The Forgotten Girl

It is 1906, and sixteen-year-old Stella's life in Durliosy, Poland, is bleak. Her only hope of surviving is to travel to America, a land of freedom and opportunity, and reunite with her brother in Baltimore. There she'll find new challenges, and perhaps, if she can put her painful past behind her, a new chance for love and lasting happiness.

My thoughts: I love that the author based this story on true events, that of her great grandmother coming over to America from Poland in the early 1900's. She did an excellent job of bringing the story alive, the suffering Stella went through and the hope and love she found once she moved to America. I would of loved a little more to the story, like what came next for her, but otherwise thought that this book was wonderful! It was hard to put down! I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

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A is for Adam

Help your children discover the amazing heroes of the Bible while learning their ABCs!
For even MORE FUN, search each page for hidden objects that start with that letter of the alphabet!

My thoughts: This book is such a fun way to teach young children more about the Bible while working on the alphabet. I didn't realize that there where things having to do with the letter on each page for kids to find, some of them are pretty random, but a lot of fun for kids to find! My children are enjoying this book. I love that it is teaching them more about the Bible in the process of being fun.
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

The Holy Ghost is my Friend

Get ready to shine a spotlight on the Holy Ghost! This unique picture book shares everyday situations and simple stories that teach children how to recognize the influence of the Spirit. When you shine a flashlight through the illustrated pages, you can discover how the Holy Ghost protects, comforts, directs, and witnesses of true gospel principles. A fun and illuminating book the whole family will love!

My thoughts: We were thrilled to get this book in the mail today! Right away, my daughter wanted to stop and read it, since she was so excited. I love how the book is a shine the light one, where you can either hold it to the light or place a flashlight behind it to see the hidden pictures. I love how it explains the Holy Ghost in a way that helps children understand more about the comforter. This is an excellent book to add to your shelf!
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

I Can Love Like Jesus

Help your little ones live and love like Jesus did with this adorable picture book. The simple text and beautiful illustrations show children exactly how Jesus loved others and how to emulate Him with small acts of kindness, like sharing, forgiving, and comforting. Invite the Savior into your home and feel His peace each time you read this book together.

My thoughts: This book is a wonderful addition to any child's library! It is a fun reminder of how Jesus taught us to love by example. I love how each set of pages is a picture of modern day children acting out God's love, with a hidden picture of how Jesus did it in the scriptures. This book is a great conversation starter!
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:

Heidi Poelman is the author of A is for Abinadi: An Alphabet Book of Scripture Heroes, A Mother’s Greatest Gift, The Two-Minute Marriage Project: Simple Secrets for Staying in Love, and the upcoming books I Can Love Like Jesus and A Is for Adam: An Alphabet Book of Scripture Heroes. Heidi received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). When she’s not writing, cooking, cleaning, or carpooling, Heidi loves playing in the outdoors with her family, going out for date night, and reading bedtime stories. She lives in Utah with her husband and four children.

Right Next to Me

The only thing Sydney doesn’t love about her new college life is the fact that her amazing boyfriend, Gavin, is all the way across the country at Yale. When she returns home for break, Sydney quickly discovers there’s more to her relationship with her best friend, James, than she thought. Now she’s faced with an impossible choice: her perfect boyfriend or the perfectly flawed boy who has loved her all along.

My thoughts: I didn't expect to like this book near as much as I did! It's a sweet story of one girl who has gone through most of high school with her boyfriend and best friend, only to graduate and have things change as they go off to college. I loved how the story would go back and forth between the present and the past, showing how likeable both Gavin and James are. I would of liked a bit more to the ending, but overall I found this story totally adorable!
I received a copy on this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Lies and Letters

After a season in London, Charlotte Lyons is still regrettably unattached. With her family’s finances in peril, she is sent away with her sister to a bleak coastal town where she is expected to pursue a wealthy Earl. Beautiful and talented, how could she possibly fail? But when her heart is captured by someone entirely unexpected, Charlotte finds herself caught up in a web of lies and intrigue. Between hardship and sorrow, she finds more than she bargained for, forced to choose between the life she once wanted and a new love she never imagined.

