Ahhh, high school-my school. Senior picture. Seems like a lifetime ago.
Thank you, Lord God, for waiting patiently for me to find out how destructive life is without you. Thank you for rescuing me from myself. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Escapists
I saw you in my mind and wanted to know you.
You wandered toward me, and your smile captured me.
Wouldn't turn me loose.
Would you stay? Beyond the smile, the hello? That first kiss?
Your eyes – golden brown like the color of autumn,
outlined in dark lashes.
I couldn't escape.
I didn't want to.
Would love wrap around us like a silken tether
or would we snap the binding like a weak thread?
Would we dare to weave our own tale?
Or would we forfeit the adventure indulging in fear of loss?
Every now and then, I do the free verse thing. Hope you enjoyed this one.
Father, thank you for writing and words. Love playing with them. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
One of the major hits by Steely Dan. They had their own sound.
Father, only you save souls from destruction. We're all desperate for you whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
So. Here we are again. It's Monday. I've got so many things on my heart as I'm sure you must have too. Some I'd rather not say and others I'd prefer to shout from the housetops. However, we shall move on.
As those of you who know this blog well, you've seen that I do reviews. (See the long list on the bottom left column.) However, I don't review the novels I've read that I don't like. I used to review them, but I came to the conclusion that who really cares if I give a bad review to a book that someone loves. And there are always those 1-star reviews for novels I've loved which only serve to irritate me. Let me tell you something you already know: 1-star reviews say more about the writers of those reviews than they do about the book. Instead of writing something to the effect of "This story was not written for readers like me," or choosing not to write one at all, they trash not only the story and the way it was told, but they invariably insult the author's ability to write.
Sometimes with the novels I really enjoy, it's hard to write the reviews. Because I want to share so much of the story, it proves difficult to limit what I include. When I "highly recommend" a book or a series, you can trust I want you to read it/them.
Novelists are incredible writers. There are all kinds – some will appeal, some will not. It doesn't change the fact that through the eons of time, people have been writing stories that move others to exclaim their greatness. We readers (and writers) all have our favorites. And we love talking "novels" with our peers.
If you have a favorite, feel free to expound on why you loved it.
Father, thank you for allowing me to write novels. You put it in my heart at an early age, waited patiently for me to recognize the purpose, and then have allowed me to write. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.
You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.
The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God my Savior!
He is the God who avenges me,
who subdues the nations under me,
who saves me from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
from violent men you rescued me.
Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O Lord;
I will sing praises to your name.
He gives His king great victories;
He shows unfailing kindness to His anointed,
to David and His descendants forever.
Psalm 18:35-36;46-50 (NIV)
Hard Duty by JB Turner is Book 13 in A Jon Reznick Thriller Series.
Jon's thinking about heading for Florida from his home in Maine when he receives a message from the CIA's Fran Petersen. What he learns from her is the description of an off-the-books mission to neutralize a former high-ranked CIA man who's become a traitor to America providing highly classified documentations of operatives in foreign countries and the operations of the CIA around the globe to the Russians for significant money and deep protection. The hardest part is the requirement that he can only use two other people for the op with a timeline of one week. In spite of how ridiculous and impossible it sounds, knowing things like this with a savvy opponent takes weeks and lots of operatives to pull off successfully, he knows the two guys he needs to make this at best possible.
Trevelle Williams, his intel and IT genius, is first on the list. After finding him still in mourning for his murdered girlfriend, Jon apologizes for asking him if he's available to help him. However, Trevelle figures it's what he needs to do, and he's in. The next man is the wild Scottish former operator Mac McCafferty who can't believe the audacity of the plan but decides he's in.
Finding the traitor is a major trial once they end up in the Middle East, and once they find him, he seems to disappear. Jon blasts Trevelle with the trouble this is causing, and Trevelle can't believe what's responsible for the problems. Finally, Trevelle masters the various interferences and manages some intricate ways to better gauge where the man is and what his plans are. The added strain is his security, none other than several of the vicious Wagner mercenaries.
Mac and Reznick come up with a plan – and nothing is easy – and it falls apart at the last minute due to unforeseen collateral damage to civilians. Their mission is to neutralize the one man – and if his security ends up dead in the process, that's acceptable.
