Honeymoon Heist
by Anna Jones Buttimore 

Publisher's Note:  Every newlywed couple worries about bringing baggage to a marriage. But when Rodney and Claire Hewlett open a suitcase and discover a small fortune in cash while honeymooning in Spain, they find themselves in a deadly race to the light-studded Eiffel Tower. This thrilling tale will take you by plane, train, and boat across Europe in an adrenaline-pumping ride that won't end until the very last page.


Overall Review:  Author Anna Jones Buttimore takes readers on an unusually eventful honeymoon in her novel, Honeymoon Heist.  At first glance, Claire is a sarcastic bride who doesn't seem the least bit enamored with her tolerant and devoted groom, Rodney.  But as the story progresses and we learn more about their backgrounds, the characters become likable, even charming.  Although this mysterious adventure is somewhat improbable, it is fun to predict what is coming, making this book an entertaining, enjoyable story.  This book is recommended for members of the LDS church, as those not of this faith may be puzzled by certain details.  Overall Rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
 

Content Review:

PROFANITY: none

VIOLENCE: few mild instances and one strong instance

SEXUAL CONTENT: mild

MATURE THEMES: mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 18+

There was no profanity whatsoever. 

There were some suspenseful scenes throughout the story that included foot chases, car chases, and the threat of guns, though no shootings.   In one instance, a main character hits a villain over the head and knocks him out, which includes mention of jagged glass sticking out the back of his head.  

There were a couple of vague allusions to non-sexual exposure but it was not offensive.  There are some brief, tasteful moments of intimacy between honeymooners, and some comments about previous encounters that were minimal. 

One character has a problem with alcohol and is referred to as “drunk”. 

Honeymoon Heist is recommended as a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 18+.

This review was written by Jen
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Cedart Fort, Inc. for a review

Bitter Blessings
by Christine Mehring

Publisher's Note:  Megan has the perfect life, but when her mother dies in an accident, everything spins out of control. With the rest of her family falling apart, Megan must confront her past to uncover the truths that will keep everyone together. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this book shows that even in times of trial, you can often find blessings.


Overall Review:  It’s refreshing to come across a character like Megan in Bitter Blessings: strong, smart, and relatable. With all that has occurred in the past few weeks, Megan tries hard to do good and author Christine Mehring does an impressive job at making the reader feel deeply invested in her journey. In fact, readers will have a hard time putting this book down, as it pulls you in and makes you want to know how Megan’s pursuit of truth will end. Despite tackling emotional subject matter, there were also several light, cheerful moments that made me grin. I really enjoyed this sweet and satisfying read. Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!


Content Review: 

PROFANITY: none

VIOLENCE: none

SEXUAL CONTENT: none

MATURE THEMES: mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 14+

There is no profanity, violence, or sexual content in Bitter Blessings.  Mature Themes include dealing with a parent’s death and discussion about religious tolerance and God. Bitter Blessings is a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 14+!

This review was written by Rachel
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Cedar Fort, Inc.  for a review

In the Company of Angels
by David Farland

Publisher's Note:  The Willie Handcart Company of 1856 was a trial and a miracle. You will feel a part of the company as you follow three of its members in a moving masterpiece that will take you from the green fields of Denmark to the icy peaks of the Rockies in a saga that elevates and enriches those that it touches.


Overall Review:  A book full of so much emotion, the detail and characters will dwell in your heart as you read about and get acquainted with the members of the Willie handcart company.  In the Company of Angels follows three main characters and their families.  One of them, Eliza Gadd, a non-member of the party follows her husband and family through the treacherous journey.   It was hard at times connecting with her due to her negative attitude and pessimistic outlook, but that does get better as the company experiences hardships together. The young children, especially Baline Mortenson, immediately take a special spot in your heart because of their innocence and will to endure.  Captain Willies' handcart company worry when they understand that they are departing late in the season and many are already taken ill.   As the company travels their health deteriorates and disaster creeps in.  Anxiety and frustration throughout the camp worsen as the trek lengthens peaking when food starts to run low and starvation takes hold.  The families and the faith that each has is uplifting and inspires hope for the reader despite the trials the characters have to endure.  David Farland, author of In the Company of Angels, does a marvelous job unfolding the story before the readers eyes.  The way the story is written helps the reader to have a further appreciation for those who fight or have fought against all odds for what they believe in, Latter-Day Saint or not.  The depth and emotion present in this book will bring you to tears, pondering how events could have taken place.   In In The Company of Angels you will encounter mobs, Indians, miracles, sadness, love, God, humility, hope, deprivation and much more.  Despite being over 150 years ago, connecting with the characters and events is made easier with a section in the back including facts on what's real and what's not in each chapter.  Simply put, this novel is well-deserving of the Whitney Award. In the Company of Angels is not only intended for those who love history but for those who truly want to experience it. Overall rating 5 out of 5 stars!