My thoughts: I have to admit, this story was a little harder to get into, since the heroine isn't much of a heroine in the beginning. Raised to make an advantageous match has left Charlotte shallow and cruel. When their fortunes change and she is sent to the country with her sister, she finds out that sometimes things are not as they seem, and that getting something other than what you thought your dreams were could be the best dream yet.
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

The Unicorn Hunter

Princess Jessalyn’s betrothal is the talk of the realm, but all she cares about is escaping her family’s smelly fishing kingdom. As queen of Gontir, her life will finally be perfect. But her plans are shattered when she’s kidnapped by a murderous unicorn hunter in a plot to destroy Gontir. With her dreams in ruins, Jessalyn must decide if the life she’s always wanted is worth the price of her heart.

My thoughts: I must admit to not liking Princess Jessalyn at the beginning, since she is a vain and silly princess who is used to the world revolving around her. But, as her story unfolds, I started to enjoy her character and the kingdom she lives in. While I could of had more to the story, especially the ending (perhaps this means that the story isn't truly finished?;)), the story is a fun one about mythical creatures and a princess who must learn to think for herself.
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Becoming a Present Parent

With Becoming a Present Parent, you’ll find a wealth of ideas to build connections with your children and bind your hearts together. You will find out eight ways how we as parents “check out” of our children’s lives and what that cost is to their growth. Learn how to master six important skills to help you “check in” and be engaged. Understand how to be fully present and utilize touchpoints in the smallest moments to create lasting fulfillment in your family relationships.

My thoughts: I feel like this book came along at the perfect time for me, since my oldest is getting to the point where she is independent enough for me to forget just how much she still needs me.;) This book was a great reminder of the ways I can improve being a more present parent, giving me practical and simple ways to connect with my children throughout the day. I thought this book was well written and the stories spot on!
I received this book through Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Shatter

When a mysterious explosion kills her sister, Salem Jefferson becomes convinced the death was no accident—it was a conspiracy. But no one else at her high school believes her, and all she has so far is one clue. She knows Carrie hired a gang member to protect orchard workers. Problem is, Salem doesn't know who.

To find out, Salem pursues the gang-bangers who rule her town, especially classmate Cordero. As her distrust of Cordero heats up, so do the number of suspects in Carrie's death. Teachers and school officers are orchard owners. They have every reason to stop farm workers from demanding higher wages. With Carrie's killers still out there, Salem's not sure who she can trust. Meanwhile, the people who live on orchards and the people who pick them are drawing lines in the sand.

The only way for Salem to learn the truth is to slip behind those enemy lines.

The only way to survive is to find a way back out.

Shatter is the grand prize winner of the LDStorymakers First Chapter Contest that author Jolene Perry calls "a stunning debut that’ll keep you turning pages ’til the end."

My thoughts: This book was a little bit confusing at first, since it jumps around a lot to catch the reader up to speed on what happened leading up to Carrie's death. After the first few chapters though, things do start to come together so that the reader has a clear picture of what makes Salem think that her sister's death wasn't an accident.
While I didn't really click with Salem, I did think this was an excellent story, since it deals with social issues like strikes, fair wages, and gangs. The mystery side of the story was quite suspenseful too! This is an excellent debut novel with a lot going for it. I look forward to reading more by Nikki!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Unseen Road to Love

From the outside, Logan Atwood’s life looks perfect: a successful career, a lavish lifestyle. But after a brutal car accident leaves him in a coma, Logan suddenly finds himself five years in the past. Only then does he realize that his perfect world may have cost him the woman of his dreams and the faith he once loved. Is it too late for Logan’s second chance?

My thoughts: This is such a fun story on second chances! I love how Logan is able to go back and see how his life could of been. I also enjoyed that there is more to the story than just Logan's. This is a beautiful debut novel! I look forward to reading more by this talented new author.
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

How to become a Pirate Hunter

Not everyone is special. Or at least that's what Eric believes. But when the new girl Charlotte tells him he's a natural at hunting pirates, and offers to prove it, Eric can't resist the adventure. Thrown in the middle of the Spanish Main, Eric must quickly accept his skills, or else succumb to the horrors of the dreaded Willard Pirate Twins.

My thoughts: As Eric starts to think about going to college and where he sees his life going, he realizes that he doesn't seem to have any talents to help guide him to a career path. When the new girl shows up at his school, she turns his life upside down by revealing that he has an unusual gift, one that helps him hunt pirates. This is a fun story for pre-teens and teens! It's full of adventure and fun twists in the plot.
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Unexpected Love

Heather Chapman, Mandi Ellsworth, Paula Kremser, Ashtyn Newbold and Cedar Fort Publishing & Media are pleased to announce the “Unexpected Love” blog tour, which will run from March 14-31, 2017.

