LDS Book Reviews

All's Fair

2009-02-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Ashley Graff, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

All's Fair by Julie Coulter Bellon. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $14.95
Available here

Kristen Shepherd is a confident woman who knows what she wants in life. However, after she finds out her fiance is hiding something, her confidence is shattered. With no one to turn to besides her former crush, Ryan Jameson, suddenly she is forced to deal with those she thought she left behind.

Brandon Shepherd is a recent LDS convert serving in Iraq as a doctor. But when he is captured along with his co worker Rachel Fields things become complicated. Soon he has to make a choice; save his own life or that of his enemy.

This novel is for those that love a mystery thriller. The first page will hook you and you won`t be able to put it down. Not only will it captivate you but it will leave you wanting more.

Poisoned Pedigree

2009-02-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Ashley Graff, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Poisoned Pedigree by G. G. Vandagriff. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $17.95
Available here

Alex is a bright young woman who has recently been widowed. Lately, she has been linked to a long string of unfortunate events. Her job entails her investigating family trees but who knew this new job might prove more treacherous than previous assignments. Dealing with personal grief she struggles to move on while simultaneously dealing with two love interests.

This book is a great thriller mystery for those that love to solve puzzles. On a personal level, the main character, Alex, is real- I found relating to her was easy. Not only will this book captivate your interest but you won`t be able to put it down.

Bright Blue Miracle

2009-02-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by McKenzie Stephens, Teen LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Bright Blue Miracle by Becca Wilhite. Published by Shadow Mountain.

Retail Price: $12.95
Available here

When seventeen-year-old Leigh Mason's Father dies, she considers her best friend Jeremy a "consolation prize from God". Jeremy (aka "the Germ") and Leigh have been best friends since seventh grade and they share everything together, well except clothes, discussions of body changes, and sleepovers - I mean, after all, Jeremy is a boy! So when Leigh's mom gets remarried and her perfect new stepsister moves in, Leigh is less than thrilled to share her room, her family, and possibly Jeremy. But Leigh soon discovers that things aren't always as they seem on the outside and sometimes you enemy turns out to be your friend.

This is a great book filled with friendship, family, comedy and romance. I love this hilarious novel. From the very first page I was sucked into the Mason/Burke family's life and had to buckle down for safety on this rollercoaster ride! 'Bright Blue Miracle' is a book that anyone can relate to and is definatly going to be placed on my favorite bookself. I reccomend it for pre-teens to adults. This book is definatly a must-read!

The Hometown Weekly: Good News for a Change

2009-02-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Ashley Graff, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Hometown Weekly: Good News for a Change by Bruce Lindsay. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

The premise for this book seems to be “good news” rather than negative news about the imaginary town or Parley Grove. The bits of news are mostly amusing and the same characters interspersed throughout the book, making one feel almost as if hearing about a neighborhood or community such as could be found locally without the requirement of a huge LDS community though church activities and membership play a major role. This type of community could be found anywhere as members of the church are generally active in whatever community they live and influence all those they come in contact with.

I did find it rather hard to really get into this book. While being very light reading as well as a “quick” read, there was really very little to excite my imagination or hold my attention for more than a few minutes at a time. This would serve well as a book one could carry along for appointments where only a few minutes at a time could be devoted to it. In this context only did it serve as entertainment for me. For a few minutes at a time, I enjoyed the tidbits offered but soon became disinterested and lay the book aside. As I did housework, rested for a few moments or carried along in my purse to read while waiting for an appointment, it served to lighten my mood and make the moments devoted to it a little more pleasant.

The Arthurian Omen

2009-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Ashley Graff, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Arthurian Omen by G. G. Vandagriff. Published by Shadow Mountain.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

This novel has all the excitement, danger, suspense and action to engage any reader from the get-go. I had not even completed the Prologue and I was caught up in the story. With the premise of proving the existence of Arthur and his round table along with the search for a hidden manuscript, the reader is led through a series of castles and ruined monasteries along with well noted descriptions in the “old language”, making this novel seem almost real, so real it is easy to imagine oneself visualizing this scenic countryside, then making one gasp and cringe at the danger presented as the heroine struggles to uncover the mystery only hinted at by her sister. After a long estrangement, the heroine is so excited to hear from her sister with an invitation to help solve this mystery, only to arrive in Great Britain to learn her sister has been murdered. From this point on, the suspense only builds ones eagerness to read on, and on, and on until the end is reached and the mystery solved.

