Gregg Luke's "Blink of an Eye"

Gregg Luke's latest release, Blink of an Eye, is unlike his previous mystery/suspense books, but still well worth a read.

Childhood was a happy, carefree time for Joseph Ramirez. At least that's how he used to remember it. But since the near-fatal traffic accident that landed him in the hospital with brain trauma, he's not so sure. Along with physical pain, Joseph now suffers recurring nightmares. Each night the heart-wrenching dreams grow increasingly vivid and graphic-to the point that Joseph's hospital roommate reports that Joseph talks in his sleep, often crying out in anguish and remorse. To complicate matters, a ruthless lawyer is challenging Joseph's innocence in the traffic accident. When defense attorney Michelle Haas comes to his aid, they discover they knew each other as children, and soon another forgotten experience comes into play-one that goes deeper than simple friendship. Are Joseph's night terrors actually repressed memories? Does he speak the truth during his unconscious midnight hours? And if so, what will that mean when Joseph's hospital roommate claims he confessed to murder? Soon Joseph realizes there's only one way to uncover the truth about his family and himself-involving reliving a past he has unknowingly worked all his life to forget.

The story has plenty of well-research medical procedural information, but none of it is overly detailed--it slides into the plot seamlessly. The description of his night terrors is gripping, but not graphic enough to be disturbing. This is a great drama with a tiny slice of romance squeezed in. Check out the review on my blog, or visit Gregg's website for more information about his books.

Rachelle Christensen's "Lost Children: Coping with Miscarriage for Latter-day Saints"

Whether it happens to you or someone you love, there’s no way to prepare for the overwhelming sense of loss that accompanies a miscarriage. But as Latter-day Saints, we know that Heavenly Father’s plan offers solace, even in the face of adversity. Lost Children provides specific information about miscarriage and how it affects a person physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

R. J. Christensen draws on her own experiences with miscarriage and infertility to bring you a comforting guide that’s perfect for anyone who’s had to struggle through this trial. Strengthen your testimony of the eternal plan as you learn to find happiness in spite of trials and joy in spite of pain.

This is Rachelle's second book to be released this year, close on the heels of her suspense book, "Wrong Number." You can learn more about Rachelle and her writing on her blog or her website.

Miss Mae's sweet romance, "When The Bough Breaks"

Miss Mae writes G-rated romances and mysteries that are getting great reviews. Check out When the Bough Breaks. Check out the blurb.

Darlene Moore's reason for shunning Parker Shane has nothing to do with his reputation of being a playboy. She even dates him before the death of her mother forces her to move away. After a two-year absence from Dalesville, she returns home to find

Parker exchanging wedding vows with her sister. Two months later, her sister dies.

Then Richard Ryan, head of Dalesville's wealthy, prominent family, and Parker's employer, goes missing. Could there be a connection to his disappearance and Parker's unexpected promotion?

Danger and questions a plenty barrage Darlene with the deadly speed of a six-shooter. Who called down a representative from a Washington agency? Who later assaulted him? Who attacked Darlene at her friend's apartment? And will Parker's scandalous brand of playboy be changed to one of murderous culprit? Or, in the moment of Darlene's greatest need, might he become her rescuing knight?

You can read more about her books and see the many book trailers on her website. Check out the trailer for When the Bough Breaks below.

Michele Ashman Bell's newest book, "Hometown Girl"

Michele Ashman Bell is one of the most prolific writers in the LDS fiction market with twenty-one books published.

In Hometown Girl, book two of the Butterfly Box Series, the focus is on Jocelyn and the secret she has kept from her friends for almost fourteen years.

When her grandmother passed away, Jocelyn inherited her house in Milford Falls, Washington.

With the encouragement of her friends, Jocelyn decides to move there and live in her grandmother’s home. But she soon finds that the house is falling apart, she doesn’t fit in there, and memories from her past have come back to haunt her.

The only way to put those memories to rest is to finally face them.