If you’re interested in participating in this blog tour, please email us or leave a comment below.

About the book:

Around the turn of the century, matches were made for all sorts of reasons–whether to keep a family together or simply to make ends meet. But love has a way of turning up in the most unexpected places! With four historical romance stories in one, this fun anthology will sweep you from the dance floors of aristocracy to the hearths of country living, leading to love through the most unusual circumstances.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this collection of stories about Marriages of convenience immensely! It was fun getting to know each of the couples as they strove to get to know one another. The different settings for the stories are fun, and I like that they are all quite different. I have read stories by Paula and Heather 9and enjoyed them), but this is the first time I have read anything by Mandi or Ashtyn. I look forward to reading more of their stories!
If you are looking for a delightful way to spend a couple of evenings, this book is a wonderful choice!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

The Dating Experiment

After losing her job, her house, and her guy, the last thing Gabby wants to do is be in a dating experiment—especially with her ex. Her only chance of making it through is with help from her best friend, Ian. But as the study and all its hilariously awkward dates goes on, Gabby finds herself wondering what exactly this experiment is all about.

My thoughts: Isn't the cover on this one just darling? The story wound up being every bit as cute as the cover is! I enjoyed getting to know Gabby, a smart gal who feels like her life is constantly taking detours she didn't expect. When her lack of a good job makes her desperate enough to take part in a dating experiment, life gets even more zany. This book is just adorable! it's a fun, easy read that I enjoyed tremendously!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Dating Never Works...Until it does: 100 lessons from 1,000 dates

Dating expert Zack Oates has experienced it all in this comical guide that will keep you happy and laughing.

Navigate through the complexities of friend zones, first dates, relationships, and breaking up all to reach the goal of love. Oates delivers practice yet lighthearted advice to assist with this lifetime adventure.

Perfect for audiences in dating situations of all kinds, these encouraging steps will help you find your final one and only.

My thoughts: Even though I am past the dating stage, and am happily married, I thought this book was a lot of fun! It is lighthearted, but also has some surprising depths to it. It would of been handy to have this book back before I got married, since it is interesting to see things from a guys perspective.
I also love the ideas for dates in the back, since there are some fun ideas for an "old married couple".;)
This is a great book to read if you are in the dating scene or have children who are in the dating scene!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Aspen Everlasting

Water splashed on all sides then took control of the tires. The car swerved right toward the river.
“No. NO. NO!” I turned the wheel toward the road. It didn’t work. Fast running water pulled the car into the flooded river.

Aspen Foster thinks she’s just a normal sixteen-year-old, but when her car’s caught in a flash flood, Aspen and her sister discover the superhuman strength they never knew they had.

Soon Aspen learns she’s not normal at all. She’s an Evermortal fairy, with powers beyond her wildest dreams. But the more Aspen finds out about her family’s past, the more dangerous her future becomes.

This riveting fantasy is full of action, adventure, and romance. Suspenseful and exhilarating!

My thoughts: This a fun story about what happens when a normal girl, and her siblings, find out they have super powers. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and found the story to be an imaginative one. I love that there are a lot of characters and thought that Kathryn did a fantastic job of bringing them to life, along with the world they wind up being a part of. Two thumbs up! This is a fun story for young adults and adults alike!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Bible Origami

Keep your children’s hands busy during church services with Bible Origami. Instead of folding the service programs into paper airplanes, they can fold Noah’s ark, an oil lamp, or Joseph’s coat! As you develop the unique skill of creating these simple-to-intermediate origami designs, you will find opportunities to use them with all ages for lessons, activities, crafting, and everyday fun!

My thoughts: I am enjoying the book and the creativity that ensues when one opens the pages! My children are still a bit small to enjoy this book on their own, but we are having fun doing the origami together! I like that this book has easy to follow instructions. I have tried origami in the past and only succeeded a few times in making my paper turn out like the picture.;)
If you are looking at a fun way to keep your kids busy, then this book is a must!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author: Todd Huisken is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the counseling manager at LDS Family Services in Fountain Valley, California. He attended Brigham Young University and the University of San Diego and has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Todd has served as the assistant director of Disaster Mental Health Services for the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He has worked with victims from the San Diego fires, Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, and spent two weeks in Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010. He was an early morning seminary teacher for six years. He is the author of The Dating Directory and the founder of Process and Content, a graduate program newsletter at the University of San Diego. Todd has been married to his beautiful wife for twenty-one years and they have three daughters and a son.

