It Had To Be You by Susan May Warren.
Eden Christiansen has dedicated her life to keeping her brother, Owen, on his path to the NHL. She's his loudest cheerleader, biggest fan, and cleans up all his messes. She rides to his rescue each time the euphoria of his new contract overrides his common sense.
She also lays blame to Owen's lapses in judgement at the feet of his teammates, including Jace Jacobsen. Jace's reputation as an enforcer on the ice and a partier off the ice have Eden keeping a wide berth. As Jace's career is coming to an end, Owen's is just heating up. Eden has pushed her dreams to the side to focus on Owen's. As his come to fruition, Eden turns her focus to her own dreams. One moment changes each of their lives. Suddenly Eden is turning to Jace for help and she's learning there is more to him than she'd ever given him credit for. When Owen is injured and Jace has a chance to resurrect his career and maybe land an extension on his contract, Eden wrestles with the Jace she knows and the Jace she's read about.
I adore being able to visit with the Christiansen family. I'm hoping the continuation of Owen's story isn't far behind because I feel we need to see where he goes next.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Beowulf
Beowulf by Ronie Kendig
The third in A Breed Apart series brings Beowulf, an explosives detection dog, and his handler, Timbrel Hogan. Beowulf and Hogan are assigned to assist with sniffing out some potential WMDs with a team in Afghanistan. A member of the team, Candyman, took a liking to Timbrel when they met. Using Beo as a buffer, Timbrel does her best to avoid him and get the job done. When Beo hits on explosives and it turns out to be a false hit, Timbrel's confidence takes a hit and she returns stateside. However, she was on a collision course with Tony "Candyman" Van Allen and the proof she needed that Beo has a perfect track record without a false hit. Add in a Hollywood starlet mother and Timbrel must face her past to march on to her future.
Kendig kept the action rolling in Beowulf. She never fails to deliver a story which will increase your appreciation for our military men and women. I have to admit though Beowulf failed to keep my attention as her other books have when not focused on the action portion of the story.
I found Timbrel to be a tough-as-nails chic. The problem is that she never showed a vulnerable side which justified Candyman's attraction to her. Of course Candyman's internal monologue showed exactly what he was attracted to and it wasn't her personality. In order to account for Timbrel's lack of personality, Kendig increased her physical attraction. Honestly between Timbrel's attitude, Beowulf, and their bond; I don't know why Tony stuck around or pursued her as he did. She never cracked enough to give him hope.
When she did finally crack Tony was the one pushing her away. Tony's family history complicated his recovery from a potentially career-ending injury. His fears of a dim future created a distance that Timbrel had just attempted to close.
Beowulf seemed overwrought with romantic drama. I don't recall any of Kendig's previous stories being centered on the love story before. The epic love story or OTP as TV viewers would refer to it was the weak section of Beowulf. When moving through the military action or even the tracking of the WMDs, Beowulf was a story I couldn't be pulled away from. The drama from the romance bogged the book down.
I still have to rate this book high because I'm not sorry I read it. Compared to Kendig's other works it is probably her weakest in the A Breed Apart series. Kendig continues to deliver on the action though and it appears it will be Dean Watters turn in Raptor 6.
The third in A Breed Apart series brings Beowulf, an explosives detection dog, and his handler, Timbrel Hogan. Beowulf and Hogan are assigned to assist with sniffing out some potential WMDs with a team in Afghanistan. A member of the team, Candyman, took a liking to Timbrel when they met. Using Beo as a buffer, Timbrel does her best to avoid him and get the job done. When Beo hits on explosives and it turns out to be a false hit, Timbrel's confidence takes a hit and she returns stateside. However, she was on a collision course with Tony "Candyman" Van Allen and the proof she needed that Beo has a perfect track record without a false hit. Add in a Hollywood starlet mother and Timbrel must face her past to march on to her future.
Kendig kept the action rolling in Beowulf. She never fails to deliver a story which will increase your appreciation for our military men and women. I have to admit though Beowulf failed to keep my attention as her other books have when not focused on the action portion of the story.
I found Timbrel to be a tough-as-nails chic. The problem is that she never showed a vulnerable side which justified Candyman's attraction to her. Of course Candyman's internal monologue showed exactly what he was attracted to and it wasn't her personality. In order to account for Timbrel's lack of personality, Kendig increased her physical attraction. Honestly between Timbrel's attitude, Beowulf, and their bond; I don't know why Tony stuck around or pursued her as he did. She never cracked enough to give him hope.
