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.

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.

"Bands of Gold" by Shirley Bahlmann

Shirley Bahlmann is one of the funniest ladies I know, and you're guaranteed to have a good time if she's part of the group. She's the author of 17 published books, including Bands of Gold, which I'm highlighting today. Shirley is six foot tall, and the mother of several sons, including the talented Bron Bahlmann, whose first book was released last summer, though he's only now old enough to take driver's ed. First the backliner:

It couldn't be a worse time for Mattie Jones' ex-husband to show up. Not only was he unexpected, but he's got a broken arm from a car wreck with a pregnant passenger he swears is a stranger.

Mattie's already dizzy from what she thinks is the flu, so is grateful when her fiancé offers to let her ex-husband stay at his house.

The next morning, her fiancé's livelihood is nearly destroyed.

Soon Mattie is enmeshed in serious problems with her eccentric neighbor's conniving niece, the return of her old anti-Mormon high school buddy, her daughter's scary boyfriend, a missing son, and the unexpected changes in her ex-husband's behavior. What's a girl to do?

You can learn more about Shirley's books (written in a variety of genres, time periods, and lengths) on her website, and stacks about her zany life, writing, and her family on her blog.

2009 Whitney Award Finalist, "Counting the Cost" by Liz Adair

As you can see in my sidebar, the 2009 Whitney Award Finalists have been announced. You can get a full explanation for what the awards are here. But just as a quick explanation, the awards are for books written by authors who are LDS. Most of the titles were written with an LDS audience in mind, but there are many exceptions to this list, but rest assured, all titles are appropriate for LDS audiences. Over the next six weeks I'll be telling a little more about each of the books and authors so you'll be able to decide if the books are just right for you or someone you know.

Today's book is Counting the Cost, by Liz Adair. This is one of the Romance genre finalists. First, the blurb:

For handsome, hard-riding cowhand, Heck Benham, life is as solid as the New Mexico countryside he loves, as predictable as the annual spring roundup. Yet, that all changes when Mrs. Ruth Reynolds moves from back east into his homeland and into his heart.

The stark contrast in their lives is played out in a territory that is, itself, coming into its own. As Ruth and Heck face a trail of pivotal, life-changing decisions, their love is challenged at every turn. What will it cost them before they find what is most important in life?

With strong characters, true-to-life emotion, gentle humor, meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, Liz Adair paints a passionate tale of love and learning, of romance and redemption.


Liz is the author of six books, is a wife, mother, grandmother, former business woman, public speaker, seminary teacher, and family history enthusiast. You can learn more about her on her website, her blog, or her profile through Deseret Book.

Check out her book trailer!

"How to Stuff a Wild Zucchini" by Heather Horrocks

I've heard great things about this book, but haven't had time to read it yet myself. Here's the blurb:

Sophisticated New York playwright Lori Scott feels like a failure when her producer boyfriend calls it quits on both their relationship and her first play. On a dare, she throws a dart at a map and ends up moving to Brigham City, Utah, where she plans to set aside writing, religion, and men to focus on her new career substituting as The Garden Guru for the local paper. But fate has something else in mind. When she accidentally lights her house on fire, Lori has no idea of the sparks that lie ahead.

Will she be able to resist the charm and persistence of local firefighting hero John Wayne Walker? Will old hurts and fears cause her to turn her back on the best thing that’s ever happened to her? Author Heather Horrocks brings a fresh, fun voice to this delightful contemporary romance about following your heart, finding true love, and wrestling with a basket full of zucchini!

Heather is also the author of Women Who Knew the Mortal Messiah, and Men Who Knew the Mortal Messiah. Check out her website for more information about her books, to learn about her (she lived in the Middle East for a time), and see what else she has up her sleeve.

