Jayhawk and Return to Red Castle

Jayhawk and Return to Red Castle by Dorothy M. Keddington copyrights 1978 and 1981

I originally read these fun, clean adventure/romance novels as a teenager. I found some copies at a used bookstore recently for a buck a piece-- yup, they're part of my collection. Seeing as it had been twenty years since I last read them, I decided to see if they were any good beyond my teenage experience. I discovered them to be pleasant, quick reads--even if they were a bit heavy on the romance side. I think that those gals who loved the Twilight series would likely enjoy these. They are every bit as exciting, but without all the weird vampire stuff. (Honestly, I think I like these better than Twilight.) I don't recommend them for young teens. These are for at least dating age girls.

Another bonus, in my view, is that the author, while LDS, doesn't give her characters any particular religion. They are just characters that you don't have to hold up to the LDS standard. The characters are good people, and I like that part, but I just like reading adventure for its own sake without having to filter everything through an LDS viewpoint.

These books are available at local libraries, maybe still at Deseret Book?, and check out the Deseret Industries book section.

Chickens in the Headlights

Chickens in the Headlights by Matthew Buckley copyright 2005

Funny. This book is filled with giggles, guffaws and outright belly laughs. The story centers around a family with seven young sons living in rural Utah. The antics are endless.
"When the school year ends Mom and Dad decide to harness some of their boys' apparently inexhaustive energy and buy some goats and chickens for them to take care of. While they are initially thrilled with the 'responsibiliy,' the boys soon learn that it's far tougher--and far funnier for the reader-- than it appears."

Seriously, the chapter where the family travels to California in their van, I couldn't breathe I was laughing so hard. Maybe because I've lived some similar experiences. . . Anyway, this is a fun, upbeat read. It is also available on audiobook and mp3.

A Heart Like His: Moaking Space for God's Love in Your Life

A Heart Like His: Making Space for God's Love in Your Life by Virginia H. Pearce

This is a short little book with a very BIG message. It certainly isn't a "guilt" book, but one that really speaks to the heart of many women. I think many of us often ask ourselves, "Why don't I feel closer to God? How can I feel His love for me more often? How can I develop the kind of love God has?" These questions are addressed in simple, yet meaningful ways. The concept I love the most is the visualization regarding opening one's heart. Sister Pearce's connection between having an "open heart" and receiving and increase in energy is profound, as well.

This book is available at local libraries, but I bet you'll want your own copy.