The only way to find love is to be free of the memories that have locked her heart.

Will Jocelyn be able to adjust to her new life in Milford Falls?

Will she find the strength to finally put her past to rest?

Read Hometown Girl and find out.

Check out Michele's website or blog to read sample chapters for her books or see what else she's written.

"Alma the Younger" by H.B. Moore

H. B. Moore is the author of eight books, seven historical fiction, and one non-fiction. Her latest offering is Alma the Younger. Her three previous fiction books were all finalists for the Whitney Award and two of the three were winners in the historical category. I've heard readers say this is her best one yet.

Alma the Younger, son of the aging high priest, once was taught by the wisdom of the prophets.

Now, ensnared by the wiles of strong drink and harlots, he’s a

bitter dissenter determined to overthrow the church and lead the people into new “freedoms.”

But en route to one of his malicious missions with his royal henchmen, Alma is halted by an unexpected opponent: an angel of the Lord, a messenger of the very God he has sought to defame.

What unfolds is a story of miraculous redemption, a story building on the poignant Book of Mormon account to show how even the vilest of sinners can be transformed by the Savior’s amazing grace.

Heather is a busy mother, writer, and owns an editing company. You can learn more about her books, including reading a sample chapter for most of them on her website. You can also learn what she's up to on her blog.

"Forbidden Portals: The Quicksilver Project" by J.A. Lightender

Renny is your average teenager. He’s tall, lanky, and an easy target for the neighborhood bully.

But things quickly change when his parents buy him a not-so-average dog. Entering “Ernie’s Pet Shack” was an experience Renny would not soon forget, nor could he guess the adventure that awaited him once he took his dog Lou home.

The two were about to embark on a quest that would change the world as Renny knew it.

This is the ninth book for J Adams, though it's the first in this genre and with this pen name. The Quicksilver Project is an e-book for kids. Check out her website or blog for more information about her books.

"The Canticle Kingdom," a YA fantasy by Michael Young

The Canticle Kingdom is Michael Young's first book. It's a YA fantasy, filled with plenty of action and adventure.

It’s seemed like ages since Kate’s father went off to war, and she is eager to thank him for the beautiful German music box he sent for her birthday. But when it starts playing a strange, new melody and Kate vanishes into thin air, Captain Edison is willing to do anything to rescue his little girl.

When the Canticle Kingdom is attacked and the queen falls deathly ill, Johann, a young blacksmith’s apprentice, learns a terrible secret—the kingdom is contained entirely within a music box in another world. With the help of his friends,Johann races to bring aid from that other world in an effort to stop the dark power that threatens to destroy them all.

Enter a beautiful world full of magic, danger, loyalty, and bravery in The Canticle Kingdom, and discover that even the most ordinary objects and people might be hiding something truly wonderful inside.

You can learn more about this author, read sample chapters, and check out the free music box melodies he has posted on his website.

"The Ready Resource for Relief Society" by Trina Boice

Trina Boice has been writing and compiling resource books for years from Relief Society, to Young Women's, to Primary. Her latest book is "The Ready Resource for Relief Society." Here's the blurb:

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, preparing lessons for Relief Society just got easier with The Ready Resource for Relief Society: Gospel Principles, Part One.

Trina Boice provides a lesson summary, pertinent quotes from General Authorities, and relevant hymns for each lesson in the manual. In addition, each lesson features a helpful and attractively designed handout that you can copy for each Relief Society sister, suggestions for artwork, and even some fun object lessons!

With the groundwork done for you, you can now concentrate on the fun part of giving lessons: personalizing them to the needs of the sisters in your ward.

Take the stress out of preparing lessons, and focus on giving Relief Society lessons that will touch the hearts of your class members. With invaluable help like this, lesson preparation has never been so simple!

You can learn more about Trina's creative books on her website.

