Review of "The Undaunted" by Gerald N. Lund



Available in book on CD, paperback, and hardcover from Beehive Books

The Undaunted

by Gerald N. Lund

Reviewer: Celeste Estes, daughter of the Queen Bee

Genre: Historical Fiction
Length: 804 pages

Goodreads Summary: When it comes to creating spellbinding historical fiction, nobody does it quite like Gerald N. Lund.  In The Undaunted, he transports readers first to the coal mines of Yorkshire, then across the ocean and the plains to the territory of Utah, where, even in 1879, there is pioneering to be done.  A little-known and perhaps even less-appreciated chapter in the Church's history comes to life in this gripping story of a stalwart group of Saints called to create a settlement to serve as a buffer between the established communities of Utah and the lawless frontier of the Four Corners area.  Their challenge will be enormous—but the biggest part of it just may be getting there in the first place.  Skillfully interweaving historical figures and events with fictional characters, Gerald Lund takes us through the Hole in the Rock and over miles of uncharted country that even today is impassable without all-terrain vehicles.  His account of the adventure, romance, and sacrifices of these undaunted pioneers will resonate with readers who love a good story as well as those who want to better understand the incomparable legacy and unconquerable faith of those valiant Saints.

My Thoughts: Okay, so I just realized that the Goodreads summary is actually pretty biased: "spellbinding historical fiction," "skillfully interweaving," "will resonate with," etc.  I agree that this book as history is great.  It educates and brings to life for us a part of history that we do not know much about.

However, as a story, I think it attempts to cover too much time, starting in Yorkshire and ending in the Four Corners area.  I can see why Lund does this.  He wants us to understand the main character and the main character's father with a depth that would be otherwise impossible.  However, because we start so far back, the story ends up having a long and dragged out feel to it.  I found myself liking parts of the story but having to force myself to keep reading when it would switch gears.  Also, although the love story added a fun touch, I felt it could have been executed much better, giving more attention to it and less to some of the other things.  The love development just was not there, and suddenly the story ends with a marriage, surprise!

Overall, I learned enough to make reading this worthwhile, but it was not my favorite historical fiction.

3 out of 5 stars.

Review of "Marian's Christmas Wish" by Carla Kelly



Available in e-book and paperback from Beehive Books

Marian's Christmas Wish
by Carla Kelly

Reviewer: Celeste Estes, daughter of the Queen Bee

Genre: Regency Romance
Length: 295 pages

This book was my Christmas present from Keepin' Up with LDS Bookstores blog.  (I won it in a blog giveaway right before Christmas and it arrived in the mail just in time to be under my tree.)

Goodreads Summary: Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady.  She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man.  And she's certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing.  But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected, a young and handsome English lord.

My Thoughts: I just absolutely adored this book!  One of my favorite books in a long time, I loved the humor, romance, and adventure that this book carried me away on at every twist and turn.  Of course I loved the mid-1800's England feel, but I also appreciated that it stepped away from so many of the typical expected themes of a Jane Austen novel.  This book truly kept me guessing until the end, and I just fell in love with the male character in the story. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

Review of "Gifted" by Karey White

Available in e-book and paperback from Beehive Books

Gifted

by Karey White

This book is a 2011 Whitney Awards finalist in the General category.

Reviewer(s): Vickie Ricks, the Queen Bee; Celeste Estes, daughter of the Queen Bee

My Summary: After many years of hoping and praying for a child of their own, the Wellers decide that it just isn’t going to happen and try their hand at adoption.  They are given the opportunity to adopt a baby girl who has to be delivered when both of her parents are killed in a car accident.  After just one look, Susan Weller knows this is what she has been hoping for all her life.  But as the baby grows, Susan realizes that something is different with her baby girl.  The child is gifted in a most unusual way.  In trying to protect her child from undue notice, she creates more problems for their family.

My Thoughts: I loved this book.  It is among my favorites, maybe because I am the proud mother of six children who in each of his or her own ways is Gifted.  The storyline in this book will touch even the coldest of hearts.  It is a story that has a message of family, sacrifice, and hope for the future.

Celeste's Thoughts:  I really liked this book.  It had a profound message of love and service.  At first I was not sure how "supernatural" the story would be due to the special gifts of the daughter, but it turns out that it was meant to be something that could really happen.  I liked that.

However, this is somewhat of a touchy feely book.  If you want to be entertained instead of inspired, you will probably prefer suspense or science fiction.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Review of "Count Down to Love" by Julie N. Ford

Available at Beehive Books in e-book and paperback

Count Down to Love
by Julie N. Ford

This book is a 2011 Whitney Awards finalist in the Romance category.

