Posts Tagged: lds fiction

Review: The Road Show By Braden Bell

25 Oct, 2010 by in road show, utah authors 20 comments

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc
Released : June 8, 2010
ISBN-10: 1599553562
5 stars

Scott Jenson hates everything he knows about road shows: cheap costumes, silly songs, and bad acting. Being asked to create a road show is his worst nightmare come true. Can flawed but talented artist create a piece of art that testifies of Jesus Christ? And is there any way that something so trivial can have a healing effect on the lives of five troubled souls? A pornography addict, a depressed young mother, a sick older woman, a lonely outcast, and a spiritually numb elder s quorum president are about to find out. Braden Bell gives a five-star performance with Road Show: Beauty for Ashes. With true-to-life characters, humorous situations, and tender realizations, this book is guaranteed to make you smile and applaud for more. The Road Show is the powerful story of five broken souls, contemporary Mormons struggling with familiar challenges–and their unlikely journey to ultimate healing and hope through the Savior’s Atonement.

This is one of those books I never would have picked up off of the shelves based on the title alone because I have to admit I’m not a big fan of roadshows. However, it is a far cry from corny or poorly written. The Roadshow introduces us to the lives of five contemporary LDS people and the trials they are dealing with: physical, emotional, and spiritual crosses that feel too heavy to bear.

I was impressed to see how Braden Bells tackles issues that many modern day Mormon people face but won’t publicly admit. Each character reveals their honest feelings through thoughts written in differing fonts through the book’s dialogue. Readers feel they are getting to know the true individuals behind the outer masks they wear.

As the plot progresses each character starts to change and more hopeful loving thoughts are whispered into their hearts. They experience a modern day miracle through their own works, after acting in a simple play portraying scenes from the Savior’s life.

I found myself in tears by the end of the book as a glimmer of absolute hope and peace was offered to those who sought answers. The Road Show teaches that miracles exist today and the atonement is accessible to any who reaches out and prays for help. It is beautifully written, short and concise with universal truths and artistic creativity. Thank you so much to Braden Bell and Cedar Fort Books for sending me a copy for review. To learn more about the author and view a trailer for the Road Show visit his website at http://www.bradenbell.com/

Comment below for your chance to win The Roadshow. Giveaway ends November 25, 2010.

Book Review- The Icing On The Cake

28 Jul, 2010 by in The icing on the cake 5 comments

published January 1st 2007 by Cedar Fort
details Paperback, 301 pages
isbn 1599550113
5 stars

It started with a cake. A rather innocent-looking cake, too, but that cake would open the door to opportunity – and disaster – for sweet-toothed, bargain-savvy Annabelle Pleasanton. In fact, between a promotion at work, her best friend’s engagement, and her discovery of handsome photographer Isaac Matthews, that little cake has managed to turn Annabelle’s world upside down. Things go from complicated to downright crazy as Annabelle discovers that handling her new writing assignment and plotting her friend’s surprise bridal shower isn’t going as easy as she’d hoped. Okay, okay – and appearing as a graceful, charming woman in the presence of Isaac is turning out to be, well, more than just a bit of a catastrophe. Not that Rona, a gorgeous boyfriend-snatching flirt, is helping things in the slightest. And just when things couldn’t get any worse, smarmy womanizer Patrique worms his way into her life. Managing her life with the two of them in the picture may be more than she can handle. Then, when a misunderstanding threatens to destroy her job, her most cherished friendship, and her relationship with Isaac, Annabelle’s courage and integrity are put to the test. Will she give in to pressure and do what is easy or will she do what she knows is right? In this hilarious yet inspiring novel, The Icing on the Cake offers comical predicaments, surprising twists, and tender moments that will delight readers of all ages.

This is hands down THE funniest book I have ever read. I found my self laughing out lout so many times my husband finally asked me to go in the other room. I had tears in my eyes. This gem is full of humor and funny scenes that will brighten up your outlook on life. I picked it up at our local thrift store browsing titles and it will make it to the top ten ever read list. The first pages drew me in because they are set in the San Joaquin Valley where I graduated from High School. The rest takes place in Monterey/ Carmel area of California which I adore. The setting is beautiful in real life and in fiction. Elodia Strain pulls off a witty, funny tale of love and chaos. Just when you think things couldn’t get more interesting they always do! There were a few times when she gives the reader a few more hints than necessary… but really, I have not read something so hilarious in the LDS fiction genre. The main heroine Annabelle takes journal entries or “pink notes” through out the book which teach seeking the best in others and is reminiscent of The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy. Overall theme is to do the very best you can then leave things in the Lord’s hands. Things will work out for good. Never did I feel the book was preachy or strained. The characters are lovable, the story line fast moving and it’s a page flipper. The Icing on the Cake is good clean fun which I will gladly recommend to anyone and everyone! 5 stars to one of my favorite books read thus far. To learn more about the author and enter to win her books visit http://www.elodiastrain.com/ *I’m off to order her next title…