspired me to keep going. You can purchase this book of strength and courage at Tristi's website.


I'm excited to share this interview with Tristi with all of you.

What spurred your interest in writing Season of Sacrifice?
We've had a red family history book sitting around in my house for ages, and I just picked it up and started to read it one day. It was one of those things that I figured I'd get around to, probably when I was eighty, but for some reason the book spoke to me and I picked it up. I was immediately drawn into the story, and it is that book that provided the backbone for the novel I would eventually write. As I read, I felt compelled to tell the story of my ancestors in a way that would reach many people, and not just my family.

This book is really Sarah's story. She is your great, great grandmother, right?
She is. She and Ben had a daughter named Sarah Elizabeth, who was known as Sade, who then had a daughter named Thora, who had a son named Joel, who was my father.

How has knowing Sarah's story helped you with your own life challenges?
Sarah, to me, is the perfect example of unquestioning obedience. She really struggled with her decision to become a plural wife, but once she gained the testimony for herself, she never wavered. She did without for most of her life, not wanting to strain the overall family finances. She worked hard every day to provide for her children. Her testimony was her rock and her foundation. Whenever I feel sorry for myself or wonder just how I'm going to make it through, I think about Sarah and how her close relationship with Jesus Christ sustained her. And that helps me keep my priorities in check.

How did you find out all this information about your ancestors?
In addition to the red book, I was blessed to have another volume of family history loaned to me by my father. It had belonged to my grandmother, and when I opened it up, I found typewritten sheets that were my great-great-grandfather's journal and life story. From these sheets, I was able to take many quotes of things he actually said. I also found quite a lot online—as Utah celebrities, so to speak, they were featured on many websites.

I'm sure your family will cherish this book, but it really has an appeal and an influence on others as well. I was very inspired by their struggles and their commitment to continue on in faith, regardless of the cost. Did you know as you were writing it that it would touch others outside your family?
I didn't know it, but I hoped it, and so far, I've been proven right. I did have a lot of author friends say to me, "How sweet that you're writing a family history story, but you know, no one is going to buy it." They were looking out for my best interests, but I knew then as I know now that this isn't just any family history story. My reviews have been fabulous and I'm thrilled to be sharing the story in such a public way. It deserves to be told. These pioneers deserve to be remembered.

Other than the setting, how is this book different from your other two, Nothing to Regret and Strength to Endure?
Nothing to Regret and Strength to Endure are both largely fiction. I set my stories against a historical backdrop and wove factual details in throughout, but Season of Sacrifice is mostly history. I only added emotions and details—everything else in the book comes straight from history. I classify it as a historical novel rather than a historical fiction novel for that very reason.

Was the writing experience different because you are related to these characters? Did that make it easier or harder to write the story?
It was very different because everything had a personal meaning to me. I felt more of a compulsion to get it right. I didn't want to say anything that would lessen the greatness of their lives. I wanted this book to be a memorial to them and I felt that pressure keenly. At the same time, I truly felt that they helped me from beyond the veil. The entire book was written in eighty hours, which is unheard of for me.

Was there a moment in your life when you knew you were destined to be a writer?
For me, there wasn't a moment—it's been inside me my entire life. I started writing at the age of five and have never stopped. I just always, instinctively, knew this was what I wanted to do. I really identified with the characters of Jo and Anne in Little Women and Anne of Green Gables respectively—I knew how badly they wanted to be published and I felt their angst.

Are there any "tricks" you use to keep yourself motivated to write?
I don't try to force it. If it's not coming, it's not coming, and I can't make it. I'm a very from-the-guts kind of writer, and if my guts aren't in the mood, I don't write. This had led to several hiatuses, but they were needed. I do find that taking long baths and showers and just letting the story flow through my mind at the same time helps to keep the ideas coming.

What advice would you give a beginning writer?
Just sit down and write the book. Don't think, "I'd like to write a book someday." Write it now. Stop waiting for the time to magically appear, because it won't. Make it. Carve it out of stone, if you have to. And then don't be afraid to take criticism. Let people read for you and tell you how you can improve.