To Suit a Suitor

Much to her mother’s annoyance, Julia North can’t catch a husband. Nearing the end of her third London season, Julia is jilted. Again! Constantly wondering what it is about her that drives the gentlemen away, Julia leaves London to visit a distant cousin for a couple of months. She is hoping to forget about husband hunting for a time, but she inadvertently finds herself in competition for Henry Chamberlain, the most desirable gentleman in Somersetshire. Marriage wouldn’t seem so detestable if she could marry him. But every young lady has the same dream of capturing his attention, so Julia knows she doesn’t have a chance. What she doesn’t know is that her desire to avoid Henry’s attention is the very thing that has caught it, but it’ll take some effort on Henry’s part to convince Julia of that.

My thoughts: I enjoyed Paula's first book, so I was wondering if thrilled to have the chance to review this book! I loved getting to know Julia, who is such a fun, spunky character. This book is a fun trip to Regency England. It's the perfect story to pick up on a cold day!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

About the author: Paula Kremser focused on a career in science for a few years after graduating from Brigham Young University. Several years later when she moved with her young family to England, Paula seized the opportunity to focus on her love of the Regency Era. The enchantment of the aristocracy and the fascinating stories from every stately home she visits have been both research and inspiration for her first novel, “Sophia.”

Good Fast Eats

Food that’s fast, but not Fast Food! These recipes are healthier, delicious, and easy to make. Featuring Beef and Potato Picadillo, Sweet and Spicy Chicken Black Bean Enchiladas, Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet, and Baked Breakfast Taquitos. You won’t have to spend a fortune or a lot of time cooking or cleaning up. Your family will love these fresh and perfectly balanced meals with amazing ingredients and spices. Cooking has never been simpler or more satisfying!

My thoughts: I love that this recipe book is all about healthy, quick options for meal time! It has a wonderful, wide variety of different dishes, set up in different categories like meatless, seafood, various meats, soup, and sweets. As the weather gets cooler, I am the most excited about the new soup recipes to try out.;) The Cauliflower Cheddar soup looks amazing! This book has such a fun variety, it makes the perfect addition to most kitchens, since we all have busy days where it is hard to plan a nice, healthy meal. This is the perfect cookbook to have on standby for those days!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author:
Amy Flanigan is the founder of the popular cooking blog, Belly Full. Her recipes have appeared on Parade.com, in HERLIFE Magazine, The Huffington Post, BuzzFeed, and all around the Internet.

The Sacrament is for Me

The sacrament is the most important part of the Sabbath day-and our week. Teach your little ones about the sacred sacrament and how they can apply it in their everyday lives, from the playground to piano lessons. Help your children start each week right and understand the reason behind the reverence of Jesus's eternal sacrifice, love, and example.

My thoughts: This is a great book to illustrate to young children about the meaning of the sacrament and how it applies to each of it. I like how it talks about the most important part of taking sacrament, that we do it to remember the sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ. While this is written from an LDS viewpoint on the sacrament, I was still able to use it to talk to my daughter about why we take part in the bread and wine once a month. Even if you aren't LDS, this book is a great one to use with your children, since it would help bring up some of the differences in different churches and yet some of the commonalities too.
The illustrations are cute and the text is fun to read, since it is lyrical. Over all, this is a great book for kids to spark discussion!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Two Children's books by Catherine Christensen

We love books at our house, so my daughter was thrilled for me to review something that is geared towards her age group.;) I love these two books! Blessing the Nephite Children is an adorable board book that shows how much Jesus loves little children and how He blessed them. It was a hit! I love to see her sit and try to "read" the book to herself or her brother. It has such an important message for kids!
The Holy Ghost; Discovering Your Extraordinary New Gift is a fun book of activities geared towards children who are about to be baptized or who have just been baptized. I love the variety, there are color pages, places to write personal testimonies, and fun games. This one is a little over her comprehension, as a toddler, but I think that it will be fun to start working on some of the pages, even if it takes a while for her to fully comprehend. It's amazing what kids pick up on.;)
Both of these books are excellent for young children! I highly recommend the board book for baby showers and toddlers! The activity book is excellent for elementary age.
I received these two books from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.