"Psychic Madman" Jim Karol and LuAnn Stahelli

Come on a journey into one of the world’s most fascinating minds. Entertainer and memory expert, Jim Karol is known to millions of fans. He has performed on NBC’s Phenomenon, the Tonight Show, the Ellen Show, and the Today Show.
Jim dazzles audiences with fun and comedy, all while demonstrating his memorization of 80,000 zip codes, the entire Scrabble dictionary, thousands of digits of pi, every day of the week since the beginning of the modern calendar, and thousands of other facts. He can memorize a shuffled deck of cards in minutes.

For decades his audiences have wondered how The Madman is capable of such extraordinary mental feats. He now shares his knowledge through life stories and technique. Jim aims to show readers just how much the human mind is capable of. Learn how Jim has developed his impressive mind, and give yourself the opportunity to tap into your own extraordinary mental abilities.


In this book, Jim Karol shares his story. You can learn more about the book, and the ghost writer, LuAnn Staheli on her blog. This is her second ghost-written book. She's also a speaker, educator, and writing coach.

"The Road Show" by Braden Bell

“Brother Jenson, you’ve been called as the ward road show specialist. Would you accept that calling?”

“Sure,” Scott answered quietly.

Scott Jenson hates everything he knows about road shows, especially the cheap costumes, silly songs, and bad acting. So when he finds himself agreeing to be the road show specialist, he wonders how he can do it without becoming the biggest fool in the ward. From miscues to missed practices, Scott directs his crew of amateur actors while hoping that no one finds out about his secret.

Is there any way that this trivial road show could have a healing effect on those who participate? A pornography addict, a depressed young mother, a sick older sister, a lonely outcast, and a spiritually numb elders quorum president are about to find out.

Braden Bell is a first-time author and his new book "The Road Show" is trickling into stores now. You can read a sample, find links to reviews and learn more about the author at his website and his blog.

His book trailer is posted below:

Carole Thayne Warburton's mystery "A Question of Trust"

Photojournalist Stacey Willis is working on a story that could change her career, when she stumbles upon the story that will change her life. Through a twist of fate, she becomes enmeshed in the lives of the people of tiny Grouse Creek as secrets of the past begin to unravel.

Fifty years ago there was a murder. But it's difficult for Stacey to believe that aging rancher Herman Anders could be the killer. But can she trust her boyfriend, Dave? Her engaging new friend, Sam?

She says about herself:

I'm a 50-something woman who loves the great outdoors. Besides writing, I spend my time roaming the hills and mountains in Northern Utah, making pottery, and enjoying life with my husband of 30 plus years.

My husband and I taught school in a K-10 two-room school with 24 students in the small town of Grouse Creek. The nearest grocery store was sixty miles away and most of the road was dirt and windy (still is). Much of my writing was inspired by the six years we spent living there. Now we live in Cache Valley, Utah.

You can check out Carole's musings on her blog. Her book can be purchased on Amazon.com.

Donna Hatch, "The Guise of a Gentleman"

First Line: “Lady Standwish was a traitor.”

The widowed Elise is a perfect English lady living within the confines of society for the sake of her impressionable young son.

Her quiet world is shattered when she meets the impulsive and scandalous Jared Amesbury. His roguish charm awakens her yearning for freedom and adventure.

But his irrepressible grin and sea-green eyes hide a secret. A gentleman by day, a pirate by night, Jared accepts one last assignment before he can be truly free. Elise gives him hope that he, too, can find love and belonging.

His hopes are crushed when his best laid plans go awry and Elise is dragged into his world of violence and deceit. She may not suvive the revelation of Jared’s past. . . or still love him when the truth is revealed.

You can read a review of this book on Bookworm Nation.

This is the second book in the Rogue Hearts series and is available in both print and ebook formats. She has four books in print right now. To learn more about Donna and her books, you can check out her blog here, or visit her website and read an excerpt of any of her stories.