"Santa Maybe," by Aubrey Mace

Aubrey Mace, winner of the 2008 Whitney Award for Best Romance, is at it again with her new Christmas romance, Santa Maybe. This is Aubrey's third book in under two years (My Fairy Grandmother, being the other title). You can read the blurb here:

Dear Santa,
I've been a good girl this year. (Well . . . pretty good.) I have a nice life and there's only one thing that I really want one thing that's missing. If you happen to have an extra one lying around your workshop, I would really like a husband. I promise to take good care of him.
Love, Abbie

With a successful bakery to run, super cute nieces and nephews to spoil, and plenty of good friends to keep her company, Abbie s not about to start crying over the fact that she s doesn't have a boyfriend to spend Christmas with. But when her sister convinces her to write a note to Santa, Abbie has no idea that a little Christmas magic is about to land her the man of her dreams. Or rather, that man is about to land smack dab on the floor in front of her Christmas tree with no memory of how he got there.

Now Abbie and Ben have to figure out where he came from, who he really is, and if he's actually available.

Aubrey Mace, the award-winning author of Spare Change, has done it again! This light-hearted holiday romance is sure to please even the most cynical scrooge. Told with humor, sweetness, and Aubrey's signature wit, this is one Christmas story that will keep you smiling all year round.

You can learn more about the author and her books at her website or her blog.

Western Historical "Trail of Storms" by Marsha Ward

Marsha Ward has been writing for decades and has had over 900 articles, short stories, poems, and newspaper columns printed. She is the founder of ANWA, the American Night Writer's Association, a group for women with an every-growing membership. She is known for her engaging westerns. Here's the blurb for her latest, Trail of Storms.

Jessie Bingham put heartbreak away to tend to her sister's needs, but when she settled for second best in love, she didn't foresee that James Owen would come back into her life.

The aftermath of the Civil War creates cruel circumstances for the Bingham family. A brutal attack on Jessie's sister, Hannah Fletcher, drives the extended family to flee to the West. They are soon joined by Heppie Bingham's beau George and his brother, Ned, who bring news that the Binghams are being pursued by cronies of Hannah's attacker. Even after they fight off that onslaught, poverty, bad weather, and Hannah's frightful secret plague their journey. Nursing her battered heart when she hears James Owen took a wife, Jessie accepts Ned's offer of marriage. But a stop on the trail holds surprises that launch Jessie into a bewildering tangle of values, emotions, and high adventure.

REVIEW by Shirley Bahlmann, author of the "Odds" pioneer series
Marsha Ward has the uncanny ability to transport readers back in time. You feel the characters' sorrows, hate the villains, cheer the heroes, and sit on the edge of your seat as one adventure after another unfolds. What a satisfying story this is, with real, believable trials and heart-warming conclusions. I recommend it to everyone, from history buffs to adventure lovers to romance readers.

Trail of Storms is the third book in a series about the Owen family of Virginia and their neighbors. If you prefer to read in sequence, read The Man from Shenandoah first. However, each book stands alone.You can read a first chapter of Trail of Storms here, learn more about the author, get links to her blog and many other interesting things at her website here. You can read a review of this book (which I haven't read yet) here.

"Life in the Pit" by Kristen Landon

This is a fun teen read about a girl who plays in the school orchestra, with mystery and romance woven together. Here's the blurb.

Brittany sees her life reflected in her high school’s musical production.

Her best friend, Amanda, shines on stage as the star of the play, while Brittany is an invisible member of the pit orchestra.

Amanda has a new boyfriend every week, while Brittany doesn’t date much at all.

Brittany believes the only time guys talk to her is when they are using her to get closer to Amanda.

When the male star of the play starts to pay attention to Brittany, she has difficulty accepting that he is sincere.

Meanwhile, an anonymous note-writer threatens to destroy the play, Amanda and Brittany.

Brittany is determined to save the production, her friend and her love life.

This is Kristen Landon's first book and is widely available. Check out Kristen's website for more information about her and her book.

Shannon Guymon's "Taking Chances"

Shannon Guymon has been publishing for several years now and I've reviewed some of her other books on my normal blog. This is a zany, lighthearted romance sure to brighten up any day. Here's the blurb:

Meet Maggie Tierney, a lighthearted, kind, free spirit who has a lot to be happy about: at 24, she is independent, successful, a wealthy artist, and she's just inherited a home in beautiful Alpine, Utah, the place where her mother, Lisa, grew up. However, her excitement is colored by the reality that Maggie has never been to Alpine, and that this home was left to her by her estranged great-grandmother, a woman Maggie never met. As Maggie makes the move from St. George to Alpine, she is haunted by her mother's past: a childhood filled with the misery and despair of childhood sexual abuse. However, she is determined to make amends with the relatives she's never met and help heal her mom's childhood wounds.

