The Power of Stillness: Mindful Living for Latter-day Saints by Jacob Z. Hess
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This audio version of the book is an excellent example of why authors should *not* narrate their own book. There are exceptions, of course, but as one reader commented in her review, due to the male (author) narrator's monotone voice and very slow reading she would "recommend it only as a CURE FOR INSOMNIA." The female reader is much easier on the ears and on the brain, but after listening to 1/2 the book, for me that still was not enough to continue. So I did NOT finish.
The content of the book is good, and may be helpful for someone who is way-too-busy trying to be everything to everyone, or for someone whose current cup-of-tea is the very popular current trend of practicing &/or reading about the benefits of meditation, but I would not recommend it for the non-LDS reader. Your mileage may vary.

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The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less by Terry Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book several years ago, shortly after it was published, and I loved it. Entertaining, uplifting, and incredibly inspiring, it is the true story of a remarkable mother of 10 children who held her family together financially by clipping and using coupons, entering contests, and submitting jingles for advertising contests. She is optimistic with a strong sense of humor: “Sometimes it feels like I live in a circus and all the animals are loose,” and there are some parts that are very funny. But there are also some sad ones. The book is written by one of her daughters who comments, “From then on, we knew there could never be a problem bigger than Mom's ability to solve it. . . we knew that as long as we used our brains, we were not victims. By striking out to write our own ticket, we would grow up to be like our mother, winners.” I highly recommend it.

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Insights from a Prophet’s Life: Russell M. Nelson by Sheri Dew
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my...THIS BOOK...I loved it. I don’t often read biographies, but Sheri Dew is among my favorite inspirational authors and Russell M. Nelson one of my most admired people, this biography was on my list. I appreciated the book's format: chapters are designated as episodes- short, clear, essay-like readings arranged chronologically, making it easy to read, set down, ponder upon, and pick up again. Like the prophet himself, the book is full of quotable gems. I listened to the audio version, but enjoyed it so much I just ordered the hardbound version.

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The Huntress by Kate Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is suspense-filled historical fiction with a compelling storyline told in alternating POV's by 3 intriguing characters. Like Kate Quinn's earlier novel, The Alice Network, this is not a story for the faint of heart. I was totally absorbed by both the storyline and the characters, and couldn't put it down. Also I learned a few things, which is always a plus for me. Although there is a fair amount of crude language, I applaud the author for using less in this novel than in the earlier one.

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