The legend of Arthur and his Round table has served as the basis of many novels. However, the manner in which the author approached this topic is not only unusual but very engaging by its unusual character. To think of the possibility of a manuscript which would not only prove Arthur’s existence, but one that would also serve to arouse the people of Wales to rise against England was indeed intriguing. Without a real understanding of the history of Wales and Great Britain, it can still provoke one’s imagination to the point it is hard to put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would certainly like to read more from this author.

Don't Cry Wolf

2009-01-05T10:26:00.001-08:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Don't Cry Wolf by Clair M. Poulson. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $16.95
Available here

After the death of half his family in a fatal car crash, Deputy Sergeant Matthew Prescott decides to take a detective position that comes available. A year later, he is comfortable in his new position and when wolves, activists and murder happen, it is his job to discover exactly what is going on.

This is a suspenseful book. It is a different topic than any others I've read by Clair Poulson, wolves and activists are not a subject that I have read anything about before, but I enjoyed it. I thought it was interesting and informative. The main focus was on the mystery that needed to be solved, but there was a bit of romance too. Clair Poulson can be counted on to write a good, intriguing book.

A Distant Thunder

2009-01-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

A Distant Thunder by Anita Stansfield. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $16.95
Available here

"After battling personal, professional, and financial setbacks, it looks as though Jayson finally has it all—fame, fortune, and a great family. However, he learns how swiftly a rising star can become extinguished. The problem was that Jayson actually had no life left at all. He had no career, no daughter or mother who needed him. His brother was busy with a flourishing career, and Elizabeth had her family.

Just when he reaches an irreversible crisis point in his life, God’s arms reach out to protect Jayson from his own worst impulses. But the road to healing can be arduous and elusive. And even with the love and support of his precious Elizabeth, can Jayson be reclaimed?"

This is part two of 'The Jayson Wolfe' series by Anita Stansfield. I think these are my favorite books by her - ever! I really feel like I know Jayson Wolfe. Perhaps it's because music has always been such a big part of my own life, it's easy to identify and relate with him. In this book, there is a part where he loses the use of his fingers and feels like his life is over without the ability to create music. That is how I would feel without the ability to play the piano. Another question that comes up in this book, will Jayson and Elizabeth ever be together? I can't wait to find out how the series will end in the next book!!

Royal Target

2009-01-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Royal Target by Traci Hunter Abramson. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

CIA Agent, Janessa Rogers, has had many assignments. She uses her language skills to protect the people under her watch and protection. After meeting Prince Garrett Fortier on one assignment, she doesn't expect her next one to involve her playing the part of his fiance as part of a plan to protect his family. Janessa is confused as pretend feelings are replaced by genuine ones and complications with his family, her spirituality, and her job arise.

This is a very fun book! It reminds me a lot of the movie "The Princess Diaries". It's a romantic fairytale, a book every girl that has ever dreamed of becoming a princess should read. I thought it portrayed a heroine who was classy, an example of her convictions and has high self esteem, in spite of the fact that her life hasn't turned out exactly as she planned. A great book for twelve year olds and up.

Reunion

2008-12-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Ashley Graff, Teen LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Reunion by Allyson B. Condie. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

"Addie Sherman isn’t popular, she’s not exuberant, and she’s not known as the class clown. She’s just Addie, a high school junior who is convinced that she has nothing in common with the rest of her outgoing family, including her brother Dave. When Dave’s wife, Avery, needs help during a difficult pregnancy, Dave calls on Addie. Addie has to hide her resentment over having to help her sister- in- law when there are plenty of things going on in her own life that need her attention.

Sam Choi is one of Addie’s best friends, and he has a few secrets of his own. He doesn’t want to go on a mission, and he’s not sure how to break the news to his parents.

Cate Giovanni is a freshman in college, and enjoying the chance to reinvent herself and leave her high school years behind. As she makes new friends and encounters new people, she also can’t help but think about someone she left behind."

Reunion is a book about change and forming new relationships. Addie Sherman, Sam Choi and Cate Giovanni are all struggling with problems of their own. They soon, however, meet people along who influence them for the better. This book is for someone who loves the typical drama that goes on with being a teen and transitioning into college life. It's a fun read that’s easy and enjoyable but helps you realize not everything happens through coincidence.