Rachel Ann Nunes' new paranormal romance, "Imprints"

Do you enjoy paranormal romances and wish you could find some that weren't filled with offensive language and intimacy? Rachel Ann Nunes' newest title, Imprints, has you covered. I read this book last month and thoroughly enjoyed it. It had a tight, suspenseful plot, a sweet romance, a mystery, and well-developed, likable characters.

Here's the blurb:

Sometimes what you can't see means everything.

A young woman is missing. In desperation, her parents turn to Autumn Rain for help. Autumn reads imprints - emotions mysteriously left behind on certain treasured objects. But will this ability enrich her life or destroy it?

Autumn isn't sure - her life has become far from normal - but for people whose loved ones are missing, her talent might mean the difference between life and death. Even the infuriating Detective Martin has asked for Autumn's help, though at times she feels more like a suspect than a consultant. Too often Autumn find herself retreating to her antiques shop and the company of her best friend, Jake Ryan, to avoid notice.

But soon more than one woman is missing, and Autumn teams up with private eye Ethan McConnell to investigate their disappearance. Ethan's attraction to her is a pleasant change from Jake's frustrating offers of friendship, but once Autumn takes that first step, she sets in motion a series of events that risk not only her own life but the lives of those she cares most about.

You can read my full review of this book here, and check out the review on Mormon Times here. You can learn more about Rachel's books and what's coming up soon from this prolific author on her website or blog.

"Secret Sisters" by Tristi Pinkston

Do you like a funny farce with characters you can't help but love? If so, you should definitely check out Tristi Pinkston's new book, "Secret Sisters." This light-hearted farce about a Relief Society presidency going the extra mile and beyond to figure out how to help a family in their ward is sure to bring plenty of chuckles.

If you're familiar with Tristi's historicals: Nothing to Regret, Strength to Endure, and Season of Sacrifice, or even her mystery/suspense novel, Agent in Old Lace, you'll know this new series of stories full of older women getting in hilarious capers while in the pursuit of answers to the mystery is a change of pace from her past work--and the stories she's got lined up for later in the series will be every bit as fun and entertaining.

Here's the official back cover blurb:

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do?

With the help of her counselors Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. It's all in a day's work for the Relief Society.

You can learn more about Tristi on her blog, or this blog, or this one, or this one, or, well, okay, so the woman likes to blog. Maybe you should just check out the full list on her profile.

Where Hearts Prosper by "Suzanne V. Reese"

Where Hearts Prosper is the first book published by Suzanne V. Reese and was released late last year. Suzanne has been relatively quiet on the publicity front since she's been very distracted with her fight with breast cancer. Coming from a family where breast cancer is alarmingly prevalent myself, her struggle and frustrations are especially touching for me.

You can read a preview of this book and learn more about the author and her book on her website and keep track of her fight with breast cancer on her blog, Chocolate Daydreams.

Here's the back cover blurb:

Carmen Anderson has spent her entire life avoiding the place she grew up: the town tiny of Prosper, Arizona.


But when her teenage daughter, Paige, begins to rebel, the devoted single mother makes an impulsive decision to move back to Prosper and its wholesome values.


While Carmen is in Chicago for a business meeting. Paige is unexpected stranded in Prosper during a flood that takes out its only access bridge.


In a race to save her daughter, Carmen sets out on a desperate journey.Jeopardizing both her career and a proposal of marriage, Carmen must get to her daughter before she uncovers a painful secret--the mystery of why Carmen ran away from a people who still love her fiercely, even after years of hurtful separation.

Mystery, Suspense, Romance in Ronda Hinrichsen's book "Missing"

I first 'met' Ronda Hinrichsen online three or four years ago after attending the same writer's conference. Through the email group we joined I actually read a long-ago incarnation of this story, which was captivating and interesting then, and I know has undergone massive rewrites and improvements since. Rhonda's book Missing was released last fall and her second book Trapped will be released shortly and show up in stores over the next few weeks.

Here's the back cover blurb:

A BYU-Idaho choir tour in British Columbia turns out to be anything but ordinary when soloist Stacie Cox spots a kidnapped child from Rexburg during a performance.