Content Review:

VIOLENCE: many strong instances

PROFANITY: many mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: few mild and one strong instance

MATURE THEMES: strong mature theme

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP:  18+

There are many graphic descriptions of abuse, death, and massacres within the different parties traveling, some caused by Indians, the government, mobs, and wild animals. Fist-fighting and arguments take place a few times during stressful or particularly tense situations. Swear words are also used throughout the story either to describe a certain place, to call one another a name, or used to describe circumstances or conditions. Female anatomy is brought up a few times by one of the mothers traveling with the company because of her concern of providing for her children and jealousy of other women. There is a graphic description of the aftermath of a rape when a woman was taken by Indians and rape is also discussed as happening to the saints by nonbelievers. Couples would linger behind carts to have time alone but the author leaves it at that. Because of all the events that happened in history, the starvation, death, rape and involvement and suffering between children and families, I felt this book had a strong mature theme.  In the Company of Angels is recommended for ages 18+.

This review was written by Misty
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Cedar Fort, Inc.  for a review

Borrowed Light
by Carla Kelly

Publisher's Note:  Julia Darling never expected to cook for some cowboys in Wyoming, but when she breaks off her engagement in Salt Lake City, it s the perfect opportunity for her to escape. Determined to stick the job out, Julia faces her biggest challenge yet letting go of borrowed light to find her own testimony. Set in the early 1900's, this is one romantic adventure you'll never forget!

Overall Review:  Carla Kelly has written a very charming page turner that makes me want to cook from scratch and dress my husband in Wranglers. The narrator, who maybe unintentionally seems younger than her 28 years, is searching for her own testimony while inadvertently falling in love with her nonmember rancher-employer on the plains of Wyoming.  Although I would categorize Borrowed Light as an innocent LDS romance novel for its focus on the love story and secret pining (not for any sexual content), it contains a little bit of everything: suspense, drama, Western.  It’s uplifting, inspirational, and had me flying through the pages. It has great characterization of main characters and ranch hands alike. Although the pacing felt a little rushed in the latter half of the book, Carla Kelly is a great writer as well as a fantastic storyteller. Tally this one as another great LDS read!  Overall Rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

 
Content Review:

VIOLENCE:  None

PROFANITY: None

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES:  Two mild instances

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 14+
 
Borrowed Light has a religious overtone and is intended for an LDS audience; hence, this is a very clean read—squeaky clean even. There are a few mentions of a character visiting a brothel, but there’s nothing said about the goings on there. Also a character tells about a former spouse who is mentally ill and has to be tied down often times. Both occurrences are very mild and hardly worth mentioning since this book is so refreshingly clean. It’s not every day you find a great G-rated page turner.  Borrowed Light is a Squeaky Clean Read for 14+.

This review was written by Stephanie
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Cedar Fort Inc. for a review

The Perfect Token
by Cathryn Tew

Publisher's Note:  A young woman, Brietta, is two-timed by her boyfriend and leaves her home in Alaska to pursue a career in engineering. She takes flying lessons, teaches private diving lessons, and meets John, who recognizes her from a dream he had long before meeting her.


Overall Review:   The Perfect Token by Cathryn Tew is a great read for anyone who loves stories about dating and romance.  It was a perfect portrait of an ordinary girl at college who falls in love.  What a funny, romantic, clean, and cute book!    I loved how devoted the main character was to keeping her high standards and would recommend this book especially to LDS teenagers.  It does, however, have continual references to the LDS religion and therefore would probably be best for an LDS audience.  Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars!