What do you have in the works? What book are you working on now?
Right now I'm working on a comedy/mystery called Secret Sisters. I'm having so much fun with this book and really feeling the joy of the craft. Then I'm going to be reworking a Depression-era novel I wrote a couple of years ago. I've got other things slated, but those are my two projects for right now.

Get to know Tristi better by visiting her blog. All of Tristi Pinkston's books are available for purchase at her website.

© 2010 It's a Book Affair

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The Host
by Stephenie Meyer

Adult Science Fiction
619 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: Adult

Little, Brown and Company
978-0316068048
Release Date: May 6, 2008



From the publisher:

Earth has been invaded by aliens. The war is over and we lost.

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Download an excerpt.

Oh. My. Gosh.

I loved The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I've read her Twilight books, and aside from the fact that they're romance and Bella is an idiot, I've liked them just fine. In fact, I liked them well enough to create fragrances for some of the characters. But I'm not going to stand in line at midnight to get book #4. (Oh, wait. Actually, I am—but only because my sister and some other friends are having a Girls Night Out on the evening of the debut and we've decided to include that in our plans. But I digress.)

But this one? The Host? I'll stand in line at midnight for the sequel! (Okay, no. I probably won't because I turn into a pumpkin around 10:00 p.m. BUT I'll be at Wal-Mart around 6:00 a.m. to get my reserved copy.)

Anyway, back to the book itself. I loved it. Oh, yeh. I said that already.

This is billed as a romance, a love-triangle, but for me there was enough thrills and excitement, suspense, and action that I totally didn't mind the brief kissy-face interludes. Told from Wanderer's perspective, this is a great look at interaction between species, and what it means to be human. Sometimes the pace is a bit slow, but I liked that. For me, that was part of it's charm. It gave me some space to breathe in between the tension.

And I loved the way she ended chapter 58. I'm all, "What the HECK?!" It can't end this way. Thank goodness I turned the next two pages. (Stephenie's kind of clever that way.)

I found this story to have interest and depth. The characters were well-formed and consistent. The plot and logic worked for me. I just really liked it. It's going on my list of all-time favorites. I even have two copies of it—one of my daughter's gave it to me for Mother's Day, and then I got a signed copy when Stephenie Meyer came to town. My sister stood in line to get her's autographed and got one for me as well. (Thanks so much!)

I absolutely LOVED this book and give it a resounding 5 out of 5!

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Language: I don't remember any swearing, but there might have been one or two mild words. Nothing I wouldn't let my teenagers read.

Violence: There's conflict with the aliens who take over the humans. Some fist fights, etc. But it's not bad.

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Age Appropriate: For adults but older teens might like it.

Writing Mechanics: Much, much better than her writing in the Twilight saga.

© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague (#3)
by Brandon Mull

Middle Grade Fantasy
480 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: Ages 9-12

Shadow Mountain
978-1590388983
Release Date: April 21, 2008




From the publisher:

Strange things are afoot at Fablehaven. Someone or something has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. Seth discovers the problem in its infancy, but as the infectious disease spreads, it becomes clear that the preserve cannot hold out for long.

In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn. The Sphinx has always given sound advice—but is he a traitor? Inside the Quiet Box, Vanessa might have information that could lead to a cure—but can she be trusted?

Meanwhile, Kendra and members of the Knights of the Dawn must journey to a distant preserve and retrieve another hidden artifact. Will the Society of the Evening Star recover it first? Will the plague eclipse all light at Fablehaven? Find out in Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague.

Series books: Fablehaven (book 1), Rise of the Evening Star (book 2)

This is book #3 in the Fablehaven series. I really like this series and suggest it for middle grade readers and people who love simple fantasy.

I felt this book could have been edited just a bit tighter, losing maybe 50 pages. There were a few places where it went on longer than needed. Also, I have an issue with this cover. The first two books had their villains on the cover. The centaurs in this book are not villians. Their one of the good guys, even if they are kind of snooty about it. The illustration that should be on the cover is the one of Ephira (pg 459). I think it would have looked really cool. But boys won't read books with girls on the cover, so I'm sure that's why they went with the centaur. But still. Ticks me off a bit.