Before Stacie can alert the authorities, the little girl disappears. Stacie vows to find and rescue her, a choice that forces her to deal with her guilt-ridden past and another little girl that haunts her dreams.

When the handsome Matt Brennan helps Stacie in her search, she tries to resist the attraction she feels for him. Yet as he gains her friendship and trust, her resolve to never fall in love begins to crumble.

And after a series of harrowing events, Stacie must decide if she is willing to sacrifice her life--and a possible future with Matt--to save a stranger.

If you live in the Brigham City area, you can attend Ronda's opening night party next week:

My OPENING NIGHT Book Signing party for TRAPPED will be at Reflections of Utah Book Store at 47 S. Main Street, Brigham City, Utah on May 6, 2010 from 5 p.m to 7 p.m.

You can learn more about the author, her books and read an except on her website. Also, check out her blog for regular updates.

"Life is Tough--I Doubt I'll Make it out Alive" by Stacy Annderson

I first met Stacy Gooch Anderson a year ago when we happened to be at our publisher's office at the same time. She was picking up books for a writer's conference that weekend, and I was dropping off my second manuscript for consideration. She was so warm and friendly, inviting me to join some email groups she was part of and asking about the status of my first book.

I've since had a few more times to speak with her in person, and get to know her online and my impression of her has own grown. This woman has so much on her plate I wonder how she's managed to keep her sanity sometimes, yet she always projects a positive outlook, expresses interest in others, and wows me in her attention to her goals. You've probably heard of her book The Santa Letters, or maybe even her Christmas picture book that was released last fall called The Legend of the Star. Unlike those works of fiction, Life is Tough--I Doubt I'll Make it out Alive is drawn off of her real life, giving a humorous look at the trials we all face in one way or another.

Here's the back cover copy from her book:

Life has been overly kind to me when it comes to handing me its lessons and forcing growth in all dimensions where once there was a young and impetuous sleepy-eyed hag.

Stacey Gooch Anderson, author of The Santa Letters, has had her share of trials as a mother. From making decisions about her career and future to dealing with illness and death in her family, she has learned that life will continue to teach her lessons in all circumstances. These lessons can be poignant, meaningful and in Stacy's case, quite humorous. Stacy reveals a life filled with laughter and wit as she chronicles her adventures of being a mother. Join her as she shared 28 life lessons that changes her perspective and helped her grow in character. Full of humor and practical advice, Life is Tough--I Doubt I'll Make it Out Alive is sure to inspire readers everywhere.

You can learn more about Stacy on her blog. Her books are available through most online retailers.

Inspirational romantic suspense by Dee Henderson

I love audio books and listen to them all the time as I travel or do projects around the house. My local library is set up with Netlibrary.com, so I can download oodles of audio books for free--which I've totally loved. Unfortunately, it's gotten so hard to find books that are both engaging and free of the harsh language and sex scenes. Honestly, most of the inspirational romance I'd been exposed to in the national market I found to be insipid, but I gave Dee Henderson's work a chance and have been so pleased! Her books are all romantic suspense (at least the ones I've been exposed to so far) and involve either law enforcement/federal agents (like the FBI) or military personnel--and no, not all the tough characters are men, the women are plenty strong and inventive as well.

My first book was Danger in the Shadows, which I found complex, with a well developed romance, likable characters, and not too heavy-handed on the religion angle. Her male and female leads even had a legitimate reason to be kept apart, unlike so many books about people who have simple misunderstandings. Here's the blurb from Amazon:

Sara is terrified. She's doing the one thing she cannot afford to do: fall in love with former pro-football player Adam Black, a man everyone knows. Sara's been hidden away in the witness protection program, her safety dependent on staying invisible--and loving Adam could get her killed!

Introducing the O'Malleys, an inspirational group of seven, all abandoned or orphaned as teens, who have made the choice to become a loyal and committed family. They have chosen their own surname, O'Malley, and have stood by each other through moments of joy and heartache. Their stories are told in CBA best-selling, inspirational romantic suspense novels that rock your heart and restore strength and hope to your spirit.