The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes

2008-11-30T21:15:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Madison Stephens, 12-year-old LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes by Deborah Pace Rowley. Illustrated by Dan Burr. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $18.95
Available here

Ten year-old Walter is sad because every young boy and girl in Germany will wake up on Dec.6, St. Nicholas Day, and discover their wooden shoes filled with candy and nuts. But not Walter. His dad is ill and his family is poor. He will have to work and not get the wooden shoes filled. But to his and his family's surprise, his shoes are filled with a little piece of paper containing a bible verse on it.

I thought "The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes" is a thoughtful story with passion and warmth. It really shows the true meaning of the holiday season. This is a great Christmas story but it's lessons can be applied all year long. I recommend this book to all ages.

Christmas Rose

2008-11-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by McKenzie Stephens, Teen LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Christmas Rose by Robyn Buttars. Published by Shadow Mountain.

Retail Price: $8.95
Available here

Rosie, a fourth grader, lives in an unlikely place for children. 'The Pleasant Manor' is a care center for the elderly. It's the only home she has really known. All of 'The Pleasant Manor's' residents are just one big family to Rosie, especially Bessie. Rosie and Bessie are best friends. Bessie teaches Rosie life lessons and is a warm loving support for her. With Christmas soon ariving, Bessie talks of dying. But with the help of a garden and a Christmas letter, Bessie teaches Rosie that they will always be together in each other's hearts.

I absolutely love this book. I finished it all in one day because I just couldn't put it down. This story is so sweet and has taught me many lessons. This is a wonderful Christmas story, but is also a valuable lesson year round. I recommend this book for any age.

Abinadi

2008-11-29T15:18:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Jennifer Wilks, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Abinadi by H.B. Moore. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $16.95
Available here

Having read the Out of Jerusalem series by H.B. Moore, I knew I would love her newest book, Abinadi. And I wasn't disappointed.

Before reading Abinadi, I never wondered what the Prophet's life might have been like before the events that occur in the Book of Mormon. Moore not only asks those questions, but she answers them. She takes research and knowledge about the peoples living in Mesoamerica at the time of Abinadi, and combines that with a healthy dose of imagination, weaving a story that is both believable and engaging.

The story begins with Abinadi as a young man, a believer of the true gospel in a time when King Noah rules in wickedness. Abinadi falls in love with a young woman named Raquel, but his hopes for a marriage seem unatainable. As the daughter of one of King Noah's priests, she is expected to marry a member of the King's court.

Another young man soon enters the scene: Alma, a new priest in King Noah's court, whose father had been an advisor to King Zeniff. He remembers a time when King Zeniff ruled in righteousness, and feels his conscience prick him as he lives the lifestyle that comes with being one of King Noah's priests.

The story is filled with action and intrigue, and it kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. But the thing I loved most about this book was the way the characters came to life on the page. The story of Abinadi has so much more meaning when we see him as a real person, as full of hopes and loves and fears as any one of us.

Abinadi is the first book in a series Moore is doing on the Book of Mormon prophets. I look forward to reading her next book, Alma the Elder, with the continuation of Alma's story as he carries the work of Abinadi forward.

I highly recommend Abinadi, and all of Moore's books. Don't miss the chance to study the lives of these great prophets in a way you never have before.

The Sound of Rain

2008-11-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Sound of Rain by Anita Stansfield. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: 16.95
Available here

When Jayson's mother tells him that she is moving them to Oregon to keep them safe from his abusive father, he sees the wisdom in it. But when she tells Jayson that she will have to sell his piano, he is heartbroken. Music is more than something he feels passionately about, it's what his soul thrives on. However, in Oregon, new frienships are made and a new life is begun. Will his musical abilities be lost without the right instruments? Will he ever have the chance to play again?

I think this is my favorite Anita Stansfield book that I have ever read. It is the first volume of a new series and it is a romance, although a bit different than any of her other ones. Her characters are not LDS but they are fascinating, and feel real - like people I have know in my life - and they have good morals. I love the music approach, being a musician myself, and I could totally identify with Jayson's loss of his piano. I really can't wait to see what happens in the next volume!!

Recovering Charles

2008-11-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Recovering Charles by Jason F. Wright. Published by Shadow Mountain Publishing.

Retail Price: 21.95
Available here

Luke Millward has his life exactly the way he wants it. He has a beautiful, successful girlfriend, his career is right on track, and he thinks he's happy. The only problem is his alcoholic father. But then a stranger calls and tells him his father is missing. He is wanted to come to New Orleans - just days after Hurricane Katrina - and find him.

