Crossover - #BookReview of #HistoricalFiction Novel by David Coles & Jack Everett

The Last Free Men...

I didn't want anyone to miss this book review that I posted on the new site.

Hope you will take a moment to visit and read about this great Historical Fiction Novel that is set in 2 Century AD when the Romans military were conquering the known world. 

Have a great one!

Lynn Hallbrooks

Inspired by Dee Henderson

When I grow up, I want to be like Dee Henderson.  

Okay, let me back up a moment and explain how I came to read her works. Those who have been following me all along, will know that I live with friends. One of whom is more of a bookworm than I am.  She suggested that I might like Ms. Henderson's work and to start with the Uncommon Heroes series. After reading the first few paragraphs of True Devotion, I was hooked. I read and reviewed each book that my friend had in her library, as quickly as possible. 

For those that don't know, I love mystery and action books. I've never been big on Romance books. I am at heart a Christian and of course I'm prior military. Until, I read True Devotion, I didn't know that an author could intermix all of these elements into one book without a few curse words. 

Here are a few key elements, that I've observed about Ms. Henderson's work. Her characters never drink anything stronger than Root Beer or Coffee. Curse words are never seen. The lead characters are as a rule, very determined professional people. The professions vary depending on the story line. You throw in some dramatic hurdles, a dash of mystery, a smidge of suspense, along with belief in God and his son, Jesus and you have the basic recipe for her books. On top of all of that, you get so wrapped up in the story that you really don't want to leave the world she created. 

Recently, I was blessed with an opportunity to receive an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) of Full Disclosure. The main requirement was to provide a review. Which I was only too happy to do:

ARC Review of Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson

When Ann Silver picked up Paul Falcon on her radar, it was simply part of her job.  Paul willingly accepted the information that Ann presented to him, the lead to a an allusive serial killer.  Neither of them expected what happened next.

Throughout, Paul learns that he and Ann have common connections both professionally and personally.  It is through them that Paul learns more about Ann and vice-versa.  As events unfold, dormant secrets are revealed at great risk.

Ms. Henderson’s ability to weave busy professionals, romance, mystery, God, and Jesus together in one story is why I love reading her books.  In this case, I’d say, she has outdone herself.   The way she brings back characters from previous bodies of work and meshing them throughout the story is brilliant. The plot twists and turns keep you guessing until the final reveal. 

After submitting this review to the Facebook fan page for Full Disclosure, I was asked if I had a blog where I could help spread the word. Naturally, this was a resounding yes.  So after seeking permission to add a few of my own thoughts on Ms. Henderson, I created this post.  I hope you enjoy it.  If you'd like to learn more about Full Disclosure or see more ARC reviews about it, please visit the Full Disclosure website.

I'm grateful to my friend for introducing me to Dee Henderson's world. I am very honored that Ms. Henderson allowed me this opportunity to share a little bit of how I feel about her. In my eyes, she is truly inspirational. 

Until next time, I hope everyone has a great one!

Lynn Hallbrooks

co-author to David McKoy

co-owners of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Memorial Day 2012

I met Marie Elaina Gordon on Amazon this week.  She happened into the Doug DePew (Military history/memoir) discussion board.  Doug and I were talking about some great news concerning his first book, SAT & BAF!: Memories of a Tower Rat.  After congratulating Doug, Marie shared a little bit about herself then asked if she could share a poem from when her first son joined the military. After Doug gave his seal of approval, Marie also shared some of her writing journey.  

"...I can only tell you how excited I was when a SCHOOL purchased "MY Grand-Mom Told Me.." for their earlier grades! A little girl posted a comment on Amazon thanking the author for helping her achieve her highest reading score of 104!!! That was ME Doug!! I kept writing and had a 2nd book in the series published!! A teacher had me come to her 90 students (grades 6 -8) and give a presentation on iambic pentameter - the format in which my stories are written. To be honest Doug, I never gave it any thought until then! She held up my book in front of all those young students and said:This is an excellent model for writing"!!!! I almost fell over Doug. Am I known?? NO - but my books are being read IN SCHOOLS!! My 3rd book (same format) is all about World War II - my best yet! Well Doug here goes... PLEASE ENJOY "MY TURN"

MY TURN

You're proud of your soldier, he's your son.
You can remember him on your knee.
You can remember the smiles - those moments of fun
As you held him and he giggled with glee.

You remember the very first step he took
You remember when he read his very first book.
You remember when you wiped his tears away
And how you tucked him in bed at the end of the day.

And of course you remember those days of fun
Halloween - Christmas - you remember every one.
The way his eyes opened wide from a present or two
The way he rushed to your arms saying, "I LOVE YOU!"

Then there were the days he would run to you
Shouting and crying, "I have a 'boo-boo'."
Softly, you'd say, "Don't be afraid,
This will help you heal, we'll use a band-aid."

And through out the years, you were always there
You offered support, you gave him care.
And no one would ever dare to try and harm him
Because they knew - if they did, with YOU they would reckon!

And today, it is you - who runs to him and cries. It is YOUR SON who is wiping the tears from your eyes.
He is dressed in a uniform and holding you tight,
Whispering words of comfort, "It will be alright."

Then he turns and walks away - it is time for him to depart.
His words and this moment FOREVER SEALED IN YOUR HEART.
One last time he stops and waves; saying, "Remember I'll love and miss you too.
But, NOW, you see, it's my turn, MY TURN TO PROTECT YOU!"


Marie Elaina Gordon
www.feelingsinc.com copyright 2003

I felt Marie's poem was very appropriate for Memorial Day, in part because of the "remember" theme. Not only that but Marie comes from a Military family. Her father was in World War II.  Marie and I bonded over the fact that we both have sons who started out to serve but had medical encounters that prevented them from staying in the military. 

I believe that Marie's experience with her first book might be inspirational to those just starting out on their writing journey. The main thing that I took away from it was that she has a poetic soul that "sings" to others. If you'd like to learn more about Marie Elaina Gordon, her work, and the things she cares about, then please feel free to visit Feelings Inc.  

I hope that you all have a safe and Happy Memorial Day. Don't forget what Billy Ray Cyrus shared with us, "All Gave Some, Some Gave All!"  So please thank those that have served, are serving, and the family of those that gave everything for your freedom.

Lynn Hallbrooks

co-author to David McKoy

co-owners of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

http://www.callsignwreckingcrew.com