That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. We get to see Kendra again for awhile. We discover a few more secrets about Fablehaven's past and Kendra's powers. Seth acts a bit more responsibly. The satyrs are still incredibly funny (they're my favorite characters). I'm looking forward to book #4.


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Age Appropriate: Older teens and some adults may like this series.

Writing Mechanics: Needed a tighter edit.


© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Red Dragon Codex by R.D. Henham (Rebecca Shelley)

Red Dragon Codex
by R.D. Henham

Middle Grade Fantasy
256 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: Ages 9-12

Mirrorstone
978-0786949250
Release Date: January 8, 2008



From the publisher:

Dear Reader,

In my cozy library alcove, I never realized the peril that could befall a traveler in the mountains -- or even a quiet villager, minding her own business. Then I read Sindri Suncatcher's A Practical Guide to Dragons and I just had to find out more about dragonkind.

In my research, I discovered this true tale of an evil red dragon who plots revenge, kidnaps a seer, and sets a young boy named Mudd on a rescue mission. I hope you find as much thrilling enjoyment from it as I did.

Your humble servant,
R.D. Henham
Scribe in the Great Library of Palanthas

The Dragon Codices chronicle adventures with each of ten dragons of Krynn. From the fiery, evil red dragon to the playful copper, each dragon's tale is unique. Sindri Suncatcher, narrator of A Practical Guide to Dragons, shared these tales from his travels with library scribe R.D. Henham.

Mudd lives a peaceful life in his small town, tinkering with the mill and any mechanical devices that he can find. But his peaceful life soon changes when, out of nowhere, a red dragon attacks, burning the town and kidnapping Shemnara, the village seer. Only one clue is left behind--a cryptic note telling Mudd, "Seek the silver dragon."

This series of Dragonlance books for middle grade readers was inspired by A Practical Guide to Dragons by Lisa Trumbauer. The codices are written by fictional character, R.D. Henham, "a scribe in the great library of Palanthas. In the course of transcribing stories of legendary dragons, the author felt a gap existed in the story of the every dragon: ordinary dragons who end up doing extraordinary things. With the help of fellow scribes, R.D. had filled that gap with the Dragon Codices." There will be a total of ten books, one for each color of dragon. Cute idea and I think it will be well received by its intended age group.

The entire series is written under the pen name, R.D. Henham, but the authors vary from book to book. This particular dragon codex was written by Rebecca Shelley, who I met at a writers conference in March. She is very nice.

Mudd and his sister, Hiera, race to find a key to open a door that will lead them to the silver dragon, who will hopefully help them rescue their friend and teacher who was kidnapped by the evil red dragon. They are aided on their journey by a young dwarf named Drakecutter (who seeks to save his father's life by retrieving a magical ax stolen by the red dragon), Iroden (a possibly enchanted elf who seeks to be returned to his natural state), and Kirak (who may or may not be human).

I liked the basic plot and storyline of this book. I thought it had a lot of potential but I felt the characterization was a little weak. There needed to be more foreshadowing of the characters' attributes—for example, partway thought the book, Mudd decides he needs to break into a library. We suddenly discover he's got a passion for picking locks and carries lock pick tools with him everywhere. This should have come out much earlier in the story.

Also, the author (or perhaps the editor/publisher) is part of an evil group of people determined to delete all the irregular verbs from the English language. (This is a pet peeve of mine and I can rant about it for several minutes at a time without taking a breath.) When I read that the dragon dived (DOVE), and leaped (LEAPT) and pleaded (PLED), it's worse than fingernails on a chalboard.

I rate this book a 3.75 out of 5. Perfect for 4th though 6th graders, but older teens and adults will find it a little lacking in depth.

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Age Appropriate: Middle graders will love it.

Writing Mechanics: Needed a tighter edit.


© 2010 It's a Book Affair