This book was a little slow for me to begin with. It took a couple of tries to get into it. But after the second or third chapter, it really began to pick up and then I was fascinated. I, too, watched all the coverage about Hurricane Katrina when it happened. But it wasn't until I read this book that I realized how little I really knew about it, how bad it was, how little I did to help, and truly how people must have suffered. I thought this was a good book for education, not only on Hurricane Katrina but on relationships, forgiveness and realizing what is really important.

Servant to a King

2008-11-04T18:05:00.001-08:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Servant to a King by Sariah S. Wilson. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: 15.95
Available here

When King Lamoni offers Ammon, his daughter Isabel as a wife, Isabel is insulted. But when the Nephite refuses her - she is livid! She sets out to prove that Ammon is a spy, for that is the only reason he can have for refusing her as a bride. But things change as she watches and interacts with Ammon, until the day that she must make a choice that will affect the rest of her life.

This book is set in Book of Mormon times. It's exciting to read a book that features characters from stories that we know and love. I enjoyed this account of Ammon and King Lamoni. It's a bit of a romance, but it also has some suspense and retells, from a completely different angle, one of our favorite Book of Mormon stories. I think this is a great book for anyone, of any age and I'm sure some of the Young Women in my ward, especially, would love to read it.

Before They Turn Twelve

2008-10-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Melanie Lott, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Before They Turn Twelve by Deborah Pace Rowley. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $10.95
Available here

Wow, what a great resource this is! The full title of this book is "Helping Children Gain a Testimony of the Lord's Standards Before They Turn Twelve." Each chapter is a Family Home Evening lesson that focuses on the "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet. Each lesson teaches standards that are typically taught to our youth after they get into the Young Men/Young Women's program. I have started using this for our Family Home Evenings and I feel wonderful knowing that I am teaching them the basics of the standards that will help them get through their teenage years.

The lessons are geared toward the ages of 5-12 and have fun activities, stories, and even a dessert idea. Some of the chapter titles include "gratitude", "music and dancing", "honesty", "physical health", and "service to others". There are 18 lessons in all. In my opinion, this is a very worthwhile investment.

The Woman at the Well

2008-10-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Woman at the Well by Emily Freeman. Illustrated by Simon Dewey. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $19.95
Available here

This is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of the woman who meets Jesus at the well and is taught about living water. The author makes the woman come to life, in such a way that we can all see ourselves in her. Simon Dewey manages to convey emotion and realism that compliment the story through his paintings. It is a lovely way to teach this Bible story to children and adults alike.

Eddie Fantastic

2008-10-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Eddie Fantastic by Chris Heimerdinger. Published by Covenant Communications Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

"Eddie Fanta is a fifteen-year-old boy entangled in tragic secrets which leave him questioning life, questioning justice, and questioning God. Louis Kosserinski is a savagely scarred and crippled old man who has remained in utter seclusion for the last forty years.

Mysterious circumstances bring these two characters face to face where Eddie discovers the old man's unprecedented genius for electronics and microcircuitry — a genius which has spawned a series of inventions which could change the universe forever! Although Eddie sees Louis' inventions as an opportunity to improve an imperfect world, he ends up wreaking havoc at every hair-raising turn."

Chris Heimerdinger is the author of the "Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites" series. I thoroughly enjoy everything that he has written, and I think I've read most of it. However, 'Eddie Fantastic' is geared more toward technology and science fiction than any of his other books, in my opinion. I thought it was interesting, but it didn't appeal to the girl in me very much. There were many details that I didn't understand, and concepts that went a bit over my head. But I'm sure that my nephews, son and brothers would have loved this book. My recommendation is that it will appeal most to boys, thirteen years old and up.

Fool Me Twice

2008-10-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Fool Me Twice by Stephanie Black. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Megan O'Connor will do about anything to make her twin sister, Kristen, happy. This time Kristen has asked Megan to pretend to be her, so that she can keep a job and still go on a vacation that she has wanted to go on. Kristen promises that they will both be rich when they are done. But Megan has second thoughts when she meets and becomes friends with some of the people that believe she is Kristen. As time goes on, she learns she has more to worry about then she thought.

'Fool Me Twice' is a suspenseful, mystery story that keeps you guessing until the end. I found it interesting the things that Megan would do to keep both Kristen and her mother happy. It made me wonder if I become someone I'm not in order to keep the peace? I really liked the ending. I found it to be realistic to the storyline and natural consequences to choices that were made in the book. I thought it was a very good book.