When she did finally crack Tony was the one pushing her away. Tony's family history complicated his recovery from a potentially career-ending injury. His fears of a dim future created a distance that Timbrel had just attempted to close.
Beowulf seemed overwrought with romantic drama. I don't recall any of Kendig's previous stories being centered on the love story before. The epic love story or OTP as TV viewers would refer to it was the weak section of Beowulf. When moving through the military action or even the tracking of the WMDs, Beowulf was a story I couldn't be pulled away from. The drama from the romance bogged the book down.
I still have to rate this book high because I'm not sorry I read it. Compared to Kendig's other works it is probably her weakest in the A Breed Apart series. Kendig continues to deliver on the action though and it appears it will be Dean Watters turn in Raptor 6.
Lone Survivor (Movie)
Just returned home from seeing Lone Survivor the movie. I reviewed the book the other day. More than likely this is going to be a jumbled mess of thoughts. This is not a movie review as there is nothing on this Earth that could justify reviewing this movie..
I am in awe of the character of those who volunteer to become a member of our American military. They go in knowing they will sacrifice more than they'll reap. When you become an elite member of our military the sacrifices double and your life expectancy takes a hit. Still there are men and women who join these ranks and I can't thank them all nor express the depth of my gratitude.
A few years ago I had the pleasure of talking with my cousin who served in the Air Force. Amidst all my questions he made two things clear a) he is glad that most Americans live clueless as to what happens in areas our soldiers are deployed to and b) the news media is the biggest steaming pile of poo. Those are my words not his.
I'm sure there are many people who wish movies weren't filmed about the military. I've seen an overwhelming positive response to Lone Survivor. Something that struck me at the end of this movie is their deaths should not be in vain. The freedom I enjoy as an American came/comes at a price. A steep price. Men and women have been dying for centuries to preserve my way of life. The least I can do is repay them by living my life to the fullest. I may never find myself in a gunfight on the side of a mountain. However, I need to dig deep for the courage to do other things. While those who protect my freedom might not judge how I live my life, I am compelled to honor their sacrifice by living it to match the price paid for it. i started 2014 wanting to make this a year of change for myself. I'm going to steal from the SEALS and adopt an attitude of "never out of the fight." The only one who can take me out is me; I'm choosing now to not quit.
In an interview on CNN Marcus Luttrell corrected Jake Tapper when Tapper suggested there was a hopelessness to Operation Red Wing. Marcus corrected him. He reiterated it they never felt hopeless. The fight wasn't over until they were dead. Sadly three of them did die. "It was our job. We didn't complain about it."
When a movie like Lone Survivor, Black Hawk Down, Act of Valor, or Seal Team Six premieres it either affirms people's hate of war or justifies others war ideals. What I take out of these movies and from conversations with current and former military is they feel a calling. Some of them love their country to an extent they'll die defending it. Others have an intense desire to protect. Still others find a family within the military. Regardless their motive, their mindset is the same. They put themselves somewhere low on the totem pole of priority. They are an amazing group of individuals.They march to the beat of honor, integrity, focus, discipline, and humility.
I am in awe of the character of those who volunteer to become a member of our American military. They go in knowing they will sacrifice more than they'll reap. When you become an elite member of our military the sacrifices double and your life expectancy takes a hit. Still there are men and women who join these ranks and I can't thank them all nor express the depth of my gratitude.
A few years ago I had the pleasure of talking with my cousin who served in the Air Force. Amidst all my questions he made two things clear a) he is glad that most Americans live clueless as to what happens in areas our soldiers are deployed to and b) the news media is the biggest steaming pile of poo. Those are my words not his.
I'm sure there are many people who wish movies weren't filmed about the military. I've seen an overwhelming positive response to Lone Survivor. Something that struck me at the end of this movie is their deaths should not be in vain. The freedom I enjoy as an American came/comes at a price. A steep price. Men and women have been dying for centuries to preserve my way of life. The least I can do is repay them by living my life to the fullest. I may never find myself in a gunfight on the side of a mountain. However, I need to dig deep for the courage to do other things. While those who protect my freedom might not judge how I live my life, I am compelled to honor their sacrifice by living it to match the price paid for it. i started 2014 wanting to make this a year of change for myself. I'm going to steal from the SEALS and adopt an attitude of "never out of the fight." The only one who can take me out is me; I'm choosing now to not quit.