Content Review:

PROFANITY:  None

VIOLENCE: None

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES: None

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP:  14+

The Perfect Token is perfectly clean in every way. Although there are alot of romantic relationships through-out the book there are no inappropriate sexual descriptions or comments. In fact, abstinence until marriage and caution in physical relationships seems to be encouraged. There is no profanity, violence, or mature themes in this novel. You could safely give this book to any age of a reader.  The Perfect Token by Cathryn Tew is a Squeaky Clean Read for all ages.

This review was written by Shelley
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Cedar Fort, Inc.  for a review

The Assassination of Governor Boggs
by Rod Miller

Publisher's Note:  Twenty-five years ago Governor Lilburn Boggs was shot at in his home. Now Detective Calvin Pogue has been hired by the Boggs family to open this cold case. From one end of the Old West to the other Detective Pogue follows clues that lead him relentlessly to the Mormon gunman Porter Rockwell who still isn't making things easy for anyone!

Overall Review:  Shortly after the death of Governor Boggs of Missouri, Detective Calvin Pogue is sent on a search by the late Governor's family to find the would-be assassin. The book carries two stories at a time; one being the story following Pogue, a Pinkerton Agency man, to find the would-be assassin, the other telling the story from the rough Mormon body guard's perspective, Porter Rockwell. Even though at times the word choice may be redundant, piecing together all the tidbits of information makes the book a mystery in which you feel involved in. Throughout the Assassination of Governor Boggs Rod Miller is constantly introducing new characters which the reader will find intriguing. The characters come to life and are each distinct, showing the research the author put into the book. Detective Pogue mostly interviews citizens of the anti-mormon mid-west, though, giving the story a one-sided feeling at times and making it hard not to point a finger at the suspected Porter Rockwell.  Those who enjoy a mystery entwined with history will be delighted to get their hands on The Assassination of Governor Boggs.  Overall rating is 3.5 out of 5 stars.


Content Review:

VIOLENCE: Many strong instances

PROFANITY: Few mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES:  Moderate Mature Theme

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 16+
 
Even though this book isn't full of violence, there are many times throughout. There are graphic descriptions of mobs shooting and mistreating other people. There are also a couple of swear words used and some slang from the time period. There is no sexual content. The Assassination of Governor Boggs has a moderate mature theme simply because of the history. Some readers may be thrown into the past without much understanding of the events of the day.  Due to the content, this book is recommended for ages 16+.

This review was written by Misty
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Cedar Fort, Inc.  for a review

Flames of Redemption
by Michelle Thompson

Publisher's Note:  Fifteen-year-old Jane Carter's last foster family was abusive. Broken and scarred, her search for healing with her new family, and the prospect of facing her abuser again, lead her to a decision: cling on to her hate, fear, and bitterness or, like the mythical phoenix, let herself be engulfed in flames and be reborn from the ashes.

Overall Review: Like the mythical phoenix bursting into flame, fifteen-year-old Jane Carter feels like she has hit rock bottom. A lifetime of tragedy that has culminated with horrific abuse has left her physically and emotionally broken. When she is sent to live with a new foster family—a place where she may at last be able to feel at home—Jane isn't sure she can move past the scars in her past. Reading Jane's story is heart-wrenching, but ultimately uplifting, as she finds a way to let herself heal from her past and, like the phoenix, be reborn from the ashes. Flames of Redemption drew me in, and made me care about Jane and her foster mother, Senator Kelley. However, I had a hard time connecting to the other characters; they didn't stand out in my mind. I also found myself a little confused by some parts of the book; at times, it felt disjointed and rough. Overall, however, Flames of Redemption was an inspiring read, with a strong message of redemption, forgiveness, and healing. Overall rating is 3 out of 5 stars.


Content Review:

PROFANITY: None

VIOLENCE: Strong

SEXUAL CONTENT: Moderate

MATURE THEMES: Strong

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 16+

There is no profanity. There are a few scenes of strong violence throughout the book; in the beginning and the end, the main character remembers being horrifically physically abused by a previous foster father. The violence is not gratuitous, but it was enough to make me a little queasy as I read it. At one point, a character almost drowns and there is a question about it being a suicide attempt. A character is violently kidnapped and later shot in the arm. A character often gets herself into situations where she ends up sick or injured. Sexual abuse is also alluded to, but no detail is provided (the most detail given is when the character says "I could feel him... pressing himself against me in an inappropriate way"). Strong mature themes include physical and sexual abuse, death, suicide, and grief. Due to the content, this book is recommended for ages 16+.