The Company of Good Women, Vol. 3, Surprise Packages

2008-09-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Company of Good Women, Vol. 3, Surprise Packages by Nancy Anderson, Lael Littke, & Carroll Hofeling Morris. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $17.95
Available here

This is the third book in the series, "The Company of Good Women." It follows the lives of three close friends and their families, through the various challenges that come their way.

This series helps us see life through the eyes of three entirely different women. I believe that is the whole purpose of this book. By learning to empathize and try to understand other people's trials, we develop compassion and knowledge that helps us in our own lives. It helps us with insights into our own problems and gives us solutions and direction to overcome our own issues. If you enjoy books that have a purely human interest angle, you will like these.

Flashback

2008-09-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Flashback by J. Michael Hunter. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Laura McClain is a shy teacher who does her best not to be noticed by anyone. But when repetitive nightmares that have plagued her throughout her life, begin again, it's hard for her to ignore. She decides to move into the family estate she has inherited, to have a change of scene. But that move brings up more mysteries than those she left behind and this time she is determined to confront them.

This book struck me as a genuine who-dun-it type mystery. I liked the various twists and turns that all the characters took, and the author did a good job making it an interesting story. There were a few loose ends that I felt could have been wrapped up a little better, but they really weren't essential to the plot. It was an enjoyable read. It is not scary at all and I would recommend it for all ages from twelve years old and up.

Max and the Gatekeeper

2008-09-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Max and the Gatekeeper by James Todd Cochrane. Published by Dark Moon Publishing Inc.

Retail Price: $9.99
Available here

Max believes it will be a long, boring summer at his grandfather’s house, away from his mother and all of his friends. A strange encounter on the bus makes him realize, right away, that this will not be the dull summer he expects it to be. As Max gets to know his grandfather, he learns that there is a lot more to the world than he realized.

This is a great new book by a first time author! I really liked it. It was fun, interesting, clear, consistent, but not predictable.

One of my pet peeves is when an author introduces characters or situations but then doesn't explain them or wrap them up. Everything in 'Max' made sense. It had no loose ends at all, except for the openness of the ending - but that makes sense, considering there is a new book coming out. It was easy to read and the characters were quite intriguing. It kept me interested and I DIDN'T read the ending first. That by itself is pretty big. I get bored easily and if that starts to happen, I read the ending to know what is coming so that I don't have to finish it all. ‘Max and the Gatekeeper’ is a magical adventure. It’s family friendly and entertaining for all ages. I would especially recommend it for those 8 years old and up.

Mended Hearts

2008-07-01T08:12:00.001-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Mended Hearts by Connie Angeline. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $14.95
Available here

Five years after her boyfriend died, Sydney Chase is content with her world of horses, friends and grandparents. She forbids her grandfather to do any more matchmaking attempts. But then Jackson shows up to work with her horse. Has her grandfather been at it again?

A book about horses and romance. Really- what could be better! This was the fastest book I have read in a long time. I just couldn't put it down. It is a great book about forgiving yourself, and moving on past a tragedy. I felt like there was one loose end, but hopefully there will be another book to tell his story. This book set it up perfectly for it. I enjoyed the writing style and hope that there will be more books in the future.

Finding Dad

2008-07-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Finding Dad by Alma J. Yates. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Porter Huggins knows very well that he has made a lot of mistakes. But when the phone call came that his ex-wife died, he saw the chance to repair some damage. He didn't hesitate to head toward Panguitch, Utah to convince his sixteen year old son to come home with him. Taking him back to Arizona would be difficult, but not impossible. However, building a relationship with him may very well take a miracle.

This book took a while to really get in to. But once I did, I really liked it. It is simply about relationships and letting go of grudges. It made me wonder if every parent feels like they have made mistakes that are difficult to forgive. I also thought about how well a child feels like they know their parent. It was a simple plot but the characters had a lot of depth and I felt like they were all friends by the time I was finished. If you like books about relationships, I recommend it.

Promise of Spring

2008-06-30T21:36:00.001-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Promise of Spring by Kristen McKendry. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $14.95
Available here

Melinda Keith likes being alone. Her farm 'experiment' in Texas after a painful divorce is exactly what she thinks she needs. But she doesn't count on Ryan Delaney moving in next door. Then, when random acts of violence start to happen on her farm, she has no idea what to believe.

This is an interesting book. The author has obviously done a lot of research on current farming techniques and how to create a self sustaining environment. I found the information on living off the land very compelling. By the time I was done, I wanted to plant a garden at the very least, and I'm not much of a gardener. This book really isn't much of a romance, I would classify it more as a drama. It was a good book to pass the time.