In an interview on CNN Marcus Luttrell corrected Jake Tapper when Tapper suggested there was a hopelessness to Operation Red Wing. Marcus corrected him. He reiterated it they never felt hopeless. The fight wasn't over until they were dead. Sadly three of them did die. "It was our job. We didn't complain about it."
When a movie like Lone Survivor, Black Hawk Down, Act of Valor, or Seal Team Six premieres it either affirms people's hate of war or justifies others war ideals. What I take out of these movies and from conversations with current and former military is they feel a calling. Some of them love their country to an extent they'll die defending it. Others have an intense desire to protect. Still others find a family within the military. Regardless their motive, their mindset is the same. They put themselves somewhere low on the totem pole of priority. They are an amazing group of individuals.They march to the beat of honor, integrity, focus, discipline, and humility.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Lone Survivor
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell
There are a few things that I need to preface this review by saying.
A) I am a firm supporter of our military men and women.
B) I set aside a bunch of quotes from the book but really you just need to read the entire book.
C) I read this in anticipation of the movie coming out. I knew the story but wanted the details.
D) I am not a fan of the media. Primarily the American media. a
E) I'm not a fan of politics. Any politics
Marcus Luttrell was 1/4 of the Seal team dispatched for Operation Redwing. An operation took them to the mountain of Afghanistan where a decision cost 3/4 of them their lives. Michael Murphy, Matthew Axelson, and James Suh gave their lives that day for the country they pledged to fight for.
There is something about a Navy SEAL that demands respect. Before they earn their tridents, they are a breed apart from most of the civilization. They are the .05% of the population. They approach life not with the decision to be warriors; they are warriors. It is sewn into their DNA like a calling.
The fabric of who they are in encapsulated in one of the lectures Luttrell received in BUDs.
"Accountability.... Respect.... Integrity.... Reputation...."
There were a whole bunch of words between those key words and the message was character-building and life-changing. The tangible difference between men of SEAL caliber and normal citizens is they possess a determination that won't allow them to quit. They are ingrained with a sense of justice and fight for what is right with unyielding perseverance.
In my opinion this very character trait is the sticking point which put Operation Redwing in dire straits. Faced with killing three unarmed goat herders or risking the consequences of letting them go, they made the decision their conscience could live with. It pinned them down in enemy territory outnumbered 30-1.
As the three other members of Operation Redwing were gunned down, Marcus Luttrell dug deep and fought to survive. Determined to not let his teammate's deaths be in vain, he crawled to survive. The kindness of an Afghanistan man and an ancient principle known as Lokhay kept him alive until he was reunited with American soldiers.
In an age of technological connection, it was a village on the side of a mountain disconnected from the rest of the world where two men from different cultures both risked their lives to save another. Four SEALS spared the lives of innocent farmers while an Afghan village protected an American warrior from the Taliban.
I have many opinions on the vultures who front as reliable news media personnel. I have opinions on the bureaucrats who effectively tie the hands of our military men, leaving them as targets to the enemy who don't fight the war with dignity.
Mostly though I know there are a select few in our Country who are stitched together with loyalty, courage, determination, perseverance, and a confidence to be the best that ever wore a uniform. Marcus Luttrell is one of these men and he told the inspiring story of his survival and the brave men of Operation Redwing.
In Memoriam
http://www.navy.mil/moh/mpmurphy/soa.html
There are a few things that I need to preface this review by saying.
A) I am a firm supporter of our military men and women.
B) I set aside a bunch of quotes from the book but really you just need to read the entire book.
C) I read this in anticipation of the movie coming out. I knew the story but wanted the details.
D) I am not a fan of the media. Primarily the American media. a
E) I'm not a fan of politics. Any politics
Marcus Luttrell was 1/4 of the Seal team dispatched for Operation Redwing. An operation took them to the mountain of Afghanistan where a decision cost 3/4 of them their lives. Michael Murphy, Matthew Axelson, and James Suh gave their lives that day for the country they pledged to fight for.
There is something about a Navy SEAL that demands respect. Before they earn their tridents, they are a breed apart from most of the civilization. They are the .05% of the population. They approach life not with the decision to be warriors; they are warriors. It is sewn into their DNA like a calling.