This review was written by Cindy B.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Cedar Fort, Inc.  for a review

The Evolution of Thomas Hall
by Kieth Merrill

Publisher's Note:  Thomas Hall is a brilliant but brash young artist who has the talent of the old masters and an eye for color and women. But when he runs short of cash, he finds himself torn between illustrating a mural on the origins of man for a natural history museum a tribute to Darwin and illustrating the miracles of Jesus for a display inside a children s hospital called the Healing Place. A self-proclaimed agnostic, Thomas must dig deep within himself to believe beyond his doubts as he wrestles with that elusive something called faith. Then he meets a young, critically ill girl named Christina. Her haunting past and undeviating faith will test the very soul of Thomas and that of every reader.


Overall Review:  The Evolution Of Thomas Hall has a little bit of everything—art, music, romance, conflict, miracles, and, most importantly, a journey of faith.  Thomas Hall is a talented artist and self-professed agnostic . . . the last person anyone would expect to accept a job painting a 90-foot mural of Christ's miracles for a new Catholic children's hospital.  I found myself completely captivated by Thomas, Cass, Christina, and their story. Although this book isn't what you would classify as a "page-turner," I couldn't put it down!  Thomas's internal conflict, and his "evolution" over the course of the story, was readable and compelling.  Although initially Merrill's characters felt a little flat to me, by the end of the novel I was deeply attached to all of them and impressed by the depth of personality each of them possessed.  The details Merrill used in the book had all been given obvious research; I was fascinated by the wealth of detail about the act of painting, music, modern medicine, Charles Darwin, and famous art inspired by the Bible.  I am a violinist myself, and it's been a long time since I read a description of a violin that was so detailed it even talked about "purfling" (the narrow black binding inlaid around the edge of a violin)!  All the details added depth and richness to the story rather than detracting from it, and made it easy to feel at home in Thomas Hall's world.   Like every book, Thomas Hall has its share of imperfections, including a few events or happenings that feel underdone or contrived.  Overall, however, I really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it to anyone interesting in a compelling, thought-provoking read!  Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.


Content Review:

PROFANITY: A few mild instances, two or three moderate instances

VIOLENCE: Mild to moderate

SEXUAL CONTENT: Mild

MATURE THEMES: Very Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 18+

Although the book does not deal directly with the LDS faith (except for a passing reference to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), the author's LDS background makes for a very clean read.  There are two or three instances of moderate profanity (no more than one word each time) throughout the book, and several instances where it is implied that a character uses foul language (i.e. "He swore" or "The sentence trailed off into a string of profanities").  There is some mild violence; a man tries to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge, a character returns home to find his house in fire (arson), one character does his best to make life miserable for the people around him through underhanded legal means.  Early in the book, a horrific car accident is described and a child is badly injured in a resulting fire.  There is mild sexual content as well; women are described as having attractive figures, looking good in bathing suits, and altering their appearance to increase their sex appeal. Male characters fantasize about female characters wearing bikinis.  In one scene, a character recognizes that he is thinking with his libido rather than his brain.  Some mature themes are discussed; most of the novel revolves around the central character's quest to discover if God exists.  Severe injury, death, and the afterlife are also themes in the book.  Everything in this book is presented in a very positive way; nothing ever feels gratuitous or over-the-top, but the content and subject matter make the book more appropriate for older audiences.  This book is recommended as a Clean Read for ages 18+.

This review was written by Cindy
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Cedar Fort for a review

Sudden Peril
by Frank Richardson

Publisher's Note:  Jamie Madero's summer internship turns out to be anything but ordinary when he discovers the truth about The Freemen Foundation. Now outnumbered and outgunned, Jamie and his fellow Insiders must stay one step ahead of their enemies to survive in this high-stakes novel of intrigue and deception. This perfect adrenaline rush of a book is suspenseful, surprising, and packed with action. You won't be able to put it down.


