The Guardian

In March we reviewed "The Guardian" by Gerald Lund. This is not a historical/church history book like many of the books you may have read by this author. He is very good at research and history and some of that does appear in this book, but it has a totally different storyline. 

The tale begins with a teaser, providing us background information on the family history of the main character, Danni.  When the story begins she is a 13 year old that receives a family heirloom for her birthday. She learns and grows to a 16 year old and then begins to understand and figure out the special and magical family gift she has been given.

All seems well and Danni is growing up, learning through the bumps and normal problems of teenagers how to deal or not to deal with problems that face her. Most of us can relate to both how she feels as as teen and the struggle between parents and teens that can be a little rocky. 

Some in our group felt it took a little while to get the background story but once the family was faced with danger and Danni has to learn to use her brains and resources the story is quite action packed. The setting is in Southern Utah, giving a colorful and unique backdrop to the tale of magic, intrigue, greed and sacrifice.

Lund sneaks in quite a few learning moments that are sweet and remind us how we are all unique, important and that we are not alone in this life. Overall most of us agreed that while there were a few things here and there that seemed a little different than your typical novel, it was an interesting and engaging read.

Edenbrooke

In February we choose a sweet, romantic tale set in the Regency era and a debut novel for LDS author "Julianne Donaldson".  The story was pure delight, a lot of fun and a refreshing find in this world of smutty romantic 'literature'.

The tale begins with the story of Marianne Daventry in Bath being pursued by a rather unappealing suitor and immediately had me hooked in to the story.  Marianne is living with her grandmother and the two clearly have a unique and clever relationship. Feeling a prisoner to the city in Bath she is overjoyed at being invited to a beautiful country estate where she is to meet her twin sister to spend the summer. 

On the way she faces a highwayman, deals with the crisis with aplomb and shows spunk when an unhelpful gentleman crosses her path.  Once she makes it to her destination, she realizes the...well I'm not going to tell you, but it's awesome. :) The sweet romance and fun interactions, beautiful descriptions and characters bring life to a refreshingly enchanting tale.  Definitely recommended reading, and I think all of us in book club agreed-we're looking forward to more by Julianne Donaldson.