The fabric of who they are in encapsulated in one of the lectures Luttrell received in BUDs.
"Accountability.... Respect.... Integrity.... Reputation...."
There were a whole bunch of words between those key words and the message was character-building and life-changing. The tangible difference between men of SEAL caliber and normal citizens is they possess a determination that won't allow them to quit. They are ingrained with a sense of justice and fight for what is right with unyielding perseverance.
In my opinion this very character trait is the sticking point which put Operation Redwing in dire straits. Faced with killing three unarmed goat herders or risking the consequences of letting them go, they made the decision their conscience could live with. It pinned them down in enemy territory outnumbered 30-1.
As the three other members of Operation Redwing were gunned down, Marcus Luttrell dug deep and fought to survive. Determined to not let his teammate's deaths be in vain, he crawled to survive. The kindness of an Afghanistan man and an ancient principle known as Lokhay kept him alive until he was reunited with American soldiers.
In an age of technological connection, it was a village on the side of a mountain disconnected from the rest of the world where two men from different cultures both risked their lives to save another. Four SEALS spared the lives of innocent farmers while an Afghan village protected an American warrior from the Taliban.
I have many opinions on the vultures who front as reliable news media personnel. I have opinions on the bureaucrats who effectively tie the hands of our military men, leaving them as targets to the enemy who don't fight the war with dignity.
Mostly though I know there are a select few in our Country who are stitched together with loyalty, courage, determination, perseverance, and a confidence to be the best that ever wore a uniform. Marcus Luttrell is one of these men and he told the inspiring story of his survival and the brave men of Operation Redwing.
In Memoriam
http://www.navy.mil/moh/mpmurphy/soa.html
Monday, November 18, 2013
Trapped
Trapped by Irene Hannon.
Every teenager suffers through rules. The curfews are too early. The bedroom doesn't have to be clean if you close the door. The backpack gets left on the couch. Every teenager pushes the boundaries of authority.
However, Laura Griffith wasn't prepared for her step-sister's resentment of every request Laura made of her. Darcy's father died only a few months before and yet it feels like a lifetime go. Darcy inherited their mother's free-spirit. Laura's life is practical and organized. Their worlds collide when all they have left is each other.
Darcy feels anything but gratitude and eventually she takes off. She's lined up a place to stay in Chicago if only she can get a ride through the winter storm blanketing St. Louis. As the storm draws out her departure date, Darcy befriends a volunteer at a shelter. Mark is a kind guy who is almost too good to be true. Eventually, Darcy realizes he is when Mark traps her in a soundproof room in his basement.
Laura Griffith turns to Phoenix, Inc for help in locating her wayward step-sister. James Devlin is a former ATF agent who knows the risks that a teenager on the street faces. He takes the case hoping to relieve the fears that haunt Laura.
The reunion between Laura and Darcy culminates in an inferno of sisters learning how to encourage each other to live.
Hannon is one of the top suspense writers for Christian fiction. She keeps you guessing as to how the case is going to be solved.
Every teenager suffers through rules. The curfews are too early. The bedroom doesn't have to be clean if you close the door. The backpack gets left on the couch. Every teenager pushes the boundaries of authority.
However, Laura Griffith wasn't prepared for her step-sister's resentment of every request Laura made of her. Darcy's father died only a few months before and yet it feels like a lifetime go. Darcy inherited their mother's free-spirit. Laura's life is practical and organized. Their worlds collide when all they have left is each other.
Darcy feels anything but gratitude and eventually she takes off. She's lined up a place to stay in Chicago if only she can get a ride through the winter storm blanketing St. Louis. As the storm draws out her departure date, Darcy befriends a volunteer at a shelter. Mark is a kind guy who is almost too good to be true. Eventually, Darcy realizes he is when Mark traps her in a soundproof room in his basement.
Laura Griffith turns to Phoenix, Inc for help in locating her wayward step-sister. James Devlin is a former ATF agent who knows the risks that a teenager on the street faces. He takes the case hoping to relieve the fears that haunt Laura.
The reunion between Laura and Darcy culminates in an inferno of sisters learning how to encourage each other to live.