Reviewer: Vickie Ricks, the Queen Bee

My Summary: On her way to what she thought was going to be an exciting country singing career, Kelly Grace Pickens is left jilted at the altar and finds out that the man she thought loved her only loved the thought of being married to a star; when that fell through, so did the wedding.  Now Kelly Grace Pickens is homeless and has lots of bills to pay, so she is persuaded to be a contestant on a reality show called Count Down to Love.  She is nothing like the long-legged, slender, and supermodel type contestants that are on the show too, but somehow her down-to-earth country ways are just the ticket she needs to pull off a win.  But, is that what she wants?  She thought all she wanted was the money and then to be sent packing.

My Thoughts: This is a fun book, cute, and well-written.  I liked it because it had its share of twists and turns, which make it interesting and of course make you wish you could fall in love all over again.

Review of "Invaluable" by Holly J. Wood



Available at Beehive Books

Invaluable

by Holly J. Wood

Reviewer: Vickie Ricks, the Queen Bee

My Summary: Eliza Moore is a sophomore in high school.  As with most kids her age she is facing many challenges, including a job that wants her to start working on Sundays, a bestfriend who she has had a falling out with because of boyfriend issues, a younger sister who is becoming distant, love notes that she suspects are being left her by a boy that is giving her unwanted attention, and feelings for his bestfriend who she is head-over-heels for.  All of these things combined would give most young people nightmares but, instead, Eliza gets visits from her great-grandmother.  Together they go back in time to see extraordinary women who help teach her about eight important values.  These values and the great example of these women help her with the challenges she faces.

My Thoughts: This book has a great storyline and message.  A little slow getting into it and not a really quick read but good nonetheless.

Review of "Not My Type" by Melanie Jacobson

Available at Beehive Books

Not My Type
by Melanie Jacobson

A 2011 Whitney Award finalist in the Romance category

Reviewer: Vickie Ricks, the Queen Bee

My Summary:  This is a story of a 23-year-old young woman who calls off her engagement to a man who has asked her to give up what she wants to do with her life to support him in his pursuits.  After the second time of almost making it to the wedding day, she calls it off for good and leaves herself with a huge wedding debt and is still living at home.  Unlike most of us, she has a live-in therapist--her dad.  He challenges her to count her blessings by acknowledging those around her who have blessed her life and to set career goals.  She accepts the challenge, but on the way to fulfilling her goals she manages to botch a job interview and inadvertently stumbles into love.

My Thoughts: This was a fast page turner for me.  I loved the funny way the author approaches situations that we all have found ourselves in at one time or another.  Great book for those who love to love!



My Girlfriend's Boyfriend by Elodia Strain

Available in paperback and e-book

My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend

by Elodia Strain

Reviewer: Vickie, The Queen Bee

This book is based on a Major Motion Picture – which I haven’t seen!

Jesse has all but given up on love, when she decides to take one last chance at meeting the “right” guy.  Before she knows it, she meets two “right” guys.  Afraid to make a mistake this time around, she accepts advice from a wacky cousin who sends Jesse Do’s and Don’ts for dating, which add to the hilarity of the dating adventure.  Things seem to be going along just fine until she realizes that someone is keeping a secret, and she learns that things aren’t always what they seem.  Sound familiar……?

My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend has romantic comedy written all over it.  Fun and entertaining and lots of twists that keep the story-line fresh.  Great book for those who love to LOVE!

Other comments: Celeste, daughter of the Queen Bee

I have not read this book yet, but I have seen the movie!  Based on my mom's review, maybe the book takes different twists from the movie.  I'm not sure what the difference is, but I do know the movie is cute and it makes me want to give the book a try!  Here is the movie trailer:

Thanks for stopping by!  Tell us what you thought of this book and/or movie by commenting below.

You can find My Girlfriend's Boyfriend and other books sold by the Queen Bee at Beehive Books at the following website: http://beehivebooksbakersfield.com.  Happy reading!!!





"Janitors" by Tyler Whitesides

JANITORS

by new author, Tyler Whitesides

Click here to see "Janitors" by Tyler Whitesides on the Queen Bee's bookstore website 

After reading this book you may think twice about sending your children to school. I know that I’m glad mine are almost all done.

Summary: Spencer washes his face with soap in the school bathroom, and all of a sudden he is seeing dust motes and sink sludge in a whole new light.  He can’t get anyone to believe him, though, and he finds himself the laughing-stock of his class.  This doesn’t keep him from trying to warn the teachers and other students of the creatures that lurk in the carpet, bathrooms, and everywhere dirt and grime exist.  While trying to follow one such creature, he finds out that janitors can see them too.  Along the way he makes a new friend, Daisy, and together they set out to clean up their school.