Armed with Propels, Doritos, and her favorite easel, Maggie dives into Alpine life, ready to make it her home. Despite being 24 and only having had one serious boyfriend in her life, Maggie quickly attracts the attention of Luke Petersen, a man dealing with the death of his fianc� but in need of a friend, and maybe more . . .

Between battling Luke's jealous admirers and quelling the gossip always present in any small town, Maggie has to muster all of her courage and black belt skills in Jujitsu to come to terms with her mother's past, overcome her own fears, and jump into a relationship with unknown but exciting prospects.

Shannon was a Whitney Awards finalist for her previous book last year. Her books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deseret Book, Seagull Book & Tape and anywhere else LDS books are sold. You can read more about Shannon and her books here.

Michele Ashman Bell's "A Modest Proposal"

Michele Ashman Bell had been writing ten years before she found a publisher for one of her books. Years later, she now has twenty books in print and another coming out soon. Her most recent offering is A Modest Proposal. The blurb follows:

All my life I had dreamed of changing the ordinary girl's world of fashion by designing modest formal gowns-ones that you'd actually want to wear. With my super-hero stitching I would save you mothers and daughters crying in dressing rooms over yet another "the straps are just too small" prom dress. Don't worry, I even thought of a catchy tagline for my brand: "Modest Is Hottest." I told you I was good!

So I moved to New York and am finally living that dream . . . Well, almost. I am at one of the top fashion companies, and my designs are definitely modest-but let's face it, when it comes to outerwear, would you want to buy a skimpy trench coat? Didn't think so.

Even though I don't have my dream job, my family is a mess, and my love life stinks, I have a feeling things are going to change. I mean, they have to soon, or I'll be forced to marry Jace. I did promise to become his wife only if I turned thirty and was still single, but I honestly didn't think it was possible. Now twenty-nine, I'm cutting it way too close. Right now I'm flying back to Utah for our Butterfly Girls reunion. And since it is the Mormon Mecca, I might find myself a modest proposal. Utah engagements can take mere weeks. Never mind, I'm not that desperate. Really.

But maybe the girls can help. We've been best friends since high school. We Butterfly Girls are not the typical Pink Ladies, although we've definitely had our share of drama. We'll laugh and cry over memories, from pageant glory to tragic endings, but the ones stored inside our butterfly box will surprise you most. We only open it when we're all together, and our lives never seem the same after.

If this sounds interesting to you, check out her website to read a first chapter, learn more about Michele and more. Michele also has a blog where she interviews authors and talks a bit about her books.

"the Bishop's Bride" by Elizabeth Watkins

I'd seen this on several store shelves before I broke down and bought it. I was glad I did. It's a fun story, a great, light read.

Andrew McCammon, a widower, knows that he shouldn't be nervous going in for an interview with the stake president. They are friends, after all, and have worked together closely over the past few years. But something is still niggling at the back of his mind . . .

In one sentence, his stake president deals Andrew two of the biggest shocks of his life: First, he is called to be the new bishop of his ward. The second is even more alarming-he has three weeks to meet a woman, fall in love, and get engaged.

What follows is a sweet, hilarious, and thoroughly enjoyable story of one man's faith and obedience, intertwined with a series of delightfully bizarre events that guide the right woman to him. Readers of all ages will love this rollicking, exciting novel.

I couldn't find a blog or website for Watkins, but the book can be purchased through Seagullbook.com or Amazon.com.

"Previously Engaged" by Elodia Strain

This is Elodia Strain's second book (the first was The Icing on the Cake), and was released earlier this year. I haven't read it yet, by one of my friends has and said she really enjoyed it. Here's the blurb:

She has the wedding. Now all she needs is the groom...