Hannon is one of the top suspense writers for Christian fiction. She keeps you guessing as to how the case is going to be solved.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Melinda Baker 1980-2013
Having just turned 33, I've been contemplating that Jesus fulfilled His purpose on Earth in his 33rd year. It makes me wonder if the night before He contemplated all He had accomplished and the weight of what the year ahead might bring.
I don't consider 33 to be old. I barely consider it to be old enough. I don't consider myself old. At this point in my life, I'm moving beyond the adventure stage and to the homesteading stage. The temptation has fled to remain in constant motion. I don't know how I would feel if this was my last year; if before I had turned 34 it was over.
If my final year was this one, I hope that I've made an impact. It won't ever be to the extent that Christ's impact has changed the world. Regardless of how long I live, I hope that I leave an impression of Jesus behind.
If I only have until I turn to 34:
I don't consider 33 to be old. I barely consider it to be old enough. I don't consider myself old. At this point in my life, I'm moving beyond the adventure stage and to the homesteading stage. The temptation has fled to remain in constant motion. I don't know how I would feel if this was my last year; if before I had turned 34 it was over.
If my final year was this one, I hope that I've made an impact. It won't ever be to the extent that Christ's impact has changed the world. Regardless of how long I live, I hope that I leave an impression of Jesus behind.
If I only have until I turn to 34:
- I want to finish the book that I'm starting for NANOWRIMO.
- I want the book to be honest and thought-provoking.
- I want to convey how deeply I love everyone in my life with each passing day.
- I want to leave an impression of Jesus everywhere I go.
- I want to spend a few hours seeing shapes in the clouds.
- I want to see a sunrise and a sunset with someone special.
- I want to give more than I receive.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Glittering Promises
Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren
Third book in the Grand Tour series.
The rebirth of Cora Diehl Kensington comes full circle. After discovering that she's part of the wealthy Kensington family and joining them for a Grand Tour through Europe, Cora becomes a tabloid sensation. The story of a poor girl coming into a wealthy inheritance has caught the eye of reports, paparazzi, and criminals.
Cora follows her heart and defies society by picking her tour guide, Will. Despite being pursued by a wealthy Frenchman, Cora believes her future is with Will. However, doubt and insecurity being to creep in and soon enough their promising future looks a bit uncertain. Along the way more attempts are made on Cora's life as loss continues to pile up for the Kensington family.
I'm glad this series is over. There was never any doubt who Cora would choose and the journey to get there was exhausting. At every turn there seemed to be a more ridiculous obstacle in Cora's way. Sudden jealousies arise between Will and Cora that were fabricated through ridiculous plot points. As the tour comes to a close Cora is dodging metaphorical bullets. She's been kidnapped more than once. She's been fooled repeatedly. This series would have benefited from being a single book on the longer side. It reached beyond ridiculous at points.
When we finally reach the end, it is abrupt and anorexic. I wanted more and it wasn't there. We wasted too much time on ridiculousness and the payout wasn't enough.
I wanted to like this series more. However, between the uncomfortable reading of switching voices when moving between points of view and the drawn out plots, I just couldn't endorse this series.
Third book in the Grand Tour series.
The rebirth of Cora Diehl Kensington comes full circle. After discovering that she's part of the wealthy Kensington family and joining them for a Grand Tour through Europe, Cora becomes a tabloid sensation. The story of a poor girl coming into a wealthy inheritance has caught the eye of reports, paparazzi, and criminals.
Cora follows her heart and defies society by picking her tour guide, Will. Despite being pursued by a wealthy Frenchman, Cora believes her future is with Will. However, doubt and insecurity being to creep in and soon enough their promising future looks a bit uncertain. Along the way more attempts are made on Cora's life as loss continues to pile up for the Kensington family.
I'm glad this series is over. There was never any doubt who Cora would choose and the journey to get there was exhausting. At every turn there seemed to be a more ridiculous obstacle in Cora's way. Sudden jealousies arise between Will and Cora that were fabricated through ridiculous plot points. As the tour comes to a close Cora is dodging metaphorical bullets. She's been kidnapped more than once. She's been fooled repeatedly. This series would have benefited from being a single book on the longer side. It reached beyond ridiculous at points.
When we finally reach the end, it is abrupt and anorexic. I wanted more and it wasn't there. We wasted too much time on ridiculousness and the payout wasn't enough.
I wanted to like this series more. However, between the uncomfortable reading of switching voices when moving between points of view and the drawn out plots, I just couldn't endorse this series.
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