My Thoughts: This is an entertaining book, definitely geared for a younger audience, elementary school, but was cute enough for me to enjoy half-heartedly.  This is Tyler’s first novel but definitely shows good promise for future books.

Book Review by The Queen Bee of Beehive Books

What Shanda at LDS Women's Book Review Blog says,

 

"As soon as I received the Janitors ARC [Advanced Reading Copy], I knew I wanted to read it aloud to my 10-year-old daughter the first time through. I wanted to experience the events in the book for the first time along with her to get the perspective of the book’s intended audience. We read Janitors in just a few days, with many instances of 'Mom, are you busy? When can we read more of Janitors?'...I’ve heard it said that we don’t remember facts as much as feelings. While the details of Spencer and Daisy’s adventures will fade with time, I’ll always remember how I felt every time my daughter gasped and giggled as we read..." - Click here to read the full article



Rachel Ann Nunes, "Before I Say Goodbye"

This book is a 2011 Whitney Award finalist in the General category.

Before I Say Goodbye

by popular LDS Author, Rachel Ann Nunes

Published in 2011 by Deseret Book.
342 pages in length.
Genre, in my opinion, is LDS drama.

In my opinion, this is a story of growth and change.

I love the way the author utilizes a written format that encourages the reader to get to know each of the main characters on a very intimitate level.  As a result, we get to understand the trouble teen and the inactive mother.  We get to relate to the preocuppied Bishop and his unintentionally taken-for-granted wife. 

 

We also get to see how serving others truly helps us to love and understand them.

This was a very satisfying and uplifting book for me.  I couldn't put it down. 

You can find out more about this book and/or purchase by visiting the Queen Bee's book store website at http://beehivebooksbakerfield.com

or at the following direct link to this item:

http://beehivebooksbakersfield.com/#%7Bselector%3A%22.ldsba-body%22%2Cmodule%3A%22/ldsba/productDetail.module%22%2Cparameters%3A%7Bproduct%3A%2220071912%22%7D%7D.

Thanks for visiting our blog!  Feel free to leave a comment and let us know what you thought of this book.

An Added Note on Wedding Letters from the Queen Bee

Guess what, everyone?!  THE QUEEN BEE decided to review "The Wedding Letters" by Jason F. Wright too!

Here is her note to me...

I know that you reviewed The Wedding Letters already but I was so impressed with it that I thought my view on it was worth hearing too.

The Wedding Letters written by Jason F. Wright

First there was The Christmas Jars and then Christmas Jars Reunion. Then along came The Wednesday Letters, and now we have The Wedding Letters.

The Wedding Letters is a great twist on The Wednesday Letters. The characters are the same with a few additions, but the book can be a standalone also.

Noah Cooper found love by running into it, literally. While driving and trying to avoid a squirrel he runs into Rachel, and for him it is love at first sight. For Rachel, well, all she could think of was what kind of a person runs over a bicyclist while trying to avoid hitting a squirrel he hit anyway? All seems to be going fine, and marriage is in the near future, until a secret from Rachel’s past sends her running from her future with Noah.

In keeping with the Cooper Family tradition, and despite the fact that the wedding is called off, letters start coming in for the happy couple and are compiled to create a book of wedding letters. These are letters from friends and family and are advice on love, life, and happiness. Can the wedding letters save the wedding?…..You have to read to find out.

Having just married off one of my own daughters, I can say that this tradition would have been great for her, something that she and her new husband would have kept and treasured forever.

Great book, it was definitely worth 2 reviews!!!!!!!

Book Review by Vickie Ricks, the Queen Bee at Beehive Books

Beehive Books Bakersfield
Beehive Books Lancaster

The Wedding Letters, a great sequel to The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright

The Wedding Letters,

a Great Sequel to The Wednesday Letters

by Jason F. Wright

Sold at Beehive Books

In Wedding Letters, Wright carries us on a new adventure of love and self-discovery.  Noah Cooper, grandson of Jack and Laurel (from Wednesday Letters), falls in love with a girl from a family much different from his.  Rachel returns his love but finds out a family secret that threatens her sanity and happiness in general.  Rachel's family relationships coupled with the upcoming selling of the inn, in my opinion, are what make this book fun and exciting.