Annabelle Pleasanton has just been given the chance of a lifetime: A $50,000 "Dream Wedding." The only problem? She's not technically, 100 percent, all-the-way engaged.

Yes, her best friend has seen the ring, and her boyfriend has been dropping all kinds of hints, but something seems to be keeping him from popping the question.

In this hilarious companion to The Icing on the Cake Annabelle navigates the crazy, often chaotic twists of life and love and learns some very important lessons along the way about what really matters most.

Here's the book trailer:


If you check out Elodia's website, you can read reviews, learn more about the author, find links to buy the book, and other great info.

Stephanie Fowers' "Rules of Engagement"

Okay, so I admit I stayed up half the night freezing in the living room, wrapped in a blanket reading this because I couldn't put it down and didn't dare read it in bed (like I usually do) because I was laughing too hard and would certainly have woken my husband. Stephanie Fowers has two humorous romances out, and several other books in the works. Here's the blurb for her first one, Rules of Engagement:

It isn't about fun, it's about marriage

Samantha Skyler is determined to find the right man, except the wrong man keeps getting in the way.

"There are four noncommittal males in the LDS dating scene: Mr. Friendly, Mr. Flirty, Mr. "Fraid, and Mr. Freaked out."

Mr. Friendly is friendly to everyone…so friendly that all the girls love him, but no one knows who he really likes. In fact, he probably doesn't even know himself. It wouldn't be nice to have favorites.
Mr. Flirty can always be depended on for a scandalous comment. He melts the hearts of each girl in his ward, though no one has the skill to melt his heart in return…if he even has a heart.
Mr. "Fraid gives all the signals of interest, but he doesn't make a move. There is no way of knowing if he is shy or just not interested, so no one will go anywhere with him, not even to dinner.
And finally there is Mr. Freaked out. He asks the girls out, but when it comes to commitment, he runs out. Such a shame.

These are the men that Samantha Skyler, a BYU coed, has set her sights
on:

"You see, I have a problem, a big problem…guys. And I always like the wrong one."

After breaking up with Mr. Freaked Out (Marcus Gray), Samantha is determined to find and woo a guy that won't turn on her. But she is completely inexperienced at the game of love…until she meets up with Harrison Bean, a condescending student from Britain who condescends to put Samantha and her roommates under his wing:

Now, the only snag to snagging a guy is that Mr. Freaked out has discovered Samantha's plot for the manhunt and is determined to sabotage all her efforts.

To learn more, check out Stephanie's totally revamped website. You can also read about her other books, check out her fun and funny music videos, and find the link to buy her book. Traditionally books about college students are considered YA, but I honestly think this is much funnier if you've actually been to college first--especially if you've been to a school that is primarily LDS.

Medieval romances without the saucy wenches

Okay, maybe there is a saucy wench or two in Joyce DiPastena's historicals--but they aren't the main characters. I've always been a sucker for a really good historical romance, but most of them are so full of stuff I don't want to read, that I hesitate to pick up any of them. No worries with Joyce's books, however. Her first book, Loyalty's Web, was selected as a Whitney Award finalist for 2007--and it thoroughly deserved the honor. Her second book, just released this summer, is Illuminations of the Heart. Joyce is an expert at writing spine-tingling kisses that stop at kissing, weaves her history into the story so it feels organic, and adding plenty of inner tension in the story. She's also brilliant at marketing her book and getting the word out.

And here's the blurb for Illuminations:

“Clothilde.”
He spoke the name on a breath like a prayer. Then he lowered his head and kissed her.

Her heart is lost in that first embrace, her world shaken to its foundations. There is just one problem: her name is not Clothilde. It is Siriol de Calendri. Trained in the art of illumination in the far-off city of Venice, Siri is directed by her late brother’s will to the county of Poitou in France, where she enters the guardianship of her brother’s friend, Sir Triston de Brielle. Once in Poitou, Siri hopes to find employment in an illuminator’s shop—until Triston unexpectedly snatches her heart away with a kiss.