Their frustrations mount and the brainstorming accelerates. When time and location are at a critical point, the two of them decide to do one last plan after Trevelle sets up the only thing he can suggest.
JB Turner has made Jon Reznick a unique and fascinating character whose patriotism is a no-holds-barred loyalty to this country he's defended as a former Delta operator, with the CIA black-ops, and as an FBI employee/consultant. There are no rules for Jon Reznick when on a mission. "Failure is not an option." Hard Duty has a slew of thrilling moments toward the end of this chaotic, unsettling op. No doubt that readers will experience those "No way!" moments or a rising heartbeat reading them.
I highly recommend this series because JB has made Jon a bit different as the thriller hero. He's hardened, he eats Dexedrine like candy at times to up his game, but there's that part of him that will sacrifice everything for those he loves and the country he honors. Warning for some readers: there is considerable profanity at times.
Father, you know JB and all that he needs and does. Please continue to bless him with the stories you have just for him to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
More self-portraits with my Konica 35mm from eastern Washington a very long time ago.
Father, I can never thank you enough for rescuing me. Jesus, thank you is never enough. Holy Spirit, apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Last Dog Out by Candace Irving is Book 4 in A Military Veteran/K-9 Suspense Series.
In Last Dog Out Candace Irving created her usual multi-faceted, complex mystery/suspense/thriller. Her heroine Katie Holland, "Kate," is now an official Special Investigator appointed by the governor for high profile cases with special attention to those involving the military/veterans. Ruger, her devoted and talented German Shepherd, is also her official K-9 partner.
When a man is found in a ditch by the side of the road with ugly injuries and a particular tattoo, it's learned he's one Jared Williams, only to discover that's not who he is at all. Needless to say, when Kate inquires about who the man truly is, using her NCIS contact, she begins to figure out this entire murder is not as it seems.
A unique and well-known CAD (Combat Assault Dog) "Baka" is given to the parents of his handler (Paxton) when their son is killed in action. The Malinois is depressed and mourning the loss and spends almost all of his time in the bedroom where their son's scent remains. When Paxton's father dies suddenly, his mom continues to do her best with Baka but one day discovers upon returning home from her weekly grocery shopping that Baka's been stolen.
That's when all the puzzle pieces begin to connect but are still scattered and in disarray.
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
Candace has done her research to be able to portray the parts of this story that are truly heart-rending. This is a genuine tear-jerker in places due to the underlying subject matter of dog-fighting. It's educational for those who've never given it much thought or perhaps assumed because it's illegal that the problem is solved which it is NOT.
*****Review Resumes*****
The suspects continue to amplify but clarification comes via an unexpected visitor to Kate's place. When she and her deputy friend Seth get closer to their solutions, people are turning up dead in a hurry.
There are several twists and definitely unexpected turns in the story as the hunt for the initial murderer ties into all the rest of the mystery surrounding that first death and the theft of Baka. Each page brings intrigue and finally the evasive final piece to the massive puzzle. Ruger is sensational in his new job and amazes Kate with a final grandstanding effort.
Toward the end of all of this, Kate receives some shocking news.
Some of the worst of humanity is portrayed accurately in this story and is a reminder of the depraved psyches of some who engage in the worst of behaviors and activities to gain wealth and power.
In spite of considerable tears on my part, this is a 5-star novel for Candace Irving's fourth book in the series.
(Profanity present.)
Father, you know all hearts and minds. You define good and evil. May you bless Candace and her family and continue to provide what she needs to tell the stories you have just for her to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
*A postscript to this story and its review. These are hard times for many people. I'm positive because of the degraded state of our Union, charities have taken financial hits. However, if you're a dog lover and you have a little extra to contribute to aid those who seek to destroy this terribly cruel "sport," here are two very hard-working organizations doing their best to combat and rescue dogs from these evil places:
Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart was one of the best Christian bands to ever play. I love this song. Mylon almost gave up music when he committed his life to Jesus. God had other plans. He is missed.
The Lord's plans are always the right ones.
Father, thank you for your musicians and singers who make music from their hearts to honor you. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
If you've read one (or more) of my novels, how would you describe the "right" audience for them? Is that a tough question to answer?
I would appreciate it if you would leave a comment here or on Facebook or X. Thank you!
Father, you know exactly who would enjoy my novels. Please direct those readers to them. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