I really liked this book!  At first I was unsure that anything could compete with Wednesday Letters, but Wright took up the challenge and ran with it.  He did a great job.  I found myself caring about Rachel and wishing I could reach out and hug her.  I worried for and with her.  I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an easy uplifting read and who is or will ever be married.  I loved the marriage advice!!!

Book Review by Celeste Estes, daughter of the Queen Bee


Jason Wright loves to connect with his readers! 

**Visit his page on Facebook: Jason F. Wright Official Fan Page.  

**Here is his blog (looks like he hasn't written in a while, we should help him with that by going on and posting a comment): Life with Jason Wright. 

**And here is his website: jasonfwright.com. 

If that's not enough, here's a great book trailer for The Wedding Letters:

The Wedding Letters trailer on You Tube

Beehive Books Website

Guest Review from Author Lynn Gardner: If I Should Die by Jennie Hansen

Guest Review by Author Lynn Gardner

About Lynn Gardner

Click here to visit Lynn Gardner's website



Lynn Gardner traveled the United States for twenty-five years with her career Air Force husband and developed a love of exploring this beautiful country, discovering fascinating places to set a story, and weaving local history into intriguing mysteries. When her husband retired, they began traveling to foreign countries where she found more exciting venues for her suspense stories.  Her motto is, "There's a story and a mystery around every corner!"

Lynn also loves to read mystery novels.  We asked her if she would be willing to review a book for us, and this is what she chose: "If I Should Die" by Jennie Hansen.

Lynn's Review of "If I Should Die" by Jennie Hansen



Kallene’s world is turned upside down when her jogging partner, Linda, disappears after confiding she’s filing for a divorce. Soon the missing person search turns into a murder investigation. Kallene is overwhelmed by the attentions of a charming lead detective and her jogging partner’s handsome brother. Throw in the tragic circumstance of Linda’s frightened little daughter and a young boy at loose odds and a creepy handyman who shows up at Kallene’s elbow at every turn. Then, mix in a rogue dog and strange character in the neighborhood and you have a fast-paced intriguing mystery with a touch of romance.

I loved this book. All of Jennie Hansen’s books are extremely well written with characters you love to hate or cheer for all through the book, but I think this might be her best effort so far. I couldn’t put the book down after I began reading it. I had to know about each of those characters she had so carefully crafted. Who was the real killer? What would happen to Linda’s little girl? What happened to the little boy who disappeared? And which of the handsome men would actually capture Kallene’s heart?

This book was reviewed for Queen Bee Corner by Lynn Gardner, author of 10 books in the Gem/Jewel series and 2 books in the Maggie McKenzie series.

Some of Lynn's titles:

Visit Beehive Books Website

Can fog describe more than the weather?

Foggy with a Chance of Murder

by G.G. Vandagriff

Category – LDS suspense with a twist of romance

In this book, Chloe, a young suspense author, buries herself deep in her work in order to avoid love.  However, when tragedy brings her and a “jack” mormon together, sparks begin to fly.  It is then that her past love re-enters the picture, bringing fog for Chloe in more ways than one. To make it worse, someone is out to kill her new love.

G.G. Vandagriff is quickly joining the field of fine LDS suspense novelists.  I have enjoyed her use of combining good values and nail biting suspense.  Maybe not quite as thrilling and suspenseful as books by Clair Poulsen, but definitely worth the read.

Book Review by Vickie Ricks, The Queen Bee



WHO ELSE IS REVIEWING IT???

Goodreads.com at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10275748-foggy-with-a-chance-of-murder says:

• A classic whodunit with a unique LDS twist
• Readers of G. G.'s previous mysteries will enjoy this latest offering from a Whitney Award-winner
• The author was recently featured in "Literary Worlds," a Special Collections exhibit at BYU's Harold B. Lee Library
• Online reading guide available for book clubs

Scroll down on the Goodreads.com page to see who else is commenting on and reviewing this book.

One Guy, Three Girls...the Ultimate Laundry Bet

Luck of the Draw

by Rachael Renee Anderson

Category – LDS romance (but not too sappy)

 The typical story of relationships on the college level, but this one goes seriously wrong. A bet among roommates puts a young man on the road to finding true love but when the girl he falls for finds out about the bet, for her, all bets are off.

This is a fast paced, fun and humorous story, kind of predictable but with a few twists to keep it interesting. Geared for the young adult market, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as well. This book will make any hot summer day go more quickly.

Book Review by Vickie Ricks, The Queen Bee

WHO ELSE IS BLOGGING ABOUT IT?

Rachael Renee Anderson - Happy Endings Blog 

Excerpt from Luck of the Draw:

     "This is the end of our date,” he said. “And you just told me that you won’t go out with me, at least not any time in the next eight years, so this is pretty much my only opportunity.”