Triston is a man of quiet honor and courage, but the guilt he carries for the death of his late wife, Clothilde, has left him numb and hesitant to love again. Worse yet, Siri bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love. Or does she? Her merry laughter and twinkling eyes are very different from his late wife’s shy smiles and quiet ways. Yet when he gazes into Siri’s face, all he sees is Clothilde.

Then Triston’s past returns to threaten them both. Will his tragic life with Clothilde be repeated with Siri? Trapped between the rivalry of the king’s sons on the one hand and a neighbor out for vengeance on the other, Triston realizes it would be safer to send Siri away. But how can he bear to lose her again?

Siri is determined not to be cast off and not to live in another woman’s shadow. She has illuminated many a priceless book with pen and paint. But can her own vibrant spirit illuminate the darkness in Triston’s soul and make his heart beat for her alone?

In case you need more recommendations than my own, you'll find a list of the people and dates of reviews from her blog tour here. You'll find her website here, which has excerpts and news about her books, along with more reviews, and where you can buy the books.

Rachel Rager's "By Love or By Sea"

Rachel Rager is new to the bookshelves, her first book By Love or By Sea was just released. She's right in the middle of her blog tour, so there will be lots of opportunities to read reviews and the occasional author interview about her. Rachel specializes in non-preachy clean romance. Here's her blurb:

Alice Lind Frank never forgot the boy she loved when she was just six years old, even after he was lost at sea. Now a young woman, Alice has found happiness in living and working with her grandparents, and in the affections of Clarence Hielott, the wealthy shipyard owner who intends to make Alice his bride.

When a ragged sailor appears in town, Alice is reminded of the young boy who once held her heart. Upon learning that the sailor is in fact her childhood love, Caleb, she finds herself yearning to trust him again.

But Clarence refuses to let this ghost from the past destroy his plans for the future. He exposes the secrets of Caleb s past and Alice realizes that the boy she once knew is now a man with a dark history. Soon Caleb and Clarence are locked in a fierce competition for Alice s heart.

Can Alice trust Caleb with her heart once more? And what will she do about Clarence? Action, adventure, and most of all, romance, make By Love or By Sea a thrilling and emotional love story you won t soon forget.

Watch her book trailer


and check out her website to learn more about the author and read an excerpt of her new book.

Here are the stops on her blog tour:

September 28 - Jaimey Grant - http://romanceoldschool.blogspot.com

September 29 - Kaylee Baldwin - http://kayleeseye.blogspot.com/

September 30 - Cindy Beck - http://www.bythebecks.blogspot.com/

October 1 - Kim Thompson - www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com

October 2 - Alison Palmer - www.alisonpalmer.blogspot.com

October 3 - JoAnn Arnolds - http://www.authorjoann.blogspot.com/

October 5 - Rebecca Talley - http://www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com/

October 6 - Anna Arnett - http://frespafan.blogspot.com

October 7 - Heather Justensen - http://heatherjustesen.blogspot.com/

October 8 - Rachelle Christensen - www.rachellewrites.blogspot.com

October 9 - Joyce DiPastena - http://jdp-news.blogspot.com

Also doing a review - Liz Adair - http://sezlizadair.blogspot.com

Cami Checketts "The Sister Pact"

Cami Checketts' third book, "The Sister Pact" was recently released. It's a romantic suspense that's full of mysteries. the back cover blurb reads:

Savanna Compton is devastated when her sister and best friend, Allison, falls into a coma after a tragic accident. Or was it an accident? Even with a charming and handsome detective at her side, it seems Savannah may never discover the truth. But if she doesn’t her family could be in even more danger. And Savannah’s past holds its own secrets that could change everything.

Now she must prove her innocence to the one person who is beginning to matter most. Join Savannah as she struggles to summon hope and rely on faith even in the darkest of circumstances, and learn how the bond between sisters can overcome anything.

A review I posted to the Facebook group is found here. Cami's website which has an excerpt of the book can be found here, and her blog which has other reviews, her upcoming signings, and other great information about the author can be found here. This books is available at Amazon.com, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Deseret Book, and anywhere else LDS books are sold.