Overall Review:  The Freedom Foundation is a special organization.  Their objective is to uncover and expose evil ‘big business’ involved in secret combinations with the intent to usurp ultimate power, control, and money.  However, as good as the intent of the foundation is, they are ill prepared to meet with the foes they hope to stop.  They meet with many different groups of very evil and designing people who could care less about human life or decency.  Regardless of the danger, though, this small group of faithful people continues onward in their fight to maintain freedom for all.  Most of the group consists of Mormons and there is quite a bit of interesting trivia about the religion in general throughout the book.  We even get a look into a first discussion with some sister missionaries when someone is trying to get behind the motives of the Freedom Foundation.  There were many interesting characters along the way.  I enjoyed the growth of the new intern as he learned the hard way how to truly define his character, without any idea of what he was doing or why.  The bad guys are thoroughly evil and make you shiver and clench your teeth when they’re around; the media are annoying; the good guys are persistent and have many faith promoting moments that help them to move forward.  The ending doesn’t tie everything together with a bow—is that an opening for another installment, or a Hitchcock cliffhanger letting us fill in the blanks?  There are lots of twists and turns that certainly keep you guessing!  At times I felt that I was missing something, as if I was reading the second book in a series, but by the end most everything was clear.  Sudden Peril will definitely have appeal to LDS adults who love the thriller/conspiracy theory genre, but you don’t need to be a ‘member’ in order to enjoy this action filled story.  Overall rating is 3.5 out of 5 stars.


Content Review:

PROFANITY: None

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

VIOLENCE: Many strong instances

MATURE THEMES: Moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 18+

This was a very intense thriller, and while there was no profanity or sex, there is a LOT of violent action.  Many characters are killed—some from being shot, others from ‘accidents’.  Many more are severely wounded by gun shots, sabotage, beatings, etc.  There are kidnappings and evil people with malicious intent.  The bad guys are evil and have no conscience.  There is a lot of self-serving brutality, truth twisting, and turning a blind eye to evil.  Due to the amount of violence, this book is recommended for ages 18+.

This review was written by Emily
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Cedar Fort for a review

Wasatch Summer
by Anola Pickett

Publisher's Note: While eleven-year-old Hannah Turner cares for the family's sheep alone in the mountains, she faces the most unlikely dangers - from snakes to Indians to the Bear Lake monster. This delightful coming-of-age novel will enthrall young and old alike as Hannah learns to overcome fears and trust in herself to make the right decisions.

Overall Review:  What would life be like as an 11 year-old in the late 1800’s?  In Wasatch Summer, we are given a glimpse of a somewhat typical summer for a young LDS person in the Cache Valley.  The Turner’s have two major incomes—their small harvest, and their sheep.  With the passing of her father and no word from her older brother, young Hannah Turner is given the task of taking care of the sheep.  There’s a catch, though.  To keep the crops safe from the roaming grazes of the sheep, and to make sure the sheep have the best grazing grounds possible, Hannah must take them up the mountains—to stay—for the whole summer—alone!  She must cook all her own meals, find things to do to while away the time, and face down all manner of wild creatures (including bears and coyotes)!  She makes friends with Indians and meets with other lonely shepherds.  Hannah learns to care for herself and her sheep, to look for beauty everywhere, to make friends with unlikely people, and to finish the tasks that have been set before her.  I enjoyed Hannah’s ‘voice’—what a cute girl!  It was amazing to me to see how fast these children had to grow up by taking on responsibilities that even adults would balk at—I can’t imagine sending an 11 year-old up for a whole summer alone in the mountains!  Wasatch Summer is based on a true story.  It is a wonderful look into life long ago and an inspiring story of courage for all ages.  Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars.


Content Review:

PROFANITY: None

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

VIOLENCE: A few mild instances

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

This is a very clean book.  No profanity; no sex; the violence is all attributed to a bear in the valley who kills a person, and also a coyote who kills some animals.  I considered the theme to be mild only because the entire story is about a girl surviving on her own and she has to endure some frightening experiences.  This is a lovely story aimed mostly toward a young LDS audience, but could be enjoyed by anyone.  ‘Wasatch Summer’ is a Squeaky Clean Read and appropriate for ages 9+.