     “Opportunity?” Dani raised her eyebrows. “For what, exactly?”

Click here to continue reading the excerpt on Rachael's blog.

Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpak

Blackberry Crumble has Sadie Hoffmiller on a new adventure with a murder to solve.  For the first time, she is approached as if she were a real private investigator and enlisted to solve the mystery.  Like usual she finds herself in a mess but still manages to come out on top; again, her “boyfriend” is around to add a little romance to the mystery.

I love the Culinary Mystery Series and Josi Kilpack.  In this series, Josi invents delicious recipes and finds great ways to incorporate them into her books.  I tried a couple of the recipes, Lemon Tart and English Trifle, and served them at a book signing held for Josi Kilpak.  They turned out pretty good if I do say so myself!

These books are easy reads and fun, with a good mix of suspense and romance.  Pumpkin Roll will be coming out soon.  I am sooo looking forward to it!

Blackberry Crumble is the fifth book in the Culinary Mystery Series.  Although most characters remain the same, these books can be read as standalones.

Here is a link to Josi's blog and her post about Blackberry Crumble:

What Is a Sundial in the Shade?

Book Review by Vickie Ricks

CTR's Ring by Melissa Ann Aylstock

Check Out This Sample from the Book!

CTR's Ring caught my attention right from the start.  I was so curious to know what the main character, Cameron T. Richards, would do next.  He had found a CTR ring and had kept it, thinking it was meant to represent the initials in his name.  He had no idea it belonged to "Mormons".

When he finds out it is a Mormon ring and that his new-found relatives are all Mormons, he suddenly finds himself wondering if there is a true church.  Will it be the one his new co-worker invited him to or some other?

Filled with romance, love for family, and a deep spirituality, this story really impressed me and stopped me in my tracks.  I sincerely wanted to know what would happen in the life of Cameron T. Richards.

My only concerns were that the editing wasn't perfect and that the story was a bit unreal at the end.  Otherwise, I loved it!  I would recommend this book to teens and adults.

Book Review by Celeste L. Estes

Return to Mormonville: Worlds Apart by Jeff Call

Jeff Call has done it again!  I loved Mormonville, and now I really loved Return to Mormonville.

In this book, the main character, Luke Manning, finds himself in an unforgettable and almost tramatizing adventure in another country.  Why does he travel to this far off place and get himself into trouble?  Well, because he's a reporter.  He has been a baptized member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now for over two years and has lost his niche in the journalism world.  Until now.

I would really recommend this book to anybody, even if you haven't read the first book in the series.  There are enough references to Luke's past (what happens in book 1) for anyone to piece together.  This story is so exciting and fun!  Then, after you've finished it and the adventure is over, you realize how much you have learned.  It is great.  I give this book 4.5 stars.


Book Review by Celeste L. Estes

Messiah by Toni Sorenson - most recent release

Queen Bee here with a new book that is a must read!

What was going on in the Americas during New Testament times?  What was it like when the Savior visited the Americas?  We’ve read the account from the scriptures.  Now read a historical fiction version like no other.

In this story, we follow the life of a Nephite, Kiah, from youth to adulthood, as he struggles with his testimony and has many adventures.  Then, we experience with him the signs of the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.  We even get to witness the arrival of the Savior in the Americas.

Once again Toni has taught me.  Even though this is historical fiction, she follows the scriptures "to a T".  She does a masterful job.  I highly recommend this book alone or read in conjunction with Master.  Either way, it is well worth it.

This book is second in a series of two but can be read as a standalone.


Book Review by Vickie Ricks

Master by Toni Sorenson - 1st in series

I loved this book because it brought to life for me the Savior as a child, as a young adult, and ultimately as the Master in a way that no other book has ever done. Toni uses the scriptures and fills in with a great imagination to create this historical fiction book. You might find it slow going at first, but don’t give up. It is worth it!

This book is first in a series of two.


Book Review by Vickie Ricks

Special Guest Review of Karen E. Hoover's Sapphire Flute

This was a great book full of all kinds of magic and mystery.  I never wanted to put it down.  From the first page, you are on the edge of your seat.  After all of the books and talks of werewolves you would think that you may not enjoy the book, but the capabilities of the werewolves and how they are portrayed seems so different that you enjoy it anyway.  This is one of the most gripping and amazing novels ever.  I can't wait for her next novel!

I give it 5 stars.

Book Review by Savannah Bly, age 16.

Author Karen Hoover has a free sample from Sapphire Flute on her blog - Check it out!