You can learn more about Dee Henderson' stories including reading a first chapter here.

"Courting Miss Lancaster" by Sarah Eden--a clean Regency romance!

I 'met' Sarah Eden last year when I learned about her fun "I Need Friends Friday" interviews--which she does every Friday. They're fun, quirky, and different from any other interviews I've every seen (and some of them are with fictional characters, which is also fun!) Anyway, because she loved Regency romance, but doesn't like the explicit content all of the national publishers put into theirs, she decided to write her own.

She self published several books, then after her book Seeking Persephone was a Whitney Award Finalist last year, Covenant expressed an interest in her books, and recently published Courting Miss Lancaster. They are currently considering republishing her previous books, which are out of print at the moment.

Courting Miss Lancaster came out last month. Here's the blurb:

Harry Windover adores blonde, green-eyed Athena Lancaster, but alas, a penniless man like himself has no hope of winning a young noblewoman's hand.

To add insult to injury, Athena's brother-in-law and guardian, the Duke of Kielder, has asked Harry to assist Athena in finding the gentleman of her dreams. But the lovesick Harry is cunning as well: as the weeks pass, he introduces Athena to suitors who are horrifically boring, alarmingly attached to their mothers, downright rude, astoundingly self-absorbed, and utterly ridiculous.

Athena can't comprehend why she is having so little success meeting eligible and acceptable gentlemen. Indeed, her circle of admirers couldn't be less admirable-nothing like the loyal, gentle friend she's found in Harry. But how long can Harry's scheme be hidden before it is discovered? And what will Athena do when she uncovers Harry's deception?

Escape into a charming regency world in this delightfully romantic comedy of manners that will entertain you to the very last word.

You can learn more about Sarah, her books, her writing journey, and her fun interviews on her website. Her books are available at Deseret Book, Seagull, on Amazon.com and many other places books are sold.

Just as a note, Annette Lyon wrote a great blog post yesterday about the changing face of LDS literature and how diverse it has become recently. To learn more about Sarah's book (which is mentioned) and several other new books in genres never before published in the LDS market, check out Annette's blog.

"The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters" by Frank L. Cole

I've met Frank Cole before, but it wasn't until last weekend when we were part of a large group filming a music video that I really understood why this bookstore-manager come author writes books for kids--his zany sense of humor and willingness to try almost anything (even if it meant going home with bruises and strained muscles) showed that he's definitely still young at heart. Also, when he does signings, he gives away these pencils that are heat sensitive and change color where you're holding them--how cool is that?

The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters is Frank's first book, though the second one, Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness was released recently as well.

Here's the backliner for the first book:

There I stood, hiding next to the vending machines, disguised as a potted plant. I brushed the plastic leaves from my face and stared down the hallway toward the front double doors. Snow Cone always said one day this ridiculous costume would come in handy.

Fifteen minutes had passed since the last student left for the buses, but I wasn t about to take any chances. Not with my life hanging in the balance. Leaning forward, I peered around the corner just as the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway. Was this it? Could this be him? Was I about to be pulverized by Hambone while wearing an emergency disguise I had just pulled from my locker?

Hashbrown Winters and his treehouse club of buddies are well known around Pordunce Elementary, especially after Hashbrown's seminar last year on how to give the best show and tell performances... er, presentations.

But when Hashbrown accidentally crosses Hambone Oxcart, the death dealer of Pordunce, he'll need more than just the support of his friends to survive Hambone's wrath.

Join Hashbrown, Snow Cone, Whiz, and the rest of the gang in Frank Cole s hilarious debut novel of the trials and tragedies of fifth grade life. The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters will keep kids and parents alike laughing out loud, groaning in sympathy, and turning pages until well past bedtime.

You can learn more about Frank and his books (and twisted, crazy humor) on his blog.